cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overcoming the Self-Promotion Dilemma: Interpersonal Attraction and Extra Help as a Consequence of Who Sings One's Praises

Prior research has shown that positive information presented by a third party shields people from the negative consequences of being perceived as self-promoting. But in many contexts, those third parties are intermediaries with a financial interest in the person being promoted rather than neutral parties. In three experimental studies, the authors demonstrate that even when intermediaries are not neutral, they can be helpful for overcoming the self-promotion dilemma--the need to assert one's competence but not be harmed by the fact that people who self-promote are viewed negatively. The authors find that hiring an agent to sing one's praises results in more favorable perceptions of the client, which contributes, in turn, to a greater willingness to offer that person assistance. It is also shown that even when the intermediary is physically present and seen to be complicit with the client, the positive effects of having someone else speak on one's behalf persist.
MIGRATION AND GENETIC DRIFT IN HUMAN POPULATIONS.

In humans and many other species, mortality is concentrated early in the life cycle, and is low during the ages of dispersal and reproduction. Yet precisely the opposite is assumed by classical population-genetics models of migration and genetic drift. We introduce a model in which population regulation occurs before migration. In contrast to the conventional model, our model implies that geographic variation in the allele frequencies of newborns should exceed that of adults. Thus, it is important to distinguish genetic variation of adults from that of newborns in species with human-like life cycles. Classical models deal with the variance of group allele frequencies about the allele frequency of a hypothetical "continent" or "foundation stock." Empirical studies, however, can only measure "reduced" variance, i.e., variance about the current population mean. Our model deals with reduced variance, and should therefore be more relevant to field studies. We show that reduced variance converges faster, which implies that populations are more likely to be at equilibrium with respect to reduced than unreduced variance. To summarize the effect of migration on genetic population structure, we introduce a new parameter, the effective migration rate. Unlike most population structure statistics, it does not confound the effects of mobility and population size, and it should therefore be useful for comparisons between populations. Finally, we show that the difference between geographic variation of newborn and adult allele frequencies contains information about both effective population size and effective migration rate.
Professionalism's Challenges to Professional Counselors' Collective Identity

The authors discuss how attaining various standards of professionalism has inadvertently resulted in challenges to professional counselors' collective identity. The authors reviewed interviews with senior contributors to the profession published in the Journal of Counseling & Development, identifying themes in their comments to suggest potential solutions to helping professional counselors find unity in diversity.
Thermal Capacity and Boundary Regularity

where A and B are, respectively, vector and scalar valued Baire functions defined in I2 x R’ x R”. Here B is an open subset of R”+ ‘. Points of F?“+ ’ are denoted by (x, t) with x E ip” and c E I?. The symbols V and div denote gradient and divergence taken with respect to the x variable. The functions A and B are assumed to satisfy the following structural conditions: A(x,t,u,w)~a,Iwl+a,(.u,t)lul+az(x,t), B(x, t, u, w),<b,Iw12 +b,(x, t))w + b,(x, I) IuI + b,(x, t), (2) ~v~A(~,t,u,~~~)~~~~~~~-c,(x,t)~~/~-c~(~,t).
Optimal generation planning to improve storage cost and system conditions

This paper presents an optimal generation planning study implemented in MATPOWER that includes bulk electric energy storage and renewables to optimize the operating cost of bulk energy storage and transmission system conditions.
Stress intensity factors and weight functions for semi-elliptical cracks using finite element alternating method

Abstract Finite element alternating methods are used to evaluate the stress intensity factors and weight functions for semi-elliptical surface crack problems. The analytical solutions for an infinite solid with an embedded crack are determined using an elliptical coordinate system and gravity potential functions. The analytical solutions are derived for the cases of shear tractions and normal tractions, separately. Superposition gives the general solutions. The analytical solutions and the finite element method, in conjunction with alternating technique, are used to evaluate the stress intensity factors for a solid with a semi-elliptical surface crack, subjected to arbitrary loads. A general approach to evaluate the weight functions for a plate with a semi-elliptical surface crack is also formulated. The numerical results show good agreement with those from classical solutions. Finally, the method is applied to a welded plate T-joints with semi-elliptical surface cracks to obtain stress intensity factors.
Surface Raman spectroscopy as a probe of surface chemistry

Unenhanced surface Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the chemistry of polymers adsorbed on solid surfaces and the chemical enhancement mechanism of surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The adsorption and reactions of the polyimide monomers pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline on silver, copper and silicon surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum have been investigated. These include both nondissociative physisorption and dissociative chemisorption of the monomers, and the condensation polymerization to form adsorbed polyimide. The intermediate polyamic acid is detected for the first time in a surface experiment. PMDA adsorbed on Cu(111) shows chemical enhancement in the absence of electromagnetic enhancement. High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy has revealed a strong charge transfer absorption near the Raman excitation frequency. This observation provides strong support for a proposed resonance Raman chemical enhancement mechanism.
Molecular genetic analysis of membrane protein topology.

Abstract A transmembrane protein contains domains residing in the aqueous compartments on both sides of the membrane in which it is integrated. A determination of the topology of such a protein requires the definition of which domains lie on which side of the membrane. In E. coli , mutants and gene fusions have been used to obtain this topological information.
Further observations on the serological specificity C of the A-B-O blood group system.

Summary: *A simple method has been described for producing antisera containing anti-C antibodies of high titre and avidity, by immunizing group O individuals having low titres of isoagglutinins with porcine blood group substance A. Such injections can stimulate a rise not only of the anti-A titre but also of anti-C with no noticeable effect on the anti-B titre. The only disadvantage is that although the suitably diluted reagents are potent, they contain anti-A in addition to anti-C, and therefore can be used for testing for the presence of C only those red cells or other materials which lack group A specificity. However, reagents suitable for testing for C in the presence of A could be prepared by immunizing group O subjects with group B red cells or B group substance. Evidence is presented that the specificity C is shared by all red cells and other materials having A-like and or B-like specificities, though rare individuals exist having red cells agglutinable by anti-C though lacking both A and B. It is suggested that the specificity C is not due to a determinant group shared by A and B group-specific substances, but, instead, that overall similarities in the surface structure of their molecules are responsible. Analogies are pointed out which are comparable to the relationship of factor C to the A-B-O system; namely, of U to the M-N-S and rhG to the Rh-Hr system, and also of Cc to the simian C-E-F blood system of chimpanzees. * To avoid ambiguity, symbols for blood factors (serological specificities) of red cells and their corresponding antibodies are printed in boldface type, symbols for genes and genotypes are printed in italics, and symbols for agglutinogens, phenotypes and blood group systems are printed in regular type.
Extracellular HIV-1 viral protein R affects astrocytic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and neuronal survival

Extracellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral protein R (Vpr) is a pleiotropic protein accomplishing several functions within the viral life cycle. While Vpr has been described extensively as an intracellular protein, very little is known about its role as an extracellular protein. In fact, HIV-1 Vpr has been detected in the blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1-infected patients, with concentrations increasingly higher in late-stage disease. To determine the role exogenous Vpr plays in HIV-associated central nervous system dysfunction, primary human fetal astrocytes were exposed to recombinant Vpr and a time- and dose-dependent decrease was demonstrated in two fundamental intracellular metabolites (adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH)). Additionally, exposure to exogenous Vpr led to increased caspase activity and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and chemoattractants, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and migration inhibition factor. Extracellular Vpr also dampened the glycolytic pathway through impairment of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, causing a decline in the levels of ATP. The reduction in intracellular ATP increased reactive oxygen species buildup, decreasing GSH concentrations, which affected several genes in the oxidative stress pathway. In addition, exposure of the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell line to conditioned medium from exogenous Vpr-treated astrocytes decreased synthesis of GSH, leading to their apoptosis. These observations point to a role that Vpr plays in altering astrocytic metabolism and indirectly affecting neuronal survival. We propose a model that may explain some of the neurological damage and therefore neurocognitive impairment observed during the course of HIV-1 disease.
Separation-individuation and identity development in at-risk youth

The relationship between separation–individuation and identity development was investigated in a sample of runaway/homeless adolescents (N = 83). Participants were 18–21 years (M = 19.4, SD = 0.86). The ethnic distribution consisted of 50.6% African American, 24.1% European American, 18.1% Hispanic American and 7.2% Other. Participants provided demographic information and completed the Separation Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA) and the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire. The hypotheses that Healthy Separation (one of the nine SITA variables) would predict Identity Exploration and Identity Commitment were not supported. Hierarchical regression analyses yielded only one statistically significant finding: Practicing Mirroring (a SITA subscale that measures narcissistic self-confidence derived from feedback from others) predicted Identity Commitment scores. These results support the importance of caregiver encouragement during the identity development process. Consideration of the separation– individ...
Direct recruitment of ERK cascade components to inducible genes is regulated by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K.

Components of the ERK cascade are recruited to genes, but it remains unknown how they are regulated at these sites. The RNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K interacts with kinases and is found along genes including the mitogen-inducible early response gene EGR-1. Here, we used chromatin immunoprecipitations to study co-recruitment of hnRNP K and ERK cascade activity along the EGR-1 gene. These measurements revealed that the spatiotemporal binding patterns of ERK cascade transducers (GRB2, SOS, B-Raf, MEK, and ERK) at the EGR-1 locus resemble both hnRNP K and RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Inhibition of EGR-1 transcription with either serum-responsive factor knockdown or 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole altered recruitment of all of the above ERK cascade components along this locus that mirrored the changes in Pol II and hnRNP K profiles. siRNA knockdown of hnRNP K decreased the levels of active MEK and ERK at the EGR-1, changes associated with decreased levels of elongating pre-mRNA and less efficient splicing. The hnRNP K dependence and pattern of ERK cascade activation at the c-MYC locus were different from at EGR-1. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitations revealed that hnRNP K was associated with the EGR-1 but not c-MYC mRNAs. These data suggest a model where Pol II transcription-driven recruitment of hnRNP K along the EGR-1 locus compartmentalizes activation of the ERK cascade at these genes, events that regulate synthesis of mature mRNA.
Femtosecond imaging of surface plasmon dynamics in a nanostructured silver film

Light interacting with nanostructured metals excites the collective charge density fluctuations known as surface plasmons (SP). Through excitation of the localized SP eigenmodes incident light is trapped on the nanometer spatial and femtosecond temporal scales and its field is enhanced. Here we demonstrate the imaging and quantum control of SP dynamics in a nanostructured silver film. By inducing and imaging the nonlinear two-photon photoemission from the sample with a pair of identical 10-fs laser pulses while scanning the pulse delay, we record a movie of SP fields at a rate of 330-attoseconds/frame.
A role for mammalian Sin3 in permanent gene silencing

The multisubunit Sin3 corepressor complex regulates gene transcription through deacetylation of nucleosomes. However, the full range of Sin3 activities and targets is not well understood. Here, we have investigated genome-wide binding of mouse Sin3 and RBP2 as well as histone modifications and nucleosome positioning as a function of myogenic differentiation. Remarkably, we find that Sin3 complexes spread immediately downstream of the transcription start site on repressed and transcribed genes during differentiation. We show that RBP2 is part of a Sin3 complex and that on a subset of E2F4 target genes, the coordinated activity of Sin3 and RBP2 leads to deacetylation, demethylation, and repositioning of nucleosomes. Our work provides evidence for coordinated binding of Sin3, chromatin modifications, and chromatin remodeling within discrete regulatory regions, suggesting a model in which spreading of Sin3 binding is ultimately linked to permanent gene silencing on a subset of E2F4 target genes.
A family of transposable elements co-opted into developmental enhancers in the mouse neocortex.

The neocortex is a mammalian-specific structure that is responsible for higher functions but details of how it evolved are lacking. Here the authors show that the transposable element family MER130 is highly enriched among the enhancers in the developing mouse neocortex, suggesting a role in the evolution of this structure.
Genome-wide scan of plasma cholecystokinin in baboons shows linkage to human chromosome 17

Objective: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is known to inhibit food intake and is an important signal for controlling meal volume, indicating a possible role in weight regulation. Our objective was to investigate genetic influences on plasma CCK in baboons. Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 376 baboons (males = 113, females = 263) from the Southwest National Primate Research Center, housed at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Genetic effects on plasma CCK were estimated by the maximum likelihood-based variance components method implemented in the software program SOLAR (Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines). Results: Male baboons (32.7 ± 6 kg) were much heavier than females (20.2 ± 4 kg). Similarly, mean (± standard deviation) plasma CCK values were also higher in male baboons (13.8 ± 6 pM) than female baboons (12.5 ± 4 pM). Significant heritabilities were observed for plasma CCK (0.14 ± 0.1, p < 0.05), body weight (h2 = 0.62 ± 0.15, p < 10−8), and glucose (h2 = 0.68 ± 0.17, p < 10−7). A genome-wide scan of plasma CCK detected a strong signal for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 17p12–13 [logarithm of the odds (LOD) = 3.1] near marker D17S804. Suggestive evidence of a second QTL was observed on chromosome 4q34–35 (LOD = 2.3) near marker D4S2374. Discussion: A substantial contribution of additive genetic effects to the variation in plasma levels of CCK was demonstrated in baboons. The identification of a QTL for plasma CCK on chromosome 17p is significant, as several obesity-related traits such as BMI, leptin, adiponectin, and acylation stimulating protein have already been mapped to this region.
Nerve growth factor inhibits HCO3/- absorption in renal thick ascending limb through inhibition of basolateral membrane Na+/H+ exchange

Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibits transepithelial HCO3 − absorption in the rat medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL). To investigate the mechanism of this inhibition, MTALs were perfused in vitroin Na+-free solutions, and apical and basolateral membrane Na+/H+ exchange activities were determined from rates of pHi recovery after lumen or bath Na+addition. NGF (0.7 nm in the bath) had no effect on apical Na+/H+ exchange activity, but inhibited basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity by 50%. Inhibition of basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity with ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) secondarily reduces apical Na+/H+ exchange activity and HCO3 − absorption in the MTAL (Good, D. W., George, T., and Watts, B. A., III (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 12525–12529). To determine whether a similar mechanism could explain inhibition of HCO3 − absorption by NGF, apical Na+/H+ exchange activity was assessed in physiological solutions (146 mm Na+) by measurement of the initial rate of cell acidification after lumen EIPA addition. Under these conditions, in which basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity is present, NGF inhibited apical Na+/H+ exchange activity. Inhibition of HCO3 − absorption by NGF was eliminated in the presence of bath EIPA or in the absence of bath Na+. Also, NGF blocked inhibition of HCO3 − absorption by bath EIPA. We conclude that NGF inhibits basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity in the MTAL, an effect opposite from the stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by growth factors in other systems. NGF inhibits transepithelial HCO3 − absorption through inhibition of basolateral Na+/H+ exchange, most likely as the result of functional coupling in which primary inhibition of basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity results secondarily in inhibition of apical Na+/H+exchange activity. These findings establish a role for basolateral Na+/H+ exchange in the regulation of renal tubule HCO3 − absorption.
Big Bang blunder bursts the multiverse bubble

Premature hype over gravitational waves highlights gaping holes in models for the origins and evolution of the Universe, argues Paul Steinhardt.
Chemical catalysis with rf power mechanisms, systems and costs

It has been known for many years that rf power could be used to heat liquids and other materials. Millions of microwave ovens have been sold and are as common in todays household as are radios and television sets. They are based on the fact that microwave energy can quickly and efficiently heat and thereby cook most foods. This paper looks at the same principals applied to chemical catalysis. Two basic parameters of liquids are examined, the dielectric constant and the loss tangent as a function of liquid temperature and rf frequency. These two parameters are then used to determine the depth of penetration of the rf power in the liquid and to examine methods to efficiently couple the rf power to the liquid. Types and availability of rf systems are discussed. Finally, a cost table is developed which can be used to determine a rough cost of an rf power system as a function of frequency and power level.
Improvement in mood, physical symptoms, and function with nortriptyline for depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Although recent epidemiologic studies have established that patients with chronic medical illness and depressed mood are more disabled than euthymic patients, detailed data on the benefits and risks of antidepressant treatment in medically high-risk patients have been slow to accumulate. The authors have examined multiple outcome indicators in patients with disabling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbid depression. Thirty patients completed a 12-week, randomized controlled trial of nortriptyline. Nortriptyline was clearly superior to placebo for treatment of depression. Nortriptyline treatment was accompanied by marked improvements in anxiety, certain respiratory symptoms, overall physical comfort, and day-to-day function; placebo effects were negligible. Physiological measures reflecting pulmonary insufficiency were generally unaffected by treatment. These data provide impetus for renewed efforts to improve recognition and treatment of mood disorders in even severely disabled medical patients.
In defense of a libertarian welfare state: response to Michael Shermer

Mr. Shermer worries that once we empower any organization to employ the force of law to mandate collective action of any kind, we will have embarked on a slippery slope to a totalitarian state that will destroy every liberty we cherish. This concern is overblown. Governments have been mandating collective action since the dawn of recorded history. And although history does, in fact, include a considerable number of brutally totalitarian states, people around the world clearly enjoy much greater liberty today, on balance, than they ever have.
Measurement of electron backscattering in the energy range of neutron β decay

We report on the first detailed measurements of electron backscattering from low Z targets at energies up to 124 keV. Both energy and angular distributions of the backscattered electrons are measured and compared with electron transport simulations based on the Geant4 and Penelope Monte Carlo simulation codes. Comparisons are also made with previous, less extensive, measurements and with measurements at lower energies.
Tensile fracture of a fully spheroidic steel

The present work is a characterization of the tensile fracture behaviour of a fully spheroidized microstructure, and is part of a larger study which investigated the extrinsic effects of strain rate and intrinsic influence of ion implantation on the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of a high-strength steel
Laser modulation: Minimizing harmonic distortion with multiple crystals

The use of several electrooptic crystals provides a means of improving modulation depth for a given modulating voltage. An improvement in modulation linearity can also be achieved if a separate analyzer assembly is used with each crystal.
Stimulatory action of internal protons on Slo1 BK channels.

We investigated the internal pH-sensitivity of heterologously expressed hSlo1 BK channels. In the virtual absence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ to isolate the voltage-dependent gating transitions, low internal pH enhanced macroscopic hSlo1 currents by shifting the voltage-dependence of activation to more negative voltages. The activation time course was faster and the deactivation time course was slower with low pH. The estimated Kd value of the stimulatory effect was approximately pH = 6.5 or 0.35 μM. The stimulatory effect was maintained when the auxiliary subunit mouse β1 was coexpressed. Treatment of the hSlo1 channel with the histidine modifying agent diethyl pyrocarbonate also enhanced the hSlo1 currents and greatly diminished the internal pH sensitivity, suggesting that diethyl pyrocarbonate and low pH may work on the same effector mechanism. High concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+ also masked the stimulatory effect of low internal pH. These results indicate that the acid-sensitivity of the Slo BK channel may involve the channel domain implicated in the divalent-dependent activation.
Phase-locked loop based PWM wireless transmitter

A Cartesian transmitter based on pulse width modulation, with the capability to drive a switched power amplifier, such as a Class D stage, is presented. A phase-locked loop based technique is proposed to generate a high frequency pulse width modulated signal with a 1.28 GHz carrier. This signal is subsequently upconverted and applied to the output stage. This technique does not require a ramp generator or a high-precision voltage comparator, that are typically employed in conventional pulse width modulators. A prototype is simulated in a 130 nm CMOS process, and achieves 35% peak efficiency for 17 dBm output power with a center frequency of 900 MHz. Operation of the architecture with modulation that has a non-constant envelope is verified in simulation.
Effect of β-diketone structure on the synergistic extraction of uranyl ion by tributylphosphate

A study was made of the synergistic effect of tributylphosphate on the solvent extraction of uranium by a series of β-diketones consisting of furoyltrifluoroacetone, thenoyltrifluoroacetone benzoyltrifluoroacetone, thenoylacetone, acetylacetone, benzoylacetone, dibenzoylmethane, and thenoyltrifluoro(methyl)acetone. The stoichiometry of the reactions in these systems may be represented by UO22+ + 2HT = UO2T2 + 2H+ and UO22+ + 2HT + S = UO2T2S + 2H+ where HT represents the β-diketone and S the synergist, tributylphosphate. The charged species are in the aqueous phase (2 M LiClO4) and uncharged in the organic (benzene). Synergism was observed with each of the β-diketones and the effect appeared to be related to the functional groups only insofar as the groups affected the acidity of the β-diketones. Equilibrium constants were obtained for the above reactions with each of the β-diketones. A semiquantitative method for the prediction of these constants is presented.
Long-range results for breast cancer patients treated by radical mastectomy and postoperative radiation without adjuvant chemotherapy: an update.

Abstract Between 1963 and 1977, 941 patients with carcinoma of the breast received, at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, peripheral lymphatic irradiation alone or with chest wall irradiation after a radical or modified radical mastectomy. None of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The incidence of patients with histologically involved axillary nodes was 70%. The lymphatics of the apex of the axilla, of the supraclavicular area, and of the internal mammary chain were irradiated in patients with histologically positive axillary nodes and/or in patients with central or inner quadrant primaries regardless of the axillary status. When in 1963 an electron beam became available, chest wall irradiation has been added to the peripheral lymphatics irradiation, primarily when there was a heavy infestation of the axillary nodes. The disease-free survival curves tend to flatten out at 10 years. At 10 and 20 years, the disease-free survival rates are respectively 55% and 50% for all patients, 44% and 40% for all patients with positive nodes, 56% and 48% for the patients with one to three positive nodes, and 33% and 30% for the patients with four or more positive nodes. The comparison of the mortality curves between the general population and the breast cancer patients seems to indicate a cured fraction, since the curves become parallel at 17 years. The highest incidence of failures is between 0 and 5 years, still a significant incidence between 5 and 10 years, but after 10 years the incidence of failures is relatively small.
A qualitative study exploring students' engineering ethical reflections and their use in instrument validation

The development of ethical awareness and ethical reasoning is a critical part of engineering education. Appropriate assessments are needed to determine if the educational interventions are effective in developing these skills. Although there are measures to assess general moral reasoning (e.g., DIT2), they do not take into consideration the peculiarities of handling ethical situations in engineering rather than ethical situations in general. In addition, because most undergraduates learn to apply ethical reasoning to engineering through design courses that are taught in teams, it is important to understand the team ethical climate. To address this need, our research team is developing instruments to assess both individual moral reasoning and team ethical climate in an engineering context. As part of the validation efforts, we have conducted individual interviews and team observations to triangulate data from other sources and aid in data interpretation. In this work-in-progress research paper we present an overview of the instruments and our qualitative study design including our interview protocol and analysis approach. At the FIE conference, we will present initial findings from the analyses and discuss how these results are being used to validate and/or modify both the individual engineering ethical reasoning and team climate instruments being developed.
The "rationing" of medical care.

"The United States will soon have to begin rationing medical care." Although we hear this warning with increasing frequency,1 taken literally the statement is sheer nonsense. It is nonsense because the United States has always rationed medical care, just as every country always has and always will ration care. No nation is wealthy enough to supply all the care that is technically feasible and desirable; no nation can provide "presidential medicine" for all its citizens. Moreover, medical care is hardly unique in this respect. The United States "rations" automobiles, houses, restaurant meals — all the goods and services that make . . .
Strategic Information Systems and Business Outcomes

This large-scale study of 1,990 responses from practitioners in a wide range of industries developed and tested a model of relationships among a specific type of strategic information system --strategic performance measurement systems SPMS --characteristics and business outcomes. Using as methodology path analysis and stepwise regression, we found that two SPMS characteristics design purpose and information technology use, together with system effectiveness, explain close to 50% of the SPMS impact on business results.
Changes in Agriculture and Abundance of Snow Geese Affect Carrying Capacity of Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska

Abstract The central Platte River valley (CPRV) in Nebraska, USA, is a key spring-staging area for approximately 80% of the midcontinent population of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis; hereafter cranes). Evidence that staging cranes acquired less lipid reserves during the 1990s compared to the late 1970s and increases in use of the CPRV by snow geese (Chen caerulescens) prompted us to investigate availability of waste corn and quantify spatial and temporal patterns of crane and waterfowl use of the region. We developed a predictive model to assess impacts of changes in availability of corn and snow goose abundance under past, present, and potential future conditions. Over a hypothetical 60-day staging period, predicted energy demand of cranes and waterfowl increased 87% between the late 1970s and 1998–2007, primarily because peak abundances of snow geese increased by 650,000 and cranes by 110,000. Compared to spring 1979, corn available when cranes arrived was 20% less in 1998 and 68% less in 1999; conseq...
In Re A.C.—An affirmation of ACOG committee opinion number 55: Maternal-fetal conflict

I n April 1990, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued its opinion in In Re A.C., the much-publicized case involving a court-ordered cesarean section performed on a dying woman in June 1987.1 The court's decision holding that "in virtually all cases the question of what is to be done is to be decided by the pat ient-the pregnant w o m a n o n behalf of herself and the fetus," is a precedent-setting reaffirmation of a pregnant woman's autonomy in making her own health care decisions. Although there is rarely a conflict of interest between a recommended medical treatment thought to be beneficial to a fetus and the pregnant woman's choice concerning medical care, recent cases concerning court-ordered cesarean sections and drug use by pregnant women have brought to public attention the tension that can exist between a woman's right to determine her health care treatment and concerns for the well-being of the fetus. As the representative organization of board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), through its Committee on Ethics, was the first medical specialty society to issue a public statement on this issue. Committee Opinion Number 55, "Patient Choice: Maternal-Fetal Conflict," of October 1987, is a document that supports a woman's autonomy in making health care decisions. As such, it provides important guidance for many troublesome medical/legal situations. On occasion, physicians and hospital administrators have sought court orders to require a pregnant woman to undergo a certain medical or surgical procedure to which she will not consent, on the grounds that it is necessary to protect the health of the fetus. 2-4 Of the numerous documented instances in which a court order has been sought to require a woman to undergo an emergency cesarean delivery, only one case has been described in the literature in which the judge refused to grant the order. 4 Concern about the inappropriateness of the courtroom as a forum for medical decision making as well as concern about the deleterious effect judicial intervention has on a woman's autonomy and on the physician-patient relationship prompted the ACOG Ethics Committee document. It rejects the © 1990 by The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health 1049-3867/90/$3.50
Abati's work on the amazing nature of the viper and its miraculous powers.

For centuries since Herodotus, writings on those "footless lizards" touched on serpents, their types, appearance, habitat, anatomy external and internal, physiology, reproduction and venomy. However, the status of information remained much the same from Aristotle (B.C. IV) to Coiter (A.D. XVI). In 1589 a new era began with the publication of a book by Baldo Angelo Abati. Its factual illustrations, the first to depict the viper's internal anatomy, were soon republished, in part confirmed and in part contradicted, generally agreed upon by late 1600.
Current Trends in Fraud and its Detection

This article discusses the basic nature of fraud, including the major accounting scandals of the last decade. The article also discusses the role of auditors and if auditors should be held liable for not detecting financial statement fraud. The article examines recent standards, rules, and acts put in place after the major frauds of the 1990s and early 2000s, including Sarbanes-Oxley, new rules by the NYSE and NASDAQ, and SAS 92. Finally, the article discusses whether these new standards, rules, and acts will have an impact to deter financial statement frauds from occurring in the future.
Comparison of experimental and theoretical electron ejection cross sections in helium by proton impact from 5 to 100 keV

Absolute values of doubly differential cross sections are obtained for electron production in helium by 5- to 100-keV proton impact. The measured values along with earlier data at higher energies are compared with theoretical plane-wave Born-approximation functions obtained from a Hartree-Fock potential. Not only is good agreement obtained at high impact energies (above 300 keV), but fairly good agreement is found at low energies (below about 20 keV). For electrons ejected in the backward hemisphere, unexpectedly poor agreement is noted at intermediate energies where the measured cross sections dip to 50% of the calculated values in some cases. Singly differential cross sections integrated over all angles agree quite well with the theoretical calculations over all ranges of parameters studied. Singly differential cross sections integrated over all electron energies tend to be more isotropic in angle as the proton energy is decreased from 100 to 5 keV. Total cross sections for electron production are also obtained which compare reasonably well with those of Solov'ev et al. but which are higher than those of de Heer et al. It is shown that the contribution to the cross section by the mechanism of charge transfer to the continuum decreases as the impact energy decreases, contrary to the prediction of Salin's treatment.
Polarization correlations in atomic-field pair production

Atomic-field pair-production polarization correlations between incident photon and emitted positron are discussed for incident photon energies in the range 1.073-2.615 MeV. Results are reported from an exact numerical calculation in partial-wave formulation using screened potentials. It is shown that pair production can be used as a polarizer of positrons, or transmitter of polarization from photons to positrons, or an analyzer of polarized photons. In heavy elements at suitable positron angles all these correlations can be large. It is shown that the polarization correlations are practically independent of atomic-electron screening, which is a consequence of the normalization screening theory discussed in our previous work.
Characterization of the cis-acting elements of the mouse myelin P2 promoter

Myelin P, is a basic protein of an apparent molecular weight of 14,800. Expression of P2 has been found largely in the cytosol of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Although the function of P, is unknown, its striking homology to a family of fatty acid binding proteins has led to the idea that P, may function as a fatty acid transport molecule. To investigate the DNA elements that control the expression of P,, sequences 5’ to the coding region were cloned upstream of the cat reporter gene. A series of 3’ and 5’ promoter mutants was constructed and their activity determined following transfection into secondary Schwann cells and the MT,Hl Schwann cell line. Using this strategy, we have identified a 217 bp silencer region and a 142 bp positive regulatory region. In addition, we have localized the 5’ flanking sequences in the promoter that are responsive to cAMP induction and to the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP).
Revisiting the Underclass Debate: Contemporary Applications to Immigrants and Policy Implications

The “underclass” concept pervades social science research on poverty, racial relations, and more recently, immigration. In this article, we elaborate and extend Massey’s critique of the underclass ...
Kinetics and mechanism of pepsinogen activation.

The spontaneous and pepsin-catalyzed activation of pepsinogen has been observed and analyzed kinetically. At appropriate protein concentrations (1 mg per ml or less), a kinetically first order reaction was observed in the pH range 1 to 3, implying an intramolecular activation mechanism. Substantiation of the first order reaction came from a linear plot of log pepsinogen concentration versus time, with an ordinate intercept at the log of the initial pepsinogen concentration. Moreover a 10-fold dilution in protein concentration did not diminish the half-life of the activation reaction. The first order rate constant of 4.7 per min at 28° was comparable to the kcat values observed for peptic hydrolysis of synthetic peptide substrates. At pH 4, we observed kinetics consistent with a mixed reaction mechanism involving the bimolecular reaction of a pepsin molecule and a pepsinogen molecule as well as an intramolecular activation reaction. Below pH 3, this second order process was studied by observing the initial rate of pepsinogen activation in the presence of pepsin. When the pH profiles of the first and second order rate constants were compared, the first order rate constant declined much more rapidly as pH increased than did the second order rate constant. This fact explains the change from a predominantly intermolecular activation mechanism at pH 4 to an intramolecular activation below pH 3.
A Josephson technology system level experiment

This letter describes the first system level test vehicle in Josephson technology. The experiment consists of four circuit chips assembled on two cards in a high density, 3-dimensional, card-on-board package. A data path, which is representative of a critical path of a future prototype processor, was successfully operated with a minimum cycle time of 3.7ns. The path simulates a jump control sequence and a cache access in each machine cycle. This experiment incorporates the essential components of the logic, power and package portions of a Josephson technology prototype.
Results of an experimental radar survey on the Gornergletscher glacier system (Zwillingsgletscher), Valais, Switzerland

A 775-m 200-MHz GPR traverse was surveyed in July 2009 over a portion of the Zwillingsgletscher branch of the Gornergletscher System, Valais, Switzerland. The survey line was approximately parallel to the glacial flow direction and situated in an area of prominent wave ogive formation. The traverse shows a well-developed pattern of scattering that is strongly folded into apparent troughs and ridges with the ridges commencing at 10–20 m depth. This pattern mimics the expected ogive structure. The origin of the scattering has not yet been confirmed, but is possibly related to an onset of warmer ice or to variations in rock or sediment content.
Characterization of the Permselective Properties of Excised Human Skin During Iontophoresis

The iontophoretic and passive transport of [3H]mannitol, 22Na+, 36CI−, and 45Ca++ across excised human cadaver skin was studied using diffusion cells. The anode (+) was placed in the side of the diffusion cell facing the epidermis and the cathode (-) was placed in the side facing the dermis, and current densities at 0, 0.078, 0.16, and 0.23 mA-cm−2 were investigated. The results showed that mannitol and Na+ were transported preferentially by anodal (+) iontophoresis, Cl was transported by cathodal (-) iontophoresis, and all respective fluxes were approximately proportional to the applied current density. When the skin was present as a membrane barrier between the two diffusion cell chambers the voltage induced flux of Na+ was found to be higher than its free solution value, and that of Cl− was lower. Taken together these results suggest that the skin is a permselective membrane and exists with an “apparent” net negative charge at the free solution pH of 7.4. During iontophoresis this permselectivity leads to current-induced volume flow, which provides a primary mechanism for the transport for a polar uncharged molecule such as mannitol. When Ca++ is substituted for Na+ on the side of the diffusion cell facing the epidermis, the Cl− flux from the dermal side is enhanced with a portion of the remaining charge being carried by Ca++. The mannitol flux from the epidermal side was decreased under these conditions. This implies that Ca++ alters the anion/cation flux ratio in the excised tissue, possibly by binding to fixed negative charges in the membrane, with the result that the volume flow is decreased. For molecules which have a lower relative ability to be transported across the skin (e.g., Ca++ relative to Cl−), the ions present in the extracellular fluid (e.g., Cl−) can carry a greater percentage of the total current, thus lowering the overall transport efficiency of an ion with a lower relative mobility.
MATCH: An Atom- Typing Toolset for Molecular Mechanics Force Fields

We introduce a toolset of program libraries collectively titled multipurpose atom-typer for CHARMM (MATCH) for the automated assignment of atom types and force field parameters for molecular mechanics simulation of organic molecules. The toolset includes utilities for the conversion of multiple chemical structure file formats into a molecular graph. A general chemical pattern-matching engine using this graph has been implemented whereby assignment of molecular mechanics atom types, charges, and force field parameters are achieved by comparison against a customizable list of chemical fragments. While initially designed to complement the CHARMM simulation package and force fields by generating the necessary input topology and atom-type data files, MATCH can be expanded to any force field and program, and has core functionality that makes it extendable to other applications such as fragment-based property prediction. In this work, we demonstrate the accurate construction of atomic parameters of molecules within each force field included in CHARMM36 through exhaustive cross validation studies illustrating that bond charge increment rules derived from one force field can be transferred to another. In addition, using leave-one-out substitution it is shown that it is also possible to substitute missing intra and intermolecular parameters with ones included in a force field to complete the parameterization of novel molecules. Finally, to demonstrate the robustness of MATCH and the coverage of chemical space offered by the recent CHARMM general force field (Vanommeslaeghe, et al., J Comput Chem 2010, 31, 671), one million molecules from the PubChem database of small molecules are typed, parameterized, and minimized.
Aluminum alters iron and manganese uptake and regulation of surface transferrin receptors in primary rat oligodendrocyte cultures

Abstract Transferrin (TO is a major transport protein for both iron (Fe) and aluminum (AI), as well as manganese (Mn) and it can mediate cellular uptake of these elements via cell surface Tf receptors. To study the effect of Al-Tf on Tf receptor regulation, primary oligodendrocyte cultures were prepared from cortices of newborn rats. The effects of Al-Tf on 54 Mn and 59 Fe uptake were compared to those of apo-, Fe-, or Mn-Tf (1.25 μM). To examine changes in cell surface Tf binding capacity, preincubation (4 h, 37°C) was performed with apo-, AI- or Fe-Tf and homologous receptor binding studies were subsequently conducted with 125 I-Fe-Tf at 4°C. Incubation with Al-Tf, but not with equimolar amounts of Al chloride or Al citrate, led to dose-related increases in cellular Al. Incubation with either Al- or Fe-Tf decreased 59 Fe uptake, while incubation with either Al- or Mn-Tf decreased 54 Mn uptake. Surface Tf receptor sites/cell were 1.05, 0.60 and 0.46 x 10 5 after incubations with equivalent amounts of apo-, Fe-, and Al-Tf respectively. The data suggest that Al-Tf down-regulates surface Tf receptors on oligodendrocytes and can limit Fe and Mn uptake through this mechanism.
Entrance region (Lévêquelike) mass transfer coefficients in packed bed reactors

Calculations for the high Peclet number, entrance region (Levequelike) packed bed, mass transfer coefficient using a sinusoidal periodically constricted tube model for the void structure of the bed are presented. An inverse cube root dependence of the mass transfer coefficient on the bed depth is predicted. This length dependence is anticipated only at very low Reynolds numbers. Calculations which assume a mixing region between successive periods are also presented. No bed length dependence is anticipated in these coefficients.
Endosymbiotic computing: enabling surrogate GUI and cyber-physical connectivity

Endosymbiotic Computing entails attaching an RF-enabled micro-controller module (endomodule) to an appliance such that it appears as a networked device in the cyber world. It enables a smart phone to work as not only a universal remote control but also a surrogate GUI for inspecting the attributes of these appliances, without modifications to legacy circuits. To minimize the cost and resource requirements of the endomodules, we propose a generalized active message programming method that executes dynamically-loaded threaded code on-demand without requiring parsing.