cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NITRATE UPTAKE KINETICS AND CLONAL VARIABILITY IN THE NERITIC DIATOM BIDDULPHIA AURITA1

Nitrate uptake experiments were conducted at 18 and 25 C on subtropical and temperate isolates of the neritic diatom Biddulphia aurita (Lyngb.) Breb. & Godey. Two clones (STX-88 and B1) were grown in a 12:12 LD cycle in NO3-limited continuous cultures used for uptake experiments. The half-saturation constant (Ks) and the maximum NO3- uptake rate (Vm) were measured under conditions in which external NO3- concentration controlled uptake rate. The kinetic constants for both clones were higher at the higher temperature. The subtropical clone (STX-88) had lower kinetic values than temperate clone (B1) at both temperatures. The differences appear to be of adaptive significance since STX-88 has a NO3- uptake system, described by its lower Ks value, which minimizes the double stress effects of high temperature-low NO3- concentration conditions characteristic of its habitat. Cytoplasmic enzyme electrophoretic analyses were conducted on the clones. Differences in banding patterns and mobilities showed evidence of allelic substitution. The results suggest genetic variation at the intraspecific level.
A Novel NH2-terminal, Nonhydrophobic Motif Targets a Male Germ Cell-specific Hexokinase to the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Plasma Membrane

Although three germ cell-specific transcripts of type 1 hexokinase exist in murine male germ cells, only one form, HK1-sc, is found at the protein level. This single isoform localizes to three distinct structures in mouse spermatozoa: the membranes of the head, the mitochondria in the midpiece, and the fibrous sheath in the flagellum (Travis, A. J., Foster, J. A., Rosenbaum, N. A., Visconti, P. E., Gerton, G. L., Kopf, G. S., and Moss, S. B. (1998) Mol. Biol. Cell 9, 263–276). The mechanism by which one protein is targeted to multiple sites within this highly polarized cell poses important questions of protein targeting. Because the study of protein targeting in germ cells is hampered by the lack of established cell lines in culture, constructs containing different domains of the germ cell-specific hexokinase transcripts were linked to a green fluorescent protein and transfected into hexokinase-deficient M+R42 cells. Constructs containing a nonhydrophobic, germ cell-specific domain, present at the amino terminus of the HK1-SC protein, were targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane. Mutational analysis of this domain demonstrated that a complex motif,PKIRPPLTE(with essential residues italicized), represented a novel endoplasmic reticulum-targeting motif. Constructs based on another germ cell-specific hexokinase transcript, HK1-sa, demonstrated the specific proteolytic removal of an amino-terminal domain, resulting in a protein product identical to HK1-SC. Such processing might constitute a regulatory mechanism governing the spatial and/or temporal expression of the protein.
Association of cognitive function and risk for elder abuse in a community-dwelling population.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between cognitive function and elder abuse. Methods: The Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) is a population-based study conducted in a geographically defined community (n = 8,932). We identified 238 CHAP participants who had elder abuse reported to a social services agency. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (perceptual speed), and both immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston Memory Test (episodic memory). An index of global cognitive function scores was derived by averaging the z-scores of all tests. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of cognitive function domains and risk of elder abuse. Results: After adjusting for confounders, lowest tertiles of global cognition (odd’s ratio, OR 4.18, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 2.44–7.15), MMSE (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.93–4.57), episodic memory (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49–3.43) and perceptual speed (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.51–3.73) were associated with increased risk of elder abuse. The lowest levels of global cognitive function were associated with an increased risk of physical abuse (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.08–11.67), emotional abuse (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.41–6.44), caregiver neglect (OR 6.24, 95% CI 2.68–14.54), and financial exploitation (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.88–7.32). Conclusion: Lower levels of global cognitive function, MMSE, episodic memory and perceptual speed are associated with an increased risk of elder abuse.
Evaluating the effect of an injury prevention intervention in a population

The evaluation of injury prevention interventions is important before the widespread dissemination of these interventions. One level of evaluation is at the population level, to determine the effect of the intervention on the incidence of injury. The size and nature of the study population depend on the study design, the nature of the intervention, and the outcome measures of interest. Possible designs are randomized controlled trials; nonrandomized controlled trials; and observational studies, including cohort, case-control, and ecologic designs. These strategies have been successfully applied to evaluate a wide variety of interventions for intentional and unintentional injury prevention, the results of which have been used to guide public policy. These same strategies can be successfully used to evaluate methods for the prevention of injury due to child abuse.
Psychobiology of PTSD in the acute aftermath of trauma: Integrating research on coping, HPA function and sympathetic nervous system activity

Research on the psychobiological sequelae of trauma has typically focused on long-term alterations in individuals with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Far less is known about the nature and course of psychobiological risk factors for PTSD during the acute aftermath of trauma. In this review, we summarize data from prospective studies focusing on the relationships among sympathetic nervous system activity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function, coping strategies and PTSD symptoms during the early recovery (or non-recovery) phase. Findings from pertinent studies are integrated to inform psychobiological profiles of PTSD-risk in children and adults in the context of existing models of PTSD-onset and maintenance. Data regarding bidirectional relations between coping strategies and stress hormones is reviewed. Limitations of existing literature and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Fractal features of sea surface manifested in microwave remote sensing signatures

The wave number spectrum of a well developed sea includes a broad range of wavenumbers (the equilibrium range) where the spectral density is governed by a power law, k exp p. In the approximation of a Gaussian surface, the exponent p is related to the Hausdorff dimension. For p less than 4 the Hausdorff dimension is greater than 2 and the surface is characterized by an increased number of steep and breaking wavelets and by an increased number of specular points at near vertical incidence. The former results in the so-called spike component in the total return at oblique incidence, whereas the latter leads to an increased backscatter at nadir and near-nadir angles. Theory for both cases is reviewed and implications for satellite scatterometer and altimeter measurements of surface winds are discussed.
Impact Determination and Assessment of Acoustic Windows

Structural testing on acoustic windows has been performed to determine how an impact load would alter the integrity of acoustic panels. In performing the structural testing three pairs of panels were used. Each pair consisted of two panels of the same composition. One of the panels from each pair was subjected to a quasi-static vacuum load applied to the bottom of the panels and the remaining panels were subjected first to an impact load followed by the same quasi-static testing. The deflection and strain of each of the panels were measured on the top surface of the panels during the quasi-static testing. It was determined that those panels subjected to the impact load deflected less than those subjected only to the quasi-static load. This is likely due to delamination between the layers in the damaged panels and the fact that the load and deflection were measured on opposite surfaces of the panels. The results do not indicate that the damaged panels have increased stiffness. The strain in the panel increased for all three pairs along the weave direction but decreased along the warp direction for the panels subjected to impact. Changes in the bias direction were inconclusive.
Tietze's syndrome: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Tietze's syndrome, a nonsuppurative, tender swelling of the anterior chest wall, is a disorder of uncertain etiology and pathology, unassociated with constitutional disturbances, and of a prolonged fluctuating course. Familiarity with the uniform clinical manifestations of this relatively frequent entity makes its recognition fairly simple. The therapeutic approach includes reassurance of the patient as to the benign nature of this condition, along with supportive measures chiefly to allay pain. Le syndrome de Tietze, un non-suppurative tumescentia de character hyperesthetic del pariete antero-thoracic, es un disordine de incerte etiologia e pathologia, non associate con disturbationes constitutional, e de curso fluctuante e prolongate. Familiaritate con le uniforme manifestationes clinic de iste relativemente frequente entitate rende su recognition satis simple. Le therapeutica include reassecurar le patiente con respecto al character benigne de iste condition e le uso de mesuras supportative, principalmente pro alleviar le dolores.
The shuffle/exchange-plus networks

From the reliability point of view, the uniqueness of path between any processor and memory module in a standard k-column Shuffle/Exchange (S/E) network is an inherent weakness. It is proposed to add a column of switches to the existing multistage S/E network such that the modified network, which will be called the S/E-Plus network, will retain the permuting power of the corresponding S/E network and have dual paths between any processor and any memory module. Fault tolerant routing algorithm is then designed to exploit the dual path structure of the S/E-Plus network. Various applications of the routing algorithm including a technique for performing permutation in the S/E-Plus network in which a fault exists are also discussed. Finally, the path reliability and the path reliability gain are defined to evaluate the S/E-Plus network.
Large-scale ideal waveguide lenses with complete power concentration in a single waveguide

We demonstrate ideal waveguide lenses with very large number of waveguides and with complete power concentration in a single waveguide. We also show for the first time an ideal waveguide lens structure.
Stocking sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in barren lakes of Alaska: effects on the macrozooplankton community

Abstract Stocking sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka Walbaum) fry into barren lake systems, which are systems that have an impassable outlet and previously did not have a major population of fish preying on zooplankton, is relatively new in Alaska. The stocking of barren lake systems has resulted in inconsistent responses within the macrozooplankton community, and current fry rearing models derived from systems with established runs of sockeye salmon do not appear to be appropriate for stocking barren lakes. For example, in some of the barren lakes, post-stocking macrozooplankton biomass remained relatively stable whereas in others it decreased by over 100%. Major reasons for the disparity of response to stocking barren lakes include: (1) the inherent low productivity of these lakes; (2) macrozooplankton abundance, composition, and ability to adapt to predation; (3) stocking density; (4) morphometric factors; (5) variability in the indirect effects of predation in individual lakes. The instability of the macrozooplankton community in barren lakes when faced with predation necessitates stocking programs based on a conservative and gradual approach with close evaluation, and experimenting with stocking strategies that ameliorate significant impacts to the macrozooplankton community.
Ch'an Buddhism, western thought, and the concept of substance

The article relates Ch'an Buddhism, to Western thought via the philosophy of Spinoza, in particular through the concept of substance. It shows that Spinoza abandoned this concept as a fundamental metaphysical one. The consequent reuse of ‘substance’ requires a re‐examination of the concepts of property and identity. It is seen that Spinoza made this drastic break with Western tradition by experiencing egolessness, the psychological basis for his metaphysical moves. The move is illustrated by the development of quantum physics. Egolessness and a rethinking of identity are basic to a feeling for, if not an understanding of, Ch'an Buddhism.
Rate Measurements in a Laboratory-Scale Pulverized Coal Combustor

Abstract An atmospheric combustor has been developed to investigate the details of pulverized coal combustion. Gas and char samples were obtained from the combustor with water-quench probes. An argon tracer was used to determine the extent of gas mixing while the extent of particle dispersion and the extent of particle reaction were determined from measured char quantity and composition. Secondary air velocity and injection angle and initial coal size were varied in 28 tests. Secondary velocity had a significant impact on gas mixing rate while particle dispersion was not influenced significantly by changes in test variables. Rates of the several processes which influence pulverized coal combustion were determined. Gas mixing, coal particle heat-up, particle dispersion and coal particle reaction times were all of comparable magnitude and were all reduced by use of smaller coal particles. Measured profiles for mixture fraction, gaseous species, particle flux and coal burnout percentage provide data for comb...
Salt stress-induced Ca2+ waves are associated with rapid, long-distance root-to-shoot signaling in plants

Their sessile lifestyle means that plants have to be exquisitely sensitive to their environment, integrating many signals to appropriate developmental and physiological responses. Stimuli ranging from wounding and pathogen attack to the distribution of water and nutrients in the soil are frequently presented in a localized manner but responses are often elicited throughout the plant. Such systemic signaling is thought to operate through the redistribution of a host of chemical regulators including peptides, RNAs, ions, metabolites, and hormones. However, there are hints of a much more rapid communication network that has been proposed to involve signals ranging from action and system potentials to reactive oxygen species. We now show that plants also possess a rapid stress signaling system based on Ca2+ waves that propagate through the plant at rates of up to ∼400 µm/s. In the case of local salt stress to the Arabidopsis thaliana root, Ca2+ wave propagation is channeled through the cortex and endodermal cell layers and this movement is dependent on the vacuolar ion channel TPC1. We also provide evidence that the Ca2+ wave/TPC1 system likely elicits systemic molecular responses in target organs and may contribute to whole-plant stress tolerance. These results suggest that, although plants do not have a nervous system, they do possess a sensory network that uses ion fluxes moving through defined cell types to rapidly transmit information between distant sites within the organism.
Biochemically marked lymphocytoid lines: establishment of Lesch-Nyhan cells.

Two lymphocytoid cell lines have been established from a patient with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The cells are deficient in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, as demonstrated by their failure to incorporate [ H 3 ] hypoxanthine and by their inability to grow in medium in which they were nutritionally dependent upon exogenous hypoxanthine. This represents the first establishment of presumptively permanent human lymphocytoid cell lines that are deficient in a specific enzyme.
Design and evaluation of extensions to UML sequence diagrams for modeling multithreaded interactions

Learning about concurrency and synchronization is difficult for novices. Our research seeks to support and improve the teaching and learning of concurrency concepts and to improve comprehension of the intricacies of multiple thread interactions. This paper describes a series of empirical studies in the first phase of our research. We began by conducting a comparative study to empirically evaluate the usability by novices of the existing variants of the UML sequence diagram notation in solving comprehension tasks involving multiple thread interactions. The results implied that a deliberately designed variant of this notation may provide better support for reasoning about concurrent behavior. We then investigated the factors that complicate learning, with the idea that the same complexities would also complicate comprehension tasks. In order to understand the practical difficulties novices encounter in learning about concurrency, we conducted an instructor interview and an observational study. These investigations guided us in determining the desirable properties of a new notation. We then designed synchronization-adorned UM (saUML) sequence diagrams, which extend UML sequence diagrams with those properties. Finally, we performed four empirical studies to evaluate the usability and efficacy of saUML. Through these empirical studies, we were able to validate the benefits of saUML in enhancing novices' understanding of programs with different levels of synchronization complexity.
Separation of Ionic Liquid Dispersions in Centrifugal Solvent Extraction Contactors

Abstract Separations of dispersions formed by mixing immiscible organic room‐temperature ionic liquids (IL)/hydrocarbon/and aqueous systems using a centrifugal solvent‐extraction contactor have been successfully demonstrated in proof‐of‐concept testing. This accomplishment is significant in that physical property factors that are typical of ionic liquid systems (e.g., similar densities of the bulk phases, low interfacial tensions, and high viscosities) are typically unfavorable for dispersion separation, particularly in continuous processes. Efficient separation of dispersions containing ionic liquid solvents is essential for utilization of these compounds in liquid‐liquid extraction applications to maximize both solute transfer efficiency and solvent recovery. Efficient solvent recovery is of particular concern in IL applications because of the high cost of most IL solvents. This paper presents the results of initial experiments with three hydrophobic ionic liquids to determine how their physical propert...
Continuous Cruciate Ligament Measurement Using Surface Mounted Transducers

Cruciate ligament and Achilles tendon graft elongation were studied using two methods of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruc-tion, a “Tibial Tunnel” and a “Tibial Inlay”. Under cyclic loading simulating an anterior drawer technique, elongations were recorded usingan radially deﬂecting displacement transducer. The resulting periodic data was subjected to a Fourier analysis and comparisons between theanterior cruciate ligament and Achilles tendon graft elongations were examined for each surgical reconstruction. Spectral signatures revealed amore anatomic reconstruction resulted from the Tibial Inlay reconstruction as compared to the Tibial Tunnel reconstruction.(Received August 27, 2002; Accepted September 20, 2002)Keywords: transducer, cyclic loading, ligament reconstructions, Fourier analysis
Properties and inhibition of thymidylate synthetase in Drosophila melanogaster.

A quantitative comparison of the incorporation of methyl-sH- thymidine and 6-sH-deoxyuridine into the DNA of Drosophila nzelanogaster in the presence and in the absence of 5-fluorouracil indicated that S-fluorouracil inhibits the reaction converting dUMP to dTMP catalysed by thymidylate synthetase (methylenetetrahydrofolate:dUrd-5'-P C-methyltransferase, E.C. 2.1.1 .b). The enzyme exhibits maximal activity at pH 7.5 to 8-O and is protected from heat inactivation by deoxyuridine monophosphate. The addition of thiol compounds to the homogenization buffer results in the enhancement of synthetase activity. The K,,, values for deoxyuridine monophosphate and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate are 6.8 x 10e6 M and 8.3 x 10mL M, respectively. Fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, trifluoromethyldeoxyuridine monophos- phate, and methotrexate are inhibitors of the enzyme. S-Bromodeoxyuridine and 5-iododeoxyuridine have no inhibitory effect. The results support the contention that, under conditions which induce morphological lesions in Drosophila, fluorinated pyrimidines and methotrexate inhibit the de nova synthesis of thymidylate whereas thymidine analogues function in some other manner.
Some epistemological implications of economic complexity

Abstract I review some epistemological implications of economic complexity, with an emphasis on Turing computability and algorithmic information theory. I examine an argument from F.A. Hayek's theory of complex phenomena in this context and discuss the apparent implication that economic complexity prevents us from eliminating literary methods from economic science. If literary methods are a necessary part of economic science, then the highest level of mathematical rigor may not ensure high quality analysis if the literary methods we use are not equally rigorous. Hayek seems to point to a literary tradition in social science that may have established informative standards of rigor for the literary parts of economic science.
Development and evaluation of an open-ended computational evolution system for the creation of digital organisms with complex genetic architecture

Epistasis, or gene-gene interaction, is a ubiquitous phenomenon that is inadequately addressed in human genetic studies. There are few tools that can accurately identify high-order epistatic interactions, and there is a lack of general understanding as to how epistatic interactions fit into genetic architecture. Here we approach both problems through the lens of genetic programming (GP). It has recently been proposed that increasing open-endedness of GP will result in more complex solutions that better acknowledge the complexity of human genetic datasets. Moreover, the solutions evolved in open-ended GP can serve as model organisms in which to study general effects of epistasis on phenotype. Here we introduce a prototype computational evolution system that implements an open-ended GP and generates organisms that display epistatic interactions. These interactions are significantly more prevalent and have a greater effect on fitness than epistatic interactions in organisms generated in the absence of selection.
Pressure-induced crystallization of polymers with dispersion of nanoparticles: Structure, interfacial interaction, and micromechanism of fracture

Abstract We describe here the relationship between fracture resistance and microstructural changes that are induced when polymers containing dispersion of nanoparticles are isothermally crystallized at elevated pressures. To identify the effects of applied crystallization pressure from nanoparticle effects, a relative comparison is made between polyethylene and polyethylene containing dispersion of nanoclay under similar experimental conditions. At high crystallization pressure, besides commonly observed orthorhombic phase, monoclinic phase is also observed. The nucleation of monoclinic phase is promoted by nanoclay even at low crystallization pressure, implying that both pressure and nanoclay have an influence on phase evolution. The addition of nanoclay to polyethylene retains adequately high impact strength and the micromechanism of deformation is altered from a combination of craze and drawing of fibrils in polyethylene to microvoid coalescence–fibrillation in polyethylene with dispersion of nanoclay. The monoclinic phase has no obvious influence on fracture resistance.
Cavity flow control simulations and experiments

Feedback control is used to suppress oscillations in the subsonic flow past a rectangular cavity. A heuristic feedback law is introduced into 2D direct numerical simulations, using zero-net-mass forcing at the leading edge of the cavity and a pressure sensor at the wall, and the oscillations are reduced by 13dB. Reduced-order models are obtained from fullorder direct numerical simulations, and used to design observers to reconstruct the full flow information from a single pressure measurement at the wall, and these observers are shown to be more eective than Linear Stochastic Estimation (LSE), which is commonly used for this purpose. Initial results of a new experiment are also given, and a model for designing zero-net-mass actuators with a desired bandwidth is presented, along with experimental data which supports the model predictions.
Synthesis of (+)-(1S)-1-pyrophosphoryl-(2R, 3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-(4S)-4-(phosphoryloxymethyl)cyclopentane, a stable, optically-active carbocyclic analog of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP)

Abstract A total synthesis of the cyclopentyl analog of the important biochemical intermediate 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) is reported. The synthesis proceeds from the benzylidene acetal of D-ribonolactone to the correct enantiomeric form of the cyclopentyl PRPP analog in ca. 4% overall yield. Because of the low reactivity of the carbocyclic analog compared to PRPP, the compound should be a highly useful tool for mechanistic and crystallographic investigations of the phosphoribosyltransferases, a family of enzymes that utilizes PRPP as a substrate.
Thermomigration-Based Junction Isolation of Bulk Silicon MEMS Devices

Electrical isolation of bulk-micromachined single crystal silicon (SCS) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices is demonstrated using through-wafer junction isolation. Through-wafer junctions of alternating n-type and p-type silicon (npn junctions) are fabricated using "temperature gradient zone melting" (TGZM) or thermomigration of aluminum in n-type silicon. The npn regions electrically isolate various regions of the SCS from one another by acting as series connected backbiased diodes. Thermomigration is a potentially high throughput process that is consistent with batch fabrication principles. Practical demonstration of this technique is shown by fabricating and testing a full wafer thickness (~300 mum) electrostatic actuator fabricated from a single silicon wafer, and driven at 360 Vpp at resonance of 1933 Hz. Breakdown voltages of single thermomigrated npn junctions in excess of 189 V with leakage currents less than 70 nA were measured. For multiple junctions in series, overall breakdown voltages greater than 1500 V were demonstrated. Compatibility of thermomigration with standard p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistors is also demonstrated.1345
Molecular cloning of bomapin (protease inhibitor 10), a novel human serpin that is expressed specifically in the bone marrow.

Abstract Serine proteinase inhibitors or serpins are a superfamily of homologous proteins that are for the most part involved in the regulation of proteolytic processes in a variety of biological systems. Utilizing a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy we have cloned a novel member of the ovalbumin family of serpins from a human bone marrow cDNA library. The new gene encodes a 397-amino acid protein, designated bomapin, with a calculated molecular mass of 45 kDa and 48% amino acid identity with plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, human leukocyte elastase inhibitor, and cytoplasmic antiproteinase. A single 2.3-kilobase bomapin transcript is highly expressed in human bone marrow cells but was undetectable in all other analyzed human tissues. In vitro transcription and translation of the bomapin cDNA revealed the synthesis of an appropriately sized protein that was able to form SDS-stable complexes with thrombin and trypsin. The restricted expression of bomapin to the bone marrow raises the possibility that this serpin may play a role in the regulation of protease activities during hematopoiesis.
Repair of DNA damaged by alkylating carcinogens is defective in xeroderma pigmentosum-derived fibroblasts.

THE human hereditary skin disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is characterised by extreme sensitivity to sunlight and a high incidence of sunlight-induced skin cancer. These symptoms seem to be correlated with a defect in the excision repair of ultraviolet-induced dimers1. Repair of DNA damage caused by chemical carcinogens belonging to the group of monofunctional alkylating agents was thought to be normal in XP cells, however, because after treatment with these agents the amounts of repair replication2,3 and the numbers of chromosome aberrations4 were similar in normal and XP cells. Contrary to this indirect evidence, it is reported here that direct measurement of the amounts of two products formed by alkylating carcinogens in the DNA and of the rate at which they are eliminated indicates that XP cells have a defect in this type of repair also.
Empowerment and total quality: Comparing research findings in the USA and Brazil☆

Abstract As in many other countries, firms in Brazil that have adopted quality management strategies realize the urgency of empowering their employees in order to satisfy the customer more completely. The challenge is huge, and only a few companies are succeeding. This paper aims at providing fresh insights on how empowerment processes in the scope of total quality initiatives can be effectively managed. It first shares some of the most relevant results of the authors' investigation into empowerment initiatives in 100 leading firms in Brazil, and a comparison with studies in the USA. The reasons why empowerment initiatives in Brazil have much lower levels and generally lack strategic customer focus are examined. The absence of a genuine quality-of-working-life culture and the failure to integrate and align all quality initiatives are identified as major problems. Cultural change difficulties in adopting new paradigms appear to be a root-cause. The findings on the impact of information technology upon empowerment in Brazil are not conclusive. Further research is recommended to investigate this relationship more thoroughly, as well as to find a means of integrating all quality initiatives by way of process innovation.
Insights into CO2/N2 separation through nanoporous graphene from molecular dynamics.

We show from molecular dynamics simulations that porous graphene of a certain pore size can efficiently separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen with high permeance, in agreement with the recent experimental finding (Koenig et al., Nat. Nanotechnol., 2012, 7, 728–732). The high selectivity is reflected in the much higher number of CO2 passing-through events than that of N2 from the trajectories. The simulated CO2 permeance is on the order of magnitude of 105 GPU (gas permeation unit). The selective trend is further corroborated by the free energy barriers of permeation. The predicted CO2/N2 selectivity is around 300. Overall, the combination of high CO2 flux and high CO2/N2 selectivity makes nanoporous graphene a promising membrane for post-combustion CO2 separation.
Elevated inhibin concentration in the follicular fluid of dairy cows with chronic cystic ovarian disease.

This study compared serum and follicular fluid inhibin and gonadotropin profiles between chronic cystic ovarian diseased (CCOD) and normal cyclic dairy cows. Blood samples and follicular fluid were collected from CCOD cows (n=15) and cyclic cows in the follicular phase of the estrous cycle (control, n=6) and analyzed for inhibin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. There was a significant increase in inhibin and a decrease in FSH and LH concentrations in the follicular fluid of CCOD cows compared with those of cyclic cows (P 0.05), however, there was a tendency for serum inhibin to be higher and FSH to be lower in CCOD cows compared to cyclic animals (P < 0.1). The FSH pulse frequency also was lower in CCOD cows than in cyclic cows (P < 0.05). These data suggest that increased production of inhibin from cystic follicles of CCOD cows alters pituitary FSH secretion and subsequently reduces the concentration of FSH in follicular fluid. As a result, decreased FSH stimulation at the ovarian level could ultimately lead to the reduction in follicular LH and FSH receptor concentrations, resulting in abnormal follicular steroidogenesis in CCOD dairy cows.
The effect of increased iodine feeding upon the iodine content of cows' Milk.

1. The milk and blood iodine of a herd of thirty Guernsey and thirty Holstein cows has been determined, previous to and during prolonged increased iodine feeding to one-half of the herd. The increased amount of iodine was fed as potassium iodide which was mixed uniformly with a grain feed. 2. The blood iodine of the iodized cows was greatly and uniformly increased. 3. The milk iodine was increased. This increase was principally dependent on the amount of iodine which was fed. During late spring, however, the milk iodine from both the iodized and control cows was unusually low. During early autumn the milk iodine from the iodized cows was low. 4. The milk from the iodized cows contained 7–26 times as much iodine as that from the control cows. An average milk iodine of 80μg. % was obtained from the iodized cows throughout a mid-year period of 5 months. 5. This experiment reveals that a milk of increased iodine content can be readily produced by increased iodine feeding.
Structure and Function of Alpha-Adrenergic Receptors

Alpha1 and alpha2-adrenergic receptors are the initial recognition sites on a wide variety of catecholamine-responsive target cells. This article addresses several major questions related to subtypes, structure, signal transduction mechanisms, and regulation of alpha1 and alpha2-adrenergic receptors. The application of biochemical and cell and molecular biologic techniques has provided many new insights regarding alpha-adrenergic receptors. Two (and perhaps three) distinct alpha2-adrenergic receptor subtypes have been identified, and subtypes may exist for alpha1-adrenergic receptors as well. These multiple subtypes imply much greater diversity among alphaadrenergic receptors than among beta-adrenergic receptors. Alpha-adrenergic receptors are membrane glycoproteins with several common structural features (including seven membrane-spanning domains with extracellular amino terminus and intracellular carboxyl terminus) that are shared with other types of membrane receptors linked to guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) proteins. These G proteins appear to link alpha-adrenergic receptors to multiple effector systems, including enzymes such as adenylate cyclase and phospholipases, and ion channels. The receptors themselves are dynamic entities, the number of which is regulated as a consequence of a poorly understood life cycle. Al-though unproven, it seems likely that several important clinical disorders represent alterations in alpha-adrenergic receptors themselves or in the G proteins or effector systems to which these receptors couple. New tools for studying receptor structure and function should help clarify the numerous, inadequately understood issues regarding alpha-adrenergic receptors and their possible alteration in disease states.
Technology policy in the United States and the European Union: Shifting orientation towards technology users

In recent years, the United States and the European Union have made significant steps towards technology policies to enhance industry competitiveness. Government attention has shifted progressively from more supply-oriented technology policies to a greater balance with demand-oriented (technology-user-oriented) innovation policies. The transition has progressed differently in the two regions reflecting their institutional environments, policy traditions, and recent political developments. The transition has also been controversial because of the increased complexity of the policy and the patchy success rate of past attempts of governments to intervene in civilian technology markets. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Prostaglandin E2 Activates and Utilizes mTORC2 as a Central Signaling Locus for the Regulation of Mast Cell Chemotaxis and Mediator Release

Prostaglandin (PG) E2, a potent mediator produced in inflamed tissues, can substantially influence mast cell responses including adhesion to basement membrane proteins, chemotaxis, and chemokine production. However, the signaling pathways by which PGE2 induces mast cell chemotaxis and chemokine production remains undefined. In this study, we identified the downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as a key regulator of these responses. In mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, PGE2 was found to induce activation of mTORC1 (mTOR complexed to raptor) as indicated by increased p70S6K and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, and activation of mTORC2 (mTOR complexed to rictor), as indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT at position Ser473. Selective inhibition of the mTORC1 cascade by rapamycin or by the use of raptor-targeted shRNA failed to decrease PGE2-mediated chemotaxis or chemokine generation. However, inhibition of the mTORC2 cascade through the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor Torin, or through rictor-targeted shRNA, resulted in a significant attenuation in PGE2-mediated chemotaxis, which was associated with a comparable decrease in actin polymerization. Furthermore, mTORC2 down-regulation decreased PGE2-induced production of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2), which was linked to a significant reduction in ROS production. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that activation of mTORC2, downstream of PI3K, represents a critical signaling locus for chemotaxis and chemokine release from PGE2-activated mast cells.
Diet and Breast Cancer

: The preponderance of evidence suggests a role for fat and alcohol as risk factors for breast cancer. The role of milk is more controversial with some studies suggesting that milk is a risk factor and others that consumption of milk is protective against breast cancer. No other major nutrient appears to play a significant role in increasing breast cancer risk. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence that a variety of micronutrients and hormones appear to have significant anticancer activity. These range from steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its analysis to indoles, isothiocyanates, and isoflavone derivatives. These compounds act directly by interfering with cyclins and promoting apoptosis as well as indirectly by altering estrogen metabolism in a favorable direction. These effects are not merely theoretical actions in cell culture and tissue explants; they have been demonstrated in human patients as a range of studies have demonstrated.
The effect of arousal on exploration in the rat

The optimal level of arousal hypothesis was applied to the exploratory behavior of rats, as measured by approach to novel stimuli. Rats, whose current level of arousal had been depressed by optic enucleation and isolated living conditions, approached a novel stimulus, an unfamiliar human, to a significantly greater extent than rats v/hose current level of arousal had not been depressed. The results were interpreted as supporting the optimal level of arousal hypothesis as an explanation of both general locomotor activity and exploratory behavior.
The lipids of the erythrocyte in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a disorder characterized by the production of abnormal erythrocytes (PNH-E). The PNH-E undergoes early intravascular destruction which appears to be related to an intrinsic membrane defect that results in extreme sensitivity to lysis by complement. The lipids of the PNH-E have been evaluated because of the variable results reported in the past. This study shows a normal content of cholesterol and lipid phosphorus with a normal distribution of the phosopholipids except for a slight increase in lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) when measured using the complete lipid extract of the PNH-E. Fractionation of the lipid extract over a silicic acid column produced an alteration in the distribution of the phospholipids, with LPC and sphingomyelin increasing, and the other phospholipds decreasing. These alterations were seen only when the phospholipids were fractioned over a silicic acid column and were clearly an in vitro phenomenon. The levels of plasmalogen and malonaldehyde were normal, unlike those seen with oxidant stress. Fatty acid analysis of the phospholipids showed small but consistent changes: increased 16:0 and decreased 18:2. The total glycosphingolipids were slightly decreased in the patients with severe PNH. The results support and extend previous lipid data indicating abnormalities in the phospholipids of the PNH-E. The alterations of the phospholipids with fractionation correlate with previous whole cell data that suggest lipid instability in the PNH-E.
Finite-Element Models for Slender, Posttensioned Masonry Walls Loaded Out-of-Plane

Nonlinear finite-element models were developed, verified, and used to simulate the measured response of twelve 3.54 m (11.6 ft) tall posttensioned masonry walls with 810×100 mm (32×4 in.) cross sections that were tested to failure under uniform lateral loading in a laboratory. Variables included masonry type, wall slenderness, degree of tendon restraint, and prestress magnitude. The force-displacement relations obtained from the experimental tests of the walls were simulated using models developed by using an extended version of the program Dynamic Response Analysis of Inelastic Two-Dimensional Structures (DRAIN-2DX), and the results illustrate the influence of tensile strength, masonry type, magnitude of prestress, and tendon restraint on wall response to out-of-plane lateral loading. The computations indicate that load-displacement response of posttensioned masonry (PTM) walls is influenced by masonry tensile strength and that the stiffness and number of tendon restraints have a direct effect on peak ...
Family Matters: The Early Modern Atlantic from the European Side

This article is part of a History Compass cluster on ‘Rethinking Gender, Family, and Sexuality in the Early Modern Atlantic World’. The cluster is made up of the following articles: ‘On Currents and Comparisons: Gender and the Atlantic ‘Turn’ in Spanish America’, Bianca Premo, History Compass 8.3 (2010): 223–237, doi: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2009.00658.x ‘Women and Families in Early (North) America and the Wider (Atlantic) World’, Karin Wulf, History Compass 8.3 (2010): 238–247, doi: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2009.00659.x ‘Family Matters: The Early Modern Atlantic from the European Side’, Julie Hardwick, History Compass 8.3 (2010): 248–257, doi: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2009.00660.x The following essay originated as one of these three contributions to a roundtable discussion held at the 14th Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, June 2008. The roundtable, ‘Rethinking Gender, Family, and Sexuality in the Early Modern Atlantic World’, was meant to be as much invitation as inventory and was astonishingly well attended at 08:00 in the morning, with standing room only for a thoughtful, lively audience whose comments, questions, and suggestions are reflected here (although in no way fully represented). As historians of gender and family in the North Atlantic, European, and Iberian worlds, we had hoped to encourage more central and systematic attention to gender within the Atlantic World paradigm by cataloging some recent works in their fields and pointing the way for future studies. Yet, a funny thing happened on the way to the conference. Independently, each of us began to engage with the challenges of simply inserting family and gender into ‘the Atlantic’ as both as conceptual place and a historical practice. The essays that emerged, therefore, departed from conventional historiographies that survey the state of the field. Rather, these are theoretical and methodological reflections on the implications of de-centering national and colonial narratives about the history of gender. At a time when transnational historical scholarship on early modern women promises to explode, these essays aim to inspire debate about the conceptual utility of the Atlantic as a paradigm for understanding issues of gender, family, and sexuality, as well as its ramifications for feminist scholarship everywhere.
Use of fresh human placenta for microsurgical training

Microsurgery requires considerable practice before any attempt is made at clinical application. Live animals represent the ideal training medium; however, unlimited access to the animal laboratory is not always possible. In such situations, segments of fresh human placenta provide ideal specimens for microsurgical practice. They are readily available and abundant in a variety of vessels, and require a minimum of dissection.
Prevention of Anxiety Psychopathology: A Critical Review of the Empirical Literature

The empirical literature on prevention programs for anxiety psychopathology is reviewed. Programs targeting the prevention of nonspecific anxiety psychopathology as well as specific anxiety disorders are critically evaluated in the context of the Institute of Medicine's conceptualization of universal, selected, and indicated prevention. General conclusions embedded within contemporary models of prevention are discussed in order to outline future directions for the area in terms of methodological and conceptual issues.
Ménétrier's disease-like hypertrophic gastritis in two red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus)

Chronic lymphoplasmacytic gastritis in two red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) at a zoological facility progressed to severe hypertrophic gastropathy similar to Menetrier's disease that affects humans. Clinical signs included emesis, diarrhea, hunched posture consistent with abdominal pain, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. Large gastric masses were present and in one case created a gastric outflow obstruction. Both cases were positive for simian immunodeficiency virus and Helicobacter spp. were variably isolated, although the association with the hypertrophic gastropathy is unclear. Medical treatment had varying success and included sucralfate, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, diet manipulations, and antibiotic therapies targeting Helicobacter spp. Surgical resection of a large portion of the stomach resulted in some palliative improvement in one case. Overall, this disease presented many challenges regarding identification, confirmation of diagnosis, and clinical management. Both aggressive medical and surgical treatments were unrewarding for long-term management of hypertrophic gastropathy in this pair of red-capped mangabeys and resulted in a poor prognosis in these cases.
Psychological evaluation at juvenile court disposition

Do psychologists' evaluations of juvenile offenders prior to dispositional placement have a measurable effect on judges' decision making? Is the nature of any such influence best explained by the quality of the written report, the relationship between the psychologist and the judge, or a combination of these and other factors? The current study attempted to address these issues by investigating the quality of 172 predisposition psychological evaluation reports from a Philadelphia-area juvenile court jurisdiction and the association between report quality and judges' recommendation acceptance. Results point to the need for practicing psychologists and judges to become more aware of the relevant domains of assessment for this type of evaluation and of what constitutes quality reporting within each domain.