cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LIPC variants in the promoter and intron 1 modify HDL-C levels in a sex-specific fashion

Abstract We previously reported linkage for plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on 15q21 in Caucasian families from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study (NHLBI FHS). Hepatic lipase gene ( LIPC ), which has a major role in lipoprotein metabolism, resides within the linkage region and constitutes an obvious candidate gene. While hepatic lipase is a known player in HDL metabolism, the relationship between common LIPC variants and HDL-C levels remains unclear. In the current study, we employed population-based and family-based tests of association with both quantitative HDL-C levels and a dichotomous dyslipidemia trait (affected men: HDL LIPC in the 591 families (2238 subjects). Strong association in a proxy-promoter 5′ SNP (rs261342) and HDL-C levels was detected in women, but not in men. The less common allele was associated with an increase of ∼14% in HDL-C levels, and a decrease of ∼30% in risk of low HDL. In addition, strong association in women of an intron 1 SNP (rs12593008) and low HDL and moderate association in men (rs8028759) with both HDL-C levels and low HDL phenotype were found and may represent either functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or more likely, SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with functional variants. Because of the association of lipid abnormalities with diabetes, and other lifestyle parameters, we also performed association analyses using different covariate adjustments as well as strategically selected sub-samples. The sex-specific association of rs261342, rs12593008 or rs8028759 remained substantially the same through these analyses. Finally, we found that a common haplotype was overtransmitted to offspring with low HDL-C. The sex-specific associations found in our study could be due to the interactions with the endogenous hormonal environment, lifestyle and/or genetic factors, although the underlying physiologic mechanisms are not understood.
Establishment of genetic linkage by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction: application to the lignin peroxidase gene family of Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Determining linkage is problematic for genes lacking easily identifiable phenotypes and for organisms without well–defined genetic recombination systems. Phanerochaete chrysosporium with its lignin peroxidase (LiP) gene family typifies these difficulties. We describe an experimental approach whereby the segregation of specific alleles is directly monitored during sexual fruiting. The method establishes linkage relationships among genes for which there are no mutations, and it is applicable to a wide range of genes, gene families and organisms. Using this approach, five P. chrysosporium linkage groups were identified. Ten LiP genes were distributed among three of these groups. One co–segregating group contained eight closely linked LiP genes. Another LiP gene was linked to a cellobiohydrolase gene cluster. These genetic linkages were consistent with physical mapping by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Based on the identification of allelic relationships, a uniform nomenclature for LiP genes is also described.
An analysis of temperature dependent current–voltage characteristics of Cu2O–ZnO heterojunction solar cells

Abstract Carrier transport and recombination mechanisms in Cu 2 O–ZnO heterojunction thin film solar cells were investigated through an analysis of their current–voltage characteristics in the dark and under various illumination intensities, as a function of temperature between 100 K and 295 K. The Cu 2 O–ZnO heterojunction solar cells were prepared by metal organic chemical vapor deposition of Cu 2 O on ZnO films sputtered on transparent conducting oxide coated glass substrates. Activation energies extracted from the temperature dependence of the J–V characteristics reveals that interface recombination is the dominant carrier transport mechanism. Tunneling across an interfacial barrier also plays an important role in current flow and a thin TiO 2 buffer layer reduces tunneling. A high open circuit voltage at low temperature (~ 0.9 V at around 100 K) indicates that Cu 2 O–ZnO heterojunction solar cells have high potential as solar cells if the recombination and tunneling at the interface can be suppressed at room temperature.
Sales-force performance analytics and optimization

We describe a quantitative analytics and optimization methodology designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of the IBM global sales force. This methodology is implemented and deployed via three company-wide initiatives, namely the Growth and Performance (GAP) program, the Territory Optimization Program (TOP), and the Coverage Optimization with Profitability (COP) initiative. GAP provides a set of analytical models to measure and optimize sales capacity and profitable sales growth. TOP develops a set of analytical models and methods for the analysis and optimization of assigning customers to sellers and other sales channels. COP provides additional recommendations on sales-coverage adjustment on the basis of an improved estimation of customer profit. We discuss these three programs in detail and describe how they work together to provide an analytics-driven transformation of the IBM global sales force to improve various sales metrics, such as revenue and cost.
High-temperature UV absorption of methyl radicals behind shock waves

Abstract The absorption of ultraviolet narrow-line laser radiation by methyl radicals ( CH 3 ) in the B 2 A 1 ′ ← X 2 A 2 ″ electronic system has been studied at high temperatures behind shock waves. Methyl radicals at high temperatures were generated by the shock heating of methyl precursors: azomethane, methyl iodide, and ethane. The spectral shape and intensity of the broadband B 2 A 1 ′ ← X 2 A 2 ″ CH 3 absorption feature from 211.5 to 220 nm at high temperature (1565 K) has been measured. The absorption coefficient of CH 3 at 216.62 nm, the wavelength of peak absorption at high temperatures in the P + Q band, has been determined from 1200 to 2500 K. Additionally, the absorption coefficients of several interfering UV-absorbing combustion species ( C 2 H 2 , C 2 H 4 , and C 3 H 6 ) have been determined at 216.62 nm.
ARP2/3 localization in Arabidopsis leaf pavement cells: a diversity of intracellular pools and cytoskeletal interactions

In plant cells the actin cytoskeleton adopts many configurations, but is best understood as an unstable, interconnected track that rearranges to define the patterns of long distance transport of organelles during growth. Actin filaments do not form spontaneously; instead filament nucleators, such as the evolutionarily conserved actin-related protein (ARP) 2/3 complex, can efficiently generate new actin filament networks when in a fully activated state. A growing number of genetic experiments have shown that ARP2/3 is necessary for morphogenesis in processes that range from tip growth during root nodule formation to the diffuse polarized growth of leaf trichomes and pavement cells. Although progress has been rapid in the identification of proteins that function in series to positively regulate ARP2/3, less has been learned about the actual function of ARP2/3 in cells. In this paper, we analyze the localization of ARP2/3 in Arabidopsis leaf pavement cells. We detect a pool of ARP2/3 in the nucleus, and also find that ARP2/3 is efficiently and specifically clustered on multiple organelle surfaces and associates with both the actin filament and microtubule cytoskeletons. Our mutant analyses and ARP2/3 and actin double labeling experiments indicate that the clustering of ARP2/3 on organelle surfaces and an association with actin bundles does not necessarily reflect an active pool of ARP2/3, and instead most of the complex appears to exist as a latent organelle-associated pool.
Potential growth and control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soft hispanic type cheese

Abstract This study examined growth and control of two enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 strains in a soft Hispanic type cheese (Queso Fresco). Cheese was made in the laboratory using a commercial procedure and after inoculation it was stored under vacuum at temperatures ranging from 8 to 30 °C. The minimum temperature that allowed growth of E. coli in the unmodified normal cheese (pH 6.6) was 10 °C. No growth of either strains was observed during a 2 month storage period at 8 °C. Accumulated data from the growth studies were used for development of models relating square root of 1 LT (LT = lag time) and specific growth rate, to temperature. The effect of selected antimicrobials (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and sodium lactate) added to milk or cheese on the growth arid survival of these pathogens at various storage temperatures was also evaluated. Addition of sodium benzoate (0.3%) to cheese (pH 6.6) or addition of potassium sorbate (0.3%) to cheese (pH 6) made from milk acidified to pH 5.9 with propionic acid, had a significant impact on delaying or preventing growth of the pathogens.
Damping of crystallization waves at the solid-liquid interface of helium.

The low-temperature behavior of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ crystallization waves has been studied from 0.03 to 0.5 K. From the damping of these waves we have determined the interfacial growth resistance, (Km${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. At the lowest temperatures, (Km${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is consistent with the assumption that the growth velocity is limted by the scattering of ballistic phonons by the moving interface. Above T\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.25 K, (Km${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ increases more slowly with temperature, indicating a decrease in the phonon contribution from that observed at lower temperatures.
Collagen polymorphism: Isolation and partial characterization of α1(I)-trimer molecules in normal human skin

Abstract Human skin has previously been shown to contain at least two genetically distinct types of collagen, type I and III. Here the presence of an additional form of collagen, α1(I)-trimer, is demonstrated. Skin collagen was solubilized by limited pepsin digestion and then fractionated by sequential precipitation with 1.5, 2.5, and 4.0 m NaCl at pH 7.4. The α-chain subunits of collagen were isolated by gel filtration and carboxymethylcellulose chromatography under denaturing conditions. The 1.5 and 2.5 m NaCl precipitates contained predominantly type I collagen with a chain composition of [α1(I)] 2 α2. In the 1.5 m precipitate a small amount of type III collagen was also recovered. In contrast, the 4.0 m NaCl fraction consisted almost exclusively of α-chains which on the basis of cyanogen bromide peptide mapping were shown to be identical with α1(I). The amino acid composition of these chains was also similar to that of α1(I), except that hydroxylysine was increased and lysine was correspondingly decreased. The content of 3-hydroxyproline was also increased. These results suggest that the α-chains in α1(I)-trimer are the same gene products as α1 in type I collagen, but that the co-translational or post-translational hydroxylation of lysyl residues is more extensive in α1(I)-trimer. Estimation of the quantitative amounts of α1(I)-trimer indicated that this collagen accounts for less than 5% of the total collagen in adult human skin. It is speculated, however, that α1(I)-trimer collagen may play a role in the stability and tensile strength of normal human skin and other tissues, and defects in its biochemistry might be associated with diseases of connective tissue.
Developmental Care for Premature Infants: A State of Mind

Delivering developmental care to premature infants requires a particular state of mind on the part of the entire health care team. When Heidelise Als originally developed the Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program, (NIDCAP) her goal was to create a NICU environment in which nurses and othercaregivers observed the behavior of premature infants to determine how to make their environment less stressful. 1 She described how careful observation of an infant throughout the day can enable the caretaker to characterize the likes and dislikes of an individual infant in order to develop an appropriate developmental care plan. The importance was evident for decreasing external noxious stimuli, containing the infant in a snug and secure position, performing care activities according to a schedule and allowing the infant time for uninterrupted rest and sleep.2 Montirosso et al3 has created a scoring system to measure the quality of developmental care delivered to premature infants in several Italian NICUs, defined in terms of parental presence, infant interventions, and pain management, to assess how that care affects their neurobehavioral outcomeatdischarge. Theyfound thatahigherscoreforinfant-centered care, consisting of measures of parent involvement—including ability to room in, frequency and duration of kangaroo care (ie, maternal skinto-skin contact), and nursing interventions aimed at decreasing infant energy expenditure and promoting autonomic stability (eg, infant containment, reducing tactile stimulation)—led to better neurobehavioral outcomes at discharge in infants born ,29 weeks’ gestation. Likewise, a higher score for infant pain management (ie, measures to decrease painful experiences including pharmacologic and nursing care practices) had an additive beneficial effect. The findings underscore the conclusion of Als: environment matters. If validated in independent cohorts, this developmental care scoring system should prove useful as a NICU quality improvement tool in any nursery. Thinkaboutit.Prematureinfantsbornbetween23and32weeks’gestation spend 2 to 4 months growing and developing outside of their mothers’ wombs. They leave the quiet, dark, painless intrauterine environment much too early and enter a world filled with bright lights, noise, painful stimuli, and separation from their parents. Their immature organs are required to function long before they are ready. In addition, various organs, especially the brain, are exposed to toxic effects of medications andtherapiesthatcaninterferewithnormaldevelopmentandfunction.It is no wonder that many of the tiniest premature infants, exposed to repeated aversive sensory input during the early months of brain development, are plagued with sensory integration difficulties in later life. NIDCAP and other types of developmental care have been extensively studiedasameansofindividualizingcareandimprovingoutcomeswith variableresults;mostpositive,someneutralbutnonenegative. 4–6 Multiple
Femtosecond dynamics studies of coherent phonon generation

Recent femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe experiments have detected large amplitude oscillations due to coherent phonon generation in the reflection (R) from various materials). These oscillations show only vibrational modes with A1 symmetry, even though other Raman-active modes of comparable Raman cross section exist. Experimental results showing the properties of this phenomena and a model that explains many of the experimental phenomena are presented.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Upregulation of mineralocorticoid- and glucocorticoid-receptor gene expression by Sp-I

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of ligand-induced transcription factors. Both activate the human Na/K ATPase alpha1 and beta1 genes transcriptionally. To assess the role of the transcription factor Sp1 and the nuclear factor I (NF-I), in MR- and GR-mediated gene expression using the human Na/K ATPase beta1 full-length promoter, we have examined the functions of Sp-I and NF-I functions in two different cell lines, COS-1 and T-84. By transient transfections we have shown that Sp-I significantly enhances MR and GR expression, whereas NF-I had negligible effect. We propose that the transcriptional enhancement could be through a direct interaction physically between MR or GR with Sp1 that allows other factors to bind the responsive element resulting in synergistic upregulation of transcription.
The Relationship between Thinking Patterns and Physiological Symptoms of Stress

In this study the relationship between thinking patterns and physiological symptoms of stress in individuals with an auto-immune syndrome was examined. Using the Stress Processing Report (SPR), 216 females reported symptoms of stress, illness, and significant stressful life events. Scores on four dimensions (self, others, process, and goals) were significantly lower in the individuals with the auto-immune disorder when compared to the control group of 277 females from the general population. The sample group was then divided into high and low stress groups by the number of subjective symptoms of stress reported. Scores were found to be significantly lower in the high stress group when compared to the low stress group. Results indicate that individuals with the auto-immune disorder have more dysfunctional thinking patterns than the general population, and that these patterns correlate with the severity of their subjective complaints.
Preparation of injectable controlled-release microcapsules by a solvent-evaporation process

Abstract The solvent-evaporation microencapsulation process can be used to prepare high-quality, injectable, controlled-release microcapsules containing as little as 1 wt.% drug to as much as 90 wt.% drug. This process is useful for the microencapsulation of water-soluble and water-insoluble drugs. When the process conditions are optimized, the process affords good yields of a free-flowing powder comprising smooth spherical particles. Using this process, a batch of microcapsules can be made to have a wide or narrow size distribution. The micro-capsules can have diameters from less than 1 μm to as large as 250 μm. During the early stages of a microcapsule development project, problems can often arise, and high-quality microcapsules are difficult to fabricate. Some of these problems and how to remedy them with respect to the solvent-evaporation process are discussed.
Measurement of pulse shape discrimination parameters for several scintillators

Abstract Pulse shape discrimination parameters for several scintillators were measured using zero cross-over techniques. The separation and resolution for particle identification was measured for stilbene, Ne 213 and anthracene.
A Parallel Flow Solver for Unsteady Multiple Blade Row Turbomachinery Simulations

A parallel flow solver has been developed to provide a turbomachinery flow simulation tool that extends the capabilities of a previous single–processor production code (TURBO) for unsteady turbomachinery flow analysis. The code solves the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with a k–e turbulence model. The parallel code now includes most features of the serial production code, but is implemented in a portable, scalable form for distributed–memory parallel computers using MPI message passing. The parallel implementation employs domain decomposition and supports general multiblock grids with arbitrary grid–block connectivity. The solution algorithm is an iterative implicit time–accurate scheme with characteristics–based finite–volume spatial discretization. The Newton subiterations are solved using a concurrent block–Jacobi symmetric Gauss–Seidel (BJ–SGS) relaxation scheme. Unsteady blade–row interaction is treated either by simulating full or periodic sectors of blade–rows, or by solving within a single passage for each row using phase–lag and wake–blade interaction approximations at boundaries. A scalable dynamic sliding–interface algorithm is developed here, with an efficient parallel data communication between blade rows in relative motion. Parallel computations are given here for flat plate, single blade row (Rotor 67) and single stage (Stage 37) test cases, and these results are validated by comparison with corresponding results from the previously validated serial production code. Good speedup performance is demonstrated for the single–stage case with a relatively small grid of 600,000 points.Copyright © 2001 by ASME
Protection of Overhead Conductors at the Inlet to a Connector

A method that enables determination of maximum amplitudes of standing vibration waves, off-horizontal angles of the conductors, moments of resistance, and cutting forces in any cross section of any type of conductor and connector with the help of “SVT-connector” software is described. Comparative values of the mentioned parameters at the outlet of the conductor from rigid dress and at the inlet to the connector are presented.
Assessing Growth in Young Children: A Comparison of Raw, Age-Equivalent, and Standard Scores Using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test.

Many tests provide users with several different types of scores to facilitate interpretation and description of students’ performance. Common examples include raw scores, age- and grade-equivalent scores, and standard scores. However, when used within the context of assessing growth among young children, these scores should not be interchangeable because they provide different information. To examine how raw, age-equivalent, and standard scores function when assessing growth among young children, this article uses scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Third Edition to compare the use of these scores for the purpose of measuring growth in receptive vocabulary skills among a sample of 259 low-income, predominantly Hispanic preschoolers age 3 to 5 years. Results suggest a notable floor effect in the distribution of age-equivalent scores that was not observed in the raw score or standard score distributions. This floor effect may significantly affect the results of correlational data analyses conducte...
Characterization of fiber optic cables under large tensile loads

Fiber optic cables designed for the Nevada Test Site (NTS) have to withstand an unusually harsh environment. Cables have been manufactured under a 6 year old DOE specification that has been slightly modified as the cable requirements are better understood. In order to better understand the cable properties a unique capability has been established at the NTS. Instrumentation has been developed to characterize the transmission properties of 1 km of fiber optic cable placed under a controlled tensile load up to 1500 lbs. The properties measured are cable tension, cable elongation, induced attenuation, attenuation vs. location, fiber strain, bandwidth, and ambient temperature. Preforming these measurements on cables from the two qualified NTS fiber optic cable manufacturers, Siecor and Andrew Corp., led to a new set of specifications. The relevant new and old specifications will be reported along with the characterization techniques and results on cables manufactured under the old specification.
Oxidative capacity in failing hearts.

Although high-energy phosphate metabolism is abnormal in failing hearts [congestive heart failure (CHF)], it is unclear whether oxidative capacity is impaired. This study used the mitochondrial unc...
C5 Convertase of the Alternative Pathway of Complement KINETIC ANALYSIS OF THE FREE AND SURFACE-BOUND FORMS OF THE ENZYME

Abstract Although proteolytic activation of the complement protein C5 initiates important defensive and occasionally pathological inflammatory reactions, the enzymatic properties of the enzymes responsible for this cleavage have never been examined. We have studied the kinetic parameters of the C5 convertase of the alternative pathway of complement, either bound to a zymosan surface or in its monomeric soluble form. C5 convertase enzymatic activity was measured as a function of C5 concentration by quantitating production of C5b,6 under physiological conditions of temperature, pH, and ionic strength. The C5 convertases appeared to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics and exhibited similar catalytic rate constants (k cat). However, the surface-bound enzyme, ZymC3b,Bb had aK m (1.4 μm) that was 17 times lower than that of the soluble monomeric form of the enzyme, C3b,Bb (K m = 24 μm). Thek cat for the cell-bound enzyme, ZymC3b,Bb was 0.0048 s−1 and that for soluble C3b,Bb was 0.0110 s−1. Both forms of the enzyme had a low turnover number atV max (0.23 to 0.68 C5/min/enzyme). Substituting Mg2+ for Ni2+ did not alter the kinetic parameters but lowered the half-life of the enzyme by 5–7-fold. The kinetic data presented demonstrate that the fluid phase C5 convertase, C3b,Bb, can cleave C5 without the aid of a second C3b molecule. The results also show that the greater enzymatic activity previously observed for the surface-bound C5 convertases is not due to higher catalytic efficiency but is solely due to higher affinity for the substrate C5. In blood, C5 concentrations are 3–4-fold below theK m determined for the surface-bound C5 convertase suggesting a direct correlation between the local C5 concentration and production of the anaphylatoxin C5a and the cytolytic C5b-9 complex.
Making Meaning Together: Buddy Reading in a First Grade Classroom

This study uses a Vygotskian approach and a socio-cultural lens, as well as the Transactional Reading Theory to investigate how social interactions and literary transactions can combine through buddy reading to empower young readers and promote literacy in a first grade classroom. The research focuses on how literary transaction and social interaction work together to facilitate emergent and early readers in a ‘partner/buddy’ reading approach. The research question asked whether or not ‘partner/buddy’ reading can promote literacy through social interaction, and yielded three major themes, including the use of reading strategies to scaffold learning, making connections with and to the text in order to construct meaning, and using play as a type of social interaction and motivational method. The findings suggest that buddy reading as a classroom tool can effectively promote literacy and learning in a cooperative setting.
Transgene Induced Co-Suppression during Vegetative Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans

Introduction of DNA sequences into the genome often results in homology-dependent gene silencing in organisms as diverse as plants, fungi, flies, nematodes, and mammals. We previously showed in Cryptococcus neoformans that a repeat transgene array can induce gene silencing at a high frequency during mating (∼50%), but at a much lower frequency during vegetative growth (∼0.2%). Here we report a robust asexual co-suppression phenomenon triggered by the introduction of a cpa1::ADE2 transgene. Multiple copies of the cpa1::ADE2 transgene were ectopically integrated into the genome, leading to silencing of the endogenous CPA1 and CPA2 genes encoding the cyclosporine A target protein cyclophilin A. Given that CPA1-derived antisense siRNAs were detected in the silenced isolates, and that RNAi components (Rdp1, Ago1, and Dcr2) are required for silencing, we hypothesize that an RNAi pathway is involved, in which siRNAs function as trans factors to silence both the CPA1 and the CPA2 genes. The silencing efficiency of the CPA1 and CPA2 genes is correlated with the transgene copy number and reached ∼90% in the presence of >25 copies of the transgene. We term this transgene silencing phenomenon asexual co-suppression to distinguish it from the related sex-induced silencing (SIS) process. We further show that replication protein A (RPA), a single-stranded DNA binding complex, is required for transgene silencing, suggesting that RPA might play a similar role in aberrant RNA production as observed for quelling in Neurospora crassa. Interestingly, we also observed that silencing of the ADE2 gene occurred at a much lower frequency than the CPA1/2 genes even though it is present in the same transgene array, suggesting that factors in addition to copy number influence silencing. Taken together, our results illustrate that a transgene induced co-suppression process operates during C. neoformans vegetative growth that shares mechanistic features with quelling.
BSCW for disabeled teleworkers: usability evaluation and interface adaptation of an internet-based cooperation environment

Abstract TEDIS (Teleworking for Disabled People) is a research and development project of the research group on Human Computer Interaction at the German National Research Center for Information Technology (GMD). TEDIS is an assistive technology contribution to the promotional program “Telecooperation — Value Added Services” of the German Federal Ministry for Education, Science, Research and Technology (BMBF) and accordingly funded. The general goal of the project is to implement a generic human computer interface for accessing Internet, which can be adapted to a variety of different needs of handicapped as well as elderly people. As part of a field-trial, the internet-based telecooperation environment BSCW (Basic Support for Cooperative Work) was installed to manage the teleworking process for two severely physically disabled teleworkers. At present, BSCW is adjusted to their special needs based upon data gained by structured usability-interviews. As a result, complete accessibility of BSCW by keyboard will soon be available, since operating a mouse causes many problems for motorically-disabled, blind or visually impaired end-users.
Xeroradiography of the Pharynx

Seventy-five cases of pharyngeal malignancy were reviewed to determine the place of xeroradiography in their management. Comparison was made with plain radiography, conventional tomography and barium studies. Nasopharyngeal lesions and lesions in the midline were most conveniently demonstrated with a plain lateral xerograph. Laterally placed tumours were best shown with conventional AP tomography and with a barium examination.
Comparative Notes on the Biology and Development of Epeolus compactus Cresson., a Cleptoparasite of Colletes kincaidii Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae, Colletidae)

The biology of the nomadine bee, Epeolus compactus Cresson, is described based on composite notes taken from field, laboratory, and greenhouse studies of the host bee, Colletes kincaidii Cockerell. Details of Epeolus egg deposition are described and compared with other known nomadine bees. We document the release of a glandular secretion during egg deposition by E. compactus which dissolves the polyester host cell lining on contact. Late embryogenesis and hatching of Epeolus are described and adaptive features are discussed. The cleptoparasitic habits of the first instar are outlined, and anatomical differences expressed by various instars are compared. Methods used by Epeolus in parasitizing host nests excavated by the nesting Colletes female, or in host nests constructed in existing burrows, are reported. Possible reasons why rates of parasitism differ between kinds of nest architectures constructed by the host bee are discussed in some detail. Potentially useful biosystematic characters of immature stages of Epeolus are compared with those of other known nomadine bees.
Implementation of some concurrent algorithms for matrix factorization

Abstract Three parallel algorithms for computing the QR-factorization of a matrix are presented. The discussion is primarily concerned with implementation of these algorithms on a computer that supports tightly coupled parallel processes sharing a large common memory. The three algorithms are a Householder method based upon high-level modules, a Windowed Householder method that avoids fork-join synchronization, and a Pipelined Givens method that is a variant of the data-flow type algorithms offering large enough granularity to mask synchronization costs. Numerical experiments were conducted on the Denelcor HEP computer. The computational results indicate that the Pipelined Givens method is preferred and that this is primarily due to the number of array references required by the various algorithms.
Government, business, and academia: origins of Raymond Vernon's understanding of multinational enterprises☆

As the senior member of the panel to honor Raymond Vernon, I was charged with ` giving a retrospective on Ray's work going back as far as [I] want to go. . . and laying the territory for the other commentaries.'' Ray's work on multinational enterprises was shaped by his careers in government, business, and academia. One can, of course, only speculate about some of the exact links between his interests and ideas and his several careers. I will, however, indulge in such speculation by reviewing Ray's experience and some of his early publications to search for the origins of basic ideas that made his work on multinational enterprises so creative. Raymond Vernon (no middle name or initial) was born as Raymond Visotsky on September 1, 1913, in New York City. He completed his bachelor's degree at the City College of New York in 1933, in the worst of the Depression, when jobs were extremely scarce. His first job was with an advertising agency. In describing his job search decades later, he told his students that he had convinced the agency to hire him on a short-term basis to let him try his hand in the rather new field of statistics. His task was to solve one particular problem the company was facing. He solved the problem, and the company kept him on.
One-Loop Renormalization of the Electroweak Sector with Lorentz Violation

New College of FloridaSarasota, FL, 34243, U.S.A.(Dated: April 9, 2009)The one-loop renormalizability of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model Extension withLorentz violation is studied. Functional determinants are used to calculate the one-loop contri-butions of the higgs, gauge bosons and fermions to the one-loop eﬀective action. The results areconsistent with multiplicative renormalization of the SME coupling constants. Conventional Elec-troweak symmetry breaking is eﬀectively unaltered relative to the standard case as the renormalizedSME parameters are suﬃcient to absorb all inﬁnite contributions.
DMBA induced papillomas in congenitally athymic (nude) and hereditarily asplenic (Dh/+) mice: Contrasts and comparisons with immunologically intact littermates

Congenitally athymic (nude) and hereditarily asplenic (Dh/+) mice were painted with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) to compare skin tumor development in these immunodeficient animals with their immunologically normal littermate controls. Papillomas were induced in all groups of mice. However, nude and Dh/+ mice were significantly more resistant than their normal littermates to tumor induction. Furthermore, the number of papillomas/mouse and the total tumor incidence were significantly greater in control mice and the latency period for tumor appearance was shorter and the tumor growth rate greater in normal mice compared to their immunodeficient littermates. Finally, nu/+ skin transplanted to nude mice and then painted with DMBA behaved in similar fashion as nude skin. These findings, when discussed in terms of target organs for DMBA, suggest a major role for the immune system in stimulating papilloma induction.
Lunar rock-rain: Diverse silicate impact-vapor condensates in an Apollo-14 regolith breccia

Abstract Apollo 14 regolith breccia 14076, long known to be uniquely endowed with high-alumina, silica-poor (HASP) material of evaporation-residue origin, has been found to contain a diverse suite of complementary condensates, dubbed GASP (gas-associated spheroidal precipitates). GASP occurs in two forms: as glassy or extremely fine grained quenched-melt spheroids, mostly less than 5 μm across; and as quenched textured clasts up to 200 μm across. In two of the clasts, origin by aggregation of spheroidal GASP is confirmed by the presence of relict spheroids. GASP is distinctively depleted in the same refractory major oxides that are characteristically enriched in HASP: Al 2 O 3 and CaO. Among the larger GASP spheroids, Al 2 O 3 is seldom >1 wt%; among the clasts, excluding two instances of apparent contamination by Na- and K-rich substrate-derived melt, bulk Al 2 O 3 averages 0.3 wt%. Depletion of Al 2 O 3 and CaO is also manifested by pyroxene compositions in some clasts; e.g., in the largest clast, En 82 Wo 0.45 with 0.07 wt% Al 2 O 3 . Although GASP bulk compositions are nearly pure SiO 2 + MgO + FeO, they are nonetheless highly diverse. Spheroid compositions range in mg from 7 to 84 mol%, and in FeO/SiO 2 (weight ratio) from 0.002 to 0.67. Bulk compositions and textures of many GASP spheroids suggest that liquid immiscibility occurred prior to quenching; implying that these materials were, some time after condensation, at temperatures of ∼1680 °C. Textural evidence for immiscibility includes lobate boundaries between silicic and mafic domains, and a general tendency for quenched mafic silicates to be concentrated into a few limited patches rather than evenly dispersed. The parent melt of the largest clast’s pyroxene is inferred to have formed as a partial melt within the parent aggregation of GASP matter, compositionally near the pyroxene + cristobalite + melt eutectic and thus at ∼1500 °C. A few GASP spheroids show possible signs of in-flight collision-coalescence, but aggregation of the much larger clasts probably took place in mushy puddles on the lunar surface. Little mixing took place between these GASP puddles and the related HASP, probably because GASP condensation did not commence until after an intermediate stage during which, while neither net evaporation nor net condensation took place, expansion of the vapor cloud carried the eventual GASP matter well apart from the HASP. Considering the characteristic length-scale of lunar regolith mixing, the concentration of both GASP and HASP into this single unique regolith sample (14076) is most consistent with a parent crater size (diameter) of 10–100 km. I speculate that the 14076 regolith may have been unusually situated, almost directly uprange from an unusually oblique large impact. Mercurian analogs of the 14076 impact condensates may have significant implications for remote sensing.
Bethe-Salpeter eigenvalues and amplitudes for the half-filled two-dimensional Hubbard model.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the particle-hole and particle-particle Bethe-Salpeter equations for 8×8 half-filled Hubbard lattice with U/t=4 and U/t=8. In the particle-hole channel, the dominant eigenvalue corresponds to the Q=(π,π) antiferromagnetic correlations. In the particle-particle channel the amplitude of the leading low-temperature eigenvalue is an even-frequency d x2-y2 singlet. Odd-frequency p-wave-singlet and s-wave-triplet amplitudes are also found
Embolization of a bleeding Dieulafoy lesion of the duodenum in a child. Case report and review of the literature

We report an adolescent with chronic, recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in whom extensive prior investigations failed to reveal the source of bleeding. Angiography accurately identified a bleeding Dieulafoy lesion of the duodenum which was successfully embolized. The clinical history, angiographic appearances and treatment of this rare lesion are presented.
Utilization of rheumatology physician services by the elderly

Abstract Purpose: To examine rheumatology subspecialty practice patterns, determinants of referral to rheumatologists, and utilization of aspiration and injection procedures in a population-based sample of elderly individuals. Subjects and Methods: We obtained Medicare physician claims for all visits to rheumatologists among beneficiaries aged 65 years and older in Colorado, Massachusetts, and Virginia in 1993, and for visits to all providers by patients with coded diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined variations in visit frequency and aspiration/injection procedures, and we analyzed determinants of referral to a rheumatologist for RA or SLE. Results: In 1 year, 144,797 visits were made to rheumatologists by 38,443 patients in the three states. An inflammatory disorder was coded in 45% of visits and a noninflammatory disorder in 50%. Half of patients with RA were seen three or fewer times in the year. For RA and SLE, African Americans were about 60% as likely to be seen by a rheumatologist as whites. Utilization of rheumatologist services for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus was highest in the state (Virginia) with the lowest per capita supply of rheumatologists. Among patients with bursitis, tendinitis, and osteoarthritis, African-American women were more likely to receive an injection or aspiration procedure than whites or African-American men. Conclusion: Elderly patients with rheumatologic disorders were seen by specialists less frequently than recommended by a recent rheumatology manpower survey. African-Americans with RA and SLE had fewer rheumatology visits than whites.
Cryptogenic Stroke: How to Define It? How to Treat It?

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Cryptogenic strokes (CS) account for almost a quarter of ischemic strokes despite modern diagnostic evaluation. A working definition of CS based on stroke classification systems is essential for accurate conceptualization of this common entity. Mechanistic categories (potential paradoxical embolism; atherosclerotic disease of the aorta or supra-aortic vasculature; and occult arrhythmia) should aide in parsing the often heterogeneous mix of conditions included in the CS subtype. Despite efforts to unravel mechanisms of CS, specific or targeted recurrent stroke prevention strategies are lacking. For example, recent trials have shown no clear benefit of patent foramen ovale closure in stroke prevention after CS. There are promising ongoing clinical trials that will address appropriate diagnostic evaluations in CS as well as novel therapeutic interventions. Overall, a standardized approach must be framed to diagnose and manage patients with CS and guide clinical practice and future research.
Chemically-enabled synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-ones

We have developed a number of efficient protocols for the facile synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-ones. This synthetic methodology allowed concise and efficient exploration of the SAR in all areas of the molecule. A number of these methods proved to be versatile, efficient and amenable to parallel synthesis.
Strategic Role of CSR in International Expansion of Emerging Market Multinationals

This paper studies the strategic impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the international expansion of firms from emerging markets. The conceptual contribution is to help develop a mult...
Rib and sternum fractures in the elderly and extreme elderly following motor vehicle crashes

As the population ages, the need to protect the elderly during motor vehicle crashes becomes increasingly critical. This study focuses on causation of elderly rib and sternum fractures in seriously injured elderly occupants involved in motor vehicle crashes. We used data from the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) database (1997-2009). Study case criteria included occupant (≥ 65 years old) drivers (sitting in the left outboard position of the first row) or passengers (sitting in the first row right outboard position) who were in frontal or side impacts. To avoid selection bias, only occupants with a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) 3 (serious) or greater severity injury were included in this study. Odds ratios were used as a descriptive measure of the strength of association between variables and Chi square tests were used to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between categorical variables. Of the 211 elderly (65-79 years old) occupants with thoracic injury, 92.0% had rib fractures and 19.6% had sternum fractures. For the 76 extreme elderly (80 years or older) with thoracic injury, 90.4% had rib fractures and 27.7% had sternum fractures. Except for greater mortality and more rib fractures caused by safety belts, there were no differences between the extreme elderly and the elderly occupants. Current safety systems may need to be redesigned to prevent rib and sternum fractures in occupants 80 years and older.
Ethanol consumption under conditions of psychogenic polydipsia

Abstract Psychogenic polydipsia, produced by a fixed interval 90 sec reinforcement schedule, was used to determine whether excessive ethanol consumption could be induced in the rat. By offering increasing concentrations of ethanol to each rat during a sequence of test sessions, an alcohol selection-rejection curve was obtained under the regimen of psychogenic polydipsia. A significant increase in ethanol intake occurred only at concentrations within a rat's normal preference range. At concentrations above 8 per cent the noxious taste of the ethanol apparently blocked significant consumption of this fluid. However, the small volumes of ethanol which were consumed at the higher concentrations may have reflected the additional source of calories present in this fluid.
Towards a Parametric Definition of Marketing

To claim that marketing is concerned with exchange is a currently accepted definition which allows wide interpretation and can be applied to almost all disciplines. A satisfactory definition should develop both inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. Marketing has an underlying purpose connected with the exchange of goods and services, and ideas can be studied only if they serve that purpose. It should be placed firmly in the economic sphere, employing strategies intentionally rendered and goal‐directed. This definition allows wide consideration of diverse subject areas, but keeps the process within specific parameters, bringing about its more satisfactory development as a scientific discipline.
The Higgens UIMS and its efficient implementation of Undo

The Higgens user interface management system being developed at the University of Colorado allows an interface designer to rapidly construct graphical user interfaces based on a primarily non-procedural interface specification. This paper discusses how user recovery and reversal, or Undo, is performed within a Higgens generated interface. A special data model is developed which has unique properties which combine to provide an efficient environment for implementing an undo mechanism. New algorithms based on recent work in incremental attribute evaluation are used to efficiently implement both the generated interfaces as a whole, and the undo mechanism in particular. In addition, a formal model of undo is used in an attempt to evaluate the power of the mechanism in order to compare it with other undo implementations.
Evidence-based or evidence-biased: the need to re-appraise and re-align levels of information with stakeholder values.

Dr. Boswell is Professor and Chair, Dept of Anesthesiology, MesserRacz International Pain Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX. Dr. Giordano is Samueli-Rockefeller Professor, Dept of Medicine and Neurosciences, and Center for Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC; and Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Neurotechnology Studies, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, Arlington VA.
Electromagnetic Analysis of Ring-Cavity-Assisted Amplified Spontaneous Emission in Er:SiO $_{2}$ /a-Si Horizontal Slot Waveguides

In this paper, we present an electromagnetic analysis of ring-cavity-assisted amplified spontaneous emission in Er3 +-doped SiO2 (Er:SiO2 ). A horizontal slot geometry, consisting of a low-index Er:SiO2 layer embedded between high-index a-Si layers, allows for a planar ring-cavity design which maintains high optical confinement in the active Er:SiO2 material. The simulations are performed within the auxiliary differential equation-finite-difference time-domain (ADE-FDTD) scheme which couples the quantum mechanical light emission and amplification behavior of the Er:SiO2 with the electromagnetic device behavior. We present the enhanced spontaneous emission in waveguide-coupled ring cavities with varying coupling gaps. We provide an analysis of the relationship between cavity quality factor, coupling coefficient, and enhanced spontaneous emission.