cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A fast neutron polarimeter with carbon analyzer and pulse-shape discrimination

Abstract A description is given of a fast neutron polarimeter. The instrument has been used with a carbon analyzer to study the 9 Be (p, n ) reaction with proton energies from 4.8 to 6.4 MeV. Spurious and undesired events are rejected by a combination of pulse shape, pulse height, and time-of-flight discrimination. The results are comparable with those obtained with a helium analyzer.
One-Session Treatment for Specific Phobias: A Review of Öst's Single-Session Exposure with Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this brief paper is to review the current status of one-session treatment (OST) for specific phobias in children and adolescents. Following a brief historical overview and description of OST, we systematically describe eight studies that have examined its efficacy in children and adolescents aged between 7 and17 years. We also explore phobia subtypes, age, gender, and comorbidity as possible moderators of treatment outcome. Studies have been conducted in Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, the USA, and Sweden. Although there is limited evidence that OST works better for animal phobias than other subtypes of phobias and for girls than boys, across studies there is considerable evidence that it is generally effective across phobia subtypes and for both boys and girls. No age differences in outcomes were noted, nor were any differences noted due to comorbidity. OST was found to be equally effective with children and adolescents with co-occurring multiple phobias and other anxiety disorders. M...
Using the Child Behavior Checklist With African American and Caucasian American Adopted Youth

The purpose of this study is to examine the cross-ethnic measurement equivalence of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 6- to 18-year-olds (2001, parent version) using a sample of African American special needs adopted children, along with a comparison group of Caucasian American special needs adopted children. Reliability and multiple sources of postdictive criterion-related validity were analyzed, and a confirmatory factor analysis of the CBCL within and between participating groups was performed. The results indicate that for practical purposes, the CBCL items appear reliable but not valid in terms of assessing the mental health profiles of both African American and Caucasian youth. These findings are significant because they have important implications for the practical utility of the CBCL in the field for adopted youth.
Strain Transfer in Ventricular Cardiomyocytes to Their Transverse Tubular System Revealed by Scanning Confocal Microscopy

The transverse tubular system (t-system) is a major site for signaling in mammalian ventricular cardiomyocytes including electrical signaling and excitation-contraction coupling. It consists of membrane invaginations, which are decorated with various proteins including mechanosensitive ion channels. Here, we investigated mechanical modulation of the t-system. By applying fluorescent markers, three-dimensional scanning confocal microscopy, and methods of digital image analysis, we studied isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes under different strains. We demonstrate that strain at the cellular level is transmitted to the t-system, reducing the length and volume of tubules and altering their cross-sectional shape. Our data suggest that a cellular strain of as little as 5% affects the shape of transverse tubules, which has important implications for the function of mechanosensitive ion channels found in them. Furthermore, our study supports a prior hypothesis that strain can cause fluid exchange between the t-system and extracellular space.
Chronic Network Stimulation Enhances Evoked Action Potentials

Neurons cultured on multielectrode arrays almost always lack external stimulation except during the acute experimental phase. We have investigated the effects of chronic stimulation during the course of development in cultured hippocampal neural networks by applying paired pulses at half of the electrodes for 0, 1 or 3 r/day for 8 days. Spike latencies increased from 4 to 16 ms as the distance from the stimulus increased from 200 to 1700 microm, suggesting an average of four synapses over this distance. Compared to no chronic stimulation, our results indicate that chronic stimulation increased evoked spike counts per stimulus by 50% at recording sites near the stimulating electrode and increased the instantaneous firing rate. On trials where both pulses elicited responses, spike count was 40-80% higher than when only one of the pulses elicited a response. In attempts to identify spike amplitude plasticity, we found mainly amplitude variation with different latencies suggesting recordings from neurons with different identities. These data suggest plastic network changes induced by chronic stimulation that enhance the reliability of information transmission and the efficiency of multisynaptic network communication.
Electrospray mass spectrometry for actinides and lanthanide speciation

Electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) is a new speciation technique that has the great interest to be able to probe the element, the ligand and the complex in order to reach the speciation. This paper will focus on the use of ES-MS for the speciation of actinides/lanthanides on several systems of interest in various fields such as the interaction between DTPA (decorporant) and europium, HEBP and uranium, BTP (new extracting agent) and lanthanides with comparison with known chemistry as well as whenever possible with other speciation techniques.
ILLINET: a 32 Mbits/sec. local-area network

ILLINET is a fiber-optical ring network designed to provide wide band linkages between host computers for the purpose of facilitating file transfers at speeds near those of fast I/O devices in the hosts. Its structure is similar to the Distributed Computing System. ILLINET will eventually connect several PDP-11's, a PRIME computer and a network of microcomputers. These computers are used in a variety of real-time and batch processing applications. Currently they are already interconnected via 9600 band lines in a star configuration to provide access to simple terminals. This paper describes the network architecture, control structure, and hardware configuration of ILLINET.
Influence of pressure on the combustion rate of carbon

The influence of pressure on the combustion rates of carbon (or coal) particles is shown, by comparison of prediction with experiment, to be zero to minor in the temperature range studied. This result is contrary to the empirical ( n th order) assumption widely adopted in much of the literature that predicts a substantial pressure dependence at all temperatures. Two models were used in the comparison, and the results were compared with three independent experimental sets of data. These experiments were measurements of burning times of single coal particles by Tidona [19] at 1, 1.5, and 2 atm; reaction rates of char particles by Monson et al. [15] at 1, 5, 10, and 15 atm; and (noncritical) ignition temperatures of coal particles in the pressure range 0.4–1.7 atm [20]. The first model was based on the fundamental Langmuir-Nusselt-Thiele suite of theoretical equations in the form of the extended resistance equation (ERE) [35]. The second model combined the Nusselt BLD analysis with the empirical n th order assumption that the reaction rate at all temperatures is proportional to the n th power of the partial pressure of the oxygen concentration ( p ox n ) [2,3]. The ERE model was able to predict the structural form of the experimental results with adequate prediction of numerical values, particularly of the reaction rates measured by Monson et al. In particular, the ERE predictions and experiments jointly showed small to no dependency of the rates on pressure, contrary to the predictions of the empirical model. We conclude that the empirical model has no experimental support for the assumptions made and that fundamentally based equations can be developed or already exist that can be used to predict carbon combustion reaction rates at elevated or reduced pressure with acceptable confidence.
Unusual metastasis of a human colonic tumour xenograft in the hamster brain.

IT is commonly believed that malignant tumours do not retain their capacity to metastasize when grown in alien hosts. We have shown, however, that a number of histopathologically diverse neoplasms of human origin can become serially transplantable as highly invasive and metastatic tumours in unconditioned, adult golden hamsters1–3. To explain this unusual event, I have considered the hypothesis that the malignant progression of certain neoplasms in a foreign species is related to a fusion of the genome of donor tumour cells with that of host cells; that is, the production of heterokaryons4. Those heterotransplantable tumours that still retain characteristics of their species of origin seem to be more limited in their malignant potential. Nevertheless, Greene and Harvey5 have shown that even these are capable of vascular invasion and subsequent blood passage in xenogeneic hosts, but not true metastasis. We report that a usually non-metastatic neoplasm can, in certain circumstances, exhibit metastasis in a xenogeneic host, even while retaining its original species identity.
Multicarrier Communication Over Underwater Acoustic Channels With Nonuniform Doppler Shifts

Underwater acoustic (UWA) channels are wideband in nature due to the small ratio of the carrier frequency to the signal bandwidth, which introduces frequency-dependent Doppler shifts. In this paper, we treat the channel as having a common Doppler scaling factor on all propagation paths, and propose a two-step approach to mitigating the Doppler effect: 1) nonuniform Doppler compensation via resampling that converts a "wideband" problem into a "narrowband" problem and 2) high-resolution uniform compensation of the residual Doppler. We focus on zero-padded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to minimize the transmission power. Null subcarriers are used to facilitate Doppler compensation, and pilot subcarriers are used for channel estimation. The receiver is based on block-by-block processing, and does not rely on channel dependence across OFDM blocks; thus, it is suitable for fast-varying UWA channels. The data from two shallow-water experiments near Woods Hole, MA, are used to demonstrate the receiver performance. Excellent performance results are obtained even when the transmitter and the receiver are moving at a relative speed of up to 10 kn, at which the Doppler shifts are greater than the OFDM subcarrier spacing. These results suggest that OFDM is a viable option for high-rate communications over wideband UWA channels with nonuniform Doppler shifts.
Voter responses to challenger opportunity costs

Abstract How do voters evaluate candidates in competitive elections? Gordon et al. [Gordon, S.C., Huber, G.A., Landa, D., 2007. Challenger entry and voter learning. American Political Science Review 101 (May), pp. 303–320.] present a model in which the fact of a serious electoral challenge conveys information about the relative competence of the candidates, over and above that conveyed by observable measures of candidate quality. The model predicts differences in voters' responses to candidates depending on challenger opportunity costs. Taken together, these predictions diverge from those associated with an alternative theoretical account. We take advantage of the variation in challenger opportunity costs afforded by state legislative term limits to evaluate the model's predictions. State legislators frequently challenge sitting members of the U.S. House. Those who are term-limited have less to lose from running, whereas those who are not must often risk their current position in pursuit of higher office. Using data on voter attitudes and knowledge about House elections involving state legislators, we find compelling evidence that voters respond to variation in challenger opportunity costs in a manner consistent with the model's predictions.
Alterations in trkB mRNA in the human prefrontal cortex throughout the lifespan

Signalling through tyrosine kinase receptor B (trkB) influences neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptogenesis. trkB exists in a full-length form (trkB(TK+)), which contains a catalytic tyrosine kinase (TK) domain, and a truncated form (trkB(TK-)), which lacks this domain. In the rodent brain, expression of trkB(TK+) decreases and trkBTK- increases during postnatal life. We hypothesized that both forms of trkB receptor mRNA would be present in the human neocortex and that the developmental profile of trkB gene expression in human may be distinct from that in rodent. We detected both trkB(TK+) and trkB(TK-) mRNA in RNA extracted from multiple human brain regions by Northern blot. Using in situ hybridization, we found trkB(TK+) mRNA in all cortical layers, with highest expression in layer IV and intermediate-to-high expression in layers III and V of the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. trkB(TK+) mRNA was present in neurons with both pyramidal and nonpyramidal shapes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. trkB(TK+) mRNA levels were significantly increased in layer III in young adults as compared with infants and the elderly. In the elderly, trkB(TK+) mRNA levels were reduced markedly in all cortical layers. Unlike the mRNA encoding the full-length form of trkB, trkB(TK-) mRNA was distributed homogeneously across the grey matter, and trkB(TK-) mRNA levels increased only slightly during postnatal life. The results suggest that neurons in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are responsive to neurotrophins throughout postnatal life and that this responsiveness may be modulated during the human lifespan.
Persistent AMPA receptor stimulation alters [Ca2+]i homeostasis in cultures of embryonic dopaminergic neurons

The effect of the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist, AMPA, on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was studied in dopaminergic neurons present in primary cultures of ventral tegmental mesencephalon of 14 day rat embryos. Exposure of cells to 10 microM AMPA for 1 min increased [Ca2+]i by 2-3 fold in dopaminergic and other neurons and this response was obliterated within 5 min by superfusion with AMPA-free incubation buffer. In dopaminergic neurons, 1 min or 5 min exposure to 50 microM AMPA increased [Ca2+]i 3 to 5 times over control values. This rise in [Ca2+]i persisted even after a 20 min superfusion with AMPA-free media, whereas, [Ca2+]i in non-dopaminergic neurons was reversed to control values during this time. Preincubation (2 min) of cultured cells with NBQX or the L-type channel blocker, nifedipine, but not with MK-801 blunted the rise of [Ca2+]i in dopaminergic and other neurons. Pretreatment with 2 microM NBQX shifted the dose response curve for AMPA to the right without changing the basal [Ca2+]i. The presence of 10 microM dantrolene, a blocker of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, did not alter the initial rise of [Ca2+]i elicited by 50 microM AMPA, but prevented the destabilization of Ca2+ homeostasis by facilitating the recovery to normal of basal [Ca2+]i. Exposure to 50 microM AMPA (5 min) caused an irreversible increase of [Ca2+]i in dopaminergic neurons and cell death was manifested by propidium iodide uptake 6-7 h after AMPA exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Parametric images of antibody pharmacokinetics in Bi213-HuM195 therapy of leukemia.

Kinetic analysis of gamma camera patient images can provide time-dependent information about antibody behavior. Current region-of-interest–based techniques for the kinetic analysis of these images rely on user selection and drawing of regions to be analyzed. Such analyses do not reveal unexpected kinetic activity outside of the selected regions of interest and do not provide a whole-image assessment regarding the pharmacokinetics of an agent. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a method for generating images in which the pixel value represents a kinetic parameter has been developed. This work extends the method into a new application in which whole-body parametric images are used to examine the kinetics of Bi213-HuM195 in patients with leukemia. Methods: Bi213-HuM195 is typically administered in multiple injections over 2–4 d, yielding a progressive increase in the amount of antibody administered. Patients are injected with individual doses while positioned in a gamma camera, and imaging is initiated at the start of the injection. The acquisition is performed in dynamic mode with images collected at several time intervals over 1 h. Using software developed in-house, images are corrected for patient movement through iterative alignments, decay corrected, and summed to yield a series of images over regular time intervals. Parametric rate images are obtained by fitting a linear expression to the counts in each pixel. In this study, rate images from a patient’s first injection were compared with rate images from the last injection. Results: The conventional planar images of antibody distribution showed significant uptake in liver, spleen, and marrow, whereas the generated rate images displayed different patterns, sometimes with negative values in liver and spleen and positive values in marrow, reflecting clearance and uptake rates rather than total accumulation. The impact of the progressive increase in antibody administration was observed by comparing the first with the last rate images. Interpatient comparisons were also made and showed that rate image patterns varied depending on patient-specific conditions such as the amount of disease and previous therapies undergone by the patient. Conclusion: Rate images make it possible to succinctly display kinetic information about an agent’s behavior over the entire acquired image.
Synthesis of Inorganic Polymer-Ceramic Molecular Composites

The logical development of thermally stable polymers is based upon forming true molecular composites comprised of both polymer and ceramic components. This paper describes our initial studies on the synthesis of composite materials that are expected to produce films with thermal stability to 500°C.
Roe v. Wade at 30: what are the prospects for abortion provision?

What then are the prospects for abortion provision in the United States in the next 30 years? Assuming that Roe v. Wade remains the law of the land there are grounds for both considerable concern and cautious optimism. The opponents of abortion are not going away and battles will continue to be waged on many fronts—vociferously in the halls of Congress and in front of clinics and more quietly in hospital administrators’ suites (as decisions are made about incorporating abortion services) and in offices of the small businesses (such as laundries) that are pressured by antiabortion groups not to service local clinics. Prochoice forces will win some of these battles and lose others. Certainly new technologies that have the potential to expand abortion access and to facilitate earlier abortions (and thus perhaps change the cultural meaning of abortion) are an important development as are the numerous activities of newly energized prochoice medical organizations. Ultimately however the prochoice movement’s greatest asset in this ongoing struggle is the extraordinary dedication of the health care professionals who have—in spite of everything—taken on abortion provision and developed a passion for their work that one rarely hears about in other areas of medicine. (excerpt)
Influence of Various Sugars, Chromium and Other Trace Metals on Serum Cholesterol and Glucose of Rats

Because the feeding of brown sugar or chromium(III) to rats had been found to produce lowered serum cholesterol levels for 11 months, studies were continued to 23 months of age to ascertain long-term effects. In addition an attempt was made to discover other trace factors influencing choles terol and glucose metabolism. Groups of rats were fed a torula yeast, sucrose and lard diet, with refined white sugar, dark brown sugar or raw sugar. The diet con tained 0.08, 0.16 and 0.14 Mg/g chromium, respectively, dry weight. One group fed white sugar was given 5 ppm chromium in drinking water, and all were given the other essential trace metals. A standard diet of rye, milk and corn oil was fed to other groups of rats, with or without chromium in water, and with cadmium, nickel and molybdenum. The feeding of white sugar plus chromium, brown sugar or raw sugar retarded the rise of serum cholesterol with age characteristic of chromium deficiency. The feeding of brown sugar lowered fasting serum glucose levels up to 11 months of age but not thereafter in females; in males the level rose after 11 months but did not rise to the levels of the white sugar group. Chro mium was hyperglycA©mie with age, whereas the feeding of brown sugar to male rats was accompanied by lesser elevations at older ages, and raw sugar had mini mal effects in both sexes. In rats fed the starch diet, the addition of 5 ppm chro mium usually resulted in depression of serum cholesterol and glucose levels, the addition of 50 ppm cadmium had no consistent effects, and the feeding of 50 ppm molybdenum alone without other trace elements resulted in effects on cholesterol similar to those of chromium. The torula yeast diet contained little vitamin E, and neurological symptoms of vitamin E deficiency occurred in all animals fed this diet for 18 to 24 months. J. Nutr. 101: 247-258, 1971.
Bilobed fibula flap for reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects.

Background. The role of fibula free flaps for reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects is examined. Methods. Thirty-four patients underwent reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects using fibula free flaps that contain large, bilobed skin paddles for simultaneous reconstruction of intraoral mucosa and external skin. We examined the incidence of wound healing complications, the need for revision reconstructive surgery, and factors affecting the incidence of complications. Results. Wound healing complications occurred in 50% of patients. There was a relatively high incidence of partial flap necrosis (26%) and revision surgery (41%). The area of the flap skin paddle was significantly associated with the risk of partial flap necrosis and the need for revision surgery. Conclusions. Many through-and-through oromandibular defects can be successfully reconstructed using a fibula free flap that contains a large, bilobed skin paddle. However, wound healing complications are increased when the flap skin paddle area exceeds 300 cm2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007.
Communication Assessment and Intervention: Implications for Pediatric Hearing Loss

Historically, children with hearing loss have fallen well behind their hearing peers in the areas of speech and language development, which has often limited their participation in a range of social, educational, and vocational activities. However, with early identification and appropriate intervention coupled with current hearing technology, children with hearing loss can achieve speech and language milestones at rates commensurate with hearing peers. To attain the best outcomes for these children, an early intervention system that provides thorough and unbiased information to families and allows for the efficient and coordinated efforts of qualified professionals must be present.
Intraosseous lipoma of the os calcis

The authors present three cases of a rare calcaneal tumor, intraosseous lipoma. The differentiation of intraosseous lipoma from other benign tumors is discussed. The diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.
Functional habitat connectivity for beach mice depends on perceived predation risk

Landscape features that promote animal movement contribute to functional habitat connectivity. Factors that affect the use of landscape features, such as predation risk, may alter functional connectivity. We identify factors important to functional habitat connectivity by quantifying movement patterns of the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus) in relation to landscape features and by examining how ambient perceived predation risk, which is altered by moon phase, interacts with landscape features. We use track paths across the sand to relate the probability that beach mice cross gaps between vegetation patches to gap width, patch quality, landscape context and moon phase. Overall activity levels were lower during full versus new moon nights, demonstrating that beach mice respond negatively to moonlight. Gap crossing was more likely during new moon nights (25 % of gaps crossed vs. 7 % during full moon nights), and across narrower gaps ( 11.75 m2). This study suggests that vegetation recovery is necessary for functional connectivity in post-hurricane landscapes commonly inhabited by beach mice and provides initial guidelines for restoring landscape connectivity. More broadly, this study highlights the importance of considering predation risk when quantifying landscape connectivity, as landscape features that facilitate connectivity when predation risk is low may be ineffective if predation risk increases over time or across space.
The nutritional requirements for the propagation of poliomyelitis virus by the HeLa cell.

Only minimal amounts of poliomyelitis virus were formed by HeLa cells placed in a medium free from glucose and glutamine, even if the medium contained an otherwise full complement of essential and non-essential amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, NB(4) (+), and serum protein. Conversely, within one log of the optimal yield of virus was formed by HeLa cells in a medium containing only glucose, glutamine, and salts, even if the cells had been starved in this medium for 12 hours prior to their inoculation. The presence of glucose alone caused an average 170-fold increase in viral output beyond the amounts formed by the glucose- and glutamine-depleted cells. The addition of glutamine alone caused an average 2000-fold increase; and the addition of both increased the viral formation 40,000-fold. Qualitatively similar results were obtained with unstarved cells, not previously depleted of glucose and glutamine. It follows that only a small proportion of HeLa cells are capable of forming virus unless either glucose or glutamine, or both, are present in the medium. The elaboration of virus was significantly delayed in media containing glucose but no glutamine. The absence of glucose and glutamine did not prevent the fixation of poliomyelitis virus by the cell. When these compounds were added to previously depleted cells even 6 hours after inoculation, and after the excess free virus had been removed by washing and by the addition of specific antiserum, normal amounts of virus were formed despite the degenerative changes caused by the previous glucose and glutamine deprivation. Possible functions of glucose and glutamine in the elaboration of virus are discussed in the text. Such factors other than glucose, glutamine, or salts (e.g. amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, vitamins, protein, or NH(4) (+)) as may be needed by HeLa cells for the propagation of poliomyelitis virus, need not be present in the medium and cannot be easily washed out of the cell. Even 12 hours' total deprivation of the cells in salt solution prior to inoculation only slightly decreased their virus-synthesizing capacity in a similarly deficient medium, provided only that adequate amounts of glucose and glutamine were retained.
A high resolution bio‐optical model of microalgal growth: Tests using sea‐ice algal community time‐series data

A high resolution, two-dimensional (z, t) time-dependent model of microalgal growth has been developed in which simulated physiological responses arc determined by ambient temperature, spectral irradiance, nutrient concentration, and salinity. The model is based on the concept ofa maximum temperaturedependent growth rate that is subsequently reduced by limitations imposed from insufficient light or nutrients, as well as sub- or supraoptimal salinity. Limitation terms for these variables are derived from studies of nutrient-, light-, and salinity-dependent algal growth (or photosynthetic) rates that have been normalized to maximum observed rates with respect to each variable. Particular emphasis was placed on developing the formulation for light limitation, which includes the effects of diel changes in spectral irradiance, seasonal changes in photoperiod, and related adjustments in biochemical C : Chl a ratios. This level of detail was needed because the importance of light limitation has been demonstrated on diurnal, seasonal, and annual time scales in polar regions. The model was tested by comparing simulation results to a sea-ice microalgal bloom in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in 1982. Environmental information from 1982 and biological coefftcients derived from sea-ice communities were used as model input. Model results showed excellent agreement with microalgal bloom dynamics observed in 1982 under a variety of environmental conditions. Predicted Chl a standing crops were consistently within 15% of observations for the congelation ice and platelet ice, regardless of snow thickness (snow-free, 5-cm, and IO-cm snowcover scenarios were tested), and predicted vertical distributions of Chl a exhibited the same depthdependent pattern as observations.
Revisions to IEEE Standard 519-1992

IEEE Standard 519-1992 is nearing the final stages of a revision. The major goals of this revision are to incorporate experience gained since 1992 and to further harmonize with other standards in this field, notably IEC Std. 61000-3-6. The major areas of revision which have been identified, drafted, and reviewed are summarized in this paper. These include the addition of harmonic voltage limits for point-of-common coupling locations with a rated voltage of less than 1.0 kV, the adoption of the harmonic measurement protocols of IEC Standard 61000-4-7, the inclusion of interharmonic limits, and the incorporation of statistical methods to capture time-varying aspects of harmonics in a way consistent with IEC Standard 61000-3-6. Additional topics which have been proposed as a result of the initial review process are also presented
Dangerous cows: An analysis of disinfection cleaning of computer keyboards on wheels

Keyboards in intensive care units have been shown to serve as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The thoroughness of disinfection cleaning of keyboards on computers on wheels (COWs) in an intensive care units of an academic medical center were evaluated using an invisible florescent marker, and the movements of the COWs were tracked using their serial numbers. Following a series of educational and programmatic interventions, we were able to improve the thoroughness of cleaning to 100%.
The Entrepreneur: Real and Imagined

Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, and Murray Rothbard were the main architects of the distinctly Austrian theory of production as it exists today. All three conceived the entrepreneurial function in the actual market economy as presupposing the ownership of property, specifically capital. Yet, many, if not most, contemporary Austrian economists conceive the entrepreneur as a pure decision-maker possessing superior “alertness” but owning no resources. This pure entrepreneur earns profits by “discovering” and seizing objectively existing but previously unperceived opportunities to arbitrage price discrepancies between a bundle of complementary inputs and the output it yields. That this is the essence of “the” Austrian theory of the entrepreneur and profit is accepted as a matter of course by those among the broader economics profession who are sympathetic to the Austrian approach. It is the goal of this paper to demonstrate that there is in the Austrian tradition traceable back to Carl Menger, a very definite and prominent strand of thought that conceives property ownership as central to the tasks that the entrepreneur characteristically performs in the real-world market economy. The managerial function . . . can never evolve into a substitute for entrepreneurship. The fallacy to the contrary is due to the error confusing the category of entrepreneurship as it is defined in the imaginary construction of functional distribution with conditions in a living and operating market economy. The function of the entrepreneur cannot be separated from the direction of the employment of factors of production for the accomplishment of definite tasks. The entrepreneur controls the factors of production; it is this control that brings him either entrepreneurial profit or loss. (Mises 1998, p. 302) Mr. Keynes obviously arrives at this view by an artificial separation of the function of the entrepreneurs as owners of capital and their function as entrepreneurs in the narrow sense. But these two functions cannot be absolutely separated even in theory, because the essential function of the entrepreneurs, that of assuming risks, necessarily implies the ownership of capital. Moreover, any new chance to make entrepreneurs’ profits is identical with a change in the opportunities to invest capital, and will always be reflected in the earnings (and value) of capital invested. (Hayek 1931, p. 277; emphasis in original) It is clear, therefore, that the process of equalization of rate of return throughout the economy, one that results in a uniform rate of interest, is the very same process that brings about the abolition of profits and losses in the ERE. . . . [I]f the . . . entrepreneur owns no assets, then how in the world does he earn profits? Profits, after all, are simply the other side of the coin of an increase in the value of one’s capital; losses are the reflection of a loss in capital assets. (Rothbard 2004, pp. 513–14; 1997, 2:247; emphasis in original)
Zero-convergence of 2-D Roesser state space models implemented in floating point arithmetic

Zero input asymptotic response behavior of general order 2-D digital filters with floating point arithmetic is investigated. In particular, conditions for the absence of so-called R1 and R2 responses (large amplitude limit cycles) are provided for 2-D first quarter-plane causal filters.
A Comparison Based Parallel Sorting Algorithm

We present a fast comparison based parallel sorting algorithm that can handle arbitrary key types. Data movement is the major portion of sorting time for most algorithms in the literature. Our algorithm is parameterized so that is can be tuned to control data movement time, especially for large data sets. Parallel histograms are used to partition the key set exactly. The algorithm is architecture independent, and has been implemented in the CHARM portable parallel programming system, allowing it to be efficiently run on virtually any MIMD computer. Performance results for sorting different data sets are presented.
Automated analysis of voltage and current waveforms during faults

Automated fault analysis becomes increasingly desirable because an increasing volume of fault data have been captured by various types of recording devices in power systems. This paper presents developments on algorithms and software related to automated fault analysis. Our analysis is based on voltage and current waveforms. We have developed algorithms to effectively identify the fault types, fault starting time, and fault duration, which are capable of handling faults with evolving fault types. The software module that implements the algorithms is delineated. Sample analysis results based on field data are reported.
Acetaminophen: the case for a link to neurodegenerative diseases.

Acetaminophen is a centrally acting antipyretic and analgesic which has been used in humans since the 1970’s. It’s use has increased for a variety of reasons including its use for extended periods of time and for chronic pain. Acetaminophen either decreases or depletes the endogenous anti-oxidant glutathione in mammalian cells. Without the protective effects of glutathione, mammalian cell damage or cell death occurs. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and disorders of retinal cells, such as age associated macular degeneration, are due at least in part to cellular damage induced by free radicals and oxidative stress. By reducing or depleting neuronal and retinal glutathione, acetaminophen might trigger, accelerate or otherwise worsen these diseases. This hypothesis can best be tested in a large prospective cohort study of acetaminophen use and the risk of these diseases in humans. An acceptable alternative study design would be a population based retrospective cohort study. Although not necessarily predictive of human disease, acetaminophen can also be studied in animal models and with in vitro models of human neurodegenerative and occulodegenerative diseases.
Ligand modulates the conversion of DNA-bound vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) homodimers into VDR-retinoid X receptor heterodimers.

Abstract Protein dimerization facilitates cooperative, high-affinity interactions with DNA. Nuclear hormone receptors, for example, bind either as homodimers or as heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXR) to half-site repeats that are stabilized by protein-protein interactions mediated by residues within both the DNA- and ligand-binding domains. In vivo, ligand binding among the subfamily of steroid receptors unmasks the nuclear localization and DNA-binding domains from a complex with auxiliary factors such as the heat shock proteins. However, the role of ligand is less clear among nuclear receptors, since they are constitutively localized to the nucleus and are presumably associated with DNA in the absence of ligand. In this study, we have begun to explore the role of the ligand in vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) function by examining its effect on receptor homodimer and heterodimer formation. Our results demonstrate that VDR is a monomer in solution; VDR binding to a specific DNA element leads to the formation of a homodimeric complex through a monomeric intermediate. We find that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the ligand for VDR, decreases the amount of the DNA-bound VDR homodimer complex. It does so by significantly decreasing the rate of conversion of DNA-bound monomer to homodimer and at the same time enhancing the dissociation of the dimeric complex. This effectively stabilizes the bound monomeric species, which in turn serves to favor the formation of a VDR-RXR heterodimer. The ligand for RXR, 9-cis retinoic acid, has the opposite effect of destabilizing the heterodimeric-DNA complex. These results may explain how a nuclear receptor can bind DNA constitutively but still act to regulate transcription in a fully hormone-dependent manner.
Dispositional affectivity as a predictor of work attitudes and job performance

Previous research has shown that dispositional negative affect (NA) is associated with lower levels of job satisfaction. Little research has been conducted, however, on other organizational implications of negative affect or on the potential effects of dispositional positive affect (PA). The present studies examined the relationship of both positive and negative affectivity to organizational commitment, turnover intentions, global job satisfaction and performance. In the first study both NA and PA were associated with organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Additionally, commitment mediated the relationship between dispositional affectivity and turnover. Finally, PA and tenure interacted to predict job performance, such that PA and job performance were positively related, but only for high tenure employees. In Study 2 the findings were generally similar, but not identical. Both NA and PA were related to global job satisfaction and turnover intentions. However, only PA was related to affective organizational commitment. Moreover, both job satisfaction and affective commitment mediated the relationship between dispositional affectivity and turnover intentions. Finally, unlike Study 1, PA was not related to job performance. Rather, NA and tenure interacted such that when individuals were lower in tenure, NA was negatively related to performance.
The impact of the 1991 Gulf War on the mind and brain: findings from neuropsychological and neuroimaging research

Many veterans of the 1991 Gulf War (GW) have complained of somatic and cognitive symptoms that may be neurological in nature. However, whether or not changes in brain function are associated with GW service continues to be debated. Studies of GW veterans using objective, performance-based neuropsychological measures have yielded inconsistent findings, with those indicating deficits among GW veterans typically revealing only relatively mild levels of neuropsychological impairment. Further, performances on objective neuropsychological tasks show little correspondence to subjective perceptions of cognitive functioning. Although preliminary magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies demonstrate reduced N-acetylaspartate-to-creatine (NAA/Cr) ratio in select brain regions among GW veterans who report health concerns, this work requires further replication with larger, more representative samples. There is no evidence from neuroimaging studies of a non-specific effect of GW service or of changes in brain structure or function related to health status when conventional radiological methods are used. Owing to the paucity of objective exposure, baseline health data, and the now significant time elapsed since the GW, aetiological issues may never be fully resolved. Therefore, research addressing clinical management of GW veterans with neuropsychological dysfunction and neuroimaging abnormalities may prove more fruitful than exclusive focus on aetiology.
Extracts from red muscadine and cabernet sauvignon wines induce cell death in MOLT-4 human leukemia cells.

Abstract Red wine contains a diversity of polyphenolic compounds that exert beneficial health effects including anti-cancer effects. This trial evaluated the anti-proliferative potential of red muscadine ( Vitis rotundifolia ) and red cabernet sauvignon ( Vitis vinifera ) wines in cell culture. Chemical properties of wines were determined by HPLC-PDA analysis and concentrated extracts of each wine were evaluated before and after glycosidic hydrolysis in MOLT-4 leukemia cells. Cell growth and the induction of apoptosis were evaluated after exposure to various extract dilutions. Wine extracts reduced cell viability up to 68% and cell numbers up to 50% after 48 h with muscadine extracts being more effective than cabernet sauvignon. Caspase-3 activity was induced similarly by all extracts in a dose dependent manner. Cell cycle arrest in the G 2 /M phase was observed for both muscadine and the non-hydrolyzed cabernet sauvignon extract. Collectively, extracts from both wines exerted anti-cancer effects in leukemia cells.
Stimulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha (HIF-1α) Protein in the Adult Rat Testis Following Ischemic Injury Occurs Without an Increase in HIF-1α Messenger RNA Expression

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor composed of α and β subunits. Stabilized from proteasome degradation and activated by hypoxia, HIF-1 stimulates expression of hypoxia-sensitive genes that mediate oxygen homeostasis in many tissues. Our hypothesis is that HIF-1 is involved in the cellular response to hypoxia in the ischemic testis. Goals of this study were to determine if HIF-1α mRNA is expressed in the testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands of adult Sprague-Dawley rats and to determine if HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression in the testis is affected by experimentally induced ischemia. Total RNA from reproductive organs of adult rats was analyzed by relative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. HIF-1α mRNA showed equal expression in testis, all segments of epididymis, ductus deferens, accessory sex glands, and penis. To examine the effects of ischemia on HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression in the testis, rats were subjected to unilateral testicular ischemia by placing a ligature around spermatic artery or ischemia-inducing experimental torsion and reperfusion. RT-PCR revealed that HIF-1α mRNA expression at all times of ischemic treatment and reperfusion was unchanged compared with normoxic controls. HIF-1α protein was detected by immunoblot analysis of nuclear protein extracts from normoxic testes. Steady-state levels of HIF-1α protein were stimulated by 15 min of ischemia and showed a 2-fold increase at 30 min and 1, 3, and 6 h. HIF-1α protein was also elevated by experimental torsion and reperfusion compared with normoxic controls. These results support the hypothesis that HIF-1 may play a role in the cellular response to hypoxia in the ischemic testis.
Brushes, cables, and anchors: Recent insights into multiscale assembly and mechanics of cellular structural networks

The remarkable ability of living cells to sense, process, and respond to mechanical stimuli in their environment depends on the rapid and efficient interconversion of mechanical and chemical energy at specific times and places within the cell. For example, application of force to cells leads to conformational changes in specific mechanosensitive molecules which then trigger cellular signaling cascades that may alter cellular structure, mechanics, and migration and profoundly influence gene expression. Similarly, the sensitivity of cells to mechanical stresses is governed by the composition, architecture, and mechanics of the cellular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM), which are in turn driven by molecular-scale forces between the constituent biopolymers. Understanding how these mechanochemical systems coordinate over multiple length and time scales to produce orchestrated cell behaviors represents a fundamental challenge in cell biology. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of these complex processes in three experimental systems: the assembly of axonal neurofilaments, generation of tensile forces by actomyosin stress fiber bundles, and mechanical control of adhesion assembly.
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are a generic group of compounds composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon. They represent one of the most important groups of chemicals to mankind because of their natural abundance, their industrial importance, their extensive use as a primary energy source throughout the world, and their toxicity. Benzene, for example, has a broad range of industrial uses and represents one of the top 20 production volume chemicals produced in the United States, which represents 35% of the worldwide production. In addition to use in petroleum-based fuels, benzene is used for the manufacture of a diversity of other chemicals, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Alternative sources, including volcanoes, forest fires, and cigarette smoke, also contribute significantly to benzene in the environment. Benzene is considered one of the most prevalent organic contaminants in groundwater (Anderson and Lovley 1997) and poses a significant health risk due to its toxicity and relatively high solubility. It is ranked fifth on the US National Priorities List (NPL), and has been found in more than 50% of the 1428 current or former NPL sites (URL: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cxcx3.html). Benzene is highly toxic and is a known human carcinogen and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum permissible level of 5µgl−1 of benzene in drinking water with an ultimate goal of zero tolerance.