cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The antecedents of process integration in business process outsourcing and its effect on firm performance

Abstract As service processes become candidates for outsourcing, interest in the global business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has grown considerably. In this study, drawing on information processing theory, we examine the role of integration in BPO and its effect on BPO firm performance. BPO Integration is concerned with the overall coordination of business processes and activities across different units within the outsourced environment. It involves both internal process integration – effective integration of task execution within the BPO and external process integration – effective integration between the BPO and their clients. Using survey data gathered from 205 Indian BPO service providers, we analyze the antecedents of process integration and its impact on BPO performance. The antecedents we examine are task complexity, task security, end customer orientation of the client and IT capability of the BPO. Among other results, we find that both internal and external process integration partially mediate the impact of the antecedents on performance. We draw managerial implications of our research to practicing BPO and client managers on how BPO outsourcing can be made successful.
Beurling-Landau-Type Theorems for Non-Uniform Sampling in Shift Invariant Spline Spaces

Under the appropriate definition of sampling density Dϕ, a function f that belongs to a shift invariant space can be reconstructed in a stable way from its non-uniform samples only if Dϕ≥1. This result is similar to Landau's result for the Paley-Wiener space B 1/2 . If the shift invariant space consists of polynomial splines, then we show that Dϕ<1 is sufficient for the stable reconstruction of a function f from its samples, a result similar to Beurling's special case B 1/2 .
Determinants of Perceived Importance of Targeted Transportation Services for Low-Income Riders

It is generally agreed that transit services in disadvantaged neighborhoods can have potentially positive effects on the accessibility of socially excluded or economically marginalized families. The impact of transit services has been quantified by using objective measures, such as travel time, travel cost, and changes in earnings or destinations reached. Although the body of literature on this topic is exhaustive, researchers have acknowledged the importance of more subjective measures associated with trip decision making of individuals. An index of perceived service importance (PSI) was used to study the impact of the subjective dimension of trip making. Riders of transit services were surveyed, and a conceptual model of activity changes that may be enabled by the services of the Job Access Reverse Commute program was designed to facilitate the modeling process. An ordered probit model was developed to explore the relationship between PSI and sociodemographics, service type and characteristics, employme...
Nigral and pallidal inputs to functionally segregated thalamostriatal neurons in the centromedian/parafascicular intralaminar nuclear complex in monkey.

In primates, thalamostriatal projections from the centromedian (CM) and parafascicular (Pf) nuclei are strong and organized according to a strict pattern of functional connectivity with various regions of the striatal complex. In turn, the CM/Pf complex receives a substantial innervation from the internal globus pallidus (GPi). In this study, we demonstrate that the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) also provides a massive input to Pf in monkeys. These pallidothalamic and nigrothalamic projections provide routes whereby information can flow in functional loops between the basal ganglia and the intralaminar nuclear group. To understand better the anatomical organization and the degree of functional specificity of these loops, we combined retrograde and anterograde labeling methods from functionally defined regions of the striatum and GPi/SNr to determine the relationships between thalamostriatal neurons and basal ganglia afferents. Together with previous studies, our data suggest the existence of tightly connected functional circuits between the basal ganglia and the CM/Pf in primates: 1) A "sensorimotor" circuit links together the medial two-thirds of CM, the postcommissural putamen, and the ventrolateral part of the caudal GPi; 2) a "limbic" circuit involves the rostral one-third of Pf, the ventral striatum, and the rostromedial pole of GPi; and 3) an "associative"circuit exists between the caudal two-thirds of Pf, the caudate nucleus, and the SNr. An additional "associative" circuit that involves the caudate-receiving territory of GPi (dorsal one-third), the dorsolateral Pf (Pfdl), and the precommissural putamen was also disclosed. In conclusion, findings of this study provide additional evidence for the high degree of functional specificity of the thalamostriatal system through which CM/Pf may provide attention-specific sensory information important for conditional responses to the primate striatum.
Mobility in Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic Europe: Evidence from the lower limb

A growing body of archeological evidence suggests that the dramatic climatic events of the Last Glacial Maximum in Europe triggered important changes in foraging behavior, involving a significant decrease in mobility. In general, changes in mobility alter patterns of bending of the midshaft femur and tibia, resulting in changes in diaphyseal robusticity and shape. This relationship between levels of mobility and lower limb diaphyseal structure was used to test the hypothesized decrease in mobility. Cross-sectional geometric data were obtained for 81 Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic European femora and tibiae. The sample was divided into three time periods: Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP), Late Upper Paleolithic (LUP), and Mesolithic (Meso). In addition, because decreased mobility often results in changes in sex roles, males and females were analyzed separately. All indicators of bending strength decrease steadily through time, although few of the changes reach statistical significance. There is, however, a highly significant change in midshaft femur shape, with LUP and Meso groups more circular in cross-section than the EUP sample, supporting archeologically based predictions of decreased mobility. Sexual dimorphism levels in diaphyseal strength remain low throughout the three time periods, suggesting a departure in Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic foragers away from the pattern of division of labor by sex observed in modern hunter-gatherers. Results confirm that the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum represents a crucial stage in Late Pleistocene human evolution, and signals the appearance of some of the behavioral adaptations that are usually associated with the Neolithic, such as sedentism.
Policy issues for improving institutional response to domestic violence.

The call by healthcare providers and advocates to do more for battered women in healthcare settings has placed nursing administrators on the front lines in developing protocols to identify and intervene with survivors of domestic violence. Institutional support and planning are essential in developing effective policies and protocols. The author addresses key issues for nurse administrators to consider when developing domestic violence policies and protocols. (C) Lippincott-Raven Publishers Language: en
Why or Why Not? A Qualitative Analysis of Low-Income Parents' Reasons for Accepting or Rejecting Simulated Research Enrollment for Their Children

A simulation of enrollment in a high- or low-risk research study was conducted with low-income, mostly minority parents. Simulation participants were provided scenarios based on actual low-risk research involving premature babies or actual high-risk research involving devices designed as bridges to heart transplants when all other therapies had failed. Their understanding of the procedures, risks, and benefits was based only the information gained from consent materials for the high- or low-risk protocol. After reviewing the consent information, participants were asked to state their own decision as to whether to enroll their simulated child in the described study. The low-income sample of parents who participated in this simulation were overwhelmingly positive about enrolling a child in the two studies; 66% of those considering the high-risk study and 91% in the low-risk study indicated they would enroll a child. Parents in both conditions cited the value of learning ways to improve the health care of ot...
A nomogram for predicting upgrading in patients with low‐ and intermediate‐grade prostate cancer in the era of extended prostate sampling

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b OBJECTIVE To develop a nomogram to predict the probability that the pathological Gleason sum (GS) will be higher than that indicated by the biopsy, suggesting a higher risk for the patient presumed to be at low risk, as a substantial proportion of patients with low and intermediate grade on biopsy are upgraded on interpretation of the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, but a similar clarification of accurate Gleason scoring is not available in patients with no surgical histology. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 1017 patients who had RP after biopsy showing GS 6 and 7 (3 + 4) from 2000 to 2007. Nomogram predictor variables included age, race, digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, number of cores taken, number of positive cores, maximum percentage cancer in any core, number of previous biopsies, prostate volume, clinical stage, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, atypical small acinar proliferation, inflammation and perineural invasion. We calculated the nomogram-predicted probability in each patient. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated as a measure of discrimination, and the calibration was assessed graphically. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 60 years, the mean PSA level 6.62 ng/mL; 336 patients were upgraded (33%), 623 remained the same (61.3%) and 58 were downgraded (5.7%). A nomogram for predicting the possibility of upgrading was constructed that had a concordance index of 0.68. The nomogram was well calibrated. CONCLUSIONS Our nomogram for predicting upgrading provides important additional information for deciding on treatment to both the urologist and the patient with low- and intermediate-grade prostate cancer. It might prove useful when the possibility of a more aggressive Gleason variant can change the management, and is especially meaningful when management options other than surgery are selected based on the inability to recognize the true pathological actual GS.
Perceptions of foreign threats to the regime: From Lenin to Putin

Abstract During his second term, Putin's foreign policy was strongly influenced by the belief that the West's hostility could help the opposition change the current regime, as the West had done in Ukraine and Georgia. A regime change would deprive the ruling elite, mostly people from the security police and army, of their power and illegally acquired wealth. Moscow restored, in early 2000, the ideology of Russia's “encirclement” from the 1920s, which suggested that the country was surrounded by enemies in order to legitimize the regime. At the same time, as in the past, Moscow tried to punish the Western governments for their disrespect for the regime with an aggressive and uncooperative foreign policy.
NADH-coupled microplate photometric assay for kinetic studies of ATP-hydrolyzing enzymes with low and high specific activities.

Genome database searches retrieve over 10,000 sequences that either are known to use NTP or contain motifs suggestive of that. Hence, ATP hydrolysis is a convenient tool for monitoring their biological activity. Among the most popular assays are measurements of the release of Pi, ADP, or Hþ [1]. For enzymes sensitive to the accumulation of ADP, an assay based on ADP recycling coupled to the oxidation of NADH represents a particular advantage [2,3]. The high molar absorption coefficient of NADH and the virtual absence of protein or DNA absorbance at this wavelength ensure reliable ATP hydrolysis measurements down to the micromolar concentration scale. A limitation of this technique is that it requires investment into relatively costly equipment with a limited capacity for parallel analysis. Microplate readers are devoid of these limitations, offering parallel analysis of many samples and great versatility. However, the lightpath of a microplate reader is variable and depends on the well fill volume, requiring proper calibration. Herein, we adapted the NADH-coupled ATPase assay for a 96-well microplate reader. A previous adaptation of this assay to the microplate format focused on P-glycoprotein, one particular ATPase [4]. Here, we elaborated general assay parameters to analyze a variety of ATPases with low and high specific activities. We show that beyond the numerous advantages of microplate readers (high throughput, low cost, ease of operation, use of disposable plasticware in place of quartz cells), the microplates ensure sufficiently high sensitivity and precision to measure ATP hydrolysis down to the submicromolar scale. We recommend practical tips for adapting the microplate-based assay for kinetic studies
Formations with Decentralized Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation Algorithm

Abstract Centroidal Voronoi tessellations (CVTs) have recently attracted attention as a method for generating emergent behavior and swarm intelligence, for instance efficiently locating a source and creating evenly distributed formations. Previous research has focused on a centralized algorithm which depends on a base station computer to perform calculations and give the robotic agents direct movement commands. This research attempts to create an adaptive decentralized procedure for autonomous agents to create formations using CVTs. This decentralized approach will allow swarm systems a greater level of autonomy by removing the dependence on a centralized base station for calculating common agent tasks.
Expanding the Utility of Behavioral Momentum with Young Children Where We've Been, Where We Need to Go

To provide for young children and their individual needs it is necessary for researchers to continue to develop and expand new strategies for practitioners in the field. Influenced by an extensive research base and evolving values and commitment toward integration, researchers have begun to expand on the various antecedent-based, nonaversive procedures already prevalent in the literature. One such intervention, behavioral momentum or interspersed requesting, has been quite effective; however, the outcomes of this research are limited to increases in compliance and decreases in excess behaviors. This paper proposes expanding the utility of behavioral momentum to incorporate a variety of outcomes that better fit the overall needs of young children, including young children with disabilities. Traditional procedures and instructional strategies used with young children with behavioral disorders are reviewed, and the emerging technology of behavioral momentum is presented. A research agenda expanding momentum ...
Kinetics of catecholamine release by tyramine in rat heart, spleen and uterus

Abstract The kinetics of depletion of endogenous catecholamines by tyramine were studied in rat heart, spleen and uterus. 85–93% of the catecholamines of these organs can be depleted by repeated injections of tyramine over 3 1/2 hours. The depletion follows a simple exponential curve with “half-life” times for heart, spleen and uterus of 55, 69 and 75 minutes, respectively. The releasing effect of tyramine is not significantly affected by blockade of catecholamine uptake by phenoxybenzamine.
Clinical investigation in duchenne dystrophy: 2. Determination of the “power” of therapeutic trials based on the natural history

A prospective study of 114 patients with DMD provided data for "power" calculations for future therapeutic trials. There was a decline in strength of 0.4 units per year (on a 0-10 scale). Contractures of the iliotibial bands, hip flexors, and heel cords developed before 6 years. Contractures of other joints accompanied the increased use of wheelchairs. All children walked until 8 years with functional "improvement" between 3-6 years. Children of the same age varied widely in their strength, degree of contracture, and functional abilities. Fifteen percent of the patients appear to have a milder variety of the disease and are termed "outliers." To test a drug which might slow the disease to 25% of its original rate of progression, two groups (placebo and treatment) of 40 patients each would have to be followed for one year.
Thermal, Electrical, and Electrocatalytical Properties of Lanthanum-Doped Strontium Titanate

Abstract Thermal, electrical and electrocatalytical properties of La x Sr 1− x TiO 3 , where x =0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.35, and 0.4, perovskite compositions are studied in relation to their potential use as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode materials. An emphasis is made on the effect of oxidation–reduction cycling on these properties. Depending on the dopant amount, x , and the oxygen partial pressure, La x Sr 1− x TiO 3 possesses an electrical conductivity on the order of 0.01–500 S/cm at 800–1000 °C. The thermal expansion of La x Sr 1− x TiO 3 is close to that of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). No significant chemical expansion or contraction of La x Sr 1− x TiO 3 with x p O 2 . La x Sr 1− x TiO 3 is found to be dimensionally and chemically stable when subjected to oxidation–reduction cycling. Cell tests demonstrated the potential ability of the doped titanates to be used as SOFC anodes.
The influence of social status on token women leaders' expectations about leading male-dominated groups

Prior research has shown that women report mostly negative expectations about being a gender-token in male-dominated work groups. We speculate that this is partially caused by the socially ascribed status devaluation of women. In this study we investigated the degree to which elevated social status may lessen negative expectations of gender-token women assigned to leadership positions. Sixty-three undergraduate women participated in 1 of 3 tokenism conditions: (1) nontoken, (2) gender-token, and (3) high-status gender-token. In all conditions participants were led to believe that they would be leading a group of men in a decision-making exercise. Leader expectations were then assessed. The results suggest that increased social status may help prevent gender-token women from developing negative expectations about interactions with male-dominated work groups.
A cooperative DoA-based algorithm for localization of multiple primary-users in cognitive radio networks

Knowledge about the location of licensed primary users (PU) could enable several key features in cognitive radio (CR) networks including improved spatio-temporal sensing, intelligent location-aware routing, as well as aiding spectrum policy enforcement. In this paper we discuss the problem of localizing multiple PUs based on direction-of-arrival (DoA) measurements. The key problem in such scenario is the difficulty and complexity of associating multiple DoA measurements to different PUs. We propose an iterative method that uses the probability of associating each DoA to a PU as the weighting coefficient of a modified Stansfield algorithm for DoA fusion. Results show the proposed algorithm obtains better accuracy than previous algorithms [1]–[3], and its complexity increases linearly with the number of CRs, compared with the exponential rate for algorithms based on exhaustive search of all possible associations.
Oxygen and carbon isotopes of Recent calcareous nannofossils as paleoceanographic indicators

Abstract δ 18O and δ 13C values for several species of planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils from Recent deep-sea sediments have been studied in order to evaluate their paleoceanographic and paleotemperature potential. Nannofossils from Indian Ocean core-tops reflect isotopic temperatures as warm as, or warmer than, the temperatures reported by Williams et al. (1977) for shallow-dwelling planktonic foraminifera from the same samples. In general, deep-sea sediment samples from the world's major oceans indicate that nannofossil δ 18O values are from 0.5 to 1 ‰ heavier than shallow-dwelling planktonic foraminifera. Although nannofossil δ 18O values depart from thermodynamic equilibrium with oceanic surface water temperatures, the δ 18O temperature trend parallels that of surface-dwelling planktonic foraminifera. Nannofossil δ 13C values also depart from equilibrium with surface water δ 13C-ΣCO2 values. A comparison of nannofossil δ 13C data with that from planktonic foraminifera suggests that the rate of primary productivity in different water masses may be influencing the δ 13C of carbonate-secreting phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Data‐independent liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MSE) detection and quantification of the secreted Apium graveolens pathogen defense protein mannitol dehydrogenase

Plant cells secrete a wide variety of defense-related proteins into the extracellular space or apoplast in response to pathogen attack. One of these, mannitol dehydrogenase (MTD), is normally a cytoplasmic enzyme whose primary role is the regulation of intracellular levels of the sugar alcohol mannitol in plants. Recent immunological and biochemical evidence, however, suggests that MTD is also secreted into the apoplast in response to pathogen attack, despite lacking a known peptide signal sequence for Golgi-mediated secretion. Because many plant pathogenic fungi secrete mannitol to overcome pathogen-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the plant, extracellular localization of MTD is hypothesized to have a defensive role of catabolizing pathogen-secreted mannitol. In the current study, LC/MSE was used to analyze proteins in the secretome of Apium graveolens (celery) following treatment with salicylic acid (SA), an endogenous elicitor of defense responses in plants. Levels of MTD in the secretome of SA-treated celery cell cultures were found to be induced at least 18-fold over secretome samples from cell cultures not exposed to SA. This value is in close agreement with published immunological and biochemical observations. Overall, this report provides the first mass spectrometry identification and quantification measurements supporting the hypothesis that MTD is secreted in response to simulated pathogen attack via a non-classical secretion mechanism. As demonstrated with MTD secretion, LC/MSE can be implemented as a discovery-driven MRM-based quantitative approach which can be used to reveal potential post-translational modifications, thus providing a new method in the area of gel-free and label-free proteomic analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative assessment of the mechanical properties of tissue-mimicking agar phantoms by optical coherence elastography and numerical analyses

A systematic investigation was conducted on the accuracies of four analytical methods for obtaining the elasticity of soft samples by using optical coherence elastography (OCE). The results were compared to the elasticity measured by uniaxial mechanical testing. OCE has emerged as a noninvasive method for quantifying tissue biomechanical properties with spatial resolution of a few micrometers. A proper mechanical model is required for extracting the biomechanical parameters accurately from OCE measurements. In this work, tissuemimicking agar phantoms were utilized to analyze the accuracy and feasibility of four methods for reconstructing the Young’s modulus from OCE-measured elastic wave which were induced by a focused airpulse. These reconstruction methods are: the shear wave equation (SWE), the surface wave equation (SuWE), the Rayleigh-Lamb frequency equation (RLFE), and the finite element method (FEM). The reconstructed elasticity values were also compared with uniaxial mechanical testing results. It was shown that the RLFE and the FEM are more robust in quantifying elasticity than the other simplified models. This work may provide a reference for reconstructing the biomechanical properties of tissues based on OCE measurements. Accurate reconstruction of biomechanical properties is an important issue for further developing noninvasive elastography methods.
The time sequence of tissue regeneration in human extraction wounds.

Abstract 1. 1. A preliminary study of the time sequence of tissue regeneration in human extraction wounds has been completed. 2. 2. In order to obviate some of the errors inherent in the studies of socket healing from diseased human cases or by interpolation from animal experimentation, biopsy specimens were taken from apparently healthy persons who were screened to eliminate, as far as possible, gross pathosis and variables which might interfere with normal tissue regeneration. 3. 3. Generally, the time sequence in normal human tissue regeneration based on this study has been summarized diagrammatically in Fig. 14 and in Table II.
Imaging considerations for scintillating fiber optic screens

ABSTRACT The scintillator performance characteristics of five different scintillating fiber optic screens and two conventionalGd2O2S:Th screens (one 34 mg/cm2 and the other 60 mg/cm2) were measured and compared. The measurements that weremade included the angular dependence of light emission relative to the normal, the modulation transfer function (MTF), andthe absolute effective conversion efficiency (light photons per absorbed x-ray photon). The relative error in the light outputcalculation results from the Lambertian source assumption is discussed.Keywords: scintillating screens, fiber face plate, x-ray imaging, Lambertian source 1. INTRODUCTION The widespread effort in developing digital imaging systems has led to large area high pixel density photodetectors such as charge coupled devices (CCDs), amorphous silicon photodiode arrays, and complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imagers. These photodetectors have different capabilities, characteristics and requirements thanconventional silver halide based film, and this fact has led to a new generation of exotic scintillators, including fiber opticscreens made from scintillating glass. In this paper, the x-ray absorption properties, the spatial resolution characteristics, andthe relative sensitivities of several prototype fiber optical screens were measured and compared with traditional intensifyingscreens. Gd2O2S:Th screens of thicknesses for mammography (34 mg/cm2) and general radiography (60 mg/cm2) were usedfor comparison. In some systems currently under development, lens coupling is being explored as an alternative to fiberoptical or direct coupling. Numerous reports in the medical imaging literature in recent years have described the mathematicsof lens coupling efficiency to scintillators, however these formulae are typically based on the assumption of Lambertianemission. However, if the angular distribution of light emitted from a scintillator is markedly different from Lambertian,then the calculated efficiency of the system will be in error. The angular distribution of light emitted from the scintillatingfiber optic screens and from conventional screens was measured and compared, since the difference between the scintillatingfiber optical screens and conventional screens may have a significant influence on the design of lens coupled systems.
Two Approaches to Fractional Statistics in the Quantum Hall Effect: Idealizations and the Curious Case of the Anyon

This paper looks at the nature of idealizations and representational structures appealed to in the context of the fractional quantum Hall effect, specifically, with respect to the emergence of anyons and fractional statistics. Drawing on an analogy with the Aharonov–Bohm effect, it is suggested that the standard approach to the effects—(what we may call) the topological approach to fractional statistics—relies essentially on problematic idealizations that need to be revised in order for the theory to be explanatory. An alternative geometric approach is outlined and endorsed. Roles for idealizations in science, as well as consequences for the debate revolving around so-called essential idealizations, are discussed.
Transcription, processing, and turnover of RNA from the Drosophila mobile genetic element copia.

Abstract We have investigated the transcription, processing, and size distribution of copia nuclear RNA in Drosophila cultured cells in order to characterize the steps which result in the high concentration of cytoplasmic copia RNA. Ninety-five percent of pulse-labeled (5 min) copia nuclear RNA is 5 kb or shorter. This is consistent with the previously determined absence of intervening sequence(s) in the copia gene and indicates that there is little transcription of contiguous regions 5′ or 3′ to the copia sequence. In pulse-chase experiments, we observed that only 10% or less of the labeled copia nuclear RNA could be chased into the cytoplasm. Continuous labeling experiments, analyzed by taking into account changing nucleotide precursor pool specific activities during labeling and fitting the data simultaneously to a series of differential equations, gave results consistent with the pulse-chase experiments. The data, whether analyzed according to a one-step or a two-step processing model, indicated that total copia nuclear RNA is processed to poly(A) + cytoplasmic RNA with an efficiency of only 7%. In the fit to the two-step processing model, only 7% of the poly(A) + copia nuclear RNA is exported to the cytoplasm; the remainder turns over in the nucleus. The poly(A) + copia nuclear RNA is discrete in size, in contrast to poly(A) − copia nuclear RNA, which is heterogeneous in size. We discuss the implications of these observations for the mechanism of intranuclear processing and decay of copia RNA.
Human placental cholinergic system

The occurrence of acetylcholine (ACh)-like activity in human placenta, a tissue without innervation, has been known for more than 60 years. However, the non-neuronal functions of ACh in human placenta are not clearly understood. The components of the cholinergic system-ACh, choline acetyltransferase, acetyicholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, muscarinic receptors, and nicotinic receptors—in human placenta have been demonstrated by unequivocal methods. Primate placentae store and release ACh by mechanisms similar to those of nervous tissue. However, there arc many gaps in our knowledge, which include: (a) endogenous quaternary ammonium compounds other than ACh in human placental extracts; (b) the specificity of placental enzymes; (c) the subtypes and structures of placental muscarinic and nicotinic receptors; and (d) the significance of placental α-bungarotoxin binding proteins, ACh receptor stimulation-cellular signaling by second messengers, and activation of immediate early target genes (C-fos, C-jun) encoding transcription factors. Several hypothetical non-neuronal functions of ACh in placenta have been postulated based upon available experimental evidence. These include: (a) regulation of blood flow and fluid volume in placental vessels; (b) opening and closing of trophoblastic channels; (c) induction of contractile properties to myofibroblasts; (d) facilitation of amino acid transport necessary for fetal growth across placenta; (e) release of placental hormones; and (f) modulation of the formation of myometrial and placental prostaglandins in human parturition. All of these roles are reasonable, and some of these roles may turn out to be linked to one another to influence or maintain placental function.
Aging impairs regulation of intracellular pH in rat hippocampal slices

We investigated whether aging changed H+ homeostasis in hippocampal slices bathed in HEPES buffer. Intracellular pH in hippocampal slices from rats aged 26–27 months (7.06 ± 0.02) was significantly lower compared with that in slices from rats aged 6–7 months (7.16 ± 0.04). Age did not influence extracellular pH. Age-related reductions in intracellular pH may reflect altered pH regulation that potentially affects brain function and could contribute to the increased vulnerability of the aged brain to metabolic stress.
Electrical injuries to the upper extremity a review

Abstract Electrical injury of the upper extremity requires mature management because the extremity can usually be preserved if the point of entrance (or contact) is on the dorsum of the arm. The converse is usually true if the contact is on the palmar-volar aspect of the hand and wrist, for significant loss of nerves, blood vessels and tendons occurs. Early amputation must be considered in this situation. The pathophysiology of these injuries is discussed along with a plan of management for functional return of the upper extremity.
Caveat emptor: if you have PKD, be careful of what you drink?

Dichloroacetate is a common contaminant in the drinking water supply due to chlorination and residual acetate in the waster. In this issue of AJP-Renal, Gattone and Bacallao show that dichloroacetate can accelerate cyst growth in the PCK rat model of polycystic kidney disease.
Stimulation ofBradyrhizobium japonicum by allelochemicals from green plants

Yeast extract-mannitol broth supplemented with 3 mg.ml−1 extract from aerial parts of plants was noculated withB. japonicum 3I1b110. Filter-sterilized water extracts of foxtail (Setaria viridis), lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) and Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum) stimulated growth of the bacterium by 3–4 times after 48 h incubation; however, similar extracts from several other plants were marginally stimulatory. Autoclaved water extracts and methanol (75%) extracts were less stimulatory than filter-sterilized water extracts. Autoclaved water extracts of nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), and methanol extracts of smartweed, peat and ragweed depressed growth of the bacterium. Filter-sterilized water extracts from shoots of foxtail and lambsquarters increased growth of the bacterium linearly up to 6 mg.ml−1. At that level growth in the presence of lambsquarters shoot extract was almost 20 times that of the control. Comparable growth stimulation by this extract was also found in four other strains ofB. japonicum. The water extracts from roots and stems of lambsquarters, and roots, shoots and inflorescences of foxtail at 3 mg.ml−1 stimulated growth of the bacterium by more than 40 times the control.
A Microprocessor Controlled, Personnel Thermoluminescence Dosimetry Reader

Using a DEC LSI-11 microprocessor, we have developed a thermoluminescence dosimetry reader for personnel dosimetry. This microprocessor provides system control, accumulates data for temporary storage on a cassette, and later outputs the data to a large computer. The microprocessor also provides a human/system interface through a computer terminal. A programmable high-voltage supply and a light-emitting diode are used in the reader svstem to automatically control photomultiplier tube gain.
Integrated modeling and controller design with application to flexible structure control

Abstract It is well known that modeling and control problems are not independent. Hence, the final step in any practical control design is a ‘try and see’ procedure. There will always be a need for on-line tuning by the test engineer. The purpose of mathematical theories of modeling and control is therefore not to replace the ‘try and see’ requirement of the engineer, but to help reduce the number of iterations the engineer must use to find a suitable solution to the real physical problem (which defies exact mathematical description). This paper presents an iterative method to integrate the two problems of modeling and control and demonstrates the procedure in a physical application. Specifically, we present a controller design scheme integrating a Q-Markov Covariance equivalent realization (QMC) identification algorithm, a Modal Cost Analysis (MCA) model reduction algorithm, and an Output Variance Constraint (OVC) controller design algorithm. The identified model is used as a truth model for subsequent (off-line) controller evaluation. In the first step of the integrated procedure, this model is reduced for controller design. Closed-loop evaluation provides information to improve the reduced model (this is the integration of the two model reduction and control disciplines that is contributed by this paper). The process repeats iteratively for low order and high performance controller design. This procedure is applied to NASA's ACES flexible structure at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure for large flexible structure control.
Computer Modeling of Fluid-Stress-Induced Blood Damage in a Mechanical Ventricular Assist Device

Congestive heart failure results the heart is unable to pump the required amount of blood to maintain the systemic circulation. World-wide, millions of patients are diagnosed with congestive heart failure every year, many of which ultimately become candidates for heart transplants. The limited number of available donor hearts, however, has resulted in a tremendous demand for alternative, supplemental circulatory support in the form of artificial heart pumps to serve as a “Bridge-to-Transplant”. The prospect of artificial heart pumps used for long-term support of congestive heart failure patients is directly dependent upon excellent blood compatibility. High fluid stress levels may arise due to high rotational speeds and narrow clearances between the stationary and rotating parts of the pump. Thus, fluid stress may result in damage to red blood cells and activation of platelets, contributing to thrombus formation. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate levels of blood trauma for successful design of a mechanical Ventricular Assist Device. Estimating the fluid stress levels that occur in a blood pump during the design phase also provides valuable information for optimization considerations. This study describes the CFD evaluation of blood damage in a magnetically suspended axial pump that occurs due to fluid stress. Using CFD, a blood damage index, reflecting the percentage of damaged red blood cells, was numerically estimated based on the scalar fluid stress values and exposure time to such stresses. A number of particles, with no mass and reactive properties, was injected at the inflow of the computational domain and traveled along their corresponding streamlines. A Lagrangian particle tracking technique was employed to obtain the stress history of each particle along its streamline, making it possible to consider the damage history of each particle. Maximum scalar stresses of approximately 430 Pa were estimated to occur along the tip surface of the impeller blades, more precisely at the leading edge of the impeller blades. The maximum time required for the vast majority of particles to pass through the pump was approximately 0.085sec. A small number of particles (approximately 5%), which traveled through the narrow gap between the stationary and rotating part of the pump, exited the computational domain in approximately 0.2 sec. The mean value of blood damage index was found to be 0.15% with a maximum value of approximately 0.47%. These values are one order of magnitude lower than the approximated damage indices published in the literature for other Ventricular Assist Devices. The low blood damage index indicates that red blood cells traveling along the streamlines considered are not likely to be ruptured, mainly due to the very small time of exposure to high stress.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The accuracy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal blood in the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract The use of computed tomography (CT) in the management of patients who are hemodynamically stable with symptoms suggestive of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and in hemodynamically unstable patients without palpable or known aortic aneurysms was analyzed in a retrospective study. One hundred forty-two CT sans were performed; 48 patients had abdominal aortic aneurysms and 35 had no evidence of rupture or retroperitoneal blood. Ten patients had CT sans that showed evidence of rupture, and three patients had CT sans that were thought to be indeterminate for rupture, probably inflammatory. Forty patients underwent laparotomy. Excluding the three patients with inflammatory aneurysms, the results of CT scanning were compared with the findings at laparotomy. The sensitivity of CT scanning for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal blood in the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was 77% and the specificity was 100%, with an overall accuracy of 92%. An algorithm for the management of the patient with symptoms suggestive of a ruptured aneurysm in presented. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:11-6.)
Small Subitizing Range in People with Williams syndrome.

Recent evidence suggests that the rapid apprehension of small numbers of objects—often called subitizing—engages a system which allows representation of up to 4 objects but is distinct from other aspects of numerical processing. We examined subitizing by studying people with Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic deficit characterized by severe visuospatial impairments, and normally developing children (4–6.5 years old). In Experiment 1, participants first explicitly counted displays of 1 to 8 squares that appeared for 5 s and reported “how many”. They then reported “how many” for the same displays shown for 250 ms, a duration too brief to allow explicit counting, but sufficient for subitizing. All groups were highly accurate up to 8 objects when they explicitly counted. With the brief duration, people with WS showed almost perfect accuracy up to a limit of 3 objects, comparable to 4-year-olds but fewer than either 5- or 6.5-year-old children. In Experiment 2, participants were asked to report “how many” for d...
Congenital Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

A 34-year-old man was referred because of a low testosterone level. At age 18 he had not entered puberty, and was prescribed testosterone injections, which he received for 5 years. He gained weight, body hair developed, and he became sexually active. He married and was told he was sterile. He is otherwise healthy, and has had no bone fractures. He denies anosmia or other physical abnormalities. The family history is negative for hypogonadism and midline defects. His parents are unrelated.
The neural basis of drug craving: An incentive-sensitization theory of addiction

This paper presents a biopsychological theory of drug addiction, the 'Incentive-Sensitization Theory'. The theory addresses three fundamental questions. The first is: why do addicts crave drugs? That is, what is the psychological and neurobiological basis of drug craving? The second is: why does drug craving persist even after long periods of abstinence? The third is whether 'wanting' drugs (drug craving) is attributable to 'liking' drugs (to the subjective pleasurable effects of drugs)? The theory posits the following. (1) Addictive drugs share the ability to enhance mesotelencephalic dopamine neurotransmission. (2) One psychological function of this neural system is to attribute 'incentive salience' to the perception and mental representation of events associated with activation of the system. Incentive salience is a psychological process that transforms the perception of stimuli, imbuing them with salience, making them attractive, 'wanted', incentive stimuli. (3) In some individuals the repeated use of addictive drugs produces incremental neuroadaptations in this neural system, rendering it increasingly and perhaps permanently, hypersensitive ('sensitized') to drugs and drug-associated stimuli. The sensitization of dopamine systems is gated by associative learning, which causes excessive incentive salience to be attributed to the act of drug taking and to stimuli associated with drug taking. It is specifically the sensitization of incentive salience, therefore, that transforms ordinary 'wanting' into excessive drug craving. (4) It is further proposed that sensitization of the neural systems responsible for incentive salience ('for wanting') can occur independently of changes in neural systems that mediate the subjective pleasurable effects of drugs (drug 'liking') and of neural systems that mediate withdrawal. Thus, sensitization of incentive salience can produce addictive behavior (compulsive drug seeking and drug taking) even if the expectation of drug pleasure or the aversive properties of withdrawal are diminished and even in the face of strong disincentives, including the loss of reputation, job, home and family. We review evidence for this view of addiction and discuss its implications for understanding the psychology and neurobiology of addiction.
Significant disparity in base and sugar damage in DNA resulting from neutron and electron irradiation.

In this study, a comparison of the effects of neutron and electron irradiation of aqueous DNA solutions was investigated to characterize potential neutron signatures in DNA damage induction. Ionizing radiation generates numerous lesions in DNA, including base and sugar lesions, lesions involving base–sugar combinations (e.g. 8,5′-cyclopurine-2′-deoxynucleosides) and DNA–protein cross-links, as well as single- and doublestrand breaks and clustered damage. The characteristics of damage depend on the linear energy transfer (LET) of the incident radiation. Here we investigated DNA damage using aqueous DNA solutions in 10 mmol/l phosphate buffer from 0–80 Gy by low-LET electrons (10 Gy/min) and the specific high-LET (~0.16 Gy/h) neutrons formed by spontaneous 252 Cf decay fissions. 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), (5′R)-8,5′cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (R-cdA) and (5′S)-8,5′-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (S-cdA) were quantified using liquid chromatography–isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry to demonstrate a linear dose dependence for induction of 8-OH-dG by both types of radiation, although neutron irradiation was ~50% less effective at a given dose compared with electron irradiation. Electron irradiation resulted in an exponential increase in S-cdA and R-cdA with dose, whereas neutron irradiation induced substantially less damage and the amount of damage increased only gradually with dose. Addition of 30 mmol/l 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (TRIS), a free radical scavenger, to the DNA solution before irradiation reduced lesion induction to background levels for both types of radiation. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of DNA damage by high-LET 252 Cf decay neutrons and low-LET electrons, leading to enhanced understanding of the potential biological effects of these types of irradiation.
A Semi-Empirical Model of the Energy Barrier of Proton Transfer Reactions†

The energy barrier in proton transfer reactions is described by a Johnston-type equation (1) (n = order of bond to be broken). The barrier model is discussed in terms of free energies. The Vi values are free energies of ionic cleavage in aqueous solution of the XH and YH bonds; they are computed from eqns. (4c) and (4d). The values of p1 and p2 affect curvature (absence or presence of maximum) and symmetry of the barrier. It is postulated that pi is a typical constant of the reacting bond and can be transferred from one transition state to another. With the aid of eqn. (1) and its first derivative, values of pi and nm (bond order at maximum of barrier) can be based on quantities determined experimentally, Δ≠ and ΔG. For OH bonds, pi ≈ 1.0. For CH bonds pi is larger than 1.0 and depends on the structure of the carbanionic moiety (influence of resonance and inductive effects). As there cannot be a maximum if p1 = p2 = 1.0, the suggested model of the barrier leads to a better understanding why proton transfer must be ‘fast’ in some reactions and ‘slow’ in others. The computed values of nm may be utilized to gain some insight into the nature of the transition states; they supply a basis for the discussion of primary hydrogen isotope effects.