cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the quaternary structure of (Na+ + K+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase by Triton X-100.

Abstract (Na+ + K+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (NaK ATPase) consists of two polypeptide chains, a large polypeptide with a molecular weight of about 100,000, and a sialoglycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 40,000. In the presence of Triton X-100 both polypeptides react to form high molecular weight aggregates with apparent molecular weights of 168,000, 200,000 and 260,000. These aggregates arise as a result of disulfide bond formation which results from the autooxidation of sulfhydryl groups on the two polypeptides of NaK ATPase. These data are discussed in light of studies aimed at determining the size and subunit structure of membrane proteins with Triton X-100.
Temperature dependence of TIP3P, SPC, and TIP4P water from NPT Monte Carlo simulations: Seeking temperatures of maximum density

Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations have been carried out with the TIP3P, SPC, and TIP4P models for liquid water at 13 temperatures from −50°C to 100°C at 1 atm. Long runs with 512 water molecules provided definitive results for densities. Although the TIP4P model yields a flat region in the density profile and a temperature of maximum density near −15°C, the SPC and TIP3P models show monotonically increasing density with decreasing temperature. Results for heats of vaporization, isothermal compressibilities, and coefficients of thermal expansion and their convergence characteristics are also reported. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 19: 1179–1186, 1998
Neighborhood revitalization through 'collaboration': Assessing the implications of neoliberal urban policy at the grassroots

With the increasing involvement of local citizens and community organizations in carrying out urban planning and service delivery functions formerly handled by state institutions, questions have emerged about their implications for the urban political role and influence of community level actors. Some scholars identify these purportedly collaborative neighborhood revitalization initiatives as part of a neoliberal policy program of downsizing the state, while others argue that the new roles assumed by civic institutions offer new opportunities for citizen involvement in urban policy making and priority setting for revitalization. Drawing evidence from the case of a collaborative revitalization program in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this paper suggests that collaborative revitalization efforts may simultaneously foster both tendencies. By way of the new roles they are assuming in urban governance, grassroots organizations may become engaged in reproducing neoliberal priorities and policies at a highly localized level. At the same time, this involvement does not necessarily eliminate possibilities for community organizations to challenge and revise a neoliberal revitalization agenda.
Consumption of O2 in the light by Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract A mass spectrometer has been used to measure O2 production and consumption and net CO2 exchange near the CO2 compensation point in Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown in air and in 2% (v/v) and 5% (v/v) CO2 in air. Some experiments were run in presence of α-hydroxy-2-pyridinemethanesulfonic acid and, for others, data are presented from parallel assays for enzymic glycolate oxidation. Although the glycolate-oxidising enzyme was present in cells grown with and without CO2 enrichment, the activities measured were not compatible with direct measurements of O2 consumption in the light. This and other evidence argues against glycolate being the primary substrate for light-induced O2 consumption by these organisms.
Content analysis of continuing medical education for cervical cancer screening.

Abstract Background: Since 2003, newer cervical cancer screening guidelines that include human papillomavirus (HPV) testing with cytology (HPV co-testing) call for extension of screening intervals in women who are cytology normal and HPV negative. Continuing medical education (CME) may help increase knowledge and appropriate adoption of new technologies and guidelines. However, there are concerns that industry support of CME may bias messages favoring newer technologies without emphasizing the updated guidelines, especially less frequent testing recommendations. Our objectives were to assess availability and accuracy of web-based CME activities describing cervical cancer screening guidelines, screening intervals, and HPV testing. Methods: We identified 20 web-based CME activities available between 2006 and 2008 and evaluated the content for messages related to HPV and natural history, cervical cancer screening guidelines, management of HPV abnormalities, and counseling tips for patients. In addition to co...
Practical tip for aging pain specialist.

Dear Editor: I have found a $8.95 solution to the need for replacing expensive ($500) leaded procedure glasses when you need to add bifocals—paste-on bifocals. Much …
Pulmonary Host Defense Mechanisms

T he major function of the respiratory system is to procure oxygen from the external environment and to eliminate carbon dioxide from the body at rates required by tissue metabolism. Unfortunately, ambient inspired air contains not only oxygen which is vital to survival, but also noxious gases and a multitude of particulates, including viable microorganisms, which the lungs must exclude to maintain good health. Toxic substances in air are derived from many sources. For example, naturally occurring processes can give rise to large amounts of aerosolized particles. The latter includes resuspension ofsoil and emissions from volcanic activity, forest fires, photochemical reactions, and even sea spray. Airborne particles also include biologically derived viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, spores, and pollens. In addition, industrial and occupational sources add sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, hydrocarbons, ozone, and inorganic and organic particles to our inspired air. This article will briefly overview the various pulmonary defense mechanisms which usually prevent the development of lung disease by resisting invasion by pathogenic organisms and by absorbing, detoxifying, and/or removing toxic gases and inanimate particulates. Although the respiratory tract defenses encompass many interrelated responses, for simplicity of presentation, we have arbitrarily divided them into two major parts (Table 1). One is referred to as physical defense mechanisms which primarily comprise structural and physiochemical adaptations in the proximal upper and lower airways and their lining layers. The second is cellular defense mechanisms which operate mostly in the distal alveolar parts ofthe lung. The latter largely depends on alveolar macrophages (AM) and their ability to mediate phagocytic and immunologic responses. Finally, although the aforementioned prox-
Sleep-induced periodic breathing and apnea: a theoretical study

To elucidate the mechanisms that lead to sleep-disordered breathing, we have developed a mathematical model that allows for dynamic interactions among the chemical control of respiration, changes in sleep-waking state, and changes in upper airway patency. The increase in steady-state arterial PCO2 accompanying sleep is shown to be inversely related to the ventilatory response to CO2. Chemical control of respiration becomes less stable during the light stage of sleep, despite a reduction in chemoresponsiveness, due to a concomitant increase in "plant gain" (i.e., responsiveness of blood gases to ventilatory changes). The withdrawal of the "wakefulness drive" during sleep onset represents a strong perturbation to respiratory control: higher magnitudes and rates of withdrawal of this drive favor instability. These results may account for the higher incidence of periodic breathing observed during light sleep and sleep onset. Periodic ventilation can also result from repetitive alternations between sleep onset and arousal. The potential for instability is further compounded if the possibility of upper airway occlusion is also included. In systems with high controller gains, instability is mediated primarily through chemoreflex overcompensation. However, in systems with depressed chemoresponsiveness, rapid sleep onset and large blood gas fluctuations trigger repetitive episodes of arousal and hyperpnea alternating with apneas that may or may not be obstructive. Between these extremes, more complex patterns can arise from the interaction between chemoreflex-mediated oscillations of shorter-cycle-duration (approximately 36 s) and longer-wavelength (approximately 60-80 s) state-driven oscillations.
Laboratory Observations on Predation Activities of Laccophilus Beetles on the Immature Stages of Some Dipterous Pests Found in Missouri Oxidation Lagoons

High population densities of 2 dytiscid beetles, Laccophilus fasciatus Aube and L. maculosus Say, occur in some waste-oxidation lagoons in Missouri. These lagoons provide optimal conditions for reproduction to certain dipterous pests, notably mosquitoes and midges. In laboratory studies, adults of both dytiscid species were very active and voracious predators on the immature stages (especially the younger instars) of Culex pipiens L., and Glyptotendipes barbipes (Staeger). Mosquito pupae were less often attacked than larvae. G. barbipes were subject to predation before and during tube construction, when larvae left the tubes, and, as pupae, when they migrated to the water surface for adult emergence. The 2 Laccophilus species differed little in their predaceous capacities, and no difference was found between the sexes of either. Predation occurred to some extent under greatly reduced illumination.
Molecular phylogenetics of the bee-eaters (Aves: Meropidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data

The bee-eaters (family Meropidae) comprise a group of brightly colored, but morphologically homogeneous, birds with a wide variety of life history characteristics. A phylogeny of bee-eaters was reconstructed using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data from 23 of the 25 named bee-eater species. Analysis of the combined data set provided a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the family. Nyctiornis is the sister taxon to all other bee-eaters. Within the genus Merops, we recovered two well-supported clades that can be broadly separated into two groups along geographic and ecological lines, one clade with mostly African resident species and the other clade containing a mixture of African and Asian taxa that are mostly migratory species. The clade containing resident African species can be further split into two groups along ecological lines by habitat preference into lowland forest specialists and montane forest and forest edge species. Intraspecific sampling in several of the taxa revealed moderate to high (3.7–6.5%, ND2) levels of divergence in the resident taxa, whereas the lone migratory taxon showed negligible levels of intraspecific divergence. This robust molecular phylogeny provides the phylogenetic framework for future comparative tests of hypotheses about the evolution of plumage patterns, sociality, migration, and delayed breeding strategies. 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Statistical Models and Frequency-Dependent Corner Models for Passive Devices

We present the statistical SPICE models and associated corner models of passive devices (such as capacitors and resistors) in VLSI semiconductor technologies. The capacitor devices include decoupling capacitors, metal- insulator-metal capacitors (MIMCAPs), junction capacitors, MOS varactors, BEOL metal capacitors, etc. The resistor devices include diffused resistors, silicide blocked polysilicon resistors, BEOL resistors, etc. We present correct statistical models and optimal corner models, and discuss the correctness and goodness of various statistical models and corner models. We explicitly show the dependency of the corner model parameters on the device length/width. For a fixed device length and width, for the first time, we show the dependency of the corner model parameters on the frequency, and show that the skewing direction of some corner model parameters will change their signs when going from the low frequency region to the high frequency/RF region.
Sex Differences in Succumbing to Sexual Temptations A Function of Impulse or Control

Men succumb to sexual temptations (e.g., infidelity, mate poaching) more than women. Explanations for this effect vary; some researchers propose that men and women differ in sexual impulse strength, whereas others posit a difference in sexual self-control. These studies are the first to test such underlying mechanisms. In Study 1, participants reported on their impulses and intentional control exertion when they encountered a real-life tempting but forbidden potential partner. Study 2 required participants to perform a reaction-time task in which they accepted/rejected potential partners, and we used process dissociation to separate the effects of impulse and control. In both studies, men succumbed to the sexual temptations more than women, and this sex difference emerged because men experienced stronger impulses, not because they exerted less intentional control. Implications for the integration of evolutionary and self-regulatory perspectives on sex differences are discussed.
Synergistic inhibition of human cytomegalovirus replication by interferon-alpha/beta and interferon-gamma.

Recent studies have shown that gamma interferon (IFN-γ) synergizes with the innate IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) to inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in vitro. To determine whether this phenomenon is shared by other herpesviruses, we investigated the effects of IFNs on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication. We have found that as with HSV-1, IFN-γ synergizes with the innate IFNs (IFN-α/β) to potently inhibit HCMV replication in vitro. While pre-treatment of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) with IFN-α, IFN-β or IFN-γ alone inhibited HCMV plaque formation by ~30 to 40-fold, treatment with IFN-α and IFN-γ or IFN-β and IFN-γ inhibited HCMV plaque formation by 163- and 662-fold, respectively. The generation of isobole plots verified that the observed inhibition of HCMV plaque formation and replication in HFFs by IFN-α/β and IFN-γ was a synergistic interaction. Additionally, real-time PCR analyses of the HCMV immediate early (IE) genes (IE1 and IE2) revealed that IE mRNA expression was profoundly decreased in cells stimulated with IFN-α/β and IFN-γ (~5-11-fold) as compared to vehicle-treated cells. Furthermore, decreased IE mRNA expression was accompanied by a decrease in IE protein expression, as demonstrated by western blotting and immunofluorescence. These findings suggest that IFN-α/β and IFN-γ synergistically inhibit HCMV replication through a mechanism that may involve the regulation of IE gene expression. We hypothesize that IFN-γ produced by activated cells of the adaptive immune response may potentially synergize with endogenous type I IFNs to inhibit HCMV dissemination in vivo.
CMOS imager technology shrinks and image performance

In this paper, we present a performance summary of CMOS imager pixels from 5.2 /spl mu/m to 4.2 /spl mu/m using 0.18 /spl mu/m imager design rules, then to 3.2 /spl mu/m using 0.15 /spl mu/m imager design rules. These pixels support 1.3-megapixel, 2.0-megapixel, and 3.1-megapixel CMOS image sensors for digital still cameral (DSC) applications at 3.3 V, respectively. The 4TC pixels are all based on technology shrinks of Micron's 2P3M imager process, and each of the technology nodes report excellent CMOS imager low-noise, high-sensitivity, low-lag, and low-light performance, matching that of state-of-the-art charged-coupled device (CCD) imagers. We have put a model in place to provide the predictive performance of smaller pixels, and then use that model to discuss performance expectations down to 2.0 /spl mu/m pixels. With the combination of imager design rules, pixel architecture, and process technology tailored for CMOS imagers, we see no fundamental reason that CMOS imagers should not be able to continue matching CCD performance as pixel sizes shrink.
A search for travel-time changes associated with the Parkfield, California, earthquake of 1966

Studies of P-wave travel times at a station within 0.5 km of the ground rupture associated with the Parkfield, California, earthquake of 1966 show no systematic variations for a time period of 7 months before the mainshock to at least 13 months after the event. Sources used include quarry blasts, regional earthquakes, explosions at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), and teleseismic earthquakes. The data from the quarry blasts and regional earthquakes have a scatter of less than + 0.15 see. With suitable source corrections, the scatter in the NTS data can be reduced to about _+ 0.25 see (making the catalog of nuclear explosions potentially useful for monitoring large travel-time changes). The data from teleseismic P waves have much more scatter than do the data from the more local sources. The regional earthquake data (expressed as the time differences between the station near the ground rupture and one farther to the north) show temporal variations, but these variations appear to be due to systematic changes in the hypoeentral locations of the sources rather than changes in the seismic velocity near the recording stations. The quarry blasts are not as subject to this bias and consequently are more reliable for the monitoring of seismic velocity changes. The negative results of our study do not rule out the possibility that a velocity anomaly was associated with the Parkfield earthquake; they do, however, require that any velocity change as large as 15 per cent he confined to a volume that is either less than about 5 km deep by several kilometers wide or that does not coincide spatially with the rupture zone.
Modulation of Centimetric Waves by Long Gravity Waves: Progress Report on Field and Laboratory Results

The modulation of short wind waves (centimeter to decimeter long) by long gravity waves is investigated under field and laboratory conditions. The field study employed a wave follower capable of tracking ocean waves with frequencies less than 1.0 Hz and heights less than 2.0 m. A high response laser-optical system was used to detect upwind-downwind and cross-wind slopes of short waves. Cross correlations of short wave slopes with long waves reveal the presence of definite coupling between the two. A well defined peak appears in the cross-correlation function at 45° downwind of the long wave crest, suggesting higher density waves there.
Truly distribution-independent algorithms for the N-body problem

The N-body problem is to simulate the motion of N particles under the influence of mutual force fields based on an inverse square law. Greengard's algorithm claims to compute the cumulative force on each particle in O(N) time for a fixed precision irrespective of the distribution of the particles. In this paper, we show that Greengard's algorithm is distribution dependent and has a lower bound of /spl Omega/(N log/sup 2/ N) in two dimensions and /spl Omega/(N log/sup 4/ N) in three dimensions. We analyze the Greengard and Barnes-Hut algorithms and show that they are unbounded for arbitrary distributions. We also present a truly distribution independent algorithm for solving the N-body problem in O(N log N) time in two dimensions and in O(N log/sup 2/ N) time in three dimensions. >
ANSWERS-2000: NON-POINT-SOURCE NUTRIENT PLANNING MODEL

ANSWERS-2000, a non-point-source planning model, was modified to simulate long-term nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) transport from rural watersheds. The model simulates infiltration, evapotranspiration, percolation, and runoff and losses of nitrate, adsorbed and dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and adsorbed and dissolved P losses. Eight soil nutrient pools are modeled: stable and active organic N, nitrate, ammonium, and stable and active mineral, organic, and exchangeable P. The model was validated on two small watersheds without calibration and on a large watershed with calibration of only the sediment detachment parameters. Predicted cumulative runoff, sediment, nitrate, dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and orthophosphorus P losses were within a factor of 2 of observed values (-40 to +44% of observed values). Predictions of individual runoff event losses were not as accurate (-98 to +250%). The model seriously underpredicted adsorbed ammonium losses by up to 97%, and additional work is recommended on this submodel. In a practical application, the use of the model in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of alternative management scenarios was demonstrated.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE PENIS PRESENTING AS A STERILE INGUINAL ABSCESS

Squamous cell cancer of the penis is an uncommon malignancy in the United States and represents about 2% of all cancers of the male genitalia, with an incidence of 0.3% to 0.5% of the cancer bearing male population.1 Although at presentationmetastatic disease is reported inonly 1% to 2% of cases, as many as a third of patients present with locally or regionally advanced disease.2 Cancer metastasis rarely presents as an abscess. We report a rare case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the penis presenting as a sterile inguinal abscess. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old white male with morbid obesity and chronic lung disease presented with complaints of increasing swelling of the legs. On examination the patient was afebrile and vital signs were stable. Swelling in the right inguinal region was noted, which was warm, erythematous, tender to touch and oozing purulent material. The patient also had considerable edema of the penis and scrotum. Laboratory tests were significant for an increased white blood count with left shift, and infection was suspected. Doppler ultrasound to rule out deep venous thrombosis revealed right groin lymphadenopathy with abscess and bilateral scrotal soft tissue thickening. Computerized tomography of the abdomenshowed anabscess cavity with multiple pockets extending cephalad into the pelvis just anterior to the psoas and caudally to the anterior medial thigh and scrotum (fig. 1). Multiple blood cultures, gram stains and swabs from the draining abscess were negative for microorganisms. The patient was treated with empirical antibiotics with no resolution of the abscess, and, hence, underwent surgical drainage, which demonstrated necrotic tissue in the abscess cavity. However, histopathological examination of the abscess wall revealed squamous cell carcinoma (fig. 2). A primary lesion could not be identified and a dorsal slit of the penile foreskin was performed, which showed a small ulcerated lesioninthe foreskin . This lesionwas earlier con cealed due to the local edema. Biopsy demonstrated an infiltrating, moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was evaluated for surgery but given the nature and extent of the disease metastasis, he was not considered for resection. DISCUSSION
Signaling and multiple access techniques for ultra wideband 4G wireless communication systems

Due to the demanding performance requirements for fourth-generation wireless systems, several technologies have been considered for replacing third-generation wireless systems. Potential technologies for fourth-generation wireless systems are ultra wideband, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, and multi-input multi-output antenna systems. Ultra wideband is of particular interest for fourth-generation wireless applications that emphasize short range, high data rate, and/or low power. We focus on ultra wideband radio due to its unique advantages: high data rate, low power, and resilience to multipath fading effects. We discuss the signal characteristics, channel propagation, modulation schemes, and hardware implementation. Two major approaches to ultra wideband signaling, impulse-based and multicarrier ultra wideband, are elaborated. Furthermore, two categories of multiple access are also considered: distributed and centralized.
The evolution of vocal alarm communication in rodents

On encountering a predator, many species emit potentially risky vocalizations known as alarm calls. We evaluated the relative importance of two adaptive hypotheses on the evolution of calling: (1) communicating to predators, which may function by deterring pursuit and hence increasing individual survival, and (2) an alternative nepotistic hypothesis for alarm calling whereby callers obtain direct and indirect fitness by warning relatives. Focusing on 209 species of rodents, we found significant associations between diurnality and alarm calling, living socially and alarm calling, and diurnality and sociality. Diurnality, however, accounted for nearly three times as much variation in whether or not a species alarm called than did sociality. Phylogenetic tests revealed that the evolution of diurnality preceded the evolution of alarm calling, and that the evolutions of diurnality and sociality were unrelated. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that alarm communication evolved to communicate to predators. If so, then nepotistic benefits, although important for the maintenance of alarm calling in some rodents, may be relatively less important in its evolution. Copyright 2005.
The Contribution of Extracurricular Activities to Adolescent Friendships: New Insights through Social Network Analysis

Extracurricular activities are settings that are theorized to help adolescents maintain existing friendships and develop new friendships. The overarching goal of the current investigation was to examine whether coparticipating in school-based extracurricular activities supported adolescents' school-based friendships. We used social network methods and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine whether dyadic friendship ties were more likely to exist among activity coparticipants while controlling for alternative friendship processes, namely dyadic homophily (e.g., demographic and behavioral similarities) and network-level processes (e.g., triadic closure). Results provide strong evidence that activities were associated with current friendships and promoted the formation of new friendships. These associations varied based on school level (i.e., middle vs. high school) and activity type (i.e., sports, academic, arts). Results of this study provide new insight into the complex relations between activities and friendship that can inform theories of their developmental outcomes.
European Union discourses and practices on the Iranian nuclear programme

Abstract This article aims at analysing different, partly overlapping and partly competing European security discourses that have emerged on the Iranian nuclear issue since 2003. Three main discursive themes have been singled out exemplifying the main identity representations of Iran and Europe, the main stances towards Iran and the representations of the nature of European foreign policy. Over the years, the coercive-securitisation discourse has become hegemonic over democracy promotion and cultural diplomacy-inspired discourses and European policies have consistently followed suit. In terms of security governance, the European Union (EU) has created a format for negotiations, which has undergone subsequent enlargements, consistent with its securitised but multilateral discourses. While the nature of the collegial security governance espoused has brought positive effects in terms of reinforcing the EU's own identity as an international actor both inside and outside, the resilience of the first discursive...
Microstructure and leaching characteristics of a technetium containing metal waste form.

Argonne National Laboratory is developing an electrometallurgical treatment for spent fuel from the experimental breeder reactor II. A product of this treatment process is a metal waste form that incorporates the stainless steel cladding hulls, zirconium from the fuel and the fission products that are noble to the process, i.e., Tc, Ru, Pd, Rh, Ag. The nominal composition of this waste form is stainless steel/15 wt% zirconium 1-4 wt% noble metal fission products. The behavior of technetium is of particular importance from a disposal point of view for this waste form due to its long half life, 2. 14E5 years, and its mobility in groundwater. To address these concerns a limited number of spiked metal waste forms were produced containing Tc. These surrogate waste forms were then studied using scanning electron microscopy and selected leaching tests.
The dominance of the population by a selected few: power-law behaviour applies to a wide variety of genomic properties

Background The sequencing of genomes provides us with an inventory of the 'molecular parts' in nature, such as protein families and folds, and their functions in living organisms. Through the analysis of such inventories, it has been shown that different genomes have very different usage of parts; for example, the common folds in the worm are very different from those in Escherichia coli.
The development of phonemic coding strategies for serial recall

This study examined differences between adults and children and between normal and poor readers in the use of phonemic coding strategies for storing words in working memory. In the first experiment, adults, 11-year-olds, and 8-year-olds (categorized as normal or poor readers) recalled eight-item strings of rhyming and nonrhyming words. A developmental decrease in errors was observed for adults, 11-year-olds, and normal-reading 8-year-olds that reflected an improvement in the phonemic coding of items in working memory, but no difference was found between normal- and poor-reading 8-year-olds in the use of phonemic coding strategies. A second experiment with shorter lists and more children supported the latter finding. The results were interpreted as demonstrating that the ability to access syllable-internal phonemic structure is a necessary precursor to the development of phonemic coding strategies for working memory, but that the use of that structure for storing words in working memory is a skill that develops independently and later than the ability to access phonemic structure.
Ensuring fairness among participating clusters during multi-site parallel job scheduling

Multi-cluster schedulers can dramatically improve average job turn-around time performance by making use of fragmented node resources available throughout the grid. By carefully mapping job's across potentially many clusters, jobs that would otherwise wait in the queue for local cluster resources can begin execution much earlier; thereby improving system utilization and reducing average queue waiting time. In this paper, we demonstrate that these multi-site scheduling techniques can be successfully integrated with fairness policies to ensure that participation in the multi-cluster is beneficial under extremely disparate workload intensities. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the trade-off between fairness and performance is relatively small.
EFFECTS OF ITEM SEQUENCING AND GROUPING IN LOW‐INFERENCE TYPE QUESTIONNAIRES

In the literature on questionnaire construction, conflicting conclusions have been reached concerning the possible effects of presenting items within labeled groupings and/or in a different order on the conclusions drawn from a study. For example, Sudman and Bradburn (1974) suggest that, without additional research, recommendations cannot be made regarding the possible influence of item order and grouping, but Kidder (1981) suggests that different forms should be administered and Schriesheim (1981b) suggests that items should be ordered randomly. One apparent reason for the conflicting judgments is that relatively few studies have been conducted which could serve as bases for recommendations. A second reason is that available findings generally do not support one another. For example, Krant, Wolfson and Rothenberg (1975) concluded that item location on a questionnaire could affect the average response, but Clancy and Wachsler (1971) concluded that item location was of only minor importance. Also, Metzner and Mann (1953) concluded that item grouping did not affect the item correlations, but Schriesheim (198 la, 1981b) and Schriesheim and DeNisi (1980) concluded that grouping items into logical categories instead of randomly ordering the items impaired the magnitude of the correlations indicative of the convergent and divergent validities and resulted in a leniency effect on the item means. Another example is Schriesheim and DeNisi (1980) who observed that item order (and grouping) affected factor analytic results, but Kane (1971) concluded that different orders for semantic differential items did not affect the factor compositions. Because only a limited number of studies have been conducted, one might view the mixed findings as resulting from some investigators having observed either a unique situation or a chance result. However, the methodologies of the reported studies differed enough that it might not even be meaningful to compare the results from the studies, that is, the differences in the methodologies might be an alternative explanation for the mixed findings. One particular feature about the methodologies used to date is that no study employed a sufficient number of questionnaire forms to examine independently the effects of grouping and order on the item means and correlations. For example, in the Schriesheim studies, only two forms were used, one on which the items were ungrouped and randomly ordered and a second on which items were grouped according to logical classifications and appeared in a different order. Thus, order and grouping effects were confounded and it probably is not meaningful to compare the Schriesheim findings to those of studies that investigated only either a grouping or an order effect. By using three different forms of a questionnaire in this study, it was possible to examine the effects of both order and grouping in separate analyses. The criteria for assessing the effects were item means, item correlations, and factors underlying the
Virtual photon exchange, intermolecular interactions and optical response functions

According to molecular quantum electrodynamics, coupling between material particles occurs due to an exchange of one or more virtual photons. In this work, the relationship between polarisability and hyperpolarisability tensors of atoms and molecules that feature in linear and nonlinear optical processes, and their analytically continued form in the complex frequency domain that appear in formulae describing fundamental inter-particle interactions, is studied. Examples involving a single virtual photon exchange, which are linearly proportional to electric dipole moments at each centre, include the electrostatic energy and the resonant transfer of excitation energy. The Casimir–Polder dispersion potential, and its discriminatory counterpart applicable to coupled chiral molecules, are used to illustrate response properties depending on the exchange of two virtual photons. Meanwhile, the energy shift between two hyperpolarisable species, a higher order discriminatory contribution to the dispersion potential,...
The Development and Preliminary Validation of the Belief in Divine Intervention Scale

The primary purpose of the present study was to create and validate a scale assessing the extent to which people believe in divine intervention. A six-item Belief in Divine Intervention Scale (BDIS...
Antibodies in the exploration of inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis and disease stratification

Normal mucosal homeostasis is the interdependent relationship of epithelium, luminal microorganisms, and the regional immune system (Fig. 1). This tripartite relationship has particularly evolved during the eutherian period, due to the emergence of a dynamic, antigen-specific immune system [1, 2]. The mammalian immune system has an exceptional capacity for specific antigen recognition and immunologic memory to microibal antigens, and for powerful amplification of effector mechanisms against such antigenic targets [3, 4]. These properties obviously require special adaptation to preserve the mucosal-microbial interrelationship essential for normal intestinal function. It is widely understood that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves a chronic disturbance in this homeostasis. In recent years there has been a particular effort to understand this homeostatic disturbance in the context of immunologic activation and tissue damage. In particular, this effort has been informed by the emerging understanding of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis in peptic ulcer disease. From this precedent we have learned that the manifestation of clinical disease reflects the interplay of commensal bacterial and host traits, which together affect levels of colonization, and the nature and intensity of inflammation and tissue damage [5, 6]. Our review focuses on the insights provided by IBD-associated antibodies on disease pathogenesis and clinical stratification. We will first consider the nature of immunologic quiescence in the mucosa. We will then assess the concepts and experimental issues regarding disease-related antibodies and their antigenic targets. This will be followed by an analysis of the
A Congestion Game Framework for Emergency Department Overcrowding

Hospitals often manage capacity and resource constraints by different strategies implemented at their system access points. Emergency departments are key portals where timely access to care is a crucial quality of service and safety metric. Individuals vying for both urgent and nonurgent care seek these services analogous to the Tragedy of the Commons archetype. In a commons, a resource is used as if it belonged to everyone. Competition for a finite, decentralized, and shared resource risks its depletion as individuals optimize their own objectives while impacting the choices of others. As a result, overall system performance degrades. Ambulance diversion, extensive wait times and patient elopements, referred to as left without being seen, epitomize overutilization and inefficient load balancing. Traditionally, many hospitals were able to build their way out of congestion. Adding capacity, however, is at odds with concerted efforts to reign in the costs of health care. In an effort to break with this tradition, we exploited insights from game theory to inform the development of policies for more effective capacity management related to emergency department use, and to highlight related challenges. We examined emergency department overcrowding within the framework of a congestion game, the El Farol Bar Game and its variants, which illustrate the Tragedy of the Commons. In a series of agent-based simulations of the games, we found no statistically significant difference between the predictions of two games and our empirical observations during our most congested time periods of nonurgent patient attendance. Given the new competitive social context of real-time publicly advertised door-to-doctor wait times, and the implications that burgeoning information technologies have for the strategies invoked by providers and patients, it seems a bar might be the best metaphor to understand emergency department congestion.
The immunobiology of eosinophils.

EOSINOPHILS, like neutrophils and basophils, are a type of granulocyte derived from bone marrow, distinguished by their morphologic features, constituents, products, and associations with specific diseases. The original denominating property of eosinophils was the cardinal affinity of their cytoplasmic granules for acid aniline dyes, such as eosin. Eosinophils contain several eosinophil-specific proteins in their cytoplasmic granules, yet to date no cell-surface proteins unique to eosinophils have been recognized. Thus, tinctorial properties remain the routine basis for identifying and enumerating these leukocytes in blood and tissues. Eosinophilia, characterized by both heightened production of eosinophils in bone marrow and the accumulation of . . .
Heparin inhibition of human neutrophil and eosinophil-enriched leukocyte acid beta-glycerophosphatase.

Heparin inhibited acid beta-glycerophosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) from human blood leukocytes, eosinophil-enriched leukocytes, and neutrophils. The inhibition interfered in the hydrolysis of phosphorus from glycerophosphate, not in the formation or detection of colored complexes of phosphomolybdate in the second or color development step in two conventional assays. Heparin inhibited human hypereosinophilic syndrome leukocyte homogenate enzyme activity according to the equation: activity equals 0.946 - 0.087 ln heparin (units/assay) when heparin was varied from 1 to 100 units per assay. At 100 units of heparin per assay, 51% of the original activity remained. Enzyme activity was less in neutrophils than in eosinophils; moreover, the inhibition of neutrophil homogenate by heparin was considerably less than that seen in the eosinophil-enriched leukocyte preparations. In neutrophil homogenates containing 100 units of heparin per assay, 77.1% of activity without heparin was retained. When neutrophil lysates were utilized, less inhibition was observed: e.g., at 1 unit of heparin per assay, 91.7% enzyme activity was retained and at 1000 units, 76.2%; here, activity equals 0.289 - 0.007 ln heparin. The data allowed more precise consideration of the inhibition of acid beta-glycerophosphatase by heparin, and, while confirming quantitatively the greater content of acid beta-glycerophosphatase in eosinophil-enriched leukocyte preparations than in neutrophil preparations, provide experimental support for an acid beta-glycerophosphatase in human eosinophils, which is different from that in human neutrophils. It is more highly susceptible to heparin inhibition than acid beta-glycerophosphatase in human neutrophils from which it is apparently distinct.
Genetic Research on Height and Scientific Identification of Athletic Talent

Height is an important physiological parameter and is of high degree of heredity. In athletic sports,height is of great value and some sports have special requirements on athlete's stature. As an weight index, height is significant in scientific talent selection. There are two main ways to predict height in talent selection, i.e.,skeletal age and secondary sexual characteristics. But they relatively lack scientificalness in predictability. With the development of the technology of molecular biology and molecular genetics, height gene researches are carried out in a deep-going way. There are two kinds of these researches. One is candidate gene study, and the other is genomewide association study. Gene researches of height provide a scientific and effective way for height identification of athletic talent selection, which has a bright future.
Carotid baroreceptor control of right atrial mechanics in dogs.

To investigate the influence of the carotid arterial baroreceptors on right atrial mechanics, the carotid sinus region was isolated surgically in eight dogs prepared acutely under pentobarbital. Ri...
Adam Smith on What Is Wrong with Economic Inequality

This article explores Adam Smith's attitude toward economic inequality, as distinct from the problem of poverty, and argues that he regarded it as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, as has often been recognized, Smith saw a high degree of economic inequality as an inevitable result of a flourishing commercial society, and he considered a certain amount of such inequality to be positively useful as a means of encouraging productivity and bolstering political stability. On the other hand, it has seldom been noticed that Smith also expressed deep worries about some of the other effects of extreme economic inequality—worries that are, moreover, interestingly different from those that dominate contemporary discourse. In Smith's view, extreme economic inequality leads people to sympathize more fully and readily with the rich than the poor, and this distortion in our sympathies in turn undermines both morality and happiness.
Effect of Footing Shape and Embedment on the Settlement, Recentering, and Energy Dissipation of Shallow Footings Subjected to Rocking

AbstractFrom results of a recent series of centrifuge model tests, this paper investigates the effects of shape and embedment on the performance of rocking footings. Rectangular and H-shaped footin...
Characterization of a Human B-Lymphocyte Antigen Associated with the Receptor for BCGF-12 kD

Abstract: The transition of B cells from the resting to the activated state is accompanied by the expression of receptors for growth and maturation factors. Some of these factors are produced by activated monocytes (e.g., IL-1, TNF-2), whereas others are products of activated T cells (e.g., IL-2, IL4, ILS, IL6 interferon y human BCGF-12kd), or of activated B cells (1–5). Although the molecular structure of most of these cytokines and of their corresponding genes have been elucidated, little is known about the structure of cytokine receptors other than IL-2. In an attempt to unravel the structure of receptors for growth and maturation factors, we developed a series of murine monoclonal antibodies that detect new differentiation antigens (NDA) expressed by T and/or by B lymphocytes following activation (6–9). We now present evidence that a 36 kD glycoprotein recognized by one of these monoclonal antibodies named “MAb NDA3” is the receptor for BCGF-12 kD. The evidence includes the demonstration that MAb NDA3: 1) stimulates the growth of normal activated B cells and of B cells transformed by EBV infection, mimicking the effect of BCGF; 2) acts as a competitive antagonist of BCGF-12 kD stimulated B-cell proliferation; 3) is prevented from binding to the membrane of activated B cells by BCGF-12 kD; and 4) competitively inhibits 125I BCGF-l2 kD binding to the cell membrane.
Individual Noncoding RNA Variations: Their Role in Shaping and Maintaining the Epigenetic Landscape

While a small portion of the human genome is composed of protein-coding genes, a far greater portion is now known to be transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Noncoding RNAs have many regulatory functions, including those of shaping and maintaining the epigenetic landscape. MicroRNAs, trinucleotide repeats, and long ncRNAs are three classes of ncRNAs involved in the regulation of epigenetic processes whose expression can also be regulated by epigenetic changes. Disruption of these regulatory interactions contributes to the etiology of human diseases. This chapter focuses on the interactions and regulatory networks involving these ncRNA classes and the epigenetic machinery that shape and remodel the epigenetic landscape, which in turn dictates transcriptional programs that can affect ncRNA expression. We provide examples of their close interplay and reciprocal regulatory feedback loops with local and global effects on transcriptional programs. We discuss the clinical implications of genetic, epigenetic, and expression variations of these ncRNAs for inherited, congenital, and sporadic neurodegenerative conditions as well as for complex somatic diseases including cancers of the breast, bladder, and lung. Variations of these ncRNA classes can be exploited as biomarkers for risk assessment and prognosis. Thus, ncRNA biomarkers could inform personalized therapies throughout the course of a variety of human diseases.
Unpacking Contract Capabilities: Shaping Behavior by Implementing Appropriate Contract Framing

Contract design capabilities are extended in this paper by examining firms' differential abilities to implement appropriate framing in exchange contracts. Firms must first determine whether a prevention or promotion frame produces appropriate behavior for the task characteristics. Then, to implement this framing in task-specific clauses, they must align negotiators frames with those suggested by the task characteristics. This process is further complicated because firms must also align the framing of non-task clauses with the frame induced by the firm's own culture. Because this process is so complex, a firm that excels at implementing appropriate contract framing enjoys increased exchange success and sustained competitive advantage, as a result of this distinct contract design capability.