cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Voluntary Disclosure of Advertising Expenditures: The Case of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare Reform

Abstract This paper investigates whether pharmaceutical firms were less likely to disclose advertising costs in response to the debate over healthcare reform. In 1994, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Financial Reporting Release No. 44 (FRR No. 44), which no longer required the disclosure of advertising. The results indicate that starting in 1994 the disclosure of advertising declined for all firms. This finding is consistent with all firms facing a level of proprietary costs and discontinuing the disclosure of advertising after FRR No. 44 was issued. However, for larger and more profitable pharmaceutical firms, there is an incremental effect as those firms were less likely to disclose advertising suggesting that these firms potentially faced increased-political costs and responded by not disclosing advertising costs consistent with the research hypotheses.
Measurement models for linking latent variables and indicators: A review of human resource management research using parcels.

Abstract This paper first reviews the various measurement model options for linking latent variables to indicators that are available to human resource management (HRM) researchers. A special emphasis is placed on the option of parcels, created by combining subsets of items to form indicators. Next, a review is presented of 27 articles from the major HRM journals that have used parcels, with a focus on conceptual/theoretical and empirical issues. Recommendations for HRM researchers for improved use of parcels are also provided.
Tuberculosis control through respirator wear: Perforance of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-regulated respirators

Background : In 1995 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health issued new rules for personal respirators. All nine new respirator categories are authorized in health care facilities for the prevention of the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) The new N95 respirator category is the most frequently used for this purpose. Data are presented on their efficiency for collecting TB-size bacteria and their potential for reaerosolizing collected bacteria. Methods : All measurements of bacterial penetration were performed with dynamic aerosol size spectrometers at flow conditions corresponding to normal wear and respirator certification conditions. The reaerosolization tests were performed at conditions ranging from normal breathing to violent coughing or sneezing. Results : The tested N95 respirators collected 0.1 to 0.3 μm particles with efficiencies of 95% or higher, as specified by the regulations. TB-size bacteria of 0.8 μm and larger, however, were collected with 99.5% or higher efficiencies; that is, the penetration of these bacteria through the filter material was 0.5% or less, much less than the required maximum penetration of 5% for the smaller particle sizes. No bacteria were reaerosolized during normal exhalation. Some reaerosolization (0.1% or less) was observed only at low humidity and extremely high air flow through the respirator, corresponding to violent coughing or sneezing. Conclusions : The filter materials of N95 respirators provide good protection against TB bacteria. Thus, a significant number of bacteria can enter the respirator-wearer's breathing space only through spaces where the respirator inadequately seals to the wearer's face. Reentrainment and reaerosolization of mycobacteria is not a problem when normal work practices are observed in health care facilities.
A Practical Equation to Predict Resting Metabolic Rate in Older Females

The accuracy of previous equations for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in healthy older men is questionable because they are based on limited sample sizes and the absence of cross-validation procedures. The purposes of this study were to (1) examine biological predictors of RMR in healthy older men; (2) develop a practical equation to predict RMR from easily measured variables and examine its accuracy using cross-validation procedures; and (3) test the validity of existing equations in the literature to predict RMR in older men by comparison with measured RMR values. RMR, body composition, anthropometric measurements, leisure time activity (LTA), maximal aerobic power (\iozmax), energy intake, and plasma thyroid hormone levels were determined in 89 healthy older men aged 50 to 78 years. Stepwise regression analysis showed that RMR was best predicted by fat-free weight ([FFW] R* = 85%). free 3.5.3’~triiodothyronine (Ts) level (I? = 1%), and io,max (Rz = 1%); these variables predicted RMR with a residual error of ?30 kcal/d. A practical equation was developed in a randomly selected subsample (N = 81) using easily measured variables as potential predictors, and was successfully cross-validated in a random subsample of older men (N = 28). The pooled equation to predict RMR is as follows: RMR (in kilocalories per day) = 9.7 (weight in kilograms) - 6.1 (chest skinfold thickness in millimeters) - 1.8 (age in years) + 0.1 (leisure time activity [LTA] in kilocalories per day) + 1,060. These variables accounted for 76% (IV) of the variation, and predicted RMR with a residual error of &42 kcal/d. When four previously published equations were applied to predict RMR in our sample of older men, individual predicted values deviated -19% to +14% from measured values. We conclude that variations in FFW account for the greatest source of variation in RMR in older men. Current equations to predict RMR are generally imprecise on an individual basis when applied to older men. We offer a practical and successfully cross-validated equation to predict RMR in healthy older men based on measures of body weight, LTA, and chest skinfold thickness. Copyright Cl 1993 by W.B. Saunders Company
Early Cretaceous Depositional and Structural Development of Wyoming-Idaho-Utah Foreland Basin: ABSTRACT

Early Cretaceous deposition in the western Wyoming, eastern Idaho, and northeastern Utah region reflects the interplay of tectonic and eustatic controls during the early development of the thrust belt in this area. A major marine withdrawal at the close of the Jurassic was closely preceded by initial movement of the Paris-Willard thrust. Two subsequent pulses of eastward movement along this thrust occurred: a poorly dated event in Early Cretaceous time and a final movement during Late Cretaceous (Turonian). These periods of uplift on the western margin of the foreland basin are reflected by the eastward progradation of coarse fluvial clastic wedges into the Cretaceous seaway. Between pulses of thrust movement, tectonic quiescence was coupled with a decrease of clastic influx into the subsiding basin. During periods of marine regression, broad marl-dominated lacustrine depositional systems developed in the foreland basin. In contrast, during transgressive periods, depositional environments were characterized by mixed fluvial and lacustrine systems bordered down paleoslope by extensive marsh-dominated systems. Basin subsidence, instigated by tectonic loading of the Paris-Willard thrust allochthon and further enhanced by sediment loading of the coarse clastic wedges, controlled the distribution of lacustrine systems during periods of marine regression. The Paris-Willard thrust allochthon throughout the Early Cretaceous was dominated by upper Paleozoic strata. Subsequent to the final movement of the thrust, the allochthon was carried passively eastward and uplifted by ramping along steps of the more eastern Absaroka thrust. This uplift resulted in the exposure of upper Precambrian and lower Paleozoic strata which dominate the allochthon today. End_of_Article - Last_Page 631------------
Regulatory outlook on vegetable protein.

Vegetable protein products are increasing in use in the U.S. diet, especially in substitutes for the traditional animal-protein foods: meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and cheeses. This is occurring despite an ample protein supply which permits U.S. consumers to eat about twice the recommended protein levels. Cost, dietary preferences and the functionality of vegetable proteins appear to assure further increases. In order to permit continued development of these products, while at the same time assuring their nutritional adequacy and providing informative labeling, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued comprehensive tentative regulations. The regulations prescribe that the primary products be named as vegetable flour, vegetable protein concentrate and vegetable protein isolate when they contain less than 65%, 65% up to 90% and 90% or more protein respectively—except that gluten products may be referred to as such. When vegetable protein products are used as protein sources in whole or partial substitution for meat, seafood, poultry, eggs or cheese foods, the name of the substitute food must include the term vegetable protein product. Such substitute foods must be nutritionally equivalent to the original foods to avoid being called imitation. Imitation products must also be named to indicate the nature of the products, such as their use of vegetable protein ingredients. Nutritional equivalency is defined by nutrient profiles for six classes of foods: break-fast or lunch meats; seafood, poultry and other meats; eggs; cream cheeses; cottage cheeses; and natural cheeses. Fortification of substitute foods to meet nutritional equivalency requires their nutrition labeling. The FDA regulations also require that the PER of substitute foods containing vegetable protein products at more than 30% when combined with meat, seafood, poultry, eggs or cheeses shall be at least 100% that of casein. At 30% or less, the required PER is 80% that of casein. Specific USDA rules or FDA regulations such as the proposed standards for milk, cream or cheese substitutes take precedence over the general vegetable protein regulations. It is FDA intent to finalize the vegetable protein regulations as soon as possible.
The use of cromolyn in the management of hyperreactive airways and exercise

Cromolyn given a few minutes before exercise significantly protects from exercise-induced asthma in more than 70% of patients, probably through prevention of mediator release and possibly through other mechanisms. Its efficacy is comparable to that of theophylline, alpha-adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel blockers; better than that of atropine and ketotifen; but less than that of inhaled albuterol. Cromolyn seems to be more effective than metaproterenol and theophylline for prevention of late reactions of exercise-induced asthma. The addition of cromolyn markedly improved the results in patients not completely protected by inhaled adrenergic agents. Cromolyn also protects from other triggers like hyperventilation with cold air, ultrasonically nebulized water, and sulfur dioxide. Its prolonged administration causes a reduction in the nonspecific hyperreactivity as shown by tests of histamine inhalation or hyperventilation with cold air. This effect is thought to be a result of cromolyn's protection from allergic-induced increase in nonspecific hyperreactivity, although there is some evidence that it can also occur in nonatopic patients, suggesting a broader protective effect.
The prescribing cascade game: Applying geriatric pharmacotherapy principles in the classroom

Abstract Introduction/background Older adults have a higher rate of prescription drug use and are at an increased risk for medication-related problems. A fundamental principle of geriatric pharmacotherapy is recognition of the prescribing cascade. Given the aging of the United States population, the importance of preparing student pharmacists to address the medication challenges of this population is critical. Rationale and objectives This article describes the Prescribing Cascade Game created to engage students in the classroom. The objective of this study is to assess students' perceptions of the activity's effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes of enjoyment and engagement in the learning process as well as their understanding, application, and retention of material. Methods and materials The Prescribing Cascade Game consisted of six prescribing cascades each containing four steps. In total, 24 index cards were used to create the game, each representing one of the cascade steps. Student groups were provided with one card and instructed to identify three groups in possession of cards containing the steps necessary to complete their cascades. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess students' perceptions of the activity. Results In total, 71 students participated in the game. The majority indicated they were engaged in class and enjoyed participating. Student perceptions of additional survey components including understanding, application, and retention of material relevant to the activity were also positive. Discussion/conclusion The Prescribing Cascade Game was well received by second-year pharmacy students and will continue to be incorporated as an instructional method to engage students in the learning process.
The decay of 1.3 min 82Rb to levels in 82Kr

Abstract The γ-spectra from 82Rb ( T 1 2 = 1.3 min ) have been measured with a 30 cm3 Ge(Li) detector in singles and in coincidence with a 12.7 cm × 12.7 cm Nal(Tl) scintillation detector. Ten γ-rays were observed. Portions of the γ-spectrum from 82 Br (T 1 2 = 35.5 h ) were also studied. It is proposed that the decay of 82Rb (Jπ = 1+) populates levels in 82 Kr at 2171.8, 2480, 2945 and 3190 keV in addition to the known levels at 776.55 and 1474.9 keV. Limits on probable spin and parity values for the newly introduced levels have been established.
Stabilizing Mean Values and Minimizing Variances of Electronic Systems Performance Criteria

Mathematical statistics are used to design electronic systems in which the effects of the initial variations of the system parameters and the drift of these parameters on the system performance criteria are a minimum. This is accomplished by minimizing the initial variances of the system performance criteria with respect to the initial mean values of the system parameters while constraining the means of these parameters to their required values. In addition, the drift rates of the system parameters are selected in such a manner as to prevent the drift of the mean values of the system performance criteria while reducing the tendencies of the variances of these criteria to increase with time. These techniques were successfully applied to a number of electronic systems, including systems with both active and passive elements, thus illustrating the usefulness of mathematical statistics in the design of mass produced electronic systems.
The developmental appearance of androgen receptor protein and androgen inducibility of the gus gene complex in mouse kidney

During postnatal development of mouse kidney the androgen responsiveness of epithelial cells for β-glucuronidase induction, cellular hypertrophy, and other enzyme inductions appears coincidentally with a rise in androgen receptor protein. Initially, a low level of receptor is present but no response is seen. Beginning at about 12 days of age responsiveness begins to increase, reaches a half-maximal level at 18–20 days, and full responsiveness by 28–30 days. The limiting factor appears to be levels of androgen receptor protein. Our experiments shed no light on the question of why each androgen responsive cell type in the organism differentiates the capacity to induce a different array of proteins. However, they do suggest that responsiveness of the β-glucuronidase gene does not appear until a minimum threshold level of receptor is exceeded, and that the response of the gene may not be saturated even at the highest levels of receptor reached.
Atomic Masses of Uranium and Thorium

WITH ions from a spark between a thorium or uranium electrode and a tin electrode, it was found that easily resolved doublets are given by the mass-spectrograph, formed by the doubly charged thorium ions with the tin isotope at 116 in one case, and in the case of uranium with the isotope at 119 (Fig. 1). The mass difference is found to be 0·120 ± 0·003 for thorium (the average of six doublets of nearly equal intensity), and 0·131 d= 0·003 in the case of uranium (average of the values for the five best doublets). The packing fraction for the tin isotopes has been determined by Dr. Aston1 as 7·3 ± 1. Using this value, the atomic mass of thorium (oxygen = 16·000) is 232·070 and that of uranium 238·088.
Surface free energy of solids and liquids: Thermodynamics, molecular forces, and structure

Surface chemistry constitutes a major part of science which has ubiquitous consequences in chemical processes, in engineering and technology, in biology and medicine, and, indeed, in the very existence of life. There are two properties of surfaces that are fundamentally responsible for these consequences. One is surface free energy; the other is surface charge. We owe the concepts of surface tension and surface free energy to several of the great physicists of the 19th century, such as Young (1) and Gibbs (2). Gibbs worked out the basic surface thermodynamic concepts a century ago; this was several decades before even the order of magnitude of the dimensions of molecules was established, and long before polymers were given scientific recognition. I t has been a major item on the agenda of physical science for over a century, to find out how the experimental, macroscopically observable quantities, such as surface tension, are related to atomic and molecular structure. A number of important chemists and physicists worked on this agenda, before and shortly after Word War II. I will review several aspects of this earlier work, in order to show what it was that made it possible for my research group at Cincinnati, 20 years ago,
Changes in surface architecture during murine erythroleukemia cell differentiation as detected by lectin binding and agglutination

Abstract Cell surface alterations occurred during murine erythroleukemia cell (clone 745) differentiation that were detected by both agglutination and lectin binding. Agglutination of erythroleukemia cells was produced by wheat germ agglutinin; whereas, concanavalin A, Ricin, soybean agglutinin and fucose-binding protein were either ineffective or much less efficacious. Treatment of leukemia cells with the inducer of erythroid differentiation dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) caused a progressive accumulation of hemoglobin-containing cells in culture and a decrease in the rate of agglutination by wheat germ agglutinin, which began at 24 h after exposure to the polar solvent, reached a nadir at 48 h, and remained essentially constant thereafter. The binding of radioactive wheat germ agglutinin by untreated control erythroleukemia cells increased with time in culture, reaching a maximum value at 48 h, and decreased progressively thereafter. Although an increase in 3 H-labeled wheat germ agglutinin binding also occurred in DMSO-treated cells, the level bound was significantly lower than that observed in control cells at 24–96 h. The treatment of erythroleukemia cells with various concentrations of DMSO resulted in a decrease in the number of wheat germ agglutinin receptor sites. Other inducers of differentiation (i.e., dimethylformamide, bis(acetyl)diaminopentane) also inhibited the rate of wheat germ agglutinin-induced agglutination of erythroleukemia cells while, in contrast, the inducer tetramethylurea did not. These studies indicate that membrane changes occur during differentiation and suggest that there may be more than one mechanism involved in the initiation of maturation which ultimately leads to the common pathway of erythroid development.
Contextual Factors Influencing U.S. College Students' Decisions to Drink Responsibly

This mixed-methods study qualitatively (n = 13—convenience) explored contextual factors influencing decisions to drink responsibly, and quantitatively (n = 729—random) assessed the prevalence of these factors and whether they varied as a function of sex and binge-drinking status. Data were collected in 2007 among Texas college students. The constant comparison model was used to analyze the qualitative data, while one-way ANOVAs and logistic regression were employed to assess the quantitative data. Effect sizes are reported for all significant ANOVA interactions. Psychometric properties are supplied for all quantitative scales. Implication and limitations are noted, and future research directions discussed.
Nucleotide sequence and properties of the cohesive DNA termini from bacteriophage HP1c1 of Haemophilus influenzae Rd

Abstract The termini of the mature DNA of phage HP1 c 1 of Haemophilus influenzae Rd have been characterized by DNA ligation, nucleotide sequencing, and deoxynucleotide incorporation experiments. A hybrid plasmid containing the joined phage termini (the cos site) inserted into pBR322 has been constructed. The phage DNA has cohesive termini composed of complementary 5 ' single-stranded extensions which are seven residues long. The left cohesive terminal extension consists only of pyrimidines and the right only of purines. When the ends of the phage are joined, the terminal sequences constitute the central 7 bp of an 11 bp sequence containing only purines on one strand and pyrimidines on the other strand. This oligopyrimidine/oligopurine sequence does not possess rotational symmetry. A 10-bp sequence and its inverted repeat are located approx. 20 bp to the left and right of the fused ends.
Oxygen transport in resting and contracting hamster cremaster muscles: experimental and theoretical microvascular studies.

Abstract Intravital microscopy of the superfused cremaster muscle was used to measure the density, diameter, length, hematocrit, red cell velocity, and red cell flux in capillaries of the pentobarbital-anesthetized hamster. Oxygen microelectrodes were used to measure oxygen tension (PO2) at a position 75–100 μm deep in the muscle between the venous ends of capillaries and, very importantly, at the superfusate-muscle interface. These parameters were measured in resting and contracting muscles and under three values of superfusate PO2: low (8 mm Hg), medium 40 mm Hg), and high (75 mm Hg). These data were complete enough to be useful input parameters in a recently developed mathematical model of oxygen transport in exposed tissue (A. S. Popel, 1981 , Math. Biosci. 55 231–246). The model indicated that with high superfusate PO2, oxygen was supplied to the resting muscle almost exclusively from the superfusate because of the vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow. Oxygen consumption of the resting muscle was estimated to be 0.4 ml O 2 100 ml tissue · min , assuming muscle oxygen consumption was uniform and independent of PO2 above 1 mm Hg. The estimated rise in oxygen consumption with exercise was four to eight times resting muscle values, which agrees with previously published data. Also, the model predicted an inlet capillary PO2 of 27 mm Hg with a low superfusate PO2, which is consistent with the few available direct measurements. The model emphasized that with measurement of the PO2 at the superfusate-tissue interface, the complex O2 transport effects of the superfusate can be accurately characterized. Measurement of this and other parameters of the model leads to a potentially useful prediction of the PO2 distribution within tissues under a variety of conditions.
Ultra-bright X-ray and gamma sources by Compton backscattering of CO2 laser beams

Abstract A picosecond laser interacting with a relativistic electron beam behaves like a virtual wiggler of an extremely short period equal to half of the laser wavelength. This approach opens a route to compact, high-brightness laser synchrotron sources (LSS). We discuss how the emerging terawatt picosecond CO 2 laser technology facilitates achieving the ultra-high peak flux and brightness desirable for LSS applications in science and technology. The first laser of this class is under development at the BNL Accelerator Test Facility (ATF). Together with the high-brightness 50 MeV electron beam available at the ATF, this laser will be used for a prototype LSS demonstration. Flashes of collimated 4.7 keV (2.6 A) X-rays of 3 ps pulse duration, with a flux of ∼10 22 photons/s, may be produced via linear Compton backscattering. This is several orders of magnitude above the peak numbers attained by the conventional synchrotron sources. Exploiting the promising approach to a high-gradient laser wakefield accelerator, a “table-top” wakefield gamma LSS may become feasible in the near future. The prospective γ–γ and e ± –γ colliders in the TeV energy range are among the advanced applications of picosecond CO 2 laser technology.
Parasites Associated with Ornamental Fish

The diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasites and nonparasitic pests of aquarium fish are covered. Figures are provided that should help the clinician make specific diagnoses.
Complex conductivity tomography using low-frequency crosswell electromagnetic data

ABSTRACTThe complex conductivity of partially saturated siliciclastic sediments can now be reasonably predicted through recently developed petrophysical models like the POLARIS model. However, classical crosswell-induced polarization tomography (using a galvanometric approach) is characterized by a poor sensitivity map far from the wells, and thus other methods should be analyzed for potential improvements. The presence of low-frequency (≤1 kHz) polarization effects in earth porous materials noticeably increases the amplitude and decreases the phase of measured electromagnetic (EM) fields. As such, the quadrature conductivity (directly associated with the low-frequency polarization effect) yields a significant contribution to the EM fields. We demonstrate that these contributions can be observed in crosswell EM data in terms of signal-to-noise ratio. With a realistic amount of noise, we can recover the distribution of the in-phase and quadrature conductivities for crosswell EM tomography. We use an integ...
Dislocation shielding and flaw tolerance in titanium nitride

Abstract Titanium nitride is a very brittle and flaw sensitive ceramic material at temperatures below 750 °C. In this study, we present experimental evidence of room temperature dislocation-based plasticity in the material as well as insensitivity to flaws in form of single edge notches. We performed in-situ fracture experiments inside the transmission electron microscope on 150–300 nm thick, 5 μ wide freestanding films fabricated from titanium nitride/titanium multi-layers with titanium nitride as the notched and titanium as un-notched layers. The calculated stress concentration factor for the 800 nm to 1.5 μ long notches were greater than 8, however, the terminal cracks always nucleated at the un-notched edge of the specimens and not at the notch tip. To explain such remarkable flaw tolerance, we observe motion of dislocations (pre-existing and nucleated away from the notch) towards the notch tip. We suggest that the room temperature dislocation activities are facilitated by the residual stresses in the multi-layer specimens and the thickness dependence of image forces, which reduces the effective shear modulus to promote dislocation motion. The migration of dislocations towards the notch tip shields it from stress concentration to manifest the flaw tolerance in 150 nm specimens, which is observed real time in the microscope.
“In the Interest of the Volk…”: Nazi-German Paternity Suits and Racial Recategorization in the Munich Superior Courts, 1938–1945

In Nazi Germany, integration into the community of the Volk, or exclusion and persecution, were determined by the regime's categories. As legal historian Michael Stolleis has noted, this new National Socialist terminology “quick[ly] penetrat[ed] … into the old conceptual world” of German jurisprudence and the country's court system. In line with the prescriptions of the political leadership of the Hitler state, bureaucrats of the Justice and Interior Ministries in Berlin drafted novel legislation that, once issued as new laws, judges, state attorneys, and lawyers readily interpreted and put into practice. With the promulgation of the Nuremberg Laws in September 1935, the main racial designations evolved around a tripartite terminology of “full Jews [Volljuden],” “Jewish mixed breeds [Mischlinge],” and “persons of German and kindred blood.” In accordance with paragraph 5 of the first supplementary decree to the Reich Citizenship Law of November 1935, state authorities classified any descendant “from at least three grandparents who [we]re racially full Jews” as Jewish. Paragraph 3 defined Mischlinge of the first degree, introduced as a novel legal category, as Jewish Mischlinge with two grandparents “who [we]re racially full Jews.” The supplementary decrees did not explicitly delineate the term “person of German blood”, but the main commentary of the Nuremberg Laws loosely tied this term to the “German Volk” as a community comprised of six basic races, including the Nordic and East Baltic ones.
Effect of substrate stiffness and PDGF on the behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells: implications for atherosclerosis

Vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, is accompanied by changes in the mechanical properties of the vessel wall. Although altered mechanics is thought to contribute to disease progression, the molecular mechanisms whereby vessel wall stiffening could promote vascular occlusive disease remain unclear. It is well known that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major stimulus for the abnormal migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and contributes critically to vascular disease. Here we used engineered substrates with tunable mechanical properties to explore the effect of tissue stiffness on PDGF signaling in VSMCs as a potential mechanism whereby vessel wall stiffening could promote vascular disease. We found that substrate stiffness significantly enhanced PDGFR activity and VSMC proliferation. After ligand binding, PDGFR followed distinct routes of activation in cells cultured on stiff versus soft substrates, as demonstrated by differences in its intensity and duration of activation, sensitivity to cholesterol extracting agent, and plasma membrane localization. Our results suggest that stiffening of the vessel wall could actively promote pathogenesis of vascular disease by enhancing PDGFR signaling to drive VSMC growth and survival.
SH2-B and APS Are Multimeric Adapters That Augment TrkA Signaling

Neurotrophins influence growth and survival of sympathetic and sensory neurons through activation of their receptors, Trk receptor tyrosine kinases. Previously, we identified Src homology 2-B (SH2-B) and APS, which are structurally similar adapter proteins, as substrates of Trk kinases. In the present study, we demonstrate that both SH2-B and APS exist in cells as homopentamers and/or heteropentamers, independent of Trk receptor activation. Structure-function analyses revealed that the SH2-B multimerization domain resides within its amino terminus, which is necessary for SH2-B-mediated nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling. Overexpression of SH2-B enhances both the magnitude and duration of TrkA autophosphorylation following exposure of PC12 cells to NGF, and this effect requires the amino-terminal multimerization motif. Moreover, the amino terminus of SH2-B is necessary for TrkA/SH2-B-mediated morphological differentiation of PC12 cells. Together, these results indicate that the multimeric adapters SH2-B and APS influence neurotrophin signaling through direct modulation of Trk receptor autophosphorylation.
Estimated times to exhaustion and power outputs at the gas exchange threshold, physical working capacity at the rating of perceived exertion threshold, and respiratory compensation point

The purposes of this study were to compare the power outputs and estimated times to exhaustion (T(lim)) at the gas exchange threshold (GET), physical working capacity at the rating of perceived exertion threshold (PWC(RPE)), and respiratory compensation point (RCP). Three male and 5 female subjects (mean ± SD: age, 22.4 ± 2.8 years) performed an incremental test to exhaustion on an electronically braked cycle ergometer to determine peak oxygen consumption rate, GET, and RCP. The PWC(RPE) was determined from ratings of perceived exertion data recorded during 3 continuous workbouts to exhaustion. The estimated T(lim) values for each subject at GET, PWC(RPE), and RCP were determined from power curve analyses (T(lim) = ax(b)). The results indicated that the PWC(RPE) (176 ± 55 W) was not significantly different from RCP (181 ± 54 W); however, GET (155 ± 42 W) was significantly less than PWC(RPE) and RCP. The estimated T(lim) for the GET (26.1 ± 9.8 min) was significantly greater than PWC(RPE) (14.6 ± 5.6 min) and RCP (11.2 ± 3.1 min). The PWC(RPE) occurred at a mean power output that was 13.5% greater than the GET and, therefore, it is likely that the perception of effort is not driven by the same mechanism that underlies the GET (i.e., lactate buffering). Furthermore, the PWC(RPE) and RCP were not significantly different and, therefore, these thresholds may be associated with the same mechanisms of fatigue, such as increased levels of interstitial and (or) arterial [K⁺].
Optimized Non-contiguous MPI Datatype Communication for GPU Clusters: Design, Implementation and Evaluation with MVAPICH2

Data parallel architectures, such as General Purpose Graphics Units (GPGPUs) have seen a tremendous rise in their application for High End Computing. However, data movement in and out of GPGPUs remains the biggest hurdle to overall performance and programmer productivity. Real scientific applications utilize multi-dimensional data. Data in higher dimensions may not be contiguous in memory. In order to improve programmer productivity and to enable communication libraries to optimize non-contiguous data communication, the MPI interface provides MPI data types. Currently, state of the art MPI libraries do not provide native data type support for data that resides in GPU memory. The management of non-contiguous GPU data is a source of productivity and performance loss, because GPU application developers have to manually move the data out of and in to GPUs. In this paper, we present our design for enabling high-performance communication support between GPUs for non-contiguous data types. We describe our innovative approach to improve performance by "offloading" data type packing and unpacking on to a GPU device, and "pipelining" all data transfer stages between two GPUs. Our design is integrated into the popular MVAPICH2 MPI library for InfiniBand, iWARP and RoCE clusters. We perform a detailed evaluation of our design on a GPU cluster with the latest NVIDIA Fermi GPU adapters. The evaluation reveals that the proposed designs can achieve up to 88% latency improvement for vector data type at 4 MB size with micro benchmarks. For Stencil2D application from the SHOC benchmark suite, our design can simplify the data communication in its main loop, reducing the lines of code by 36%. Further, our method can improve the performance of Stencil2D by up to 42% for single precision data set, and 39% for double precision data set. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such design, implementation and evaluation of non-contiguous MPI data communication for GPU clusters.
How actin binds and assembles onto plasma membranes from Dictyostelium discoideum

We have shown previously (Schwartz, M. A., and E. J. Luna. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 102: 2067-2075) that actin binds with positive cooperativity to plasma membranes from Dictyostelium discoideum. Actin is polymerized at the membrane surface even at concentrations well below the critical concentration for polymerization in solution. Low salt buffer that blocks actin polymerization in solution also prevents actin binding to membranes. To further explore the relationship between actin polymerization and binding to membranes, we prepared four chemically modified actins that appear to be incapable of polymerizing in solution. Three of these derivatives also lost their ability to bind to membranes. The fourth derivative (EF actin), in which histidine-40 is labeled with ethoxyformic anhydride, binds to membranes with reduced affinity. Binding curves exhibit positive cooperativity, and cross-linking experiments show that membrane-bound actin is multimeric. Thus, binding and polymerization are tightly coupled, and the ability of these membranes to polymerize actin is dramatically demonstrated. EF actin coassembles weakly with untreated actin in solution, but coassembles well on membranes. Binding by untreated actin and EF actin are mutually competitive, indicating that they bind to the same membrane sites. Hill plots indicate that an actin trimer is the minimum assembly state required for tight binding to membranes. The best explanation for our data is a model in which actin oligomers assemble by binding to clustered membrane sites with successive monomers on one side of the actin filament bound to the membrane. Individual binding affinities are expected to be low, but the overall actin-membrane avidity is high, due to multivalency. Our results imply that extracellular factors that cluster membrane proteins may create sites for the formation of actin nuclei and thus trigger actin polymerization in the cell.
Bulimia, Tricyclic Antidepressants, and Mania

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are common conditions that are difficult to treat effectively. Psychopharmacologic agents, particularly tricyclic antidepressants, are now being used as adjunctive therapy in bulimia. The case of a 15-year-old girl with bulimia who was treated with imipramine and had a severe (and first) manic episode is presented. The complication of drug-induced mania observed in patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants is discussed.
A Design Space and Design Rules for User Interface Software Architecture

Abstract : The architecture of a user interface software system can be described in terms of a fairly small number of key functional and structural choices. This report presents a design space that identifies these key choices and classifies the alternatives available for each choice. The design space is a useful framework for organizing and applying design knowledge. The report presents a set of design rules expressed in the terms of the design space. These rules can help a software designer to make good structural choices based on the functional requirements for a user interface system. Extension of this work might eventually provide automated assistance for structural design.
Overcoming language barriers: Interfaces between disciplines

This commentary highlights the advantages of examining the interactions between domains of language, the language environment, and the individual. The findings of these articles address questions of current interest in both linguistics and cognitive science but may find a broader audience if the value of innateness, modularity, and assumptions about the role of frequency and the input are more carefully questioned. The strengths of working at the interface between linguistic subsystems include precise specification of the problem space, consideration of task effects, and extra-linguistic factors that might influence the results observed. The relative contribution of the input according to the different authors is considered and measures for incorporating input into studies are discussed. Implicit definitions of innateness and modularity assumed by the articles are highlighted.
Native American College Student Persistence.

Native American students are the most likely racial/ethnic group tracked in post-secondary American education to be affected by poverty and limited access to educational opportunities. In addition, they are the most likely to be required to take remedial course work and are the least likely to graduate from college. A review of the literature was undertaken to analyze the research and opinions directed toward improving Native American student persistence and academic success at the post-secondary level. Five factors emerged during this review that support Native American student post-secondary persistence. These are skill development, family and peer support, appropriate role-models, awareness and use of financial aid, and a culturally sensitive school environment.
Peer identification in wireless and sensor networks using signal properties

In this paper, we investigate methods to determine a transmitting peer node's location using signal properties and trusted-peer collaboration. We then consider how this location information can establish peer identity confidence. Specifically, we consider using signal direction, signal strength, and collaboration to establish the transmitter's location with sufficient precision to enable identification through location. Network density, node characteristics such as size and speed, and communication capabilities are all considered in our analysis
Creep and fatigue issues for structural materials in demonstration fusion energy systems

The structural materials proposed for use in future fusion energy systems must perform reliably in an environment consisting of intense neutron irradiation, high temperatures, and cyclic stress. Therefore, thermal creep and creep-fatigue (in addition to irradiation creep) are anticipated to be important issues for the engineering design of structural materials for fusion reactors. The key materials systems under consideration for structures of fusion reactors include 8–9%Cr ferritic/martensitic steels, oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steels, vanadium alloys and SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix ceramic composites. The current elevated temperature creep-fatigue design rules based on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code are discussed, along with a brief review of creep-fatigue interaction mechanisms. Refinements to current international design codes to include radiation-induced phenomena such as reduction in uniform elongation have been performed in association with the engineering design of the ITER fusion energy device currently under construction in France. Several other creep-fatigue issues of potential importance for fusion energy applications are discussed.
Discriminative properties of the reinforcer can be used to attenuate the renewal of extinguished operant behavior

Previous research on the resurgence effect has suggested that reinforcers that are presented during the extinction of an operant behavior can control inhibition of the response. To further test this hypothesis, in three experiments with rat subjects we examined the effectiveness of using reinforcers that were presented during extinction as a means of attenuating or inhibiting the operant renewal effect. In Experiment 1, lever pressing was reinforced in Context A, extinguished in Context B, and then tested in Context A. Renewal of responding that occurred during the final test was attenuated when a distinct reinforcer that had been presented independent of responding during extinction was also presented during the renewal test. Experiment 2 established that this effect depended on the reinforcer being featured as a part of extinction (and thus associated with response inhibition). Experiment 3 then showed that the reinforcers presented during extinction suppressed performance in both the extinction and renewal contexts; the effects of the physical and reinforcer contexts were additive. Together, the results further suggest that reinforcers associated with response inhibition can serve a discriminative role in suppressing behavior and may be an effective stimulus that can attenuate operant relapse.
An observational analysis of self‐stimulatory behavior of older adults in a nursing home

Self-stimulatory behavior is described as a class of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. This behavior often warrants concern because it can interfere with the learning and maintenance of more appropriate functional behaviors. In the present study, several topographies of self-stimulation were generated and the behavior of three older adult nursing home patients was observed for six weeks. Self-stimulation was high rate in all three subjects, and the manifestation of the behavior was idiosyncratic. Potential etiological factors and implications for treatment were discussed.
Zonal flow measurements concept I

We study the characteristics of self-generated zonal flows as observed in nonlinear global gyrokinetic simulations of toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) turbulence for typical parameters of DIII-D core plasmas. In addition, we discuss various possibilities for experimental measurements and the development of new diagnostics.
Components of Vane Yield Stress of Structured Food Dispersions

The vane technique was used to determine the static (σos) and dynamic (σ0d) yield stresses of 6 commercial foods: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, applesauce, and 2 brands of tomato puree (samples TD and TR). The samples, other than TR, exhibited shear-thinning behavior. For those samples, based on a model proposed earlier, the contributions of bonding (σ-b), network (σ-n), and viscous (σv to yield stress of the products were determined. For the homogenized products, σb > σn, whereas for those processed in a finisher, σn > σb. Because sample TR exhibited shear-thickening behavior, the model to estimate yield stress components was not applicable. The structural conditions necessary for the validity of the proposed model are established. Equilibrium stress (σ∞) values obtained by extrapolation of vane torque data to infinite time were comparable to σ0d values.
High Performance Metallization Issues for Ulsi

The microelectronics industry is accelerating towards increasingly sophisticated circuit technology to interface with and drive a wide spectrum of products from low power to supercomputation systems. The base Si CMOS technology will span the applications such that optimization must be achieved by personalized wiring for each industry sector. As the feature size decreases to 0.25/µm or less, the interconnect metallization becomes a dominant technological challenge as circuit speeds, reliability and manufacturing costs are directly affected. The label “high performance” must now be defined in the context of the application. For example, as scaling proceeds for increased density and circuit speed, current density increase will impact lifetime by electromigration. Methods of simulation of fundamental degradation modes and design software tools must be developed and used in concert with performance simulation to optimize interconnect metallization ground rules early in the development cycle. Availability of such tools for interconnects is practically nonexistent, spurring significant focus on this direction by the materials community.
Rapid Progression of a Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Outbreak Introduced by a Civilian Index Case into a Large Urban Teaching Facility

RESULTS: Hospital built in 1951. All rooms are private, windows operate, and ventilation is controlled by individual fan units with hot and chilled water coils. Windows were open on several inspection dates January-June 2006 with patient exposure to dust frommajor hospital construction on campus. Air quality inspection July 2006. Odor present in dining area and hall. Fan units were turned off in 8 of 12 rooms. Outside stacks, air intakes, and areas above ceilings inspected with no problems identified. Room 210 taken out of service and inspected. (Table 1). Wall moisture readings .001 in all four walls. Fan coil, condensate pan, and blower assembly were clean. Routine filter changes performed every three months using Merv rating 3 filters. Temperature above ceiling was 60.1 degrees with a humidity of 63%. Fan unit was then turned off for 24 hours. Room temperature was 72.9 degrees and humidity 55% on recheck. Lack of dust on filters and ventilation design demonstrated that when fan units are turned off air exchange does not occur, coils remain damp, and mold could develop. No odor present in dining area and hall in October. An average of 85 suction swabs were used per month on one to two patients who were unable to provide independent oral care. Table 2. 100% decrease in nosocomial pneumonia rates in skilled nursing/rehabilitation patients after implementation of air quality and oral care programs in 2006.