cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence strategy efficacy in supplier–distributor relationships

Abstract The purpose of an influence attempt, and specifically the use of influence strategies, is for one party to gain compliance from another. This study uniquely focuses on an interfirm episode of influence in order to unambiguously determine the efficacy of each influence strategy. More importantly, most research only focuses on the motivational portion of an influence strategy (e.g., a promise) and has not addressed another critical component of an influence strategy — the nature of the request (e.g., request legitimacy, request imposition, and request importance). Consequently, this study draws from the Model of Social Influence which suggests both portions of an influence strategy are determinants of compliance. The results show that the nature of the request has more impact on compliance than the motivational portion of influence strategies. The authors also discover that managers use an influence strategy – “appeal to business loyalty/friendship” – not previously reported in channels research.
Failure Pressure and Leak Rate of Steam Generator Tubes With Stress Corrosion Cracks

This paper illustrates the use of an 'equivalent rectangular crack' approach to predict leak rates through laboratory generated stress corrosion cracks. A comparison between predicted and observed test data on rupture and leak rate from laboratory generated stress corrosion cracks are provided. Specimen flaws were sized by post-test fractography in addition to pre-test advanced eddy current technique. The test failure pressures and leak rates are shown to be closer to those predicted on the basis of fractography than on NDE. However, the predictions based on NDE results are encouraging, particularly because they have the potential to determine a more detailed geometry of ligamentous cracks from which more accurate predictions of failure pressure and leak rate can be made in the future. (authors)
Precipitants of Brain Infarction Roles of Preceding Infection/Inflammation and Recent Psychological Stress

Background and Purpose Antecedent febrile infection and psychological stress are described as predisposing risk factors for brain infarction. We examined the temporal relationship between preceding infection/inflammation and stroke onset as well as the role of recent psychological stress as a potential precipitant for brain infarction. Methods In this case-control study, a standardized evaluation including a signs/symptoms-based questionnaire was used to characterize the prevalence and timing of recent prior (<1 month) infectious and inflammatory syndromes in 37 adults with acute brain infarction, 47 community control subjects, and 34 hospitalized nonstroke neurological patient controls. Recent psychological stress was measured with scales of stressful life events and negative affect. Results The prevalence of infection/inflammation was significantly higher in the stroke group only within the preceding 1 week compared with either community control subjects (13/37 versus 6/47, P <.02) or hospitalized neurological patient controls (3/34, P <.02). Upper respiratory tract infections constituted the most common type of infection. A substantial proportion of stroke patients with preceding (<1 week) infection/inflammation (5/13) had no accompanying fever or chills. There were no significant differences between the stroke and control groups in the levels of stressful life events within the prior 1 month or in negative-affect scale scores within the prior 1 week. Conclusions Our data suggest that both febrile and nonfebrile infectious/inflammatory syndromes may be a common predisposing risk factor for brain infarction and that the period of increased risk is confined within a brief temporal window of less than 1 week. Results of this study argue against a role for recent psychological stress as a precipitant for cerebral infarction.
Fine structure of the digestive system of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (scopoli) (acarina: Mesostigmata)

Abstract The fine structure of the digestive system of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae is described. The cuticle-lined foregut consists of a muscular pharynx with a pumping function and an eosphagus which actively transfers food. The midgut consists of a ventriculus and several caecae and is composed of 2 types of cells each with a distinctive ultrastructure. The most common type is composed of small cells which detach from the wall and undergo cytoplasmic degeneration during intracellular digestion. They lack inclusions. Small numbers of giant cells, with large numbers of inclusions are also found in the midgut wall. The midgut lacks a peritrophic membrane. The hindgut consists of a rectal tube and rectal bulb whose epithelia have irregular intercellular spaces and probably have a water absorbing function similar to that of many insects. The hindgut is not lined with cuticle. A somatic muscle system is associated with the pharynx and the anal atrium, while a visceral muscle system is found in the rest of the digestive tube. The gross morphology of the digestive tract corresponds with the Anactinotrichida type.
Peau : soins d'hygiène et techniques de surveillance par voie cutanée en réanimation néonatale

Resume La peau du nouveau-ne, en particulier premature, est a haut risque de lesions d’origine iatrogene, consequences des effets secondaires des dispositifs de surveillance ou de traitement et de leur fixation. Nous aborderons ici les soins d’hygiene qui permettent de preserver un etat cutane satisfaisant et analyserons les principaux types de lesions iatrogenes et les moyens qui peuvent etre proposes pour les prevenir.
Do conventional pathologic features lose their prognostic significance following postoperative radiation therapy in pathologic stage I-II endometrial adenocarcinoma?

Recent data have suggested that conventional pathologic features (myometrial invasion (MI), grade, stage) lose their prognostic significance following postoperative radiation therapy (RT) in Stage I–II endometrial carcinoma. Our goal was to test this finding in a large cohort of women treated at our institution. Between 1980 and 1997, 188 Stage I (140) and II (48) endometrial adenocarcinoma patients received postoperative RT. RT consisted of pelvic RT (112), vaginal brachytherapy (36), or both (40). Clinicopathologic factors were evaluated as prognostic factors on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors correlated with recurrence on univariate analysis included MI (P = 0.05), grade (P = 0.07), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (P = 0.001) and stage (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of grade (P = 0.02), LVI (P = 0.001), and stage (P = 0.02). Conventional pathologic features do not lose their prognostic significance in pathologic Stage I–II endometrial adenocarcinoma patients following postoperative RT. These factors should continue to be used to identify women at risk for recurrence despite adjuvant RT. New prognostic markers are needed to better identify high-risk patients. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 224–230 (2000). © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The use of buccal pitocin for the stimulation of labor.

The results from using buccal oxytocin citrate (Pitocin®) to stimulate labor in 131 patients are detailed. Data are compared with those for I66 controls. Guidelines are established for the use of buccal Pitocin, and it is concluded that, within these guidelines, this form of oxytocin use is a safe method for stimulating labor.
Limitations of informed consent for in utero gene transfer research: implications for investigators and institutional review boards.

Only 10 years after the first human gene transfer protocols were approved for adults and children, researchers have begun to consider gene transfer on the fetus. While preliminary animal research is ongoing, the enthusiasm and pace of research in this area suggest that human protocols for in utero gene transfer research may be seriously considered in the foreseeable future. Federal guidelines for fetal research rely on minimizing risk and informed consent to protect the "rights and welfare" of both the fetus and pregnant woman. However, in utero gene transfer research poses special challenges to informed consent. This research represents an innovative approach for very ill subjects and takes place in the prenatal setting. These features may converge to undermine the expectant parents' comprehension of, and voluntariness for participation in, research. In this case, informed consent may not be able to bear the weight of adequately protecting the fetus from undue research risks. To compensate for this limit...
Spectrin-4.1-actin complex of the human erythrocyte: molecular basis of its ability to bind cytochalasins with high-affinity and to accelerate actin polymerization in vitro.

The spectrin-4.1-actin complex isolated from the cytoskeleton of human erythrocyte [3] was found to be similar to muscle F-actin in several aspects: Both the complex and F-actin nucleate cytochalasin-sensitive actin polymerization; both bind dihydrocytochalasin B with similar binding constants; both can be depolymerized by DNase I with loss of cytochalasin binding activity. From these results, we conclude that the actin in the complex is in an oligomeric form. However, the presence of spectrin and band 4.1 in the complex not only stabilized the actin in the complex as evidenced by its resistance to depolymerization in low-ionic-strength conditions and to DNase I as compared with F-actin, but also altered the characteristics of the binding site(s) for cytochalasins believed to be located at the “barbed” (polymerizing) end of the oligomeric actin.
Heart Failure and Sudden Death in Patients With Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy and Recurrent Tachycardia

Background— Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible cause of heart failure. We hypothesized that although left ventricular ejection fraction measurements normalize after heart rate or rhythm control in patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, recurrent tachycardia may have abrupt and deleterious consequences. Methods and Results— Patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy that developed over years were evaluated and treated. Tachycardia episodes and outcomes were assessed. Twenty-four patients were identified. All had NYHA functional class III heart failure or greater on presentation. One third were heart transplant candidates. There were 17 men and 7 women with a mean age of 46±16 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.26±0.09 at the index visit. The cause was atrial fibrillation (n=13), atrial flutter (n=4), atrial tachycardia (n=3), idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (n=1), permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (n=2), and bigeminal ventricular prematur...
Rates of biotic interactions scale predictably with temperature despite variation

Most biological processes are temperature dependent. To quantify the temperature dependence of biotic interactions and evaluate predictions of metabolic theory, we: 1) compiled a database of 81 studies that provided 112 measures of rates of herbivory, predation, parasitism, parasitoidy, or competition between two species at two or more temperatures; and 2) analyzed the temperature dependence of these rates in the framework of metabolic ecology to test our prediction that the “activation energy,”E, centers around 0.65 eV. We focused on studies that assessed rates or associated times of entire biotic interactions, such as time to consumption of all prey, rather than rates of components of these interactions, such as prey encounter rate. Results were: 1) the frequency distribution of E for each interaction type was typically peaked and right skewed; 2) the overall mean is E= 0.96 eV and median E= 0.78 eV; 3) there was significant variation in E within but not across interaction types; but 4) average values of E were not significantly different from 0.65 eV by interaction type and 5) studies with measurements at more temperatures were more consistent with E= 0.65 eV. These synthetic findings suggest that, despite the many complicating factors, the temperature-dependence of rates of biotic interactions broadly reflect of rates of metabolism, a relationship with important implications for a warming world.
The Seattle Spine Team Approach to Adult Deformity Surgery: A Systems-Based Approach to Perioperative Care and Subsequent Reduction in Perioperative Complication Rates.

Abstract Study Design Retrospective consecutive case review pre- and postintervention. Objectives Characterize the effects of the intervention. Summary of Background Data: Complication rates in adult spinal deformity surgery are unacceptable. System approaches are necessary to increase patient safety. This group reported on the dual–attending surgeon approach, a live multidisciplinary preoperative screening conference, and the intraoperative protocol for the management of coagulopathy. The outcomes were demonstrated by complication rates before and after the institution of this protocol. Methods Forty consecutive patients in Group A were managed without the 3-pronged approach. A total of 124 consecutive patients in Group B had a dual–attending surgeon approach, were presented and cleared by a live multidisciplinary preoperative conference, and were managed according to the intraoperative protocol. Results Group A had an average age of 62 years (range, 39–84 years). Group B had an average age of 64 years (range, 18–84 years). Most patients in both groups had fusions from 9 to 15 levels. Complication rates in Group B were significantly lower (16% vs. 52%) (p Conclusions These data suggests that a team approach consisting of a dual–attending surgeon approach in the operating room, a live preoperative screening conference, and an intraoperative protocol for managing coagulopathy will significantly reduce perioperative complication rates and enhance patient safety in patients undergoing complex spinal reconstructions for adult spinal deformity.
Fixed effect genetic analysis of a diallel cross in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

A full diallel cross among four diverse homozygous strains of dry edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was evaluated for yield, protein content, and culinary quality traits in the F2 and F3 generations in two locations. Interpretation of diallel effects [Method 1 Model I] using a fixed-effect genetic model made it possible to combine data from two generations into a single analysis and quantify the relative contributions of additive and dominance genetic effects to general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities. GCA was found to arise from three potential sources: additive effects, dominance interactions at homozygous loci, and average dominance interactions in hybrids involving the parent in question. SCA was found to be a function solely of dominance. Additive effects were the primary determinant of GCA and were highly significant. Specific dominance interactions were significant for seed yield, cooked bean moisture content, and texture but not for protein content. Texture was the only trait for which the additive-dominance model failed to provide an adequate fit to the data, suggesting that texture is significantly affected by epistatic interaction. One cross (‘Brazil-2’ × ‘Sanilac’) was identified that exhibited a large heterotic effect for seed yield although the parents' additive effects were nonsignificant. Such a “nicking” effect was attributed to complementation between the two parents.
Differential expression of c-fos in a mouse model of fetal alcohol syndrome ☆

Abstract Objective Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) results in stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, and mental retardation with injury attributed to oxidative stress. Our objective was to identify signal transduction pathways expressed in a model of FAS and to quantify expression of c- fos , a gene in the stress signal pathway. Study design Timed, pregnant C57Bl6/J mice were injected on E8 with saline solution or alcohol. RNA was extracted from decidua and embryo 6 and 24 hours later. Microarray analysis was used to screen gene pathways. Differential gene expression was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction with results presented as the ratio of c- fos concentration to that of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Results Differential gene expression between alcohol and control was noted for stress signal pathway genes including c- fos . Real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that c- fos messenger RNA expression was greater in the alcohol than control decidua at 6 hours after injection ( P P fos expression in embryos whose mothers received alcohol versus control after 6 hours ( P = .12) or 24 hours ( P = .89). Conclusion Alcohol administration during pregnancy results in differential gene expression in the stress signal pathway, particularly in c- fos . C- fos expression in the decidua increases from 6 to 24 hours after alcohol injection, but does not change in the embryo, which may contribute to alcohol-induced damage in FAS.
Comment on 'Convergence characteristics of a vortex-lattice method for nonlinear configuration aerodynamics'

It is proposed that the study of Rusak et al. (1985), which reports numerical modeling sensitivities on longitudinal force/moment properties for a vortex-lattice method incorporating free vortex filaments to represent the leading-edge vortex separation, employs a formula that is strongly affected by the particular points of analysis chosen. This results in a narrowly applicable curve fit, where numerical sensitivities of the theory are inappropriately traded off against physical effects that are not modeled in that theory. Attention is also given to questionable drag estimate computations.
Regulatory role of prostaglandin E in allergic histamine release with observations on the responsiveness of basophil leukocytes and the effect of acetylsalicylic acid

Abstract This study examined the relationship between prostaglandin E (PGE) production and antigen-induced histamine release by leukocytes of asthmatic patients. The maximum amount of antigen-induced histamine release from leukocytes of different donors did not correlate with serum ragweed-specific IgE levels and correlated inversely with the basal PGE release from cultured leukocytes. The relationship betwen maximum histamine release and serum ragweed-specific IgE levels appeared to be influenced by the degree of PGE release. Patients with lower histamine release relative to ragweed-specific IgE levels had elevated PGE release. Based on these findings it can be hypothesized that spontaneously produced PGE might be a determinant of the responsiveness of basophil leukocytes to immunologic stimulation. This hypothesis was supported by demonstration of a positive correlation between the degree of inhibition of total basal PGE production in leukocyte suspensions during a short period of incubation and the degree of enhancement of antigen-induced histamine release by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The results indicate that, although the presence of IgE antibody in the blood may be the prerequisite for allergic histamine release from human leukocytes, endogenous PGE may be an important regulator of the release reaction. The results also suggest that idiosyncratic reactions to ASA and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs observed in the allergic population may be at least partly due to impairment of the regulator function of endogenous PGE in the IgE-mediated histamine release reaction.
Form Follows Form: Is a New Paradigm Needed?

This paper presents a new form-based concept generation technique known as Form Follows Form (FFF). The technique allows a novice engineer or designer to use natural language to specify components envisioned within a product to initiate a more thorough concept generation process. Form follows form takes the initial component solution and then formulates the underlying function structure by leveraging a repository of over 5500 artifacts. Existing computational conceptual design methods are then employed to automatically display a set of ranked concept alternatives to the user. Users can choose from two different levels of interaction, an automatic mode that uses the most common functions to develop concept alternatives, or a mode that allows the user to be more precise in defining a product’s interaction. The computational algorithms and grammar rules are detailed along with a case study using both tiers of interaction.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Transient deformation of an inviscid inclusion in a viscoelastic extensional flow

Abstract The transient deformation of a bubble in a viscoelastic extentional flow is analyzed by means of a finite element algorithm for viscoelastic moving boundary problems. Using the Oldroyd-B constitutive model, we find that bubbles in a viscoelastic fluid deform to the same steady-state configurations as bubbles in a Newtonian fluid at equal values of the far-field extensional stresses (corresponding to different stretch rates). Vapor bubbles in a developed extensional flow collapse more readily in the viscoelastic liquid than bubbles in Newtonian fluids because of the large compressive stresses associated with the viscoelastic liquid.
A Customer Service Course: Bringing Marketing and Logistics Together:

Business is becoming more aware of the importance of customer service in customer satisfaction and retention. Customer service must be positioned as something that ultimately depends on successful management of both organizational and final consumer relationships across the supply chain. Unfortunately, traditional marketing curriculums study the delivery of customer service as a static and isolated event rather than as a function of the total business enterprise. Following suggestions for more integrative curriculums, the authors develop a course that positions customer service as an outcome of the total system and uses concepts from various research streams to promote successful delivery of customer service. Specific suggestions for course content and pedagogy are presented.
An EPR study of structural perturbations induced by 3-methylindole in the protein and lipid regions of erythrocyte membranes

Abstract 3-Methylindole has been shown in previous work to cause pulmonary edema and emphysema in cattle and goats. In this paper, evidence is presented to show that 3-methylindole induces structural perturbations in bovine erythrocyte membranes. The structural perturbations which were induced as a function of 3-methylindole concentration in the membranes were measured by EPR using the attachment of a maleimide spin label to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins and by intercalation of methyl-5- doxylstearate, methyl-12-doxylstearate, and methyl-16-doxylstearate into the lipid region. The EPR spectra of the maleimide spin-labeled membrane proteins became more immobilized as the concentration of 3-methyl-indole increased. The order parameter describing the EPR spectra of methyl-5-doxylstearate decreased from 0.69 to 0.55 as the concentration of 3-methylindole increased. The acyl chains in the region of the carbon 5 posotion were converted to a less ordered structure. The EPR-spectra of methyl-12-doxylstearate was a superposition representing at least three tumbling rates. As the concentration of 3-methylindole increased, the major fraction of the methyl-12-doxylstearate probes experienced an increase in tumbling rate and a smaller fraction is observed in a strongly immobilized state. The EPR spectra of methyl-16-doxylstearate were not perceptibly changed in the presence of 3-methylindole. The concentration dependence suggests that 3-methylindole preferentially intercalates into the ordered region of the alkyl chains sampled by the methyl-5-doxylstearate. These results confirm that 3-methylindole induced structural changes at the molecular level.
Video steganalysis using motion estimation

In this paper we present a novel video steganalysis method using neural networks and support vector machines to detect video steganograms with very limited a-prior knowledge about the steganogram embedding method.
Evidence for hybridization between the endangered Roan Mountain bluet, Houstonia purpurea var. montana (Rubiaceae) and its common congener1

Abstract Hybridization in plants can be common, may lead to increased genetic variation, and in some instances the formation of new species. For endangered species, hybridization can introduce novel genetic variation and potentially increase genetic diversity. In contrast, hybridization can negatively affect an endangered species or population by introducing maladaptive alleles into locally adapted lineages or lead to the homogenization of once distinct lineages. We used microsatellites, AFLP markers, and morphological data to identify potential hybridization between the endangered Roan Mountain bluet (Houstonia purpurea var. montana) and its commonly occurring congener (H. purpurea var. purpurea). We used these data to clarify the taxonomic relationship of these varieties and to assess population structuring of the Roan Mountain bluet. The results showed that these lineages are distinct and few individuals exhibited admixture in several populations. Additionally, the results showed there is genetic popul...
Design of a fast, easily testable ALU

The design and implementation of a fast, easily testable arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) is described. It is built around an adder design which is level-testable (L-testable), implying that the number of test patterns required to detect all functional faults in modules grows logarithmically with the size of the ALU. L-testability is achieved by exploiting some inherent properties of carry-lookahead addition. The resulting ALU design requires only two extra inputs, regardless of the size of the ALU. For an 8-bit implementation that has little impact on performance, the area overhead is shown to be less than 9%.
Bringing simulation to life through a therapeutic encounter: a pedagogical approach used for associate degree nursing students

Abstract Human patient simulation is oftentimes incorporated in the educational process for instructing nursing students and has proven to be instrumental in narrowing the gap between theoretical foundations and clinical practice within a safe learning environment. Although this pedagogical approach can be a beneficial adjunct to the traditional lecture in nursing education, it does lack one component, which is contact with a human being. Nurse educators can be instrumental in enhancing the learning process when using simulation by incorporating this key element of patient care, the therapeutic encounter.
Delegation vs. Control of Component Procurement Under Asymmetric Cost Information and Simple Contracts

A manufacturer must choose whether to delegate component procurement to her tier 1 supplier or control it directly. Because of information asymmetry about suppliers' production costs and the use of simple quantity discount or price-only contracts, either delegation or control can yield substantially higher expected profit for the manufacturer. Delegation tends to outperform control when (1) the manufacturer is uncertain about the tier 1 supplier's cost and believes that it is likely to be high; (2) the manufacturer and the tier 1 supplier know the tier 2 supplier's cost or at least that it will be high; (3) the manufacturer has an alternative to engaging the tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, such as in-house production; and (4) the firms use price-only contracts as opposed to quantity discount contracts. These results shed light on practices observed in the electronics industry.
a-Si/c-Si interfaces: The effect of annealing and film thickness

Very thin intrinsic amorphous silicon films (≪10 nm) are used for passivation studies of crystalline silicon. In this paper, a-Si:H layers are subjected to a variety of post-treatments. A hydrogen plasma treatment crystallizes the thin film almost instantaneously, significantly reducing the effective lifetime. Anneals in different atmospheres typically show similar results, which are highly dependent on the initial state of the a-Si/c-Si interface. Data will be discussed and conditions compared of thin intrinsic a-Si:H films that show changes in effective lifetime due to annealing. Films with initial low effective lifetimes can result in low or high lifetimes after annealing, while the opposite is also possible; films with high initial lifetime can result in low or high lifetime after annealing. Lastly, a minimum thickness of the intrinsic layer is needed for annealing to demonstrate a positive effect on the effective lifetime.
Review of Masculinity and Gender in Greek Cinema

This is a historical-sociological study based on the premise that cinema is a social institution that is ‘interactively changing along with the society in which it is produced and viewed’. As such, the representation of masculinity in the Greek films produced in this transitory period ‘becomes obscured, uncertain and problematic’.
Clay-mineral suites in cyclic Miocene sediments; a model for continental-margin deposition in a mixed siliciclastic-phosphatic-dolomitic-biogenic system

ABSTRACT Clay-size mineral assemblages from lithologically diverse Miocene shelf and upper-slope sediments of the North Carolina continental margin show strong environmental zonation. Three distinct clay-mineral suites are recognized in the Miocene sediments of the Pungo River Formation. (1) A detrital kaolinite suite was deposited proximal to siliciclastic point sources in muddy quartz sand lithofacies. This assemblage reflects intense chemical weathering on the adjacent Coastal Plain and Piedmont Provinces. (2) A detrital illite and smectite suite deposited in phosphatic lithofacies is distinguishable from the clay mineralogy of muddy (distal) terrigenous and biogenic-dominated lithofacies only because illite is more highly crystalline. (3) Lithofacies characterized by authigenic dolomite co tain a clay-mineral suite with palygorskite and sepiolite. These Mg-clay minerals formed authigenically in the upper decimeters of sediment, penecontemporaneously with dolomitization, and in association with diatom dissolution, which provided the silica source for neoformation. Clay-mineral assemblages have not been significantly altered by burial or late-stage diagenesis and therefore appear to be "original signal" depositional indicators of changing environmental conditions through major Miocene fluctuations in sea level. The kaolinite suite is present in a fourth-order cycle immediately preceding the sea-level lowstand. Palygorskite and sepiolite are restricted to organic-rich dolomitic sediments, deposited under highly dysaerobic bottom conditions associated with the highstand and formation of the condensed section.
Varaince reduction in mean time to failure simulations (1988)

We describe two variance reduction methods for estimating the mean time to failure (MTTF) in Markovian models of highly reliable systems. The first method is based on a ratio representation of the MTTF and employs importance sampling. The second method is based on a hybrid simulation/analytic technique where the number of simulated transitions are reduced by computing partial results analytically. Experiments with a large example show the effectiveness of both techniques for highly reliable systems.
Second-harmonic generation in nonpolar chiral materials: relationship between molecular andmacroscopic properties

An oriented gas model for the second-order nonlinear optical response for optical second-harmonic generation in axially aligned nonlinear optical chromophores in chiral media is presented. Design criteria for the alignment of chromophores possessing Kleinman-disallowed traceless symmetric second-rank tensor hyperpolarizabilities β resulting in large nonlinear optical susceptibilities X(2) are enumerated. These chromophores could be oriented in high-density, highly ordered structures due to the absence of dipolar interactions resulting in exceptionally large X(2) values. The alignment of chromophores that have C2v or Dn (n greater than 2) symmetry in two chiral nonpolar symmetry groups for the medium, D∞ and D2, are considered. Criteria for response optimization and several physical examples are described. Additionally, certain nonpolar symmetry groups for the medium, of which the most easily realizable is probably D2, also admit Kleinman-allowed octupolar susceptibilities for which the optimum chromophore alignment is discussed.
Why U.S. Federal Criminal Penalties for Dealing in Illicit Cultural Property are Ineffective, and a Pragmatic Alternative

The illicit trade in cultural property may be the third largest behind narcotics and weapons. The different opinions of the various stakeholders which formulate cultural property policy are producing an ineffective regulatory framework. In many cases the discussion about what the law should be doing has prevented a discussion of the practical effect of the status quo. The current criminal penalties are not producing satisfactory results. A pragmatic approach to cultural property has worked well in the United Kingdom, especially in England and Wales. Similar approaches could be taken in other nations of origin. This would give real effect to the federal criminal regulation of cultural property, which at present is far to easy to avoid. The art and antiquities market lacks transparency at present. Until this trade begins to effectively distinguish between licit and illicit cultural objects, the theft, looting and destruction of historical sites will surely continue.
Desigualdades sociales, ¿inequidades espaciales? Análisis de la segregación sociorracial en Bogotá (2005-2011)

Bogota es una ciudad segregada socioeconomicamente, pero poco se sabe sobre la influencia de la raza en este proceso. Este articulo pretende explorar esta relacion utilizando un analisis espacial con datos del censo del 2005. A pesar de que Bogota tiene una proporcion baja de poblacion afrocolombiana, esta ultima presenta indices de vulnerabilidad ligeramente mas altos que los de la poblacion blanca/mestiza en la capital. La valoracion de vulnerabilidad se basa en indicadores como la educacion del jefe de hogar, el grado de privacion alimentaria, la desercion escolar y el desempleo juvenil, entre otras variables. Ademas, Bogota presenta indicios de tener un patron de segregacion residencial segun la raza, dado que hay algunos conglomerados de poblacion negra al sur, al noroccidente y en el centro de Bogota. Este patron se combina con el efecto de la segregacion que se deriva de la clase, en el que hay un eje de distribucion norte-sur con una amplia variacion en el centro y occidente. La combinacion de la situacion socioeconomica con las desigualdades raciales hace que Bogota tenga un patron particular de segregacion, en el que pareciera que la clase tiene un poco mas de influencia que la raza. Dicho de otro modo, hay una alta probabilidad de que una persona afrodescendiente presente condiciones de vida similares a las de sus vecinos blancos-mestizos que a las de otra persona negra que reside en un barrio perteneciente a una clase social distinta. No obstante, la poblacion afro se encuentra en una desventaja mucho mayor que la blanca/mestiza en relacion con el acceso potencial a bienes publicos como comedores comunitarios y colegios oficiales y privados. En otras palabras, la distribucion espacial de estos bienes publicos en la ciudad no es completamente equitativa, lo que lleva a que los barrios donde hay mayor poblacion negra no tengan una oferta significativa de dichos bienes. Asi, esta investigacion concluye que se deben usar tanto los lentes de clase como de raza para entender mejor las desigualdades en la justicia espacial de la ciudad.
Capitalist Influences and Peace

Toynbee argues that the forces of industrialism should have prevented war in the nineteenth century (Toynbee 1939). Instead the universal forces of industrialism got poured into nationalistic bottl...
Antibody Titer Variance Due to Freezing of Patient Specimens

In clinical and research laboratories, it is often necessary to analyze stored, frozen serum or plasma specimens, on multiple occasions, over extended periods of time. Although this is common practice, data is limited regarding effects of multiple freeze-thaw cycles on antibody integrity. 2 Freeze-thawing combines several protein stress factors, which can induce partial unfolding and subsequent aggregation. Here, we investigated the effects of 12 freeze/thaw cycles on 4 antibodies within the IgG class: Anti-Jka, Anti-Fya, Anti-E, and Anti-c. To perform titrations, serial dilution tubes were set up ranging from 1 to 512. Titrations were performed after 37°C incubation, the titer was documented, and titer scores were calculated. Across 12 freeze/thaw cycles, the Anti Jka and Anti-c titers and scores declined, the Anti-E titer and score declined but varied greatly in the run, and the Anti-Fya titer and score varied throughout. Chi Square testing showed no significant variation in any of the antibody titers or scores. Spearman Correlation analysis returned negative correlation on all tests, insignificant results on Anti-Jka, Anti-Fya, and Anti-E titer and score correlations, and significant results on Anti-c titer and score correlations. Further study is needed to appropriately interpret these findings for applicability and utility in clinical antibody evaluation.
Binding of platelet-derived growth factor-BB and transforming growth factor-beta 1 to alpha 2-macroglobulin in vitro and in vivo: comparison of receptor-recognized and non-recognized alpha 2-macroglobulin conformations.

Abstract alpha 2-Macroglobulin (alpha 2M) undergoes a major conformational change when reacting with proteinases or primary amines. This conformational change has been referred to as the 'slow' to 'fast' transformation based on the increase in alpha 2M mobility shown by non-denaturing PAGE. Previous studies demonstrated that many cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and interleukin-1 beta, bind preferentially or exclusively to alpha 2M which has undergone conformational change. In this study, we demonstrate that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) also binds preferentially to conformationally transformed alpha 2M (alpha 2M-methylamine, alpha 2M-trypsin) in vitro. Purified 125I-PDGF-BB-alpha 2M-methylamine complex cleared rapidly from the circulation of mice via the alpha 2M receptor/low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-related protein (alpha 2M-R/LRP). In order to determine whether PDGF-BB or TGF-beta 1 binds to native alpha 2M, we defined the native conformation by lack of interaction with alpha 2M-R/LRP instead of electrophoretic mobility. 125I-PDGF-BB was incubated with 4.3 microM native alpha 2M and 0.47 microM alpha 2M-methylamine. The 125I-PDGF-BB distributed evenly between slow-form and fast-form alpha 2M without shifting the electrophoretic mobility of either species. When the mixed preparation was injected intravenously in mice, 125I-PDGF-BB-fast-form-alpha 2M cleared rapidly and selectively from the circulation; 125I-PDGF-BB which was bound to slow-form alpha 2M was stable in the blood (apparently not recognized by alpha 2M-R/LRP). Therefore, while conformationally transformed alpha 2M binds PDGF-BB preferentially in vitro, non-alpha 2M-R/LRP-recognized alpha 2M binds PDGF-BB as well. Binding of 125I-PDGF-BB and 125I-TGF-beta 1 to alpha 2M was demonstrated in vivo by injecting the free growth factors intravenously into mice. Plasma samples which were subjected to non-denaturing PAGE and autoradiography demonstrated binding of both growth factors exclusively to the slow-form of alpha 2M. Therefore, under normal physiological conditions, native alpha 2M (non-alpha 2M-R/LRP-recognized) is the primary form of the proteinase inhibitor functioning as a carrier of PDGF-BB and TGF-beta 1 in the blood.
Factors affecting development of hypertensive vascular disease after renal injury in rats.

SummaryCorrelations between renal excretory function (PSP excretion, osmolal concentration of urine, and BUN), renal mass and hypertension were studied in 17 rats which had been subjected to a figure-of-eight tie of one kidney and contralateral nephrectomy. In addition, 9 of the animals were exposed to the stress of a psychological disturbance. All 17 animals became hypertensive and all had some impairment of excretory renal function. However, the degree of impairment of renal function did not correlate with the level of blood pressure. Hypertrophy of remaining renal tissue was marked but did not prevent functional impairment or blood pressure elevation. The noxious psychological stimulus appeared to worsen the manifestations of the hypertensive process.
Direct Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Sub-10 nm "Luminous Pearls" with Enhanced in Vivo Renewable Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence.

Near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), possessing unique NIR PL properties, have recently emerged as important materials for a wide variety of applications in chemistry and biology, for which they must endure high-temperature solid-state annealing reactions and subsequent complicated physical post-treatments. Herein, we report on a first direct aqueous-phase chemical synthesis route to NIR PLNPs and present their enhanced in vivo renewable NIR PL. Our method leads to monodisperse PLNPs as small as ca. 8 nm. Such sub-10 nm nanocrystals are readily dispersed and functionalized, and can form stable colloidal solutions in aqueous solution and cell culture medium for biological applications. Under biotissue-penetrable red-light excitation, we found that such nanocrystals possess superior renewable PL photoluminescence in vitro and in vivo compared to their larger counterparts currently made by existing methods. We believe that this solid-state-reaction-free chemical approach overcom...
RANS-Based Noise Predictions of Jets with Internal Forced Mixers *

Internal forced mixers are used in a number of jet engine designs to mix the core and bypass flows inside of a common nozzle. However, currently there are no existing industry design tools that can predict the far-field noise generated in the plumes of jet configurations with internal forced mixers. The work presented in this paper is part of an ongoing effort to develop a stand-alone jet noise prediction methodology for jets with internal mixers. In the current study the performance of two noise models are evaluated for the prediction of the noise from jets with internal forced mixers. The basic components of both noise models consist of portions of single stream jet noise spectra. In the first model, the plume is divided into two regions. The noise from each region is modeled as a modified fully mixed single stream jet. The single stream jet spectra are filtered and modified based on the turbulence levels from a RANS calculation. In the second model, the upstream portion of the plume is divided into a small number of additional sections, each being modeled as a single stream jet. In the second model the single stream jet characteristic velocity and temperature scales are determined from a RANS calculation. These single jet spectra are also filtered and modified based on the turbulence levels in the RANS calculations. The results from both models show an under-prediction in the high frequency portion of the far-field sound pressure level spectra. This under-prediction appears to be due to under-predictions of the CFD calculations of the enhancement of the turbulence levels in the forced mixer jet plumes.
The Collision Between the First Amendment and Securities Fraud

This Article seeks to correct the imbalance that occurs when the First Amendment and securities fraud collide. Under current precedent, securities analysts, credit rating agencies, and financial journalists are subject to differing liability standards; depending on whether they are sued for defamation or for securities fraud. Under New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 279-80 (1964), First Amendment protections apply in the defamation context in order to prevent the chilling of valuable speech, yet courts have declined to extend these protections to the securities fraud context. This imbalance threatens to chill valuable speech about public companies. To prevent the dangerous chilling effect of potential securities fraud liability, this Article contends that the New York Times protections should apply equally in securities fraud cases. Therefore, under this Article’s recommendation, a securities fraud claim asserted against a non-commercial speaker for speech concerning a public company cannot prevail absent a showing of actual malice, by clear and convincing evidence, and subject to independent appellate review.
In Defense of Journalistic Paternalism

ABSTRACTThis essay introduces paternalism—a concept widely discussed in political philosophy and applied ethics—into media ethics, given that the concept is frequently mentioned but rarely explicated. The purpose of the essay is to defend paternalism as a normatively positive concept. The essay defines paternalism, outlines normative objections to paternalism grounded in autonomy and rationality, and applies the concept of paternalism to journalism. Theoretical connections to virtue ethics and implications for the practice of journalism are also discussed.
STABILITY OF DOMESTIC LIPASE

The lipase with a high specific activity toward TG was isolated from pig pancreas by our institute. The activity is,2.7×10~4U/mg. Specific activity is 5.5×10~4U/mg protein. The purified enzyme could be preserved at 4℃ for 18 months without loss of activity. The enzyme solution at pH 7.5～10.0could be stored at 4℃ for 10 d in the activated state.
NichePSO and Grid Model Based Parameter Optimization Method and Its Simulation

To effectively define input process parameter window during process control optimization in semiconductor manufacturing field,NichePSO algorithm and rectangle grid model were combined and introduced into the process,and a new method to define input parameter window was developed based on that.The procedure of the new method was proposed and its simulation results and production validation data were provided.In this method,the PSO algorithm can effectively find out the points near parameter window border,and the rectangle grid model can efficiently generate contours since it can quickly track and link the points.The method can provide process parameter window directly for one dimensional problem;for tow-dimensional problem,it can show all the domains and a series of contours meeting process requirements.The simulation results on standard one and two-dimensional multimodal functions and production validation data reveal this method is an effective way for process parameter optimization.
Marginally significant effects as evidence for hypotheses: Changing attitudes over four decades

Some effects are statistically significant. Other effects do not reach the threshold of statistical significance and are sometimes described as "marginally significant" or as "approaching significance." Although the concept of marginal significance is widely deployed in academic psychology, there has been very little systematic examination of psychologists' attitudes toward these effects. Here, we report an observational study in which we investigated psychologists' attitudes concerning marginal significance by examining their language in over 1,500 articles published in top-tier cognitive, developmental, and social psychology journals. We observed a large change over the course of four decades in psychologists' tendency to describe a p value as marginally significant, and overall rates of use appear to differ across subfields. We discuss possible explanations for these findings, as well as their implications for psychological research.