cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binge eating and binge drinking: An integrative review

The primary goal of this review is to provide a framework for understanding two highly overlapping behaviors: binge eating and binge drinking. Research is presented that suggests binge eating and drinking behaviors may share several important features, including personality correlates such as neuroticism and urgency, as well as affective characteristics, such as elevated levels of negative affect. Additionally, the review describes common explanatory models, which are helpful in terms of their potential to link these common features to the functions of, or reasons why individuals engage in, binge eating and drinking behaviors. Implications for understanding potentially common etiological pathways and development of interventions designed to target multiple behaviors are discussed.
Phonological awareness in reading‐disabled adults

Abstract Two groups of reading disabled adults, distinguished in terms of degree of reading retardation, were assessed on a variety of surface metalinguistic skills, and compared to able readers. The disabled groups showed deficiencies in; reading non-words, phoneme reversal in simple words, phonetic encoding of spoken words in a continuous recognition task, and serial recall of words. They were no worse than controls in phonetic encoding of non-words in continuous recognition and in the effects of acoustic confusion on serial recall. Overall the results suggest a lack of sensitivity to surface features of language, combined with the potential to focus on sound when item characteristics and task demands invite such focus. The picture of metalinguistic processes in these subjects is very similar to that found in children with reading problems, indicating that reading ability and metalinguistic skills are non-independent over a substantial developmental period.
Effect of yttrium additions to nickel on the volume and grain boundary diffusion of Ni in the scale formed on the alloy

NiO scales were formed on pure Ni and Ni-0.1 wt.% Y alloy by oxidation in pure O2 at 1200°C, and the grain boundary self-diffusion coefficients of Ni in the dense region of the scale were measured by the tracer-sectioning technique. The volume diffusion coefficient was also measured in the alloy scale. The grain boundary and volume diffusion coefficients and the grain boundary width were found to be the same for the two materials within the experimental uncertainty.
Assessment of value of routine bonescans in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Abstract The value of routine bone scans as a staging procedure was assessed in patients withnewly diagnosed prostate cancer. Records from 277 patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine the serum acid and alkaline phosphatases, the presence or absence of bone pain, and the results of bone scans and other radiographic studies at the time of initial diagnosis. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of an abnormal acid phosphatase, an abnormal alkaline phosphatase, and the presence of bone pain used in combination for assessing bone metastases. If at least one of these three parameters was present, the sensitivity was 97 percent, whereas if all three tests were normal, the specificity was 78 percent. The negative predictive value for all three tests combined is 99 percent. These results suggest that a routine bone scan to stage patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer who have no bone pain and normal acid and alkaline phosphatases may not be warranted in all cases.
“The Discipline Stop” Black Male Teachers and the Politics of Urban School Discipline

Calls for the recruitment and retention of more Black male teachers have unfolded amid popular depictions of Black men as patriarchal disciplinarians. Against that backdrop, this article investigat...
A topological study of bonding in the Al2H2 and Al2H4 hydrides

Abstract A topological analysis of the hydrogen-bridged and non-bridged Al 2 H 2 and Al 2 H 4 hydrides has been carried out using energies and geometries found at the CCSD(T)/cc-pvtz level and B3LYP/cc-pvtz Kohn–Sham wavefunctions at the optimized geometries for ELF and AIM analyses. Our topological analysis confirms earlier bonding pictures and leads to a better understanding of these unusual systems. Virtually all cases involving bridged species can be pictured in terms of donor–acceptor interactions involving hydrogen and lone pairs. Two cases of relatively weak bent Al–Al bonds are found and the unusual trans -bent HAlAlH molecule is seen to have a bond order just somewhat larger than unity.
Effects of hospital procedure volume and resident training on clinical outcomes and resource use in radical retropubic prostatectomy surgery in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Purpose: In this retrospective cohort study we used data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program of the Veterans Health Administration to examine the effect of case volume and resident participation on radical retropubic prostatectomy outcomes.Materials and Methods: The study population included 5,736 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy in Veterans Administration hospitals between October 1, 2001 and September 30, 2004. Resource related outcomes included operative times and length of stay. Clinical outcomes included blood transfusion, complications, readmissions and reoperations. Hierarchical multivariate regression models were developed to predict outcomes. Risk adjustment was performed using patient chronic health factors and results of preoperative laboratory testing.Results: A total of 5,070 radical retropubic prostatectomy surgeries met inclusion criteria. After adjustment for case mix, academic training institutions had longer operative times (3.2 vs 2.4 hours, p <...
A niche at the nexus: situating an NLP curriculum interdisciplinarily

This paper discusses the establishment and implementation of a curriculum for teaching NLP. At the core are two classes which involve some theoretical background, extensive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies, and practical application in the form of an intensive programming project. Issues involving interdisciplinary coordination, curriculum design, and challenges in teaching this discipline are discussed.
Molecular marker analysis of the approach to homozygosity by selfing in diploid alfalfa

Although inbreeding is used extensively in alfalfa breeding and genetics, the actual approach to homozygosity during inbreeding is unknown and may differ from that predicted by the inbreeding coefficient (F) because of the need to select for vigor and fertility when inbreeding. Observed and expected values of heterozygosity were compared by means of 40 co-dominant RFLP loci for two inbred series each consisting of four independent lines derived by selfing two diploid alfalfa genotypes. Selfing was continued with selection for fertility until self-sterility was reached at the S 2 , S 3 , or S 4 generation. Additional S 1 progenies were also evaluated to identify the heterozygous RFLP loci. The observed percentage heterozygosity, calculated as the percentage of the 40 RFLP loci still heterozygous in each plant, declined less than expected based on the inbreeding coeffident in each inbred series. The lowest observed percentage heterozygosity was 30% in one inbred series and 40% in the other inbred series despite expectations as low as 6%. Tests of genotype and allele ratios indicated that the deviations may be due to selection favoring heterozygotes. Our results show that inbreeding in diploid alfalfa proceeds more slowly than expected, based on F, and that inbreeding depression may limit the level of homozygosity obtainable.
RscA, a Member of the MDR1 Family of Transporters, Is Repressed by CovR and Required for Growth of Streptococcus pyogenes under Heat Stress

The ability of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]) to respond to changes in environmental conditions is essential for this gram-positive organism to successfully cause disease in its human host. The two-component system CovRS controls expression of about 15% of the GAS genome either directly or indirectly. In most operons studied, CovR acts as a repressor. We previously linked CovRS to the GAS stress response by showing that the sensor kinase CovS is required to inactivate the response regulator CovR so that GAS can grow under conditions of heat, acid, and salt stress. Here, we sought to identify CovR-repressed genes that are required for growth under stress. To do this, global transcription profiles were analyzed by microarrays following exposure to increased temperature (40°C) and decreased pH (pH 6.0). The CovR regulon in an M type 6 strain of GAS was also examined by global transcriptional analysis. We identified a gene, rscA (regulated by stress and Cov), whose transcription was confirmed to be repressed by CovR and activated by heat and acid. RscA is a member of the MDR1 family of ABC transporters, and we found that it is required for growth of GAS at 40°C but not at pH 6.0. Thus, for GAS to grow at 40°C, CovR repression must be alleviated so that rscA can be transcribed to allow the production of this potential exporter. Possible explanations for the thermoprotective role of RscA in this pathogen are discussed.
Expression of human neutrophil antigen-2a (NB1) is increased in pregnancy

BACKGROUND : The expression of human neutrophil antigen-2a (HNA-2a) or NB1 is highly variable. This study investigated variations in neutrophil expression of HNA-2a by comparing the expression of epitopes recognized by three HNA-2a-specific CD177 antibodies among healthy adults and pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : Flow cytometry was used to compare the neutrophil reactions of three CD177 antibodies (MEM-166, TAG4, and 7D8) among 52 healthy adults. Because HNA-2a expression is greater in women than men, neutrophils were studied from 21 women early in pregnancy and 23 women late in pregnancy. RESULTS : All three CD177 antibodies reacted with two populations of neutrophils: a brightly staining population and a dimly staining population. Among the 52 healthy adults, there was no difference in the mean size of the brightly reactive population of neutrophils recognized by each antibody (46 ± 23% for MEM-166, 49 ± 23% for TAG4, and 49 ± 23% for 7D8), and all three antibodies were specific for HNA-2a. For all three antibodies the size of the antigen bright neutrophil population was greater on neutrophils collected both early and late in pregnancy than in healthy adults. There was no difference in the size of the antigen bright population among neutrophils tested early and late in pregnancy. CONCLUSION : HNA-2a antigen expression increases in pregnancy. Some of the variations in neutrophil expression of HNA-2a among individuals is likely due to differences in gene regulation or differences in post-translational protein modifications rather than gene polymorphisms.
Cu(II) complexes of N-isopropyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide

Abstract Cu(II) complexes have been prepared with N-isopropyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide (IPA) employing the perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate, nitrate, chloride and bromide salts. Preparative molar ratios of 4:1 and 2:1 ligand to Cu(II) salt yielded the following unique solids: Cu(IPA)2X2(X=ClO4−, BF4− and NO3−) and Cu(IPA)X2(X=Cl, Br). Characterization has been accomplished primarily by IR, electronic and ESR measurements of the solid state. IPA bonds as a bidentate ligand via its N-oxide oxygen and amine nitrogen in all of the complexes. Anion coordination occurs in the halogen complexes and the nitrate ions appear to be bound to Cu(II) as monodentate ligands in Cu(IPA)2(NO3)2.
Improving thermoelectric properties of graphene/polyaniline paper by folding

Polyaniline (PANi) is synthesized on a highly ordered and flexible graphene paper (GNP) by in situ polymerization followed by folding the 2D composite paper into a 3D structure. The thermoelectric properties of this novel composite structure is improved as a result of the formation of an electrically connected, thermally disconnected structure due to the interconnected folds within the composite that allow electrons to conduct while discouraging phonon transport. Mechanical compaction on the folded sample is essential to produce a consolidated sample. ZT of this novel composite is an order of magnitude higher than that of neat GNP paper.
Delay constrained throughput-reliability tradeoff in network-coded wireless systems

We investigate the performance of delay constrained data transmission over wireless networks without end-to-end feedback. Forward error-correction coding (FEC) is performed at the bit level to combat channel distortions and random linear network coding (RLNC) is performed at the packet level to recover from packet erasures. We focus on the scenario where RLNC re-encoding is performed at intermediate nodes and we assume that any packet that contains bit errors after FEC decoding can be detected and erased. To facilitate explicit characterization of data transmission over network-coded wireless systems, we propose a generic two-layer abstraction of a network that models both bit/symbol-level operations at the lower layer (termed PHY-layer) over several heterogeneous links and packet-level operations at the upper layer (termed NET-layer). Based on this model, we propose a network reduction method to characterize the throughput-reliability function of the end-to-end transmission. Our approach not only reveals an explicit tradeoff between data delivery rate and reliability, but also provides an intuitive visualization of the bottlenecks within the underlying network. We illustrate our approach via a point-to-point link and a relay network and highlight the advantages of this method over capacity-based approaches.
1–50-MHz VHF electromagnetic sensor-interface power-attenuation detector circuit

Abstract The natural but unwelcome byproduct of modern telecommunication systems is electromagnetic interference (EMI). These communication networks are dynamic and produce unpredictable position- and time-varying electromagnetic fields that interfere with sensitive high-performance electronics, for which shielding is often a necessity. The shield's ability to suppress electromagnetic noise, however, may change not only over time but also across environmental conditions. EMI sensors, as a result, play a critical role because arbitrarily over-sizing a shield to accommodate worst-case conditions is not an option in many portable and mobile applications. This paper presents a logarithmically compressed peak-detection EMI sensor-interface circuit that combines the complementary functional strengths of state-of-the-art power detectors to monitor and sense 1–50 MHz of EMI with 5-bit accuracy across 16 dB of dynamic range and under −40 to 40 °C. The proposed circuit and printed-circuit-board (PCB) embodiment compensate for temperature variations as well as diode-induced errors to maintain and improve accuracy across a wide operating range.
Job evaluation committees as small groups: implications of group dynamics for fairness in pay

This paper reviews the nature of group processes, and the implications that such group dynamics have for the setting of pay in organizational settings. Job evaluation committees, widely used in the setting of salary structures, are described as small groups. In particular, the nature of group tasks as related to job evaluation is discussed, the nature of intrapersonal dynamics within the job evaluation committee is reviewed, the implications of the composition of the job evaluation committee are considered, and the broader organizational context of job evaluation is noted. Finally, implications for the practice of job evaluation are discussed.
Process and Agency in Early State Formation

Most pristine states formed in the context of competing chiefdoms, when one of the latter succeeded in incorporating its rivals into a larger polity. Some of the processes evident during state formation include chiefly cycling, biased transmission, territorial expansion, and the gaining of competitive advantage. In some archaeological circles, however, it has become fashionable to reject ecological, demographic, and technological processes, and seek agent-based or ideological explanations for state formation. This essay, delivered as the tenth McDonald Lecture, examines five agents who modified ideologies and created states from chiefdoms. It concludes that process and agency are complementary, rather than antithetical, perspectives; thus the latter is unlikely to make the former obsolete.
A research laboratory performance model

A mathematical model is developed for use in measuring and evaluating the performance of a research laboratory in meeting the needs to develop items to satisfy stated Army operational requirements. Three submodels are developed, where the overall laboratory model is obtained by means of matrix multiplication. Illustrative examples have been developed using Army research laboratory data. The model may be modified to include stochastic variables and data on the relative importance of projects and sciences.
TIMED solar EUV experiment: preflight calibration results for the XUV photometer system

The Solar EUV Experiment (SEE) on the NASA Thermosphere, Ionosphere, and Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission will measure the solar vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectral irradiance from 0.1 to 200 nm. To cover this wide spectral range two different types of instruments are used: a grating spectrograph for spectra between 25 and 200 nm with a spectral resolution of 0.4 nm and a set of silicon soft x-ray (XUV) photodiodes with thin film filters as broadband photometers between 0.1 and 35 nm with individual bandpasses of about 5 nm. The grating spectrograph is called the EUV Grating Spectrograph (EGS), and it consists of a normal- incidence, concave diffraction grating used in a Rowland spectrograph configuration with a 64 X 1024 array CODACON detector. The primary calibrations for the EGS are done using the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF-III) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In addition, detector sensitivity and image quality, the grating scattered light, the grating higher order contributions, and the sun sensor field of view are characterized in the LASP calibration laboratory. The XUV photodiodes are called the XUV Photometer System (XPS), and the XPS includes 12 photodiodes with thin film filters deposited directly on the silicon photodiodes' top surface. The sensitivities of the XUV photodiodes are calibrated at both the NIST SURF-III and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) electron storage ring called BESSY. The other XPS calibrations, namely the electronics linearity and field of view maps, are performed in the LASP calibration laboratory. The XPS and solar sensor pre-flight calibration results are primarily discussed as the EGS calibrations at SURF-III have not yet been performed.
EMPIRICAL LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION OF CONDITIONAL MOMENT RESTRICTION MODELS WITH UNKNOWN FUNCTIONS

This paper proposes an empirical likelihood-based estimation method for conditional moment restriction models with unknown functions, which include several semiparametric models. Our estimator is called the sieve conditional empirical likelihood (SCEL) estimator, which is based on the methods of conditional empirical likelihood and sieves. We derive (i) the consistency and a convergence rate of the SCEL estimator for the whole parameter, and (ii) the asymptotic normality and efficiency of the SCEL estimator for the parametric component. As an illustrating example, we consider a partially linear regression model with nonparametric endogeneity and heteroskedasticity.
Effects of postinsemination progesterone supplementation on fertility and subsequent estrous responses of dairy heifers.

The objective of Experiment I, replicated twice, was to evaluate whether fertility of estrus-synchronized dairy heifers could be improved by postinsemination progesterone supplementation. Estrous cycles were synchronized using two injections of prostaglandin (PG) F2α adiministered 11 days apart. Heifers displaying estrus were inseminated and assigned to control (n = 155) and treated (n = 159) groups. Treatment consisted of intravaginal insertion of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices for Days 7 to 13 (Day 0 = day of estrus). The conception rate for CIDR-treated heifers (57.9%) did not differ significantly from that of the controls (53.6%). The return-to-estrus rate and pattern of return estruses were not affected by treatment, but indicated that early embryonic mortality may have occurred in some of the heifers diagnosed nonpregnant. The objective of Experiment II was to evaluate if used CIDR devices were effective in resynchronizing returns to estrus in previously synchronized inseminated but nonpregnant and noninseminated heifers. Estrous cycles of dairy heifers of breeding age were synchronized with PGF2α. Heifers displaying estrus were assigned to be inseminated (n = 117) or not inseminated (n = 35). All heifers were treated with 9-day used CIDR devices for Days 17 to 22 after synchronized estrus in order to resynchronize returns to estrus. Of the inseminated but nonpregnant heifers (n = 41), 78.1% were detected in estrus after CIDR removal (versus 94.3% of noninseminated heifers [n = 35]; P < 0.05) and 61.0% of the estruses occurred within 4 days of CIDR removal (versus 91.4% of noninseminated; P < 0.05). Estruses of synchronized inseminated nonpregnant heifers occurred over a longer period compared with those of noninseminated heifers (P < 0.025). The results indicate that response to the resynchronization protocol was altered by the outcome (early embryo death or failed fertilization) of the previous unsuccessful insemination, and support the hypothesis that delayed returns to estrus can be attributable to a pregnancy which was initiated but failed to establish itself. Such factors should be considered when evaluating responses of cattle to treatments designed to enhance fertility.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SPILL PREVENTION AT OIL STORAGE FACILITIES

ABSTRACT Performance standards state requirements in terms of required results, with criteria for verifying compliance but without stating the methods for achieving required results. A performance standard may define functional requirements for the item, operational requirements, or interface and interchangeability characteristics. A performance standard may be viewed in juxtaposition to a prescriptive standard, which may specify design requirements, such as materials to be used, how a requirement is to be achieved, or how an item is to be fabricated or constructed. A performance standard for spill prevention specifies the outcome required, but leaves the specific measures to achieve that outcome up to the discretion of the regulated facility. In contrast to a design standard or a technology-based standard that specifies exactly how to achieve compliance, a performance standard sets a goal and lets each regulated facility owner or operator decide how to meet it. Since 1993, U.S. Federal regulations compli...
Effect of quasi-static loading rate on damage formation in silicon carbide reinforced calcium aluminosilicate unidirectional composites

For experiments at higher and lower loading rates, significant differences in the mechanical responses of unidirectional silicon carbide reinforced calcium aluminosilicate composites were observed. Axial and transverse stress-strain measurements, acoustic emission measurements, and post-test microstructural observations all indicated that there are changes in the sequence and extent of the formation of damage. The differences are attributed to rate-dependent matrix cracking due to environmental effects and rate dependencies associated with the fiber-matrix interface.
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

One of the earliest manifestations of diabetic neuropathy is denervation of the cardiovascular system; loss of heart rate variability may have a prevalence as high as 21.5% in diabetic patients, and declines at 1 beat/min/year, which is 3 times faster than in normal subjects. The cause of this neuropathy is unknown: attempts at decreasing the excess quantities of sorbitol, glucose and fructose in nerve tissue have lead to little functional improvement in man. Nerve ischaemia and immunological damage have stimulated increased interest lately, the latter particularly because of the structural homology of nerve growth factor and insulin. Symptoms from autonomic neuropathy are rare. When present they may well be intermittent, but never remit; they rarely progress or become disabling. One uncommon consequence of loss of sympathetic vascular tone is postural hypotension. This may result from failure of splanchnic vasoconstriction on standing. Food and insulin can greatly exacerbate the postural blood pressure fall. Reduced vascular tone in the neuropathic foot leads to increased arterio-venous shunt flow. The local reflex control of this shunt flow is also abnormal: paradoxical vasoconstriction occurs in response to local skin heating and postural reflexes are reduced. This high shunt flow together with its abnormal vascular control may be important in the pathogenesis of neuroarthropathy and foot ulceration. The prognosis of patients with autonomic neuropathy is better than previously reported. Abnormal heart rate variability alone is of no prognostic value. The presence of symptoms, in particular postural hypotension, significantly reduces survival. The majority of deaths however, result from concurrent renal disease and macrovessel atheroma.
Closing the Racial/Ethnic Gap Between Students of Color and Their Teachers: An Elusive Goal

This article examines minority teacher recruitment policies and programs of the past two decades and explores their influence on the racial/ethnic makeup of the teaching force in elementary and secondary public schools. The results show that while important progress has been made toward increasing the overall number and proportion of minority teachers in the public schools, those gains have been eclipsed by the rapid growth of the minority student population. As a result, the racial/ethnic gap between students of color and their teachers has actually increased over the years. The authors provide an overview of current minority teacher recruitment state policies and introduce the Teacher-Student Parity Index, a new metric for comparing the proportions of teachers and students from different racial/ethnic groups to gain a more textured understanding of the demographic reality of today's schools than is presently found in the literature. The authors conclude with recommendations for policy and research.
A power-function creep analysis for rotating solid disks having variable thickness and temperature

Abstract A power-function creep analysis for stress distribution in rotating solid disks having variable thickness and temperature is presented. As in a previous paper (1), this analysis is on the basis of the theory of Tresca's criterion and its associated flow rule for the materials with high ductility. In fact, ductility is one of the most important requirements of the disk materials used in gas turbines and jet engines. For applications, gas turbines and jet engines not only find their wide use in conventional and aircraft power plants but also have the potential to extend their service as a component of the nuclear space auxiliary power system. The chief advantage of this stress analysis under creep condition is that the complex problem of the disk design can be solved with great simplicity by the closed form, instead of a tedious numerical solution.
Authentication of Olive Oil Adulterated with Vegetable Oils Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract Determination of the authenticity of extra virgin olive oils has become more important in recent years following some infamous adulteration and contamination scandals. The study focused on application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify the adulteration of olive oils. Single-bounce attenuated total reflectance measurements were made on pure olive oil and olive oil samples adulterated with varying concentrations of sunflower oil (20–100 mL vegetable oil/L of olive oil). Discriminant analysis using 12 principal components was able to classify the samples as pure and adulterated olive oils based on their spectra. A partial least squares model was developed and used to verify the concentrations of the adulterant. Furthermore, the discriminant analysis method was used to classify olive oil samples as distinct from other vegetable oils based on their infrared spectra.
Effect of cobalt precursor on the performance of ceria-supported cobalt catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

Abstract The effect of cobalt precursor on the performance of Co/CeO2 catalysts in ethanol steam reforming was investigated. The catalysts were characterized using various characterization techniques including H2 chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction, temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The results obtained from steady-state reaction experiments showed a significantly better catalytic performance over the samples prepared by using organometallic Co precursors (especially, cobalt acetyl acetonate). Characterization results suggest that the organic ligands bound to the cobalt species might facilitate its dispersion on the surface of the CeO2 support, resulting in the improved activity and stability.
Regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene expression by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ in astrocytes

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein which can be induced on astrocytes, the major glial cell of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we examined the effect of three proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), on the expression of ICAM-1 by primary rat astrocytes. Astrocytes constitutively express ICAM-1 mRNA and protein, which is enhanced by treatment with TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IFN-gamma. TNF-alpha is the most potent inducer of ICAM-1 expression, followed by IL-1 beta, then IFN-gamma. Kinetic analysis demonstrated optimum ICAM-1 mRNA expression after a 1-h exposure to TNF-alpha, 2 h exposure to IL-1 beta, and 4 h exposure to IFN-gamma. Peak ICAM-1 protein expression was detected 12-16 h after treatment with TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta, and after a 24-h exposure to IFN-gamma. Nuclear run-on analysis demonstrated that the ICAM-1 gene is transcribed under basal conditions in astrocytes, and that both TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta enhance transcriptional activation of the ICAM-1 gene. ICAM-1 mRNA stability studies determined that basal ICAM-1 mRNA has a half-life of about 1 h, and that TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IFN-gamma have a modest effect on stabilization of basal ICAM-1 mRNA expression. These results indicate that under inflammatory conditions in the CNS, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), astrocytes can be induced to express the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, which can contribute to inflammatory events within the CNS.
On the Feedback Capacity of the Fully Connected K-User Interference Channel

The symmetric K-user interference channel with fully connected topology is considered, in which 1) each receiver suffers interference from all other (K-1) transmitters, and 2) each transmitter has causal and noiseless feedback from its respective receiver. The number of generalized degrees of freedom (\ssr GDoF) is characterized in terms of α, where the interference-to-noise ratio (\ssr INR) is given by \ssr INR = \ssr SNRα. It is shown that the per-user \ssr GDoF of this network is the same as that of the two-user interference channel with feedback, except for α = 1, for which existence of feedback does not help in terms of \ssr GDoF. The coding scheme proposed for this network, termed cooperative interference alignment, is based on two key ingredients, namely, interference alignment and interference decoding. Moreover, an approximate characterization is provided for the symmetric feedback capacity of the network, when the \ssr SNR and \ssr INR are far apart from each other.
Comparison of Fate and Transport of Isoxaflutole to Atrazine and Metolachlor in 10 Iowa Rivers

Isoxaflutole (IXF), a newer low application rate herbicide, was introduced for weed control in corn (Zea mays) to use as an alternative to widely applied herbicides such as atrazine. The transport of IXF in streamwater has not been well-studied. The fate and transport of IXF and two of its degradation products was studied in 10 Iowa rivers during 2004. IXF rapidly degrades to the herbicidally active diketonitrile (DKN), which degrades to a biologically inactive benzoic acid (BA) analogue. IXF was detected in only four, DKN in 56, and BA in 43 of 75 samples. The concentrations of DKN and BA were approximately 2 orders of magnitude less than those of the commonly detected triazine and acetamide herbicides and their degradation products. Concentrations of IXF, DKN, and BA were highest during the May through June postplanting period. The concentration ratio of BA/DKN was similar to the deethylatrazine/atrazine ratio with smaller ratios occurring during May and June. The relative temporal variation of DKN and ...
Cultural Variations in the Cross-Border Transfer of Organizational Knowledge: An Integrative Framework

Little is known about the effectiveness of cross-border transfer of organizational knowledge involving dissimilar cultural contexts. We propose a theoretical framework for understanding the significance of four transacting cultural patterns, defined in terms of the dimensions of individualism-collectivism and verticalness-horizontalness, for their potential in moderating the effectiveness of cross-border transfer of organizational knowledge. Drawing foundational support for this new framework from recent research advances in the area of knowledge transfer, we explore implications for future research.
Single-change items did not measure change in quality of life.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to demonstrate validity for the two items in the Veterans RAND 36 Item Health Survey (VR-36) that attempt to measure the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over 1 year, using serial administrations of the full instrument as a gold standard. Study Design and Setting A total of 1,117 subjects in the Veterans Health Study completed the VR-36 instrument at study inception and 1 year later. Using nonparametric correlation and factor analyses, we compared the single-change items (SCIs) with 1-year changes in the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS), the summary scores of the VR-36. Results We found low correlations between the SCI and longitudinal changes in the PCS (0.21) and MCS (0.18) and moderate correlations between the SCI and the current PCS (0.50) and MCS (0.41). Factor analyses confirmed that the SCI loaded highly with current HRQOL. Conclusions The two SCIs contained in the VR-36, which are intended to measure changes in health over the past year, are more highly correlated with current self-reported HRQOL. In this instrument, single-item measurements of health status change cannot be substituted for changes in serial measures of HRQOL.
Effects of a Persistent Red Tide (Karenia brevis) Bloom on Community Structure and Species-Specific Relative Abundance of Nekton in a Gulf of Mexico Estuary

An unusually persistent red tide event caused by the ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis occurred along the southwest Florida coast in 2005. Extensive fish kills led to concerns regarding the effect of red tide on fish populations and their subsequent recruitment. Community structure differences were analyzed for all small- and large-bodied nekton species collected by fisheries-independent monitoring from 1996 through 2006. Indices of abundance of five economically important fish species were also calculated from this time period. A significant change in small- and large-bodied nekton community structure was apparent from summer 2005 through spring 2006. Declines in the annual recruitment of juvenile spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were evident in 2005 and 2006. Species-specific subadult and adult abundances, however, were consistent with those of previous years. These community shifts and species-specific declines appear to be associated with the red tide event.
Potential Sites of Action for Phloretin on BK Channels

Activation of large-conductance (BK) potassium channels by voltage and/or Ca2+ plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Reduced BK channel activity has pathophysiological consequences, suggesting BK channel openers may have therapeutic potential. Here, we focus on the mechanism of action of the BK opener phloretin. Previously, we reported the predominant effect of phloretin (100 μM) was to increase Po with greater efficacy at negative voltages (∼100-fold increase in 0 Ca2+), an effect consistent with actions on the gate and/or its coupling to voltage-sensors. Phloretin has effects on other Slo family members. Interestingly, phloretin inhibited unitary currents from heterologously-expressed mSlo3 channels. Thus, we used a chimeric approach between Slo1 (BK) and Slo3 to identify potential sites of action for phloretin. Domain exchange studies revealed the intracellular tail does not play a significant role in mediating phloretin's effects as an opener. However, chimeras with S6 domains from Slo3 were inhibited by phloretin. Activation was partially restored when only the distal end of S6 was exchanged, suggesting the proximal end of S6 is important in mediating phloretin's effects. Sequence alignment of this region revealed two residues of interest-G311 and G310. The former is the proposed gating hinge and is not conserved in Slo3. G310 provides added flexibility to S6 during gating of Slo1 and is conserved in Slo3. The effects of phloretin were tested on Slo1 G310A and G311A. Although phloretin increased nPo for both mutants, the effects were significantly less at G311A and similar to wild-type values for G310A, highlighting the importance of the gating hinge in mediating the effects of phloretin. These findings suggest the ability of phloretin to act as an opener at BK channels may require the structural arrangement and flexibility provided by the gating hinge.
A hardware-based approach for saving cache energy in multicore simulation of power systems

Due to the wide spread use of computing systems such as multicore servers, laptops and iPods, their contribution in national power consumption has significantly increased. Further, driven by the recent trends in chip fabrication and transistor scaling, the size and power consumption of caches has also increased and hence, they contribute significantly to overall processor power consumption. In this paper, we present an approach for reducing cache energy consumption in computationally-intensive, dynamic simulation of power systems. We leverage the intra-program and inter-program variation in cache demands during analysis of different contingencies and use drowsy cache technique to turn off unused cache to save leakage energy. We simulate several contingencies of different power systems using dual-core and quadcore configurations in a computer architecture simulator. The simulation results have shown that our approach is effective in saving cache leakage energy and does not harm the performance.
N-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Actions and Molecular Mechanisms

Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies and randomized control intervention trials have reported that n-3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular events. A variety of biologic and molecular effects of n-3 fatty acids can modulate the mechanisms of development and progression of atherosclerosis. These include n-3 fatty acid effects on inflammation, cardiac excitability, platelet function, triglyceride blood levels, blood pressure and the stability of atheroma plaques. The molecular mechanisms are still not fully defined; but might involve changes in membrane fluidity, receptor responses and binding to intracellular receptors regulating gene transcription. Understanding and elucidating these mechanisms is important to development of future strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Influential Factors in the Utilization of Early Intervention Services.

The purpose of this study was to examine utilization rates of scheduled early intervention services. Service utilization data reported for 1 week out of every month over a 4-month period were analyzed for a cohort of 146 infants and toddlers. Major findings included: (a) 69% of the families used the majority of their services; (b) child and maternal characteristics were not significantly related to service utilization; (c) providers who were younger and close in age to mothers evidenced significantly higher utilization rates; (d) families in which therapists served as the primary service provider had the lowest utilization rates; and (e) mothers who believed that service decisions should be made by professionals evidenced higher utilization rates. Overall, data reveal that the assignment of a primary $service provider to a family is a critical event in the early intervention experience.
Observations on house flies in high-ozone environments.

Inhabitants of our complex environment are undoubtedly subjected to subtle influences of many factors. Ozone is one such factor. In excess it is known to affect our own well being. It is definitely germicidal and can cause severe damage to agricultural crops.
Interactions among soil biota in coniferous ecosystems

Abstract The dominance of ectomycorrhizae in most coniferous forest ecosystems profoundly alters the classical concept of the role of exudation and rhizodeposition of cell fragments in the formation of the rhizosphere. In the unaltered, non-ectomycorrhizal rhizosphere the soluble exudates and sloughed cells supporting higher populations of bacteria and other soil biota in the rhizosphere result from the root. The loss of root hairs and the presence of a sheath of fungal hyphae around roots in ectomycorrhizae, suggests that the exudates and sloughed cells will be mainly fungal in origin, creating a mycorrhizosphere. Unfortunately, very little quantitative data exist to test this hypothesis. Recent work has shown that much of the rhizodeposition is in fact whole roots and mycorrhizae; soluble exudates and root cap plus mucigel account for only 3–15% of the organic matter produced in pot experiments. In forests, 3–5 times more organic matter in the form of roots and mycorrhizae is returned to the soil than is returned by decomposition of litter. Data on biomass of bacteria, fungi and other mycorrhizosphere biota obtained by direct measurement or observation are very limited. Much of the research on interactions among biota has focused on host-pathogen interactions rather than quantification of the impact of biota on ecosystem processes.
The effects of nonsuppressible insulin-like protein (NSILP) on cyclic nucleotide metabolism in rat liver

Abstract Nonsuppressible insulin-like protein (NSILP), 100 ng/ml, inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation in rat liver, as stimulated by glucagon, 10 −7 M, from 493 ± 12 to 183 ± 7 pmoles/gm tissue (p −4 M, from 387 ± 12 to 233 ± 9 pmoles/gm tissue. With 1 μM as substrate, NSILP, 100 ng/ml, increased cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase activity in liver slices from 19.08 ± 0.18 to 24.94 ± 0.38 pmoles cAMP hydrolyzed/mg protein/min (p
scrL 2 stabilization theory of dynamics: Dissociative photoabsorption

A conceptually simple and computationally economical, ${\mathit{scrL}}^{2}$-discrete-basis-set stabilization method of computing a spectral density as a function of energy is presented. Photoabsorbtion to the continuum is emphasized in examples of model problems. The use of the method for computing rates and state-dependent cross sections is sketched. Traditional scattering solutions are avoided, as are dilatation analytic, imaging, and absorbing-potential techniques.
Termination V in the Vostok (Antarctica) ice core

The age-depth relationship of the Vostok (Antarctica) ice core has been reconstructed in the depth interval 3300-3347 m, by comparing three gas properties in ice (CO 2 , CH 4 and δ 18 O atm ) with those in the EPICA Dome C (Antarctica) core. Fourteen Vostok depths were examined in this interval, and it was found that nine samples are uniquely dated if candidate ages are restricted to the interval between 400 and 650 kyr. One of these samples is uniquely dated without restriction. The analysis supports previous reports that this section contains ice from Termination V, but that the stratigraphic order of ice is reversed. The top of the overturned layer lies between 3316 and 3319 m. At least one other stratigraphic disturbance was found between 3340 and 3343 m, as indicated by another reversal of the age-depth relationship. Finally, the oldest ice in this section is dated at >440kyr, confirming the existence of ice from the cold marine isotope stage (MIS) 12 interval.
Managing Irrigation for Better River Ecosystems — A Case Study of the Middle Rio Grande

The technology of irrigated agriculture has often been controversial. The development agencies would praise its productivity, as only 18% of the world’s cultivated land is irrigated but produces roughly 33% of the world’s human food supply. Environmental and ecological concerns cite the degradation of natural landscapes, elimination of floodplains and wetlands, and profound impacts on wildlife habitats. Dr. Mark Fiege (University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1999) in his book entitled Irrigated Eden: The Making of an Agricultural Landscape in the American West proposes a possible reconciling view—that irrigation should be viewed as a manmade ecological system, in which land and water are modified to increase agricultural production. The reported research has used this ecological approach to study the Middle Rio Grande irrigated landscape, for the purpose of identifying options for water and ecosystem conservation. This article presents research findings related to opportunities in the agricultural sector...
A numerical study of wind stress curl effects on eddies and filaments off the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model is used to examine the response to the particular conditions of anticyclonic (negative) wind stress curl and equatorward (upwelling favorable) winds along the eastern ocean boundary off the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula in the vicinity of the highly productive rias. A band of steady equatorward winds, which are uniform alongshore but contain zonal variability (i.e., anticyclonic wind stress curl), results in an equatorward coastal surface current nearshore and a poleward surface current offshore. In time, the currents become unstable and lead to the development of anticyclonic warm core eddies. In addition, cold core filament formation occurs in areas where the anticyclones advect the upwelled coastal water offshore. The results from the experiments support the hypothesis that wind forcing, particularly the combination of anticyclonic (negative) wind stress curl and equatorward (upwelling favorable) winds, is an important mechanism for generating opposing alongshore surface currents, anticyclonic eddies, and filaments off the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula. In a sensitivity study, the results from three numerical experiments are examined to understand, in a limited way, the dependence of the generation of the surface currents on the boundary conditions (free slip and no slip), the use of wind band forcing and the imposed wind stress curl distribution. Results show that, regardless of whether free-slip or no-slip boundary conditions or wind band forcing are used, opposing alongshore surface currents are generated. Because such currents do not develop when there is no wind stress curl, the opposing currents are generated by the anticyclonic wind stress curl.