cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel a-factor-related peptide of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that exits the cell by a Ste6p-independent mechanism.

Abstract Many secreted signaling molecules are synthesized as precursors that undergo multiple maturation steps to generate their mature forms. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pheromone a-factor is a C-terminally isoprenylated and carboxylmethylated dodecapeptide that is initially synthesized as a larger precursor containing 36 or 38 amino acids. We have previously shown that the maturation of a-factor occurs by an ordered biogenesis pathway involving 1) three C-terminal modification steps, 2) two N-terminal proteolytic processing events, and 3) a nonclassical export mechanism mediated by the ATP-binding-cassette (ABC) transporter Ste6p. In the present study, we demonstrate that an unexpected and abundant a-factor-related peptide (AFRP) exists in the culture fluid of MATa cells and that its biogenesis is integrally related to that of mature a-factor itself. We show by purification followed by mass spectrometry that AFRP corresponds to the C-terminal 7 amino acids (VFWDPAC) of mature a-factor (YIIKGVFWDPAC), including both the farnesyl- and carboxylmethylcysteine modifications. The formation and export of AFRP displays three striking features. First, we show that AFRP is produced intracellularly and that mutants (ste24 and axl1) that cannot produce mature a-factor due to an N-terminal processing defect are nevertheless normal for AFRP production. Thus, AFRP is not derived from mature a-factor but, instead, from the P1 form of the a-factor precursor. Second, fusion constructs with foreign amino acids substituted for authentic a-factor residues still yield AFRP-sized molecules; however, the composition of these corresponds to the altered residues instead of to AFRP residues. Thus, AFRP may be generated by a sequence-dependent but length-specific proteolytic activity. Third, a-factor and AFRP use distinct cellular machinery for their secretion. Whereas a-factor export is Ste6p-dependent, AFRP is secreted normally even in a ste6 deletion mutant. Thus, AFRP may exit the cell by another ATP-binding-cassette transporter, a different type of transporter altogether, or possibly by diffusion. Taken together, these studies indicate that the biogenesis of AFRP involves novel mechanisms and machinery, distinct from those used to generate mature a-factor. Because AFRP neither stimulates nor inhibits mating or a-factor halo activity, its function remains an intriguing question.
Equivariant completions of rings with reductive group action

Abstract Let the connected reductive algebraic group G act on the affine variety X , over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. The largest G -rational submodule of the completion of the coordinate ring of X along the ideal of a closed orbit is an equivariant completion. If the orbit is a local complete intersection in X , and if H denotes its stabilizer, then it is shown that the equivariant completion is G -isomorphic to the equivariant completion of the induction from H to G of the symmetric algebra of a finite-dimensional H -module.
Transport Coefficients of a Normal Fermi Liquid: Application to Liquid He 3

The transport coefficients of a normal Fermi liquid in the extreme low-temperature limit and the leading finite-temperature contributions to the transport coefficients are studied using the quasiparticle transport equation. The scattering amplitude for quasiparticles on the Fermi surface is expressed in terms of Landau parameters, using an approximation which takes into account $s$- and $p$-wave scattering; the calculated values of the transport coefficients in the extreme low-temperature limit for liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental values. Finite-temperature contributions to the transport coefficients are expressed in terms of the solution of the transport equation in the extreme low-temperature limit, and explicit calculations are performed for the case of liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$. Assuming Landau parameters with $l\ensuremath{\ge}2$ vanish, an estimate of the Landau parameter $F_{1}^{}{}_{}{}^{a}$ for liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ is obtained by comparing the theoretical and experimental values of the leading finite-temperature contributions to the transport coefficients.
Persistent Aerial Video Registration and Fast Multi-View Mosaicing

Capturing aerial imagery at high resolutions often leads to very low frame rate video streams, well under full motion video standards, due to bandwidth, storage, and cost constraints. Low frame rates make registration difficult when an aircraft is moving at high speeds or when global positioning system (GPS) contains large errors or it fails. We present a method that takes advantage of persistent cyclic video data collections to perform an online registration with drift correction. We split the persistent aerial imagery collection into individual cycles of the scene, identify and correct the registration errors on the first cycle in a batch operation, and then use the corrected base cycle as a reference pass to register and correct subsequent passes online. A set of multi-view panoramic mosaics is then constructed for each aerial pass for representation, presentation and exploitation of the 3D dynamic scene. These sets of mosaics are all in alignment to the reference cycle allowing their direct use in change detection, tracking, and 3D reconstruction/visualization algorithms. Stereo viewing with adaptive baselines and varying view angles is realized by choosing a pair of mosaics from a set of multi-view mosaics. Further, the mosaics for the second pass and later can be generated and visualized online as their is no further batch error correction.
Preliminary evidence of early deglaciation in southern Chile

Abstract The end of the last ice age in the channels of southern Chile is recorded by resumed sedimentation in formerly ice-filled basins. To identify the timing of initial ice retreat in Southern Chile, we examined ice-proximal sediments from a proglacial lake along the eastern margin of the Magallanes ice sheet, an environment thought to be sensitive to initial melting (Porter, S.C., Clapperton, C.M., Sugden, D.E., 1992. Chronology and dynamics of deglaciation along and near the Strait of Magellan, southernmost South America. Sver. Geol. Unders. 81, 233–239). AMS-radiocarbon dates of the supra-till deposits in two cores indicate that sedimentation resumed 18 radiocarbon kyr. Deposition in kettle-holes and bogs on the adjacent land surfaces began at the same time or earlier (17–25 radiocarbon kyr) (Clapperton, C.M., Sugden, D.E., Kaufman, D.S., McCulloch, R.D., 1995. The last glaciation in central Magellan Strait, Southernmost Chile. Quat. Res. 44, 133–148). Our preliminary interpretation is that these events indicate initial deglaciation in the region and the formation of a large proglacial lake, followed several thousand years later by the invasion of salt water as sea level rose. Deglaciation in southern Chile occurred too early to be forced by the resumption of North Atlantic Deep Water formation, sea level rise, or northern hemisphere summer insolation, and we suggest instead that southern insolation played a role. The time of initial deglaciation in southern Chile (21–27 calendar kyr) occurred as southern hemisphere annual insolation increased from a minimum at 29 calendar kyr (6 W/m 2 less than today at 80°S).
On the evolution of genetic incompatibility systems. IV. Modification of response to an existing antigen polymorphism under partial selfing.

Abstract A 2-locus model of the evolution of self-incompatibility in a population practicing partial selling is presented. An allele is introduced at a modifier locus which influences the strength of the rejection reaction expressed by the style in response to antigens recognized in pollen. Two causes of inbreeding depression are investigated. First, offspring viability depends solely on the source (self or non-self) of the fertilizing pollen. Second, offspring viability declines with the expression of recessive deleterious alleles, segregating at a third (disease) locus, which exhibit an imperfect association with antigen alleles. Evolutionary changes occurring at the disease locus are not considered in this study. The condition under which a modifier allele that intensifies the incompatibility reaction increases when rare depends upon the number of antigens, the frequency of recessive deleterious alleles at the disease locus, and the level of association between the antigen locus and the disease locus. It is the improvement of viability among offspring derived by outcrossing, rather than the prevention of self-fertilization, that may represent the primary evolutionary function of genetic incompatibility systems.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISOLATED SLEEP PARALYSIS AND GEOMAGNETIC INFLUENCES :A CASE STUDY

This preliminary report, of a longitudinal study, looks at the relationship between geomagnetic activity and the incidence of isolated sleep paralysis over a 23.5-mo. period. The author, who has frequently and for the last 24 years experienced isolated sleep paralysis was the subject. In addition, incidence of lucid dreaming, vivid dreams, and total dream frequency were looked at with respect to geomagnetic activity. The data were in the form of dream-recall frequency recorded in a diary. These frequency data were correlated with geomagnetic activity k-index values obtained from two observatories. A significant correlation was obtained between periods of local geomagnetic activity and the incidence of isolated sleep paralysis. Specifically, periods of relatively quiet geomagnetic activity were significantly associated with an increased incidence of episodes.
Mass spectrometry combined with mass spectrometry

Abstract Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a rapidly growing field of high promise for structure determination and quantitative analysis because of its sensitivity, specificity and speed. Rapid progress has been made in instrumentation, including the triple quadrupole and tandem double-focusing instruments, automated with on-line computers. Probably the most valuable application to date is the quantitative analysis of targeted compounds at trace levels with high specificity. However, the extra information available from MS/MS appears to be of particular value for the structure determination of large molecules, such as those best ionized by fast atom bombardment.
Structural variability in neptunium(V) oxalate compounds: synthesis and structural characterization of Na2NpO2(C2O4)OH.H2O.

Reaction of a 237Np(V) stock solution in the presence of oxalic acid, calcium chloride, and sodium hydroxide under hydrothermal conditions produces single crystals of a neptunium(V) oxalate, Na2NpO...
Resolving a scientific embarrassment: A comment on the articles in this special issue:

The controversy concerning the two dominant interpretations of Factor V reflects a confusion in the scientific literature between two different five‐factor models, each proposed for a different pur...
Nerve injury during uterosacral ligament fixation: a cadaver study.

Introduction and hypothesis The objective of this study was to identify nerve(s) vulnerable to entrapment during uterosacral ligament fixation (USLF), which could cause postoperative lower extremity pain previously described in the literature.
A Proposed Model for Authenticating Knowledge Transfer in Online Discussion Forums

Discussion forums are often utilized in the online classroom to build a sense of community, encourage collaboration and exchange, and measure time on task. A review of the literature revealed that there is little research that examines the role of the online discussion forum as a mechanism for knowledge transfer. Researchers reviewed 21 course sections of a graduate organizational behavior course in an effort to determine if knowledge transfer occurred in the discussion forums. Student and faculty responses in the discussion forum were analyzed using NVivo10. The authors conclude that there is evidence to support authentic knowledge transfer in the online discussion forums on a student-to-student basis but not from faculty to student. This paper discusses the results of the study and proposes a model to evaluate and authenticate discussion question prompts as knowledge transfer agents. The proposed model provides a mechanism which focuses on the enablers of trust/reputation, creativity/innovation, expression of existing knowledge, real world application, and knowledge stewardship in the discussion forums in an effort to promote knowledge transfer. This model may be beneficial to instructional designers, subject matter experts and faculty when designing and delivering online discussion assignments.
Factors Resulting in Successes and Failures for Small Businesses in the Small Business Institute Program at Syracuse University

During the 1970s the U.S. Congress inaugurated a program of managerial assistance to meld the talents and needs of local small-business communities, nearby educational institutions of higher business learning, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. This program was known as the Small Business Institute. The authors analyzed the experience of Syracuse University with the program from 1973 to 1997 and found that some problems faced by small businesses persisted over time, although there were significant shifts in other problems as the economic environment changed. We also found that the chances for survival of our client firms varied by industry, with manufacturing, retailing, and professional and nonprofessional service firms most likely to survive.
A rapid screening method for the estimation of total glycoalkaloids in potato tubers

A rapid method for estimating the total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content of potato tubers is described which allows TGA content to be classified into three groups: (i) low TGA containing ( 35 mg TGA 100 g−1 fresh weight). The method is intended for use by plant breeders, particularly when high TGA content might be expected in hybrid clones where one or both parents is derived from a wild species. The TGA concentration in juice expressed from potato periderm and cortex tissue was assayed by thin layer chromatography. The method utilises a direct relationship which was established between the glycoalkaloid concentration in expressed juice and the TGA content of the whole tuber and enables up to 50 analyses to be completed in 1 day by one operator without the need for expensive equipment.
O-025 Bigger Is Better – The Relevance of Coils In The Era Of Flow-Diversion

Introduction As aneurysm treatment transitions towards flow-diversion, coils may become less important. This coupled with the emphasis on healthcare economics requires an assessment of the coil types that may be pertinent in future. We hypothesised that larger coils provide the biggest “bang for the buck” in occluding aneurysms and hence may be more relevant than smaller, shorter coils. Methodology A retrospective analysis was performed on 402 aneurysms. Aneurysm were divided into: 11 mm (n = 54). Coil-thickness was dichotomized into ≤0.0115” and >0.115”. An analysis of aneurysms with 100% use of either ≤0.0115” or >0.115” coils was performed for each group. The effect of “framing” coils on the final packing density (PD) was also calculated. The financial impact of coil choice was factored into each aneurysm treatment. Results The mean age was 57.5(±12) years and there were 320(79.6%) female patients. The mean PD was 25%(±13). The PD was 30%(±15) for the 11 mm-group (p 0.0115”(n = 160), the PD was 27.4%(±15), (p = 0.002). The final PD was 26%(±14) if the first or “framing” coil was >0.0115 (n = 251), versus a PD of 23%(±11) if the framing coil was ≤0.0115” (n = 148), (p = 0.03). The final PD rose to 27%(±14) if the first two coils were >0.0115 (n = 212), versus a PD of 23%(±11) if the first two coils were ≤0.0115” (n = 172), (p = 0.01). The impact of coil choice (all coils ≤0.0115” versus all coils >0.0115) on PD, number of coils deployed and cost of coils for aneurysms 0.0115”. For aneurysms between 6–11 mm, there was no significant difference in PD based on coils used, however to achieve a similar PD, significantly more coils at a significantly higher cost had to be used in the ≤0.0115” group. Conclusion Flow-diverters are approved for large aneurysms. The potential next target for these devices is aneurysms between 6–11 mm and perhaps smaller. The question is what function coils may have in this emerging era? A potential use is in conjunction with endo-luminal devices – an adjunctive rather than a primary role. If PD is a measure of aneurysm occlusion than certainly coils larger than 0.0115 fare better in either achieving a higher PD than smaller coils or a similar PD with less number of coils and at a reduced cost. This effect is evident even if only the framing coils are >0.0115. We can thus speculate that smaller OD coils will increasingly become irrelevant as the field evolves. Disclosures A. Rai: 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Codman Neuro. B. Cline: None. J. Patterson: None. A. Tarabishy: None. J. Carpenter: None.
Humic acid complexation of basic and neutral polycyclic aromatic compounds.

Complexation by humic acid (HA) of basic (quinoline) and neutral (naphthalene) polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) was compared using fluorescence spectroscopy and equilibrium dialysis (ED). These compounds sorb to HA via cation exchange and hydrophobic interactions, respectively. Ionization of quinoline strongly affects its sorption to HA; maximum sorption is observed at pH close to log Kb (4.92), and competition with H þ and electrolyte cation (Li þ )i s evident. Spectroscopic experiments indicate that quinolinium (QH þ ) cation fluorescence is quenched via a static mechanism (i.e., a dark complex is formed) when the protonated form is adsorbed via ion exchange to HA. The extent of sorption, calculated from fluorescence data using the Stern–Volmer equation, was compared to independent ED measurements. Although both methods indicated the same trends with solution chemistry, fluorescence quenching data suggested more extensive complexation than that measured using ED. In contrast to ionizable PACs, studied here and previously, interaction of naphthalene with HA is unaffected by changes in solution conditions (pH, ionic strength). 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Image segmentation by a parallel, non-parametric histogram based clustering algorithm

Abstract This paper describes a totally automatic non-parametric clustering algorithm and its application to unsupervised image segmentation. The clusters are found by mode analysis of the multidimensional histogram of the considered vectors through a non-iterative peak-climbing approach. Systematic methods for automatic selection of an appropriate histogram cell size are developed and discussed. The algorithm is easily parallelizable and is simulated on a SEQUENT parallel computer. Image segmentation is performed by clustering features extracted from small local areas of the image. Segmentation of textured, color, and gray-level images are considered. Eight-dimensional random field model based features, three-dimensional RGB components, and one-dimensional gray levels are utilized for these three types of images respectively. For texture segmentation, an image plane cluster validity procedure based on region growing of the mapped back clusters in the feature space is developed. Most of the phases are also parallelized resulting in almost linear speed ups. Quite satisfactory results are obtained in all cases.
Berlioz's “Letters on Russia”

From November 1855 to April 1856, Berlioz published an account of the “Voyage en Russie” that he had embarked on eight years earlier. It is uncharacteristic of him to have waited so long before putting in print the story of his travels and to have offered the story to a monthly magazine for young women, the Magasin des demoiselles. The five articles that appeared there soon found their way, revised, into three chapters of the Memoires that Berlioz had been composing since 1848 and that he would bring to completion in 1865. At the time of the first publication of the Russian travels, France was engaged in the Crimean War: a complex affair in which France, allied with Great Britain, opposed and eventually defeated the designs of Russia and Tsar Nicholas I (to whom Berlioz had dedicated the score of the Symphonie fantastique) upon the failing Ottoman Empire. Berlioz, whose son was then serving in the merchant marines, had nothing but kind words for the Russians who had so warmly and richly welcomed him in 18...
Iodine Solution as a Sporicidal Agent

Since the latter part of the 19th century, much has been written extolling the alleged virtues of iodine as an antiseptic. The sporicidal action of iodine has been reported but discrepancies appear in the results. Comparative studies have been made between water and water-alcoholic iodine solutions in which the water solutions have consistently been shown to be more efficient. This in vitro study reports on the sporicidal efficiency of a 2 per cent water-iodine solution (iodine solution N. F. IX). Both “wet” and “dry” techniques were employed, using conditions with different pH values. Iodine solution N. F. IX was found to be effective against the spores of B. anthracis, B. subtilis, B. megatherium, B. mesentericus, and Cl. tetani.
EGF mediates multiple signals: dependence on the conditions.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been reported to both increase and decrease proliferation and apoptosis. In KB cells, EGF-induced alteration in proliferation and apoptosis are concentration and time dependent. High concentrations of EGF (10 - 7 and 10 - 8 M) stimulated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis at 24 h, with apoptosis increasing with prolonged exposure. Low concentrations of EGF (10 - 1 0 -10 - 1 1 M) inhibited apoptosis without affecting proliferation. EGFR protein expression was downregulated at high and upregulated at low EGF concentrations. Significant inverse correlation was shown between EGFR expression level and apoptosis. These results suggest the EGF receptor involvement in the modulation of apoptosis and the role of EGF anti-apoptotic effects in EGF-induced apoptosis.
Teaching problem-solving strategies in the technical communication classroom

A description is given of the EPICS program at the Colorado School of Mines, which teaches problem solving and communication as one. The design of the program's curriculum is discussed, as is the author's experience with the program.
Statistical modelling, matched-field processing and matched-field inversion at high frequencies

Matched-field processing (MFP) is a generalized form of beamforming which uses knowledge of the acoustic environment to predict the pressure field at the receiver array, from which a weight vector is computed. This is used to weight and sum the measured field components to product an output analogous to beamforming. It has been shown that MFP is sensitive to mismatch between the modelled and actual environments. In this paper it is shown that the sensitivity of MFP to mismatch increases with frequency, because prediction of the field detail becomes more difficult with increasing frequency. It is shown that certain statistical properties of the acoustic field can be predicted at high frequencies, and these can be used to infer environmental parameters and hence improve the performance of MFP. An algorithm is proposed which uses statistical properties of environmental uncertainty and focalization to give improved MFP performance at high frequency.
PETROLOGY OF IGNEOUS LITHIC CLASTS FROM POLYMICT EUCRITES ALHA76005 AND ALHA77302

A total of seven lithic clasts from the polymict eucrites ALHA76005 and ALHA77302 have been studied petrographically and analyzed with the electron microprobe. All clasts are composed predominantly of pyroxene and plagioclase, + or - ilmenite, troilite, Fe-Ni metal, mesostasis, and silica. Pyroxene compositions in unequilibrated clasts and clast bulk compositions, calculated by modal recombination, indicate that the clasts originally crystallized under similar conditions and that they may be genetically related to each other by fractionation of pigeonite and plagioclase.
Modeling the literature of superstring theory: A case of fast literature

This paper used data generated in a previous study to model what can be termed fast literature. In this case, the literature of superstring theory was examined to determine if an anomalous case, such as superstring literature, might fit a theoretical distribution. Price's Index was examined and found not to fit the data. The lognormal and the Weibull Distributions both appear to fit the observed distribution; however, the Weibull has better practical as well as theoretical strengths to model superstring literature. It is suggested that the literature of superstrings belongs in a separate class of literature, what we term fast literature. Additional study is indicated to determine if this type of literature is a significant factor in scientometrics.
The collapse of the wave function

Probability distributions are seen to be observer dependent. The probability function ψ†ψ can be put into an observer-dependent form. This eliminates the acausal behavior of the collapse of the wave function.
Joint attention, To the Lighthouse, and modernist representations of intersubjectivity

This paper argues that literary modernism can be productively understood as a reflection on what happens when joint attention is frustrated in its operation. Experimental fictions of the early twentieth century frequently dramatize problems of joint attention that can be traced to the ultimate relation between author, reader, and text. Analysis of these dramatizations demonstrates the importance of this joint attentional trope, and suggests a fresh reading of the famous “phantom table” in Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse.
Japanese management theories and Japanese criticisms

Abstract Criticisms of theories of Japanese management abound in Japan but are little known or available in the west. The author highlights some of the prevailing discussions on various employment and organizational practices and, through a cultural history of the Japanese people, illustrates how it should not be assumed that management practices are directly transferable to the west.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the inferior vena cava : appearances on contrast-enhanced spiral CT and MRI

Primary malignant tumors of the inferior vena cava are infrequent. We report a very rare case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the inferior vena cava and describe the contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings.
The phylogenetic distribution and ecological role of carbon monoxide oxidation in the genus Burkholderia

Burkholderia is a physiologically and ecologically diverse genus that occurs commonly in assemblages of soil and rhizosphere bacteria. Although Burkholderia is known for its heterotrophic versatility, we demonstrate that 14 distinct environmental isolates oxidized carbon monoxide (CO) and possessed the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of form I CO dehydrogenase (coxL). DNA from a Burkholderia isolate obtained from a passalid beetle also contained coxL as do the genomic sequences of species H160 and Ch1-1. Isolates were able to consume CO at concentrations ranging from 100 ppm (vol/vol) to sub-ambient ( 2.5 mM), but mixotrophic consumption of CO and pyruvate occurred when initial pyruvate concentrations were lower (c. 400 lM). With the exception of an isolate most closely related to Burkholderia cepacia, all CO-oxidizing isolates examined were members of a nonpathogenic clade and were most closely related to Burkholderia species, B. caledonica, B. fungorum, B. oxiphila, B. mimosarum, B. nodosa, B. sacchari, B. bryophila, B. ferrariae, B. ginsengesoli, and B. unamae. However, none of these type strains oxidized CO or contained coxL based on results from PCR analyses. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the presence of CO oxidation within members of the Burkholderia genus is variable but it is most commonly found among rhizosphere inhabitants that are not closely related to B. cepacia.
Pandemic Influenza: public health preparedness for the next global health emergency.

The threat posed by avian influenza appears to be rising, yet global and national health programs are preparing only fitfully. A lethal form of avian flu has rooted itself deeply into the poultry flocks of poor Asian countries that will have a hard time eradicating it. Every so often a sick bird infects a human, who usually dies from the encounter, and on rare occasions the virus seems to have spread from one person to another before the chain of infection dies out. All it would take to set off a raging global pandemic would be for the virus to mutate into a form that is readily transmissible among humans. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) garnered a great deal of public attention because it was novel and its potential for spread was unknown. However, the SARS corona virus is significantly less virulent than pandemic influenza viral infections.
Socializing or knowledge sharing?: characterizing social intent in community question answering

Knowledge sharing communities, such as Wikipedia or Yahoo! Answers, add greatly to the wealth of information available on the Web. They represent complex social ecosystems that rely on user paricipation and the quality of users' contributions to prosper. However, quality is harder to achieve when knowledge sharing is facilitated through a high degree of personal interactions. The individuals' objectives may change from knowledge sharing to socializing, with a profound impact on the community and the value it delivers to the broader population of Web users. In this paper we provide new insights into the types of content that is shared through Community Question Answering (CQA) services. We demonstrate an approach that combines in-depth content analysis with social network analysis techniques. We adapted the Undirected Inductive Coding method to analyze samples of user questions and arrive at a comprehensive typology of the user intent. In our analysis we focused on two types of intent, social vs. non-social, and define measures of social engagement to characterize the users' participation and content contributions. Our approach is applicable to a broad class of online communities and can be used to monitor the dynamics of community ecosystems.
Prediction of Optimal Timing for Chemical Control of the Nantucket Pine Tip Moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in the Southeastern Coastal Plain

Optimum spray dates for fenvalerate and dimethoate were determined for each of the four generations of Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) occurring in the Georgia coastal plain. As each insecticide was applied to different plots sequentially through a generation, damage by R. frustrana gradually decreased toward an optimum spray date, then increased. Optimum dates for fenvalerate application occurred 1 to 2.5 weeks earlier than for dimethoate. This difference was related to the phenology of the R. frustrana life cycle. A technique is presented whereby a grower can predict optimum spray dates by using pheromone-trap data and degree-day summations.
Cloud Security Auditing: Challenges and Emerging Approaches

IT auditors collect information on an organization's information systems, practices, and operations and critically analyze the information for improvement. One of the primary goals of an IT audit is to determine if the information system and its maintainers are meeting both the legal expectations of protecting customer data and the company standards of achieving financial success against various security threats. These goals are still relevant in the newly emerging cloud computing model of business, but they need customization. There are clear differences between cloud and traditional IT security auditing. In this article, the authors explore potential challenges unique to cloud security auditing; examine additional challenges specific to particular cloud computing domains such as banking, medical, and government sectors; and present emerging cloud-specific security auditing approaches and provide critical analysis.
Understanding confounding and mediation

In both experimental and observational studies, many researchers attempt, often implicitly, to identify causal relations among variables. In trying to understand the possible causal processes that might have generated their data, the concepts of confounding and mediation play a prominent role. The two phenomena are often confused, and indeed are not always readily distinguishable. In the present paper, I will present a brief, somewhat simplified, introduction to confounding and mediation. I will present basic defining criteria, how to distinguish the two and also the problem of cases in which the distinction is not clear, along with some final caveats. The term confound arises from the Latin confundere , to pour together or mix.1 The English word confuse arises from the same Latin root (http://www.merriam-webster.com/). In the context of empirical research, the term confounding is most often encountered in situations where some “predictor” of interest, let’s call it a , is presumed to be associated causally with some outcome, say, c . However, there may an additional variable, b , that also is associated with the predictor of interest, a , and the outcome, c . In the broadest application of the term, the effects of a and b are said to be confounded—that is, mixed. (There are in fact several ways in which the term confounder or confounding are currently used in research methodology but for our purposes here we will focus on the most common one2.) This, however, is only a very broad use of the term. In order to distinguish it from mediation, we will use the more specific definition offered by methodologists, which is as follows. Confounding is present when the following conditions occur: (1) both the predictor of interest and the potential confounder must be associated with the outcome ( a and b are …
Pathologic Features of the eye in Down's Syndrome with Relationship to Other Chromosomal Anomalies

A 2,990-g newborn female mongoloid had narrow palpebral fissures with a mongoloid slant and Brushfield's spots. Pathologic ocular findings resembled those found in patients with trisomy 21 syndrome. Many lesions reflected excessive genetic material and qualitatively resembled those lesions in trisomy 13 and 18 syndromes.
Equivalent Scales, Scale Economies, and Food Stamp Allotments: Estimates from the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, 1977–78

Allotment and economy-of-scale adjustments are important in determining benefit levels for households participating in the Food Stamp Program. Economy-of-scale factors adjust levels of benefits based on the sizes of participating households. These economy-of-scale factors and the allotment are calculated currently using diet status, income, and household size. This paper shows that food stamp allotments for different household sizes can be determined independent of diet status using standard demand theory and the age-sex composition of the household. The results indicate that scale adjustments now used are related more to household composition than true economies.
Cord transferrin and ferritin values in newborn infants at risk for prenatal uteroplacental insufficiency and chronic hypoxia.

We measured cord transferrin and ferritin levels in 50 newborn infants with fetal conditions associated with either uteroplacental vascular insufficiency or chronic hypoxia. Sixteen small for gestational age infants, 21 infants of mothers with preeclampsia, and 13 symptomatic infants of diabetic mothers had significantly higher transferrin levels and lower ferritin levels and calculated iron stores than did asymptomatic gestational age-matched control infants without these conditions. Cord ferritin levels and calculated iron stores were significantly lower in the infants of diabetic mothers than in any other group of infants. Cord transferrin levels were inversely correlated with ferritin levels (r=−0.59, P
The influence of occupational strain on organizational commitment among police: A general strain theory approach

Abstract Purpose Using a General Strain Theory (GST) framework, this study examines the role of various strains on officers’ organizational commitment to their agencies. In addition, the mediating effect of negative affect is investigated. Methods A total of 180 law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies in the Northern Kentucky area were surveyed. Results Two strains, the failure to achieve positively valued goals and the removal positively valued stimuli, significantly predicted greater negative affect. Negative affect did not serve as a mediating variable between strain and officers’ commitment to the department. The failure to achieve positively valued goals, the removal of positive stimuli, and the two measures of presentation of noxious stimuli all significantly and directly influenced an officer's commitment to the agency after controlling for negative affect. Conclusions GST is a viable theoretical framework in which to study organizational commitment among police officers as various strains have been shown to result in officers being less committed to their police agencies. Consequently, policies that attempt to alleviate those strains or stressors commonly faced by officers can increase the dedication and possibly the job performance of America's law enforcement officials.
The distribution of electric elements in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface

An important factor in the distribution of electric elements near the Earth's surface is doubtless the so-called electrode-effect. The theory of this for the case of a parallel plate-condenser with uniform ionization between the plates and quiet air was developed some years ago by J. J. Thomson. With no ionization between the plates the potential-drop is linear. With ionization the gradient is greater near each plate and less in the intervening space. In the atmosphere a similar situation is found, the surface of the Earth corresponding to the negative plate of the condenser. The gradient is greatest near the surface and decreases with altitude. In the air adjacent to the negative plate of the condenser, or in the air adjacent to the Earth, negative ions are repelled as fast as they are formed. In this space there are few negative ions, the positive ions being in preponderance. At the surface the current is conducted to the Earth wholly by the positive ions. The positive space-charge (ρ) represented by the excess of positive ions is related to the decrease of field-strength (E) with distance (x) from this plate by the relation (dE/dx) = −4πρ. If the air is, as assumed, quiet and there is no mechanical transport of electricity in any way, the current-density, i = λE, is independent of x. Here λ represents the electrical conductivity of the air. Then (di/dx) = 0 or (λdE/dx + Edλ/dx) = 0, which by simple transformation gives [id(l/λ)/dx] = −4πρ. The latter defines the manner in which the conductivity must depend upon the distance from the Earth for a given distribution of space-charge. Thus the reciprocal of conductivity, that is, the resistivity, must decrease with distance from the Earth or the conductivity must increase when the space-charge is positive.
On the intraneural state of acetylcholine.

Durch differenzierende Zentrifugierung von homogenisierten Organen wurde neuerdings nachgewiesen, dass die stark wirksamen, korpereigenen Amine Histamin, Adrenalin und Noradrenalin in Partikeln enthalten sind, die offenbar von halbdurchgangigen Membranen umgeben sind. Reagenzglasbefunde machen es ferner wahrscheinlich, dass diese Amine mit Phosphorlipoiden wasserunlosliche Komplexe bilden. Es sind bereits Anhaltspunkte dafur vorhanden, dass das in nervosen Organen vorhandene Acetylcholin sich den anderen Aminen analog verhalt. Sollte sich durch kunftige Versuche, fur deren Durchfuhrung gewisse Vorschlage gemacht werden, diese Annahme als richtig erweisen, so ware die Unfahigkeit des Acetylcholins, in ruhenden Organen zu diffundieren, und damit seine Inaktivitat und sein Schutz gegen die Esterasewirkung erklart.
Simple penthranne (methoxy-fluorane) — air anesthesia system for small mammals

Abstract A simple low cost open circuit gas anesthesia system suitable for small laboratory animals is described which employs halothane as the induction agent and penthrane (methoxyfluorane) as the anesthetic. No nitrous oxide or oxygen is required. Animals may be repeatedly anesthetized using this system and maintained for prolonged periods without evident lasting ill effects. A nose mask is described which obviates the need for tracheal intubation.
Estimating the lunar mantle water budget from phosphates: Complications associated with silicate-liquid-immiscibility

Abstract The discovery of water within the lunar mantle has broad implications for the formation of the Earth–Moon system, differentiation of the Moon, and the magmatic evolution of lunar basalts, as well as the highland rocks. Recently, there has been considerable interest in using combined water abundances and H-isotope systematics of lunar apatites from mare basalts to quantify the origin and extent of water within the Moon’s mantle. However, the petrologic and geochemical conditions that govern apatite crystallization are not well-constrained, especially for high-FeO basaltic melts that crystallize at fO2 values below the iron–wustite buffer. Apatites are typically located within the late-stage interstitial regions. In this contribution, we present detailed textural descriptions of late-stage inter-cumulus, residual-liquid pockets (i.e., mesostasis pockets), in order to understand the petrogenesis of lunar apatite. Results from five mare basalts demonstrate that the majority of the residual liquids in mesostasis regions have undergone silicate-liquid immiscibility (SLI) splitting into Si–K-rich (felsic) and Fe-rich (Fe-basaltic) conjugate liquids. We demonstrate the complexity of these residual liquids by documenting a wide range of water contents for apatites in several mesostasis pockets within a single mare basalt, a complexity common to many basalts. These data illustrate that individual apatite-hosting mesostasis pockets behave as independent sub-systems, even within a single rock. Furthermore, we present water concentrations for another phosphate phase, merrillite, indicating additional uncertainties during considerations of water partitioning into apatite. Fractional crystallization trends have been used in order to assess the conditions under which magmas are likely to undergo SLI. Predicted liquid lines of descent indicate that it is the late-stage residual liquids of lunar basalts with relatively low-Mg# (e.g., ∼50) may not intersect the two-liquid field depending upon the fractionation trends in the late-stage mesostasis pockets. For samples that undergo SLI, the apatite/melt-partition coefficients required for back-calculating water abundances of the parental melts are compromised by the generation of two populations of apatites-merrillites from conjugate immiscible liquids. This process highlights an important complexity inherent to all water back-calculations that use apatite, as this requires an additional set of partition coefficients. We emphasize that the complex petrologic nature and common development of SLI of apatite-bearing, late-stage mesostasis pockets have not been considered in published apatite-volatile data. These factors, in additional to other considerations, illustrate why water back-calculations to model the primary melts from such data must be viewed with caution.
Substrate catabolism related to reproduction in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians concentricus, as determined by O/N and RQ physiological indexes

Weight specific rates of oxygen consumption carbon dioxide production, and ammonia-N excretion, measured for a Florida population of the bay scallop Argopecten irradians concentricus between May and September, 1982 and October and November, 1983 were significantly correlated (P 22) values and RQ values close to 1.0 RQ values >1.0 indicated a possible carbohydrate to lipid conversion during the period of cytoplasmic growth (late July-early September). As gametes matured and spawning commenced (late September-November), metabolism became primarily protein based, as indicated by O/N and RQ values around 9.0 and 0.8, respectively. This pattern of substrate catabolism supports existing data on the storage and utilization of specific energy reserves with respect to reproduction in this species.
THE WESTERN POWERS AND THE BALKAN WAR: CLASHING SECURITY INTERESTS AND INSTITUTIONAL PARALYSIS

During the early 1990s many international relations specialists wrote that the end of the Cold War heralded the emergence of a markedly new era in global politics. The argument was advanced that the major powers were experiencing a congruence of their security interests and that the new period afforded unprecedented opportunities for multilateral cooperation. As the two dominant frameworks in the formal study of international relations, realism and neo-liberalism are at odds in explaining multilateral interventions of the post-Cold War era. This article applies the two theories to the West's intervention in the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The primary aim of the research is to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the theories as they account for the West's failed intervention strategies. Analysis of this question will be based upon the examination of three independent variables: the interests of the intervening states, the impact of international organizations, and the presence or absence of a hegemonic power among the Western powers.
Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoplate arrays synthesized by pulsed laser deposition with high catalytic activity as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

In this paper, ligand free vertically aligned Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoplates were directly synthesized on a fluorine doped tin oxide substrate using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, forming a nanoplate array. The array follows a two-step growth by first forming a Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film (∼100 nm), followed by vertical nanoplate formation. The nanoplates are about 20 nm thick and 300 nm high with a petal-like shape. Furthermore, the nanoplate array was integrated in a dye sensitized solar cell as a counter electrode with a power conversion efficiency of 3.65%, which is comparable to that of a conventional sputtered Pt counter electrode (3.33%) and higher than that fabricated with a “classical” Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film (2.83%). The Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoplate array is proved to be suitable for counter electrode fabrication to achieve Pt-free dye sensitized solar cells, which could significantly cut down the cell cost and provide environmentally friendly photovoltaic devices.
Native electrospray ionization and electron-capture dissociation for comparison of protein structure in solution and the gas phase.

Abstract The importance of protein and protein-complex structure motivates improvements in speed and sensitivity of structure determination in the gas phase and comparison with that in solution or solid state. An opportunity for the gas-phase measurement is mass spectrometry (MS) combined with native electrospray ionization (ESI), which delivers large proteins and protein complexes in their near-native states to the gas phase. In this communication, we describe the combination of native ESI, electron-capture dissociation (ECD), and top-down MS for exploring the structures of ubiquitin and cytochrome c in the gas phase and their relation to those in the solid-state and solution. We probe structure by comparing the protein's flexible regions, as predicted by the B-factor in X-ray crystallography, with the ECD fragments. The underlying hypothesis is that maintenance of structure gives fragments that can be predicted from B-factors. This strategy may be applicable in general when X-ray structures are available and extendable to the study of intrinsically disordered proteins.