cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF ACTIVITY LEVEL AND LOCUS OF CONTROL IN THE PERSONAL CONTROL-JOB STRESS RELATIONSHIP

Abstract The present study examines the moderating effects of two personality types in the personal control-job stress relationship. Individuals with a high activity level and belief in powerful others (dimension of external locus of control) had the strongest negative relationship between personal control and psychological anxiety. In addition, individuals with a high belief in chance or fate (dimension of external locus of control) had the strongest negative relationship between personal control and pulse rate. The findings suggest that employees with a high activity level and/or external locus of control benefit the most from having control over their work environment.
Random Reflections on the History of Atmospheric Optics

The history of ideas on the blue of the sky, the rainbow, and the visibility of distant objects is briefly sketched. In particular, it is shown that the theory of the horizontal visual range was largely rediscovered after about 175 years.
System test and flight results from infrared astronomical satellite external thermal subsystem

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) received its system level thermal testing in a solar simulator in September and October 1982 and was launched in January 1983. In order to reduce costs and meet a tight launch schedule, a system thermal test approach was employed which combined the goals of thermal design development tests, thermal balance tests, and thermal vacuum qualification tests. This approach relied heavily on the use of a computer-controlled automatic data handling and heater control system which reduced reliance on human monitoring of test data in comparison to past projects. The validity of this approach has been borne out by flight results. During the whole mission most temperatures were within the desired range and close to predictions. Included under the external thermal subsystem are room temperature electronics and radiatively cooled surfaces with temperatures below 100 and 200K.
Dose-Related Effects of Methadone on QT Prolongation in a Series of Patients with Torsade de Pointes

Study Objective. To investigate the relationship between the daily dose of the synthetic opioid methadone and the corrected QT (QTc) interval in a series of methadone-treated patients who developed torsade de pointes. Design. Retrospective case series analysis. Setting. Outpatient pain management center and methadone maintenance treatment programs. Patients. Seventeen patients who developed torsade de pointes while receiving very high daily doses of methadone. Measurements and Main Results. The QTc intervals were calculated for each patient. The relationship between daily methadone dose and QTc interval was assessed and adjusted for clinical characteristics that may have independently prolonged cardiac repolarization. The mean QTc interval was 615 ± 77 msec. Multiple linear regression indicated that only the daily methadone dose was predictive of the QTc interval (r = +0.51, p=0.03). All other variables examined, such as age, sex, presence of hypokalemia or structural heart disease, and presence of QT-prolonging drugs, were not predictive of the QTc interval (minimum p=0.28). Conclusion. In this series, the daily methadone dose correlated positively with the QTc interval. This finding supports the possibility that methadone contributed to the development of arrhythmia.
Theoretical analysis of isotope effects on ozone formation in oxygen photochemistry

In situ measurements of stratospheric ozone and laboratory studies of ozone production in electric discharge through oxygen have shown previously that ozone containing heavy isotopes of oxygen (O-17, O-18) may be formed preferentially. In order to assess the relevance of thee latter experiment to the stratospheric measurements, detailed understanding of the effect of isotopic substitution on the O3 formation reaction O + O2 + M yields O3 + M and on the O atom exchange reaction O + O2 + O yields O2 + O is necessary. In this work, an estimate of the effect of isotopic substitution on the recombination rate is made by us of approximate dynamical theories and statistical mechanics. The results indicate the possibility of isotope effects on the O + O2 recombination rate of the order of several percent at stratospheric temperatures. In general, recombination reactions involving heavy (mass 49, 50) O3 formation are found to be slower than the reaction leading to normal (mass 48) O3 formation. The calculated isotope effects are sufficiently small that the uncertainties in the model input and the approximations in the dynamical theories will probably make the quantitative nature of these results subject to considerable uncertainty. This isotope effect should not be observable in the atmosphere given the precision of the current measurements but may be crucial in the understanding of the laboratory experiments, where observed enhancements are only of the order of several percent. Possible reasons for this discrepancy between the observed enhancement and predicted depletion are presented.
Determination of sodium, chloride and sulfate in dolomites: a new technique to constrain the composition of dolomitizing fluids

Abstract A new analytical procedure has been developed to determine sodium, chloride and sulfate concentrations in dolomite. Non-dolomite phases are removed during sample preparation, and 10 mg of at least 99% pure dolomite are dissolved in nitric acid. This solution is diluted, and sodium, chloride and sulfate are determined by standard DCP and IC methods. To evaluate the geochemical significance of sodium, chloride and sulfate abundances in dolomite, 108 samples from various locations were analyzed. Their depositional age and the composition of the dolomitizing fluid were previously determined on the basis of petrographic, geochemical and stratigraphic evidence. Dolomites that were interpreted to have formed from seawater-derived evaporitic brines, seawater/fresh-water mixtures and deep formation waters exhibit significant differences in sodium, chloride and sulfate content, and molar Na/Cl ratios. This new technique provides a valuable geochemical tool to constrain the composition of dolomitizing solutions, complementing field observations, petrographic evidence, isotope- and fluid inclusion data.
Relative Fishing Power, CDC 6600, FORTRAN IV

(1972). Relative Fishing Power, CDC 6600, FORTRAN IV. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 101, No. 1, pp. 133-133.
An Unusual Anatomo-Pathologic Aspect of a Case with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

The vascular lesions in pseudoxanthoma elasticum were mostly described in the middle-sized branches of the aorta. The arch and the thoracic aorta, when examined, were normal or showed mild lesions. A case with pseudoxanthoma elasticum was presented in which the aortic arch and the right innominate artery were occluded by calcium deposits, a manifestation of the disease not previously reported.
Antioxidants reduce peroxyl-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial transcription.

Abstract We have recently shown that the mitochondrial transcription system is extremely sensitive to inhibition by peroxyl radicals generated by either 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) (AAPH) or 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN), and that this inhibition occurs prior to detectable evidence of lipid peroxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive substances, 4-hydroxynonenal accumulation, and oxygen consumption. In this report, we further confirm that mitochondrial transcription is sensitive to oxidative stress. We also demonstrate that α-tocopherol, ascorbate and glutathione can partially attenuate these effects, but none of the three, nor the three together, are capable of completely preventing this oxidant-induced repression. This suggests that these physiological antioxidants, while capable of preventing lipid peroxidation chain reactions, are less effective at protecting the mitochondrial transcriptional machinery against this oxidative insult.
Impacts of parental gender and attitudes on children’s school travel mode and parental chauffeuring behavior: results for California based on the 2009 National Household Travel Survey

Research has shown that parental attitudes are a significant predictor of children’s active commuting (walking or biking) to school. However, the impact of parental gender on parental attitudes, and the link between parental attitudes and the gender gap in parental chauffeuring behavior have not received much attention. This paper examines these questions by applying discrete choice models to California data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey while controlling for a wide range of variables characterizing parents, their children, households, schools, and the local built environment. Our results, conveyed via odds ratios, show that mothers are more likely to have higher concerns about traffic volume, which in turn reduces the likelihood that their children will walk or bike to school. Moreover, even though parental attitudes significantly influence parental chauffeuring behavior, their ability to explain the gender chauffeuring gap is limited. When holding equal concerns, mothers are still more likely than fathers to chauffeur their children to school. Finally, while distance to school and several land use measures (e.g., population density, urbanization level, and percentage of renters) are statistically significant, the impact of an objective measure of walkability is quite small. These results suggest that interventions targeting an increase in children’s walking and biking to school should focus on the concerns of mothers, especially as they relate to traffic characteristics.
Coupled-Oscillator Model of Suspended Load Locomotion: Predictions of Stability Gains and Metabolic Drop

When humans and animals carry load, there is an increase in the metabolic cost of locomotion proportional to the load; this is reduced when the load is elastically coupled to the load carrier [1]. There are existing paradigms in biomechanics that demonstrate this concept, such as the modern horse jockey riding style, the Suspended Load Ergonomic Backpack, and carrying loads with springy poles [1–3]. For example, the Suspended Load Ergonomic Backpack is designed to suspend a load with compliant springs that elastically decouple the motion of the load from the motion of the wearer [2]. It has been shown to reduce the peak forces and reduce the metabolic cost of locomotion compared to a standard backpack [2].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Temperature Dependence of Embryonic Cardiac Gap Junction Conductance and Channel Kinetics

We have investigated the effects of temperature on the conductance and voltage-dependent kinetics of cardiac gap junction channels between pairs of seven-day embryonic chick ventricle myocytes over the range of 14-26 degrees C. Records of junctional conductance (Gj) and steady-state unit junctional channel activity were made using the whole-cell double patch-clamp technique while the bath temperature was steadily changed at a rate of about 4 degrees C/min. The decrease in Gj upon cooling was biphasic with a distinct break at 21 degrees C. In 12 cell pairs, Q10 was 2.2 from 26 to 21 degrees C, while between 21 and 14 degrees C it was 6.5. The mean Gj at 22 degrees C (Gj22) was 3.0 +/- 2.1 nS, ranging in different preparations from 0.24 to 6.4 nS. At room temperature, embryonic cardiac gap junctions contain channels with conductance states near 240, 200, 160, 120, 80 and 40 pS. In the present study, we demonstrate that cooling decreases the frequency of channel openings at all conductance levels, and at temperatures below 20 degrees C shifts the prevalence of openings from higher to lower conductance states: all 240 pS openings disappear below 20 degrees C; 200 pS openings are suppressed at 17 degrees C; below 16 degrees C 160 and 120 pS events disappear and only 80 and 40 pS states are seen. Temperature also affected the voltage-dependent kinetics of the channels. Application of a 6 sec, 80 mV voltage step across the junction (Vj80) caused a biexponential decay in junctional conductance. Decay was faster at lower temperatures, whereas the rate of recovery of Gj after returning to Vj0 was slowed. Cooling reduced the fast decay time constant, increased both recovery time constants, and decreased the magnitude of Gj decay, thus leaving a 10-16% larger residual conductance (Gss/Ginit, +/- 80 mV Vj) at 18 than at 22 degrees C. From these results we propose that embryonic chick cardiac gap junctions contain at least two classes of channels with different conductances and temperature sensitivities.
Environmental Cues Evoke Differential Responses in Pituitary-Testicular Function in Deer Mice

Pituitary-testicular function was assessed in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) after exposure to external cues predicting seasonal climatic changes. Mice were exposed to either a 14-h light, 10-h dark cycle (L:D;14:10) or L:D;10:14 at 0, 23, or 32 C for 80–90 days. Spermatogenic arrest occurred in about one fourth of the mice exposed to short photoperiods at 23 C. Exposure to L:D;10:14 at 0 C significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the proportion of mice with atrophic testes over that induced at 23 C. In contrast, L:D;14:10 at 0 C failed to affect gonadal function. Modest to severe testicular dysfunction was evident in at least 80% of mice exposed to 32 C at either L:D;14:10 or L:D;10:14. Certain mice (∼20%), however, failed to undergo testicular regression even after exposure to L:D;10:14 at 0, 23, or 32 C. Graded restrictions in food intake, over 4 weeks, triggered testicular atrophy in about 70% of the males whose gonads failed to regress after provocative exposure to photic and thermal cues. Testi...
Variation among Trifolium species for resistance to iron‐deficiency chlorosis

Abstract Little information is available regarding the amount of genetic variation among and within Trifolium species for resistance to iron (Fe)‐deficiency chlorosis. A calcareous Parrita sandy clay loam soil (clayey, mixed, hyperthermic, shallow Petrocalcic Paleustoll) that had a history of expression of Fe‐deficiency chlorosis problems in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench.)) was used to conduct field studies in 1985–86 and 1986–87. Cultivars of seven Trifolium spp.: arrowleaf (T. vesiculosum Savi.), berseem (T. alexandrinum L.), crimson (T. incarnatum L.), red (T. pratense L.), rose (T. hirtum All.), and subterranean (T. subterraneum L. and T. brachycalycinum Katzn. and Morley) clovers were compared for differences in dry matter production and expression of chlorosis symptoms. Cultivars could be ranked for their adaptability to calcareous soil conditions: ‘Bigbee’ berseem = ‘Kenstar’ red = ‘Kondinin’ rose = ‘Clare’ subterranean > ‘Dixie’ crimson >> ‘Mt. Barker’ subterranean > ‘Yuchi’ and ‘Meec...
Telling Stories: On Ethnicity, Exclusion, and Education in Upstate New York

Examination of the public discourse of Euro-American senior citizens and minority speakers during a community debate on the educational needs of Latinos indicates sharply differing constructions of group identity and explanations for the social and educational status of ethnic minorities. Reasons for conflicts over multiculturalism are explored.
Thomas William Cramp, Almoner: The Forgotten Man in a Female Occupation

Andrew Sackville has experience of working in the Probation Service, Children's Depart ment and Social Services Departments. Since 1975 he has lectured on various Social Policy courses at Edge Hill College, where he is currently Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, including the MA in Crime, Deviance and Social Policy. He is a former Chair of the Professional Development and Practice Committee of BAS W.
Carbon allocation under light and nitrogen resource gradients in two model marine phytoplankton1

Marine phytoplankton have conserved elemental stoichiometry, but there can be significant deviations from this Redfield ratio. Moreover, phytoplankton allocate reduced carbon (C) to different biochemical pools based on nutritional status and light availability, adding complexity to this relationship. This allocation influences physiology, ecology, and biogeochemistry. Here, we present results on the physiological and biochemical properties of two evolutionarily distinct model marine phytoplankton, a diatom (cf. Staurosira sp. Ehrenberg) and a chlorophyte (Chlorella sp. M. Beijerinck) grown under light and nitrogen resource gradients to characterize how carbon is allocated under different energy and substrate conditions. We found that nitrogen (N)-replete growth rate increased monotonically with light until it reached a threshold intensity (~200 μmol photons · m(-2) · s(-1) ). For Chlorella sp., the nitrogen quota (pg · μm(-3) ) was greatest below this threshold, beyond which it was reduced by the effect of N-stress, while for Staurosira sp. there was no trend. Both species maintained constant maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (mol C · mol photons(-1) ) over the range of light and N-gradients studied (although each species used different photophysiological strategies). In both species, C:chl a (g · g(-1) ) increased as a function of light and N-stress, while C:N (mol · mol(-1) ) and relative neutral lipid:C (rel. lipid · g(-1) ) were most strongly influenced by N-stress above the threshold light intensity. These results demonstrated that the interaction of substrate (N-availability) and energy gradients influenced C-allocation, and that general patterns of biochemical responses may be conserved among phytoplankton; they provided a framework for predicting phytoplankton biochemical composition in ecological, biogeochemical, or biotechnological applications.
Quantitative immunochemical and electrophoretic comparisons of glycerophosphate dehydrogenases in several insects

Abstract An immunochemical method, micro-complement fixation, has been used to compare quantitatively DPN + -dependent glycerophosphate dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.8) of various insects. Rabbit antibodies directed against pure honeybee glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were prepared, and the cross-reaction with extracts of other insects measured. The order of decreasing cross-reaction is: honeybee, bumblebee, robust mining bee, leaf-cutting bee, sphecoid wasp, yellow jacket, syrphid, and flesh fly; this is the same as the classical taxonomic order. Several other insects apart from the Hymenoptera show no detectable cross-reaction; the enzymes from six honeybee races and the three honeybee social orders possess identical immunological properties. The specific activity of glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in honeybee thoracic muscle increases fivefold during the week following adult emergence. The immunological properties of the enzyme are identical in the newly emerged and 6-day-old bees. Thus the change in enzyme activity is apparently due to an increase in the number of enzyme molecules. Electrophoretograms show that most of the insects studied here have more than one band with glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity. There is, however, no obvious taxonomic relationship between the electrophoretic patterns of these insects.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Activates Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases (ERKs) via the Small G Protein Rap1 and the Serine/Threonine Kinase B-Raf

G protein-coupled receptors can induce cellular proliferation by stimulating the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. Heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of both α and βγ subunits that can signal independently to diverse intracellular signaling pathways including those that activate MAP kinases. In this study, we examined the ability of isoproterenol, an agonist of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), to stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Using HEK293 cells, which express endogenous β2AR, we show that isoproterenol stimulates ERKs via β2AR. This action of isoproterenol requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase and is insensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting that Gαs activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is required. Interestingly, β2AR activates both the small G proteins Rap1 and Ras, but only Rap1 is capable of coupling to Raf isoforms. β2AR inhibits the Ras-dependent activation of both Raf isoforms Raf-1 and B-Raf, whereas Rap1 activation by isoproterenol recruits and activates B-Raf. β2AR activation of ERKs is not blocked by expression of RasN17, an interfering mutant of Ras, but is blocked by expression of either RapN17 or Rap1GAP1, both of which interfere with Rap1 signaling. We propose that isoproterenol can activate ERKs via Rap1 and B-Raf in these cells.
Control and planning for vehicles with uncertainty in dynamics

This paper describes a motion planning algorithm that accounts for uncertainty in the dynamics of vehicles. This noise is a function of the type of controller employed on the vehicle and the characteristics of the terrain and can cause the robot to deviate from a planned trajectory and collide with obstacles. Our motion planning algorithm finds trajectories that balance the trade-off between conventional performance measures such as time and energy versus safety. The key is a characterization of the vehicle's ability to follow planned paths, which allows the algorithm to explicitly calculate probabilities of successful traversal for different trajectory segments. We illustrate the method with a six-legged Rhex-like robot by experimentally characterizing different gaits (controllers) on different terrains and demonstrating the hexapod navigating a multi-terrain environment.
Robust rat pulmonary radioprotection by a lipophilic Mn N-alkylpyridylporphyrin, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ ☆

With the goal to enhance the distribution of cationic Mn porphyrins within mitochondria, the lipophilic Mn(III)meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ has been synthesized and tested in several different model of diseases, where it shows remarkable efficacy at as low as 50 µg/kg single or multiple doses. Yet, in a rat lung radioprotection study, at higher 0.6–1 mg/kg doses, due to its high accumulation and micellar character, it became toxic. To avoid the toxicity, herein the pulmonary radioprotection of MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ was assessed at 50 µg/kg. Fischer rats were irradiated to their right hemithorax (28 Gy) and treated with 0.05 mg/kg/day of MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ for 2 weeks by subcutaneously-implanted osmotic pumps, starting at 2 h post-radiation. The body weights and breathing frequencies were followed for 10 weeks post-radiation, when the histopathology and immunohistochemistry were assessed. Impact of MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ on macrophage recruitment (ED-1), DNA oxidative damage (8-OHdG), TGF-β1, VEGF(A) and HIF-1α were measured. MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ significantly decreased radiation-induced lung histopathological (H&E staining) and functional damage (breathing frequencies), suppressed oxidative stress directly (8-OHdG), or indirectly, affecting TGF-β1, VEGF (A) and HIF-1α pathways. The magnitude of the therapeutic effects is similar to the effects demonstrated under same experimental conditions with 120-fold higher dose of ~5000-fold less lipophilic Mn(III)meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, MnTE-2-PyP5+.
Functional Properties of Recombinant Type I and Type III Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Isoforms Expressed in COS-7 Cells

Abstract Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are ubiquitous intracellular Ca2+ release channels whose functional characterization by transfection has proved difficult due to the background contribution of endogenous channels. In order to develop a functional assay to measure recombinant channels, we transiently transfected the rat type I IP3R into COS-7 cells. Saponin-permeabilized COS cells transfected with type I IP3R showed a 50% increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release at saturating [IP3] (10 μm) but no enhancement at subsaturating [IP3] (300 nm). However, cotransfection of the IP3R and human sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA)-2b ATPase cDNA resulted in 60 and 110% increases in Ca2+ release at subsaturating and saturating doses of IP3, respectively. IP3 or adenophostin A failed to release 45Ca2+ from microsomal vesicles prepared from cells expressing either type I IP3R or SERCA cDNAs alone. However, microsomal vesicles prepared from cells doubly transfected with IP3R and SERCA cDNAs released 33.0 ± 0.04% of the A23187-sensitive pool within 30 s of 1 μm adenophostin A addition. Similarly, the initial rate of 45Ca2+ influx into oxalate-loaded microsomal vesicles was inhibited by IP3 only when the microsomes were prepared from COS cells doubly transfected with SERCA-2b and IP3R DNA. The absence of a functional contribution from endogenous IP3Rs has enabled the use of this assay to measure the Ca2+ sensitivities of IP3-mediated45Ca2+ fluxes through recombinant neuronal type I (SII(+)), peripheral type I (SII(−)), and type III IP3Rs. All three channels displayed a biphasic dependence upon [Ca2+]cyt. Introduction of mutations D2550A and D2550N in the putative pore-forming region of the type I IP3R inhibited IP3-mediated45Ca2+ fluxes, whereas the conservative substitution D2550E was without effect. This assay therefore provides a useful tool for studying the regulatory properties of individual IP3R isoforms as well as for screening pore mutations prior to more detailed electrophysiological analyses.
Naive Bayes Classification Given Probability Estimation Trees

Tree induction is one of the most effective and widely used models in classification. Unfortunately, decision trees such as C4.5 [9] have been found to provide poor probability estimates. By the empirical studies, Provost and Domingos [6] found that Probability Estimation Trees (PETs) give a fairly good probability estimation. However, different from normal decision trees, pruning reduces the performances of PETs. In order to get a good probability estimation, we usually need large trees which are not good in terms of the model transparency. In this paper, two hybrid models by combining the Naive Bayes classifier and PETs are proposed in order to build a model with good performance without losing too much transparency. The first model use Naive Bayes estimation given a PET and the second model use a group of small-sized PETs as Naive Bayes estimators. Empirical studies show that the first model outperforms the PET model at shallow depth and the second model is equivalent to Naive Bayes and PET.
Filter selection model for motion segmentation and velocity integration

We present a new approach to computing from image sequences the two-dimensional velocities of moving objects that are occluded and transparent. The new motion model does not attempt to provide an accurate representation of the velocity flow field at fine resolutions but coarsely segments an image into regions of coherent motion, provides an estimate of velocity in each region, and actively selects the most reliable estimates. The model uses motion-energy filters in the first stage of processing and computes, in parallel, two different sets of retinotopically organized spatial arrays of unit responses: one set of units estimates the local velocity, and the second set selects from these local estimates those that support global velocities. Only the subset of local-velocity measurements that are the most reliable is included in estimation of the velocity of objects. The model is in agreement with many of the constraints imposed by the physiological response properties of cells in primate visual cortex, and its performance is similar to that of primates on motion transparency.
Scaling the Stiffness, Strength, and Toughness of Ceramic‐Coated Nanotube Foams into the Structural Regime

Natural materials such as bone and tooth achieve precisely tuned mechanical and interfacial properties by varying the concentration and orientation of their nanoscale constituents. However, the realization of such control in engineered foams is limited by manufacturing-driven tradeoffs among the size, order, and dispersion uniformity of the building blocks. It is demonstrated how to manufacture nanocomposite foams with precisely controllable mechanical properties via aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) growth followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). By starting with a low density CNT forest and varying the ALD coating thickness, we realize predictable ≈1000-fold control of Young's modulus (14 MPa to 20 GPa, where E ∼ ρ 2.8), ultimate compressive strength (0.8 MPa to 0.16 GPa), and energy absorption (0.4 to 400 J cm–3). Owing to the continuous, long CNTs within the ceramic nanocomposite, the compressive strength and toughness of the new material are 10-fold greater than commercially available aluminum foam over the same density range. Moreover, the compressive stiffness and strength equal that of compact bone at 10% lower density. Along with emerging technologies for scalable patterning and roll-to-roll manufacturing and lamination of CNT films, coated CNT foams may be especially suited to multifunctional applications such as catalysis, filtration, and thermal protection.
A Review of Distribution Related Problems in Logistics and Supply Chain Research

A comprehensive review of distribution problems in logistics and supply chain management is presented in this paper. We first review the definitions of distribution, and then define it from a new perspective. We also present and compare different taxonomies of distribution networks. Next, the importance and difficulties of distribution research are discussed. We point out that there are 12 issues in distribution research that need to be addressed. The major conclusion of the paper is that future research needs to address an integrated approach to distribution design and to consider and incorporate the sustainability development concept.
Geographic Information Systems in Developing Countries: Issues in Data Collection, Implementation and Management

Decision making at the national level in both developing and developed countries requires the integrated use of information from a multitude of sources. Both local and national governments in many developed countries have found geographic information systems (GIS) to be a critical tool in resource management, regional planning, and economic development. Unfortunately, the practical use of GIS in many developing countries is hampered by the lack of accurate and detailed spatial and demographic data, political considerations, and management issues. To highlight importance of these issues, we present a framework for GIS adoption in less developed countries and discuss these and other constraints in the context of this framework. We also offer ideas for technical, managerial, and policy initiatives that should be helpful in addressing impediments to GIS adoption. These ideas are summarized in a set of propositions and a related framework that shows our expectations about the impact of these initiatives on implementation success.
Relationship of Job Stress and Type-A Behavior to Employees' Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Psychosomatic Health Problems, and Turnover Motivation

The present study examined the relationship of job stress, job stressors, and Type-A behavior pattern with employees' job satisfaction, organizational commitment, psychosomatic health problems, and turnover motivation among full-time nurses (N = 215) working in a large Canadian hospital. Both job stress and stressors (role ambiguity, overload, conflict, and resource inadequacy) were significantly related to four outcome variables. Type-A behavior was associated with high job stress, high role ambiguity, conflict, resource inadequacy, and psychosomatic health problems. In addition, Type-A behavior was found to be an important moderator of the stress-outcome relationships. Implications of the findings for management and for future research are highlighted.
The dynamics of sperm detachment from epithelium in a coupled fluid-biochemical model of hyperactivated motility.

Hyperactivation in mammalian sperm is characterized by a high-amplitude, asymmetric flagellar waveform. A mechanical advantage of this hyperactivated waveform has been hypothesized to be the promotion of flagellar detachment from oviductal epithelium. In order to investigate the dynamics of a free-swimming sperm׳s binding and escaping from a surface, we present an integrative model that couples flagellar force generation and a viscous, incompressible fluid. The elastic flagellum is actuated by a preferred curvature model that depends upon an evolving calcium profile along its length. In addition, forces that arise due to elastic bonds that form and break between the flagellar head and the surface are accounted for. As in recent laboratory experiments, we find that a hyperactive waveform does result in frequent detaching and binding dynamics that is not observed for symmetric flagellar beats. Moreover, we demonstrate that flagellar behavior depends strongly on the assumptions of the bond model, suggesting the need for more experimental investigation of the biochemistry of epithelial bonding and the shedding of binding proteins on the sperm head.
A High-Quality High-Fidelity Visualization of the September 11 Attack on the World Trade Center

In this application paper, we describe the efforts of a multidisciplinary team toward producing a visualization of the September 11 attack on the North Tower of New York's World Trade Center. The visualization was designed to meet two requirements. First, the visualization had to depict the impact with high fidelity by closely following the laws of physics. Second, the visualization had to be eloquent to a nonexpert user. This was achieved by first designing and computing a finite-element analysis (FEA) simulation of the impact between the aircraft and the top 20 stories of the building and then by visualizing the FEA results with a state-of-the-art commercial animation system. The visualization was enabled by an automatic translator that converts the simulation data into an animation system 3D scene. We built upon a previously developed translator. The translator was substantially extended to enable and control visualization of fire and of disintegrating elements to better scale with the number of nodes and the number of states to handle beam elements with complex profiles and to handle smoothed particle hydrodynamics liquid representation. The resulting translator is a powerful automatic and scalable tool for high-quality visualization of FEA results.
Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release by Presynaptic Receptors

The release of neurotransmitter is subject to powerful modulatory control by receptors located in or near the presynaptic terminal. These presynaptic receptors are a diverse group of proteins, but they can be broadly divided into two classes: metabotropic receptors and ionotropic receptors. Most metabotropic receptors are coupled to G proteins and inhibit release by an interaction between G protein βγ-subunits and calcium channels; in contrast, ionotropic receptors affect release mainly by changing the presynaptic membrane potential. Accumulating evidence suggests that ionotropic receptors may also engage metabotropic cascades under some conditions. Presynaptic receptors can functionally reshape neural circuits by rapidly and reversibly changing the properties of synaptic transmission, and the specific expression of different receptors at different synapses allows each receptor subtype to have a distinct effect on neural processing.
Directed evolution: new parts and optimized function.

Constructing novel biological systems that function in a robust and predictable manner requires better methods for discovering new functional molecules and for optimizing their assembly in novel biological contexts. By enabling functional diversification and optimization in the absence of detailed mechanistic understanding, directed evolution is a powerful complement to ‘rational’ engineering approaches. Aided by clever selection schemes, directed evolution has generated new parts for genetic circuits, cell–cell communication systems, and non-natural metabolic pathways in bacteria.
Modern Russian Grammar: A Practical Guide by DUNN, JOHN, & SHAMIL KHAIROV

The article reviews the book "Modern Russian Grammar: A Practical Guide," by Shamil Khairov and John Dunn.
Simgrid: a toolkit for the simulation of application scheduling

Advances in hardware and software technologies have made it possible to deploy parallel applications over increasingly large sets of distributed resources. Consequently, the study of scheduling algorithms for such applications has been an active area of research. Given the nature of most scheduling problems one must resort to simulation to effectively evaluate and compare their efficacy over a wide range of scenarios. It has thus become necessary to simulate those algorithms for increasingly complex distributed dynamic, heterogeneous environments. We present Simgrid a simulation toolkit for the study of scheduling algorithms for distributed application. We give the main concepts and models behind Simgrid, describe its API and highlight current implementation issues. We also give some experimental results and describe work that builds on Simgrid's functionalities.
Magnetoelectric Sensors With Directly Integrated Charge Sensitive Readout Circuit—Improved Field Sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The large magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in the ME laminates makes them attractive for ultrasensitive room temperature magnetic sensors. Here ,we investigate the field sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ME laminates, consisting of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers (Metglas and piezopolymer PVDF were used as the model system), which are directly integrated with a low noise readout circuit. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results show that increasing the number of piezoelectric layers can improve the SNR, especially at low frequencies. We also introduce a figure of merit to measure the overall influence of the piezolayer properties on the SNR and show that the newly developed piezoelectric single crystals of PMN-PT and PZN-PT have the promise to achieve a very high SNR and consequently ultra-high sensitivity room temperature magnetic sensors. The results show that the ME coefficients used in early ME composites development works may not be relevant to the SNR. The results also show that enhancing the magnetostrictive coefficient, for example, by employing the flux concentration effect, can lead to enhanced SNR.
Business intelligence explorer: a knowledge map framework for discovering business intelligence on the Web

Nowadays, information overload hinders the discovery of business intelligence on the World Wide Web. Existing business intelligence tools suffer from a lack of analysis and visualization capabilities and traditional result list display by search engines often overwhelms business analysts with irrelevant information. Thus, developing tools that enable better analysis while reduce information overload has been a challenge. The literature show that hierarchical and map displays enable effective access and browsing of information. However, they have not been widely applied to discover business intelligence on the Web. This research proposes business intelligence explorer, a tool implementing the steps in a knowledge map framework for discovering business intelligence on the Web. Two browsing methods, namely, Web community and knowledge map, have been implemented. Web community uses a genetic algorithm to organize different Web sites into a hierarchical format. Knowledge map uses a multidimensional scaling algorithm to place different Web sites as points on a map. Preliminary results of our user study show that Web community helps users locate results quickly and effectively. Users liked the intuitive map display of knowledge map. Our business intelligence explorer contributes to alleviate information overload in business analysis. Future directions on applying document visualization techniques in discovering business intelligence are described.
Walnuts Improve Semen Quality in Men Consuming a Western-Style Diet: Randomized Control Dietary Intervention Trial

We tested the hypothesis that 75 g of whole-shelled walnuts/day added to the Western-style diet of healthy young men would beneficially affect semen quality. A randomized, parallel two-group dietary intervention trial with single-blind masking of outcome assessors was conducted with 117 healthy men, age 21-35 yr old, who routinely consumed a Western-style diet. The primary outcome was improvement in conventional semen parameters and sperm aneuploidy from baseline to 12 wk. Secondary endpoints included blood serum and sperm fatty acid (FA) profiles, sex hormones, and serum folate. The group consuming walnuts (n = 59) experienced improvement in sperm vitality, motility, and morphology, but no change was seen in the group continuing their usual diet but avoiding tree nuts (n = 58). Comparing differences between the groups from baseline, significance was found for vitality (P = 0.003), motility (P = 0.009), and morphology (normal forms; P = 0.04). Serum FA profiles improved in the walnut group with increases in omega-6 (P = 0.0004) and omega-3 (P = 0.0007) but not in the control group. The plant source of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) increased (P = 0.0001). Sperm aneuploidy was inversely correlated with sperm ALA, particularly sex chromosome nullisomy (Spearman correlation, -0.41, P = 0.002). Findings demonstrated that walnuts added to a Western-style diet improved sperm vitality, motility, and morphology.
Mutations Affecting Starch Synthase III in Arabidopsis Alter Leaf Starch Structure and Increase the Rate of Starch Synthesis

The role of starch synthase (SS) III (SSIII) in the synthesis of transient starch in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was investigated by characterizing the effects of two insertion mutations at the AtSS3 gene locus. Both mutations, termed Atss3-1 and Atss3-2, condition complete loss of SSIII activity and prevent normal gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The mutations cause a starch excess phenotype in leaves during the light period of the growth cycle due to an apparent increase in the rate of starch synthesis. In addition, both mutations alter the physical structure of leaf starch. Significant increases were noted in the mutants in the frequency of linear chains in amylopectin with a degree of polymerization greater than approximately 60, and relatively small changes were observed in chains of degree of polymerization 4 to 50. Furthermore, starch in the Atss3-1 and Atss3-2 mutants has a higher phosphate content, approximately two times that of wild-type leaf starch. Total SS activity is increased in both Atss3 mutants and a specific SS activity appears to be up-regulated. The data indicate that, in addition to its expected direct role in starch assembly, SSIII also has a negative regulatory function in the biosynthesis of transient starch in Arabidopsis.
Low–power plasma torch method for the production of crystalline spherical ceramic particles

A low-power, atmospheric pressure, microwave plasma torch was used to make spherical alumina particles of controlled size from irregularly shaped precursor powders. Detailed studies of the impact of operating parameters, particularly gas identity (argon or air), gas flow rates, and applied power, showed that particle size changed in a predictable fashion. The most important factor in controlling particle size appears to be precursor particle density in the aerosol stream that enters the plasma hot zone. This and other facts suggest that particle collision rate is primarily responsible for determining ultimate particle size, although atomic addition also plays a role. Reproducible volume average particle sizes ranging from 97 to 1150 μm3 were formed from precursor particles of order 14 μm3. Moreover, for the first time we report the creation of an atmospheric pressure low-power air plasma (<1 kW).
On Small-Sample Confidence Intervals for Parameters in Discrete Distributions

Summary. The traditional definition of a confidence interval requires the coverage probability at any value of the parameter to be at least the nominal confidence level. In constructing such intervals for parameters in discrete distributions, less conservative behavior results from inverting a single two-sided test than inverting two separate one-sided tests of half the nominal level each. We illustrate for a variety of discrete problems, including interval estimation of a binomial parameter, the difference and the ratio of two binomial parameters for independent samples, and the odds ratio.
Altman, Sidney (1939–)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: Altman, Sidney (RNA catalytic properties molecules)
Novel integration technique for flip-chip bonding circuit in wafer scale packaging

A novel integration technique for flip-chip bonding a circuit in wafer scale packaging is presented. The solder is a multilayered structure which consists of 95 at.% Sn and 5 at.% Au. The metal-to-metal bonding process was carried out around 230/spl deg/C in air. The solder bond pads have an area of 625/spl mu/m/sup 2/ with the height of 2.3/spl mu/m. To characterize the integration technique a variety of designs for a flip-chip interconnections are fabricated and measured for a flip-chip mounted coplanar waveguide (CPW). Modeled predictions of the design show significant performance improvement can be achieved by considering the impact of the substrate and associated parasitics on the mounted chip and transition region in the design. In this paper, we discuss design, modeling and measurement of wide band transition for flip chipped circuits in wafer scale packaging. A locally scaled flip-chip structure is proposed to compensate effective dielectric constant at the transition part of the interconnect.
End-bonded contacts for carbon nanotube transistors with low, size-independent resistance.

Moving beyond the limits of silicon transistors requires both a high-performance channel and high-quality electrical contacts. Carbon nanotubes provide high-performance channels below 10 nanometers, but as with silicon, the increase in contact resistance with decreasing size becomes a major performance roadblock. We report a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) transistor technology with an end-bonded contact scheme that leads to size-independent contact resistance to overcome the scaling limits of conventional side-bonded or planar contact schemes. A high-performance SWNT transistor was fabricated with a sub–10-nanometer contact length, showing a device resistance below 36 kilohms and on-current above 15 microampere per tube. The p-type end-bonded contact, formed through the reaction of molybdenum with the SWNT to form carbide, also exhibited no Schottky barrier. This strategy promises high-performance SWNT transistors, enabling future ultimately scaled device technologies.
A general method for generating effective resonance cross sections for heterogeneous media

Effective resonance cross sections used in the analysis of heterogeneous reactors have generally been obtained through the use of equivalence theory and/or integral transport theory. One fundamenta...