cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in the Increases in Galanin and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide mRNA and the Decreases in Neuropeptide Y and Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA in Sympathetic Neurons After Axotomy

In response to axonal injury, noradrenergic sympathetic neurons of the adult superior cervical ganglion (SCG) alter their neurotransmitter phenotype. These alterations include increases in the levels of the neuropeptides, galanin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP) and a decrease in the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Previous studies have indicated that after axotomy in vivo, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) plays an important role in increasing the contents of galanin and VIP in the SCG. In the present study, by examining the time courses of the changes in LIF and neuropeptide mRNA and by using LIF null mutant mice, we have determined that LIF alters neuropeptide content in part by increasing levels of peptide mRNA. In addition, LIF also makes a small contribution to the axotomy-induced down-regulation of mRNA encoding TH and neuropeptide Y, both of which are normally expressed at high levels in the SCG. Finally, by using a LIF-blocking antiserum, this cytokine was found to regulate SP expression in an in vitro axonal injury model. Thus, after axotomy, a single factor, LIF, participates in the down-regulation of peptides/proteins involved in normal neurotransmission and the up-regulation of a group of neuropeptides normally not present in the SCG that may be involved in regeneration.
EFFECT OF IN SITU FORMALDEHYDE PRODUCTION ON SOLUBILITY AND CROSS‐LINKING OF PROTEINS OF MINCED RED HAKE MUSCLE DURING FROZEN STORAGE

Three forms of minced red hake muscle representing whole-mince, mince with the low molecular weight fraction removed (reconstituted-minced) and mince with low and high molecular weight soluble fractions removed (washed-minced) were stored frozen with added Fe+2 and ascorbate (trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) was added when necessary). The production of DMA and free formaldehyde was measured as were the decreases in water-soluble and salt-soluble proteins and TMAO as a function of increasing concentrations of ascorbate. Dimethylamine (DMA) production and loss of overall protein extractability were greatest in minced muscle, followed by reconstituted-minced muscle, and least in washed-minced muscle. The minced muscle lost water-soluble proteins, however, less rapidly than the reconstituted-minced muscle. The percentage of formaldehyde that was bound was highest in the minced, next in the reconstituted-minced and least in the washed-minced muscle. This supports earlier data and indicates that formaldehyde reacts with both the small molecular weight fraction and the water-soluble proteins as well as the contractile proteins. Loss of protein extractability in all samples appeared to be heavily dependent on hydrophobic interactions. Disulfide interactions appeared to occur to some extent in the reconstituted-minced and washed-minced muscle but were a minor factor with the minced muscle samples. Surface hydrophobicity of the proteins was inversely related to their extractability. In the sample of minced muscle with the highest concentration of added ascorbate where approximately 79% of the proteins became inextractable, some 2% of the muscle proteins were covalently linked in polymers with molecular weights greater than that of the myosin heavy chains. The data indicate that cross-linking of protein components occurs as well as hydrolysis of a considerable amount of the protein.
Global talent management and global talent challenges: Strategic opportunities for IHRM

Abstract The need for multinational firms to be as competitive in the global marketplace as possible has increased dramatically over the past twenty years. For international human resource management this has meant many strategic opportunities to international human resource management. An excellent example of such an opportunity is that which exists regarding the management of talent. This opportunity began to develop in the late 1990s with the advent of the challenge of “global talent management.” During the past few years this opportunity has expanded to include challenges dealing with talent shortages, talent surpluses, locating and relocating talent, and compensation levels of talent. Together, these conditions are all “global talent challenges”. In this article we describe these several global talent challenges and the strategic opportunities they present to firms and propose the implications of these for firms and for the field of international human resource management.
Amino Acid Composition of Breast and Thigh Meat from Broilers Produced in Four Locations of the United States

Broiler breast and thigh meat samples from birds grown and processed in four locations of the United States were analyzed for amino acid composition. On a percent protein basis amounts of valine, leucine, isoleucine, and histidine were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in breast meat and glycine, hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, threonine, and serine were greater in thigh meat. Area of production and/or related management practices appeared to influence the concentrations of about half the amino acids. Meat from male broilers had more hydroxyproline than did meat from females.
Limiting performance analysis of a seat belt system with slack

A limiting performance analysis is presented to determine the theoretically optimal control force-time profile generated by a vehicle restraint system, with slack represented as a system delay. Three established injury thresholds (chest acceleration, chest compression rate, and the viscous criterion) and the interior geometry of the vehicle, which defines the system rattlespace, serve as constraints in the analysis. A fourth injury criterion, maximum chest compression, is the performance metric minimized subject to those constraints. Single- and multiple-degree-of-freedom (D.O.F.) models are used, and the limiting performance equations are developed and solved analytically (single-D.O.F.) or numerically (multiple-D.O.F.). Regardless of the magnitude of the system delay, all control forces found with the multiple-D.O.F. model exhibit a short-duration period of high magnitude early in the profile, followed by an interval of nearly constant force. The peak magnitude of the restraining force decreases monotonically with slack, as do all of the injury criteria considered here. Most importantly from the standpoint of restraint system design, this limiting performance analysis shows that the benefits to be gained by pretensioning the belt system are largest over the performance range of current pretensioner technology. Continued refinement in pretensioner response time, through the use of improved crash sensors or faster-acting algorithms, will have a positive effect by reducing injury risk, but the effect should not be expected to be as pronounced as that already realized.
Identity of the ubiquitous eukaryotic ring-shaped miniparticle

Abstract Ring-shaped miniparticles with 110A outer diameter which stack up to to form tetrameric rectangular particles (110 × 150A) are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells. This communication reviews the properties of these miniparticles and shows that the ring-shaped miniparticles are not high-M r aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes but are a recently recognized 19S RNP particle which represses cytoplasmic mRNA translation.
Precise olfactory responses tile the sniff cycle

In terrestrial vertebrates, sniffing controls odorant access to receptors, and therefore sets the timescale of olfactory stimuli. We found that odorants evoked precisely sniff-locked activity in mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb of awake mouse. The trial-to-trial response jitter averaged 12 ms, a precision comparable to other sensory systems. Individual cells expressed odor-specific temporal patterns of activity and, across the population, onset times tiled the duration of the sniff cycle. Responses were more tightly time-locked to the sniff phase than to the time after inhalation onset. The spikes of single neurons carried sufficient information to discriminate odors. In addition, precise locking to sniff phase may facilitate ensemble coding by making synchrony relationships across neurons robust to variation in sniff rate. The temporal specificity of mitral/tufted cell output provides a potentially rich source of information for downstream olfactory areas.
PSA nadir of <0.5 ng/mL following brachytherapy for early-stage prostate adenocarcinoma is associated with freedom from prostate-specific antigen failure.

Purpose Because limited information exists regarding whether the rate or magnitude of PSA decline following brachytherapy predicts long-term clinical outcomes, we evaluated whether achieving a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir (nPSA) Methods and Materials We retrospectively analyzed our database of early-stage prostate adenocarcinoma patients who underwent brachytherapy, excluding those receiving androgen-deprivation therapy and those with T2b). By Gleason score, 840 were low risk (≤6), 71 were intermediate risk (7), and 10 were high risk (>7). Patients were treated with brachytherapy only (I-125, n = 779, or Pd-103, n = 47), or brachytherapy + external-beam radiation therapy ( n = 95). Median follow-up was 6.3 years. We noted whether nPSA Results Absence of high-risk factors in clinical stage (≤T2b), Gleason score (≤7), and pretreatment PSA (≤20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with achieving nPSA p 5 years (5-year FFBF: 96.7 ± 0.7% vs. 80.8 ± 4.6%; p Conclusions Pretreatment risk factors (clinical tumor stage, Gleason score, pretreatment PSA) strongly predict for patients achieving nPSA
An Introduction to Meta-Analysis With Articles From The Journal of Educational Research (1992-2002)

The author provides researchers, editors, and readers with recommendations and guidelines for meta-analytic research. These recommendations are for procedures and for reporting meta-analytic findings. An applied example illustrates a meta-analysis with a data set and considers 2 research questions. Four main sections include: (a) a description of metaanalytic research methodology, (b) an illustration of a metaanalysis, (c) a review of The Journal of Educational Research articles in which meta-analyses were investigated from 1992-2002, and (d) recommendations and guidelines for conducting and reporting meta-analyses.
SU‐E‐T‐342: Differences of Dose to Pelvic Organs at Risk (OAR) with Use of Vaginal Multi‐Channel Cylinder Applicator for Adjuvant High‐Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy to the Vaginal Cuff

Purpose: We reviewed the use of Vaginal multi‐channel cylinder applicator (VCMC) in adjuvant HDR brachytherapy with the goal of reducing dose to OAR while completely covering the entire proximal vaginal cuff. Methods: Two patients underwent total hysterectomy for endometrial carcinoma and received combined 5 fractions of Ir‐192 HDR brachytherapy to the vaginal cuff as a portion of their postoperative regimens. Treatment was delivered using a commercially available Nucletron CT/MR compatible VCMC. The dwell time distribution for multiple lumens was optimized to maintain at least 95% of CTV within 95% of isodose line (V95 > 95%) while keeping dose to all OAR as low as possible. For comparison, plans were created using the central channel only simulating single‐channel (SC) cylinder treatments. Related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test for statistical significance. Results: Average CTV V200 was 39.7 ± 1.5 % of prescribed dose for VCMC plans vs. 32.5 ± 0.5 % for SC (p=0.04). Average CTV V150, V95, and V90 were 58.4 ± 2.0 %, 98.1 ± 1.0 %, and 99.4 ± 0.5 % for VCMC and 51.1 ± 0.3 % (p=0.04), 96.5 ± 0.6 % (p=0.04) and 98.8 ± 0.4 % (p=0.08) for SC. Average maximum point vaginal surface dose as a percentage of prescribed dose was similar: 294.5 ± 62.4 % for VCMC and 295.9 ± 79.7 % for SC. We also calculated the average D0.1cc, D1cc, D2cc and D10cc for bladder, rectum, sigmoid, and small bowel. Conclusion: Use of VCMC reduced D0.1cc, D1cc and D2cc for the rectum; however bladder D0.1cc and D10cc were lower for SC. While CTV V200 and V150 were higher for VCMC, maximum dose to vaginal surface was similar. Additional dosimetric and clinical studies of VCMC use are necessary.
The effect of atropine on gastric secretion in the dog.

Experiments were performed on dogs with a Pavlov or a Heidenhain pouch. The action of atropine in inhibiting the secretion of acid and pepsin was studied when secretion was stimulated with high and low doses of either histamine or gastrin given by steady intravenous infusion. It is shown that the effects on responses to gastrin are much greater than those on responses to histamine; that this is not a phenomenon peculiar to pouches of the stomach; and that the synthetic pentapeptide I.C.I. 50, 123 is affected similarly to porcine gastrin. It is suggested that these results should be interpreted as showing that gastrin stimulates gastric secretion indirectly by exciting neurones in the intramural plexus.
Prenatal nicotine exposure alters the response of the mouse in vitro respiratory rhythm to hypoxia

Prenatal nicotine exposure is associated with deficiencies in the ability to respond to life threatening stressors such as hypoxia. Although many of these deficiencies appear to originate from defects in the brainstem respiratory network, the specific effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on the brainstem respiratory network are not well understood. We have tested the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on the respiratory rhythm using an in vitro mouse brainstem slice preparation containing the pre-Botzinger Complex, a region of the ventral respiratory group that is the postulated site of inspiratory rhythm generation. We found that nicotine exposure during pre- and early postnatal development led to a lower frequency of baseline fictive respiratory discharges from rhythmic slices and a reduction in the ability of the slice to maintain a respiratory rhythm during exposure to severe hypoxia compared to controls. These impairments of the central respiratory rhythm could potentially affect the ability to survive a period of exposure to severe hypoxia in vivo.
Morphology of lipid alterations in the epidermis: A review

An overview of the morphological correlates of mammalian epidermal lipids and the cutaneous permeability barrier is provided. The following features are discussed: 1) ultrastructural characterization of the progressive lipid alterations accompanying normal stratum corneum (SC) formation; 2) effects of drugs/inhibitors that interfere with specific aspects of epidermal lipid metabolism; 3) lipid alterations in certain human skin disorders; 4) effects of selected topical emollients on SC lipid organization; and 5) potential pitfalls in interpretation of ultrastructural data in terms of cutaneous function and dysfunction. Microsc. Res. Tech., 37:180–192, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATES IN AN OPTICAL LATTICE

We calculate the quantum motion of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice generated by a standing wave of laser light. We show how to boost a stationary condensate into motion or stop a moving condensate by manipulating the optical lattice and how to achieve Bloch oscillations of the condensate in an accelerating optical lattice. We show how atomic interactions affect these processes and discuss conditions for possible experimental realization.
A Local Citation Analysis of a Business School Faculty: A Comparison of the Who, What, Where, and When of Their Citations

Publications of the faculty of the University of Mississippi's School of Business were examined for a citation analysis. The following data were collected: journals cited, which publishers’ journals were cited, age of the citations, and the Library of Congress classification range cited. The results were analyzed by the business school as a whole and by the four major departments in the college: Finance, Management, Management Information Systems/Production Operations Management, and Marketing. The study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the local faculty researchers’ needs, to examine how the library supports their needs, and to compare the local results with the metaresearch focused on specific subject or journal.
Conserved 3'-untranslated region sequences direct subcellular localization of chaperone protein mRNAs in neurons.

mRNA localization provides polarized cells with a locally renewable source of proteins. In neurons, mRNA translation can occur at millimeters to centimeters from the cell body, giving the dendritic and axonal processes a means to autonomously respond to their environment. Despite that hundreds of mRNAs have been detected in neuronal processes, there are no reliable means to predict mRNA localization elements. Here, we have asked what RNA elements are needed for localization of transcripts encoding endoplasmic reticulum chaperone proteins in neurons. The 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of calreticulin and Grp78/BiP mRNAs show no homology to one another, but each shows extensive regions of high sequence identity to their 3′UTRs in mammalian orthologs. These conserved regions are sufficient for subcellular localization of reporter mRNAs in neurons. The 3′UTR of calreticulin has two conserved regions, and either of these is sufficient for axonal and dendritic targeting. However, only nucleotides 1315–1412 show ligand responsiveness to neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). This NT3- and MAG-dependent axonal mRNA transport requires activation of JNK, both for calreticulin mRNA and for other mRNAs whose axonal levels are commonly regulated by NT3 and MAG.
Reconstruction filters and contrast detail curves in CT

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the effect of CT reconstruction filters in abdominal CT images of a male anthropomorphic phantom. A GE Light Speed CT 4-slice scanner was used to scan the abdomen of an adult Rando phantom. Cross sectional images of the phantom were reconstructed using four reconstruction filters: (1) soft tissue with the lowest noise; (2) deta il (relative noise 1.7); (3) bone (relative noise 4.5); and (4) edge (relative noise 7.7). A two Alternate Forced Choice (AFC) experimental paradigm was used to estimate the intensity needed to achieve 92% correct (i.e., I 92% ). Four observers measured detection performance for five lesions with si ze ranging from 2.5 to 12.5 mm fo r each of these four reconstruction filters. Contrast detail curves obtained in images of an anthropomorphic phantom were not straight lines, but best fitted to a second order polynomial. Results from four readers show similar trends with modest inter-observer differences with the measured coefficient of variation of the absolute performance levels of ~22%. All reconstruction filters had similar shaped cont rast detail curves except for smallest details where the frequency response of filters differed most significantly. Increasing the noise level always reduced detection performance, and a doubling of image noise resulted in an average drop in detection performance of ~20%. The key findings of this study are that (a) the Rose model can provide reasonable predictions as to how changes in lesion size affect observer detection; (b) the shape of CT contrast detail curves is affected only very slightly with reconstruction filter; (c) changes in reconstruction filter noise can predict qualitative changes in observer detection performance, but are poor direct predictors of the quantitative changes of imaging performance. Key words: CT; Alternate Forced Choice; Rose model; contrast detail curves; CT reconstruction filter; Rando phantom
Evidence of a novel reproductive tactic in female kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka

Body composition analysis confirmed that egg development and reproductive senescence were delayed in silver female kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka (a small proportion of female kokanee exhibit extreme prespawning waiting and are called ‘silvers’ because of their colouration) relative to that of red female kokanee (most female kokanee exhibit this ‘normal’ phenology and are called ‘reds’). Silver females were also smaller and younger than red females. A simple life-history model with two size thresholds is proposed to account for the observed body size and age differences. Adoption of the silver tactic by small females is proposed as a means to minimize intrasexual competition.
Interactions of the Rubredoxin Redox Site Analogue [Fe(SCH3)4]2- with Water: An Ab Initio Quantum Chemistry Study

Water has been found to interact with the redox site of rubredoxin by molecular dynamics simulations, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallographic structure determination. Since this sh...
An Assessment of Accuracy, Error, and Conflict with Support Values from Genome-Scale Phylogenetic Data

Despite the importance of molecular phylogenetics, few of its assumptions have been tested with real data. It is commonly assumed that nonparametric bootstrap values are an underestimate of the actual support, Bayesian posterior probabilities are an overestimate of the actual support, and among-gene phylogenetic conflict is low. We directly tested these assumptions by using a well-supported yeast reference tree. We found that bootstrap values were not significantly different from accuracy. Bayesian support values were, however, significant overestimates of accuracy but still had low false-positive error rates (0% to 2.8%) at the highest values (>99%). Although we found evidence for a branch-length bias contributing to conflict, there was little evidence for widespread, strongly supported among-gene conflict from bootstraps. The results demonstrate that caution is warranted concerning conclusions of conflict based on the assumption of underestimation for support values in real data.
STRUCTURES OF WATER DERIVED FROM ITS VISCOSITY

Compelling evidence of structure in liquid water, including its thermal anomalies, high specific heat, low density, and infrared evidence of extensive intermolecular bonding, and the potential importance of water structure to the biological and earth sciences has stimulated searches for descriptions of water structure for more than a century. This paper reports a new approach. Application of a recently developed viscosity-temperature relation to measured viscosities of water yielded new information about water structure and led to a description of a continuous succession of structure transitions that form as bonding diminishes with rising temperature. The structures are consistent with the observed heat of melting and explain the thermal anomalies, the stability of the supercooled liquid, and the Newtonian behavior of the extensively bonded liquid.
Current drive by lower hybrid waves in the presence of energetic alpha particles

Many experiments have proved the effectiveness of lower hybrid waves for driving toroidal current in tokamaks. However, the use of these waves to provide all the current in a reactor is thought to be uncertain because it may happen that the waves do not penetrate into the centre of the more energetic reactor plasma and, if they do, the wave power may be absorbed by alpha particles rather than by electrons. The authors address mathematically the interaction between lower hybrid waves and alpha particles
Do emergency pediatric psychiatric visits for danger to self or others correspond to times of school attendance

Abstract Background Pediatric and adolescent mental health complaints are growing problems for emergency departments and inpatient facilities. We sought to investigate the relationship between weeks when school is in session (vs vacation) and presentation with concern for danger to self or others. Methods We retrospectively studied the risk of presenting with these complaints while school is in attendance compared to the risk while on vacation over a 4-year period (2009-2012) at an academic pediatric emergency department. The week of presentation was recorded for all children making psychiatric visits related to suicidality or homicidality, and these were correlated with the public school calendar for the local school district. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was calculated for psychiatric visits while in school status vs vacation. Similar data were collected for a diagnosis of urinary tract infection to serve as a control. Results Of 3223 eligible patients (mean age, 13.8 years), 82.7% presented while in school, although the students only spent 68.6% of their time in school, yielding an IRR of 2.18. By comparison, the IRR for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection was 1.25. Conclusions Children and adolescents are more likely to present with concerns for danger to self or others while attending school compared with while on vacations. Causation and opportunities for intervention require further study.
On-chip variation sensor for systematic variation estimation in nanoscale fabrics

Parameter variations caused by manufacturing imprecision at the nanoscale are expected to cause large deviations in electrical characteristics of emerging nanodevices and nano-fabrics leading to performance deterioration and yield loss. Parameter variation is typically addressed pre-fabrication, with circuit design targeting worst-case timing scenarios. By contrast, if variation is estimated post-manufacturing, adaptive techniques or reconfiguration could be used to provide more optimal level of tolerance. This paper presents a new on-chip sensor design for nanoscale fabrics that from its own variation, can estimate the extent of systematic variation in neighboring regions. A Monte Carlo simulation framework is used to validate the sensor design. Known variation cases are injected and based on sensor outputs, the extent of systematic variation in physical parameters is calculated. Our results show that the sensor has less than 1.2% error in estimation of physical parameters in 100% of injected variation cases. Based on published experimental data, the sensor estimation is shown to be accurate to within 2% of the actual physical parameter value for a range of up to 7mm.
Repositioning the 12-F over-the-wire Greenfield filter.

JVIR 2000; 11:1207–1210 GUIDE wires can become entrapped in inferior vena cava filters during placement of central venous catheters, especially when a Vena Tech (B. Braun Medical, Bethlehem, PA) or 12-F stainless-steel over-the-wire Greenfield (Boston Scientific/Meditech, Natick, MA) filter is in place (1). Retrieval of an entangled guide wire can be technically demanding (2), but successful removal of an entrapped guide wire has been described (3). If guide-wire entanglement goes unrecognized or if the operator attempts to remove the wire forcefully, the filter may become dislodged (4). Attempts at snaring and removal of dislodged filters can also be very problematic (5). We describe a method for repositioning a dislodged 12-F stainlesssteel Greenfield inferior vena cava filter, which we believe has significant advantages over previously described methods.
On the magnetic moment of the isotope 12B

Abstract Measurements of relaxation times of the nuclear polarization of the isotope 12 B have been performed in several host metals. The nuclear magnetic moment as determined by the resonant NMR frequencies is corrected by assuming the validity of the Korringa relation for the Knight shift.
Master of science in software engineering via distance learning

This paper describes the distance learning Software Engineering Master's program offered at the Naval Postgraduate School and presents the lessons from its first class. The program differs from the other software engineering programs in two ways: (1) the curriculum is developed specifically to meet the needs for formal software engineering education for DoD software practitioners with an undergraduate computer science degree and at least two years of software experience, and (2) the program is offered totally via distance learning. The curriculum builds upon the students' scientific knowledge in computer science from their undergraduate education and the insight into software problems from their working experience. It introduces students to a set of engineering practices that enable ordinary practitioners to create sophisticated software systems that work, and teaches students the principles and methods for managing the software development processes.
Spin-transfer-induced magnetic excitation: The role of spin-pumping induced damping

Spin-transfer-induced magnetic excitation in large magnetic field applied perpendicular to the thin film junction surface reveals both a current threshold Ic and a voltage threshold. The current threshold follows the Slonczewski-type of magnetic field dependence [J. C. Slonczewski, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 159, L1 (1996)]. The voltage step at Ic is ΔV which appears to scale with the applied field with a prefactor of the order of 2μB∕e, suggesting a threshold to magnetic excitation. Furthermore, experimentally it is observed that ΔV≈IcδR, where δR is the magnetoreistance between the parallel and the antiparallel states. This apparent coincidence can be unified when one includes the effect of spin-pumping-related nonlocal damping. The spin-pump damping relates magnetic instability threshold Ic to δR, producing (dIc∕dH)δR that is about 2μB∕e, explaining the origin of the coincidence.
A simple, reproducible cell-free system for measuring brain protein synthesis

A simple, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible cell-free assay system for studying brain protein synthesis is described. This system uses small amounts of brain postmitochondrial supernatant, making it a convenient screening test when only small amounts of tissue are available. It showed over 95% dependence on Mg2+ and on an energy source. Optimal incorporation occurred under the following conditions: Mg2+ 3 mM; ATP, 0.6 mM; GTP, 0.6 mM; high K+, ≥25 mM; Low Na+, ≤15 mM; pH 7.1–7.5. The rate of amino acid incorporation did not vary with leucine concentrations in vitro up to 1 mM, which obviated the need to measure endogenous leucine concentrations.
Auditing Related Party Transactions: A Literature Overview and Research Synthesis

We examine research relevant to auditing related party transactions to contribute to the PCAOB project on this topic and to provide other policy makers, auditors, and academics with an overview of relevant literature. Specifically, we report on the challenges associated with the identification, examination, and disclosure of related party transactions. Additionally, we address issues and research evidence related to nondisclosure and reliance on management assertions, risk assessment, materiality, fraud detection, the effect of related party transactions on corporate governance, and international auditing issues. Overall, we believe that the findings in academic research and the significance of related party transactions in recent prominent fraud cases are consistent with the PCAOB's reconsideration of auditing of related party transactions. We conclude with implications for further research.
Strengths-Based Advising: A New Lens for Higher Education

Strengths-based advising is proposed as a new lens for higher education, one that enables advisors to see diverse groups of students fulfill their potential and achieve excellence. Based on research from social work, positive psychology, and the business world, this approach enables advisors to identify and build on the inherent talents students bring with them into the college and university setting, teaching students to develop and apply their strengths to new and challenging learning tasks. This explicit focus on students' natural talents builds the confidence and motivation necessary for achievement and persistence in college. We contend that this approach to advising represents a much-needed paradigm shift within higher education.
Gender Patterns in Provider Role Attitudes and Behavior

Although much has been written on rapidly changing work and family roles, relatively little is known about the provider side of the work—family nexus. Using data from a study of gender, work, and family among the self-employed, we examine abstract and specific attitudes as well as behavior relating to the provider role. Results show gender differences and similarities in the meaning and influence of the provider role. Women exhibit more egalitarian attitudes even in this realm associated with men, yet similar proportions of women and men are unable to realize their preferences for how much providing to do. Incongruence in providing attitudes and behavior has more consequence for men's than for women's psychological well-being. Although there appears to be less of a stall in the provider side of the work—family system than in unpaid family work, the results suggest the continued importance of the man as good provider.
Hume, Mill, Hill, and the Sui Generis Epidemiologic Approach to Causal Inference

The epidemiologic approach to causal inference (i.e., Hill's viewpoints) consists of evaluating potential causes from the following 2, noncumulative angles: 1) established results from comparative, observational, or experimental epidemiologic studies; and 2) reviews of nonepidemiologic evidence. It does not involve statements of statistical significance. The philosophical roots of Hill's viewpoints are unknown. Superficially, they seem to descend from the ideas of Hume and Mill. Hill's viewpoints, however, use a different kind of evidence and have different purposes than do Hume's rules or Mill's system of logic. In a nutshell, Hume ignores comparative evidence central to Hill's viewpoints. Mill's logic disqualifies as invalid nonexperimental evidence, which forms the bulk of epidemiologic findings reviewed from Hill's viewpoints. The approaches by Hume and Mill cannot corroborate successful implementations of Hill's viewpoints. Besides Hume and Mill, the epidemiologic literature is clueless about a plausible, pre-1965 philosophical origin of Hill's viewpoints. Thus, Hill's viewpoints may be philosophically novel, sui generis, still waiting to be validated and justified.
Patient-reported frequency of acral surface inspection during skin examination in white and ethnic minority patients.

Background Acral lentiginous melanomas compose a higher proportion of melanomas and have a higher mortality in ethnic minorities than in whites. Early detection by acral surface inspection during skin examinations may lead to improved acral lentiginous melanoma outcomes. Objective This study compared patient-reported frequencies of acral skin examinations in ethnic and white populations. Methods Written surveys were collected from 1040 dermatology clinic patients. Results More whites reported performing self-skin examinations than ethnic minorities (P Limitations Single-center study using a new unvalidated survey is a limitation. Conclusion Whites were found to more frequently report self-skin examination and FBSE than ethnic minorities, but significant differences in reported acral examinations were not detected.
Perimeter growth of a branched structure: Application to crackle sounds in the lung

We study an invasion percolation process on Cayley trees and find that the dynamics of perimeter growth is strongly dependent on the nature of the invasion process, as well as on the underlying tree structure. We apply this process to model the inflation of the lung in the airway tree, where crackling sounds are generated when airways open. We define the perimeter as the interface between the closed and opened regions of the lung. In this context we find that the distribution of time intervals between consecutive openings is a power law with an exponent b’2. We generalize the binary structure of the lung to a Cayley tree with a coordination number Z between 2 and 4. For Z54, b remains close to 2, while for a chain, Z52 and b51, exactly. We also find a mean field solution of the model.
Complex mixture discrimination and the role of contaminants.

Rats were trained in a 2-alternative odor choice task to discriminate between a 10-component odor mixture and the same mixture with one component removed and replaced with 1 of 3 concentrations of a different monomolecular odor (contaminant). All stimuli were presented within a training session, thus the rat essentially had to learn to discriminate the 10component mixture from ‘‘not’’ the 10-component mixture. Rats performed most poorly discriminating the complete mixture from the mixture with one component removed and no contaminant added. As the concentration of the contaminant increased from 10 ppm to a concentration equal to the other components (100 ppm), discrimination improved linearly. In analyses of individual differences, rats that spent more time in the sampling port (sampling and making a decision) were more accurate than rats that spent less time. Together, these results emphasize the balance between perceptual stability and perceptual discrimination expressed by the olfactory system dealing with dynamic mixtures and the robust effects of contamination on those processes. In addition, they provide further support that modification of sampling/decision time is a strategy used by rats to deal with difficult discriminations of complex odors.
Comparison of Templating Abilities of Urea and Thioruea During Photodimerization of Bipyridylethyelene and Stilbazole Crystals

Photodimerization of cocrystals of four bispyridylethylenes and two stilbazoles with urea as a template in the solid state has been investigated following our success with thiourea. Four investigated olefins photodimerized quantitatively to a single dimer in the crystalline state only. The reactivity of urea-olefin crystals is understood on the basis of their packing arrangements in the crystalline state. In reactive crystals the adjacent reactive molecules are within 4.2 A and parallel, whereas the unreactive ones have their adjacent molecules are farther than 4.6A and nonparallel. Thus, with the knowledge of crystal packing the reactivity of urea-olefin crystals is predictable on the basis of Schmidt's topochemical postulates. The templating property of urea, similar to thiourea, derives from its ability to form hydrogen bonds with itself and the guest olefins. Despite the similarities in molecular structures of urea and thiourea their subtle electronic properties, yet to be fully understood, affect the crystal packing and consequently their reactivity in the crystalline state. Further work is needed to fully exploit the templating properties of urea.
Hyponatremia and syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone reported with the use of Vincristine: an over-representation of Asians?

Purpose This retrospective study used a pharmaceutical company's global safety database to determine the reporting rate of hyponatremia and/or syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) among vincristine-treated patients and to explore the possibility of at-risk population subgroups. Method We searched the Eli Lilly and Company's computerized adverse event database for all reported cases of hyponatremia and/or SIADH as of 1 November 1999 that had been reported during the use of vincristine. Results A total of 76 cases of hyponatremia and/or SIADH associated with vincristine use were identified. The overall reporting rate was estimated to be 1.3/100 000 treated patients. The average age of patients was 35.6 ± 28.3 years, and 62% were males. Approximately 75% of the patients were receiving treatment for leukemia or lymphoma. Among the 39 reports that included information on race, the racial distribution was: 1 Black, 3 Caucasian, and 35 Asian. Conclusion Our data suggest that Asian patients may be at increased risk of hyponatremia and/or SIADH associated with vincristine use. Although the overall reported rate of SIADH associated with vincristine is very low, physicians caring for Asian oncology patients should be aware of this potential serious but reversible adverse event. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of perch access and age on physiological measures of stress in caged White Leghorn pullets

Abstract The neuroendocrine system controls animals’ adaptability to their environments by releasing psychotropic compounds such as catecholamines [epinephrine (EP), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA)], corticosterone (CORT), and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT). Changes of these neuroendocrine compounds have been used as biomarkers of animals’ stress responses associated with their well-being. Assuming that pullets, like laying hens, are highly motivated to perch, we hypothesize that pullets with access to perches will experience less stress than pullets that never have access to perches. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of perch access and age on physiological measurements of stress in White Leghorn pullets housed in conventional cages. Hatchlings (n = 1,064) were randomly assigned to 28 cages. Two parallel metal round perches were installed in each of 14 cages assigned the perch treatment, whereas control cages were without perches. Two birds per cage were bled at wk 4, 6, and 12 wk of age. Plasma levels of CORT, DA, EP, and NE, blood concentrations of 5-HT and Trp, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were measured. Data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA. The perch treatment or its interaction with age did not affect any parameter measured in the study. The increase in the concentrations of circulating EP, NE, 5-HT (numerical increase at 4 wk), and Trp in 4- and 6-wk-old pullets compared with 12-wk-old pullets is unclear, but may have been due to acute handling stress at younger ages. In contrast, concentrations of DA were less at 4 wk compared with levels at 6 and 12 wk of age. Plasma CORT levels and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, indicators of long-term stress, were unaffected by age (P = 0.07 and 0.49, respectively). These results indicated that age, but not perch access, affects neuroendocrine homeostasis in White Leghorn pullets. Pullets that were never exposed to perches showed no evidence of eliciting a stress response.
"Discontinuous" antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections.

Although it is a common belief that most antibiotics require 4 doses daily, on theoretical grounds such frequent administration may not be necessary (at least for bactericidal antibiotics) and can compromise patient compliance. In 548 patients with urinary tract infections studied under double-blind conditions, 1 g of cephradine orally twice daily provided results equivalent to those obtained with 500 mg of cephradine given 4 times a day. A total of 242 (89%) of 272 patients in the b.i.d. group and 246 (89%) of 276 patients in the q.i.d. group responded well and rapidly. The incidence of adverse reactions attributable to cephradine was equivalent in the two groups.
Effect of persistent toe walking on ankle equinus. Analysis of 60 idiopathic toe walkers

Sixty idiopathic toe walkers (age range 1 to 15 years) were evaluated to determine the natural history of toe-to-toe gait and the relationship between the range of ankle dorsiflexion and increasing age. The majority of toe walkers had a normal birth weight (average 7.06 pounds), walked on time (average 11.14 months), began toe walking immediately (87%), stood plantigrade (90%), were able to demonstrate a heel-toe gait (88%), and toe walked intermittently (68%). Forty-six percent of all toe walkers were found to have 0 degree or less of passive ankle dorsiflexion. Equinus toe walkers (mean dorsiflexion -5.2 degrees) had significantly less dorsiflexion than the remaining toe walkers (mean dorsiflexion 16.9 degrees; p < 0.01). An average of 12 degrees of dorsiflexion was resent in the 1-to 2-year age group, which gradually diminished to -4 degrees in the 6- to 15-year age group. It appears that there may be a relationship between persistent toe walking and the development of ankle equinus in some children and therefore interventions should be considered to inhibit the toe walking progression.
The Drosophila Broad-Complex plays a key role in controlling ecdysone-regulated gene expression at the onset of metamorphosis

During Drosophila third instar larval development, one or more pulses of the steroid hormone ecdysone activate three temporally distinct sets of genes in the salivary glands, represented by puffs in the polytene chromosomes. The intermolt genes are induced first, in mid-third instar larvae; these genes encode a protein glue used by the animal to adhere itself to a solid substrate for metamorphosis. The intermolt genes are repressed at puparium formation as a high titer ecdysone pulse directly induces a small set of early regulatory genes. The early genes both repress their own expression and activate more than 100 late secondary-response genes. The Broad-Complex (BR-C) is an early ecdysone-inducible gene that encodes a family of DNA binding proteins defined by at least three lethal complementation groups: br, rbp, and l(1)2Bc. We have found that the BR-C is critical for the appropriate regulation of all three classes of ecdysone-inducible genes. Both rbp and l(1)2Bc are required for glue gene induction in mid-third instar larvae. In addition, the l(1)2Bc function is required for glue gene repression in prepupae; in l(1)2Bc mutants the glue genes are re-induced by the late prepupal ecdysone pulse, recapitulating a mid-third instar regulatory response at an inappropriate stage in development. The l(1)2Bc function is also required for the complete ecdysone induction of some early mRNAs (E74A, E75A, and BR-C) and efficient repression of most early mRNAs in prepupae. Like the intermolt secondary-response genes, the late secondary-response genes are absolutely dependent on rbp for their induction. An effect of l(1)2Bc mutations on late gene activity can also be detected, but is most likely a secondary consequence of the submaximal ecdysone-induction of a subset of early regulatory products. Our results indicate that the BR-C plays a key role in dictating the stage-specificity of the ecdysone response. In addition, the ecdysone-receptor protein complex alone is not sufficient for appropriate induction of the early primary-response genes, but requires the prior expression of BR-C proteins. These studies define the BR-C as a key regulator of gene activity at the onset of metamorphosis in Drosophila.
An improved Martinet/Parks algorithm for IIR design with unequal numbers of poles and zeros

The Martinet/Parks (1978) algorithm for equiripple IIR filters with unequal numbers of poles and zeros has been modified to converge for a wider range of designs, including an important extraripple case. Several designs are compared with respect to complexity, coefficient sensitivity, and group delay. The MATLAB program implementing the algorithm is available by e-mail. >
Biochemistry and regulation of pre-mRNA splicing

During the past year, significant advances have been made in the field of pre-mRNA splicing. It is now clear that members of the serine—arginine-rich protein family are key players in exon definition and function at multiple steps in the spliceosome cycle. Novel findings have been made concerning the role of exon sequences, which function as both constitutive and regulated enhancers of splicing, in trans-splicing and as targets for tissue-specific control of splicing patterns. By combining biochemical approaches in human and yeast extracts with genetic analysis, much has been learned about the RNA—RNA and RNA—protein interactions that are necessary to assemble the various complexes that are found along the pathway to the catalytically active spliceosome.
Effects of dietary energy: protein ratio on growth characteristics and body composition of hybrid striped bass, Morone chrysops ♀ X M. saxatilis ♂

Abstract Six semipurified diets with energy: protein (E: P) ratios of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 kcal available energy/g protein were fed in triplicate to groups of juvenile hybrid striped bass (initial weight approximately 9.0 g/fish) for a period of 8 weeks in flow-through aquaria receiving fresh well water. The greatest weight gain and protein efficiency ratio values were associated with fish fed diets with E: P ratios ranging from 6 to 9 kcal/g protein. Weight gain was reduced ( P P P P P P P P