cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Workplace Diversity: A Social–Ecological Framework and Policy Implications

The diversification of the global workforce brings both challenges and opportunities. We focus on diversity defined by membership in traditionally underrepresented groups. To harness the power of diversity, organizations must: increase representation of diverse individuals throughout the organizational hierarchy, attend to the social processes that emerge once diversity is present, and foster an organizational climate that supports the full inclusion of diverse individuals. We review dynamics at multiple levels of analysis that affect organizations in these three realms. Policy recommendations are grounded in the following ecological principles: (1) organizational issues are nested within multiple levels of context, (2) any organizational event can have reverberating effects throughout the system, (3) people's experiences of events shape their reactions and the impact of practices on varied groups shapes organizational consequences, and (4) people are continually adapting to one another and to organizational resources and requirements.
First aid at work

ABSTRACT:These days a business of virtually any size needs a website to be able to trade. Consumers are using the web as their first port of call for information and service this is becoming increasingly true for local services. Whereas consumers’ previous instincts were to reach for the Yellow Pages, they now reach for their computer and head to Google. To compete and succeed in this environment, you have to be there when they start looking. Even a client, who knows who you are and has visited before, increasingly uses the web to find your opening hours and telephone number.
Development of a Microfluidic Sensing Platform by Integrating PCB Technology and Inkjet Printing Process

A microfluidic sensing platform (MSP) for the detection of bio/chemicals has been successfully developed. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic channels were fabricated using master molds created with printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Silver (Ag)-based ink was employed to inkjet print interdigitated electrodes on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The printed PET substrate and PDMS were bonded to form the MSP. The capability of the fabricated MSP for detecting very low concentrations of heavy metal compounds was investigated. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the MSP revealed picomolar concentration levels of detection for mercury sulfide and cadmium sulfide. The results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of integrating conventional PCB and printing technology to create flexible MSPs for heavy metal sensing applications.
Potassium Bicarbonate Supplementation Lowers Bone Turnover and Calcium Excretion in Older Men and Women: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial

The acid load accompanying modern diets may have adverse effects on bone and muscle metabolism. Treatment with alkaline salts of potassium can neutralize the acid load, but the optimal amount of alkali is not established. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of two doses of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) compared with placebo on biochemical markers of bone turnover, and calcium and nitrogen (N) excretion. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 244 men and women age 50 years and older were randomized to placebo or 1 mmol/kg or 1.5 mmol/kg of KHCO3 daily for 3 months; 233 completed the study. The primary outcomes were changes in 24-hour urinary N-telopeptide (NTX) and N; changes in these measures were compared across the treatment groups. Exploratory outcomes included 24-hour urinary calcium excretion, serum amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), and muscle strength and function assessments. The median administered doses in the low-dose and high-dose groups were 81 mmol/day and 122 mmol/day, respectively. When compared with placebo, urinary NTX declined significantly in the low-dose group (p = 0.012, after adjustment for baseline NTX, gender, and change in urine creatinine) and serum P1NP declined significantly in the low-dose group (p = 0.004, adjusted for baseline P1NP and gender). Urinary calcium declined significantly in both KHCO3 groups versus placebo (p < 0.001, adjusted for baseline urinary calcium, gender, and changes in urine creatinine and calcium intake). There was no significant effect of either dose of KHCO3 on urinary N excretion or on the physical strength and function measures. KHCO3 has favorable effects on bone turnover and calcium excretion and the lower dose appears to be the more effective dose. Long-term trials to assess the effect of alkali on bone mass and fracture risk are needed. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Biosynthesis of all-trans-retinoic acid from retinal. Recognition of retinal bound to cellular retinol binding protein (type I) as substrate by a purified cytosolic dehydrogenase.

An NAD-dependent rat liver cytosolic dehydrogenase accepted as substrate retinal generated in situ by microsomes from retinol bound to excess CRBP (cellular retinol binding protein, type I). This activity, which was not retained by anion-exchange chromatography at pH 9.15, was designated P1. P1 activity increased 2.5-fold, with no statistically significant change in its K or Hill coefficient, in liver cytosol from rats fed a retinoid-deficient diet. Orally dosed retinoic acid partially suppressed the increase. Activities chromatographically similar to hepatic P1 were observed in cytosols from rat kidney and testes. P1, purified from rat liver cytosol, had a pI of approximately 8.3, migrated as a tetramer (214 kDa) on a Sephadex G-200 column, and had a subunit molecular mass of 55 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. With free retinal it catalyzed a maximum rate of retinoic acid synthesis of 265 nmol/min/mg of protein and exhibited allosteric kinetics with a K of 0.76 +/- 0.35 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.5 +/- 0.13 (mean +/- S.D., n = 4). Substrate inhibition was noted with retinal concentrations greater than 6 microM. The purified enzyme not only recognized retinal generated by microsomes as substrate, but also recognized retinal bound to CRBP. The rates of retinoic acid synthesis from CRBP-retinal, with a series of increasing apoCRBP concentrations, exceeded the rates that would be supported by the free retinal present. The CRBP-retinal complex exhibited allosteric kinetics (K, 0.13 microM; Hill coefficient, 1.75; averages of duplicates) in the presence of excess apoCRBP (the ratio total CRBP/total retinal at each concentration of retinal was 2). This enzyme is likely to play a significant role in retinoic acid synthesis in vivo, because it participates in the synthesis of retinoic acid from a physiologically occurring form of retinol (holoCRBP), reflects retinoid status, and is distributed in extrahepatic tissues in addition to liver. These results also suggest a novel role for CRBP in retinoid metabolism, facilitating the conversion of retinal into retinoic acid.
Patterns of ordination and classification instability resulting from changes in input data order

. Random rearrangement of entry order in three data sets often changed ordination and classification results based on Reciprocal Averaging. Results varied with the data set and method used. Eliminating infrequently occurring species largely reduced, but did not always eliminate, the variability. Overall, results appeared related to data set complexity, the type of data or transformation, and the analysis method used. Detrended Correspondence Analysis had the greatest variability of the ordination methods tested. Results from quantitative data were usually more variable than presence/absence data. Variation in cluster analysis was related to the number of tie values in the similarity matrix. Detailed tests using randomization of entry order of individual data sets with each of the programs to be used are needed to individually assess the effects on the results.; Keywords:; Cluster analysis; DECORANA; Ecological group; Entry order; Environmental gradient; TWINSPAN
Titanium mesh and acrylic cranioplasty

Since June 1985 100 cranioplasties have been carried out using titanium mesh and acrylic. There have been no complications and no infections. Titanium mesh is virtually radiolucent. Titanium is nonmagnetic and is the most biocompatible metal known.
Effects of Undernutrition on Reproductive Function in the Human

A NUMBER of syndromes have recently been described which are associated with undernutrition and altered reproductive function. The syndromes described in women which include anorexia nervosa, amenorrhea associated with weight loss, bulimia, amenorrhea which occurs after oral contraceptives, postpartum amenorrhea, and amenorrhea associated with exercise all have hormonal patterns suggestive of hypothalamic alterations. Although the mechanisms are unknown, these problems appear to involve abnormalities affecting the central regulatory mechanism responsible for gonadotropin secretion, particularly those regulating pulse frequency, pulse amplitude and sleep associated patterns. These syndromes represent excellent models for the study and understanding of these important hypothalamic mechanisms as well as models for the understanding of puberty and the maturation of the pubertal hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. Effects of Undernutrition on ReproductiveFunction in the Human The reproductive system, particul...
Why do regulators of apoptosis look like bacterial toxins

I would like to thank Leemor Joshua-Tor for expert evaluation of the reported similarities between the Bcl-2 family and the toxins, Richard Youle and Marie Hardwick for encouragement, and the members of my laboratory for critical advice.
Phospholipase a properties of several snake venom preparations.

The hydrolytic properties of the venoms of seven species of snakes,Crotalus adamanteus, Ancistrodon contortrix, Naja naja, Bothrops atrox, Ophiophagus hannah, Crotalus atrox andVipera russeli, were studied with purified lecithins and mixtures of lecithins of known fatty acid and class composition as substrates.
Management of Flower Thrips in Blueberries in Florida

ABSTRACT Flower thrips are considered key pests in southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L. × V. darrowi Camp) and rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade) blueberry fields in Florida. During 2005 and 2006, we evaluated the effectiveness of selected natural enemies (preventative and curative releases) for control of flower thrips in blueberries. Experimental designs were randomized complete blocks with 4 treatments and 4 replicates in 2005 and 3 treatments and 4 replicates in 2006. In 2005, treatments were evaluated as a preventative tactic and included the following biological control agents: (1) Thripor-I [Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)], (2) Thripex-plus [Amblyseius cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)], (3) combination of both O. insidiosus and A. cucumeris in 50% of standard dosages, and (4) untreated control (no natural enemies). Orius. insidiosus (Thripor-I) was released at 0.5 insects per m2 and A. cucumeris (Thripex-Plus) at 0.5 sachets of 1000 mites per m2. For the combination t...
Nuchal translucency measurement in fetuses with spinal muscular atrophy

Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with a high carrier frequency in the general population. The severity of this disorder indicates the importance of early prenatal detection. In medical literature, there are a few published case reports of enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in association with a diagnosis of SMA in the fetus. Our goal is to determine whether SMA in infants is associated with a history of an increased NT measurement during pregnancy. Methods Using contact information obtained through SMA family support groups, women who had recently given birth to infants affected with SMA were identified and queried about NT ultrasound results during the pregnancy. NT values were confirmed via ultrasound report to determine whether SMA was associated with a history of an enlarged NT measurement. Results Twelve SMA affected infants with confirmed NT results during the pregnancy were identified. All fetuses had normal NT values ranging from 0.7 to 2.4 mm. Conclusion In this series, SMA did not appear to be associated with an enlarged NT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost Efficacy of A New Filter Paper In New York State Newborn Screening Program (NYSNSP) 1364

Cost Efficacy of A New Filter Paper In New York State Newborn Screening Program (NYSNSP) 1364
Demand, Growth, and Evolution

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change. —Charles Darwin (Peters, 2010) The paradigm shift to engaged and collaborativ...
Prospective study of the electrocardiographic effects of imipramine in children.

Because imipramine and desipramine have been implicated in sudden death in children, noninvasive electrophysiologic data were accumulated in 25 patients. Two children were excluded on the basis of resting electrocardiographic and Holter abnormalities. The remaining 23 patients received imipramine to a maximum dose of 5 mg/kg or a serum level of 150 to 250 ng/ml. Consistent but clinically Insignificant resting electrocardiographic changes occurred during treatment. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring may be useful when one is assessing the cardiovascular risks of imipramine therapy.
Recognition accuracy of current operating room alarms.

This prospective study was performed to determine whether anesthesia clinicians (i.e., both anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists) can identify operating room alarms by their distinctive sounds and to identify factors related to alarm recognition accuracy. Nineteen alarms from 15 commonly used devices were recorded. These sounds were played, in a quiet room, to 44 anesthesia clinicians. The clinicians were asked to choose from a list the device that produced the alarm. After this recognition test, the clinicians rated the importance of each alarm and the frequency with which they heard it in the clinical situation. Clinicians correctly identified the alarm source 34% of the time. The recognition rate was higher for alarms rated as heard more frequently; however, alarms that were rated as more important were less likely to be correctly identified. Complexity of the sound did not influence accuracy of recognition. Most errors were attributed to similarities in sound or function, or both, among alarms. We conclude that anesthetists cannot reliably identify current operating room alarms by their distinctive sounds.
Enthalpy of mixing of liquid (carbon dioxide + ethane) at the temperature 230.8 K and of liquid (carbon dioxide + n-butane) at 221.4 K and 241.4 K

A cryogenic flow calorimeter was used to measure excess molar enthalpies HEm for {xCO2 + (1 − x)C2H6}(l) at the temperature (230.8±0.5) K and the pressure (1.57±0.19) MPa and {xCO2 + (1 − x)n-C4H10}(l) at (221.4±0.4) K and (0.91±0.06) MPa, and at (241.4±0.2) K and (1.83±0.14) MPa, as a function of x. Raising the pressure in the first mixture to 3.37 MPa and in the second to 4.36 MPa at the higher temperature had no effect on HEm, within experimental error. The dependence of HEm on x shows a slight asymmetry toward the CO2-rich side For the first mixture, the value of HEm(x = 0.5) is (1626±6) J·mol−1, almost 200 J·mol−1 larger than previously published results (Wallis, K. P; Clancy, P.; Zollweg, J. A.; Streett, W. B. J. Chem. Thermodynamics 1984, 16, 811) while for the second, HEm(x = 0.5) is (1726±7) J·mol−1 and (1630±17) J·mol−1 at 221.4 K and 241.4 K, respectively.
Functionalization of Carbon−Hydrogen Bonds of Hydrocarbons and Ethers via Carbene Insertion with Copper(I)−Homoscorpionate Catalysts

Complexes of general formula TpxCu (Tpx = homoscorpionate ligand) have been employed as catalysts for the insertion of ethyl diazoacetate into C−H bonds of a variety of hydrocarbons and ethers, in moderate to high yields: tertiary, secondary, and primary C−H bonds have been functionalized by this methodology. Particularly interesting is the homologation of O-methyl groups in ethers, which has been achieved for a group of substrates. The existence of electron-withdrawing groups in the Tpx ligand seems to be crucial for the activity and the selectivity of the catalyst.
Vibration analysis and testing for the LLST optical module

A lunar orbiting space terminal was recently developed as part of NASA’s Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration program. The space terminal uses a 10 centimeter, inertially-stabilized telescope and a 0.5 watt beam to transmit data at up to 622Mbps between the Moon and one of several ground terminals on Earth. Tight coupling between analysis and testing was used to ensure both performance and survival requirements were met in the operational and non-operational vibration environments. Performance requirements were driven by the need to meet a 4.2 μrad pointing stability requirement in the operational vibration environment. A highly-correlated FEA model was developed using vibration testing to extrapolate the behavior of the system beyond the practical limits of the vibration test bed. The launch load non-operational vibration environment was simulated through both analysis and testing using force-limiting to avoid over designing and over testing the sensitive optics. The iterative and associated challenges of the vibration analysis and testing effort are discussed to show how those efforts helped enable the successful launch, deployment, and ultimately demonstration of NASA’s first space laser communications program.
Research Note: How Routinization Affects Power Dynamics at a Family Restaurant Chain

This article presents initial research findings regarding the impact of routinization on manager/worker/customer relationships at a family restaurant chain. Corporate attempts to precisely control store managers and workers indirectly lead store managers to rely on a system of “responsible autonomy” when interacting with workers. This opens up certain avenues of resistance for workers and negatively impacts customer perceptions of service.
Neonatal morbidity at 34-37 weeks: the role of ruptured membranes.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate neonatal morbidity in deliveries occurring between 34 0 7 and 36 6 7 weeks’ gestation, comparing outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes with those in which delivery occurred with intact membranes prior to the onset of labor. Methods: The obstetric database was reviewed for a 5-year period. Healthy gravidas delivering nonanomalous singleton gestations from vertex presentations were evaluated, with corticosteroid or antibiotic administration or both noted. The neonatal database was reviewed for the following complications: admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, need for assisted ventilation, and development of hyaline membrane disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, or culture-proven sepsis. Groups were compared using χ2 tests. The power of this study to detect a ten-fold decrease in the likelihood of neonatal complications at the P Results: Of 853 eligible pregnancies, 414 (48.5%) gravidas had ruptured membranes prior to the onset of active labor. No difference existed between groups in the number of patients who had received corticosteroids during pregnancy, but patients with ruptured membranes were more likely to have received antibiotics prior to delivery. No neonatal deaths occurred, and neonatal morbidity was low in both groups. Conclusion: No clinically significant difference exists in neonatal outcome between 34 0 7 and 36 6 7 weeks’ gestation as the result of membrane status prior to the onset of labor.
WikiLeaks and the Matter of Private Manning

The release of significant documents by WikiLeaks, the international online not-for-profit organization, has become front-page news that has significant implications for computing professionals.
A supramolecular tetrad featuring covalently linked ferrocene-zinc porphyrin-BODIPY coordinated to fullerene: a charge stabilizing, photosynthetic antenna-reaction center mimic.

A novel photosynthetic-antenna-reaction-center model compound, comprised of BF2 -chelated dipyrromethene (BODIPY) as an energy-harvesting antenna, zinc porphyrin (ZnP) as the primary electron donor, ferrocene (Fc) as a hole-shifting agent, and phenylimidazole-functionalized fulleropyrrolidine (C60 Im) as an electron acceptor, has been synthesized and characterized. Optical absorption and emission, computational structure optimization, and cyclic voltammetry studies were systematically performed to establish the role of each entity in the multistep photochemical reactions. The energy-level diagram established from optical and redox data helped identifying different photochemical events. Selective excitation of BODIPY resulted in efficient singlet energy transfer to the ZnP entity. Ultrafast electron transfer from the (1) ZnP* (formed either as a result of singlet-singlet energy transfer or direct excitation) or (1) C60 * of the coordinated fullerene resulting into the formation of the Fc-(C60 (.) (-) Im:ZnP(.) (+) )-BODIPY radical ion pair was witnessed by femtosecond transient absorption studies. Subsequent hole migration to the ferrocene entity resulted in the Fc(+) -(C60 (.) (+) Im:ZnP)-BODIPY radical ion pair that persisted for 7-15 μs, depending upon the solvent conditions and contributions from the triplet excited states of ZnP and ImC60 , as revealed by the nanosecond transient spectral studies. Better utilization of light energy in generating the long-lived charge-separated state with the help of the present "antenna-reaction-center" model system has been successfully demonstrated.
Effects of processing methods and extraction solvents on concentration and antioxidant activity of peanut skin phenolics.

Abstract Peanut skin is a by-product of the peanut industry that has low economic value despite its high content of antioxidants such as phenolics. The effects of three skin removal methods (direct peeling, blanching, and roasting) and extraction solvents (water, ethanol, and methanol) on total phenolics and total antioxidant activities (TAA) of peanut skin extracts were studied, and the composition of extracts were determined by HPLC. Results show that both skin removal methods and extraction solvents had significant effects on total extractable phenolics and TAA, with the combination of roasting and ethanol extraction being the most efficient recovery method. One gram dry peanut skin contained 90–125 mg total phenolics. TAAs of water and ethanol extracts of peanut skin were 3.39 and 4.10 mM Trolox Equivalent/mM of total phenolics compared with 1.91 and 2.46, respectively, for green tea. Three classes of phenolics (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and stilbene) were found in peanut skin extracts.
Once found, what then? A study of “keeping” behaviors in the personal use of Web information

This observational study investigates the methods people use in their workplace to organize web information for re-use. In addition to the bookmarking and history list tools provided by web browsers, people observed in our study used a variety of other methods and associated tools. For example, several participants emailed web addresses (URLs) along with comments to themselves and to others. Other methods observed included printing out web pages, saving web pages to the hard drive, pasting the address for a web page into a document and pasting the address into a personal web site. Differences emerged between people according to their workplace role and their relationship to the information they were gathering. Managers, for example, depended heavily on email to gather and disseminate information and did relatively little direct exploration of the Web. A functional analysis helps to explain differences in “keeping” behavior between people and to explain the overall diversity of methods observed. People differ in the functions they require according to their workplace role and the tasks they must perform; methods vary widely in the functions they provide. The functional analysis can also help to assess the likely success of various tools, current and proposed.
Neuroethics and the Ethical Parity Principle

Neil Levy offers the most prominent moral principles that are specifically and exclusively designed to apply to neuroethics. His two closely related principles, labeled as versions of the ethical parity principle (EPP), are intended to resolve moral concerns about neurological modification and enhancement [1]. Though EPP is appealing and potentially illuminating, we reject the first version and substantially modify the second. Since his first principle, called EPP (strong), is dependent on the contention that the mind literally extends into external props such as paper notebooks and electronic devices, we begin with an examination of the extended mind hypothesis (EMH) and its use in Levy’s EPP (strong). We argue against reliance on EMH as support for EPP (strong). We turn to his second principle, EPP (weak), which is not dependent on EMH but is tied to the acceptable claim that the mind is embedded in, because dependent on, external props. As a result of our critique of EPP (weak), we develop a modified version of EPP (weak), which we argue is more acceptable than Levy’s principle. Finally, we evaluate the applicability of our version of EPP (weak).
SUCCESSIONAL CHANGES IN BACTERIAL ASSEMBLAGE STRUCTURE DURING EPILITHIC BIOFILM DEVELOPMENT

Although bacteria are often treated as one entity in ecological studies, bacterial assemblages are composed of individual species populations. Bacterial assemblages can have their own richness and structure, analogous to communities of plants and animals, although few studies have attempted to describe spatial or temporal patterns in their structure. In this study, we examined successional changes in the structure of bacterial assemblages using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplified 16S rDNA fragments. Bacterial biofilm assemblages developing on glass slides in a mesocosm and a small lake showed an initial increase in richness over the first week, followed by a slight decrease and a subsequent increase after two to three months. Functional changes in the bacterial community were examined using most probable number estimates and revealed decreases in the abundance of glucose- and cellulose-degraders during biofilm development, whereas benzoate-degraders became more abundant in the lake biofilms. The banding patterns observed on DGGE gels were used to derive rank-abundance profiles for each stage of biofilm development. These profiles resembled those observed for communities of macroorganisms and could usually be described by geometric series models. These models suggested greater equitability in bacterial community structure as the biofilms developed. A comparison of two successional series of biofilms separated by 30 d revealed that neither successional stage nor time of sampling was the major factor influencing bacterial assemblage structure. Our results allowed us to suggest a general model for the development of bacterial biofilm assemblages that emphasizes the interaction of species and resource diversity. This model suggests that, at least in biofilms, bacterial assemblages may not be structured by the resource competition or niche-driven patterns typical of communities of macroorganisms.
EFFECTS OF GRADUATE COURSEWORK ON THE GRE QUANTITATIVE SCORE FOR RECENT AND NONRECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES

Previous research has shown that the mean quantitative score on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test or GRE quantitative score, declines with age of the examinee, while the mean GRE verbal score remains relatively constant. It is assumed that the age-related decline in quantitative score is due, at least in part, to an increase in time away from formal academic work. A hypothesis that follows from this observation is that taking formal quantitative coursework, such as that provided in graduate school, should cause nonrecent graduates' mean GRE quantitative score to rebound to a level that is closer to that of recent graduates. To test this hypothesis, recent and nonrecent college graduates who were currently enrolled in graduate programs in the social sciences, for whom preadmission GRE scores were available, and who had some quantitative coursework in those programs, were identified. Recent graduates were those who had graduated one year or less before taking the GRE, and nonrecent graduates were those who had graduated (or last received postgraduate schooling) seven years or more before taking the GRE. All students were administered an abbreviated General Test. The results failed to support the hypothesis; the difference between 264 recent and 66 nonrecent graduates' quantitative performance on the second (abbreviated) GRE test was just as pronounced, relative to scale, as was the difference on the first (preadmission) GRE test. Possible reasons for these results are discussed.
Deacylation Transition States of a Bacterial DD-Peptidase†

β-Lactam antibiotics restrict bacterial growth by inhibition of DD-peptidases. These enzymes catalyze the final transpeptidation step in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Although much structural information is now available for these enzymes, the mechanism of the actual transpeptidation reaction has not been studied in detail. The reaction is known to involve a double displacement mechanism with an acyl-enzyme intermediate, which can be attacked by water, specific amino acids, peptides and other acyl acceptors. We describe in this paper an investigation of acyl acceptor specificity and assess the need for general base catalysis in the deacylation transition state of the Streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase. We show, by the criterion of solvent deuterium kinetic isotope effect measurements and proton inventories that the transition states of specific and non-specific substrates are very similar, at least with respect to proton motion. The transition states for attack (tetrahedral intermediate formation) by D-amino acids and Gly-L-Xaa dipeptides do not include a general base catalyst while such catalysis is essential for reaction with water and D-α-hydroxy acids. D-α-Hydroxy acids act as acyl acceptors for glycyl substrates but not for more specific D-alanyl substrates; hydroxy acids actually behave, more generally, as mixed inhibitors of the DD-peptidase. The structural and mechanistic bases of these observations are discussed; they should inform transition state analogue design.
A new approach for solving symmetric eigenvalue problems

Abstract In this paper, we present a new approach for the solution to a series of slightly perturbed symmetric eigenvalue problems (A + BSiBT)x = λx, 0 ≤ i ≤ m, where A = A T ϵ R n × n , B ϵ R n × p , and S i = S T i ϵ R p × p , p ⪡ n. The matrix B is assumed to have full column rank. The main idea of our approach lies in a specific choice of starting vectors used in the block Lanczos algorithm so that the effect of the perturbations is confined to lie in the first diagonal block of the block tridiagonal matrix that is produced by the block Lanczos algorithm. Subsequently, for the perturbed eigenvalue problems under our consideration, the block Lanczos scheme needs to be applied to the original (unperturbed) matrix only once and then the first diagonal block updated for each perturbation so that for low-rank perturbations, the algorithm presented in this paper results in significant savings. Numerical examples based on finite element vibration analysis illustrate the advantages of this approach.
INTRAVESICAL JACKSON-PRATT DRAIN FOR URINARY DIVERSION AFTER AUGMENTATION CYSTOPLASTY

Purpose: Augmentation cystoplasty has become a primary form of bladder management in children with a noncompliant bladder. Excellent urinary drainage is required for anastomotic healing and the removal of mucous buildup. Suprapubic drainage traditionally involves a Malecot catheter, although poor irrigation and dislodgment of this type of catheter are well-known complications. We report the placement of an intravesical Jackson-Pratt drain for urinary diversion in augmented bladders.Materials and Methods: We reviewed our use of an intravesical Jackson-Pratt drain for urinary diversion between 1995 and 1999 in 17 patients. Postoperative catheter drainage and irrigation characteristics were assessed as well as catheter related complications.Results: Average patient age was 13 years (range 3 to 27). The majority of patients underwent ileal (11) or sigmoid (4) cystoplasty and 1 each underwent composite and ureteral cystoplasty. Drains remained in place an average of 27 days (range 6 to 57). All patients had ex...
Temperature-programmed desorption/reaction and in situ spectroscopic studies of vanadia/titania for catalytic reduction of nitric oxide

Abstract Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) studies were conducted to probe the catalytic chemistry of nitric oxide reduction by ammonia on thin films of titania, vanadia, and vanadia/titania at vacuum conditions, as well as on powdered catalysts under flow conditions. The activation energies and enthalpies of ammonia desorption estimated in vacuum and powder TPD studies, respectively, are comparable, consistent with nonactivated ammonia adsorption. The enthalpies of ammonia desorption range from about 18 to 26 kcal/mol over vanadia, vanadia/titania, and titania, with the enthalpy increasing with decreasing vanadia content. In situ IR measurements of the surface ammonia coverages under reaction conditions for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide suggest that ammonia adsorption on Lewis acid sites is stronger than on Bronsted acid sites and ammonia adsorption is not rate determining for the SCR reaction. Significant amounts of adsorbed NO are not present on vanadia/titania surfaces under SCR reaction conditions. Vacuum and powder TPR studies indicate that the activation energy for the formation of N2 from NO and NH3 is about 20 kcal/mol, independent of whether the NO species is strongly adsorbed (under vacuum TPR conditions) or weakly adsorbed (under powder TPR conditions).
Nutrient and alkalinity removal by corn grain, stover and cob harvest in Upper Midwest USA

Abstract In the USA, most corn stover currently remains in fields as crop residue that provides soil erosion control and maintains soil organic carbon levels. This stover is a potential biofuel feedstock for direct combustion, pyrolysis, and ethanol fermentation. At a research site in south central Wisconsin, the northern edge of the US Corn Belt, corn grain harvest averaged 9.8 Mg ha −1 DM over a 6-year period, 1997 to 2002. Removal of all stover could recover an additional 7.2 Mg ha −1 y −1 DM and, in the process, remove an additional 47, 6, 81 and 197 kg ha −1 y −1 of N, P, K and calcium carbonate equivalent, respectively. The fertilizer replacement cost for stover removal is 32 $ Mg −1 DM, which is 95% of the fertilizer value of the grain. However, most of the N, P, K and alkalinity of the stover is found in the leaves, stalk, and husks, not in the cob. At our study site, complete stover removal would export 235 $ ha −1 y −1 of fertilizer and limestone, mainly as K, while cob export would be worth 20 $ ha −1 y −1 in nutrient equivalents. Based on this research, removal of cobs only is equivalent to 16.6% of total stover removal but with a greatly reduced fertilizer replacement cost of 17 $ Mg −1 DM and the same energy density.
Validity Studies of Scores from a Delinquency-Proneness Scale

The purpose of this study was to investigate two modes of ad- ministration (paper and pencil and slide projector) o€ a delinquency-proneness (D.P) scale in relation to criterion data concerning past and future school and legal difficulties and withdrawal from school. D-P scores were also considered rn relation to measures of personal aggression, indolence, and rigidity. Ss were 400 male and female white tenth grade students in three Florida public schools. It was concluded thac neither mode was superior to the other in predicting the criterion measures. A statistically non-significant tendency for persons with high aggression and low rigidity to produce higher D-P scores on the projected mode than on the paper and pencil mode was noted. The discrepancy between the magnitude of D-P scores for the two modes increased as the item exposure interval for the projected mode decreased. This report deals with relationships between sets of delinquency-proneness scores and (a) criterion data, and (b) measures of personal aggression, indo- lence, and rigidity. Previous studies (Curtis, 1961; King, 1961) revealed chat the administration of the delinquency-proneness scale by projecting items one at a time on a screen led to higher mean scores chan did the normal paper and pencil adminiscration; however, che increment in scores for delinquents was substantially less than thac for nondelinquents although the former group in each case had higher absolute scores. The scudies also revealed thac sex differences appeared co affect the scores, thac the order of presenting the two administrations led to score differences, and thac the interaction of order of adminiscration and exposure interval, i.e., the duration which each item appeared on the screen during the projected administration, was significant. Because of the significant differences mentioned above and ochers which are not described here, the question arose as to whether the two modes of administration would lead to scores which would relate differently to various criteria which directly or indireccly related to delinquency-proneness. It was also of interest to deter- mine whether the differences between normal and projected delinquency-prone- ness scores would be associated with measures of personal aggression, indolence, and rigidity inasmuch as these would appear to be related both to delinquency- proneness pe7 se and to performance under the modes of cesc presencacion which were employed.
Synthesis of nor-C-linked neuraminic acid disaccharide: a versatile precursor of C-analogs of oligosialic acids and gangliosides.

The Neu5Acα(2,8)Neu5Ac disaccharide is an important constituent of tumor related antigen, however, the O-linkage is catabolically unstable. Vaccination with a catabolically stable sialic acid C-glycoside analog might enhance immunogenicity. The synthesis of Neu5Ac nor-C-disaccharide 20R/S, corresponding to versatile precursors of C-analogs of oligosialic acid and gangliosides, is reported. The synthesis of the protected acceptor was not straightforward, as ester, silyl ether, and isopropylidene protection failed to afford desired C-linked disaccharide. Allyl ether protection of hydroxyl groups and acetyl protection of the acetamido facilitated the successful synthesis of the 8-aldehyde neuraminyl acceptor. Samarium mediated C-glycosylation afforded the desired nor-C-disaccharide as a mixture of two separable diastereomers.
The smallest borazine-fused cyclacenes: Novel N–H conformations in cyclo-BN-anthracene and cyclo-BN-tetracene from Hartree-Fock and density functional calculations

Abstract The structures and properties of the smallest possible borazine-fused cyclacenes, cyclo -BN-anthracene and cyclo -BN-tetracene ([6] 3 BN-cyclacene and [6] 4 BN-cyclacene), have been determined at the RHF/6-31G∗ and B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels of theory. In addition, novel conformers of both molecules in which one or more of the N–H moieties are aligned approximately perpendicular to the belt direction have been investigated and have been found to be comparable in energy to the conformers in which all of the N–H moieties are aligned approximately parallel to the belt direction. At the density functional B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory, the most stable of these conformers for [6] 3 BN-cyclacene is not the conformer in which all of the N–H moieties are aligned approximately parallel with the belt direction, but rather the conformer in which one of the N–H moieties is aligned approximately perpendicular with the belt direction. For the [6] 4 BN-cyclacene, however, the conformer with all of the N–H moieties aligned parallel to the belt direction is the most stable, although other conformers are reasonably similar in energy.
Effects of limb disability on lousiness in mice. IV. Evidence of genetic factors in susceptibility to Polyplax serrata.

Abstract When amputee mice were infested with lice ( Polyplax serrata ) Burm. and kept individually, most of them rapidly developed comparable louse populations. However, certain mice appeared to resist development of louse populations. Several strains of mice were tested and a wide range in susceptibility to infestation with lice was found. The greatest number of lice developed on C57BL/6JN mice and the smallest number on mice of the CFW strain. Those strains of mice that supported the largest number of lice had the greatest mortality. The cross breeding of resistant and susceptible strains of mice revealed evidence of a genetic mechanism. From these crosses it was established that the sex of the resistant parent may be a genetic factor influencing the reaction of the offspring to louse infestation. Coat color of the mice appeared to influence louse infestations, but these studies were inconclusive. Attempts by selective breeding to enhance the natural resistance exhibited by certain mice were not successful. Nevertheless, progeny of resistant parents were as resistant as the parents.
Resilience in Organ Transplantation: An Application of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD–RISC) With Liver Transplant Candidates

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a chronic and debilitating condition associated with substantial psychological stress, morbidity, and mortality. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC; Connor & Davidson, 2003 ) is a commonly used resilience measure. This research examined the validity of the CD-RISC among ESLD patients (N = 120) using exploratory factor analysis. Results supported a single-factor solution after removing poorly loading items. The CD-RISC also was correlated with measures of depression, anxiety, quality of life, social support, age, and cognitive ability, thus providing evidence to support its construct validity. Future research should confirm this factor structure and examine its predictive validity prior to widespread use among ESLD patients. This research represents the first step in this process and proposes an alternative version of the CD-RISC for this population.
Spatial and Temporal Analyses of Terrorist Incidents in Iraq, 2004-2006

Terrorist incidents are not random in space or time. Understanding the current spatial and temporal patterns of terrorist incidents, as well as predicting future trends, is vital for effective counterterrorist efforts. This article focuses on terrorist incidents in Iraq, which are defined here as attacks, both successful and unsuccessful, in order to detect patterns in the establishment of terrorist activity spaces. Using Geographic Information Science (GISc), this project carries out a series of spatial and temporal cluster identification analyses on recent terrorist incidents in Iraq.
Development of a fluorescence model for the binding of medium- to long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids to human serum albumin through a mechanistic evaluation of spectroscopic evidence.

A novel model for measuring the strength of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) binding to human serum albumin (HSA) by use of the protein’s native fluorescence is described. The model is derived from published properties of HSA and its interactions with other surfactants; it is consistent with these properties and experimental observations. The model’s validity has been tested with both medium- to long-chain PFAAs (perfluoroheptanoate, perfluorooctanoate, perfluorononanoate, perfluorodecanoate, perfluoroundecanoate, perfluorohexanesulfonate, and perfluorooctanesulfonate) and short-chain PFAAs (perfluorohexanoate and perfluorobutanesulfonate). These experiments confirm the model as a valid description for the binding of medium- to long-chain PFAAs to HSA. Results indicate at least 2−3 PFAAs bind to each protein with affinity on the order of 104 M−1. These binding strengths exhibit a dependence on protein concentration. Measured PFAA binding constants are approximately 10% of those values reported for fatty acids o...
Static Converter for High Energy Utilization, Modular, Small Nuclear Power Plants

This paper presents and analyzes the performance of high efficiency, high total energy utilization, static converters, which could be used in conjunction with small nuclear reactor plants in remote locations and in undersea applications, requiring little or no maintenance. The converters consist of a top cycle of Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Conversion (AMTEC) units and PbTe thermoelectric (TE) bottom cycle. In addition to converting the reactor thermal power to electricity at 1150 K or less, at a thermodynamic efficiency in the low to mid thirties, the heat rejection from the TE bottom cycle could be used for space heating, industrial processing, or sea water desalination. The results indicated that for space heating applications, where the rejected thermal power from the TE bottom cycle is removed by natural convection of ambient air, a total utilization of the reactor thermal power of > 80% is possible. When operated at 1030 K, potassium AMTEC/TE converters are not only more efficient than the sodium AMTEC/TE converters but produce more electrical power. The present analysis showed that a single converter could be sized to produce up to 100 kWe and 70 kWe, for the Na-AMTEC/TE units when operating at 1150 K and the K-AMTEC/TE units when operating at 1030 K, respectively. Such modularity is an added advantage to the high-energy utilization of the present AMTEC/TE converters.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Exploring the presentation of news information about the HPV vaccine: a content analysis of a representative sample of U.S. newspaper articles.

Approximately 20 million people in the United States have genital human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection linked to cancer. We examined the news information presented about the HPV vaccine in major U.S. newspapers over the 19 months following its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. To answer the question of how news information is presented in ways that might influence public health, we explored the frequency of cancer prevention and sexually transmitted infection prevention message frames used to describe the HPV vaccine, the extent to which journalists relied on official sources, and the presence of personal examples. A content analysis of 547 newspaper articles revealed that less than half of the articles provided detailed health information. Of the articles that contained a message frame, cancer prevention was most frequently employed. Government/political sources, medical doctors, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were the most commonly cited sourc...
Ionospheric Spectroscopy and Atmospheric Chemistry (ISAAC) experiment on the Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS): quick look results

The Ionospheric Spectroscopy And Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment is a high resolution mid-ultraviolet Ebert-Fastie spectrograph that is flying on the USAF Advanced Research and Global Observing Satellite (ARGOS, launched 23 February 1999). The instrument is designed to spectrally resolve the rotational structure of the nitric oxide bands, which will be used to infer the temperature in the lower thermosphere (90 - 200 km altitude range). The instrument is operated as a limb imager with a limb scan occurring every 100 seconds throughout the expected three year mission life. The ARGOS is in a sun-synchronous, near-polar orbit at 833 km altitude with an ascending node crossing time of 2:30 PM. We will present an overview of the instrument and discuss its calibration and in-flight performance.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.