cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ERMES-mediated ER-mitochondria contacts: molecular hubs for the regulation of mitochondrial biology

Organelles are separate yet interdependent units of eukaryotic cells. They provide an appropriate milieu for the catalysis of many biochemical reactions, and they must establish physical links to communicate and exchange metabolites throughout the cell. Interorganelle communication is an important, yet still poorly understood, aspect of cell biology. We recently identified a protein complex that we refer to as ERMES [endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria encounter structure], the main function of which is to provide a tethering force between the ER and the mitochondria. This complex, composed of both ER and mitochondrial transmembrane proteins, is located at the interface of the two organelles and serves to zipper them together. Previous work had implicated several ERMES components in many different physiological processes. The identification of ERMES as an interorganelle tether allows us to re-examine the amply documented phenotypic consequences of the loss of this complex in the light of this new function, thus providing a unique opportunity to assess the physiological relevance of ER-mitochondria junctions. These phenotypes hint at a broad role for ER-mitochondria connections in regulating mitochondrial and cell physiology. In this Hypothesis, we speculate on the potential role of ER-mitochondria connections as hubs in regulating several aspects of mitochondrial biology, including the regulation of mitochondrial membrane biosynthesis, genome replication, Ca2+ signaling and protein import. Finally, we discuss how cells might use ER-mitochondria communication to fine-tune these processes according to their metabolic needs.
Excitation of locus coeruleus neurons by an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-activated inward current: extracellular and intracellular studies in rat brain slices.

The firing rate of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in rat brain slices was increased reversibly by agents that either elevate intracellular levels of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or mimic its actions (e.g., forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, 8-Br-cAMP, a membrane permeable analog of cAMP, and Ro20-1724, a preferential inhibitor of cAMP-phosphodiesterase). Intracellular recordings showed that 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin induce a depolarization of LC neurons, accompanied by a decrease in input resistance. The 8-Br-cAMP- and forskolin-elicited depolarization persisted in the presence of cobalt, a calcium channel blocker. Steady-state current-voltage curves revealed that in the voltage range of –50 to –120 mV, 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin induced an inward current, which did not reverse at the potassium equilibrium potential and could not be blocked by tetrodotoxin. Partial replacement of sodium with Tris or choline markedly reduced the depolarization elicited by 8-Br-cAMP. We conclude that 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin act through a common mechanism to increase the firing rate of locus coeruleus neurons by inducing a cAMP-activated inward current, carried out at least in part by sodium ions.
Impact of suboxia on sinking particulate organic carbon: Enhanced carbon flux and preferential degradation of amino acids via denitrification

Fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) through the oxygen deficient waters in the eastern tropical North Pacific were found to be relatively less attenuated with depth than elsewhere in the eastern North Pacific. The attenuation coefficient (b) for the flux was found to be 0.40 versus the composite value of 0.86 determined by Martin et al. (1987). To examine this further, sinking POC was collected using sediment traps and allowed to degrade in oxic and suboxic experiments. Using a kinetic model, it was found that degradation proceeded at similar rates (roughly 0.8 day−1) under oxic and suboxic conditions, but a greater fraction of bulk POC was resistant to degradation in the suboxic experiments (61% vs. 23%). Amino acids accounted for 37% of POC collected at 75m, but following degradation the value dropped to 17% and 16% in the oxic and suboxic experiments respectively. POC collected from 500m was 10% amino acids. The non-AA component of POC collected at 75m was not degraded under suboxic conditions, while under oxic conditions it was. These results suggest that microbes degrading OC under suboxic conditions via denitrification preferentially utilize nitrogen-rich amino acids. This preferential degradation of amino acids suggests that 9% more nitrogen may be lost via water column denitrification than is accounted for when a more “Redfieldian” stoichiometry for POC is assumed.
A heat-labile skin sensitizing activity of mouse serum.

EARLIER my colleagues and I reported that, although mice actively sensitized to egg albumin may suffer a marked local and systemic hypersensitive reaction when challenged intradermally with egg albumin 7–9 days after the sensitizing injection, it is difficult to demonstrate antibody activity in sera obtained from sensitized mice at this time1. The mouse is known to produce two immunoglobulins capable of transferring passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)2,3: 7Sγ1, which sensitizes homologous skin, and 7 , which will sensitize the skin of guinea-pigs. In both species the test is carried out using a 3–4 h latent period. Neither activity is reported to be diminished by heat. Treatment with mercaptoethanol slightly reduces the skin sensitizing activity of 7Sγ1 Both classes of immunoglobulin increase in concentration with time after sensitization, even though the sensitivity of the donor animal to intradermal challenge decreases (unpublished data).
Graph Data Warehouse: Steps to Integrating Graph Databases Into the Traditional Conceptual Structure of a Data Warehouse

As an important kind of NOSQL databases, graph database management systems (GDBMSs) have improved greatly in recent years. However, the development of related linked queries is still limited. This paper introduces an approach for matching frequently-used management tasks of GDBMS with concepts in Structured Query Language (SQL). An application programming interface (API) based on the Neo4j GDBMS was developed to enable functionalities needed with graph databases. Besides the API, a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed enabling the management and demonstration of graph datasets. Further, the concept "graph cube" is proposed as a design for integrating graphs with tables. The prototype combining these components constitutes the fundamental elements of a graph data warehouse. The proposed research initiates an effort to develop the potential of graph information systems (GRIS) and to define associated technical aspects.
Film Model Approximation for Particle-Diffusion-Controlled Multicomponent Ion Exchange

A film-model approximation is developed to predict multicomponent ion exchange in spherical particles. Mass transfer is represented by pseudosteady-state diffusion through a stagnant film of thickness equal to one-fifth of the particle radius. An exact analytic solution is found for the case of homovalent exchange and an approximate solution for the case of heterovalent exchange. Results obtained from the exact solution of the Nernst-Planck model are compared to those obtained using the film-model approximation for the case of ternary exchange in infinite-batch and fixed-bed systems. The predictions based on the film-model approximation are in good agreement with the exact solution for both homovalent and heterovalent ion exchange, indicating that the film-model approximation can be used effectively in numerical simulations of complex ion-exchange systems.
Comparison of two phosphoproteins in chicken bone and their similarities to the mammalian bone proteins, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein II.

Summary Two phosphorylated proteins of ∼66 kDa and ∼60 kDa mass with different DEAE-Sephacel elution patterns were isolated from chicken bone and were shown to be genetically distinct by both biochemical and immunological analysis. A tryptic peptide from the 60 kDa protein was identified that was similar to a sequence of the rat bone sialoprotein II. Both proteins showed RGD inhibited cell-attachment with the MG-63 osteosarcoma cell, and the ∼66 kDa phosphoprotein appeared to promote cell adhesion better than human vitronectin. The two phosphoproteins appear to share functional and biochemical characteristics and to be homologous to the mammalian bone phosphoproteins, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein II.
Leader-Member Exchange, Perceived Organizational Justice, and Cooperative Communication

This study examined the extent to which (a) the quality of leader-member exchanges (LMXs) affected perceptions of distributive and procedural organizational justice and (b) perceptions of organizational justice influenced cooperative communication in the work group. Findings indicated that subordinates in low-quality LMXs perceived less distributive and procedural fairness than their peers in high-quality LMXs. Furthermore, as subordinates perceived greater fairness in distributive outcomes and procedures, they tended to believe that communication in the work group was more cooperative.
Winter simulation: development of a fast all-seasons model for the state of the ground

For predicting soil conditions in support of mobility, combat, or engineering simulations, it is important to have verified models that can reliably predict the state of the ground in all weather conditions. While variations in the state of the ground in summer are due primarily to soil type, vegetation, and slope, the winter and spring seasons present additional challenges that are currently not addressed by most Army models. Because the depth of snow on the ground varies greatly through the winter, a prediction capability is needed for the rate of snow accumulation and melt that will allow predictions of snow depth. Ground freezing/thawing or the presence of mud can significantly change soil strength, requiring a prediction capability for soil moisture and freeze/thaw. This paper describes progress in the development of FASST, the Fast All-Seasons Soil STate model. FASST is a physically based model currently under development to predict the state of the ground using minimal computational time and resources. FASST predicts soil moisture, snow depth, frost depth, snowpack melt outflow, soil temperature, and soil strength on an hourly basis. The physical basis of the model is presented, and preliminary model predictions are compared to measured field data.
Recent developments for the efficient crystallographic refinement of macromolecular structures

Macromolecular crystallographic refinement has recently been made more efficient by the use of cross-validated maximum likelihood targets and torsion-angle molecular dynamics simulated annealing. In combination with automated model building methods, the amount of manual intervention required to complete and refine a structure is greatly reduced.
Helical Stacking in DNA Three-Way Junctions Containing Two Unpaired Pyrimidines: Proton NMR Studies

The proton NMR spectra of DNA three-way junction complexes (TWJ) having unpaired pyrimidines, 5'-TT- and 5'-TC- on one strand at the junction site were assigned from 2D NOESY spectra acquired in H2O and D2O solvents and homonuclear 3D NOESY-TOCSY and 3D NOESY-NOESY in D2O solvent. TWJ are the simplest branched structures found in biologically active nucleic acids. Unpaired nucleotides are common features of such structures and have been shown to stabilize junction formation. The NMR data confirm that the component oligonucleotides assemble to form conformationally homogeneous TWJ complexes having three double-helical, B-form arms. Two of the helical arms stack upon each other. The unpaired pyrimidine bases lie in the minor groove of one of the helices and are partly exposed to solvent. The coaxial stacking arrangement deduced is different from that determined by Rosen and Patel (Rosen, M.A., and D.J. Patel. 1993. Biochemistry. 32:6576–6587) for a DNA three-way junction having two unpaired cytosines, but identical to that suggested by Welch et al. (Welch, J. B., D. R. Duckett, D. M. J. Lilley. 1993. Nucleic Acids Res. 21:4548–4555) on the basis of gel electrophoretic studies of DNA three-way junctions containing unpaired adenosines and thymidines.
The effect of photoperiod inversion upon Schistosoma mansoni cercarial emergence from Biomphalaria glabrata.

Abstract A delayed pattern of Schistosoma mansoni cercarial emergence from Biomphalaria glabrata is presented, in which cercariae did not emerge from the snail under a diurnal photoperiod until after 12 noon. Even with a reversed (nocturnal) photoperiod, delayed cercarial emergence still persisted.
Digital connectivity and extended well-composed sets for gray images

Abstract In this paper, we propose a new definition of digital connectivity for gray images on a 2D space for arbitrary grid systems. We extend a digital version of the Jordan curve theorem and its converse proved earlier by Rosenfeld for the rectangular grid system. We also extend in two directions the concept of well-composed sets introduced by Lateckiet al.(1995,Comput. Vision Image Understanding61,70–83). First, we extend the definition of well-composed sets from the quadratic grid system to an arbitrary grid system. Then, by using the concept of parameter-dependent connected components introduced by us in a previous work, we allow the pixels in a connected component of a well-composed set to have different gray values so that the connectivity of connected components accommodates a wider meaning.
What do reproductive-age women who undergo oocyte cryopreservation think about the process as a means to preserve fertility?

Objective To better understand women's beliefs, priorities, and attitudes toward oocyte cryopreservation, to appreciate the extent of their reproductive education, and to track the reproductive paths of women who chose to undergo oocyte cryopreservation treatment. Design An anonymous 30-question survey. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) From 2005–2011, 478 women completed ≥1 oocyte cryopreservation treatment cycle at our center to defer reproduction. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Demographics, motivations, desires, fertility knowledge, and outcomes related to oocyte cryopreservation. Result(s) A total of 183 patients (38%) completed the survey with >80% being aged ≥35 years; white; having no partner at time of oocyte cryopreservation; undergoing oocyte cryopreservation after an optimal reproductive age; feeling they had improved their reproductive future after oocyte cryopreservation and being empowered by the process; aware of age-related infertility; sensing popular media falsely portrayed the upper age limit for natural conception; and recorded lack of partner as the primary rationale for not yet starting a family. Nineteen percent of respondents added that workplace inflexibility contributed to their reproductive dilemma. Half stated they learned about oocyte cryopreservation from a friend; others became aware through a medical provider, the media, and the internet. Most patients (93%) have not yet returned to use their frozen oocytes; 11 stated they had. Overall, 20% reported a successful conception after oocyte cryopreservation. Conclusion(s) Surveying oocyte cryopreservation patients provides a glimpse into the knowledge base and motivations surrounding current female reproductive practices. Oocyte cryopreservation technology may prove to bridge the gap between reproductive prime and when a woman is realistically "ready" to have children.
Semiparametric Bayesian analysis of censored linear regression with errors-in-covariates.

The accelerated failure time (AFT) model is a well-known alternative to the Cox proportional hazard model for analyzing time-to-event data. In this paper we consider fitting an AFT model to right censored data when a predictor variable is subject to measurement errors. First, without measurement errors, estimation of the model parameters in the AFT model is a challenging task due to the presence of censoring, especially when no specific assumption is made regarding the distribution of the logarithm of the time-to-event. The model complexity increases when a predictor is measured with error. We propose a non-parametric Bayesian method for analyzing such data. The novel component of our approach is to model (1) the distribution of the time-to-event, (2) the distribution of the unobserved true predictor, and (3) the distribution of the measurement errors all non-parametrically using mixtures of the Dirichlet process priors. Along with the parameter estimation we also prescribe how to estimate survival probab...
“Real‐World Cognition Doesn't End When the Bell Rings”: Literacy Instruction Strategies Derived From Situated Cognition Research

This article discusses situated cognition research and its impact on literacy studies concepts and instruction. It provides a brief historical comparison of cognitive psychology and situated cognition and emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex relationships that exist between learners, the settings in which they engage in cognitive activities, and the reconceptualization of time and its usage. Two classroom strategies derived from the work of Jean Lave and Sylvia Scribner are discussed in depth, as are the lives of students who benefited from these approaches. The author emphasizes the need for cognitive activities that begin in the classroom to continue after the class has ended and encourages educators and researchers to further examine the nature of adaptive thinking and working intelligence. Instead of teacher training courses placing emphasis on teachers' mastery of “closure” of the 40-minute lesson, courses should encourage teachers to allow their students to engage in problem-solving opportunities that will persist after instruction has ended. Finally, the article asserts that processes of deriving meaning from reading and writing require components of positive affect in order to be successful and that further studies are needed to explore the nature of adaptive thinking and working intelligence.
Lack of Response by Tilapia nilotica to Mass Selection for Rapid Early Growth

Abstract Mass selection for rapid and slow early growth was applied for one generation to 58-d-old Nile tilapia Tilapia nilotica (Ivory Coast strain). Realized heritability (±SE) for rapid growth was –0.10 ± 0.02, and mean body weight of progeny was not different (P > 0.05) from that of control fish. This confirms an earlier prediction from half-sib analysis of the same stock that selection for rapid growth would be ineffective for these fish (half-sib heritabilities were 0.04 ± 0.14 at age 45 d and 0.04 ± 0.06 at age 90 d). In contrast, selection for slow early growth resulted in realized heritability of 0.36 ± 0.08, and mean body weight of progeny was less than that of control fish (P < 0.05). Our study indicated that an upper limit to growth enhancement by selection exists in this stock of T. nilotica, probably due to a small founder stock, subsequent reductions in effective breeding numbers, and 8 years of domestication. We conclude that half-sib analysis can be an efficient means for estimating the e...
CD34 expression in desmoplastic melanoma.

Background: Primary and metastatic malignant melanoma can simulate various soft tissue tumors, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Expression of CD34, a marker characteristic of DFSP, as well as other spindle cell tumors, has not been previously documented in malignant melanoma. Methods: We present here an unusual case of metastatic malignant melanoma with a strong histologic resemblance to DFSP and also CD34 expression. Results: The patient, a 72-year-old man with a history of an invasive malignant melanoma of the skin of the right lower abdomen, presented with a right axillary mass. Histologic sections revealed intersecting fascicles of spindle cells with nuclear pleomorphism and numerous mitotic figures, diffusely infiltrating the adipose tissue in a pattern closely simulating that seen in DFSP. In other foci, epithelioid neoplastic cells with abundant cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, nuclear pseudoinclusions, and focal cytoplasmic melanin pigment were seen. The neoplastic spindle cells were strongly labeled by two anti-CD34 monoclonal antibodies. Some of the spindle cells and the majority of the epithelioid neoplastic cells expressed S-100 protein and focally tyrosinase. The tumor cells were negative for HMB-45 and MART-1. Melanosomes were not identified by electron microscopy. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential of melanoma to simulate DFSP closely, on both morphologic and immunohistochemical grounds, and confirms the utility of employing a broad panel of immunohistochemical reagents in problematic cases.
Neutron strength functions and average total cross sections. II. The behavior of the average cross sections and the s-wave scattering lengths

Abstract Average neutron total cross sections have been measured in the keV region for natural samples of KCl, Sc, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, RbBr, CsI, Ce, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Hg, and for the separated isotopes 144,146,148Nd and 149,152Sm. The measurements were combined with those made earlier here (TUNL) and elsewhere to give total data set which is comprised of the total corss sections for most of the natural elements and many separated isotopes. The cross sections were averaged over hundreds of keV and compared to various optical model calculations. The data are in fair agreement with spherical optical model calculations below A = 140 and in poor agreement for heavier nuclei. The calculations using deformed potentials agree much better with the data, especially above A = 140. The s-, p-, and d-wave strength functions, the s-(or R′) and p-wave phase shifts were extracted from the average cross sections of the nuclei mentioned above by the Duke average cross section method, but in this paper only and R′ are discussed (see Part III for strength functions). The values of R′, supplemented by those from other measurements, made both here and elsewhere, were compared to available optical model calculations which use deformed optical potentials. The calculations agree fairly well with the data. Measurements of R′ indicate that it rises much more rapidly at A = 140 than would be predicted by the spherical optical model and confirm the rapid rise predicted by the deformed model. Similarly, a rise in R′ is evident around mass number A = 50, however, enough experimental points are not available for a detailed comparison with theory.
Probabilistically Cued Patterns Trump Perfect Cues in Statistical Language Learning

Probabilistically-cued co-occurrence relationships between word categories are common in natural languages but difficult to acquire. For example, in English, determiner-noun and auxiliary-verb dependencies both involve co-occurrence relationships, but determiner-noun relationships are more reliably marked by correlated distributional and phonological cues, and appear to be learned more readily. We tested whether experience with co-occurrence relationships that are more reliable promotes learning those that are less reliable using an artificial language paradigm. Prior experience with deterministically-cued contingencies did not promote learning of less reliably-cued structure, nor did prior experience with relationships instantiated in the same vocabulary. In contrast, prior experience with probabilistically-cued co-occurrence relationships instantiated in different vocabulary did enhance learning. Thus, experience with co-occurrence relationships sharing underlying structure but not vocabulary may be an important factor in learning grammatical patterns. Furthermore, experience with probabilistically-cued co-occurrence relationships, despite their difficultly for naive learners, lays an important foundation for learning novel probabilistic structure.
Stress-free Microinjections in Conscious Rats

Microinjections are a major tool in modern neuroscience. Microinjection techniques in conscious animals typically involve four steps: (1) animal adapts to experimental setup; (2) injection system is filled and the microinjector is carefully inserted; (3) a drug solution is injected; (4) 1-2 min later the microinjector is carefully removed. Steps 2 and 4 are difficult to perform in rodents without disturbing the animal. This disruption can cause stress and accompanying tachycardia and hyperthermia - unwanted artifacts in physiological research. To reduce these effects, we altered the traditional approach. Our procedure of microinjection consisted of the following steps: (1) we filled the injection setup and fixed the microinjector in its guide cannula; (2) allowed an animal to adapt to the setup; (3) performed an experiment including microinjection(s); (4) removed the microinjector after the experiment was complete. The key change we incorporated was a 1m long piece of tubing with a small internal diameter; it allowed us to inject nanoliter volumes through the injector which had been placed into the guide cannula in advance. This way we avoided the usual manipulations related to microinjection, and minimized extraneous disturbances to the rat. In this report we describe the details of this technique in conscious rats and provide examples of the effects and the reproducibility of a 100 nL drug injection on cardiovascular function.
From the Editor of Sexuality and Disability: Relationship 2012

The increase in our journal’s Impact Factor highlights a steady increasing relationship with readership and authorship. Original paper, medial reviews, commentaries, book reviews and topic reviews provide an arena for the dissemination of cutting-edge scholarly work from around the world. The field continues to move from a focus solely on physical function to mind–body expression, from disability to ability to access, from limitations to choices, from the research lab to the community, from academic dialogue to the challenging socio-political debates, and from discrimination and denial to recognition-tolerance-acceptance. The words ‘‘sexuality’’ and ‘‘disability’’ are less whispered but more recognized as aspects of the human condition to legitimately address and assist. These words are not to be feared and avoided. Rather, we must acknowledge and embrace the needs while respecting the beauty and strengths inherent in being human and relating to others and to ourself. Sexuality and Disability provides original impact articles addressing the mental health and medical aspects of sexuality in relation to rehabilitation, hospital, academic and community settings, publishing up-to-date articles, case studies, clinical practice reports, reviews, featured articles, historical articles, special grand rounds topics, brief research reports and survey data reports. Value benefit is provided to authors through worldwide electronic exposure and professional access, while readership gains from scholarly contributions to advance the field through research, best-practice and educational articles. The refined lens of individual contributions from the local and international community continues to deliver a wealth of information on the topic of sexuality and disability for the reader. Thank you for joining us.
Tell me about my family: a study of cooperative research on ancestry.com

Q&A forums for the exchange of genealogical information are becoming increasingly common on the web. Yet, relatively little is known about the socio-technical dimensions of genealogists' interactions in such forums. This study examined exchanges between genealogists on a popular Q&A message board on Ancestry.com. Our findings suggest that the web context shapes the types of exchanges and cooperative activities in which genealogists engage. Research has found that in face-to-face exchanges genealogists tend to help other genealogists by providing instructional guidance both on a one-to-one and a many-to-one basis. Our findings suggest that the presence of online genealogical data and the affordances of interactive computer technologies may be pushing answerers away from providing instruction on how to find family history data and pushing them toward providing those data outright. Answerers worked cooperatively to provide family data, suggesting that the web context is leading many genealogists to engage in cooperative research not collaborative instruction.
Baryon Masses and Axial Couplings in the Combined 1/$N_c$ and Chiral Expansions

The effective theory for baryons with a combined 1/N{sub c} and chiral expansions is analyzed for non-strange baryons. Results for baryon masses and axial couplings are obtained in the small scale expansion, to be coined as the {xi}-expansion, in which the 1/N{sub c} and the low energy power countings are linked according to 1/N{sub c}=O({xi})=O(p). Masses and axial couplings are analyzed to O({xi}{sup 3}) and O({xi}{sup 2}) respectively, which correspond to next-to-next to leading order evaluations, and require one-loop contributions in the effective theory. The role of the spin-flavor approximate symmetry in baryons, consequence of the large N{sub c} limit, is manifested in the physical world with N{sub c}=3 in a significant way, as the analysis of its breaking in the masses and the axial couplings show. Applications to the recent lattice QCD results on baryon masses and the nucleon's axial coupling are presented. It is shown that those results are naturally described within the effective theory at the order considered in the {xi}-expansion.
The structure of a serotonin and LSD binding site of myelin basic protein

Experiments have established the presence of a serotonin binding site in the tryptophan region of myelin basic protein. LSD competes for this binding site in vivo and in vitro. Although previous models have been suggested for the site, these models failed to explain the results of serotonin modification studies or the mode of LSD binding to the site. A new model of the site is proposed to rectify these problems. Means of testing the model are suggested. Implications for understanding neuroreceptor physiology, specificity, and disease are discussed. The name "molecular sandwiching" is suggested to describe the binding process.
The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment on the Relationships between P–O Fit, Job Satisfaction, and In-role Performance

The direct relationships between person–organization fit (P–O fit) and multiple individual-level outcomes such as job satisfaction and in-role performance have been heavily studied in the extant literature; potential mediators of these relationships have been studied much less frequently. Consequently, a complete picture of the psychology surrounding P–O fit is missing. This research aims to begin to fill this gap in the literature. A sample of university faculty and staff with supervisor-rated performance feedback is used to examine the potential mediating role of psychological empowerment on these established relationships. Results from this sample indicate that psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between P–O fit and in-role performance, as well as between P–O fit and job satisfaction. These results imply that an individual’s perceived fit in their organization impacts their perceptions of management practices which, in turn, influences important behaviors and attitudes toward work. Study findings begin to explain how P–O fit impacts employee attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we find that individual cognitions regarding impact and self-determination appear to be two factors that explain the relationship between P–O fit and job satisfaction as well as the relationship between P–O fit and in-role performance.
Measurement of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylase activities in in vivo conditions.

Microassay procedures for cAMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylase were developed which detected these activities in less than 25 μ g of frozen-dried epidermis from a punch biopsy of skin without homogenization. Using these procedures, the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylase by β -adrenergic stimulation in mouse skin was studied in vivo . Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was stimulated by isoproterenol and inhibited by propranolol. Isoproterenol stimulation also activated phosphorylase a in mouse skin. In normal epidermis and uninvolved and involved epidermis from psoriatic patients no significant differences were found in the activities of cAMP-dependent kinase and phosphorylase a. In all experiments we observed that the unstimulated activity ratios of phosphorylase a/total phosphorylase were around 20~30%; these values were much lower than those hitherto reported and show a preponderance of phosphorylase b rather than a. We suggest that in previous reports where phosphorylase a domination was found, phosphorylase b to a activation occurred during homogenization. The data also suggest that in the steady state no obvious defect in basic activities of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylase is observed in psoriatic skin.
A method for accurate in silico modeling of ultrasound transducer arrays

This paper presents a new approach to improve the in silico modeling of ultrasound transducer arrays. While current simulation tools accurately predict the theoretical element spatio-temporal pressure response, transducers do not always behave as theorized. In practice, using the probe's physical dimensions and published specifications in silico, often results in unsatisfactory agreement between simulation and experiment. We describe a general optimization procedure used to maximize the correlation between the observed and simulated spatio-temporal response of a pulsed single element in a commercial ultrasound probe. A linear systems approach is employed to model element angular sensitivity, lens effects, and diffraction phenomena. A numerical deconvolution method is described to characterize the intrinsic electro-mechanical impulse response of the element. Once the response of the element and optimal element characteristics are known, prediction of the pressure response for arbitrary apertures and excitation signals is performed through direct convolution using available tools. We achieve a correlation of 0.846 between the experimental emitted waveform and simulated waveform when using the probe's physical specifications in silico. A far superior correlation of 0.988 is achieved when using the optimized in silico model. Electronic noise appears to be the main effect preventing the realization of higher correlation coefficients. More accurate in silico modeling will improve the evaluation and design of ultrasound transducers as well as aid in the development of sophisticated beamforming strategies.
A critical look at the assumptions of cognitive therapy.

Abstract The cognitive perspective has been a dominant force in psychology and psychotherapy since the 1970s. Cognitive therapists assume that changing cognition is the key to bringing about changes in emotional reactions and symptomatic behaviors. This article examines evidence that is not consistent with the assumptions of cognitive therapy. First, neurobiological evidence is not consistent with the assumption that cognitions are necessary for emotions. Limbic structures allow for the possibility that emotions can be experienced without cortical processing. Second, research indicates that experiences can be stored as isolated affective fragments that distort cognitive functions. The assumptions of contemporary psychoanalytic models of therapy are consistent with this evidence.
MO‐A‐202‐01: Patient Dose and the Modern Angiographic System

Recently, the FDA announced a new initiative to promote the safe use of fluoroscopy and CT devices which includes enhancement of radiation dose measurement, display and recording. This initiative has resulted from increased scrutiny of patient radiation exposure from medical procedures and notable incidents of deterministic effects resulting from high exposure levels. In the present environment, it is critical that medical physicists have a clear understanding of radiation dose quantities and measurement methods. This course will focus on radiation dose in fluoroscopic equipment. Quality controltesting of fluoroscopy systems should include measurement of patient dose to ensure dose rates are appropriate and meet regulatory requirements and verify that displayed dose values are accurate. The medical physicist should also understand the variation in dose rate and image quality with respect to spectral filtration, kVp, pulse rate and patient thickness. This understanding is necessary to ensure appropriate dose settings are available to the operator. Education of fluoroscopy operators in how to optimize image quality and minimize patient dose is another important role for the medical physicist. Learning Objectives: 1. Review fluoroscopic dose quantities. 2. Understand the operation of kerma‐area‐product meters. 3. Learn how to verify the accuracy of displayed dose values, including recommended quality controltesting frequencies and control limits. 4. Understand how to measure fluoroscopy and fluorography phantom entrance air kerma for comparison to expected reference standards and regulatory maximum limits. 5. Review equipment factors and operator factors that affect patient fluoroscopy dose and image quality optimization.
Computer use among community-based primary care physician preceptors.

AbstractPurpose.Use of the Internet to access biomedical information in patient care has important implications in medical education. Little is known about how community-based clinical teachers use computers in their offices and what factors, such as age, may influence use.Method.A total of 178 acti
DC bias effects on data retention at room temperature in SONOS nonvolatile memory devices

This paper reports on a significant charge loss phenomenon at room temperature by a small DC bias applied to the gate of a SONOS (Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon) transistor, with a negative bias for program state (excess electrons) and a positive bias for erase state (excess holes). The decay rate of the program or erase threshold voltage is found to fit an exponential function of gate bias. This exponential bias dependence may be explained by Frenkel-Poole emission of trapped charge in the nitride layer. The charge decay by DC bias correlates with the data retention at elevated temperatures. The bias acceleration feature can be used as a quick room-temperature retention screen in place of the conventional and more time-consuming high-temperature screen, particularly for wafer-level sampling. The results explain the gate read disturbance and suggests the gate bias for read operation to be set around 0 V for minimum read disturbance.
Disease ecology meets ecological immunology: understanding the links between organismal immunity and infection dynamics in natural populations

Summary 1. Ecological immunology and disease ecology are two relatively young disciplines that apply ecological approaches and principles to traditionally non-ecological fields. In both cases, an ecological perspective has allowed new insights to emerge by focusing attention on variation over space and time, and by emphasizing the role of the environment in shaping individual responses and the outcome of host-pathogen interactions. Here we review the growing conceptual interface between these two rapidly evolving fields. 2. Areas of synergy between ecological immunology and disease ecology aim to translate variation in within-host processes (e.g. immunity) into between-host dynamics (e.g. parasite transmission). Emerging areas of synergy include potential immune mechanisms that underlie host heterogeneity in disease susceptibility, teasing apart the effects of environmental factors such as seasonality and climate on host susceptibility and pathogen dynamics, and predicting the outcome of co-infection by functionally distinct groups of parasites that elicit different immune responses. 3. In some cases, practical limitations have constrained the merging of ideas in ecological immunology and disease ecology. We discuss several logistical challenges, including dissecting the relative roles of host exposure and susceptibility, establishing links between measures of immunity and pathogen resistance in wild populations, and incorporating relevant immune variation into prevailing disease ecology modeling frameworks. 4. Future work at the interface of these two fields should advance understanding of life-history theory, host-pathogen dynamics, and physiological ecology, and will also contribute to targeted approaches for wildlife health and zoonotic disease prevention.
The Consummate Comparative Public Administrationist: A Tribute to Ferrel Heady, 1916–2006

Ferrel Heady died on August 16, 2006, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together with Fred Riggs, he is widely known and respected as one of the founders of comparative public administration. In this tribute to our friend and colleague, we touch on the highlights of his distinguished career as a scholar, an academic administrator, and a person who lived up to his own high standards of honesty and integrity in every aspect of his life. We assess his body of work, attempt to summarize its significance, and reproduce comments about him sent to us by his friends and colleagues. This tribute is accompanied by reflections on Ferrel written by Fred Riggs.
In senescence, age‐associated B cells secrete TNFα and inhibit survival of B‐cell precursors

Aged mice exhibit ~ 5-10-fold increases in an ordinarily minor CD21/35(-) CD23(-) mature B-cell subset termed age-associated B cells (ABCs). ABCs from old, but not young, mice induce apoptosis in pro-B cells directly through secretion of TNFα. In addition, aged ABCs, via TNFα, stimulate bone marrow cells to suppress pro-B-cell growth. ABC effects can be prevented by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Notably, CD21/35(+) CD23(+) follicular (FO) splenic and FO-like recirculating bone marrow B cells in both young and aged mice contain a subpopulation that produces IL-10. Unlike young adult FO B cells, old FO B cells also produce TNFα; however, secretion of IL-10 within this B-cell population ameliorates the TNFα-mediated effects on B-cell precursors. Loss of B-cell precursors in the bone marrow of old mice in vivo was significantly associated with increased ABC relative to recirculating FO-like B cells. Adoptive transfer of aged ABC into RAG-2 KO recipients resulted in significant losses of pro-B cells within the bone marrow. These results suggest that alterations in B-cell composition during old age, in particular, the increase in ABC within the B-cell compartments, contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment within the bone marrow. This provides a mechanism of inappropriate B-cell 'feedback' that promotes down-regulation of B lymphopoiesis in old age.
Politics, Development strategy, and Family y Planning Programs in India and Pakistan

The Indian government adopted a national family planning program in 1951 and the Pakistani government did the same in 1960. It was not until 1965 that programs in both countries got underway on a large scale. Despite Indias headstart family planning success was greater in Pakistan measured by both the IUD insertion and the sterilization programs. Pakistans superior performance was achieved without any of the natural advantages usually considered necessary for national success in family planning. The sociological and demographic variables associated with family planning were actually less favorable in Pakistan. The following aspects of the 2 programs are discussed: 1) history 2) local administration 3) delivery of services 4) politics and population policy planning and 5) the role of foreign assistance. During this period the government of Pakistan chose to encourage economic development at the expense of politics. The political and administrative characteristics which enabled Pakistan to carry out a more effective family planning program were the same characteristics of the political system which led to the forced resignation of President Ayub in 1969 and the political chaos that followed. During this same period India stressed its democratic political institutions at the expense of economic growth and forfeited a chance for greater success in its family planning program.
Validating Secure Connections between Wireless Devices in Pervasive Computing Using Data Matrix

This paper describes the techniques for establishing secure associations between mobile devices in pervasive computing where the communications are often established with minimal priori knowledge. An improved method for securing the association by comparing a hashed key using Data Matrix will be presented. A Data Matrix displayed or printed on another device in the association is captured with a built-in digital camera. The image is then used to validate the device's public key.
Acute disruption of select steroid receptor coactivators prevents reproductive behavior in rats and unmasks genetic adaptation in knockout mice.

Estrogen (E) and progesterone exert profound influence on development and reproduction. In vitro, steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) are nuclear proteins that interact with DNA-bound steroid receptors to potentiate their transcriptional efficiency. We examined the effects of antisense oligonucleotides to SRC-1, SRC-2, and SRC-3 on female sexual behavior and steroid receptormediated transcription. Rat (r) SRC-1, rSRC-2, and rSRC-3 genes were cloned. Our results reveal a significant inhibitory effect by antisense (AS) to SRC-1 and SRC-2, but not SRC-3, on hormoneinduced reproductive behavior. Importantly, sexual behavior was attenuated through estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent, rather than progesterone receptor (PR)-dependent, transcription, as E failed to induce the synthesis of PR content in the medial basal hypothalamus, and immunoreactive PR in the ventromedial nucleus were depleted in tissue from rSRC-1-AS- and rSRC-2-AS-treated, but not rSRC-3-AS-treated, rats primed with E. Consistent with interruption of ER-induced transcription, high dose of E and epidermal growth factor alone failed to induce sexual behavior in females treated with either rSRC-1-AS or SRC-2-AS. Immunoreactive SRC-1 and SRC-2, but not SRC-3, proteins were abundant in the ventromedial nucleus, thus demonstrating that the biological activities of hypothalamic steroid receptors are selectively regulated by regional distribution of specific SRCs. As SRC-1 knockout mice have only a slight loss in reproductive function, the possibility that genetic adaptation occurs during development was tested. Mouse (m) SRC-1-AS suppressed lordosis in wildtype, but not SRC-1, knockout mice, whereas mSRC-2-AS suppressed behavior in both genotypes. mSRC-3-AS had no effect in either genotype, and SRC-3 knockout mice exhibited full receptivity. Collectively, the findings clearly implicate dual regulation of ER-dependent function by SRC-1 and SRC-2 in the intact female brain. In the genetic, but not acute, absence of SRC-1, upregulation of SRC-2 serves as a critical adaptive mechanism during female development. (Molecular Endocrinology 16: 1511–1523, 2002)