cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship of self-monitored dating behaviors to level of feminist identity on the feminist identity scale

The feminist identity scale (FIS) has been used to assess level of feminist identity development in women. This study examined the relationship between dating behaviors and FIS level in college-aged students, as an attempt to further validate the FIS as a measure of the feminist identity concept. Dating behaviors displayed by women at different FIS levels were consistent with differing gender role behaviors hypothesized to accompany feminist identity development.
Inefficient transduction of sheep in utero after intra-amniotic injection of retroviral producer cells.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that the intra-amniotic injection of a retroviral vector producer cell line into pregnant sheep will result in retrovirus-mediated transduction and stable gene transfer to the ovine fetus. Study Design: Thirteen pregnant ewes at various gestational ages underwent amniocentesis and injection of cells producing the retrovirus vector LIRESgeo, which is derived from Maloney murine leukemia virus and encodes Escherichia coli LacZ (β-galactosidase) as a marker gene. Pregnant ewes and fetuses were killed, and amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal tissues were collected and assayed for transgene expression 7 to 77 days after intraamniotic injection. In addition, serum was collected and analyzed for evidence of specific immune responses against the producer cells, and amniotic fluid was collected and analyzed for deleterious effects on producer cell viability, vector production, and vector transduction. Results: Only 1 of 10 fetuses exposed to the retroviral producer cells demonstrated β-galactosidase activity that correlated with positive immunohistochemistry for LacZ in lung, trachea, pancreas, and small intestine. However, the presence of the LacZ gene could not be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Thus, we could not confirm transduction after any of the injections. The retroviral producer cells survived well in amniotic fluid and continued to produce high levels of retroviral vector after intra-amniotic injection, although amniotic fluid inhibited the transducing activity of the vector in a manner dependent on gestational age. Conclusions: Intra-amniotic retroviral gene transfer with the use of these amphotropic producer cells does not result in reproducible gene transfer in the ovine fetus although amniotic fluid sustains producer cell viability and vector production. Possible reasons for the inefficient transduction are discussed.
Biomolecular motor-driven microtubule translocation in the presence of shear flow: analysis of redirection behaviours

We suggest a concept for powering microfluidic devices with biomolecular motors and microtubules to meet the demands for highly efficient microfluidic devices. However, to successfully implement such devices, we require methods for active control over the direction of microtubule translocation. While most previous work has employed largely microfabricated passive mechanical patterns designed to guide the direction of microtubules, in this paper we demonstrate that hydrodynamic shear flow can be used to align microtubules translocating on a kinesin-coated surface in a direction parallel to the fluid flow. Our evidence supports the hypothesis that the mechanism of microtubule redirection is simply that drag force induced by viscous shear bends the leading end of a microtubule, which may be cantilevered beyond its kinesin supports. This cantilevered end deflects towards the flow direction, until it is subsequently bound to additional kinesins; as translocation continues, the process repeats until the microtubule is largely aligned with the flow, to a limit determined by random fluctuations created by thermal energy. We present statistics on the rate of microtubule alignment versus various strengths of shear flow as well as concentrations of kinesin, and also investigate the effects of shear flow on the motility.
Source Rock Characteristics, Los Molles and Vaca Muerta Shales, Neuquen Basin, West-Central Argentina: ABSTRACT

Major hydrocarbon-producing trends of the Neuquen basin occur along its northeastern margin (Eastern Shelf) and along an east-west-trending structural high in the southern half of the basin (Neuquen Dorsal). Sediment thickness increases northward from the Neuquen Dorsal and westward from the Eastern Shelf into the Neuquen Embayment, a region that has been relatively unproductive for hydrocarbons. Major source rocks are the Lower to Middle Jurassic Los Molles Formation and the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation. Los Molles shales are immature to moderately mature on the Neuquen Dorsal: vitrinite reflectance (Ro) = 0.3-0.8%; thermal alteration index (TAI) = 1+ to 2; total organic carbon (TOC) = 2.0-5.0%. However, they are severely altered in the deepest part of the Neuquen Embayment (Ro = 2.5-3.0%; TAI = 3+ to 4; TOC = 1.1%). Organic matter is woody on the Neuquen Dorsal but is coaly in the Neuquen Embayment. Clay minerals are smectite and mixed layer illite-smectite on the Neuquen Dorsal whereas illite and chlorite are present in the Neuquen Embayment. Similarly, Vaca Muerta shales are immature on the Neuquen Dorsal and along much of the Eastern Shelf (Ro = 0.3-0.5%; TAI = 1 to 2-), but are mature throughout the Neuquen Embayment (Ro = 0.7-1.3%; TAI = 2-3). The lower part of the unit is a bituminous black shale (TOC = 2.5-6.5%). The dominant visual kerogen type is amorphous (Al). Clay minerals change from smectite to mixed layer illite-smectite with decreasing expandability toward the deepest part of the Neuquen Embayment. The lack of correlation between areas of source rock maturity and major hydrocarbon production suggests long-distance fluid transport out of deep portions of the basin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 276------------
Focused cardiac ultrasound training: how much is enough?

Abstract Background Focused transthoracic echocardiography (F-TTE) is an important tool to assess hemodynamically unstable patients in the Emergency Department. Although its scope has been defined by the American College of Emergency Physicians, more research is needed to define an optimal F-TTE training program, including assessment of proficiency. Objective The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of current standards in post-residency training to reach proficiency in F-TTE. Methods Fourteen staff Emergency Physicians were enrolled in a standardized teaching curriculum specifically designed to meet the 2008 American College of Emergency Physicians’ guidelines for general ultrasound training applied to echocardiography. This training program consisted of 6 h of didactics and 6 h of scanning training, followed by independent scanning over a 5-month period. Acquisition of echocardiographic knowledge was assessed by an online pre- and post-test. At the conclusion of the study, a hands-on skills test assessed the trainees’ ability to perform and interpret F-TTE. Results Ninety percent of trainees passed the written post-test. Two views, the parasternal long and short axis, were easily obtainable, regardless of the level of training or the number of ultrasounds completed. Other views were more difficult to master, but strong trends toward increased competency were evident after 10 h of mixed didactic and scanning training and > 45 ultrasounds. Conclusions A short, 12-h didactic training in F-TTE provided proficiency in image interpretation and in obtaining adequate images from the parasternal window. More extensive training is needed to master the apical and subcostal windows in a timely manner.
Direct EPR observation of the aminomethyl radical during the radiolysis of glycine

Aminomethyl (˙CH2NH2) and H2N–˙CH–CO2− radicals were detected in time-resolved EPR experiments following the reaction of ˙OH radicals with glycine anions.
A Reinforcement Learning approach to evaluating state representations in spoken dialogue systems

Although dialogue systems have been an area of research for decades, finding accurate ways of evaluating different systems is still a very active subfield since many leading methods, such as task completion rate or user satisfaction, capture different aspects of the end-to-end human-computer dialogue interaction. In this work, we step back the focus from the complete evaluation of a dialogue system to presenting metrics for evaluating one internal component of a dialogue system: its dialogue manager. Specifically, we investigate how to create and evaluate the best state space representations for a Reinforcement Learning model to learn an optimal dialogue control strategy. We present three metrics for evaluating the impact of different state models and demonstrate their use on the domain of a spoken dialogue tutoring system by comparing the relative utility of adding three features to a model of user, or student, state. The motivation for this work is that if one knows which features are best to use, one can construct a better dialogue manager, and thus better performing dialogue systems.
Investigating interest group representation on the Pacific Fisheries Management Council

Abstract A pervasive argument has emerged in debates over US ocean fishery policy that the policy-making process has generally been captured by commercial industry interests and consequently permits fishing quotas beyond sustainable harvesting levels. While it is clear that commercial interests are over-represented relative to recreational interests on the regional councils that set fishery policy, it is not clear whether commercial interests necessarily enact unsustainable policies. This paper examines the vote choices of representatives on the Pacific Fisheries Management Council by creating a spatial map of ideal point locations of voting members during the years 2006–2009 and then identifying voting coalitions. If a dominance by commercial interests leads to unsustainable policies, then it must be the case that members of this interest group vote as a cohesive and distinct bloc. In the end, however, it is shown that a geographic explanation for vote choices outperforms an interest group explanation.
The Arctic Shipping and Environmental Management Agreement: A Regime for Marine Pollution

Climate change is predicted to have particularly challenging impacts throughout the Arctic. For instance, there is a great probability of sea ice melting, leading to increased vessel traffic and oil pollution. Eight major nation-states have vested concerns in the potential opening of Arctic sea routes. They each have pledged to take protective action through the Arctic Council. However, there is still a need to develop an international institution to simultaneously address Arctic marine pollution and protect the needs of these states. This article seeks to design a legally binding regime for oil pollution control in the Arctic. In creating this new regime, we shall utilize several shared design elements of historically effective international regimes and take advantage of the legal innovations of these agreements. Our new regime, entitled the Arctic Shipping and Environmental Management Agreement (ASEMA), will take into account both the economic and environmental interests of the parties involved.
Progress in the Control of Childhood Obesity

Two recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reports from a number of states and municipalities suggest that we are making progress in the control of the obesity epidemic, particularly with respect to younger children. The 2 national surveys that have provided the most valid and reliable data are the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PedNSS). NHANES has been conducted annually since 1999, and when data from each 2-year cycle are combined, NHANES provides a representative sample of the US population. A total sample of >3300 2- to 19-year-old children and adolescents were included in NHANES in 2011–2012; 871 of these children were 2 to 5 years old. The most recent NHANES report1 described a statistically significant absolute decrease of 5.5% in the prevalence of obesity among 2- to 5-year-olds between 2003–2004 and 2011–2012. Inspection of prevalence rates over time show that after a consistent increase which began after 1980, the prevalence of obesity in 2- to 5-year-old children began to plateau between 2003 and 2004 (Fig 1). Data between 2003–2004 and 2009–2010 showed no statistically significant change in childhood obesity rates, whereas a decrease of 3.7% occurred between 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 in 2- to 5-year old children. No significant changes were observed in the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in other age groups. Because of the small sample size, trends in ethnic groups other than non-Hispanic white subjects could not be reliably assessed. Furthermore, due to the relatively small sample … Address correspondence to William H. Dietz, MD, PhD, Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052. E-mail: dietzwcd4{at}gmail.com
Studying Self-Evaluation Capacity Building in a Large International Development Organization:

This action research study addresses the link between building evaluation capacity and enhancing evaluation use for learning. The author shares her experiences and reports on the evidence collected from a set of self-evaluation capacity-building interventions that she implemented. Using a mixed-method approach, the author first determined that the organization lacked the prerequisites to learn from evaluation. She then implemented self-evaluation capacity-building interventions, accompanied by a real-time study of how the participants changed attitudinally, cognitively, and behaviorally. Results indicate the potential of these interventions to facilitate an individual’s ability to learn from evaluation and underscore the need for supportive organizational contexts, structures, and processes if evaluation use for learning is to occur throughout the organization.
The new pain curriculum: A guide for neurologists who teach

Pain is a leading reason for seeking medical care, but the management of pain is often felt to be inadequate. A good place to start tackling this problem is in the training of future doctors. This Training Matters article provides excellent advice for neurologists who are involved in the teaching of pain and its management.
Managing CKD: key therapeutic issues introduction.

The content is based on an official American Society of Nephrology continuing medical education luncheon symposium held November 16, 2006, in San Diego, California. Faculty: George L. Bakris, MD, Hypertensive Diseases Unit, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois Stuart L. Linas, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado Raymond R. Townsend, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Credit Designation Statement: The American Society of Nephrology designates this educational activity (entire supplement) for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Learning Objectives: 1. To examine the epidemiology and pathophysiology of stroke and cardiovascular disease in the chronic kidney disease population 2. To evaluate the efficacy of …
Perceived Parent Financial Burden and Asthma Outcomes in Low-Income, Urban Children

The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic characteristics of low-income parents who perceive financial burden in managing their child’s asthma and related associations with their children’s asthma outcomes and clinical characteristics. We hypothesized that (1) identifiable differences between parents who do and do not report burden; (2) regardless of access to care, asthma outcomes would be worse for children whose parents perceive financial burden in obtaining care for their child’s condition. Baseline data from a randomized trial evaluating the effect of a school-based asthma intervention were analyzed for this research. Eight hundred thirty-five parents were interviewed by telephone regarding their child’s asthma management. Associations between demographic and clinical factors and perception of financial burden were examined using bivariate analysis. Multivariate regression analyses were used to examine associations between perceptions of financial burden and asthma outcomes, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school days. Perceived financial burden was evident in 10 % (n = 79) of parents. Female heads of household (χ 2 (3) = 7.41; p < 0.05), those at the lowest income levels (χ 2 (3) = 12.14; p < 0.01), and those whose child’s asthma was poorly controlled (χ 2 (2) = 49.42; p < 0.001) were most likely to perceive financial burden. In models controlling for level of asthma control, income, and having a usual source of asthma care, parents who perceived financial burden were more likely to have children who had at least one emergency department visit (OR = 1.95; 95 % CI = 1.15 to 3.29), hospitalization (OR = 3.99; 95 % CI = 2.03 to 7.82), or missed school days due to asthma (OR = 3.26; 95 % CI = 1.60 to 6.67) in the previous year. Our results supported our hypotheses. Among low-income parents of children with asthma, the majority do not perceive financial burden to obtaining care. However, among parents that do perceive burden, urgent care use and missed school days due to asthma for their child were significantly higher, regardless of family income and having a usual source of asthma care. Mothers and grandmothers heading families and those caring for children with uncontrolled asthma were most likely to report burden. These findings have implications for clinical practice in that health care providers may be able to take simple actions to determine patients’ financial-related perceptions, correct misconceptions, and help patients consider their full range of options to manage their child’s asthma.
Home oral anticoagulation monitoring

In this article, the author discusses oral anticoagulants and all the current information on these drugs. A home anticoagulation monitoring program is presented that may be used as a model for any agency. A nursing care plan is also included.
On the security of a clipped hopfield neural network-based cryptosystem

A cryptosystem based on a clipped Hopfield neural network (CHNN) was recently proposed primarily for encryption of digital images and videos. The system is fast and suitable for hardware implementation. The present paper investigates the security aspects of the CHNN-based cryptosystem, and the following weaknesses are pointed out: 1) the cryptosystem is not sufficiently secure against the ciphertext-only attacks due to the weak randomness properties of the generated keystream, and 2) the cryptosystem is insecure against known/chosen-plaintext attacks and only one known plaintext-ciphertext pair is enough to completely break all ciphertexts of the same or smaller size obtained using the same encryption keys. The security of CHNN-based cryptosystem cannot be improved unless the basic model is fundamentally changed.
Building Community: The Conference on Teaching and Learning in Accounting

The theme of the American Accounting Association's (AAA) annual meeting in Anaheim, CA, 2–6 August, 2008 was “Building Our Accounting Community.” A tangible sign of efforts to build community may b...
IBM zEnterprise storage I/O advancements

The IBM zEnterprise® input/output (I/O) connection to Fibre Channel attached storage devices via industry-standard Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs) has been significantly enhanced in zEnterprise compared with its predecessors. A new FICON® Express adapter is introduced delivering significant performance improvements for Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) and System z® high-performance FICON (zHPF) through the use of hardware-based FCP and zHPF virtualization offload engines (or data routers), bringing I/O starts and bandwidth in line with 8-Gb and 16-Gb Fibre Channel HBAs. zHPF is a major new I/O architecture designed to deliver high I/O rates and bandwidth required for current and future generations of IBM System z processors while preserving all of the qualities of service provided by previous architectures. FCP reliability, availability, and serviceability improvements have been made in the form of T10 data-integrity-field end-to-end data protection. Innovative methods of "shift-left" hardware and firmware co-verification were employed to ensure high quality and timely delivery of these new capabilities. The paper describes these innovations and their architecture, implementation, and synergy with other initiatives in the zEnterprise I/O system.
Nonsurgical management of the pain-dysfunction syndrome

Symptomatic control in TMJ pain-dysfunction syndrome can usually be effected by occlusal disengagement, physiotherapy, myotherapy, myospasm control, occlusal adjustment, drug therapy, and relaxation education.
Conflict-Driven Cooperative-Learning in Computing Courses (Abstract Only)

Conflict and cooperation would seem to be ideas that are diametrically opposed to each other. But, in fact, classic work by Piaget on how children and adults learn shows that when learners engage with peers in critical discussion of ideas concerning which they have different understandings, that contributes very effectively to learners developing deep understanding of the concepts involved. At the same time, getting students in undergraduate computing (or other technical/engineering) courses to engage with other students in thoughtful discussion of important concepts is very challenging. It can be especially difficult to get women students and students from other underrepresented groups to participate effectively in such discussions. In our work, we exploit the affordances of mobile and web technologies to address these challenges. Our approach not only helps address these challenges, it has a number of other important advantages over face-to-face discussions. We present the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, some details of our prototype implementation, preliminary results from the use of the prototype in a junior/senior level class on Software Engineering, and the design for the next version of our tool. We also discuss the possibilities and usefulness of applying this approach in a range of computing courses from traditional classrooms to MOOCs.
Hec1 sequentially recruits Zwint-1 and ZW10 to kinetochores for faithful chromosome segregation and spindle checkpoint control

Faithful chromosome segregation is essential for maintaining the genomic integrity, which requires coordination among chromosomes, kinetochores, centrosomes and spindles during mitosis. Previously, we discovered a novel coiled-coil protein, highly expressed in cancer 1 (Hec1), which is indispensable for this process. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that Hec1 directly interacts with human ZW10 interacting protein (Zwint-1), a binding partner of Zeste White 10 (ZW10) that is required for chromosome motility and spindle checkpoint control. In mitotic cells, Hec1 transiently forms complexes with Zwint-1 and ZW10 in a temporal and spatial manner. Although the three proteins have variable cell cycle-dependent expression profiles, they can only be co-immunoprecipitated during M phase. Immunofluorescent study showed that Hec1 and Zwint-1 co-localize at kinetochores beginning at prophase and that ZW10 joins them later at prometaphase. Depletion of Hec1 impairs the recruitment of both Zwint-1 and ZW10 to kinetochores, while depletion of Zwint-1 abrogates the kinetochore localization of ZW10 but not Hec1. The results suggest that the localization of Hec1 at kinetochores is required for the sequential recruitment of Zwint-1 and ZW10. Disrupting this recruitment by inhibiting the expression of Hec1 or Zwint-1 causes chromosome missegregation, spindle checkpoint failure, and eventually cell death upon cytokinesis. Taken together, these results, at least in part, provide a molecular basis to explain how Hec1 plays a crucial role for spindle checkpoint control and faithful chromosome segregation.
Cold War Narratives: American Culture in the 1950s. By Andrea Carosso. (Bern, Switzerland: Peter Lang, 2012. Pp. 220. $70.95.)

Although Americans experienced unprecedented prosperity through the 1950s, they faced conflicting narratives about who they were as a society. The US population increased almost 30 percent from 194...
Correction of image deformation from lens distortion using bezier patches

Abstract In many image analysis applications such as depth perception and motion analysis, availability of accurate image positional information is a necessity. Distortion in the lens, however, moves the image points locally and causes error in the position of image points. In this paper, a decalibration process is described which corrects image deformation from lens distortion. In this process lens distortion is first determined in terms of Bezier patches and then the patches are used to correct image deformation.
Variable selection in a linear growth curve model with autoregressive within-individual errors

In this paper, we consider variable selection schemes in a linear random coefficient growth curve model. Unbalanced within-individual data is assumed to have first-order linear correlation (p). A variable selection scheme suggested in the between-individual model is a weighted stepwise selection. A sim-ulation study is conducted to compare the performances of the maximum likelihood (ML) and the ordinary least square (OLS) estimators in the within-individual regression model in terms of the ability of variable selection in the between-individual model. Simulation results indicate the following: Under the suspicion of high autocorrelation error (p>0.5), the ML estimation is necessary in the within-individual model. When it is believed that the p is as small as 0.1 and the heterogeneity of variance is relatively low then, the OLS estimator can replace the ML estimator in terms of selection performance in the between-individual model.
History and future of X‐ray structure determination

Single crystal X-ray diffraction was first applied at the beginning of the twentieth century and to this day remains the most commonly used and highly productive technique to elucidate macromolecular structures at the atomic level. Recent developments in the theoretical background and in computational methods, dramatic improvements in experimental designs of synchrotron beamlines and insertion devices, and technical advances in high-throughput methods combined with robotics have had a major impact on the analysis of macromolecular structure. Combination of cryogenic imaging techniques (EM) with multidimensional NMR, X-ray, and electron diffraction studies will lead to unprecedented, new insights into the structure–function relationships of biological macromolecules. Keywords: macromolecular structure; X-ray crystallography; history; crystallization; phasing methods; computing; synchrotron radiation
Influences of different ethical issues on ethical decision-making in an IT context

This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment involving the discussion of ethical scenarios. Groups discussed five ethical scenarios centered on the use of information technology, involving issues of privacy, intellectual property, use of company equipment for non-work activities, and modification of company software for personal gain. Data were collected via questionnaire before and after the discussion. The results show that ethical decision making processes vary by scenario, with perceived importance of an ethical issue and moral obligation to act being strong, but not all-inclusive influences on the link between attitude toward questionable behavior and intention to engage in the behavior. The results are discussed in the context of several models of ethical decision-making and suggestions are given for future research. Managers are advised on how to limit unethical behavior.
Effect of Liquid on a Reciprocating Compressor

Compressors are intolerant to liquids. In reciprocating compressors with inherently large volumetric displacement rates, all modes of liquid ingestion pose a serious problem and can even result in catastrophic failures. This paper describes a simple method of estimating the cylinder pressure and rod load (force on the crosshead pin, in compressor terminology) in a double-acting reciprocating compressor The results indicated that even with moderate volume of liquid present inside the cylinder, the pressure could reach values as high as four to five times its normal value with a correspondingly higher rod load.
Region-specific patterns and drivers of macroscale forest plant invasions

Aim Stronger inferences about biological invasions may be obtained when accounting for multiple invasion measures and the spatial heterogeneity occurring across large geographic areas. We pursued this enquiry by utilizing a multimeasure, multiregional framework to investigate forest plant invasions at a subcontinental scale. Location United States of America (USA). Methods Using empirical data from a national survey of USA forests, we compiled and mapped invasion richness (number of invasive species) and invasion prevalence (percentage of plots invaded) for 2524 counties. We then modelled each of these invasion measures as functions of 22 factors reflective of propagule pressure and/or habitat invasibility for eastern and western forests separately using simultaneous autoregressive spatial error models. Results Eastern forests had higher mean invasion richness (6.1) and prevalence (48%) than western forests (3.2 and 10%, respectively). Spatial patterns of invasion richness and prevalence differed, especially in the West. Propagule pressure factors were always positively associated with both invasion measures. Factors associated with human legacy were nearly six times more strongly associated with western than eastern invasions. Unlike propagule pressure factors, habitat invasibility factors shared inconsistent associations with invasion measures. Main conclusions The weaker associations between human legacy and invasions in the heavily invaded East, compared to the less-invaded West, suggest a declining effect of propagule pressure over time with increasing invasion intensity. The importance of propagule pressure in less-invaded western forests suggests that spatial variability in propagule inputs, coupled with lags between establishment and commonness, drives the spatial differences between invasion richness and prevalence during early invasion stages. Meanwhile, declining spatial disagreement between invasion measures and the relative unimportance of propagule pressure, in heavily invaded eastern forests, suggest that species-specific variation in response to habitat invasibility drives spatial differences between invasion measures during later invasion stages. These insights further illustrate the importance of spatial heterogeneity in invasive plant management and policy at macroscales.
Nrlmsise-00 Empirical Model of the Atmosphere: Statistical Comparisons and Scientific Issues

The new NRLMSISE-00 model and the associated NRLMSIS database now include the following data: (1) total mass density from satellite accelerometers and from orbit determination, including the Jacchia and Barlier data; (2) temperature from incoherent scatter radar, and; (3) molecular oxygen number density, [O2], from solar ultraviolet occultation aboard the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM). A new component, 'anomalous oxygen,' allows for appreciable O(+) and hot atomic oxygen contributions to the total mass density at high altitudes and applies primarily to drag estimation above 500 km. Extensive tables compare our entire database to the NRLMSISE-00, MSISE-90, and Jacchia-70 models for different altitude bands and levels of geomagnetic activity. We also investigate scientific issues related to the new data sets in the NRLMSIS database. Especially noteworthy is the solar activity dependence of the Jacchia data, with which we investigate a large O(+) contribution to the total mass density under the combination of summer, low solar activity, high latitudes, and high altitudes. Under these conditions, except at very low solar activity, the Jacchia data and the Jacchia-70 model indeed show a significantly higher total mass density than does MSISE-90. However, under the corresponding winter conditions, the MSIS-class models represent a noticeable improvement relative to Jacchia-70 over a wide range of F(sub 10.7). Considering the two regimes together, NRLMSISE-00 achieves an improvement over both MSISE-90 and Jacchia-70 by incorporating advantages of each.
Trace Analysis of Sulfamethazine in Animal Feed, Human Urine, and Wastewater by Electron Capture Gas Chromatography

Sulfamethazine, a widely used antibacterial drug additive in feeds for swine, chickens, and cattle, was scheduled for toxicological evaluation because of potential human health hazards associated with its residues in edible animal tissues. Analytical chemical procedures that would ensure proper concentration, homogeneity, and stability of the drug in dosed feed and its safe usage during the animal studies were prerequisites for such toxicological tests. Electron capture gas chromatographic (EC/GC) methods were therefore devised for the analysis of sulfamethazine residues in animal feed, human urine, and wastewater at levels as low as 100, 10, and 10 ppb, respectively. Sample extracts were cleaned up by using liquid/liquid partitioning, and the extracts were subjected to two derivatizations followed by cleanup on a silica gel column. The derivatizations of sulfamethazine consisted of methylation followed by trifluoroacetylation of the primary amine function. Ancillary data concerning stability of the compound in animal feed, water, and as a dry residue on glass, extraction efficiencies, partition values with various solvents, and the analysis of residues in feed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) at levels as low as 1.0 ppm are presented.
catena-Poly[1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium [[dichlorido(methanol-κO)(propan-2-ol-κO)lanthanate(III)]-di-μ-chlorido]].

The title compound, (C8H15N2)[LaCl4(CH3OH)(C3H7OH)], consists of one 1-butyl-3-methyl­imidazolium (BMI+) cation and one hexa­hedral tetra­chlorido(methanol)(propan-2-ol)lanthanate anion. The LaIII ion is eight-coordinate, with the LaIII ion bridged by a pair of Cl atoms, so forming chains propagating along the a-axis direction. Each LaIII ion is further coordinated by two isolated Cl atoms, one methanol and one propan-2-ol mol­ecule. The coordinated methanol and propan-2-ol mol­ecules of the anion form O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds with the Cl atoms of inversion-related anions. The BMI+ cation froms C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds with the Cl atoms of the anion. The anions are located in the C faces of the triclinic unit cell, with an inversion center in the middle of the La2Cl2 ring of the polymeric chain.
Psychological Contracts in a Nontraditional Industry Exploring the Implications for Psychological Contract Development

This research examined the employment contracts and experiences of information technology contractors working on H-1B visas for bodyshopping firms in the United States. Examination of these nontraditional workers allows for the emergence of insights that promote theory development on psychological contracts (PCs). In a qualitative study of 54 Indian contractors, we identified experiences that both contradict and further develop our currently limited understanding of the PC development process. Specifically, we found evidence of underdeveloped contracts, different PC content, missing PC elements, a high frequency of breach, PCs becoming more transactional over time, and the significant role of context in the PC development process. We discuss the implications of our findings related to these nontraditional workers for research on PCs.
Comparisons of the Performance of Computational Intelligence Methods for Loan Granting Decisions

The importance to financial institutions of accurately evaluating the credit risk posed by their loan granting decisions cannot be underestimated; it is underscored by recent credit assessment failures that contributed greatly to the so-called "great recession" of the late 2000s. The paper compares the classification accuracy rates of several traditional and computational intelligence methods. We construct models and assess their classification accuracy rates on five very versatile real world data sets obtained from different loan granting decision areas. The results obtained from computer experiments provide a fruitful ground for interpretation.
Resurrecting the (C)Capm: A Cross-Sectional Test When Risk Premia Wre Time-Varying

This paper explores the ability of theoretically based asset pricing models such as the CAPM and the consumption CAPM-referred to jointly as the (C)CAPM-to explain the cross-section of average stock returns. Unlike many previous empirical tests of the (C)CAPM, we specify the pricing kernel as a conditional linear factor model, as would be expected if risk premia vary over time. Central to our approach is the use of a conditioning variable which proxies for fluctuations in the log consumption-aggregate wealth ratio and is likely to be important for summarizing conditional expectations of excess returns. We demonstrate that such conditional factor models are able to explain a substantial fraction of the cross-sectional variation in portfolio returns. These models perform much better than unconditional (C)CAPM specifications, and about as well as the three-factor Fama-French model on portfolios sorted by size and book-to-market ratios. This specification of the linear conditional consumption CAPM, using aggregate consumption data, is able to account for the difference in returns between low book-to-market and high book-to-market firms and exhibits little evidence of residual size or book-to-market effects.
Metabolic engineering for plant natural product biosynthesis in microbes

Plant natural products (NPs) not only serve many functions in an organism's survivability but also demonstrate important pharmacological activities. Isolation of NPs from native sources is frequently limited by low abundance and environmental, seasonal, and regional variation while total chemical synthesis of what are often complex structures is typically commercially infeasible. Reconstruction of biosynthetic pathways in heterologous microorganisms offers significant promise for a scalable means to provide sufficient quantities of a desired NP while using inexpensive renewable resources. To this end, metabolic engineering provides the technological platform for enhancing NP production in these engineered heterologous hosts. Recent advancements in the production of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids were made possible by utilizing a variety of techniques including combinatorial biosynthesis, codon optimization, expression of regulatory elements, and protein engineering of P450s.
Survey response rate levels and trends in organizational research

This study examines the response rates for surveys used in organizational research. We analysed 1607 studies published in the years 2000 and 2005 in 17 refereed academic journals, and we identified 490 different studies that utilized surveys. We examined the response rates in these studies, which covered more than 100,000 organizations and 400,000 individual respondents. The average response rate for studies that utilized data collected from individuals was 52.7 percent with a standard deviation of 20.4, while the average response rate for studies that utilized data collected from organizations was 35.7 percent with a standard deviation of 18.8. Key insights from further analysis include relative stability in response rates in the past decade and higher response rates for journals published in the USA. The use of incentives was not found to be related to response rates and, for studies of organizations, the use of reminders was associated with lower response rates. Also, electronic data collection efforts (e.g. email, phone, web) resulted in response rates as high as or higher than traditional mail methodology. We discuss a number of implications and recommendations.
MacArthur's consumer-resource model

Abstract MacArthur's consumer-resource model is reviewed and new ways of understanding it are presented. Statistical measures of association between the utilization functions of different species are developed to show how coexistence conditions can be expressed in simple and understandable ways without the need to introduce strong symmetry assumptions. It is hoped that this new analysis will encourage both the use of the model in its full form without special simplifying assumptions, and the development of competition models of similar biological richness but different basic assumptions.
The United States Polar Rock Repository: A geological resource for the Earth science community

The United States Polar Rock Repository (USPRR) is a U. S. national facility designed for the permanent curatorial preservation of rock samples, along with associated materials such as field notes, annotated air photos and maps, raw analytic data, paleomagnetic cores, ground rock and mineral residues, thin sections, and microfossil mounts, microslides and residues from Polar areas. This facility was established by the Office of Polar Programs at the U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to minimize redundant sample collecting, and also because the extreme cold and hazardous field conditions make fieldwork costly and difficult. The repository provides, along with an on-line database of sample information, an essential resource for proposal preparation, pilot studies and other sample based research that should make fieldwork more efficient and effective. This latter aspect should reduce the environmental impact of conducting research in sensitive Polar Regions. The USPRR also provides samples for educational outreach. Rock samples may be borrowed for research or educational purposes as well as for museum exhibits. Citation: Grunow, A.M., D.H. Elliot, and J.E. Codispoti (2007), The United States Polar Rock Repository: A Geological Resour ce for the Earth Science Community, in Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World - Online Proceedings of the 10 th
Methodology for Comparative Effectiveness Research: Potential and Limitations

There is an increasing need for reliable information on the relative value of medical interventions to assist decision making on both the individual and public health levels; addressing this need is the goal of comparative effectiveness research (CER). In reading the four articles describing CER methodology in this special series about CER, one may note that the methods described (and the arguments for and against certain ones) have been used for decades by statisticians, epidemiologists, and clinicians.
Knowledge Searching and Services

Supporting Knowledge Management (KM) users’ ability to find the knowledge they need and connect with expertise is the essence of a KM system. To be effective, the KM system needs to make Knowledge Assets (KA) easy to find and retrieve. The users need to be able to intuitively access stored knowledge and connect to experts. Searching and locating is the process that makes this discovery of information possible. In this chapter we outline strategies, not coding techniques, that aid in initiating effective repository searches, expertise locators, and general techniques for connecting the information and knowledge available throughout the enterprise (in other applications or storage media).
Electromagnetic fields coupled into a cavity with a slot-aperture under resonant conditions

The electromagnetic coupling of an incident plane wave through a slot-aperture backed by a lossy rectangular cavity is analyzed by using a generalized network formulation based on an application of the equivalence principle. Two types of aperture-cavity resonances manifest themselves. The conditions for the existence and the characteristics of such double aperture-cavity resonances are studied. General expressions for field strength in the aperture, field distributions in the cavity, and maximum power penetration are derived. Appropriate expressions for an equivalent magnetic current to replace the aperture are discussed. A numerical example is given.
A Procedure for Monitoring Continuous Feed Intake of Chickens

Abstract We evaluated feasibility of using force transducers linked to a data terminal to automatically monitor continuous feed-intake patterns of chickens. Cumulative feed intake and feeding activities were recorded for two adult males from populations divergently selected for juvenile body weight. The system provided automatic collection of data, ease in transcription from the terminal output, and results consistent with those previously obtained with other instrumentation.
The sources of young children's name innovations for novel artifacts

Two studies investigated whether four-year-old children (12 in Experiment 1 with a mean age of 4;8 and 36 in Experiment 2 with a mean age of 4;7) invent names for new artifacts based on the objects' functions as opposed to their perceptual properties. Children informed about the intended functions of novel objects provided more name innovations that were clearly function-based than perception-based. This tendency was observed when children were shown the objects' functions, even if they were also given verbal descriptions of the objects' perceptual properties and parts. Only when ignorant of the objects' intended functions did children tend to use perceptual features to create substantial numbers of names. Accordingly, results from this name-innovation methodology converge with findings from some recent studies of lexical categorization suggesting that functional information is critical to how preschoolers extend artifact names. Children appear to appreciate an intimate relation between the functions of artifacts and how they are named.
Pattern regulation along the proximodistal axis of the developing chick limb

Transplants creating presumptively excess or deficient proximodistal segments were performed to investigate pattern regulation in stage 21 and stage 23 chick limb buds. Excess skeletal elements were not removed by regulation. Deficiencies appeared to be regulated by host tissue. The ability of the host tissue to participate in regulation declined in more proximal tissue and with increased age. These results suggest that there are two requirements for pattern regulation. First, the tissue in question must be sufficiently uncommitted in terms of pattern formation. Second, this tissue must be sufficiently close to the ectodermal ridge before it can respond. Results of previous work and implications for pattern formation are discussed with these requirements in mind.