cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shipboard Measurements of Coherent Microwave Backscatter from the Ocean

Two different coherent X-band radars have been operated from ships to collect microwave back-scatter backscatter back-scatter from the ocean at low grazing angles. The data show not only the properties of the mean backscatter but also temporal and spatial effects of both surface and internal waves.
Obesity and Food Choices among Faculty and Staff at a Large Urban University.

Abstract Objective: In order to address increasing health care costs associated with obesity, this study sought to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine eating behaviors, food choices, health beliefs, and attitudes of university employees. Participants and Methods: An online survey was distributed to > 3,800 faculty and staff at a large public metropolitan university in Winter 2008. Results: Almost half (48%) of 806 respondents were classified as overweight or obese. Compared to those with normal weights, overweight and obese respondents consumed fewer fruits and vegetables (p < .05), were less confident in making healthful food choices (p < .001), and were more influenced by food choices available in on-campus dining facilities (p < .05). Conclusions: Obesity among university employees warrants attention. Because these employees have less self-efficacy and consume less healthful diets than their normal weight colleagues, universities need to improve on-campus access to healthful foods.
A graph-theoretic approach to modeling network effects of phase shifters on active power loop flows

This paper proposes a new method for modeling effects of phase shifters in “DC” electric power networks. The new model, based on the diakoptics algorithm, provides intuitive graph-theoretic insights on how phase shifters affect real power line flows. The effect of a phase shifter is modeled with loop flows in every basic loop of a meshed graph representing an electric power system. The model can be used to analyze the active power line flows as the superposition of the loop flows caused by a phase shifter and the loop flows created by power injections. Compared to the conventional distribution matrix-based approach, this method provides a straightforward interpretation of power flow redistribution by means of phase shifters. The new modeling technique is illustrated on an example along with a potential application for loop flow reduction.
Enhanced nitrogen mineralization in mowed or glyphosate treated cover crops compared to direct incorporation

Information on how management by mowing and herbicide alter residue quality and nitrogen (N) inputs would be valuable to improve prediction of N availability. Mowing and glyphosate application are widely used by growers to limit cover crop growth and facilitate incorporation. A mixture of cover crops, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), oriental mustard (Brassica junceaL.) and cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.), was investigated as a means to improve soil quality and optimize N availability. There is limited information on how mowing or glyphosate application influence cover crop decomposition and N mineralization from these heterogeneous residues. A rye cover crop was grown in the field over the winter and transferred to containers as an intact soil profile to conduct a greenhouse study. Management treatments (mowing and glyphosate) were imposed eight days before incorporation. Plant and soil N dynamics were monitored. The experiment was repeated with the addition of a tri-mixture cover crop. Inorganic NO3− in bare soil ranged from 6 to 10 μg N g soil−1 over 39 days. Similar or lower levels of soil NO3− were observed after rye residue incorporation, from 2 to 6 μg N g−1; consistent with N-immobilization. Application of untreated, mixed cover crop residues generally was associated with higher levels of soil inorganic NO3−, from 3 to 11 μg N g−1. For both rye and mixed residues, management by mowing or glyphosate enhanced N mineralization by 10 to 100%, compared to untreated residues. At the same time, application of mowing or glyphosate 8 days before cover crop incorporation seemed to reduce the amount of residues by about half compared to untreated controls. Belowground biomass was reduced more than aboveground, although recovery of senescent roots may have been incomplete. Management by glyphosate or mowing enhanced soil inorganic N availability in the short-term while simultaneously reducing carbon and N inputs.
Existence of Semiclassical Bound States of Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Potentials of the Class (V)a

(1988). Existence of Semiclassical Bound States of Nonlinear Schrodinger Equations with Potentials of the Class (V)a. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 13, No. 12, pp. 1499-1519.
Corporate social responsibility: finding the middle ground

Purpose – This study seeks to examine CSR theorists' criteria from the corporate executive's perspective. It aims to find out how corporate executives perceive CSR and how they would like to be perceived as CSR implementers.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses Delphi research and data analysis to build up three sets of questionnaires. It was only the first set where the author introduced his questions but the other two sets were created from the executives' answers in previous stage. It is then all about executives' perception; no one has put words in their mouths. The study compares KLD (the famous research and analytics company) criteria which are used to celebrate annually the 100 best corporate citizens list with the participating executives' criteria.Findings – The study found that executives lean more towards self‐regulation and self‐determination. Panelists disregarded any suggestion of regulating executives' salary/compensation as CSR criteria. They reject CSR criteria as a measure of good...
Behavioral Medicine Review: Psychological Risks for Metabolic Syndrome

Despite their ubiquity in primary care, psychological disorders often are overlooked as cues to heightened risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), potentially leading to the suboptimal management of patients with these comorbid conditions. Accordingly, this review discusses psychological dysfunction as an under-appreciated MetS hazard and the strategic implications for cardiometabolic risk reduction in primary care.
A comparison of respiratory compensation thresholds of anaerobic competitors, aerobic competitors and untrained subjects.

This study compared respiratory compensation thresholds (RCT) (VCO2 inflection point) of competitors in highly aerobic events (aerobic competitors, ARC) (n=16), competitors in highly anaerobic events (anaerobic competitors, ANC) (n=15), and untrained subjects (UT) (n=25). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), respiratory compensation threshold as a percentage of VO2max (RCT), and VO2 at RCT (VO2RCT) were determined during a maximal Bruce treadmill protocol. VO2max (ml kg−1 min−1) was significantly greater (P<0.05) for ARC [67.2 (8.5)] than for ANC [50.0 (7.8)] and UT [43.8 (5.4)]. However, the difference between ANC and UT only approached significance (P=0.07). RCT was not significantly different between ARC [76.3 (8.7)] and ANC [80.7 (6.8)] but was significantly lower (P<0.05) for UT [62.5 (8.8)]. VO2RCT (ml kg−1 min−1) was significantly greater (P<0.05) for ARC [51.6 (11.0)] and ANC [40.2 (6.6)] than for UT [27.4 (5.4)], with a significant difference also between ARC and ANC. While used as a criterion for group assignment, greater VO2max, as well as RCT values in ARC (vs UT), reflect chronic aerobic training adaptations. ANC demonstrated VO2max values intermediate to ARC and UT, with RCT very comparable to those found in ARC. The results suggest subjects competitive in highly anaerobic events do not possess excessively high VO2max values. These individuals, however, demonstrate a high RCT when values are expressed relative to VO2max. Oxygen consumption at the RCT in this group is superior to that in UT but inferior to that in ARC, which likely has important implications regarding performance.
Predicting counterproductive work behavior from the interaction of personality traits

Much attention has been given to enhancing the prediction of counterproductive work behavior (CWB), with a particular focus on the relationship between the five factor model of personality and CWB. Several scholars have advocated for a more complex view of this relationship, and rather than focusing simply on main effects, to examine the interaction of personality traits in predicting employee behavior. In consideration of the traits most strongly related to CWB, we examined the interaction between: (1) conscientiousness and emotional stability, (2) agreeableness and emotional stability, and (3) conscientiousness and agreeableness on CWB directed at individuals (CWB-I) and the organization (CWB-O). Results from a multi-national sample illustrate the interaction of traits increases the prediction of CWB over and above a single trait approach. The interactions suggest employees perform the least CWB when they are high on both traits (in the respective trait pairings), but low levels on either trait relate to increased CWB, and at levels comparable to individuals low on both traits. We conclude research on personality and CWB would benefit from an interactive approach as it allows for greater prediction of CWB-O and CWB-I, which is important in light of the organizational and interpersonal consequences of employee misbehavior.
746. Localization of Structural Determinants in AAV Capsid for Efficient Liver Transduction by Domain Swapping between AAV-2 and AAV-8

Compared with the AAV-2 serotype, AAV-8 pseudotyped vectors have become another promising candidate for liver-targeted gene delivery due to its ability to transduce almost all hepatocytes in vivo. It has been proposed that the faster uncoating rate of AAV-8 compared to AAV-2 is the key to its more robust transduction efficiencies in liver. However, given the high degree of amino acid conservation, the actual mechanism or relevant structural determinants responsible for these differences are still unsolved.
Configuration of normal and abnormal non-volitional single muscle fiber discharges.

Abstract Objective : This investigation utilizes a single muscle fiber simulation to compare and contrast single muscle fiber waveform configurations arising from innervated and denervated tissue taking into account possible tissue-electrode interactions. Methods : Intracellular action potentials (IAPs) from innervated and denervated muscle tissue are simulated. The extracellular waveform configurations as recorded from the fiber's midpoint (endplate in innervated tissue), halfway between the midpoint and fiber termination, as well as fiber termination for both innervated and denervated single muscle fibers are examined. Further, two types of muscle fiber terminations are assessed: (1) sealed end effect; and (2) compressed end effect. Results : Irrespective of different types of IAPs, recordings from the fibers' middle, halfway between the midpoint and termination, as well as from the sealed end, revealed similar configurations. However, for the innervated fiber's compressed termination, a monophasic positive waveform was derived while the denervated fiber's compressed termination generated a prototypical positive sharp wave. Conclusions : It is hypothesized that the needle electrode can no longer be considered a passive recording device but may interact with the fiber so as to generate a sealed end or compressed end effect. Depending upon the type of needle–fiber interaction and the electrode's location with respect to the IAP's generation site, a limited number of potentials with specific configurations will be recorded for both innervated and denervated tissue. Further, depending upon the type of needle–tissue interaction, innervated muscle fibers can generate non-volitional waveforms with configurations similar to those recorded from denervated tissue. It is no longer sufficient to merely consider waveform configuration when attempting to define positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials, but it is important now also to consider firing rate and rhythm.
Specific Killing of Rb Mutant Cancer Cells by Inactivating TSC2

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor is often inactivated in cancers. To identify genes that can be used to specifically target such cancers, we carried out a genetic screen in Drosophila. We identified gig (fly TSC2) and found that inactivation of rbf (fly Rb) and gig synergistically induced cell death. Interestingly, inactivation of TSC2 specifically kills Rb mutant cancer cells under stress conditions, which is correlated with an inhibition of tumor growth. We show that cancer cell killing induced by concomitant inactivation of Rb and TSC2 is mediated by increased cellular stress, including oxidative stress. Inactivation of TSC2 and Rb synergistically induce oxidative stress via increased protein synthesis, inhibited de novo lipid synthesis, and decreased reactive oxygen species scavenger enzyme SOD2 induction.
Analyzing drug policy

Drug policy advocates must move beyond simplistic concepts of supply reduction and demand reduction. A realistic drug policy must differentiate between drug use and abuse and must avoid contributing to the harm done by drug use. A harm reduction approach requires a more refined model representing the interactions of the complex system of variables which influences the outcomes of the drug experience. This paper examines some of the elements that should go into such a model.
Validation of a New Leader-Member Exchange Scale (Lmx-6) Using Hierarchically-Nested Maximum Likelihood Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The convergent and discriminant validity of a short (6-item) new leader-member exchange scale (LMX-6) was investigated using hierarchically-nested maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analyses. Using data from a sample of 221 MBA students, the validity of the new scale was confirmed by its high and significant loadings on a leader-member exchange factor and by the superiority of a model with a separate leader-member exchange factor over all other rival models. Directions for future research are briefly discussed.
Observations on Habitats of Culicoides Larvae in Trinidad, W. I. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

In a 3-month study begun in mid-July 1963, larval habitats were ascertained for 24 species of Culicoides , including 9 species for which at least 1 habitat was known from some other part of the world. New habitats were discovered for 6 of these 9 species, and multiple habitats were found for 15 of the total 24, with C. pusillus Lutz occurring in the greatest number (13) of habitats. New habitats not previously reported as breeding sites for Culicoides were: decaying cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao) , found to breed 10 species, most of which attack man; discarded animal betiding of macerated coconut fibers wet with rain; moutns of rivers which enter the sea across open, sandy beaches, where salt and fresh water mix to flood large, sandy areas at each high tide; the decaying flowers of Cachibou (Calathea lutea) ; and the rotting flower of Scotch Attorney (Clusia rosea) . Three habitats were found for species of Lasiohelea , another anthropophilic genus of Ceratopogonidae.
Angular distribution of stretched E2 transitions for Gaussian substate population of side feeding in (particle, xnγ) reactions

Abstract In (particle, x n γ ) reactions the population of magnetic substates of a given level of spin J in the ground state quasirotational band resulting from the preceding neutrons and gammas from outside the band (i.e. side feeding) can be described by a mixture of Gaussians of various widths. The resulting angular distribution of the stretched E2 (denoted E2 ) gammas with respect to the direction of the particle beam is analysed here. It is not approximated that an E2 transition from a Gaussian distribution of substates of level J produces a Gaussian distribution for the final level J −2. The ( A 2 , A 4 ) results are discussed for a state populated by previous E2 transitions plus a single Gaussian side feeding. The results are extended to include side feeding producing substate populations of any mixture of Gaussians. A method of exact solution is given for cases where the experimental data are sufficiently accurate. The region of the ( A 2 , A 4 ) space which can result from any mixture of Gaussian side feedings is derived. The results of various assumed substate populations of side feeding are compared to experiments by Newton et al. on 182 W(α, 2n) 184 Os, 165 Ho( 11 B, 4n) 172 Hf and 159 Tb( 14 N, 5n) 168 Hf. The comparison is quite satisfactory for single Gaussian side feeding of width σ = 2.8 for each level of spin J . The qualitative differences in the angular distributions for these experimental cases are caused by different experimental intensities of side feeding. For 74 Ge(α, 2n) 76 Se a width σ = 1.6+0.1 J gives good agreement with our experimental angular distributions of the transitions 10 → 8, 8 → 6, 6 → 4, 4 → 2 and 2 → 0. The angular distribution is also derived for a case where the population of substates increases with M .
A Second Quorum-Sensing System Regulates Cell Surface Properties but Not Phenazine Antibiotic Production in Pseudomonas aureofaciens

The root-associated biological control bacterium Pseudomonas aureofaciens 30-84 produces a range of exoproducts, including protease and phenazines. Phenazine antibiotic biosynthesis by phzXYFABCD is regulated in part by the PhzR-PhzI quorum-sensing system. Mutants defective in phzR or phzI produce very low levels of phenazines but wild-type levels of exoprotease. In the present study, a second genomic region of strain 30-84 was identified that, when present in trans, increased beta-galactosidase activity in a genomic phzB::lacZ reporter and partially restored phenazine production to a phzR mutant. Sequence analysis identified two adjacent genes, csaR and csaI, that encode members of the LuxR-LuxI family of regulatory proteins. No putative promoter region is present upstream of the csaI start codon and no lux box-like element was found in either the csaR promoter or the 30-bp intergenic region between csaR and csaI. Both the PhzR-PhzI and CsaR-CsaI systems are regulated by the GacS-GacA two-component regulatory system. In contrast to the multicopy effects of csaR and csaI in trans, a genomic csaR mutant (30-84R2) and a csaI mutant (30-84I2) did not exhibit altered phenazine production in vitro or in situ, indicating that the CsaR-CsaI system is not involved in phenazine regulation in strain 30-84. Both mutants also produced wild-type levels of protease. However, disruption of both csaI and phzI or both csaR and phzR eliminated both phenazine and protease production completely. Thus, the two quorum-sensing systems do not interact for phenazine regulation but do interact for protease regulation. Additionally, the CsaI N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signal was not recognized by the phenazine AHL reporter 30-84I/Z but was recognized by the AHL reporters Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens A136(pCF240). Inactivation of csaR resulted in a smooth mucoid colony phenotype and formation of cell aggregates in broth, suggesting that CsaR is involved in regulating biosynthesis of cell surface components. Strain 30-84I/I2 exhibited mucoid colony and clumping phenotypes similar to those of 30-84R2. Both phenotypes were reversed by complementation with csaR-csaI or by the addition of the CsaI AHL signal. Both quorum-sensing systems play a role in colonization by strain 30-84. Whereas loss of PhzR resulted in a 6.6-fold decrease in colonization by strain 30-84 on wheat roots in natural soil, a phzR csaR double mutant resulted in a 47-fold decrease. These data suggest that gene(s) regulated by the CsaR-CsaI system also plays a role in the rhizosphere competence of P. aureofaciens 30-84.
Citizen's Evaluations of Participatory Democratic Procedures: Normative Theory Meets Empirical Science:

Participatory democratic theorists claim that citizens would be transformed if they participated more directly in decision-making. These theorists, however, disagree about how participatory opportu...
Improving the performance of runtime parallelization

When the inter-iteration dependency pattern of the iterations of a loop cannot be determined statically, compile time parallelization of the loop is not possible. In these cases, runtime parallelization [8] is the only alternative. The idea is to transform the loop into two code fragements: the inspector and the executor. When the program is run, the inspector examines the iteration dependencies and constructs a parallel schedule. The executor subsequently uses that schedule to carry out the actual computation in parallel.In this paper, we show how to reduce the overhead of running the inspector through its parallel execution. We describe two related approaches. The first, which emphasizes inspector efficiency, achieves nearly linear speedup relative to a sequential execution of the inspector, but produces a schedule that may be less efficient for the executor. The second technique, which emphasizes executor efficiency, does not in general achieve linear speedup of the inspector, but is guaranteed to produce the best achievable schedule. We present these techniques, show that they are correct, and compare their performance to existing techniques using a set of experiments.Because in this paper we are optimizing inspector time, but leaving the executor unchanged, the techniques we present have most dramatic effect when the inspector must be run for each invocation of the source loop. In a companion paper [3], we explore techniques that build upon those developed here to also improve executor performance.
Causes and Consequences of Thermal Tolerance Limits in Rocky Intertidal Porcelain Crabs, Genus Petrolisthes

Vertical zonation of intertidal organisms, from the shallow subtidal to the supralittoral zones, is a ubiquitous feature of temperate and tropical rocky shores. Organisms that live higher on the shore experience larger daily and seasonal fluctuations in microhabitat conditions, due to their greater exposure to terrestrial conditions during emersion. Comparative analyses of the adaptive linkage between physiological tolerance limits and vertical distribution are the most powerful when the study species are closely related and occur in discrete vertical zones throughout the intertidal range. Here, I summarize work on the physiological tolerance limits of rocky intertidal zone porcelain crab species of the genus Petrolisthes to emersion-related heat stress. In the eastern Pacific, Petrolisthes species live throughout temperate and tropical regions, and are found in discrete vertical intertidal zones in each region. Whole organism thermal tolerance limits of Petrolisthes species, and thermal limits of heart and nerve function reflect microhabitat conditions. Species living higher in the intertidal zone are more eurythermal than low-intertidal congeners, tropical species have the highest thermal limits, and the differences in thermal tolerance between low- and high-intertidal species is greatest for temperate crabs. Acclimation of thermal limits of high-intertidal species is restricted as compared to low-intertidal species. Thus, because thermal limits of high-intertidal species are near current habitat temperature maxima, global warming could most strongly impact intertidal species.
High beam-coupling gain and deep- and shallow-trap effects in cobalt-doped barium titanate, BaTiO 3 :Co

A series of cobalt-doped barium titanate (BaTiO3) crystals were grown; these crystals have the highest beam-coupling gain reported to date, 7.9 cm−1, measured by using the smallest electro-optic coefficient of BaTiO3. The intensity dependence of the absorption and the gain indicate that there are at least two active photorefractive species. These samples show light-induced absorption and negative absorptive coupling, which is indicative of crystals with deep and shallow traps. However, doping with cobalt diminishes the intensity dependence of the electro-optic gain and increases the electro-optic and absorptive coupling, which indicates that cobalt is a deep-level photorefractive dopant. The higher gain is attributed to an increase of the total effective trap density and to an increase in the deep- and shallow-trap intensity-dependent factor η(I), with higher cobalt doping.
Multiple hemostatic abnormalities in young adults with activated protein C resistance and cerebral ischemia.

Abstract Background: The relationship between activated protein C resistance (APCR) and arterial stroke is uncertain. It has been speculated that multiple inherited or acquired prothrombotic conditions may alter the hemostatic balance towards thrombotic events. Methods: Case series from a University medical center. Results: In a series of 28 Caucasian patients under age 55 with cerebral ischemic events, nine were found to have activated protein C resistance. Five of nine patients (56%) had additional hematologic abnormalities. Four patients had elevated anticardiolipin IgG antibodies. Other abnormalities identified included Type I protein S deficiency, sticky platelet syndrome, and a positive lupus anticoagulant. Conclusions: Activated protein C resistance is relatively common in young adults with cerebral ischemic events and may be accompanied by other hematologic abnormalities. The constellation of hemostatic abnormalities may impact the type of and intensity of the antithrombotic regimen. There are also implications for family members of affected patients. Finding evidence of APCR should not preclude a complete hemostatic evaluation in the young stroke patient.
Real-Time Forecasting for the Antarctic: An Evaluation of the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS)*

In response to the need for improved weather prediction capabilities in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program’s field operations, the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) was implemented in October 2000. AMPS employs the Polar MM5, a version of the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University– NCAR Mesoscale Model optimized for use over ice sheets. The modeling system consists of several domains ranging in horizontal resolution from 90 km covering a large part of the Southern Hemisphere to 3.3 km over the complex terrain surrounding McMurdo, the hub of U.S. operations. The performance of the 30-km AMPS domain versus observations from manned and automatic weather stations is statistically evaluated for a 2-yr period from September 2001 through August 2003. The simulated 12–36-h surface pressure and near-surface temperature at most sites have correlations of r 0.95 and r 0.75, respectively, and small biases. Surface wind speeds reflect the complex topography and generally have correlations between 0.5 and 0.6, and positive biases of 1–2 m s 1 . In the free atmosphere, r 0.95 (geopotential height), r 0.9 (temperature), and r 0.8 (wind speed) at most sites. Over the annual cycle, there is little interseasonal variation in skill. Over the length of the forecast, a gradual decrease in skill is observed from hours 0–72. One exception is the surface pressure, which improves slightly in the first few hours, due in part to the model adjusting from surface pressure biases that are caused by the initialization technique over the high, cold terrain. The impact of the higher-resolution model domains over the McMurdo region is also evaluated. It is shown that the 3.3-km domain is more sensitive to spatial and temporal changes in the winds than the 10-km domain, which represents an overall improvement in forecast skill, especially on the windward side of the island where the Williams Field and Pegasus runways are situated, and in the lee of Ross Island, an important area of mesoscale cyclogenesis (although the correlation coefficients in these regions are still relatively low).
On synthesizing circuits with implicit testability constraints

The goal of test synthesis is to create a circuit which is completely testable under a design-for-test (DFT) methodology while meeting performance and area requirements. It includes such steps as testability design rule checking and automated repair of identified violations. Potential violations include clock and asynchronous circuitry which do not operate in a manner consistent with the chosen methodology and tools. Repair is performed by transforming the network through the insertion of additional logic to perform test functions (a scan chain, for example) and mapping this logic into the implementation technology, without affecting the original, system mode operation of the network. This paper discusses the concept of test synthesis constraints which embody the conditions under which the circuit must operate in order to be fully testable. Based on the constraints, the circuit is transformed using algorithms similar to those of automatic test pattern generation. Rather than adding entirely new hardware, existing system logic and connectivity is used to implement test functions wherever possible. Results produced by a prototype implementation indicate that test logic can be inserted into a network with very little performance or area overhead.
An Implicit Transition Matrix Approach to Stability Analysis of Flexible Multi-Body Systems

The stability of linear systems deflned by ordinary difierential equations with constant or periodic coe‐cients can be assessed from the spectral radius of their transition matrix. In classical applications of this theory, the transition matrix is explicitly computed flrst, then its eigenvalues are evaluated; if the largest eigenvalue is larger than unity, the system is unstable. The proposed implicit transition matrix approach extracts the dominant eigenvalues of the transition matrix using the Arnoldi algorithm, without the explicit computation of this matrix. As a result, the proposed implicit method yields stability information at a far lower computational cost than that of the classical approach, and is ideally suited for stability computations of systems involving a large number of degrees of freedom. Examples of application of the proposed methodology to ∞exible multi-body systems are presented that demonstrate its accuracy and computational e‐ciency.
Regulation of Muscle Protein by Amino Acids

Amino acid availability is a potent regulator of muscle protein synthesis (MPS). We have performed a series of studies using stable isotope methodology and the arteriovenous balance approach to quantify many aspects of the response of MPS, breakdown, and the balance between synthesis and breakdown to changes in the availability of amino acids. A constant intake of amino acids stimulates MPS in a dose-dependent manner until concentrations are approximately doubled, after which further increases in concentration are ineffective. MPS rises more rapidly after bolus ingestion to a peak rate of MPS higher than during constant intake, but the response is transient. A reduction in amino acid availability below basal levels inhibits MPS. Ingestion of nonessential amino acids is not needed to stimulate MPS. When carbohydrate alone is ingested there is minimal effect on MPS, but there is an interactive effect with amino acid ingestion, meaning the response to amino acids plus glucose is more than the sum of their individual effects. Finally, acute anabolic responses in net MPS correspond quantitatively to differences in 24-h net muscle balances.
Basal transcriptional activity and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate responsiveness of the human cytochrome P450scc promoter transfected into MA-10 Leydig cells

Mouse Leydig MA-10 tumor cells are a good model of testicular steroidogenesis. The endogenous murine P450scc mRNA in these cells accumulated in response to 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, cholera toxin, and 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, but not in response to 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, indicating that this accumulation was stimulated by the protein kinase-A pathway. Inhibiting transcription with actinomycin-D showed that the half-life of cytochrome P450scc mRNA in these cells was not altered by cAMP, consistent with earlier nuclear run-on data showing that the effect of cAMP on P450scc is at the transcriptional level. A series of 17 fragments of 5'-flanking DNA from the human P450scc gene were fused to the gene for firefly luciferase and transiently transfected into MA-10 cells. The longest construct, containing 2327 basepairs of 5'-flanking DNA, responded 4-fold to forskolin and, hence, was used to optimize the forskolin dose response, showing that 30 microM forskolin elicited a 90% maximal effect. Examination of the activity of the deletion constructs located basal and cAMP-responsive sequences. Constructions containing 79 basepairs of 5'-flanking DNA had basal activity; adding sequences between -79 and -110 had minimal effect, but adding sequences between -110 and -127 increased basal activity 3-fold. Adding sequences beyond -127 did not increase basal transcription further, indicating the presence of a basal transcription element between -110 and -127. These serial deletion mutants were used similarly to locate cAMP responsiveness between -1620 and -1676, indicating the presence of a cAMP response element in this region. The locations of these basal and cAMP-responsive sequences correspond well with those previously identified when human P450scc promoter/reporter constructions were transfected into mouse adrenocortical Y-1 cells, but differ from those identified when such constructions were transfected into human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells.
Estimating Discharge Measurement Uncertainty Using the Interpolated Variance Estimator

AbstractMethods for quantifying the uncertainty in discharge measurements typically identify various sources of uncertainty and then estimate the uncertainty from each of these sources by applying the results of empirical or laboratory studies. If actual measurement conditions are not consistent with those encountered in the empirical or laboratory studies, these methods may give poor estimates of discharge uncertainty. This paper presents an alternative method for estimating discharge measurement uncertainty that uses statistical techniques and on-site observations. This interpolated variance estimator (IVE) estimates uncertainty based on the data collected during the streamflow measurement and therefore reflects the conditions encountered at the site. The IVE has the additional advantage of capturing all sources of random uncertainty in the velocity and depth measurements. It can be applied to velocity-area discharge measurements that use a velocity meter to measure point velocities at multiple vertical...
Pulmonary Reaction to Upper Mantle Radiation Therapy for Hodgkin's Disease*

To study the effects of upper mantle radiation therapy on pulmonary function, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory capacity (IC), diffusing capacity for CO (Dlco) and diffusion per unit of alveolar volume (Dls/va were determined in 28 patients with Hodgkin's disease, stages 1–3, before therapy and at regular intervals thereafter. Within the first year of follow-up there were significant declines in Dlco, VC, and IC, whereas there were no significant changes in FEV1 or DL/va. DLco showed the greatest decline in the largest number of subjects (22/28). Eleven of the 22 had 20 to 60 percent decline of Dlco from baseline. The maximum mean decline in Dlco was −12.7 ± 3 percent at the 87th ± 3 days from initiation of therapy post-radiation sustained through the 150th day and improving to pre treatment value (± 5 percent) by the 8th to 12th month. The changes in Dlco seemed to be independent of the radiation dose ranges evaluated, clinically apparent intrathoracic lymphoma, post-radiation radiographic abnormalities and respiratory symptoms. We concluded that impairment in diffusing capacity and loss of vital capacity will develop in most patients receiving upper mantle radiation therapy, indicating that pulmonary reaction occurs despite lung shielding. The functional losses were prolonged and occasionally severe, but were transient and subclinical in most but not all cases. A case of fatal radiation pneumonitis affecting the lung beyond the field of irradiation is reported.
Immune hemolytic anemia following administration of antithymocyte globulin

Antithymocyte globulin is commonly used as a therapy for rejection of transplanted organs. Its use can be associated with many side effects. We report a significant hemolytic anemia following therapy with horse-derived antithymocyte globulin. Several commercial Coombs' sera failed to yield a positive Coombs' test with the patient's erythrocytes; however, we were able to detect horse immunoglobulin on the patient's cells as well as on control red cells incubated with this particular preparation of antithymocyte globulin.
ARE‐mRNA degradation requires the 5′–3′ decay pathway

As an important mode of suppressing gene expression, messenger RNAs containing an AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3′ untranslated region are rapidly degraded in the cytoplasm. ARE-mediated mRNA decay (AMD) is initiated by deadenylation, and in vitro studies have indicated that subsequent degradation occurs in the 3′–5′ direction through a complex of exonucleases termed the exosome. An alternative pathway of mRNA degradation occurs at processing bodies, cytoplasmic foci that contain decapping enzymes, the 5′–3′ exonuclease Xrn1 and the Lsm1–7 heptamer. To determine which of the two pathways is important for AMD in live cells, we targeted components of both pathways using short interfering RNA in human HT1080 cells. We show that Xrn1 and Lsm1 are essential for AMD. On the other side, out of three exosome components tested, only knockdown of PmScl-75 caused a strong inhibition of AMD. Our results show that mammalian cells, similar to yeast, require the 5′–3′ Xrn1 pathway to degrade ARE-mRNAs.
High resolution templates for step and flash imprint lithography

Step and flash imprint lithography (SFIL) is an attractive method for printing sub-100 nm geometries. Relative to other imprinting processes SFIL has the advantage that the template is transparent, thereby facilitating conventional overlay techniques. In addition, the imprint process is performed at low pressures and room temperature, minimizing magnification and distortion errors. The purpose of this work was to investigate alternative methods for defining high resolution SFIL templates and study the limits of the SFIL process. Two methods for fabricating templates were considered. The first method used a very thin (<20 nm) layer of Cr as a hard mask. The second fabrication scheme attempts to address some of the weaknesses associated with a solid glass substrate. Because there is no conductive layer on the final template, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and defect inspection are compromised. By incorporating a conductive and transparent layer of indium tin oxide on the glass substrate, charging is suppressed during SEM inspection, and the transparent nature of the final template is not affected. Using ZEP-520 as the electron beam imaging resist, features as small as 20 nm were resolved on the templates. Features were also successfully imprinted using both types of templates.
Effects of Fluoride on the Mouse Sperm Morphology Test

There has been little information and much confusion regarding the genotoxic effects of fluoride. The purpose of this study was to examine the spermatogenic influence of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the germ cells by means of the mouse sperm morphology test. Male mice of genotype B6C3F1 were obtained at about eight weeks of age and maintained on a low-fluoride diet (<0.2 ppm F) and distilled water ad libitum throughout the experiment. At approximately 13 weeks of age, the animals were randomly assigned to eight groups. Group I was intubated with the Maximum Tolerable Dosage (MTD) of NaF (70 mg/kg). Groups II through VI received NaF by stomach intubation at doses of 35, 20, 10, 1, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Group VII served as a negative control and was intubated with distilled water. The positive control, Group VIII, was exposed to a known mutagen, cyclophosphamide (20 mglkg, i.p). The animals were treated daily for five days, and killed by cervical dislocation 35 days after the first exposure to chemicals....
The relationship between anomie and unethical retail disposition

Despite potential competitive and customer service advantages of liberal return policies, retailers have tightened policies in response to fraudulent consumer behavior. This article suggests that changes in consumer behavior/retail return policies may be the result of a larger social phenomenon: consumer anomie. This research explores consumer anomie within the context of retailing. Two studies assess the relationships between anomie, materialism, rationalization techniques, and fraudulent marketplace behaviors. Factor analysis corroborates previous research indicating that modern-day anomie is essentially cynicism. Consumers high in cynicism are more materialistic and more likely than other consumers to employ rationalization techniques in order to justify engaging in unethical retail disposition. Consumers high in cynicism are also found to hold more favorable views toward engaging in fraudulent marketplace behaviors that permit them to benefit at the seller's expense. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiation of transient hyperammonemia of the newborn and urea cycle enzyme defects by clinical presentation.

We reviewed clinical data in 33 patients with transient hyperammonemia of the newborn (THAN): six previously unreported cases and 27 from the literature. Thirteen neonates with urea cycle enzyme deficiencies (UCED) served for comparison. No differences were found in the incidence of perinatal complications, route of delivery, Apgar scores, sex, or incidence or time of onset of seizures. On the other hand, neonates with THAN had significantly lower birth weights (mean±SEM 2282±78 gm vs 3336±222 gm, P
Hot-carrier effects on interface-trap capture cross sections in MOSFETs as studied by charge pumping

A rapid charge-pumping method was used to measure the interface-trap parameters in MOSFETs. The geometric mean of the electron and hole interface-trap capture cross sections decreases significantly (as much as two orders of magnitude) after Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) injection, and gradually recovers toward its original value. This effect is consistent with the interface-trap transformation process observed in MOS capacitors. >
Developmental Changes in Eye-Blink Conditioning and Neuronal Activity in the Inferior Olive

Neuronal activity was recorded in the dorsal accessory inferior olive in infant rats during classical conditioning of the eye-blink response. The percentage and amplitude of eye-blink conditioned responses (CRs) increased as a function of age. The magnitude of the neuronal response to the unconditioned stimulus (US) decreased with age. There were also age-specific modifications of US-elicited inferior olive neuronal activity during paired trials in which a conditioned eye-blink response was performed. The results indicate that the development of the conditioned eye-blink response may depend on dynamic interactions between multiple developmental processes within the eye-blink circuitry. Differences in the functional maturity of olivo-cerebellar pathways may limit the induction of plasticity in the cerebellum and thereby limit the development of eye-blink conditioned responses.
Live neonates born to mothers with Ebola virus disease: a review of the literature

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is associated with a high mortality, especially among neonates. There is a paucity of literature on live neonates born to pregnant women with EVD, and therefore, our understanding of their clinical illness and outcomes is extremely limited. A literature search was conducted to identify descriptions of live neonates born to pregnant women with EVD. To date, five known reports have provided limited information about 15 live neonates born to pregnant women with EVD. All 15 neonates died, and of those with information, death was within 19 days of birth. Of the 12 neonates with information on signs and symptoms, 8 (67%) were reported to have fever; no other signs or symptoms were reported. There are no published data describing the clinical course or treatments provided for these neonates. Potential modes of Ebola virus transmission from mother to neonate are through in utero transmission, during delivery, direct contact or through breast milk. There is an urgent need for more information about neonates with EVD, including clinical course (for example, onset and presentation of illness, symptomatology and course of illness) and treatments provided as well as information on Ebola viral load in breast milk from Ebola-positive and convalescing mothers.
Using the Spiritual Exercises as an Orientation for a Short Term International Service Project

The Global Brigades experience profoundly affects all participants. Its impact, however, creates its own challenge for volunteers. Students returning home often have feelings of guilt and conflict. In Honduras, sixty percent live in poverty; It is apparent within minutes of the airport as one travels through Tegucigalpa and witnesses the shanties built on the hills in the city. Students find it difficult to reconcile their own comforts and conveniences with the poverty encountered in the city and villages in which they served. The advisors to these student groups contemplated an approach for helping students cope with their feelings. They concluded that the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises presented an opportunity for creating a program that would enable all student participants in the brigades to embrace their experience and return with an understanding as to how they can proactively use their new-found or reinforced passion to serve others.
The Eureka Programming Model for Speculative Task Parallelism

In this paper, we describe the Eureka Programming Model (EuPM) that simplifies the expression of speculative parallel tasks, and is especially well suited for parallel search and optimization applications. The focus of this work is to provide a clean semantics for, and efficiently support, such "eureka-style" computations (EuSCs) in general structured task parallel programming models. In EuSCs, a eureka event is a point in a program that announces that a result has been found. A eureka triggered by a speculative task can cause a group of related speculative tasks to become redundant, and enable them to be terminated at well-defined program points. Our approach provides a bound on the additional work done in redundant speculative tasks after such a eureka event occurs. We identify various patterns that are supported by our eureka construct, which include search, optimization, convergence, and soft real-time deadlines. These different patterns of computations can also be safely combined or nested in the EuPM, along with regular task-parallel constructs, thereby enabling high degrees of composability and reusability. As demonstrated by our implementation, the EuPM can also be implemented efficiently. We use a cooperative runtime that uses delimited continuations to manage the termination of redundant tasks and their synchronization at join points. In contrast to current approaches, EuPM obviates the need for cumbersome manual refactoring by the programmer that may (for example) require the insertion of if checks and early return statements in every method in the call chain. Experimental results show that solutions using the EuPM simplify programmability, achieve performance comparable to hand-coded speculative task-based solutions and out-perform non-speculative task-based solutions.