cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urea-cycle disorders as a paradigm for inborn errors of hepatocyte metabolism

Urea-cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of inborn errors of hepatocyte metabolism that are caused by the loss of enzymes involved in the process of transferring nitrogen from ammonia to urea, via the urea cycle (UC). Recent genetic analyses of inherited disorders that present with hyperammonemia demonstrate the function of cellular transporters that regulate the availability of UC intermediates. The regulation of UC intermediates, such as arginine, could have far reaching implications on nitric-oxide synthesis and vascular tone. Hence, each UCD and UC-related disorder constitutes a unique gene-nutrient interaction that is crucial for postnatal homeostasis. Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of UCDs include the application of in vivo metabolic-flux measurements. Cumulative morbidity is still high despite dietary and pharmacological therapies and, hence, both cell and gene therapies are being pursued as possible long-term corrective treatments. Although gene-replacement therapy has suffered recent clinical setbacks, new vector developments offer hope for the treatment of cell-autonomous defects of hepatocyte metabolism.
Statistical models and information measurements for two-level digital facsimile

The design of efficient codes for statistical source coding requires the knowledge of the source statistic. The statistic and the corresponding information measure of three specific source models are investigated. These models are: m th order Markov source, run-length source, and block source models. Theoretical distributions are presented and compared with experimental histograms.
In-situ Formation of Bismuth-Based Iodine Waste Forms

We investigated the synthesis of bismuth oxy-iodide and iodate compounds, in an effort to develop materials for iodine recovery from caustic waste streams and/or final waste disposal if repository conditions included ambient conditions similar to those under which the iodine was initially captured. The results presented involve the in-situ crystallization of layered bismuth oxide compounds with aqueous dissolved iodine (which resides as both iodide and iodate in solution). Although single-phase bismuth oxy-iodide materials have already been described in the context of capturing radioiodine, our unique contribution is the discovery that there is a mixture of Bi-O-I compositions, not described in the prior work, which optimize both the uptake and the degree of insolubility (and leachability) of iodine. The optimized combination produces a durable material that is suitable as a waste form for repository conditions such as are predicted at the Yucca Mountain repository (YMP) or in a similar type of repository that could be developed in coordination with iodine production via Global Nuclear Energy Program (GNEP) production cycles.
House Poor: How a Drive for Stability Led to a Strategic Rethinking of Cultural Institutions’ Relationship to Their Space

While the financial crisis of 2008−2009 represented an unforeseen and momentous obstacle, the key challenges for many cultural organizations remained constant and revolved around making sound strategic decisions regardless of the financial climate. From the standpoints of three prominent cultural leaders, this article addresses factors that directors must consider in guiding their institution forward, such as maintaining a strategic mix of funding and the delicate balance between mission and space. A key binding element among the institutions chosen is that they all underwent a major capital campaign and the construction of a new facility prior to the crisis.
Effect of Temperature on Rate of Autoxidation of Milk Fat

Abstract Milk fat was autoxidized at 50, 35, 21, 4, —10, and —27C, and the reaction monitored by peroxide and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values and organoleptic examination. The season of production and addition of 0.1ppm of copper as copper palmitate had little effect on the flavor response, and the same character and sequence of flavors were observed at all temperatures. Equations were fitted statistically to the pooled organoleptic data to predict the effect of time and temperature on the flavor responses. Peroxide and TBA values showed significant correlation with the flavors at higher temperatures, but at lower temperatures no increases in peroxide and TBA values could be observed. Autoxidation flavors were observed at all temperatures and were actually more intense at —27 than at —10C. Apparent heats of activations were calculated for the peroxide, TBA, and flavor reactions. The heat of activation of the TBA reaction was significantly higher than the others. The TBA and peroxide values were significantly stimulated by addition of copper, but copper did not affect the apparent heats of activation of the reactions.
Design description of the coaxial helicity injection (CHI) system on NSTX-U

Elimination of the central solenoid would simplify the engineering design of a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) and tokamak based devices. The method of Transient Coaxial Helicity Injection (CHI) has successfully demonstrated formation of a high-quality closed flux plasma in NSTX and will be used as the front end of the start-up method for a full demonstration of non-inductive current start-up, followed by non-inductive current ramp-up using neutral beams in the NSTX-U device that is now under construction at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). CHI is implemented by driving current along open field lines that connect the lower inner and outer divertor plates of a Spherical Torus (ST). The engineering system requirements and the design of the CHI system on NSTX-U are described.
Study of Rational Development Mode for Water Resource in Arid Areas Based on the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

For more scientific and rational use of water resources in the basin of arid areas, best water resources development mode need to be determined for different areas of the basin. Typical arid areas basin - the Manas River Basin is taken as an example, on the basis of building the evaluation system of rational development of water resources and determining the weight vector of each index, by using of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, best development mode of regional water resources in the basin is determined, on this basis, the scientific and rational development mode of arid area water resources is summed up. The upper piedmont alluvial fan is mainly to be the development of surface water, the development of surface water-based, supplemented by groundwater or joint development of surface water and groundwater is mainly mode in the overflow zone of the fan edge, alluvial plains mainly develops groundwater-based, supplemented by surface water, the oil industry demands water in some areas, so the measurement of appropriate exploitation of groundwater can be taken in some part areas rich in groundwater.
Non-Liouville numbers and a Theorem of Hörmander

It is shown in this paper that Theorem 1 of [G. H. Meisters, “Translation-invariant linear forms and a formula for the Dirac measure,” J. Functional Analysis 8 (1971), 173–188] can be deduced from a very general result of Lars Hormander, namely, Theorem 1 of “Generators for some rings of analytic functions” [Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. 73 (1967), 943–949]. However, Hormander's theorem is evidently not applicable in several other cases where Meisters'-type results have been obtained (e.g., Theorem 1 of G.H. Meisters and Wolfgang M. Schmidt, “Translation-invariant linear forms on L2(G) for compact abelian groups G,” J. Functional Analysis 11 (1972), 407–424).
Color identification as a function of extended practice

The use of color as a coding device has been limited in some important applications because a practical maximum of only about 15 absolutely identifiable colors have been found experimentally. This investigation was undertaken to determine whether or not substantial improvement in color identification could be obtained as a result of extended practice. One subject practiced on Munsell color chips for about five months. Performance improved continuously, and at the end of the practice period the subject was able to identify 50 colors with almost perfect accuracy. However, errors increased markedly during three months of no practice immediately following the training period.
The preparation and characterization of hydrotalcite micromembranes

Abstract The focus in this study is on preparing hydrotalcite (HT) thin micromembranes and on understanding their transport characteristics. HT micromembranes were prepared on silicon wafers and on perforated stainless steel discs, using two different types of HT colloidal suspensions, and were characterized by various surface techniques, as well as with single-gas permeation tests. Electron microscopy indicates that the HT films are compact and dense, and well-adhering on the substrates. For the Si-based membranes, the presence of an intermediate γ-Al 2 O 3 layer seemed to improve the characteristics of the deposited HT films. The study of the permeation properties of the HT micromembranes indicated ideal separation factors that exceeded the corresponding Knudsen values. Some of these membranes were also permselective towards CO 2 . These HT micromembranes show good promise for application in sensor devices and in membrane microreactors.
In search of a new world order

Abstract This paper addresses some of the fundamental issues of the contemporary human dilemma and planetary crisis, arguing that the interrelated problems of environmental destruction, militarism, and poverty can not be resolved without an ecospiritual revolution. Women as a group and women of color in particular have leading roles to play in the process of the psychosocial transformation required to create a new world order.
Abstract 3186: Comparative analysis of different total RNA sequencing approaches

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Initial transcriptomic studies largely relied on hybridization-based microarray technologies and offered a limited ability to fully catalogue and quantify the diverse RNA molecules that are expressed from genomes over wide ranges of levels. Massively parallel cDNA sequencing, or Total RNA-Seq, has allowed many advances in the characterization and quantification of transcriptomes; an offer a new appreciation for the complexity of the Transcriptome, encompassing a multitude of previously unknown coding and non-coding RNA species, particularly small RNAs, including micro RNAs. This work investigates the performance of different strategies for Total RNA-Seq using multiple next generation sequencing platforms. Standard RNA-sequencing approaches generally require double-stranded cDNA Synthesis, which erases RNA strand information. Synthesis of a randomly primed double-stranded cDNA followed by addition of adaptors for next-generation sequencing leads to the loss of information about which strand was present in the original mRNA template. The polarity of the transcript is important for correct annotation of novel genes, identification of antisense transcripts with potential regulatory roles, and for correct determination of gene expression levels in the presence of antisense transcripts. Here, we examine the performance of strand-specific RNA libraries made by direct ligation of adaptor on to the RNA. We analyze the effect of different RNA fragmentation methods (divalent cations plus heat versus enzymatic fragmentation) and we provide a comparative data analysis (library complexity, continuity of gene coverage, strand specificity and 3′and 5′-end bias analysis). Identification and analysis of small RNA by deep sequencing requires preparation of a di-tagged cDNA library, which leads to adaptor-dimer formation that strongly contaminates the library. We have developed a novel method to generate di-tagged small RNA libraries free of adapter-dimer contamination without introducing any additional enzymatic steps or gel purifications. This method has optimized the 3′adaptor-ligation reaction to recover and to increase representation of the 2′-O-modified RNAs present in a biological sample. To reduce cost and increase sample throughput we have developed a barcode strategy to tag samples during library construction. The multiplexed libraries can then be pooled together before size selection, reducing the number of steps in the workflow. This technique reduces bias by ligation, increases representation of modified small RNAs and simplifies workflow during library construction for small RNA analysis and discovery. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3186. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3186
Increasing Positive Affect in College Students

Previous research has shown that self-focused writing interventions produce increases in positive affect. This paper examines whether writing about someone else will produce similar increases in positive affect in college students. In Experiment 1, participants wrote about their ideal future, the ideal future of a loved one, or their daily activities. In Experiment 2, participants wrote about three good things or three neutral things that happened either to themselves or to others. In both experiments, participants who wrote about positive outcomes reported increases in positive affect greater than the control group regardless of whether they wrote about themselves or wrote about others. In Experiment1, the increase in positive affect was greater for those who wrote about themselves than those who wrote about others. No such difference was found in Experiment 2. Negative affect change scores did not differ across the groups in either experiment. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Drinking before drinking : Pregaming and drinking games in mandated students

Pregaming, the practice of consuming alcohol before attending a social function, has not received as much research attention as drinking games among college students. This study investigated the prevalence of both pregaming and drinking game participation in a sample of mandated students (N=334) who had been referred for an alcohol violation. Approximately one-third (31%) of the sample reported pregaming on the night of their referral event. Pregaming was associated with higher estimated blood alcohol content on that night, along with a greater history of pregaming and taking greater responsibility for the incident. A higher proportion of the students (49%) reported playing drinking games on the event night and reported the event to be less aversive than non-players. Neither drinking games nor pregaming was consistently related to recent alcohol consumption or problems, nor did they frequently occur together on the event night. Pregaming was a unique predictor of intoxication on the night of the referral, and drinking games were not. Therefore, pregaming and drinking games appear to be distinct activities. This research suggests methods of prevention for both activities as well as promising research directions for future research.
Thermal analysis of bulk carbon–carbon composite and friction products derived from it during simulated aircraft braking

Abstract Friction layer and friction debris samples obtained from commercially available carbon–carbon composite brake material (3D, C/C PAN CVI) by sub-scale dynamometer testing at 50% relative humidity and 100% normal aircraft landing energy have been characterized by multiple thermo-analytical techniques to investigate adsorption/desorption phenomena of physically bonded moisture and formation and decomposition of oxygen-containing structures. Thermogravimetric Analysis/Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Temperature Programmed Reduction and Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry experiments with friction layer and friction debris were accompanied with release of H2O, CO2 and CO on heating. These products are not observed when comparable analyses with the bulk brake material were performed. These data reflect significant oxidation of the original brake material and indicate that gaseous products (carbon oxides, H2O) are released from the modified brake material during heating to temperatures approximating those experienced during typical aircraft braking.
The compact conformation of the Plasmodium knowlesi myosin tail interacting protein MTIP in complex with the C-terminal helix of myosin A.

Abstract The myosin motor of the malaria parasite's invasion machinery moves over actin fibers while it is making critical contacts with the myosin-tail interacting protein (MTIP). Previously, in a “compact” Plasmodium falciparum MTIP•MyoA complex, MTIP domains 2 (D2) and 3 (D3) make contacts with the MyoA helix, and the central helix is kinked, but in an “extended” Plasmodium knowlesi MTIP•MyoA complex only D3 interacts with the MyoA helix, and the central helix is fully extended. Here we report the crystal structure of the compact P. knowlesi MTIP•MyoA complex. It appears that, depending on the pH, P. knowlesi MTIP can adopt either the compact or the extended conformation to interact with MyoA. Only at pH values above ∼7.0, can key hydrogen bonds can be formed by the imidazole group of MyoA His810 with an aspartate carboxylate from the hinge of MTIP and a lysine amino group of MyoA simultaneously.
The growth of pure and simple microbial competitors in a moving distributed medium.

The dynamics of pure and simple competition between two microbial species are examined for the case of interaction arising in a distributed and nonstagnant environment. The environment is modeled as a tubular reactor. It is shown that for relatively small values of the dispersion coefficient (i.e., for small, but nonzero, backmixing of the medium), the two competing populations can coexist in a stable steady state. It has been assumed that the species grow uninhibited and that if there are maintenance requirements they are satisfied from endogenous sources. From numerical studies it has been found that a necessary condition for coexistence is that the net specific growth rate curves of the two competitors cross each other at a positive value of the concentration of the rate-limiting substrate. The model equations have been numerically solved by using the methods of orthogonal and spline collocation.
Localized gene expression of axon guidance molecules in neuronal co-cultures.

Axonal growth cones are guided to their targets by contact-dependent mechanisms or by diffusible chemotropic factors. Axon guidance by these factors typically involves culturing neurons on an acellular substrate which may not represent the in vivo biological environment. We developed two novel in vitro methods to create patterned gene expression of guidance molecules in a physiologically-relevant cellular environment. In the Matrigel™ assay, a droplet of adenovirus-Matrigel™ suspension was placed on astrocytes grown in Matrigel™. The adenovirus diffused through the gel and transduced underlying astrocytes, creating a radial infection gradient within a localized area. In the second model, recombinant adenovirus was bound to an anti-hexon antibody adsorbed onto stripe patterns of nitrocellulose. Once the cells were added, only those contacting the adenovirus were infected. The outgrowth pattern of chick DRG neurons on NGF, semaphorin 3A and brevican were studied. As expected, results showed robust axonal growth toward NGF as opposed to either secreted Sema 3A or membrane bound brevican, however subtle differences in axonal growth responses were observed in comparison to those obtained with less physiologically-relevant methods. Novel to this technology, the location and area of molecule expression can be controlled and manipulated in an intricate cellular environment.
Synthesis of side chain liquid crystalline copolymers and characterization of their polar structure

A series of side chain liquid crystalline copolymers having different spacer lengths, copolymer compositions, and chromophore types were synthesized and characterized both in the bulk and at the gas-water interface. Liquid crystalline properties were identified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Copolymer with spacer lengths 4, 5, 10, and 11 showed smectic A (SA) phases with a bâtonnet texture. The liquid crystalline (LC) phase stabilized as the spacer increased. Copolymers with different compositions were investigated both as monolayers and transferred films. The isotherms suggest nanodomain formation at the gas-water interface in copolymers with high nitrobiphenyl (NBP) content. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1057–1070, 1999
Electrospinning functional nanoscale fibers: a perspective for the future

Over the past decade, electrospinning has grown from a small niche process to a widely used fiber formation technique. Applying a strong electric potential on a polymer solution or melt produces nanoscale fibers. These nanofibers form non-woven textile mats, oriented fibrous bundles and even three-dimensional structured scaffolds, all with large surface areas and high porosity. Major applications of electrospun membranes include tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, sensing, separations, filtration, catalysis and nanowires. This perspective article highlights many recent advances in electrospun fibers for functional applications, with an emphasis on the advantages and proposed technologies for these non-woven fibrous scaffolds. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Recipient Polyclonal B Cell Activation and Immunoglobulin Production Induced by Priming with a Retroviral Superantigen

Abstract The superantigen vSAG-7 (or MIs 1 a ) is a membrane glycoprotein encoded by the endogenous retrovirus mouse mammary tumor virus 7 (MMTV-7) and is highly stimulatory for Vβ6/CD4 + T cells. Priming of adult MMTV-7-negative mice with vSAG-7-expressing cells initially results in the activation of the peripheral Vβ6/CD4 + T cell compartment and is followed by T cell tolerance to the superantigen. During the course of tolerance induction the number of recipient B lymphocytes increases in the lymph nodes, but not the spleen, of vSAG-7-primed recipients. These B cells also express increased levels of class II MHC and present passively acquired superantigen. In this study we asked if these effects on the host B cell compartment are followed by the production of immunoglobulin. Priming of MMTV-7-negative BALB/c or CB.17 mice with vSAG-7-expressing cells from DBA/2 mice induced increases of both IgM and IgG 2a in the serum. Use of Igh congenic CB.17 (IgM b ) mice as recipients of the vSAG-7-presenting cells from DBA/2 (IgM a ) donors indicated that the IgM and IgG produced were entirely of host origin. Priming with vSAG-7 also amplified (four- to fivefold) the antibody-producing cell response induced to a suboptimal dose of sheep RBC. Priming with purified B cells from vSAG-7 donors resulted in recipient Vβ6/CD4 + T cell activation and increased numbers of recipient B cell in the lymph nodes, but did not induce immunoglobulin production. In contrast, priming with purified CD8 + T cells resulted in increased quantities of serum IgM but not vSAG-7-reactive T cell activation or increased numbers of recipient B cells in the lymph nodes. These results indicate that the T cell activation and increased B cell number with upregulated class II MHC expression initially observed following vSAG-7 priming of adult MMTV-7-negative recipients are not linked to the induction of the recipient-derived immunoglobulin production.
A Comparison of the Insoluble Residues Produced by the Klason Lignin and Acid Detergent Lignin Procedures

Two methods-Klason lignin (KL) and acid detergent lignin (ADLF for determining lignin concentration in plants were compared using stem material from lucerne (Medicago satioa L), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L) and switchgrass (Panicurn virgatum L), at three stages of maturity, and leaf samples from lucerne and cocksfoot. For all forages, KL values were higher than ADL values. Lucerne samples, which had crude protein levels twice that of the grass species, had KL values that were only 30-40% higher than ADL values; in grasses, KL values were 200-300% greater than ADL values. The addition of nitrogenous materials (bovine serum albumin, lysine, and ammonium sulfate) to commercial xylan and cellulose did not result in additional KL residue. Pyrolysis-GC-MS revealed that both residues appeared to be similar to the orginal plant lignin and did not appear to be contaminated with carbohydrate or protein. The higher values for grass KL residues were not due to protein con- tamination or incomplete hydrolysis of carbohydrates, but were more likely due to the solubilization of lignin components by the ADL treatment. KL values may give a more accurate quantification of the total lignin within forage plants.
Copper effects in early stages of the Kelp, Laminaria saccharina☆

Abstract The effects of copper on the Laminaria saccharina were examined by culturing plants in 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 μg Cu l−1 filtered and filtered plus uv treated seawater media. Fertile sporophytes were used to determine effects of copper on meiospore release. Untreated meiospores also were obtained and cultured in seawater media, followed by copper additions at various stages of development through the early sporophyte stage. The release of meiospores from copper-treated sorus materials was reduced by concentrations ≧ 50 μg l −1 . Settlement and germination of meiospores were not affected by concentrations up to 500 μg l−1. Development of gametophytes and gametogenesis were delayed in concentrations ≧ 50 μg l −1 . Growth of sporophytes, in terms of length increase or relative blade area increase, was inhibited with increasing concentrations > 10 μg l−1.
The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse and Its Impact on the Onset of Drug Use among Adolescents in Therapeutic Community Drug Treatment.

ABSTRACT Assessing the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents is problematic because they are generally reluctant to disclose abusive experiences. Often the abuse is ongoing and may involve family members with whom the adolescent lives or with whom there may be strong emotional attachments. Statistics based on self-reports of childhood victimization suggest that issues of childhood abuse are critical factors in the initiation of drug use. The current study describes the prevalence of sexual abuse among a sample of 938 adolescents admitted to residential therapeutic communities for the treatment of substance abuse and related disorders. The data indicate that approximately one-third of the sample reported histories of sexual abuse. Prevalence rates were significantly higher for girls than boys (64% vs. 24%). A history of sexual abuse correlates with several social, behavioral, and psychological characteristics of clients at entry to treatment, including greater drug use, more severe psychopathology, ...
Remembering the past and looking forward into the future

At the end of the passing year 2010 I would like to take a moment to thank all of the contributors and editors of the journal Alternative Medicine Studies. Over the past months since its inception in August 2010 a number of well written manuscripts have been submitted and published in the journal. We strive to increase our efforts and encourage researchers and scientists to consider submitting their manuscript to the journal.
Immunomodulatory characteristics of a novel antiproliferative protein, suppressin.

Abstract We investigated the immunoregulatory properties of a recently described inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation, suppressin (SPN). It was determined that preincubation of murine leukocytes with SPN enhances natural killer cell (NK) activity. In addition, SPN potentiates interferon-γ (IFN-γ) augmentation of NK activity. Furthermore, preincubation of murine leukocytes with SPN induces the production of IFN-α/β. The IFN-α/β produced is active in NK assays as well as vesicular stomatitis virus neutralization assays. In vivo, SPN increases the time of survival of C57BL/6 mice injected with EL-4 lymphoma cells. Interestingly, SPN inhibits immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) production in response to the mitogen, concanavalin A in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the above data indicate SPN may have numerous applications in clinical science including tumor surveillance and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis.
Matthew's Messianic Shepherd-King: In Search of 'The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel'

The article intends to grasp the meaning of the phrase “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” in the Matthean logia of 10:5b-6 (and 15:24). It shows that in recent Matthean research the phrase has become an abstract salvation-historical category disconnected from narrative and historical particularity. However, generally seen, scholars have neglected a thorough treatment of the phrase within both Matthew’s own presentation of the story of Jesus and a firstcentury Jewish eschatological context. In this article the context of the phrase is investigated at several levels. It argues that it should be read against the backdrop of the political-national framework of the Messianic Shepherd-King expectation with its attending expectations for territorial restoration.
Development of a Caregiver Empowerment Model to Promote Positive Outcomes

Family members caring for aging parents experience both negative and positive outcomes from providing care. Theoretical explanations for negative outcomes have been developed. There is need for models that explain and predict positive outcomes. This article describes the evolution of the Caregiver Empowerment Model (CEM) to explain and predict positive outcomes of family caregiving. Although empirical findings support positive outcomes of family caregiving, less attention has been given to theoretical rationale for positive effects. The CEM predicts that, in the presence of filial values and certain background variables, caregiving demands are appraised as challenges instead of stressors. Appraising caregiving demands as a challenge, finding meaning, and using certain types of coping strategies are posited to be associated with growth and well-being. The CEM extends our understanding of the complexity of the caregiving experience, and can serve as a framework to guide in developing and testing theory-based interventions to promote positive outcomes.
Human resource outsourcing: Market and operating performance effects of administrative HR functions

article i nfo Using event study methodology and two-stage regression analysis on a sample of firms announcing human resource outsourcing (HRO) contracts, this study tests the association between administrative HRO and firm-level capital market and long run operating performance, with archival financial data controlling for endogeneity and outsourcing decision optimality. The results demonstrate that the equity capital market re- sponds positively to client firms announcing administrative HRO, particularly service firms and those outsourcing transactional HR tasks. Additional statistical analysis shows that suboptimal outsourcing is neg- atively associated with long run operating performance measured as return on assets and operating return on assets. This study contributes to outsourcing literature by more precisely quantifying outsourcing perfor- mance through archival financial data and employing capital market empirical tests. Further, it controls for outsourcing decision optimality in examining long run operating performance effects. This research focuses on HR, a critical function within the firm and value enhancing to the firm.
Seasonal changes in photosynthesis, protein composition and mineral content in Rhododendron leaves.

Abstract Seasonal changes in the proteome, specific leaf weight, mineral content, pigment content and photosynthetic properties were determined in leaves of a cultivar of Rhododendron catawbiense harvested in the field (2001–2004). Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) revealed that several dehydrin-like proteins, strongly expressed in the winter acclimated samples, disappeared during the transition to spring. Photosynthetic carbon assimilation, electron transport and the quantum yield for photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were severely down-regulated in winter acclimated leaves. Xanthophyll cycle pigments increased 2.3-fold in winter acclimated leaves. When winter acclimated leaves were brought into more favorable temperature conditions, the capacity of carbon assimilation fully recovered over a period of approximately 14 days. The recovery was linear and rapid for the first 4 days yielding 60% of the fully recovered rate. Electron transport rates (ETR) recovered more rapidly (80% recovery in 24 h) than carbon assimilation. The linear phase of the ETR recovery was slightly inhibited by protein synthesis inhibitors streptomycin and chloramphenicol, but more markedly by cycloheximide (44% inhibition). The slow recovery phase was impacted by all of the protein synthesis inhibitors with cycloheximide having the most profound effect (58% inhibition at 48 h). Specific leaf weight increased by 48% in winter acclimated leaf samples relative to late summer. Leaf calcium and magnesium contents were reduced (24% and 17%, respectively) in winter relative to late summer samples. An opposite pattern was seen for sulfur and phosphate (winter increases of 28% for sulfur and 72% for phosphate).
Limits to gene flow in marine animals with planktonic larvae: models of Littorina species around Point Conception, California

Simulation models examined the process of gene flow in marine animals with planktonic larvae, and three factors that may influence it: ocean currents, planktonic period and spawning season. To focus on a realistic example, the models were based on measured ocean currents around Point Conception in southern California and the life histories of two intertidal gastropods, Littorina scutulata and L. plena. Results suggested that: (1) convergent ocean currents can create an effective barrier to gene flow that can be relaxed by temporal variation; (2) longer scales of temporal variation have a greater effect than shorter scales; (3) planktonic period has little effect above a minimum duration; and (4) an extended spawning season can eliminate gene flow barriers when currents vary seasonally. Failure of past studies to detect a phylogeographical boundary at Point Conception may be explained by extended spawning seasons and temporal variation at seasonal to millennial scales. These results fit a conceptual model of marine speciation in which short-lived, leaky barriers restrict gene flow, and divergence in a few genes may quickly produce reproductive isolation, resulting in cryptic sibling species. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 82, 169–187.
Comparison of Depth Dependent Fault Zone Properties in the Japan Trench and Middle America Trench

Spatial variations in mechanical properties of the interplate thrust faults along the Japan and Middle America subduction zones are examined using teleseismic broadband earthquake recordings. Moment-normalized source duration is used to probe rigidity variations along the interface. We invert body waves to estimate source depth and source duration for 40 events in the Japan subduction zone and 38 events in the Middle America subduction zone. For both areas, there is a systematic decrease in source duration with increasing depth along the subduction zone interface. This is most likely a result of variation in properties of sediments on the plate contact. Variations in source duration are greatly reduced at depths greater than 18 km in both regions. Enhanced spatial heterogeneity at shallow depth may reflect variations in plate roughness, sediment distribution, permeability of the fault zone, and stress.
Long-term outcomes following sirolimus conversion after renal transplantation.

Long-term outcomes following renal transplantation remain limited due to chronic progressive injury partly as a result of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity. Thus, patients have been converted to non-CNI immunosuppressives despite the lack of evidence of long-term benefits from CNI free therapy. We now report our 10-year experience converting patients with well functioning transplants from CNI to sirolimus. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of patients receiving continuous CNI based therapy (CNI, n = 309) or who were switched to sirolimus within the first year of post-transplantation (CONV, n = 54). The groups were similar for most recipient, graft and donor characteristics, however, diabetes was more common in the CNI group and statin use was more frequent in the CONV group. The average time to conversion was 7.2 months and the creatinine level at the time of switching was 1.4 mg/dl. Ten year graft and patient survival rates were equivalent in both groups. There were no differences in the causes of ...
Effects of elevated CO2 and light availability on the photosynthetic light response of trees of contrasting shade tolerance

Photosynthetic light response curves (A/PPFD), leaf N concentration and content, and relative leaf absorbance (alpha(r)) were measured in 1-year-old seedlings of shade-intolerant Betula papyrifera Marsh., moderately shade-tolerant Quercus rubra L. and shade-tolerant Acer rubrum L. Seedlings were grown in full sun or 26% of full sun (shade) and in ambient (350 ppm) or elevated (714 ppm) CO(2) for 80 days. In the shade treatments, 80% of the daily PPFD on cloud-free days was provided by two 30-min sun patches at midday. In Q. rubra and A. rubrum, leaf N concentration and alpha(r) were significantly higher in seedlings in the shade treatments than in the sun treatments, and leaf N concentration was lower in seedlings in the ambient CO(2) treatments than in the elevated CO(2) treatments. Changes in alpha(r) and leaf N content suggest that reapportionment of leaf N into light harvesting machinery in response to shade and elevated CO(2) tended to increase with increasing shade tolerance of the plant. Shifts induced by elevated CO(2) in the A/PPFD relationship in sun plants were largest in B. papyrifera and least in A. rubrum: the reverse was true for shade plants. Elevated CO(2) resulted in increased light-saturated A in every species x light treatment combination, except in shaded B. papyrifera. The light compensation point (Gamma) decreased in response to shade in all species, and in response to elevated CO(2) in A. rubrum and Q. rubra. Acer rubrum had the greatest increases in apparent quantum yield (phi) in response to shade and elevated CO(2). To illustrate the effects of shifts in A, Gamma and phi on daily C gain, daily integrated C balance was calculated for individual sun and shade leaves. Ignoring possible stomatal effects, estimated daily (24 h) leaf C balance was 218 to 442% higher in the elevated CO(2) treatments than in the ambient CO(2) treatments in both sun and shade seedlings of Q. rubra and A. rubrum. These results suggest that the ability of species to acclimate photosynthetically to elevated CO(2) may, in part, be related to their ability to adapt to low irradiance. Such a relationship has implications for altered C balance and nitrogen use efficiency of understory seedlings.
The Effect of Vehicle on the Diffusion of Salicylic Acid Through Hairless Mouse Skin

The solubilities of salicylic acid in, and the fluxes through, hairless mouse skin from isopropyl myristate, 1-octanol, 1-propanol, propylene glycol, and formamide have been determined experimentally. Values for permeability coefficients (Kp) corresponding to the respective fluxes were determined from: flux/solubility = Kp. These values were then compared with values for the respective partition coefficients (P) which were calculated from the known solubility parameters for the vehicles (δv), salicylic acid (δi), and skin (δs). Two different δi, values were used to calculate theoretical P values, one based on the peak solubility method and the other based on calculation from group contributions (11 and 14.4 (cal/cm3)1/2, respectively). There was good correlation between the values for theoretical log P −1.42 and experimental log Kp for the delivery of salicylic acid from vehicles exhibiting solubility parameters in the range of δv = 10–18 (cal/cm3)1/2, when δi was assumed to be 14.4 (cal/cm3)1/2. There was also a good correlation between the values for theoretical log P −2.09 and experimental log Kp for vehicles exhibiting solubility parameters in the range of δv = 7.6–10 (cal/cm3)1/2, when δi was assumed to be 11 (cal/cm3)1/2. Two different δi, values were used because salicylic acid apparently behaves like a polar molecule in polar vehicles and a nonpolar molecule in nonpolar vehicles. Qualitatively, fluxes and permeability coefficients were found to be inversely dependent on drug solubility in the vehicles, with a minimum that corresponded approximately to the point where δv = δi, and the minimum within the theoretical Pcurve. These results with a very soluble molecule are almost the same as those obtained with the poorly soluble molecule, theophylline.
Controllable synthesis of silver nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide hybrids for ammonia detection

We demonstrate controllable fabrication of Ag nanoparticle (NP)-decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO/Ag) hybrids and their application for fast and selective detection of ammonia at room temperature. Ag NPs greatly improved the sensitivity of RGO. The response time (6 s) and recovery time (10 s) are comparable with our previous Ag NP-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT/Ag) NH3 sensors; however, the sensitivity is about twice that of MWCNT/Ag hybrids. We found that the loading density of NPs greatly affects the sensing performance of RGO/Ag hybrids and a proper NP loading leads to maximum sensitivity.
Stochastic holin expression can account for lysis time variation in the bacteriophage λ

The inherent stochastic nature of biochemical processes can drive differences in gene expression between otherwise identical cells. While cell-to-cell variability in gene expression has received much attention, randomness in timing of events has been less studied. We investigate event timing at the single-cell level in a simple system, the lytic pathway of the bacterial virus phage λ. In individual cells, lysis occurs on average at 65 min, with an s.d. of 3.5 min. Interestingly, mutations in the lysis protein, holin, alter both the lysis time (LT) mean and variance. In our analysis, LT is formulated as the first-passage time (FPT) for cellular holin levels to cross a critical threshold. Exact analytical formulae for the FPT moments are derived for stochastic gene expression models. These formulae reveal how holin transcription and translation efficiencies independently modulate the LT mean and variation. Analytical expressions for the LT moments are used to evaluate previously published single-cell LT data for λ phages with mutations in the holin sequence or its promoter. Our results show that stochastic holin expression is sufficient to account for the intercellular LT differences in both wild-type phages, and phage variants where holin transcription and the threshold for lysis have been experimentally altered. Finally, our analysis reveals regulatory motifs that enhance the robustness of lysis timing to cellular noise.
Theory of the Width of the Ferromagnetic Resonance Line of Europium Iron Garnet

A successful theory of the width of the ferromagnetic resonance line of Eu iron garnet must explain its variation with temperature, operating frequency and direction. It is found that this goal can be achieved by using the so-called 'longitudinal' theory in which the width is caused by the fact that the population redistribution among the components of $J$ = 1 lags behind the values appropriate to instantaneous equilibrium with the r.f. field. Agreement with experiment requires that the relaxation processes responsible for the redistribution be primarily of the 'inter' rather than 'intra' type, i.e. associated with transitions between the states $J$ = 0 and $J$ = 1 of the Eu$^{3+}$ ion, rather than being internal to $J$ = 1. The mathematical theory is closely related to that of an earlier paper by two of the authors on the static (i.e. free energy) anisotropy of Eu i.g. in that it involves the simultaneous consideration of the crystalline field and anisotropic exchange. Numerical values of the relevant constants are employed which are consistent with those in the earlier paper. Anisotropic exchange is less important relative to the crystalline potential than it was there, but nevertheless improves the agreement with experiment. The present problem requires in addition a dynamic parameter connected with the relaxation rate. The necessary relaxation time is short and has to be about the same for all components of $J$ = 1. The latter requirement is shown to preclude the relaxation mechanism being that of phonon modulation of exchange interaction. The final part of the paper is concerned with the equations of motion relating to the relaxation process. Their solution shows that rigorously there is more than one relaxation time, but the theory based on a single such time is found to be a good approximation in some cases.
Dma1 ubiquitinates the SIN scaffold, Sid4, to impede the mitotic localization of Plo1 kinase

Proper cell division requires strict coordination between mitotic exit and cytokinesis. In the event of a mitotic error, cytokinesis must be inhibited to ensure equal partitioning of genetic material. In the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the checkpoint protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase, Dma1, delays cytokinesis by inhibiting the septation initiation network (SIN) when chromosomes are not attached to the mitotic spindle. To elucidate the mechanism by which Dma1 inhibits the SIN, we screened all SIN components as potential Dma1 substrates and found that the SIN scaffold protein, Sid4, is ubiquitinated in vivo in a Dma1-dependent manner. To investigate the role of Sid4 ubiquitination in checkpoint function, a ubiquitination deficient sid4 allele was generated and our data indicate that Sid4 ubiquitination by Dma1 is required to prevent cytokinesis during a mitotic checkpoint arrest. Furthermore, Sid4 ubiquitination delays recruitment of the Polo-like kinase and SIN activator, Plo1, to spindle pole bodies (SPBs), while at the same time prolonging residence of the SIN inhibitor, Byr4, providing a mechanistic link between Dma1 activity and cytokinesis inhibition.
Trace alignment algorithms for offline workload analysis of heterogeneous architectures

Heterogeneous architectures with single-ISA asymmetric cores have the potential to improve both the performance and energy efficiency of software execution by dynamically selecting the most appropriate core type to run each execution thread. In this paper, we propose a trace-based methodology to explore power and performance benefits of single-ISA heterogeneous core architectures. The basic idea is to collect multiple traces by running a workload on different homogeneous platforms, and to align these traces for offline analysis. For this, we propose a wavelet-based similarity metric, which captures both fine-grain and coarse-grain software phases across different traces. Then, we propose a scalable dynamic programming algorithm to optimize this metric to align the traces. Our experiments show that the runtime and energy values predicted by our offline methodology have good accuracy with respect to the real measurements from a prototype heterogeneous system. The proposed methodology can enable design space exploration of single-ISA heterogeneous multi-core systems using traces from off-the-shelf homogeneous systems.