cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimum Present Value Scheduling Based on Synthetic Cash Flow Model with Singularity Functions

AbstractContractors may increase their profit by rescheduling noncritical activities within their floats. Based on this hypothesis, new theory is explored to optimize the present value of the project balance (PVbal) with singularity functions in a synthetic cash flow model. Its contribution to the body of knowledge is threefold: First, PVbal is expanded to a function of activity shifts in analogy to resource leveling. Second, it is found that intuitive front-shifting may not maximize PVbal because of a trade-off between changes in pay (inflow) and interest (outflow). Conditions for front-shifting and back-shifting and the newly discovered phenomenon of scalloping are derived by exploring monotonicity, periodicity, and concavity of the PVbal function. Monotonicity controls front-shifting or back-shifting; periodicity and concavity control if scalloping can exist, whereby shifting a fractional period gives a local optimum of PVbal. It repeats periodically until all float is exhausted. Third, combinations of...
Type IV Pilus Glycosylation Mediates Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Opsonic Activities of the Pulmonary Surfactant Protein A

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major bacterial pathogen commonly associated with chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). Previously, we have demonstrated that the type IV pilus (Tfp) of P. aeruginosa mediates resistance to antibacterial effects of pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A). Interestingly, P. aeruginosa strains with group I pilins are O-glycosylated through the TfpO glycosyltransferase with a single subunit of O-antigen (O-ag). Importantly, TfpO-mediated O-glycosylation is important for virulence in mouse lungs, exemplified by more frequent lung infection in CF with TfpO-expressing P. aeruginosa strains. However, the mechanism underlying the importance of Tfp glycosylation in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated one mechanism of increased fitness mediated by O-glycosylation of group 1 pilins on Tfp in the P. aeruginosa clinical isolate 1244. Using an acute pneumonia model in SP-A+/+ versus SP-A−/− mice, the O-glycosylation-deficient ΔtfpO mutant was found to be attenuated in lung infection. Both 1244 and ΔtfpO strains showed equal levels of susceptibility to SP-A-mediated membrane permeability. In contrast, the ΔtfpO mutant was more susceptible to opsonization by SP-A and by other pulmonary and circulating opsonins, SP-D and mannose binding lectin 2, respectively. Importantly, the increased susceptibility to phagocytosis was abrogated in the absence of opsonins. These results indicate that O-glycosylation of Tfp with O-ag specifically confers resistance to opsonization during host-mediated phagocytosis.
Geology of the Alkaline Precambrian Rocks at Pajarito Mountain, Otero County, New Mexico

Pajarito Mountain is an oval-shaped Laramide dome involving Permian carbonates and red beds with a core of Precambrian rocks. The melanocratic rocks of the core have until recently been thought to be a Tertiary intrusive and perhaps laccolithic. The Permian beds lie on the core rocks unconformably above marked soil profiles of weathering, and radiometric dating shows the Precambrian to be near 1170 m.y. The rocks are predominantly melanocratic types high in amphibole. Fine- to medium-grained syenite is the principal terrane. Locally it is granitized or invaded by a coarser-grained granitoid syenite, and both of these are very locally invaded or converted to hornblende syenite pegmatite. Although hornblende is the predominant amphibole, riebeckite is common, and locally in the pegmatite late-stage aegirine has formed and commonly replaces the hornblende or riebeckite.
Assessing the Validity of the Gre for Students in Psychology: A Validity Generalization Approach

Meta-analysis was used to examine the validity of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in predicting "success" in graduate school. Results are presented for studies conducted in Psychology/Counseling departments. Validity coefficients were demonstrated to come from a homogeneous population (variance across studies was due mostly to sampling error). Mean validity coefficients ranged from .03 to .37, with an average of .18. Most of the squared population validity coefficients indicate that less than 9% of the variance in the criterion was accounted for. When employing graduate grade point average (GGPA) as the criterion, the GRE did not demonstrate adequate predictive validity. The problem of criteria is discussed, and alternatives to GGPA are presented as potentially superior indicators of graduate school success. Recommendations are suggested for developing a criterion which better reflects what is meant by "success" in graduate school.
The initial oxidation of the beryllium (0001) surface

Abstract The oxidation of the Be(0001) surface was investigated under UHV conditions. The study was made at O 2 pressures between 3 × 10 −8 and 2 × 10 −6 Torr and sample temperatures between 300 and 770 K. The amount of surface oxide formed was monitored by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). An estimate of the oxide thickness was obtained by comparing the relative intensities of the Be(KVV) AES transitions from the substrate and from the oxide. The influence of electron backscattering differences in the substrate and the oxide have been considered. Further information about the oxidation process was obtained from low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (ELS). The results indicate that oxygen is initially adsorbed at a nearly constant, but low, rate. There is evidence that bulk-like BeO nuclei form at an average oxide coverage of less than one monolayer. Following the period of adsorption and nucleation, the kinetics of oxide growth become slower and nonlinear. This stage probably corresponds to island growth and oxide layer coalescence. The growth of BeO was observed to be linearly dependent on the pressure during the above two phases of growth. Further increases in the oxide thickness, after coalescence, were observed to be proportional to the logarithm of the oxidation time (log t + constant). In addition, the pressure dependence of the kinetics became nonlinear, possibly P 1 2 or log P , and the temperature dependence became very weak.
Experimental parameters affecting quantitative PCR of Artemia franciscana: a model for a marine zooplanktonic target in natural plankton samples

The brine shrimp Artemia franciscana was used as a model zooplankter to explore the range and accuracy of quantitative PCR (QPCR) in detecting a target species in plankton community DNA. Specific primers were designed in the 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes and analyzed by TaqMan and SYBR Green I reporting systems. Assays were sensitive in detecting A. franciscana nauplii in DNA extractions from bulk plankton: a single nauplius was detected when added to 20 mg wet, packed plankton and distinguished from two added nauplii. Indeed, Artemia DNA diluted to 0.1 picograms per reaction (equivalent to 10−5 nauplii) was detectable. Artemia franciscana was detected without coamplification of other plankton, alleviating concern for errors caused by the presence of similar organisms in the plankton community. A natural plankton DNA sample and purified herring sperm DNA inhibited PCR above 100 ng reaction−1, but these samples could be diluted to eliminate inhibition. Because QPCR could detect 10−5 nauplii, dilution solves inhibition without sacrificing sensitivity. This sensitivity allows for analysis of a mass of plankton made large enough sufficient to include a target organism at low density. The newly hatched nauplius (DNA mass = 6. 1 ng) is a useful internal control in experiments examining plankton samples, providing a means of controlling for variations in DNA extraction and amplification efficiency in surveys for species of interest.
Cytochemical studies of the maternal surface of the syncytiotrophoblast of human early and term placenta.

Light microscopic studies using a battery of basic dye stains combined with sialidase and hyaluronidase digestions indicated that the extensive basophilia of the maternal surface of the placental syncytium largely results from the presence of a non-sulfated mucosubstance specifically identified as hyaluronic acid. Ultrastructural examination of dialyzed iron (DI) stained specimens revealed that DI-positive filaments observed along the syncytial surface were removed by hyaluronidase digestion. Staining with the lectins, Concanavalin A or lentil bean hemagglutinin produced an intense and periodic pattern of staining that was not enzyme labile. Incubation of tissue sections in the enzyme solutions or control buffers allowed the lectins to penetrate the syncytial plasma membrane and stain material within the endoplasmic reticulum presumed to be human chorionic gonadotropin. The maternal surface exhibited essentially no reactivity for acid phosphatase but showed strong alkaline phosphatase activity with a periodic staining pattern. With each of the techniques used there was variability in the intensity of staining in different regions along the maternal surface, suggesting that functionally different zones may be identified cytochemically. Only minor differences were observed in the cytochemical reactivity of early compared with term placenta.
Tracking feature points in time-varying images using an opportunistic selection approach

Abstract In tracking of feature points in time-varying images, one major issue is to identify the feature points at different times that represent the same physical object point. This process is often called the ‘correspondence problem’ and is an important research issue in both motion analysis and stereopsis. This paper describes a new approach toward the tracking of feature points in time-varying images by reasoning about the trajectories of feature points. The advantage of this approach is that the solution can be computed efficiently and the algorithm can potentially be supported by multiple processor computer. This approach is tested extensively on synthesized data. The statistics on the experiments strongly suggests the generality and the robustness of the approach.
USING CELL‐FRACTIONATION AND PHOTOCHEMICAL CROSSLINKING METHODS TO DETERMINE THE CELLULAR BINDING SITE(S) OF THE ANTITUMOR DRUG DMP 840

— In order to understand its mechanism of action we have begun an effort to better define the cellular target of action of the experimental antitumor agent DMP 840 (NSC D640430; (R, R)-2,2′-(1,2-ethanediylbis(imino-(1 -methyl-2,1 -ethanediyl)))-bis(5-nitro-1 H-benz(de)isoquinoline-1,3-(2H)-dione) dimethanesulfonate). Using a combination of gentle cell fractionation procedures and a previously unidentified photochemical crosslinking reaction, we have shown that after the drug is added to cultured Clone A cells, more than 80% of the drug that is found associated with cells partitions to the chromatin-containing structural framework of the cell and that the primary target after crosslinking with 360 nm light is DNA. While DMP 840 photoreacts quite efficiently with purified RNA in vitro, no photoat-tachment of the drug to RNA was observed in cells. In vitro photochemical studies also reveal that while GC-rich DNA is a preferred target for drug interaction, AT-rich DNA is more active in the photochemical crosslinking reaction. These results suggest that DMP 840 probably kills cells by interfering with DNA-metabolic processes, and that the drug and its derivatives are likely to be useful photoactive molecular probes for investigating higher order chromatin structures in cells.
Ca2+-mediated degradation of central nervous system (CNS) proteins: topographic and species variation.

Incubation of homogenates of rat, rabbit, and bovine spinal cord and of bovine brain white and gray matter in the presence of calcium (5 mM) produced an extensive degradation of the neurofilament triplet proteins (NFP; 200 K, 150K, and 69K). The breakdown products of the NFPs were identified by immunoblot. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), microtubular proteins (MTP), and myelin proteins were also degraded. The 150 K NFP was more susceptible than the other NFPs. The extent of calcium-mediated degradation was slightly greater with rat spinal cord than the others. Bovine brain white matter had more activity than gray, which had no appreciable degradative activity. The breakdown was prevented by both EGTA and leupeptin but a similar concentration of MgCl2 (5 mM) had no effect. These results suggest that NFPs are degraded by a Ca2+ -activated neutral proteinase in the central nervous system (CNS) of several species. The lesser activity in gray matter suggests that the enzyme is enriched in axons, myelin, and/or oligodendroglial cells.
International Technology Sourcing Strategies and Inventor Employment

This study investigates the extent to which domestic and foreign R&D workers (i.e. “inventors”) employed by multinationals (MNEs) are complements or substitutes to each other. We argue that this re...
Scar intensity statistics in the position representation

We obtain general predictions for the distribution of wave function intensities in position space on the periodic orbits of chaotic ballistic systems. The expressions depend on effective system size $N$, instability exponent $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ of the periodic orbit, and proximity to a focal point of the orbit. Limiting expressions are obtained that include the asymptotic probability distribution of rare high-intensity events and a perturbative formula valid in the limit of weak scarring. For finite system sizes, a single scaling variable $\ensuremath{\lambda}N$ describes deviations from the semiclassical $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit.
Characteristic infra-red absorption frequencies of organophosphorus compounds—III. Phosphorus-sulphur and phosphorus-selenium bonds

Abstract The characteristic infra-red absorption frequencies of the PS, PS(C), PS(P), PS(H) and PSe bonds are tabulated as a function of the overall chemical structure of the molecule. The PSe(X) absorption bands are found to fall outside the region (2–25 μ) for which data are available. Both the PS and the PSe bonds are found to be characterised by two absorption bands and possible reasons for this are discussed. The dependence of the characteristic absorption frequencies on molecular environment is demonstrated and this is found to be less dependent on the inductive effects of substituents than was the case for bonds between phosphorus and oxygen.
Development of a scaled-up chemical vapor infiltration system for tubular geometries

Silicon carbide-based heat exchanger tubes are of interest to energy production and conversion systems due to their excellent high temperature properties. Fiber-reinforced SiC is of particular importance for these applications since it is substantially tougher than monolithic SiC, and therefore more damage and thermal shock tolerant. This paper reviews a program to develop a scaled-up system for the chemical vapor infiltration of tubular shapes of fiber-reinforced SiC. The efforts include producing a unique furnace design, extensive process and system modeling, and experimental efforts to demonstrate tube fabrication.
Pain in youths with neuromuscular disease.

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of pain in children with neuromuscular disease (NMD), 42 youths with NMD underwent a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed intake interview and structured questionnaire that included demographic and functional data. Youths who reported chronic pain were further queried about pain characteristics, locations, and intensity using an 11-point numerical rating scale and a modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The sample consisted of 24 males (57%) and 18 females (43%), ages ranging from 9 to 20 years (M = 14.8, SD = 2.96). Participants included 14 (37%) with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 6 (14%) with myotonic dystrophy, 2 (5%) with Becker dystrophy, 2 (5%) with limb-girdle dystrophy, 2 (5%) with congenital muscular dystrophy, 1 (2%) facioscapulohumeral, and 15 (36%) were classified as ‘‘other NMD.’’ Twenty-one (50%) were ambulatory; 26 (62%) used power wheelchairs/scooters, 9 (2%) used manual wheelchairs, 3 (.07%) used crutches/canes, and 1 (2%) used a walker...
Phase Retrieval: A Practical Application For The Space Telescope

A phase retrieval algorithm, developed and implemented by Perkin-Elmer, is used as a technique for in-orbit alignment of the optical system in NASA's Space Telescope. Reasonably accurate estimates of wavefront aberrations are obtained from measurements of the system point spread function (PSF). Further, the accuracy of the estimates increases as the magnitude of the aberrations decreases. Therefore, even if initial aberrations are large and result in crude estimates, a partial correction of the system can be made. A reapplication of the algorithm to the improved PSF will yield more accurate estimates of the uncorrected aberrations. In this fashion, a few iterations of the phase retrieval algorithm will allow perfect system correction from an aberrated state. The algorithm consists of initially defining an error function. The goal is to minimize the error function with respect to a set of parameters. Using Zernike polynomials to describe the phase in the pupil, we are able to write an analytic expression representing the PSF. An error function that can be minimized with respect to the coefficients of the Zernike polynomials is then calculated.
Positive Daily Family Interactions Eliminate Gender Differences in Internalizing Symptoms Among Adolescents

By the age of 18, girls are more than twice as likely as boys to experience internalizing symptoms. Focusing upon the family, a significant factor for adolescent mental health, we examined how positive and negative daily family interactions relate to gender differences in internalizing symptoms. 681 12th grade students (54 % female) completed diary checklists each night for 2 weeks in which they indicated whether they got along with their family (positive family interactions) and argued with their family (negative family interactions). Results indicate that negative daily family interactions explain, in part, why females experience heightened internalizing symptoms. Yet, even in the face of negative family interactions, positive daily family interactions have salutatory effects, reducing females’ emotional distress and eliminating gender differences in internalizing symptoms at high levels of positive interactions. These findings underscore the importance of positive family interactions for adolescent girls’ mental health.
Can Facilitation Imagery Alter the Effects of Semantic Priming

This study examined if task motivational imagery suggestions could facilitate a semantic priming effect, relative to general relaxation suggestions and no specific suggestions; and if the participants’ hypnotizablity moderated the effects of the three types of instructions. Participants (n = 127) were assigned randomly in groups to one of the three instructional conditions (imagery, relaxation, or control) and two versions of a stimulus list for counterbalancing. A 3-way analysis of variance suggested that the semantic priming effect was found to be stronger for stimulus list version 2 than for version 1. A stronger semantic priming effect was found for the high, relative to the low and medium, hypnotizable groups. When medium hypnotizable participants were excluded, an instructional group X hypnotizability group interaction was found for list 1 suggesting that while the low hypnotizable participants benefited more from the relaxation suggestion, the high hypnotizables benefited more from the imagery instruction. The results suggest that imagery instructions may moderate automatic processes for highly hypnotizable individuals.
Police stress and personality factors: A conceptual model

Abstract Despite the sizeable volume of literature on police stress, little empirical research has been done on the problem, and no studies have accounted for individual differences in response to job stress. This study proposes a model which explains differential response to police stressors according to personality variables of police officers. Specific job stressors are measured by means of a Police Stress Inventory. Through canonical correlation analysis a number of personality traits are identified which correlate significantly with police stress. The personality-stress response model accounted for a sizeable proportion of responses to job stressors given by police subjects.
Costs of development and maintenance of an internet program for teens with type 1 diabetes

Many adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have difficulty completing self-management tasks within the context of their social environments. Group-based approaches to psycho-educational support have been shown to prevent declines in glucose control, but are challenging to implement due to youths’ many activities and costs. A novel solution is providing psycho-educational support via the internet. The purpose of this study is to describe the cost of developing and maintaining two internet psycho-educational programs, both of which have been shown to improve health outcomes in adolescents with T1D. We calculated actual costs of personnel and programming in the development of TEENCOPE™ and Managing Diabetes, two highly interactive programs that were evaluated in a multi-site clinical trial (n = 320). Cost calculations were set at U.S. dollars and converted to value for 2013 as expenses were incurred over 6 years. Development costs over 1.5 years totaled $324,609, with the majority of costs being for personnel to develop and write content in a creative and engaging format, to get feedback from teens on content and a prototype, and IT programming. Maintenance of the program, including IT support, a part-time moderator to assure safety of the discussion board (0.5–1 hour/week), and yearly update of content was $43,845/year, or $137.00 per youth over 4.5 years. Overall, program and site development were relatively expensive, but the program reach was high, including non-white youth from 4 geographically distinct regions. Once developed, maintenance was minimal. With greater dissemination, cost-per-youth would decrease markedly, beginning to offset the high development expense.
Sex-related and cyclic variation of trace elements in rat hypothalamus and pituitary.

Abstract The concentrations of 7 trace elements — iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, bromine, and rubidium — in rat hypothalami and anterior pituitaries were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Male, cycling female, and oophorectomized animals were studied under different conditions of reproductive function. Hypothalamic zinc and copper concentrations both rose between proestrus and estrus days and fell again at diestrus. After castration, concentrations of iron, copper, and arsenic were decreased in both pituitary and hypothalamus, while zinc concentrations rose. Male rats had lower pituitary concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, and rubidium than cycling females. Under these hormonal manipulations, hypothalamic zinc concentration and gonadotropin secretion appear to be correlated. While injections of copper salts into the hypothalamus can also stimulate gonadotropin release, we did not observe any consistent relation between endogenous hypothalamic copper concentrations and gonadotropins.
Atomistic simulation of SiH interactions with silicon surfaces during deposition from silane containing plasmas

A systematic atomic-scale analysis is presented of the interactions of SiH radicals from a silane plasma with amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) film surfaces based on molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. The coordination of the silicon surface atoms and the hydrogen surface concentration determine the mechanisms by which the SiH radical interacts with the surface and attaches itself to the film, as well as the “sticking” probability of the radical. On a-Si:H surfaces with low hydrogen concentration, SiH radicals remain on the surface and attach to silicon dangling bonds. In contrast, on a-Si:H surfaces with high hydrogen concentration and lower density of dangling bonds, radicals penetrate into the bulk film and attach to subsurface silicon atoms. An average reaction probability of 95% is predicted, which is in excellent agreement with recent experimental data.
Cardiac failure: mechanical support strategies.

Objective:Mechanical support of the circulation is necessary when heart failure becomes refractory to medical support and is typically applied when organ dysfunction occurs as a result of hypoperfusion. However, in timing the intervention, it is important to apply mechanical support before multiple
Reactive atmosphere processing of oxides

Abstract Concepts of reactive atmosphere process (RAP) are extended to the cleanup of OH − impurities in Ln 2 O 3 . Chlorine is unsuitable as this halogen converts Ln 2 O 3 to LnOCl quantitatively. Iodine is shown to be suitable for OH − impurity cleanup of Ln 2 O 3 .
Total synthesis of diazasteroids

Abstract Contrary to previous reports, the condensation product of 8-aminoquinoline and 2-carbethoxycyclopentanone undergoes ring closure with polyphosphoric acid to give the 1,11-diazasteroid . Catalytic hydrogenation reduced the A ring and the double bond to produce . 8-Aminotetrahydroquinoline and 3-carbethoxy-2-piperidone condense to a tricyclic intermediate , which could not be cyclized to a steroid, however.
Endosulfan in the atmosphere of South Florida: Transport to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

Abstract Nutrient inputs from urban encroachment and agricultural activities have been implicated in contributing to the environmental health decline and loss of organism diversity of South Florida ecosystems. Intensive agricultural pesticide use may also challenge these ecosystems. One possible mechanism is pesticide release to the atmosphere after application. The process is enhanced in this region due to the calcareous soils, frequent rainfall, and high humidity and temperatures. This study examined the atmospheric fate of the widely-used insecticide endosulfan. Air samples were collected over a five-year period (2001–2006) at a site within the agricultural community of Homestead, Florida and at sites located in nearby Biscayne and Everglades National Parks (NPs). Mean gas phase air concentrations of α-endosulfan were 17 ± 19 ng m−3 at Homestead, 2.3 ± 3.6 ng m−3 at Everglades NP, and 0.52 ± 0.69 ng m−3 at Biscayne NP. Endosulfan emissions from agricultural areas around Homestead appeared to influence air concentration observations at the NP sites. During an intensive sampling campaign, the highest total endosulfan concentrations at the NP sites were observed on days when air parcels were predicted to move from Homestead towards the sampling locations. The α-endosulfan fraction (α/(α + β)) was used to examine the contribution of pesticide drift versus volatilization to the overall residue level. The formulated product has an α fraction of approximately 0.7, whereas volatilization is predicted to have an α fraction of ≥0.9. The median α- fraction observed during periods of high agricultural activity at Homestead and Everglades NP was 0.84 and 0.88, respectively, and during periods of low agricultural activity the median at Homestead was 0.86, indicating contributions from drift. The median α fraction at Everglades NP was 1.0 during periods of low agricultural activity, while Biscayne NP was 1.0 year round indicating air concentrations are primarily influenced by regional volatilization.
A Note on the Bias in House Price Capitalization Models

Recent research efforts concerning the capitalization of low-rate, seller-supplied financing have employed hedonic pricing models that may produce biased estimates of the capitalization process. The bias results when properties sold with owner financing are included in the researcher's sample. This note discusses the nature of the bias and suggests a possible solution.
Unique existence of evolution equations of hyperbolic type with countably many singular of degenerate points

Soit H un espace de Hilbert et soit Λ un operateur auto-adjoint a spectre borne par dessous. Soit t 0 un nombre reel arbitraire avec −1≤t 0 ≤1. On etudie la resolubilite unique de l'equation d'evolution abstraite singuliere ou degeneree de type hyperbolique, u″(t)+Φ(t)Λu(t)=0 sur (t 0 ,1), u(t 0 )=u 0 , u'(t 0 )=u 1 , ou Φ est une fonction non negative sur (−1,1) avec des points singuliers et degeneres denombrables s'accummulant en 0
Nanoscale hydrodynamics: Enhanced flow in carbon nanotubes

Nanoscale structures that could mimic the selective transport and extraordinarily fast flow possible in biological cellular channels would have a wide range of potential applications. Here we show that liquid flow through a membrane composed of an array of aligned carbon nanotubes is four to five orders of magnitude faster than would be predicted from conventional fluid-flow theory. This high fluid velocity results from an almost frictionless interface at the carbon-nanotube wall.
Compost-Amended Media for Growth And Development Of Mexican Heather

Growth of Cuphea hyssopifolia, H.B.K. (Mexican Heather) transplants was evaluated in media containing 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% compost derived from biosolids and yard trimmings. Compost was amended with a commercial coir- or peat-based media. As compost composition in peat- or coir-based media increased from 0 to 100%, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios decreased, and media stability, N mobilization, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) increased. Bulk density increased and percent moisture decreased as more compost was added to either peat- or coir-based media. Plants grown in media with high volumes of compost (75 or 100%) had reduced growth as compared to controls (no compost). However, regardless of the percentage of compost in either peat- or coir-based media, all plants were considered marketable after 8 weeks.
Donor Ligand Effect on the Nature of the Oxygenating Species in MnIII(salen)-Catalyzed Epoxidation of Olefins: Experimental Evidence for Multiple Active Oxidants

The stereoselectivity of olefin epoxidation catalyzed by MnIII(salen)X (1a, X = Cl-; 1b, X = BF4-) complexes is examined in the presence of neutral donor ligands, employing various iodosylarenes (ArIO: PhIO, C6F5IO, and MesIO) as the oxygen atom source. The cis/trans ratios of stilbene oxides and the enantiomeric excesses of styrene oxide and 1,2-dihydronaphthalene oxide are found to be strongly dependent on the nature of the iodosylarenes under certain conditions. In other cases, olefin epoxidation is shown to proceed with essentially identical diastereoselectivities or enantioselectivities, regardless of the oxygen atom source used. We propose that a MnV(salen)-oxo intermediate and a complex between the catalyst and the terminal oxidant competitively effect the epoxidation when the stereoselectivities are markedly dependent on the oxygen atom source. A single MnV(salen)-oxo species is considered to be the sole oxygenating intermediate when the terminal oxidants do not exert a notable influence on the p...
Evaluation of lipase selectivity for hydrolysis

The positional selectivity of several commercial lipases was reevaluated from the point of view of synthetic utility. A 1,2-diglyceride was synthesized, and exposed to typical conditions of lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis (without the enzyme). Little, or no, acyl migration was observed. The recovery of oleic acid from several lipase-catalyzed hydrolyses of 1(3)-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3(1)-stearoyl glycerol (POS) reported here, therefore, must be regarded as due to the presence of the lipases themselves. This could limit the use of such catalysts in schemes requiring high selectivity for the primary positions of triglycerides. Fatty acid selectivity data of the enzymes studied also are presented.
Who Will Volunteer? Religiosity, Everyday Racism, and Social Participation Among African American Men

This study explores the relative importance of everyday racism, empathic concern, communalism, and religiosity as predictors of pro-social involvement (i.e., volunteerism and membership in political/social justice organizations) among a sample of African American men (N = 151). Church involvement emerged as a positive predictor of the likelihood that these men were involved in volunteer work as well as the number of hours that men dedicated to volunteer work. Communalism positively predicted the amount of time (in hours per year) that men were involved in volunteer work. Subjective religiosity and the stress of everyday racism were associated with a greater likelihood of being a member of a political–social justice organization. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Thermal chemistry as an exercise in photochemistry

Abstract The Linear Combination of Fragment Configurations approach is used to generate qualitative potential energy surfaces. The theory is applied to “forbidden” cycloadditions, solvolysis, and electrophilic aromatic substitution. It is also used to illuminate principles of chemical selectivity and the electronic structure of diradicals. It is argued that chemical intermediates in thermal reactions arise from excited surfaces under the influence of perturbations such as substituent effects and solvation.
Nectar usage in a southern Arizona hawkmoth community

1. Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) are important plant associates at two life-history stages: larvae are herbivorous, whereas adults are nectar feeders and often pollinators. The diversity and identities of plants used for nectar is poorly known, however. 2. This study takes a community-level approach to hawkmoth nectar plant usage in a semi-arid grassland habitat in southern Arizona, U.S.A. 3. Pollen carried on the proboscis was identified from over 700 individuals of 14 hawkmoth species attracted to lights over a 2-year period. 4. Two plant species dominated pollen loads, suggesting that hawkmoths use these species extensively as nectar sources: Datura wrightii (Solanaceae), a classic hawkmoth-pollinated plant, and Agave palmeri (Agavaceae), which is known to be used extensively by bats. Field surveys indicate that both species are relatively rare in the flowering community. Little or no pollen was present on the moths from the most common plant species in flower during the study. 5. The dominance of Agave in pollen loads suggests that this typically bat-pollinated species may be subsidising pollinator populations of the hawkmoth-pollinated flora. 6. Three groups of hawkmoths within this community are identified based on larval diets (reported in the literature) and adult diets (documented here): those that, at a given site, heavily exploit the same plant species at both life-history stages (Manduca sexta and M. quinquemaculata); those that have broad local associations at both life-history stages (Hyles lineata); and those that exhibit narrow but non-overlapping local associations at the two life-history stages (all other hawkmoths at this site).
Remotely Accessible Rapid Prototyping Laboratory: design and implementation framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the development and implementation of a Remotely Accessible Rapid Prototyping Laboratory (RRPL) established at Tennessee Tech University. Instructional materials and best practices are also reported.Design/methodology/approach – The Rapid Prototyping (RP) Laboratory reported in this paper was established in Fall 2003 and funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and Tennessee Tech University (TTU) matching funds. Since that time, over a thousand high school students and students studying computer aided design and manufacturing at Tennessee Tech University have practiced with the RP technology. In order to further extend a remote access capability to this current laboratory and let more engineering and technology students learn this technology via online access tools and resources, a new NSF grant was awarded in late 2006. Since that time, the remote RP laboratory development has been practiced by over 50 higher education institutions. In early 200...
Alpha-Adrenergic blockade in vasotonic angina: Lack of efficacy of specific alpha1-receptor blockade with prazosin

To clarify the possible role of the alpha1-adrenergic receptor in angina due to coronary artery spasm, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the specific alphai-antagonist, prazosin, was performed. Six patients with vasotonic angina were studied, with efficacy measured by continuous electrocardiographic recording and the tabulation of chest pain and nitroglycerin usage. Despite plasma prazosin levels adequate to produce a six-fold shift in the response to phenylephrine, there was no significant difference in the number of ischemic episodes while taking prazosin (9.8 ± 6.3 episodes/24 h) compared with placebo (10.5 ± 6.9). There was also no difference in the length of ischemic episodes, which averaged 231 ±35 seconds with placebo and 231 ± 33 with prazosin. Chest pain and nitroglycerin usage were not altered by prazosin. These data suggest that coronary artery spasm is not primarily caused by an effect on or an abnormality of the coronary vascular alpha1-receptor.
Caveolin-1 expression by means of p38β mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates the antiproliferative effect of carbon monoxide

During vascular injury, the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells leads to characteristic neointima formation, which can be exacerbated by genetic depletion of caveolin-1 or heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and inhibited by carbon monoxide (CO), a by-product of heme oxygenase 1 activity. CO inhibited smooth muscle cell proliferation by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p21Waf1/Cip1. Exposure to CO increased caveolin-1 expression in neointimal lesions of injured aorta and in vitro by activating guanylyl cyclase and p38 MAPK. p38β–/– fibroblasts did not induce caveolin-1 in response to CO, and exhibited a diminished basal caveolin-1 expression, which was restored by p38β gene transfer. p38β MAPK down-regulated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK-1/2), which can repress caveolin-1 transcription. Genetic depletion of caveolin-1 abolished the antiproliferative effect of CO. Thus, we demonstrate that CO, by activating p38β MAPK, up-regulates caveolin-1, which acts as a tumor suppressor protein that mediates the growth inhibitory properties of this gas.
Augmentation of streptokinase activator activity by fibrinogen or fibrin.

Abstract The presence of either human or bovine fibrinogen or soluble fibrin monomer, enhanced the plasminogen activator activity of streptokinase. The effect was due to an increased rate of plasmin formation as shown by SDS-gel electrophoresis. Plasminogen contamination of the purified fibrinogen was ruled out as a contributing factor. The activator activities of urokinase or other human tissue activators were not affected by fibrinogen, neither were the proteolytic activities of plasmin or trypsin. Since the degree of augmentation was not affected by e-amino-n-caproic acid or L-lysine, and since no obvious physical binding of SK-plasminogen activator to fibrinogen could be demonstrated, this type of interaction does not appear to be responsible for the augmentation. The presence of a highly active but labile activator which could be visualized and stabilized only in the presence of fibrinogen appears to be the cause for the augmentation.
Apraxia of speech: An overview

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a motor speech disorder that can occur in the absence of aphasia or dysarthria. AOS has been the subject of some controversy since the disorder was first named and described by Darley and his Mayo Clinic colleagues in the 1960s. A recent revival of interest in AOS is due in part to the fact that it is often the first symptom of neurodegenerative diseases, such as primary progressive aphasia and corticobasal degeneration. This article will provide a brief review of terminology associated with AOS, its clinical hallmarks and neuroanatomical correlates. Current models of motor programming will also be addressed as they relate to AOS and finally, typical treatment strategies used in rehabilitating the articulation and prosody deficits associated with AOS will be summarized.
A temperatureless, exact analytical method for computing shorted heat power through rods and composite slabs

Abstract A theoretical method is developed for computing steady heat power in short-circuited heat conducting rods or composite slabs. The method is exact, direct, and computationally most efficient: the construction and sequencing of finer grid point meshes is not required, nor temperature distribution computations of any sort, nor the computation of thermal gradients along some boundary or interface. This new method facilitates several practical objectives, which are carried out and presented in a forthcoming paper [1]. These objectives include both the development of guidelines for using the approximate heat power solution obtained previously in [2,3], and an extensive parameter analysis, which considerably enhances understanding of short circuit phenomena. This improved understanding facilitates the possibility of optimally designing a rod for maximum or minimum heat transmission capability.
Chiral dissociation dynamics of molecular ratchets: Preferential senses of rotary motion in microscopic systems

Classical trajectory calculations are used to study the origin of chiral dynamics in the dissociation of structurally chiral molecules. A ratchet torsional potential about the chemical bond to be broken produces a net preference for one sense of product rotation about the recoil velocity vector. The dynamical chirality of these helical product trajectories is quantified using body-fixed bipolar moments that can be measured in gas-phase-photodissociation experiments. It is shown that the chiral dynamics is generated in the exit channel as the dissociation dynamics becomes irreversible, and is greatly accentuated by a late barrier to the dissociation reaction.
The impact of implementing new information systems on the priorities, management, and allocation of resources at colleges and universities

The hidden dimensions of leadership and of the costs associated with the implementation of new information systems should be carefully considered. They can help determine the short- and long-term success of new systems.
The Characteristics of Successful Online Students

With the rapid growth of computer-based distance education throughout colleges and universities today, understanding the characteristics of successful online learners has become especially important. This article explores the different aspects of the online learning environment, as well as several different areas impacting student success: technical factors, environmental factors, personal characteristics, and learning characteristics.
Rate and concentration dependence of parathyroid hormone dynamics during stepwise changes in serum ionized calcium in normal humans.

The relationship between circulating levels of PTH and the concentration and rate of change of ionized calcium (Ca1 was studied in normal humans by measuring intact PTH during stepwise changes in Ca1. Six normal subjects received two different citrate infusion protocols that produced stepwise decreases in Ca1; one infusion produced a rapid decrement in calcium, and a second infusion produced a slower approach to the same (∼0.05 mmol/L) decline in calcium for each of four steps. The rapid decline in Ca1 resulted in a more marked increase in levels of PTH, which subsequently fell to levels similar to those with the slower infusion. For similar absolute changes in calcium, the mean maximal increment in PTH levels was significantly greater with the rapid infusion (36.4 ± 3.1 ng/L) than with the slower infusion (19.4 ± 2.1 ng/L; P = 0.001). Six additional subjects received infusions of citrate and calcium in a stepwise manner to induce either decreases or increases in Ca1, followed by a return to baseline. Dur...
Structure elucidation and characterization of polychlorinated biphenyl carboxylic acids as major constituents of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in seawater

Chromophoric or colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is one of the principal light adsorbing components of seawater, particularly in the ultraviolet, where it attenuates over 90% of downwelling ultraviolet radiation. In highly productive coastal regions and throughout most of the global ocean, in situ biological production is the major source of CDOM. However, little is known about CDOM composition on the molecular level, and there are only a few reports that link CDOM composition to autochthonous biological sources. Here we report the isolation and characterization of CDOM components from one coastal and two open-ocean sites. Each sample contains a complex mixture of light absorbing (300-400 nm) components, including 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and a suite of novel, polychlorinated biphenyl carboxylic acids that closely resemble polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) of anthropogenic origin. However, the global inventory and isomer distribution of dissolved chlorinated aromatic acids suggest they are derived from in situ biological production rather than anthropogenic contaminants. These novel chlorinated aromatic acids account for a significant amount of CDOM adsorption in the ultraviolet.
Nonlogarithmic Titration Curves for the Determination of Dissociation Constants and Purity

Nonlogarithmic titration curves may be used to determine thermodynamic dissociation constants in addition to measuring the purity of the substance titrated and estimating the accuracy of the data. Equations are derived and methods proposed for carrying out these determinations with any monoprotic species (defined here as an acid or base with an independently dissociating hydrogen). A distinct advantage of this method is that dissociation constants may be determined for titrations that begin at a pH past half neutralization. Sample curves are presented to show the effect of incorrect measurement of pH. Methods are also given for the determination of the purity and dissociation constants of polyprotic species with overlapping pK's. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated by the calculated values reported for demethylchlortetracycline, 4-epi-anhydrotetracycline, 6-demethylgriseofulvin, phthalic acid, succinic acid, ethylenediamine, and 1,4-butane-diamine.
SPECIAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VERY THIN FILMS

The mechanical properties of ultrathin layered films are presented. An enhanced modulus effect has been observed in several composition modulated thin film systems containing short wavelength modulations .8-10nm. The foils were produced by vapor deposition using two or three source evaporator. As compared with homogeneous foils of the same average composition, the modulated foils exhibited an appreciable increase (up to 300%) in modulus. The dependence of various moduli on the modulation parameters (wavelength, composition and amplitude) are described. The plastic behavior, breaking and microhardness of these foils are also presented as a function of the modulation parameters. Current theories based on electronic and strain effects on the elastic constants of metals are also presented to explain the origin of the supermodulus effect.