cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA damage leads to a Cyclin A–dependent delay in metaphase-anaphase transition in the Drosophila gastrula

Abstract Background: In response to DNA damage, fission yeast, mammalian cells, and cells of the Drosophila gastrula inhibit Cdk1 to delay the entry into mitosis. In contrast, budding yeast delays metaphase-anaphase transition by stabilization of an anaphase inhibitor, Pds1p. A variation of the second response is seen in Drosophila cleavage embryos; when nuclei enter mitosis with damaged DNA, centrosomes lose γ-tubulin, spindles lose astral microtubules, chromosomes fail to reach a metaphase configuration, and interphase resumes without an intervening anaphase. The resulting polyploid nuclei are eliminated. Results: The cells of the Drosophila gastrula can also delay metaphase-anaphase transition in response to DNA damage. This delay accompanies the stabilization of Cyclin A, a known inhibitor of sister chromosome separation in Drosophila . Unlike in cleavage embryos, γ-tubulin remains at the spindle poles, and anaphase always occurs after the delay. Cyclin A mutants fail to delay metaphase-anaphase transition after irradiation and show an increased frequency of chromosome breakage in the subsequent anaphase. Conclusions: DNA damage delays metaphase-anaphase transition in Drosophila by stabilizing Cyclin A. This delay may normally serve to preserve chromosomal integrity during segregation. To our knowledge this is the first report of a metazoan metaphase-anaphase transition being delayed in response to DNA damage. Though mitotic progression is modulated in response to DNA damage in both cleaving and gastruating embryos of Drosophila , different mechanisms operate. These differences are discussed in the context of differential cell cycle regulation in cleavage and gastrula stages.
The effects of polyribonucleotides on the binding of dexamethasone-receptor complex to DNA

Abstract The ability of polyribonucleotides to affect the association of [ 3 H]-Dexamethasone-receptor complex with DNA-cellulose has been investigated. Certain ribopolymers can release the receptor complex from DNA. This release is not dependent on the charge of the polymer only, but displays some specificity with regard to the base composition of the ribopolymer. Of the polyribonucleotides examined, polyguanylic acid and polyxanthylic acid were most effective at promoting release of the steroid-receptor from the DNA. Polyadenylic acid and polycytidylic acid had no effect on the association. For a polymer to display activity it must possess a base with an oxygen or sulfur atom at the C-6 position of purines or C-4 position of pyrimidines. Simple nucleotides possessing this structural feature are inactive.
Effect of menopause and aging on serum total and ionized calcium and protein concentrations.

The effects of menopause and aging on serum total and ionized calcium concentrations were evaluated in 402 healthy women (aged 18–71 years), of whom 83 were premenopausal and 319 postmenopausal. Serum albumin and globulin concentrations and serum pH were also measured in most of these women. Serum total but not ionized calcium concentration increased significantly at menopause. This increase in the protein-bound component of total calcium in postmenopausal women was associated with increases in mean serum globulin concentration (P=0.03) and in serum pH (P=0.03). Serum total calcium declined with age within the pre- and postmenopausal groups (r=−0.225,P=0.04 and r=−0.121,P=0.03, respectively). This was associated with an age-related decrease in serum albumin concentration in all women (r=−0.47,P<0.0001). Neither serum globulin concentration or pH varied with age. Thus, menopause and aging affect serum total, but not ionized calcium concentration.
Growth hormone and triiodothyronine permit an increase in plasma 1,25(OH)2D concentrations in response to dietary phosphate deprivation in hypophysectomized rats.

Hypophysectomy abolishes the four- to fivefold increase in plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels that normally accompanies dietary phosphate deprivation in rats despite a smaller but significant decrease in plasma phosphate in these animals. This effect appears within 1 week of hypophysectomy and may be the result of a lack of GH, T3, or some other pituitary hormone. In hypothyroid rats (2 weeks after TPTX) not given replacement T3, plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels rose threefold from 148±57 pmol/l to 402±96 pmol/l (mean±SD) after 4 days of dietary phosphate deprivation. However, in hypophysectomized animals given replacement T3 alone, plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels rose fourfold from 82±13 to 333±230 pmol/l after 4 days of phosphate deprivation. In addition, in hypophysectomized animals replaced with GH alone, plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels rose from 243±86 to 525±85 pmol/l during phosphate deprivation. These results would suggest that both GH and T3 must be absent to prevent enhanced renal 1,25(OH)2D synthesis during phosphate deprivation. GH and T3 appear to play a permissive role since plasma levels of these hormones do not increase when intact rats are deprived of phosphate. Furthermore, bioassayable somatomedin levels are also not increased in intact rats during phosphate deprivation as well as plasma levels of prolactin. As observed previously, plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels were inversely correlated to plasma phosphate concentrations (r=0.46,P<0.025), despite the inclusion of data points for unreplaced hypophysectomized animals who were hypophosphatemic but showed no increase in plasma 1,25(OH)2D. Thus the possibility remains that GH and T3 may exert their effect by permitting the renal 25OHD-1α-hydroxylase to respond to a change in phosphate concentrations during dietary phosphate deprivation, that, in turn, may ultimately increase renal 1,25(OH)2D synthesis and plasma levels of this hormone.
The Mobilization and Deposition of Mud Deposits in a Coastal Plain Estuary

Muddy sediments with their potential for containing contaminants are commonly deposited and remobilized by tidal currents in estuarine environments. We examined the mobilization and subsequent redeposition of mud in a coastal plain estuary located in the southeastern United States. Time-series data for salinity, suspended sediment concentrations and quality (percent organic matter and pigment concentrations) were obtained over a 13-hour tidal cycle. We found that fast-settling mud particles are found during the highest tidal current speeds. Particle quality analyses suggest that all the material is of similar origin, and that phaeopigment can be used as a tracer of particles in this system. These particles settle onto the bed when current speeds approach slack conditions. We speculate that the quantity of mud mobilized during neap tide is less than during spring tide resulting in an opportunity for the mud to partially consolidate on the bottom and be removed from resuspension. We further speculate that the muddy sediments are mainly derived from fringing marshes in this estuary.
FK506-binding protein 51 regulates nuclear transport of the glucocorticoid receptor beta and glucocorticoid responsiveness.

PURPOSE A spliced variant of the human glucocorticoid receptor GRbeta has been implicated in glucocorticoid responsiveness in glaucoma. Over-expression of the FK506-binding immunophilin FKBP51 also causes a generalized state of glucocorticoid resistance. In the present study, the roles of FKBP51 in the nuclear transport of GRbeta and glucocorticoid responsiveness were investigated. METHODS Human trabecular meshwork cells (GTM3 and TM5) and HeLa cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and FK506 and transfected with GRbeta and FKBP51 expression vectors. Coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses were performed to study interactions of FKBP51 and FKBP52 with GRalpha, GRbeta, Hsp90, or dynein. The cells were transfected with a GRE-luciferase reporter to evaluate the effects of DEX and FK506 and the overexpression of GRbeta and FKBP51 on glucocorticoid-mediated gene expression. RESULTS FKBP51 was involved in constitutive nuclear transport of both GRalpha and -beta in the absence of ligands. FKBP52 appeared to be solely responsible for the nuclear transport of ligand-activated GRalpha. DEX stimulated the translocation of GRalpha but not GRbeta. Overexpression of either GRbeta or FKBP51 stimulated GRbeta translocation and reduced DEX-induced luciferase in HeLa cells. FK506 did not alter DEX-induced translocation of GRalpha. However, FK506 increased the association of FKBP51 with GRbeta and stimulated DEX-induced translocation of GRbeta in normal TM cells, but not in glaucoma TM cells. Increased nuclear GRbeta significantly inhibited glucocorticoid responsiveness in TM cells. CONCLUSIONS Nuclear transport of GRbeta represents a novel mechanism through which FKBP51 alters GC sensitivity. GRbeta and FKBP51 may be responsible for increased responsiveness in steroid-induced ocular hypertensive individuals as well as in patients with glaucoma.
Studies of the effect of antibiotics on infections with the mouse pinworm Aspiculuris tetraptera. II. The actions of neomycin, dihydrostreptomycin and chloramphenicol.

In a previous report (Wells, 1951) the findings of the effect of terramycin hydrochloride on experimental infections with the mouse pinworm Aspiculuris tetraptera were presented. The results showed that the worm burden in mice was significantly reduced and the remaining worms were stunted in size. Successful therapeutic trials in man with terramycin (Wells et al, 1951; Loughlin et al, 1951) have demonstrated that A. tetraptera infections in mice are of value in screening new drugs for enterobiasis. In this report our findings with neomycin, dihydrostreptomycin and chloramphenicol are presented.
The Work-Family Interface in the United States and Singapore: Conflict Across Cultures

This article examines the work-family interface in a cross-cultural comparison between two nationally representative samples from the United States (n = 1,860) and Singapore (n = 1,035) with emphasis on work-family conflict. Family-to-work conflict was negatively related to marital satisfaction in both Singapore and the United States, although the effect was stronger in the United States. Similarly, family-to-work conflict was positively related to job satisfaction in the United States but was negatively related in Singapore. As expected, schedule flexibility was negatively related to depression in the United States, but in Singapore the relationship was positive. These findings suggest that theoretical relationships in the work-family interface developed in the more culturally individualistic West may need to be adapted when studying populations in the more collectivist East.
SUPPLIER COMMITMENT IN RELATIONAL CONTRACT EXCHANGES WITH BUYERS: A STUDY OF INTERORGANIZATIONAL DEPENDENCE AND EXERCISED POWER*

This study is an examination of the relationship between dependence and power in vertical interorganizational relations. Using data collected from a US national sample of office systems/furniture dealers, power-dependence ties in low commitment supplier-buyer dyads were compared with relational contracting dyads characterized by high levels of long-term supplier commitment. When commitment was not considered, the exercised power of primary suppliers over dealer decisions was found to be related to dealer dependence on its primary supplier in ways that could be readily explained by social exchange views of power. In contrast, the relationship between exercised power and dependence was significantly different when the primary supplier -dependent buyer tie was characterized by the high supplier commitment of a relational contract.
Light level does not alter ethylene sensitivity in radish or pea

Ethylene accumulation occurs in many plant growth environments. In some instances, low photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) is also a stress factor. Ethylene helps regulate the shade-avoidance mechanism and synthesis rates can be altered by light. We thus hypothesized that ethylene sensitivity in whole plants may be altered in low light. Radish (Raphanus sativus) and pea (Pisum sativum) plants were selected as models due to their rapid growth, use in previous studies and difference in growth habit. We first characterized radish and pea sensitivity to ethylene. Radish vegetation was less sensitive to ethylene than pea vegetation. Pea reproductive yield was highly sensitive. Plants grown under low light levels are typically etiolated and less robust than plants grown under higher light. In a second series of studies we examined the interaction of ethylene (50 ppb pea, 200 ppb radish) with PPFs from 50 to 400 μmol m−2 s−1. There was no statistically significant interaction between ethylene sensitivity and PPF, indicating that high PPF does not mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic low-level ethylene exposure. This also suggests there is no crosstalk between the shade avoidance pathway and the primary ethylene signaling pathway.
Services of a Broker in Electronic Commerce Transactions

Current Web-based electronic commerce systems are lacking in efficient electronic brokerage. However, brokerage plays an important role in many electronic commerce transactions. Over the past few years significant research has been done in the area of electronoc commerce, based on distributed object technology. Ditributed object systems provide a key to building interoperable applications that can execute on a range of platforms. This new generation of electronic commerce systems is still in its early stages. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a CORBA-based electronic broker. The electronic broker is part of a research project called OFFER, which is trying to establish an object framework for business-to-business electronic catalogs and it provides a centralized marketplace with the possibility to use auction mechanisms to buy or sell goods.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound: a new method of monitoring hemispheric anesthetization during the intracarotid amobarbital procedure.

Background Electroencephalography (EEG) is traditionally used to assess the duration of hemispheric anesthetization and to monitor return of function in the anesthetized hemisphere during the intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP), but EEG changes are not consistently seen. The authors evaluated the role of continuous transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring as an alternative to EEG. Methods The authors performed both continuous TCD monitoring and EEG during the IAP in 10 patients with medically intractable partial epilepsy. Mean velocities were monitored continuously in both middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and changes in MCA velocities on continuous TCD monitoring were time locked with the EEG changes. Results The average mean MCA velocities were within normal limits bilaterally (50-85 cm/s) in all patients at baseline. Mean MCA velocites increased in all patients to 95-115 cm/s at the start of the test when the patients were asked to raise their hands and start counting. After injection of sodium amobarbital, mean MCA velocities in all patients dropped dramatically on the ipsilateral side to values of 12-39 cm/s and returned to the baseline average value when the hemiparesis recovered. In 8 patients, the duration of delta activity on EEG coincided with the time interval during which the mean MCA velocities were low on TCD monitoring. In 2 patients, despite the presence of hemiparesis clinically and a drop in mean MCA velocities on the ipsilateral side on continuous TCD monitoring, EEG remained normal on the ipsilateral side. Conclusions Continuous TCD monitoring may be a more sensitive method than EEG in determining the duration of hemispheric anesthetization during IAP. Because the items for assessment of memory are presented during the period of hemispheric anesthetization, TCD may be useful in more precisely defining the time window for memory testing.
Providing Quality Library Service to the Adult Learner: Views of Students, Faculty, and Administrators

Summary The adult learner in the academic environment faces some unique problems and challenges. Balancing work, family, and a job are just a few examples. Technological changes in information retrieval and research, and in the use of the library can also magnify the adult learner's problems. The study targets adult learners at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Focus groups and questionnaires are used to gather information from both active and non library users among the adult population: their views about the library environment, library resources, service, instruction, other traditional students, and staff. Perceptions about the adult learner are also obtained through face to face interviews with teaching faculty and administrators. Findings from the study will assist librarians to better understand the needs and expectations of the adult learner, and plan accordingly to meet these demands.
Evaluation of new organoclay stationary phases for the separation of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers

Several kinds of Bentones which have structures similar to Bentone 34 have been tested and compared for the purpose of improving the resolution of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers by gas chromatography. Bentone SD-3 was found to have higher selectivity toward these close-boiling compounds than the well known stationary phase Bentone 34. Modification effects of some conventional stationary phases which represent the whole range of polarity on the chromatographic property of Bentone SD-3 have been investigated and discussed. A number of new organoclays which have different structures of the organic cation in complexes have been synthesized and their properties evaluated for the separation of positional isomers. A simultaneously high selective organoclay for each component in the aromatic mixture of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers, without assistance of conventional stationary phases, has been described.
Light image patterned molecular delivery into live cells using gold particle coated substrate

Light-patterned molecular delivery into cells is demonstrated by pulsed laser irradiation of gold particles immobilized on the substrate below a cell monolayer. Molecular delivery is verified by observing the uptake of membrane-impermeable fluorescent dye.
Laboratory simulations of PH3 photolysis in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.

The effects of pressure, temperature, light wavelength and intensity, and components of the atmosphere of the Jovian planets on the photolysis of PH3 were experimentally studied. The products of the photolysis, P2H4 and red phosphorus, exhibited little variation when the irradiation experiments were performed under conditions prevalent in Jupiter's atmosphere. No quenching of PH2 radicals by the levels of hydrocarbons present in the Jovian atmosphere was noted. The high partial pressure of hydrogen present on Jupiter should have no effect on the course of the photolysis. The low temperatures on Jupiter and Saturn may result in some condensation of P2H4, but P2H4 had sufficient vapor pressure in the experimental studies at 157 K to be slowly converted to red phosphorus. The products of PH3 photolysis were the same whether a 147, 184.9, or 206.2 nm monochromatic light source or a xenon lamp with a broad spectral output was used.
Furrow diking in conservation tillage

Abstract Crop production in the Southeastern U.S. can be limited by water; thus, supplemental irrigation is needed to sustain profitable crop production. Increased water capture would efficiently improve water use and reduce supplemental irrigation amounts/costs, thus improving producer's profit margin. We quantified infiltration (INF), runoff (R), and sediment (E) losses from furrow diked (+DT) and non-furrow diked (−DT) tilled conventional (CT) and strip tillage (ST) systems. In 2008, a field study (Tifton loamy sand, Typic Kandiudult) was established with DT, ST, and CT systems. In 2009, a field study (Faceville loamy sand, Typic Kandiudult) was established with DT and ST systems. Treatments (6) included: CT − DT, CT + DT, ST1 (1-year old) − DT, ST1 + DT, ST10 (10-year old) − DT, and ST10 + DT. Simulated rainfall (50 mm h−1 for 1 h) was applied to each 2-m × 3-m plots (n = 3). Runoff and E were measured from each 6-m2 plot. ST1 + DT plots had 80–88% less R than ST1 − DT plots. Any disturbance associated with DT in ST1 systems did not negatively impact E values. For both soils, CT − DT plots represented the worst-case scenario in terms of measured R and E; ST + DT plots represented the best-case scenario. Trends for R, E, and estimated plant available water (PAW) values decreased in order of CT − DT, CT + DT, ST1 − DT, ST1 + DT, ST10 − DT, and ST10 + DT treatments. From a hydrology standpoint, ST1 − DT plots behaved more similarly to CT plots than to other ST plots; from a sediment standpoint, ST1 − DT plots behaved more similarly to other ST plots than to CT plots. DT had no effect on ST10 plots. CT − DT and ST10 + DT plots resulted in 5.9 (worst-case) and 8.1 (best-case) days of water for crop use, a difference of 2.2 days of water for crop use or 37%. Compared to the CT − DT treatment, an agricultural field managed to CT + DT, ST1 − DT, ST1 + DT, ST10 − DT, and ST10 + DT would save a producer farming the CT − DT field $5.30, $9.42, $13.55, $14.14, and $14.14 ha−1, respectively, to pump the amount of water lost to R and not saved as INF back onto the field. The most water/cost savings occurred for CT and ST1 plots as a result of DT. Savings for CT + DT, ST1 − DT, and ST1 + DT treatments represent 27%, 47%, and 68% of the cost of DT ($20 ha−1) and 37%, 67%, and 96% of the savings a producer would have if managing the field to ST for 10 years without DT (ST10 − DT) in a single 50-mm rainfall event. For row-crop producers in the Southeastern U.S. with runoff producing rainfall events during the crop growing season, DT is a management practice that is cost-effective from a natural resource and financial standpoint for those producers that continue to use CT systems and especially those that have recently adopted ST systems into their farming operations.
Comprehensive Analysis of HLA-G: Implications for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Miscarriage is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Recurrent spontaneous abortion is defined as 2 or more pregnancy losses and may be associated with genetic variation. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a ligand for natural killer (NK) cell receptors and has the ability to block NK cell activity, which if not blocked can potentially harm a fetus. Consequently a deletion or mutation of the HLA-G gene could lead to miscarriage. Our cases (n = 238) include Caucasian women experiencing 2 or more spontaneous abortions, and controls (n = 233) include women with at least 1 live birth and no history of SA. We sequenced approximately 1400 base pairs (bp) of the HLA-G promoter region, genotyped the 14 bp exon 8 insertion/deletion and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the coding region of HLA-G. Promoter haplotypes were constructed from sequence information. Twenty-three SNPs were observed in the promoter region with minor allele frequency >0.02. Twelve SNPs differed significantly in frequency between cases and controls. Two haplotypes incorporating these 12 SNPs accounted for 90% of haplotypes and differed significantly in frequency between the 2 populations. Cases were more likely to carry haplotype 2 (P = .0078) and controls to have haplotype 6 (P = .0004). Cases also had a higher frequency of individuals homozygous for the 14 bp insertion. Among the 12 alleles carried on haplotype 2, 5 are predicted to disrupt transcription factor binding sites. The HLA-G promoter is highly associated with the risk of spontaneous abortion, but high linkage disequilibrium in the promoter prevents assignment of the causal variant.
À quel point la publicité est-elle efficace? Généralisations à partir d'une méta-analyse de L'élasticité publicitaire des marques:

Les auteurs conduisent une meta-analyse sur la base de 751 elasticites a court terme et 402 a long terme concernant des publicites de marque visant directement le consommateur issues de 56 etudes p...
Pacific treefrogs use temporal integration to differentiate advertisement from encounter calls

Abstract Male Pacific treefrogs, Hyla regilla , use advertisement and encounter calls in their reproductive communication. Encounter calls are produced when a male hears either advertisement or encounter calls at amplitudes that exceed his aggressive threshold for that call type, and they are believed to play a role in male spacing in a chorus. Aggressive thresholds of males for advertisement and encounter calls are plastic; males resume advertisement calling (i.e. accommodate) after repeated exposure to either advertisement or encounter calls that exceed their aggressive thresholds for that call type. Presentation of one call type does not elevate a male's aggressive threshold for the other call type, indicating that discrete neural ‘channels’ exist for processing advertisement versus encounter calls. Because these calls are spectrally highly similar, it is likely that they are differentiated in the central auditory system on the basis of their different temporal structure; pulses are repeated in advertisement and encounter calls at rates of approximately 100 pulses/s and 30 pulses/s, respectively. The present study tested whether consecutive advertisement-type interpulse intervals (IPIs) are required to activate the filter for advertisement calls. Males were accommodated to synthetic stimuli that differed in the proportion of advertisement versus encounter IPIs. Aggressive thresholds of males for the encounter call and advertisement call (monophasic type) were elevated 450% and 58%, respectively, following accommodation to a stimulus that had nine of each IPI type, arranged in an alternating sequence. Aggressive thresholds for the monophasic advertisement call were elevated 151%, however, when males were accommodated with stimuli that had two sets of eight to nine consecutive advertisement IPIs; consistent with previous work, aggressive thresholds for the encounter call were not significantly elevated. Aggressive thresholds for the advertisement call are typically elevated approximately four-fold following accommodation with that call type. These findings are consistent, therefore, with the hypothesis that several consecutive advertisement IPIs are required to activate the ‘advertisement channel’; if consecutive advertisement IPIs were not required, the stimulus that consisted of the same number of advertisement and encounter IPIs should have induced comparable elevations of the aggressive thresholds of males for advertisement and encounter calls. Selective filters for the advertisement call, therefore, appear to integrate information across many consecutive ‘correct’ IPIs. This integration process may contribute to a female's call preference. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .
Evaluation of a hand-held, computer-based intervention to promote early self-care behaviors after lung transplant

: Background: Lung transplant recipients are expected to perform self-care behaviors to maximize transplant-related health outcomes. Despite high non-adherence rates in performing these self-care behaviors, and the dire clinical consequences of such non-adherence, interventions are lacking. Pocket Personal Assistant for Tracking Health (Pocket PATH) is a hand-held device developed for patients to record health data, review data trends, and report condition changes to the transplant team. Methods: A pilot trial was conducted to compare self-care agency, self-care behaviors, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between recipients randomized to use Pocket PATH (n = 15) vs. standard care (n = 15) for the first two months following hospital discharge after lung transplantation. Results: Baseline characteristics were equivalent across groups. Patients in the Pocket PATH group showed significantly higher ratings of self-care agency, performed self-care behaviors at significantly higher rates, and reported significantly better HRQOL than standard care controls. Conclusion: Pocket PATH is more efficacious than standard care in promoting early self-care agency, self-care behaviors, and HRQOL in lung recipients. A large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to test the impact of Pocket PATH on long-term self-care behaviors.
Overexpression of wild-type activin receptor alk4-1 restores activin antiproliferative effects in human pituitary tumor cells.

Activin is a member of the TGFβ family of cytokines involved in the control of cell proliferation. We have previously shown that the majority of clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumors do not respond to activin-induced growth suppression. Human pituitary tumors specifically express alternatively spliced activin type I receptor Alk4 mRNAs, producing C-terminus truncated isoforms designated Alk4-2, 4-3, and 4-4. However, it is not known whether these truncated activin receptors suppress activin effects on cell proliferation in human pituitary cells. Therefore, we investigated activin signaling in a human pituitary tumor cell line, HP75, derived from a clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumor. HP75 cells express activin A mRNA and secrete activin A, as measured by ELISA and a functional bioassay. TGFβ administration decreases the proliferation of HP75 cells, suggesting that the signaling pathway shared by TGFβ and activin is functional in this cell line. However, activin neither inhibits cell proliferati...
Individual differences in response to consumer promotions

Abstract This research hypothesizes important individual differences in response to promotions and tests for them using a cross-sectional multinomial logit choice model. Our hypotheses suggest interactions between individual brand preference and the effects of current promotion and past promotional purchase. To test for these interactions, we introduce a new method of measuring brand preference from past purchase data. The new method seeks to incorporate competitive purchase conditions as modifiers to observed brand purchase behavior in estimating consumer brand preference. We account for heterogeneity in the cross-sectional model by using two measures of loyalty: one to capture differences across individuals and one to capture the time-varying changes within an individual. Our empirical results, based on scanner panel data for instant caffeinated coffee, support our hypotheses and our model specification. We conclude that accounting for consumer heterogeneity both in response to promotion and in brand and size loyalty improves both fit and predictive ability.
Lattice-valued convergence: Diagonal axioms

Diagonal axioms are defined in the category whose objects consist of all the lattice-valued convergence spaces. When the latter is linearly ordered, a diagonal condition is given which characterizes those objects in the category that are determined by a probabilistic convergence space which is topological.
High kinetic energy (1–10 eV) laser sustained neutral atom beam source

Abstract Development of high energy (1–10eV) neutral atom beams has relied primarily on the use of charge exchange or DC/RF discharge techniques. A new source is described which uses a laser sustained plasma technique for producing high intensity (⪢015/cm2s) and high translational energy (⪢1 eV) atomic beam species for use in gas-surface scattering experiments. Laser sustained plasmas have demonstrated temperatures of 10 000 K in xenon, 18 000 K in argon, and a predicted temperature of 30 000 K in helium. Combining this plasma with hydrodynamic expansion techniques should produce atomic beam velocities greater than 10 km/s for many species. Initial experiments with xenon using 70 W of CO2 laser power have demonstrated beam kinetic temperatures of 8–9000 K with Mach numbers of 4–6 resulting in peak velocities for xenon of 1.5 km/s (1.5 eV). Extrapolation of these results to helium predicts that velocities in excess of 10 km/s are possible but will require laser powers in excess of 1.3 kW.
Social Economic Aspects of India's Development

India was a colony of Great Britain until 1947 when the subcontinent was partitioned into two politically separate and independent countries: India and Pakistan. The partition resulted in a major political and economic upheaval in the subcontinent. In 1950, a planning commission was set up to determine priorities and co‐ordinate Indian economic development. The system has been called a “mixed economy” as opposed to either a centrally planned economy or an essentially free marketdriven system. Over the years, the principal objectives of planned development have been to build up within a democratic context: (1) a rapidly expanding and technologically progressive economy, and (2) a social order based on justice and offering equal opportunity to every person. Several of the achievements and the problems faced in the course of the development effort are discussed.
SMN-independent Subunits of the SMN Complex IDENTIFICATION OF A SMALL NUCLEAR RIBONUCLEOPROTEIN ASSEMBLY INTERMEDIATE

The survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex is essential for the biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complexes in eukaryotic cells. Reduced levels of SMN cause the motor neuron degenerative disease, spinal muscular atrophy. We identify here stable subunits of the SMN complex that do not contain SMN. Sedimentation and immunoprecipitation experiments using cell extracts reveal at least three complexes composed of Gemin3, -4, and -5; Gemin6, -7, and unrip; and SMN with Gemin2, as well as free Gemin5. Complexes containing Gemin3-Gemin4-Gemin5 and Gemin6-Gemin7-unrip persist at similar levels when SMN is reduced. In cells, immunofluorescence microscopy shows differential localization of Gemin5 after cell stress. We further show that the Gemin5-containing subunits bind small nuclear RNA independently of the SMN complex and without a requirement for exogenous ATP. ATP hydrolysis is, however, required for displacement of small nuclear RNAs from the Gemin5-containing subunits and their assembly into snRNPs. These findings demonstrate a modular nature of the SMN complex and identify a new intermediate in the snRNP assembly process.
Modelling, vibration analysis and feedback control of a piezoelectric forceps actuator

A piezoelectric forceps actuator (PFA) is developed for potential use in minimally invasive surgery, biological cell diagnosis and semiconductor industrial applications. This article is concerned with modelling, vibration analysis and boundary feedback control of the actuator. In the development, the PFA is viewed as a slightly-curved beam laminated with piezoelectric layers. By generalised Hamilton's principle, the dynamic governing equations of the actuator are derived. The PFA control system that consists of the piezoelectric composite curved beam, a sensor and control logic is formulated by using distributed transfer functions. With the transfer function formulation, the natural frequencies, mode shapes and frequency response of the actuator are then predicted and a stabilising boundary feedback control law is developed. In addition, a characteristic performance analysis of the PFA is conducted, to relate the system parameters and multimorph configuration to the natural frequencies, damping and piezoe...
From practice to theory. Community mental-health services and the nature of psychoses.

Abstract Experiments with comprehensive (community) psychiatric services have resulted in a striking reduction in chronic cases of what may be termed " social-breakdown syndrome " (S.B.S.). This practical experience can be referred back to theory, to throw new light on the textbook description of psychoses and on standard psychiatric training programmes. The pathogenesis of S.B.S. can be thought of in seven stages— from the time when an individual's ability comes to be at odds with what society expects of him, via a vague diagnostic label resulting in exclusion from society into mental hospital, and ending in expedient compliance with hospital conditions. Preventive measures along this pathway can best be achieved by a team, responsible for the continuing care of the patient.
It Pays to Bend the Rules The Consequences of NCAA Athletic Sanctions

Scandals in big-time college sports receive considerable attention in the media, scrutiny that can potentially damage the reputation of host institutions. The National Collegiate Athletic Associati...
Implementation of a successful incentive-based ultrasound credentialing program for emergency physicians.

Author(s): Budhram, Gavin; Elia, Tala; Rathlev, Niels | Abstract: Introducion: With the rapid expansion of emergency ultrasound, resident education in ultrasound has become more clearly developed and broadly integrated. However, there still exists a lack of guidance in the training of physicians already in practice to become competent in this valuable skill. We sought to employ a step-wise, goal-directed, incentive-based credentialing program to educate emergency physicians in the use of emergency ultrasound. Successful completion of this program was the primary outcome. Methods: The goal was for the physicians to gain competency in 8 basic ultrasound examinations types: aorta, Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST), cardiac, renal, biliary, transabdominal pelvic, transvaginal pelvic, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We separated the 2.5 year training program into 4 distinct blocks, with each block focusing on 2 of the ultrasound examination types. Each block consisted of didactic and hands-on sessions with the goal of the physician completing 25 technically-adequate studies of each examination type. There was a financial incentive associated with completion of these requirements. Results: A total of 31 physicians participated in the training program. Only one physician, who retired prior to the end of the 2.5 year period, did not successfully complete the program. All have applied for and received hospital privileging in emergency ultrasound and incorporated it into their daily practice. Conclusion: We found that a step-wise, incentive-based ultrasound training program with a combination of didactics and ample hands-on teaching was successful in the training of physicians already in practice. [West J Emerg Med.2013;14(6):602–608.]
Changes in Capture Rates in a Community of Bats in New Hampshire during the Progression of White-Nose Syndrome

Abstract Effects of white-nose syndrome (WNS) have mainly been assessed in bats at hibernacula, but this method may not be appropriate for species with poorly understood overwintering habits. We assessed effects of WNS on summer captures of Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed Bat), M. lucifugus (Little Brown Bat), M. septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared Bat), and Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat) in New Hampshire from 2005– 2011. Declines in rates and probability of capture varied among species but were greatest in the Myotis. Trends generally agreed with previous studies, except that declines in captures of Eastern Small-footed Bats were disproportionately higher than expected from winter estimates. Monitoring of Eastern Small-footed Bats during the non-hibernation period likely will help to clarify the effects of WNS on this uncommon species.
Emissions from the Evaporative Casting Process

Abstract This study characterized the emissions generated during the pouring, cooling, and shakeout of castings made with the evaporative pattern casting (EPC) process. In addition, emissions from molds produced using conventional green sand technology were determined as a basis for comparison. Tests were performed under pilot-scale foundry conditions for production of both aluminum and gray iron water pump castings using an enclosing hood with a sampling stack. Sampling was conducted during pouring, cooling, and casting removal. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) techniques and real-time instrumentation were used to identify the contaminants produced, to quantify the major contaminants, and to determine the temporal nature of these emissions. Major gaseous contaminants were identified as styrene, benzene, toluene, and ethyl benzene. Analysis of the real-time data indicated that the EPC molds produced more carbon soot and hydrocarbons during pouring than the green sand for both iron and alumin...
Optimization of the rapid supercritical extraction process for aerogels

A partial differential equation is derived that describes the pressure developed in the pores of a gel during the rapid supercritical extraction process. A comparative analysis of the strains caused by syneresis and expansion of the fluid, respectively, suggests that the latter is the dominant effect for this process. Experimental results indicate that the rate of leakage from the mold is equal to the rate of volumetric expansion of the fluid, so this was used as the boundary condition for the calculation. An analytical solution is obtained for the strain produced in a purely elastic gel. The strain is found to develop most rapidly at high temperatures, where the thermal expansion of the fluid increases sharply. The model predicts a temperature dependent heating rate that can be used to avoid irreversible strains by compensating for the increase in thermal expansion coefficient.
Cysteine Mapping of Cytoplasmic Dynein Motor Domain

Cytoplasmic dynein is a large cytoskeletal protein complex comprised of a heterodimer of heavy chains, intermediate chains, light intermediate chains and light chains. Cytoplasmic dynein is responsible for transporting cargo, other proteins, vesicles and organelles, throughout the cell by movement along microtubules in a retrograde fashion. This activity is mediated by a series of conformational changes to the motor domain induced by ATP binding, hydrolysis and the release of ADP to give a power-stroke motion. There are, however, many unknowns regarding the conformational changes and structure of the motor domain. The extremely large size of the motor domain (380 kDa) makes structural characterization a challenging task. As an initial step towards this goal, cysteine mapping of the motor domain was performed. Preliminary results from fluorescence spectroscopy indicate that 6 out of the 47 cysteines react with ThioGlo(r)1 (methyl 10-(2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-9-methoxy-3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxylate) in the motor domain's native state. Under denaturing conditions, an additional 15 cysteines are revealed. The non-reactivity of the remaining 26 cysteines suggests the presence of 13 disulfide bonds in the motor domain. These results are being analyzed with mass spectrometry to confirm and identify the accessible, buried and oxidized cysteines. This information will be instrumental in mapping the location of residues within cytoplasmic dynein's motor domain. In addition to characterizing the structure of the motor domain, gold particle-bearing labels reactive with surface-accessible cysteines are being explored to provide cryoelectron microscopy data on the motor domain.
Why have long antennae? Exploring the function of antennal contact in snapping shrimp

Many organisms use antennae to gather tactile or chemical information from the environment. Crustaceans have two sets of antennae: short antennules (first antennae) and antennae posterior or lateral to them (second antennae) which are often much longer. While the function of crustacean antennae has received some attention, particularly the perception of dispersed chemical signals by the antennules, the role of direct antennal contact during social behavior is less well understood. We compared antennal contact in competitive and pairing interactions in two species of snapping shrimp: Alpheus angulosus and Alpheus heterochaelis. Conspecific interactions involve more antennal contact than heterospecific interactions. Alpheus heterochaelis perform more antennal contact than A. angulosus. Alpheus angulosus females perform more antennal contact in pairing than in competitions; however, A. heterochaelis females and males of both species use antennal contact equally in pairing and competitive interactions. Althou...
The effect of DMSO on the permeation of non‐electrolytes through the barnacle cell membrane

Frequent reports have suggested that Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) increases the flux of other molecules through biological membranes. This paper reports experiments in the single barnacle cell which permits differentiation of trans-membrane fluxes from those utilizing intercellular pathways. Several non-electrolytes were injected and wash-out rates observed. There was no change in the time course of the wash-out of these molecules when DMSO was added to the injected fluid. The conclusion of these experiments is that DMSO in low concentration does not change the permeation of non-electrolyte across the cell membrane.
Process variability at the 65nm node and beyond

The impact of manufacturing-induced variations has been well established as a first order impediment to modern integrated circuit design [1]. Numerous research efforts are currently underway to (a) understand and characterize variability[2], to (b) predict its impact on circuit behavior[3], and (c) to develop layout and circuit design techniques to reduce the impact of variability[4]. Simultaneously, except for the most advanced high performance designs, the increasing cost of migrating to sub-65 nm technology nodes is slowing down adoption of advanced technologies. This slow down is allowing current efforts to catch up and help mitigate variability as an impediment.
Sweet's Syndrome

Sweet's syndrome (acute neutrophilic dermatosis) is characterized by fever; polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytosis; elevated ESR; and characteristic, raised, painful red plaques on the face and limbs. Since Sweet first described the syndrome in 1964, more than 150 cases have been reported, but it is assumed that the disorder is far more common than this number would indicate.
Inclusion of ECG and EEG analysis in neural network models

Evaluation of biomedical signals is important in the diagnosis of numerous diseases, chiefly in cardiology through the use of electrocardiograms, and to a more limited extent, in neurology through the use of electroencephalograms. While automated techniques exist for both ECG and EEG analysis, it is likely that additional information can be extracted from these signals through the use of new methods. A chaotic method for analysis of signal analysis variability is presented here that identifies the degree of variability in the signal over time. A second focus is to develop higher order decision models that can incorporate these results with other clinical parameters to represent a more comprehensive view of the disease state, using a neural network model.
Formal Methods for Specifying, Validating, and Verifying Requirements

This paper describes the specification, validation and verification of system and soft- ware requirements using the SCR tabular method and tools. An example is presented to illustrate the SCR tabular notation, and an overview of each of the ten tools in the SCR toolset is presented.