cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effectiveness of learner controlled information security training

Abstract The goal of this study is to examine the effects of learner control on information security (ISec) training effectiveness. While organizations recognize the importance of education and training in security and invest in such efforts, the design of these programs often lacks theoretical grounding and the outcomes are often not critically evaluated. This paper attempts to fill these gaps by (1) identifying desirable characteristics for the design of such training programs, (2) using these characteristics as guidelines to design a web-based information security training (3) experimentally evaluating the effectiveness of the training using critical outcomes such as training satisfaction, security training performance, self-efficacy, perceived threat severity and susceptibility. We find that web based ISec training that incorporates learner control positively affects training reactions and learning outcomes.
Bayesian calibration of multi-response systems via multivariate Kriging: Methodology and geological and geotechnical case studies

Abstract Bayesian techniques – widely used to update the distributions of involved uncertain system variables based on new observations at different points in space and time – can be highly demanding and prohibitive in cases of sophisticated computational models. Here, we propose a highly efficient Bayesian updating framework that is integrated with multivariate Kriging surrogate modeling to quantify heteroscedastic uncertainties in the entire space of uncertain system variables and capture spatial and temporal dependencies among the responses using non-separable covariance structure. The advantages of the proposed framework are demonstrated on three geological and geotechnical examples, since geological properties are often highly uncertain and responses in these systems are frequently multivariate in nature. Results indicate that the developed framework is able to accurately and efficiently update uncertainties of system variables compared to existing Bayesian updating methods that are based on surrogate models. Moreover, considering the often-neglected spatiotemporal dependencies between responses is observed to noticeably enhance the accuracy of predictions. The proposed approach serves as an efficient tool to optimally utilize monitoring data from geological and geotechnical systems to arrive at reliable predictions of future responses.
Rye Cover Crop Impacts Soil Properties in a Long-Term Cotton System

Adoption of conservation tillage in cotton cropping systems lags well behind other major crops in the United States. The Texas High Plains region is the largest cotton-producing region in the United States and is in an area where soil and water conservation are of utmost importance. There is little information of the impacts of conservation tillage on soil function within this environment, and long-term studies are critical to understanding potential impacts of implemented practices. As conservation tillage expands in use, understanding the impact of transitioning to such systems on nutrient cycling and soil compaction becomes paramount. Our objective was to quantify the impact of a long-term no-till cover crop system on soil chemical and physical properties in a continuous cotton system within a semiarid environment. Two systems implemented in 1998 were evaluated: (1) conventional tillage (CT); and (2) no-till with a cereal rye cover crop (NT-rye). Soil NO₃–N was significantly lower due to NT-rye treatments during the active cover crop growing season. However, NO₃–N concentrations were not different between tillage treatments in the cotton growing season. Soil organic C (SOC) was significantly greater for NT-rye in the upper 10 cm, and there were no significant differences for SOC between treatments to a depth of 90 cm. Bulk density and penetration resistance varied by sampling time and depth and infiltration was as much as 34% greater for NT-rye. No-till with a rye cover crop can increase surface SOC levels while improving infiltration and penetration resistance in semiarid continuous cotton cropping systems.
Case Study: Evaluation of cooling in 3 grazing dairy farms in Georgia, USA

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to evaluate cooling systems in grazing dairy farms in Georgia during summer. Materials and Methods This study was conducted during summer 2016 in 3 dairy farms. Farms were managed similarly and used rotary parlors with open holding pens with misters. When grazing during the day, cows were cooled by misters attached to pivots without access to shade. Cows were milked at 0400 and 1500 h and fed a partial mixed ration. In farm A, cows were fed for 3.5 h after each milking in an open feeding pad with concrete bunks equipped with misters, which operated only during afternoon feeding. In farm B, cows were fed 2 h before and 2 h after each milking in an open ridge barn with concrete feed bunks equipped with overhead sprinklers, which only operated before afternoon milking. In farm C, cows were fed for 3.5 h after milking in an open ridge barn with concrete bunks fitted with fans and soakers over the feedbunks. Ten cows per farm were randomly selected to have their vaginal temperature (VT) measured for 3 d. Cow’s genotype (Holstein or Holstein × Jersey) was determined by phenotype. Environmental data were obtained from local weather stations. Results and Discussion Average air temperature and relative humidity over the 3-d period were 29°C and 70%. A farm by hour interaction (P Implications and Applications In summary, holding pen misting was effective for reducing body temperatures, and pivot cooling maintained VT. Holstein and crossbred cows responded differently to cooling and solar radiation.
How 3D Virtual Reality Stores Can Shape Consumer Purchase Decisions: The Roles of Informativeness and Playfulness

Abstract The recent rise of consumer virtual reality (VR) hardware raises important questions in the field of online marketing: what makes 3D VR more informative and playful than conventional 2D media such as a still image and a video, and how it affects the online purchase decision-making process. In this study, we mainly focus on three interface features—interactivity, visual–spatial cues, and graphics quality. We explore how each of these three interface features enhances playfulness and informativeness of shopping interface and further influences subsequent product evaluation and purchase intention. The results of the study provide two meaningful insights. First, interactivity and visual–spatial cues significantly enhance perceived informativeness and playfulness; however, the role of graphics quality was found to be more critical for 2D displays than for 3D VR environment. Second, informativeness and playfulness influence the purchase decision-making process in distinct ways. More specifically, a playful interface may enhance consumers' preference for hedonic product benefits (e.g., a stylish and attractive design), whereas informativeness is a more important explanatory variable for subsequent purchase intentions. We discuss the theoretical contribution and managerial insights the research provides for online retailers and designers.
Association of small-fiber polyneuropathy with three previously unassociated rare missense SCN9A variants.

Background: Small fiber polyneuropathy (SFN) involves ectopic firing and degeneration of small-diameter, somatic/autonomic peripheral axons. Causes include diabetes, inflammation and rare pathogeni...
Design and Control of an Underwater Launch System

The ability to launch, or otherwise deploy, a cylindrical body such as an unmanned vehicle, from an outer tube in an underwater environment continues to be of interest to the marine community. Applications of such technologies include the use of small unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV’s) deployed from deep ocean craft to support oil exploration efforts or inspection of damaged infrastructure. Historically, these payloads are deployed from their containment tube through the use of a water slug generated from a pump which pushes the vehicle into the open ocean environment.The objectives of this project are to identify and demonstrate a method to launch a cylindrical body from the launch tube utilizing an electromagnetic scheme. It was found that the solenoid coil launching mechanism was the most effective for an underwater launcher. A design was created, modeled in simulations, and finally built and tested to prove its validity. It was found that the solenoid coil launcher could effectively expel a payload with ample exit velocity, low noise, and could be reloaded several times within a minute.
Comparison of effects on central venous pressure in patients between before and after weaning and cut-off of PEEP under mechanical ventilation

0bjective To explore the effects on central venous pressure(CVP)in patients between weaning and cut-off of PEEP under mechanical ventilation and improve the accuracy of their CVP.Methods The CVP of 60 cases with mechanical ventilation were measured before and after weaning and cut-off of PEEP. Results The CVP of 60 cases with mechanical ventilation before weaning and cut-off of PEEP were both higher than that after weaning and cut-off of PEEP,the difference showed significant. Conclusions It is safety to measure the CVP of patients with mechanical ventilation after cutting off the breathing machine to guarantee the accuracy of CVP and provide the accurate evidence for clinic. Key words: Mechanical ventilation; Central venous pressure; Positive end expiratory pressure ventilation
High Level Modeling of Memristive Crossbar Arrays

Crossbar architecture is one of the prominent candidates to enable memristor based in-memory computing. Recent literature suggests that predominantly SPICE level simulations have been performed to check the correctness of the memristive systems. Though SPICE simulation gives accurate results, it takes a substantial amount of time as circuit complexity increases. Currently, memristor mapping tools (such as SIMPLER MAGIC) are not guaranteed to generate a correct design by construction as they do not provide any formal proof for their corresponding tools. The aforementioned reasons motivate us to come up with a behavioral model of the memristive system. We use two processes to model the memristor-one to decide the final signal value when multiple sources drive it. Another process decides the final states of the memristors. The proposed model along with the control voltage sequence and initial states of memristors allows us to quickly verify the functionality of the memristive system using VHDL based simulation. While several SPICE level models are available, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes a behavioral VHDL model of memristor. To validate our proposed approach, we compare our model with a SPICE based model in terms of functional correctness and runtime speedups, experimental evaluation on thirteen (13) different combinational benchmark circuits resulted in runtime speedups of 140X on average with 8X-205X range.
A novel hierarchically-structured factor mixture model for cluster discovery from multi-modality data

Advances in sensing technology have generated multi-modality datasets with complementary information in various domains. In health care, it is common to acquire images of different types/modalities...
The ABC mechanism: an incentive compatible payoff mechanism for elicitation of outcome and probability transformations

When it comes to experiments with multiple-round decisions under risk, the current payoff mechanisms are incentive compatible with either outcome weighting theories or probability weighting theories, but not both. In this paper, I introduce a new payoff mechanism, the Accumulative Best Choice (“ABC”) mechanism that is incentive compatible for all rational risk preferences. I also identify three necessary and sufficient conditions for a payoff mechanism to be incentive compatible for all models of decision under risk with complete and transitive preferences. I show that ABC is the unique incentive compatible mechanism for rational risk preferences in a multiple-task setting. In addition, I test empirical validity of the ABC mechanism in the lab. The results from both a choice pattern experiment and a preference (structural) estimation experiment show that individual choices under the ABC mechanism are statistically not different from those observed with the one-round task experimental design. The ABC mechanism supports unbiased elicitation of both outcome and probability transformations as well as testing alternative decision models that do or do not include the independence axiom.
SU-E-T-234: Daily Quality Assurance for a Six Degrees of Freedom Couch Using a Novel Phantom

Purpose: To test the accuracy and reproducibility of both translational and rotational movements for a couch with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) using a novel phantom design Methods: An end-to-end test was carried out using two different phantoms. A 6 cm3 cube with a central fiducial BB (WL-QA Sun Nuclear) and a custom fabricated rectangular prism (31 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm), placed on a baseplate with known angular offsets for pitch, roll and yaw with a central fiducial BB and unique surface structures for registration purposes, were used. The end-to-end test included an initial CT simulation for a reference study, setup to an offset mark on each phantom, registration of the reference CT to the acquired cone-beam CT, and final Winston-Lutz delivery at four cardinal gantry angles. Results for both translational and rotational movements were recorded and compared for both phantoms. Results: Translational and rotational measurements were performed with a PerfectPitch (Varian) couch for 10 trials for both phantoms. Distinct translational shifts were [−5.372±0.384mm, −10.183±0.137mm, 14.028±0.155mm] for the cube and [7.520±0.159mm, −9.117±0.101mm, 16.273±0.115mm] for the prototype phantom for lateral, longitudinal, and vertical shifts, respectively. Distinct rotational adjustments were [1.121±0.102o, −1.067±0.235o, −2.662±0.380o] for the cube and [2.534±0.059o, 1.994±0.025o, 2.094±0.076o] for the prototype for pitch, roll, and yaw, respectively. Winston-Lutz test results performed after 6DoF couch correction from each cardinal gantry angle ranged from 0.26–0.72mm for the cube and 0.55–0.86mm for the prototype. Conclusion: The prototype phantom is more precise for both translational and rotational adjustments compared to a commercial phantom. The design of the prototype phantom allows for a more discernible visual confirmation of correct translational and rotational adjustments with the prototype phantom. Winston-Lutz results are more accurate for the commercial phantom but are still within tolerance for the prototype phantom.
Anemia in cancer.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the occurrence of anemia in cancer. Many of the theories about the cause of anemia arose from early studies on leukemia. It is generally accepted that the anemia results from the invasion and crowding out of the bone marrow by neoplastic tissue, a theory sponsored by the eminent German hematologist, Pappenheim. The rapid introduction of radioisotope techniques is providing new tools, which promise to aid in a more quantitative evaluation of these various theories. The new information derived from such approaches has led, in many instances, to definite conclusions and increased understanding, and in others, to contradiction and variable data. Because the confusion can be traced in many instances to the use of techniques, which retain intrinsic defects, an attempt is made in the chapter to evaluate these techniques in some detail and to indicate their limitations and potentialities in the study of the anemia associated with cancer.
Non-commutative Spaces for Graded Quantum Groups and Graded Clifford Algebras

We propose that the notion of “quantum space” from Artin, Tate and Van den Bergh’s non-commutative algebraic geometry be considered the “non-commutative space” of a quantum group.
The effects of the β1 antagonist, metoprolol, on methamphetamine-induced changes in core temperature in the rat

Methamphetamine (METH) results in hyperthermia or hypothermia depending on environmental conditions. Here we studied the role of the β1 adrenergic receptor in mediating METH's temperature effects. Core temperature measurements were made telemetrically over a 7.5h session, two days/week, in test chambers regulated at either 18°C, 24°C, or 30°C ambient temperature. Rats were treated with the β1 antagonist metoprolol (5.0, 10.0, and 15.0mg/kg) alone (Experiment 1), or in combination with 5.0mg/kg METH (Experiment 2). In experiment 3, we combined a lower dose range of metoprolol (0.75, 1.5, and 3.0mg/kg) with 5.0mg/kg METH at 18°C and 30°C. Confirming prior findings, METH alone resulted in hyperthermia in warm (30°) and hypothermia in cool environments (18°C). Metoprolol alone induced small but significant increases in core temperature. In combination, however, metoprolol reduced METH-induced changes in core temperature. Specifically, at 30°C, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0mg/kg metoprolol decreased METH-induced hyperthermia; at 18°C, all six doses of metoprolol enhanced METH-induced hypothermia. Our metoprolol findings suggest that one component of METH's temperature effects involves increasing core temperature at all ambient conditions via β1 receptors. Since β receptors are involved in brown adipose tissue (BAT)-mediated thermogenesis, skeletal muscle-mediated thermogenesis, heart rate, and the metabolism of glucose and lipids, we discuss each of these as possible mechanisms for metoprolol's effects on METH-induced changes in core temperature.
Ex Vivo Electromechanical Reshaping of Costal Cartilage in the New Zealand White Rabbit Model

Author(s): Badran, Karam; Manuel, Cyrus; Waki, Curtis; Protsenko, Dmitry; Wong, Brian JF | Abstract: Objectives/hypothesisDetermine the effective electromechanical reshaping (EMR) parameters for shape change and cell viability in the ex vivo rabbit costal cartilage model.Study designEx vivo animal study combined with computer modeling to guide electrode placement and polarity selection.MethodsRabbit costal cartilages were secured in a jig that approximated the shape of the rabbit auricle framework. Finite element modeling was used to select the initial electrode geometry, polarity, spacing, and estimate dosimetry parameters. Porcine costal cartilage was utilized to refine the selection of dosing parameters. Parametric analysis was performed to determine the effect of voltage and application time on tissue shape change. Next, rabbit rib cartilage was reshaped, varying voltage and application time to identify the lowest parameters to produce acceptable shape change mimicking native auricular cartilage. Acceptable qualitative shape change was determined on a five-point Likert scale analyzed using one-way general linear analysis of variance. Confocal microscopy with live/dead cell viability analysis determined the degree of injury and the distribution of live and dead cells.ResultsThe minimum acceptable deformation of rabbit costal cartilage was found at 4 V-3 minutes. Viability analysis of cartilage reshaped at 4 V-3 minutes demonstrates cell injury extending 2 mm away from each electrode with viable cells found between the electrodes.ConclusionsThe EMR parameters of 4 V-3 minutes demonstrates appropriate shape change producing grafts that resemble the native auricle and contains the viable cells adequate for clinical evaluation. The rabbit auricular reconstruction model using EMR is a feasible one.
Charismatic leadership: Strategies for effecting social change

Abstract Because of their unique relationship with followers, charismatic leaders can be powerful agents of social change. Current theories of charismatic leadership have emphasized primarily the personality and behavior of leaders and their effects on followers, organizations, and society. This emphasis fails to uncover why and how the charismatic leader/follower interaction can generate social change. Our study draws on theories of social meaning to develop a process model of charismatic leadership. Empirical exploration of our model suggests that charismatic leaders employ a set of consistent communication strategies for effecting social change.
Potential phospholipid source(s) of arachidonate used for the synthesis of leukotrienes by the human neutrophil.

The present study has employed two approaches to address the question of whether there are specific phospholipid sources of arachidonate used for leukotriene biosynthesis in the human neutrophil. Firstly, g.c.-m.s. analysis indicated that arachidonate was lost from all major arachidonate-containing phospholipid subclasses during cell activation with ionophore A23187. On a molar basis, the rank order of breakdown among the three major phospholipids was: 1-alk-1-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine greater than 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-3-phosphocholine greater than 1-acyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-3-phosphoinositol. Leukotrienes released into the supernatant fluid accounted for only 10-35% of the total arachidonate depletion. Phospholipid sources were also identified in labelling experiments where the specific radioactivity of arachidonate in phospholipid subclasses, as well as leukotrienes produced during cell activation, was measured. The specific radioactivity of arachidonate within 1-acyl-linked molecular species of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol was initially high relative to the leukotrienes and decreased rapidly with stimulation. By contrast, the specific radioactivity of arachidonate in all three subclasses of phosphatidylethanolamine, 1-acyl, 1-alkyl, and 1-alk-1-enyl, was 3-5-fold below that of the leukotrienes throughout cell activation. Of the six major arachidonate-containing subclasses, only in the case of 1-O-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine did the specific radioactivity correlate well with that of leukotriene B4 and 20-hydroxyleukotriene B4. These data strongly suggest that 1-ether-linked phospholipids are an important source of arachidonate used for leukotriene biosynthesis.
CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha uses distinct domains to prolong pituitary cells in the growth 1 and DNA synthesis phases of the cell cycle.

A number of transcription factors coordinate differentiation by simultaneously regulating gene expression and cell proliferation. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a basic/leucine zipper transcription factor that integrates transcription with proliferation to regulate the differentiation of tissues involved in energy balance. In the pituitary, C/EBPα regulates the transcription of a key metabolic regulator, growth hormone. We examined the consequences of C/EBPα expression on proliferation of the transformed, mouse GHFT1-5 pituitary progenitor cell line. In contrast to mature pituitary cells, GHFT1-5 cells do not contain C/EBPα. Ectopic expression of C/EBPα in the progenitor cells resulted in prolongation of both growth 1 (G1) and the DNA synthesis (S) phases of the cell cycle. Transcription activation domain 1 and 2 of C/EBPα were required for prolongation of G1, but not of S. Some transcriptionally inactive derivatives of C/EBPα remained competent for G1 and S phase prolongation. C/EBPα deleted of its leucine zipper dimerization functions was as effective as full-length C/EBPα in prolonging G1 and S. We found that C/EBPα utilizes mechanistically distinct activities to prolong the cell cycle in G1 and S in pituitary progenitor cells. G1 and S phase prolongation did not require that C/EBPα remained transcriptionally active or retained the ability to dimerize via the leucine zipper. G1, but not S, arrest required a domain overlapping with C/EBPα transcription activation functions 1 and 2. Separation of mechanisms governing proliferation and transcription permits C/EBPα to regulate gene expression independently of its effects on proliferation.
An accurate, nontraumatic ultrasonic method to monitor myocardial wall thickening in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract Measurement of systolic wall thickening by sonomicrometry provides an accurate index of regional left ventricular function, but the trauma of crystal insertion limits its widespread clinical use. The first clinical application of a 10 MHz ultrasonic Doppler probe that can be either sutured or applied by suction to the epicardium and can measure wall thickening at any depth of the left ventricular wall is described. In 18 dogs, measurements obtained with the suction probe correlated well (r = 0.97) with those of a previously validated sutured probe. To assess clinical feasibility, the probe was applied to the epicardium of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Good quality wall thickening signals were obtained with no complications. Transmural left ventricular thickening fraction before bypass surgery was 34 ± 3% (mean value ± SE) at the mid-ventricular lateral wall, 33 ± 4% at the anterior basal wall and 26 ± 4% at the mid-ventricular posterior wall. Right ventricular thickening fraction averaged 25 ± 3%. Endocardial thickening fraction tended to exceed epicardial thickening fraction, although the difference attained statistical significance (p On average, thickening fraction during the immediate postoperative period remained unchanged compared with the preoperutive values, but a marked individual variability was observed, with 7 of 15 patients exhibiting a decrease and 8 an increase. Exteriorization of the wires attached to the sutured probe allowed continuous in situ monitoring of wall thickening in the postoperative period and subsequent removal of the probe, in six patients the crystal was left in place for 48 to 72 h after surgery and then removed without complications; good wall thickening signals were obtained for the entire period during which the probe was implanted. Thus, the Doppler probe is an accurate, atraumatic method for measuring right and left ventricular regional function. Transmural, endocardial and epicardial function can be mapped at various sites during surgery, and postoperatively one can monitor serial changes of regional function and assess the effects of cardioplegia and other therapeutic interventions. This technique should be useful for both investigative and clinical purposes.
Interorganizational situations – An explorative typology

Abstract Firms tend to engage in interorganizational relationships (IORs) to an increasing extent, for various reasons, in different configurations and at different organizational levels. Identifying and describing types of IORs is therefore important. The research objective of this study is to synthesize earlier research on IORs and thereby develop a typology that is both coherent and nuanced. This is achieved by exploring qualitative interview material regarding IORs using correspondence analysis. The results show that IORs can be grouped into four distinct situations, each of which is characterized by a combination of relationships, and the content of the relationships. IOR situations are further shown to be distributed in a two-dimensional space that depends on both the immediacy level and the establishment level of the situation.
Ubiquitin/proteasome pathway impairment in neurodegeneration: therapeutic implications

The ubiquitin/proteasome pathway is the major proteolytic quality control system in cells. In this review we discuss the impact of a deregulation of this pathway on neuronal function and its causal relationship to the intracellular deposition of ubiquitin protein conjugates in pathological inclusion bodies in all the major chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We describe the intricate nature of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway and discuss the paradox of protein aggregation, i.e. its potential toxic/protective effect in neurodegeneration. The relations between some of the dysfunctional components of the pathway and neurodegeneration are presented. We highlight possible ubiquitin/proteasome pathway-targeting therapeutic approaches, such as activating the proteasome, enhancing ubiquitination and promoting SUMOylation that might be important to slow/treat the progression of neurodegeneration. Finally, a model time line is presented for neurodegeneration starting at the initial injurious events up to protein aggregation and cell death, with potential time points for therapeutic intervention.
On the nature of a deoxynucleotide polymerase-deoxyribonucleic acid complex.

Abstract A deoxyribonucleotide polymerase-DNA complex, found in extracts of Escherichia coli strain 15T-A-U-, has been further investigated. The main results can be summarized as follows: 1. 1. While all of the measurable polymerase is found associated with DNA following centrifugation in a sucrose gradient, only variable quantities of the enzymes required for phosphorylation of thymidine or the deoxynucleotide monophosphates were observed to be associated with the complex. Ribosomal contamination is a complicating factor. 2. 2. Obtaining extracts by the pressure cell method results in a change in the distribution pattern of the complex following centrifugation as compared to the extracts obtained by alumina grinding. 3. 3. The association of polymerase with DNA was found to be similar in extracts from cells showing extremes of DNA-synthesizing ability in vivo . 4. 4. X-ray exposure of the cells prior to cell disruption did not measurably affect the polymerase-DNA relationship. 5. 5. E. coli polymerase will complex with either calf-thymus or bacterial DNA upon mixing and will show a sedimentation pattern in a sucrose gradient similar to that of the complex found in cell extracts.
Terrestrial weathering of Antarctic stone meteorites: Formation of Mg-carbonates on ordinary chondrites

Results are presented on the mineralogy, chemistry, and origin of white efflorescences on the surface of Lewis Cliff (Antarctica) 85320 (H5) chondrite (LEW 85320). Particular attention is given to determining the sources of the cations and anions of the evaporite, in order to establish the relative importance of the meteoritic element distribution and terrestrial contamination in the evaporite formation during the weathering process. The data on Na, K, Ca, and Rb abundances in efflorescence from LEW 85320 suggest that cations in evaporite minerals on Antarctic meteorites are not the products of contamination by terrestrial (marine) salts. It is suggested that the Mg in efflorescence on LEW 85320 originated from weathering of meteoritic olivine.
Dedekind's η-function and the cohomology of infinite dimensional Lie algebras

Abstract We compute the cohomology of certain infinite dimensional Lie algebras which are subalgebras of Lie algebras introduced by Moody and Kac. We note a relation between our results and the cohomology of loop spaces of compact groups. Finally, we derive, by Euler-Poincare, identities of Macdonald for powers of the Dedekind η-function.
Production of Bladder Stones by Human T Mycoplasmas

SINCE the first isolation of human T mycoplasmas1, their pathogenic role has remained controversial. These organisms, present in the urogenital tract of men and women, are unique among mycoplasmas in possessing urease2. They have recently been isolated from other mammals3–5. Bovine strains have caused experimental pneumonitis in calves6 and mastitis in cattle. In the latter experiment, human T mycoplasmas were unable to produce mastitis7. Human T mycoplasmas have been implicated as causative agents of non-gonococcal urethritis in men and pelvic inflammatory disease, puerperal infection and reproductive failure in women8. Their true relationship to human disease, however, remains unknown, and until now they have never been reported to produce disease in experimental animals. We now report the production of bladder stones during experimental infection of rats by human T mycoplasmas.
Monte Carlo simulations of low background detectors

An implementation of the Electron Gamma Shower 4 code (EGS4) has been developed to allow convenient simulation of typical gamma ray measurement systems. Coincidence gamma rays, beta spectra, and angular correlations have been added to adequately simulate a complete nuclear decay and provide corrections to experimentally determined detector efficiencies. This code has been used to strip certain low-background spectra for the purpose of extremely low-level assay. Monte Carlo calculations of this sort can be extremely successful since low background detectors are usually free of significant contributions from poorly localized radiation sources, such as cosmic muons, secondary cosmic neutrons, and radioactive construction or shielding materials. Previously, validation of this code has been obtained from a series of comparisons between measurements and blind calculations. An example of the application of this code to an exceedingly low background spectrum stripping will be presented.
WMD terrorism in the United States: The threat and possible countermeasures

(2000). WMD terrorism in the United States: The threat and possible countermeasures. The Nonproliferation Review: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 162-179.
Corporate Museums, Galleries, and Visitor Centers: A Directory

Introduction Corporate Museums and Exhibits Corporate Art Museums, Galleries, and Sculpture Gardens Corporate Visitor and Information Centers Selected Bibliography Index
Wideband Thin Film Modulators For Optical Communications

The development of optical modulators and switches is reviewed with emphasis placed on the comparison of conventional bulk modulators and thin film devices. It is shown that the primary motivation for such a development is the major reduction in the electrical drive power requirements for high bandwidth devices. The thin film devices are first discussed with acousto-optic and electro-optic devices in LiNb03 and LiTa03 given primary emphasis. The application of these devices to high speed scanning is shown to be quite promising. The problems of efficient coupling and optical power handling are shown to be important areas where improvements have been made. The development of directional couplers is then discussed with stress placed on the cross-talk performance and speed of the devices. The problem area of fiber-to-channel coupling is also discussed.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The excretion of tryptophan metabolitesfollowing deoxypyridoxine administration in mongoloid and nonmongoloid patients

No significant difference in the excretion of tryptophan metabolites was observedbetween mongoloid and nonmongoloid children after simple tryptophan loading. However, after the administration of deoxypyridoxine, a pyridoxine antagonist, a tryptophan load caused the mongoloid children to excrete significantly greater amounts of xanthurenic acid and 3-OH kynurenine than the controls. These results suggest that the mongol is more sensitive to pyridoxine deficiency than the normal child.
Plasmodium falciparum: regional differences in lectin and cationized ferritin binding to the surface of the malaria-infected human erythrocyte

The distribution of anionic residues on the surface of erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum was studied using cationized ferritin (CF) and transmission electron microscopy. CF staining of uninfected erythrocytes or erythrocytes infected with a knobless variant resulted in a dense and uniform distribution of ferritin particles; however, when red cells infected with a knob-inducing variant were exposed to CF, aggregates of ferritin particles were observed in the region of membrane elevation. Lectin binding to the erythrocyte surface was visualized by transmission electron microscopy using ferritin-conjugated lectins and lectin-fetuin-gold. No differences were observed in the lectin-binding patterns of malaria-infected or uninfected erythrocytes using WGA (wheat-germ agglutinin), RCA (ricin), and Limax flavus lectin. In distinct contrast to the uniform distribution of ferritin particles seen with these lectins was the appearance of clusters of ferritin-ConA over the knobby regions. Localized aggregates of ConA were not seen in knob-free areas or on the surface of red cells infected with a knobless variant. No significant differences were found in the agglutination reactions of normal and infected cells with the Cancer antennarius lectin specific for O-acylated sialic acids.
Lambda, the ultimate TA: using a proof assistant to teach programming language foundations

Ambitious experiments using proof assistants for programming language research and teaching are all the rage. In this talk, I'll report on one now underway at the University of Pennsylvania and several other sites: a one-semester graduate course in the theory of programming languages presented entirely - every lecture, every homework assignment - in Coq. I'll try to give a sense of what the course is like for both instructors and students, describe some of the most interesting challenges in developing it, and explain why I now believe such machine-assisted courses are the way of the future.
Exact convolution of t distributions, with applications to Bayesian inference for a normal mean with t prior distributions ∗

An exact formula for the convolution of two t densities with odd degrees of freedom is derived. Such convolutions are of great importance to statistics. For instance, for basic normal inference problems concerning the mean when the variance is unknown, Bayesian analyses tend to end up dealing with marginal likelihood functions for the mean that are t-densities. Bayesian testing and posterior normalization then require calculation of convolutions of t densities. This, as well as the posterior mean and variance, are evaluated in closed form when the sample size is even and the prior has odd degrees of freedom. Convolutions of t densities also arise in the Behrens-Fisher problem and in Bayesian inference concerning the common mean of two samples.
Typechecking and modules for multi-methods

Two major obstacles hindering the wider acceptance of multi-methods are concerns over the lack of encapsulation and modularity and the absence of static typechecking in existing multi-method-based languages. This paper addresses both of these problems. We present a polynomial-time static typechecking algorithm that checks the conformance, completeness, and consistency of a group of method implementations with respect to declared message signatures. This algorithm improves on previous algorithms by handling separate type and inheritance hierarchies, abstract classes, and graph-based method lookup semantics. We also present a module system that enables independently-developed code to be fully encapsulated and statically typechecked on a per-module basis. To guarantee that potential conflicts between independently-developed modules have been resolved, a simple well-formedness condition on the modules comprising a program is checked at link-time. The typechecking algorithm and module system are applicable to a range of multi-method-based languages, but the paper uses the Cecil language as a concrete example of how they can be applied.
Surgical Complications of Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion for Cervical Degenerative Disk Disease: A Single Surgeon's Experience of 1576 Patients

Background Although anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a safe and effective procedure, the complications associated with it cannot be underestimated. The aim of this study was to highlight the potential complications associated with ACDF and the strategies to avoid them. Methods A total of 1576 patients was included in this retrospective study from 1995 to 2012. All patients were operated by a single surgeon, who used the standard technique. Data pertaining to the postoperative complications and mortality were collected from the database. Results The overall ACDF-related complication rate in our series was 8.4% (n = 133). Dysphagia was the most common complication encountered in 3.3 % (n = 52) of our patients. The inadvertent dural tear was encountered in 1.3% (n = 20) of our patients. Hoarseness was seen in 1.2% (n = 19) of our patients. A total of 0.88% (n = 14) of the patients had worsening of myelopathy/radiculopathy in the immediate postoperative period. Superficial wound infection occurred in 0.2% (n = 3) of our patients. Postoperative neck hematoma was seen in 0.1% (n = 2), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 0.1% (n = 2), esophageal tear in 0.1% (n = 1), and graft extrusion in 0.88% (n = 14) of our cases. There was 0.1% (n = 1) mortality in our series. Of all these complications, only dysphagia was significantly correlated with 3-level ACDF as compared to 1- or 2-level ACDF (H = 12.89, df= 3, P = 0.05). Conclusion ACDF is a relatively safe procedure with very low morbidity and almost no mortality. In this study, the common complications encountered were postoperative dysphagia, dural injury, and hoarseness.
LATERAL GENICULATE NUCLEUS AND CEREBRAL CORTEX: EVIDENCE FOR A CROSSED PATHWAY.

Lesions were placed in the lateral geniculate nucleus of cats, and degeneration was traced in the brains after survival times ranging from 5 to 21 days. Degenerated fibers could be seen in the corpus callosum and in the lateral and suprasylvian gyri of the opposite hemisphere. Results suggest the presence of a crossed geniculocortical pathway.
An implantable bioartificial hemofilter: Ultrafiltrate volume depends on vascular density and collecting fiber surface area

METHODS: Angiogenesis was induced within chambers placed around rat femoral vessels. Hollow semipermeable fibers within the chambers were connected to a “bladder” and access port. Three groups were implanted: fibers with molecular weight cut-off of 50 and 100 kD were compared; in the third group 100 kD fibers were combined with cultured cortical renal tissue. Collected fluid was tapped transcutaneously three times per week for six weeks. Ultrafiltrate volume, BUN, Cr, albumin and total protein were measured.
Theory of excitons in [111]-oriented quantum wells

Abstract The valence subbands and the binding energies of the ground heavy and light hole excitons are calculated for a GaAsAlGaAs quantum well whose growth axis is oriented along the [111]-crystallographic direction. The large heavy hole mass along the [111] direction causes a change in the relative ordering of the heavy hole and light hole subbands compared with the usual [100] quantum well. The consequent effects on the subband dispersion and the symmetry mixing of exciton states, which arise as a result of the valence band mixing, are examined.
A Preliminary Approach to Defining Social Service Outputs for Auditing Service Distribution

An accurate evaluation ofthe effectiveness of social services requires that the unit of output be clearly defined. The problem, which has never really been solved, has become more important with the passage of Title XX of the Social Security Act. The Title XX Amendments to the Social Security Act decentralize planning for social services to state and local governments. Title XX goals do not easily translate into measures of achievement. This paper describes a standardized framework that discriminates among the elements of service output. Data on the services provided by one social service agency are used to support the feasibility of proposed frameworks. The concept of a unit of service output was used in this study for the purpose of developing standardized categories to measure service provision. Two measures of service activity were developed: One measures service intensity, and the other relates to consumers' need for and utilization of services. The study was conducted at a local social service distr...
Guidelines for the planning and preparation of illustrated technical talks

Guidelines are presented for the preparation of illustrated talks which are audience oriented and which are aimed at the efficient transfer of technical information. Early decisions concerning the required number of slides are helpful in initial planning for a good quality talk. Detailed considerations are: the establishment of limited objectives, selection of appropriate slide material, development of a text which is well coordinated with the slides, and accurate timing.
Evaluation of the Breaking the Cycle Demonstration Project: Jacksonville, FL and Tacoma, WA:

This research presents the results of the evaluation of the Breaking the Cycle (BTC) demonstration project in Jacksonville, FL and Tacoma, WA. The BTC demonstration project tested the feasibility and impact of system-wide intervention designed to reduce drug use among offenders. Specifically, the BTC model was designed to identify drug using felony defendants and then apply a combination of drug testing linked to graduated sanctions and drug treatment to promote abstinence among these defendants. The evaluation of BTC revealed that certain elements of the intervention might not be feasible. However, the results of the quasi-experimental impact evaluation discovered that, in spite of partial program implementation, participation in BTC was associated with reductions in criminal behavior.
Genetic variation in Cameroon: thermostability variants of hemoglobin and of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

The technique of heat denaturation was used in addition to electrophoresis for the detection of thermostability variants of hemoglobin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in an attempt to measure the amount of genetic variability present in villages in the United Republic of Cameroon, Equatorial Africa. A minimum of three to a maximum of 13 thermostability variants were estimated for HbA and HbS, and a minimum of two to a maximum of ten thermostability variants were estimated for GdA, GdB, and GdA —. It is suggested that hemoglobin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase thermostability variants are genetically determined and that the sites of these variants are at the hemoglobin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase structural loci. The evidence for the existence of these hidden variants and their importance in the neutralist v. selectionist controversy are discussed.
Erratum to: Haitian Adolescent Personality Clusters and Their Problem Area Correlates

In the Results section, the following is incorrect: Males represented 59% of the total MACI sample and were underrepresented in Cluster 1 (46%) and overrepresented in Cluster 3 (67%) 57% of Cluster 3 participants were male. Females made up 41% of the total sample and were underrepresented in Cluster 2 (32%) and overrepresented in Cluster 3 (53%) (v = 7.33(2), p = .026). The corrected text should read: Males represented 32.4% of the total MACI sample and were underrepresented in Cluster 1 (23.5%) and overrepresented in Cluster 3 (38.7%). Females made up 67.6% of the total sample and were underrepresented in Cluster 2 (30%) and overrepresented in Cluster 1 (76.4%) (v = 4.51(1) = .034). In Table 2, in the column titled ‘Tukey HSD Comparison’, the third row reflecting POSIT Mental Health Scale comparison is incorrect: 2 [ 3 [ 1 and must be replaced by 2 [ 1 [ 3.
Linoleic acid biosynthesis in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)

The pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) incorporated [1-14C]acetate into a phospholipid dienoic fatty acid in a time-dependent manner. In 2-h incubations, the incorporation of radioactivity into the 18:2 fraction was minimal, whereas after 45 h 18:2 was the major fatty acid labeled. Ozonolysis of the isolated dienoic fatty acid methyl ester followed by radio-gas-liquid chromatography showed that radioactivity was associated with fragments containing carbons 1–9 and 13–18. These data established the location of the double bonds in the 9,12 positions and indicated that the entire molecule was labeled from [1-14C]acetate. Tetracycline-treated aphids synthesized linoleic acid in the same proportions as untreated controls. Scanning electron microscopy showed that over 50% of the treated insects had greatly reduced numbers of intracellular symbiotes or lacked them or most of the existing symbiotes had an abnormal appearance. Therefore, we conclude that intracellular symbiotes are not involved in the biosynthesis of linoleic acid in the pea aphid.