cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technological Innovation in Real Estate Brokerage

This paper estimates the return to adopting a technological innovation when a house is put on the market. The innovation is the installation of a lockbox on the front door, to enhance security and ...
Dual quaternion based IMU and vision fusion framework for mobile augmented reality

Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) is an emerging field and its nascent applications are finding its ways into the current deployments of cyber physical system. Mobile devices can harness augmented reality technology in any unprepared environment. This introduces a challenge to achieve an accurate and robust registration and tracking of mobile device. For accurate tracking, much research is being carried out to fuse inertial and vision sensor data. The resultant tracking can be further made better by finding means to track coupled translational and rotational motions. This problem is tackled with a neat formalism in terms of dual quaternion. Unit dual quaternion can capture the coupling between translational and rotational motions. In this paper, the requisite machinery is pivoted around Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and is derived based on dual quaternion. The derived EKF expression is verified through experimentation involving both simulated and realistic data, the latter being obtained from a prototype for MAR. The simulation results show the effectiveness of dual quaternion on position and orientation estimation. This novel fusion framework resulted in more accurate tracking as compared to that of the existing quaternion based algorithm.
Agential Knowledge, Action and Process

Claims concerning processes, claims of the form “x is φing”, have been the subject of renewed interest in recent years in the philosophy of action. However, this interest has frequently limited itself to noting certain formal features such claims have, and has not extended to a discussion of when they are true. This article argues that a claim of the form “x is φing” is true when what is happening with x is such that, if it is not interrupted, a φing will occur. It then applies itself more directly to the case of action, arguing that when “x is φing” describes x's intentional action, it is true iff x is acting from a method she knows to be sufficient to φ, in the sense that if she is not interrupted in carrying out this method, she will φ. I use this criterion to argue that the carbon-copier example Donald Davidson gives in “Intending” fails to refute Elizabeth Anscombe's claim that an agent who is φing intentionally knows that she is, because the agent in Davidson's example is not intentionally making the copies.
The Healthy Families America Initiative: Integrating Research, Theory, and Practice, edited by J. Galano

As noted in The Healthy Families America Initiative: Integrating Research, Theory, and Practice, Margaret Mead said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the ...
Appraising Presidential Performance: A Test of the 'Values and Targets' Hypothesis

For reasons suggested by presidential history, I posit that citizens apply effectiveness, morality and prudence value criteria to appraisals of presidential performance. For reasons suggested by (among other sources) existing “single-variable” political science appraisal research I posit that they are applied to three evaluation targets: presidential traits (e.g., “strong leader.” See Newman, 2004) acts (e.g., “bold action;” see Kinder and Fiske 1986) and outcomes (e.g., “improved economy;” see Brody, 1991). This yields a nine-celled “values and targets” hypothesis matrix. I use the coded results of face-to-face interviews of more than 500 ordinary Americans (recruited to “match and mimic” random national samples) to test the “fit” of the evaluative criteria mentioned in interviews to the matrix. The interviews asked respondents to identify the criteria they use to judge presidents-in-general, the overall performance of the current incumbent, and the incumbent’s foreign and economic policy performance.
The Stranger More: Utopian Histories [with illustrations]

AbstractThomas More's triangular relation to Raphael Hythloday and to the “More” of Utopia is both complicated and clarified in the light of the author's comment in a letter to Peter Giles: More's family obligations leave no time [nihil] for himself, that is for his writing, but domestic “business” must be attended to nonetheless, “unless you want to become a stranger [peregrinus] in your own house.” This repudiated but momentarily alluring figure of the peregrinus—the alien, the pilgrim, the one not tied to time or place—offers a glimpse into the psychogenesis of this stranger Hythloday: what “you” would not want to become, “unless” you could create him, a stranger More, ex nihilo. Raphael's untimely peregrinations unmoor the text from its local habitation in the chronology of its author, facilitating the two divergent readings in the history of Utopia’s reception—as either the retrospective yearnings of a latter‐day platonic inebriate, or the prospective vision of a prophet of modern socialism. (E.B.G.)
Analysis of recombination occurring at SLP1 att sites

Abstract SLP1int is a conjugative Streptomyces coelicolor genetic element that can transfer to Streptomyces lividans and integrate site specifically into the genome of the new bacterial host. Recombination of SLP1 previously has been shown to occur within nearly identical 112-base-pair att sequences on the plasmid and host chromosome. We report here that both integrative recombination and intermolecular transfer of SLP1int require no more than a 48-base-pair segment of the att sequence and that SLP1 transfer occurs by a conservative rather than a replicative mechanism. The functions responsible for the excision of the element as a discrete DNA segment are induced during the conjugal transfer of SLP1.
Nitrate Uptake of Seedling and Mature Kentucky Bluegrass Plants

Understanding the relationship between seedling nitrate uptake rate (NUR) and mature plant NUR will benefit the selection of turfgrass cultivars for high NUR. Seedling NUR as affected by initial mowing is particularly important during turfgrass establishment. The primary objectives of this study were to determine NUR of individual Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) seedlings, to correlate seedling morphological characteristics with NUR, and to ascertain the relationship between seedling NUR and mature plant NUR. Thirty days after seeding, roots of seedlings were placed individually in a polystyrene cup filled with 2 mL of a nutrient solution containing 0.6 mM nitrate, which was replaced at 24-h intervals for 20 d. After the total leaf and total root length and area were determined, each seedling was planted in silica sand and maintained as a miniature turf for five additional months before NUR was determined in a 130-mL growth vessel. Seedling NUR was 10 to 60 nmol h -1 per seedling, decreased sharply to <10 nmol h -1 per seedling following the first clipping to remove 1/3 of the leaf blades by length. One week after the first clipping, NUR gradually increased to levels above 10 nmol h -1 per seedling. After seedlings were placed in deionized water for 24 h, NUR during the subsequent 24 h was stimulated, but the magnitude of stimulation differed among cultivars. We found significant among-cultivar and within-cultivar differences in seedling NUR, and significant and positive correlations between seedling NUR and seedling size. At the whole plant level, the correlation between seedling NUR and mature plant NUR was positive but generally not significant at P = 0.05.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin pretreatment of female mice altered tissue distribution but not hepatic metabolism of a subsequent dose.

Abstract Lipid partitioning of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inadequately explains its tissue distribution since higher concentrations occur in liver than fat except at high doses. This study provides in vivo evidence that an inducible, saturable system plays a predominant role in disposition of [14C]TCDD in female mice at doses between 5 and 20 μg/kg. Female C57BL 6J mice were gavaged with 0, 5, or 15 μg TCDD/kg, received a subsequent gavage of 5 or 20 μg [14C]TCDD after 6 days, and were killed 1 day later. In mice pretreated with 5 and 15 μg TCDD/kg and subsequently dosed with 20 μg [14C]TCDD/kg, liver weight and [14C]TCDD concentration increased. Total liver [14C]TCDD burden increased about 50% in both pretreatment groups. Concentrations of [14C]TCDD in kidney, fat, heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract, but not plasma or splenic lymphocytes, decreased in a reciprocal manner. Alterations in absorption, concentrations of polar metabolites of [14C]TCDD in liver, and hepatic lipid content failed to explain these results. About 97% of hepatic 14C was hexane extractable. HPLC of this extract indicated [14C]TCDD was the only significant nonpolar form of radiolabel in liver. In mice pretreated with 5 μg TCDD/kg and subsequently dosed with 5 μg [14C]TCDD/kg, a more marked pretreatment disposition response was observed. These results are consistent with a predominant role for an inducible, high affinity, low capacity system in whole animal pharmacokinetics of TCDD.
Composition of the surface hydrocarbons from the vitelline membranes of dipteran embryos

Hydrocarbons were the major lipid class extracted by hexane from the vitelline membrane surface of dechorionated eggs of the house fly, Musca domestica, the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria, the green bottle fly, Phaenicia sericata, the sheep blow fly, Lucilia cuprina and the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens. The length of time the embryos must be exposed to hexane with or without a small amount of alcohol in order to attain permeability was species-dependant. Long-chain n-alkanes comprised the major lipid class removed from vitelline membranes of all species except A. ludens where 2-methylalkanes were the major class. The range in size by the total number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbons was: C23-C49 in C. hominivorax, C27-C33 in C. macellaria, C24-C35 in L. cuprina, C25-C36 in M. domestica, C25-C33 in P. sericata and C21-C51 in A. ludens. The major hydrocarbon component, expressed as percent of the total hydrocarbons, was n-nonacosane (C29) in C. hominivorax (40%), C. macellaria (43%), L. cuprina (38%), M. domestica (39%) and P. sericata (60%). However, in A. ludens, 2-methyloctacosane (32%) was the major hydrocarbon. Unsaturated hydrocarbons, monoenes (16%) and dienes (11%), were abundant only in A. ludens. Since prior studies indicated that the length of time the embryos must be exposed to hexane with or without a small amount of alcohol in order to attain permeability is species dependant, we suggest that the differences in hydrocarbon composition may contribute to this variation in lipid extractability.
Purification of long-chain, saturated, free fatty acids.

Les acides gras libres insatures sont separes des acides gras satures par un traitement au tetroxyde d'osmium suivi par une chromatographie sur colonne de gel de silice. Les acides gras satures sont ensuite purifies sur une chromatographie couche mince en phase inverse
A brief review of ionospheric scintillation fading effects as observed in NASA satellite tracking and data acquisition networks.

Discussion of some results of the effects of ionospheric irregularities on NASA satellite tracking and data acquisition operations. Ionospheric scintillation fading produced by irregularities has been observed at 136 MHz (vhf), 400 MHz (uhf), 1550 MHz (L-band) and 1700 to 2200 MHz (S-band). Details of these observations are presented. Vhf scintillation effects are evident in both auroral and equatorial regions. Fading effects decrease with increasing radio frequency in the auroral region. The same frequency dependence for fading is not observed in the equatorial region. Although there is a seasonal and diurnal character to scintillation in the equatorial region, fading effects are usually more severe than in the auroral region for a given radio frequency. Space diversity measurements indicate that reasonable solutions for vhf telemetry problems are available for either region. Space diversity should provide a solution for microwave frequencies as well. Ionospheric fading amplitude for 1700 MHz is relatively small in the auroral region. In the equatorial region amplitude fading levels for 1550-MHz signals from ATS-5 are often much larger than expected. Observations of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) operating at 2300 MHz observed near the geomagnetic equator show fading peaks in excess of 15 dB.
A Method To Detect Viable Helicobacter pylori Bacteria in Groundwater

The inability to detect the presence of viable Helicobacter pylori bacteria in environmental waters has hindered the public health community in assessing the role water may play in the transmission of this pathogen. This work describes a cultural enrichment method coupled with an H. pylori-specific PCR to identify these bacteria in water. While far from perfected at the present time, this represents an exciting new approach to studying the significance of water as a transmission mechanism for H. pylori. Evidence is presented that indicates culturable H. pylori bacteria were found using this enrichment/PCR method in a local groundwater source.
Improved Micromachined Terahertz On-Wafer Probe Using Integrated Strain Sensor

This paper introduces an improved method for monitoring and controlling the contact condition of terahertz on-wafer probes to enhance the measurement repeatability as well as probe lifetime. This method enables accurate contact force and contact angle measurements without modification to the standard probe station. Both probe contact force and contact angle are crucial for RF measurement repeatability. Repeatable probe contact force can be achieved by properly monitoring and controlling the strain generated at designated positions on the terahertz probe due to probe deformation induced by contacting the test substrate. Contact angle can be measured by asymmetrical strain on symmetrical positions of the probe when the probe is contacting the test substrate with angular misalignment. In this work a WR-1.5 (500 GHz-750 GHz) probe with integrated strain sensor is developed and tested. Mechanical tests show that the integrated sensors have a contact force resolution of 0.2 mN and a contact angle resolution of 0.05° about the center. RF tests show that repeatable measurements can be achieved with 3 mN contact force after adjusting probe contact angle using the integrated sensors, as compared to a previously reported value of 15 mN.
A new diode-based carbon monoxide gas sensor utilizing Pt–SnOx/diamond

Abstract A high temperature tolerant microelectronic-based carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensor has been developed. The device is fabricated as a diamond diode with Pt–SnO x as the CO gas sensitive electrode. The gas sensing performance has been studied over a wide temperature range (50–500°C). The gas sensitivity of the sensor is large, fast, repeatable, and reproducible. The CO detection mechanism of the sensor was studied and attributed to the reduction of oxygen in the SnO x by CO gas, thereby increasing the oxygen vacancies in the SnO x layer of the sensor upon exposure to CO gas. Activation energy of the sensor was analyzed and found to be 1.1 kcal/mol in 1.4-Torr CO gas with 0.6-Torr oxygen as background gas. The low value of activation energy confirms the fast response and large sensitivity of the sensor for CO gas.
Predicting Major Complications after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Simple Risk Score

Reported morbidity varies widely for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A reliable method to determine complication risk may be useful to optimize care. We developed an integer-based risk score to determine the likelihood of major complications following LC. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1998–2006, patient discharges for LC were identified. Using previously validated methods, major complications were assessed. Preoperative covariates including patient demographics, disease characteristics, and hospital factors were used in logistic regression/bootstrap analyses to generate an integer score predicting postoperative complication rates. A randomly selected 80% was used to create the risk score, with validation in the remaining 20%. Patient discharges (561,923) were identified with an overall complication rate of 6.5%. Predictive characteristics included: age, sex, Charlson comorbidity score, biliary tract inflammation, hospital teaching status, and admission type. Integer values were assigned and used to calculate an additive score. Three groups stratifying risk were assembled, with a fourfold gradient for complications ranging from 3.2% to 13.5%. The score discriminated well in both derivation and validation sets (c-statistic of 0.7). An integer-based risk score can be used to predict complications following LC and may assist in preoperative risk stratification and patient counseling.
Influence of hydrophilic excipients on the interaction of aspirin and water

Abstract Photomicrographic evidence is presented which documents the existence of an apparent hydrophobic field generated by an aspirin crystal which prohibits the condensation of water from a high humidity environment in the vicinity of that crystal at 25C. Water vapor sorption results on aspirin at the same temperature were found to be consistent with those expected for a solid which is not completely wetted by the condensed adsorbate (Type III). Photomicrographic evidence is also presented which shows that when aspirin is combined with certain hydrophilic excipients, condensation in the vicinity of the aspirin crystals is found. In certain cases individual aspirin crystals become immersed in a pool of water when the powder blend is exposed to high humidity. Sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and colloidal silicon dioxide blends were studied. Since the amount and perhaps the state of water associated with aspirin influences hydrolytic degradation, it is suggested that the stability of aspirin formulations may correlate with these observed sorption results.
An ultrastructural study of ultraviolet-induced elastic fiber damage in hairless mouse skin

Abstract Ultrastructural visualization of mouse elastic fibers has been hampered by the small size and sparseness of the fibers. Furthermore, with conventional uranyl acetate and lead citrate stains, the elastin matrix remains electron-lucent so that even severe elastosis is elusive. The addition of tannic acid to the staining procedure renders the elastin matrix extremely electron dense and easily located even at low scanning power. Microfibrils, as with conventional stains, are electrondense and clearly visible. This study describes, with the aid of tannic acid, normal hairless mouse elastic fibers and their progressive degeneration with increasing exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Results with the two staining methods are contrasted. In addition, photodamaged mouse and human elastic fibers are compared for differences and similarities.
A transgene insertion at perinatal lethality (ple) is associated with abnormalities of the cortex

In an inbred genetic background, mice homozygous for a transgene insertion at perinatal lethality (ple) were found to be significantly smaller than their heterozygous or wild-type siblings at birth, and rarely survived for more than 48 h. Homozygous progeny of ple mice obtained from a cross with a different strain were viable, but were still not obtained in the expected numbers, demonstrating some deleterious affect of this mutation even in a hybrid genetic background. Homozygous mice demonstrate variable expression of abnormalities in brain development. These usually appear as focal cortical ectopias, but also include other abnormalities, such as polymicrogyria. The genomic sequences corresponding to the region disrupted by the transgene were cloned by isolating a junction fragment between transgenic and wild-type sequences, which was then used to obtain the corresponding region of wild-type genomic DNA. Since some probes from this region do not hybridize with genomic DNA from homozygous ple mice, it appears likely that a deletion event coincided with the transgene insertion.
Salicylate-based analgesic balm attenuates pressor responses from skeletal muscle.

Purpose: Analgesic balms (AB) are widely used in sports medicine. We previously have examined effects of various counterirritant-based AB on pressor responses evoked by muscular contraction (MC), mediated by group III and IV muscle afferents known to produce exercise and nociceptive responses. Our purpose was to examine trolamine salicylate-based analgesic balm (TS) effects. Methods: Ten healthy, adult male and female cats were used. Decerebration under halothane allowed elimination of anesthesia. Electrical stimulation of L7 and S1 ventral roots evoked static MC (30 s). After control runs, commercial TS (10% concentration) was applied to the skin over the contracting muscles of one hind limb (N = 5). MC was evoked every 10 min, alternating between sides. Ipsilateral (T = 0, T + 20, T + 40, T + 60 min) and contralateral (T - 10, T + 10, T + 30, T + 50 min) responses were analyzed. Five additional cats received AB minus TS. Results: There were significant attenuations in both peak mean arterial pressure (MAP), in the last 12 s and the last 6 s of the 30 s of MC for both contra- and ipsilateral limbs occurring at T + 50 and T + 60 min after TS application, respectively. No significant changes in heart rate (HR) responses were seen for either the ipsi- or contralateral stimulation. There were no changes in MAP or HR in control cats. Conclusions: These results indicate that TS affects the end of the 30 s of MC, which is thought to be mainly chemically mediated through group IV afferents. TS represents the salicylate class of AB and has no counterirritant properties. TS works as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin formation) and is, at least in part, blood borne.
A re-examination of the Stratton effect: Egocentric adaptation to a rotated visual image

The question raised by Stratton, whether a disoriented image can yield upright vision. was explored by exposing Os to a prismatically rotated field. To isolate the problem ofadaptation to altered egocentric orientation, the O’s view was restricted to a horizontal plane during both prism exposure and test. Significant adaptation based on movement-derived information was obtained.
Cross-talk between regulators of myeloid development: C/EBPα binds and activates the promoter of the PU.1 gene

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)alpha and PU.1 are required for myelopoiesis. Examination of the murine PU.1 promoter revealed several potential C/EBP-binding sites. Gel-shift assay demonstrated that C/EBPalpha expressed in 293T cells bound the site centered at -68 most potently. C/EBPalpha from 32D cl3 myeloid cell nuclear extracts also bound this site strongly, and endogenous C/EBPbeta did so to a lesser extent, whereas these C/EBP isoforms bound the neutrophil elastase promoter with equal affinity. The -68 site in the murine PU.1 promoter is conserved in the human PU.1 promoter. Mutation of the -68 C/EBP-binding site in a -85/+152 promoter segment linked to the luciferase cDNA reduced promoter activity fourfold in 293T cells in the presence of cotransfected C/EBPalpha and twofold in 32D cl3 myeloid cells. Induction of endogenous PU.1 RNA by C/EBPalpha-estradiol receptor (ER) in the presence of cycloheximide is obviated by mutation of the C/EBPalpha DNA-binding domain, and chromosomal immunoprecipitation demonstrated specific interaction of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPalpha-ER with the PU.1 promoter. Finally, PU.1 RNA is reduced several-fold in immortalized C/EBPalpha (-/-) compared with (+/-) cells. Together, these findings indicate that C/EBPalpha binds and activates the endogenous PU.1 gene in myeloid cells. Induction of PU.1 by C/EBPalpha may account for increased levels of PU.1 in myeloid as compared with B lymphoid cells and in this way, may contribute to the specification of myeloid progenitors.
Age-associated decrease in the catalytic unit activitiy of rat myocardial adenylate cyclase

Abstract Two techniques were employed to define the site of diminished adenylate cyclase activity observed in aged-rat myocardium. We previously reported no change in beta-adrenergic receptor number or affinity but decreased Naf- and 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with age in the rat myocardium. These data suggest a defect in either N-protein or the catalytic unit component of adenylate cyclase. N-protein activity was assessed by the ability of myocardial membrane extractsf from 3-, 12, and 24-month-old Fischer 344 rats to complement the N-protein deficient cyc − S49 mouse lymphoma cell line. Catalytic unit activity was assessed by the ability of forskolin to stimulate adenylate cyclase in myocardial membranes from young and old rats. The results demonstrate that both N-protein activity and catalytic unit activitiy are diminished with age in the rat myocardium. However, since N-protein is present in excess relative to catalytic unit, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that the loss of catalytic unit activity accounts for the loss of overall enzyme activity. The effect is tissue-specific, since erythrocyte membranes do not show the same age-dependent loss of adenylate cyclase activitiy.
Selective detection of peptide-oligonucleotide heteroconjugates utilizing capillary HPLC-ICPMS.

A method for the selective detection and quantification of peptide:oligonucleotide heteroconjugates, such as those generated by protein:nucleic acid cross-links, using capillary reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (cap-RPHPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection (ICPMS) is described. The selective detection of phosphorus as 31P+, the only natural isotope, in peptide-oligonucleotide heteroconjugates is enabled by the elemental detection capabilities of the ICPMS. Mobile phase conditions that allow separation of heteroconjugates while maintaining ICPMS compatibility were investigated. We found that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) mobile phases, used in conventional peptide separations, and hexafluoroisopropanol/triethylamine (HFIP/TEA) mobile phases, used in conventional oligonucleotide separations, both are compatible with ICPMS and enable heteroconjugate separation. The TFA-based separations yielded limits of detection (LOD) of ~40 ppb phosphorus, which is nearly seven times lower than the LOD for HFIP/TEA-based separations. Using the TFA mobile phase, 1–2 pmol of a model heteroconjugate were routinely separated and detected by this optimized capLC-ICPMS method.
Geowiki + route analysis = improved transportation planning

This poster describes the design of a novel route analysis tool based on a community-driven, geographic wiki to assist transportation planners to make better decisions. We highlight the advantages of our tool over other, similar ones---gained due to the use of a wiki-based platform---through a real-life usage scenario.
On the Microenvironments Surrounding Dansyl Sequestered within Class I and II Xerogels

We report on the static and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of dansyl sequestered within two xerogels that were formed from tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS) mixed with ppm levels of dansylamide or dansyltriethoxysilane. These are referred to as class I and II xerogels, respectively. Experiments were performed on these samples as they progressed from liquids to xerogels over a period of 1 year. The results show that the average local microenvironment surrounding the dansyl dopant is different in the class I and II xerogels. Specifically, even though the dipolarity surrounding the dansyl dopant increases as both samples progress from liquids to xerogels, the local dansyl microenvironment within a class II xerogel is always more heterogeneous in comparison to the class I xerogel. In an aged xerogel, the local dipolarity surrounding the dansyl dopant is greater for the class I xerogel than for the class II xerogel. These results are discussed in terms of a model that has the dansyl locating preferentially...
General and specific events and depressive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease caregivers

Daily unpleasant and pleasant events and specific unpleasant caregiving events were examined in relation to depression in 93 caregivers of demented patients. This study differs from previous research on caregivers in that it focuses on general events (hassles) in addition to specific caregiving events (hassles). Even after controlling for specific unpleasant caregiving events, general unpleasant and pleasant events accounted for additional variance in depressive symptomatology. The results are discussed in terms of their importance for treatment of caregiver depression.
A Comparative Analysis of Artificial Neural Networks Using Financial Distress Prediction

This paper examines the efficiency of a generalized adaptive neural network algorithm GANNA processor in comparison to earlier model-based methods, a back-propagation artificial neural network, and logistic regression approaches to data classification. The research uses the binary classification problem of discriminating between failing and non-failing firms to compare the methods. The results indicate the potential in time savings and the successful classification results available from a GANNA processor.
Administrator Protections in Negotiated Contracts

After analyzing a national sampling of administrator collec tive bargaining agree ments, the authors present here ex amples of provisions contained in those agreements to describe the con cerns of many school administrators today.
The Kinesin-related Protein Costal2 Associates with Membranes in a Hedgehog-sensitive, Smoothened-independent Manner

Abstract In Drosophila, Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction has been shown to require a multiprotein complex (Hedgehog signaling complex (HSC)), which includes the Kinesin-related protein Costal2 (Cos2), the serine/threonine protein kinase Fused (Fu), and the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci). We present evidence that a biologically relevant fraction of the HSC is found in association with cellular membranes. We demonstrate that Cos2 is capable of tethering an exogenous protein to vesicular membranes and that Cos2 association with membranes is Hh-sensitive. In addition, we demonstrate that Cos2 associates with membranes in cells that lack the transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) through a domain of Cos2 distinct from its recently characterized Smo binding domain. We suggest that an Hh-regulated membrane binding activity of Cos2 is part of the mechanism by which Cos2 contributes to Hh signaling. We propose a model in which there are two distinct HSCs with discrete subcellular localizations and activities: one is endosome-associated and facilitates production of a repressor form of Ci (HSC-R), and one is Smo-associated and promotes Ci activation (HSC-A). In response to Hh and through interaction with Cos2, Smo mediates both inhibition of the endosome-associated HSC-R and activation of HSC-A at the plasma membrane.
Comparison of the cytokine and chemokine dynamics of the early inflammatory response in models of burn injury and infection.

The inflammatory response, and its subsequent resolution, are the result of a very complex cascade of events originating at the site of injury or infection. When the response is severe and persistent, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome can set in, which is associated with a severely debilitating systemic hypercatabolic state. This complex behavior, mediated by cytokines and chemokines, needs to be further explored to better understand its systems properties and potentially identify multiple targets that could be addressed simultaneously. In this context, short term responses of serum cytokines and chemokines were analyzed in two types of insults: rats receiving a “sterile” cutaneous dorsal burn on 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA); rats receiving a cecum ligation and puncture treatment (CLP) to induce infection. Considering the temporal variability observed in the baseline corresponding to the control group, the concept of area under the curve (AUC) was explored to assess the dynamic responses of cytokines and chemokines. MCP-1, GROK/KC, IL-12, IL-18 and IL-10 were observed in both burn and CLP groups. While IL-10 concentration was only increased in the burn group, Eotaxin was only elevated in CLP group. It was also observed that Leptin and IP-1 concentrations were decreased in both CLP and sham-CLP groups. The link between the circulating protein mediators and putative transcription factors regulating the cytokine/chemokine gene expression was explored by searching the promoter regions of cytokine/chemokine genes in order to characterize and differentiate the inflammatory responses based on the dynamic data. Integrating multiple sources together with the bioinformatics tools identified mediators sensitive to type and extent of injury, and provided putative regulatory mechanisms. This is essential to gain a better understanding for the important regulatory points that can be used to modulate the inflammatory state at molecular level.
White blood cell profiles as a means of evaluating transmitter-implant surgery in small mammals

White blood cell counts (total and differential) and body mass changes were used to monitor effects of transmitter-implant surgery in deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) and prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster ). Transmitter-implanted animals were compared to sham-operated controls. All animals lost weight after surgery, although voles regained preoperative body masses 10 days after surgery. Leukocyte counts, body mass and organ weights did not differ among treatments; however, individuals exhibiting chronic infection had elevated neutrophil counts and enlarged spleen and adrenals. Because contaminated surgical procedures can comprise both survival after surgery and data interpretation, profiles of white blood cells, or some other reliable index of surgical quality control, should be monitored for each individual.
Protein components of chicken erythrocyte nuclei.

Abstract The “difficulty extractable” and the “structural” proteins of chicken erythrocyte nuclei were separated into three distinct fractions by first digesting the nuclei with crystalline desoxyribonuclease and removal of the neutral extract; then extracting the residue with acid, and finally extracting the residue with alkali. The first, neutral extract, contained small amounts of probably very numerous proteins. The second fraction, representing the acid extract, contained only histone and no other type of proteins. It has been shown that more than one individual histone were present in chicken erythrocyte nuclei. The third fraction, represented by alkaline extract, contained an electrophoretically homogeneous protein. This protein contained lipid and carbohydrate, was isoelectric at a pH value between 4 and 5 and showed a high content of tryptophan. Non-identical, but very similar proteins were isolated from nuclei of calf thymus and rabbit liver, indicating that such proteins are probably characteristic for all nuclei.
Effect of interfacial properties on Stoneley wave propagation

Abstract Several authors have shown analytically that Stoneley waves may propagate along the interface between certain materials; however, few attempts have been made to utilize these waves for nondestructive evaluation. This paper reports the results of an effort to develop a technique for nondestructive interface characterization of composite materials which exploits the unique characteristics of these waves. Consequently, ultrasonic Stoneley waves were generated at a contact interface and their sensitivity to several interfacial parameters was measured. The interface between Ti-6Al-4V and 4340 steel was altered by microstructural modification, by varying the surface finish and by varying the contact pressure. These parameters were manifested as measured velocity changes of a Stoneley wave which was generated and detected by a Rayleigh mode conversion technique. The results indicated that Stoneley waves are sensitive to microstructural changes and interface quality.
Programming environments for parallel computing: a comparison of CPS, Linda, P4, PVM, POSYBL, and TCGMSG

Six portable parallel programming environments are compared. Results for two-node communication benchmarks are reported for each environment. Results for the more complicated four-node communications tests are reported for all of the environments except CPS. In every case, the benchmarks were run on an isolated Ethernet network of identical SPARCstation 1 workstations to assure reproducibility. Earlier reports based on this work omitted any opinions about the utility of these environments; in essence, the communication times were left to speak for themselves. In this paper, these opinions are included; they are useful to consider since they are based on a unique experience/spl minus/the experience of running two programs written with six different programming environments. >
New Advances in Genitourinary Ultrasound

Since its clinical introduction in the 1940s, ultrasound has become one of the most widely used imaging modalities in medicine and has emerged as a key diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients who have genitourinary disease. This is largely attributable to advances in transducer design, signal acquisition, image processing, and system portability resulting in improved resolution, usability, and availability. New innovations and clinical applications, such as ultrasound contrast agents, hybrid technologies, minimally invasive therapies, and molecular imaging techniques, promise to further broaden the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of patients who have genitourinary disease.
Electronic Health Records and Ambulatory Quality

To the Editor—Kern et al. performed a valuable service in attempting to determine whether adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is related to quality of care.1 Their study is well done and supports the connection between EHRs and success on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures. It is telling, however, that the authors assume equivalence between quality and such process measures. While some HEDIS measures are indeed associated with improved clinical outcomes—for example, a higher rate of hemoglobin A1C testing is associated with improved glycemic control2—this is not the case with all measures. For example, whether increasing rate of mammography is associated with improved mortality has been shown recently to be something of an open question.3 This to take nothing away from the published study, but merely to point out that we should not define quality a priori as “conforming to widely used process measures,” without keeping in mind that the connection between such measures and outcomes is not a foregone conclusion. Perhaps we should be saying that this EHR-driven improvement is in “process quality.”
Shaping gas jet plasma density profile by laser generated shock waves

The Gaussian plasma density profile from a simple cylindrical nozzle jet was modified using laser generated shock wave. This modification provided great variety of density profiles suitable for different applications. The Gaussian plasma density distribution was modified into fast-rise slow-fall profile with adjustable gradients, almost flat-top profiles, and profiles with variable lengths. Position of the shock wave center and time delay were the major parameters used for shaping the density profiles. Other easily adjustable parameters such as shock wave energy and backing pressure provided linear scaling of the modified plasma densities.
Linear regression to approximate longitudinal growth curves: revised standards for velocity of weight and length in infants.

Linear Regression to Approximate Longitudinal Growth Curves: Revised Standards for Velocity of Weight and Length in Infants
Effects of 17β-estradiol replacement and treadmill exercise on vertebral and femoral bones of the ovariectomized rat

To evaluate the effect of 17 beta-estradiol replacement (10 micrograms, twice a week) (E2) and treadmill exercise (18 m/min, 45 min/day) (EX) on long bone and vertebral bone mass and density, 10-month-old rats were ovariectomized (OV) and divided into four groups: OV, OV + E2, OV + EX, OV + EX + E2 2 months after surgery. After 7 weeks intervention, the calcium content and the density of lumbar-5 were higher in both OV + E2 and OV + EX + E2 groups than in the OV group, but, only the OV + EX + E2 group had a significantly higher femoral bone weight and density than the OV group. After 16 weeks intervention, the bone-conserving effects of E2 and EX were significant on lumbar-5 and femoral dry weight and density. The effect of E2 on both two sides of bones was due to the suppression of the bone turnover rate, while EX suppressed bone turnover rate primarily on the femur. We conclude that the effect of the two interventions on lumbar-5 and femoral bone mass were additive and independent.
RecA Protein Mediates Homologous Recognition Via Non-Watson-Crick Bonds in Base Triplets

E. coli RecA protein, the prototype of a class, forms a helical nucleoprotein filament on single-stranded DNA that recognizes homology in duplex DNA, and initiates the exchange of strands in homologous recombination. The discovery of this reaction some years ago posed a quandary on how a third strand recognizes homology in duplex DNA, whose Watson-Crick bonds face inward in a hydrophobic core of stacked bases. Recent studies have shown that RecA protein promotes homologous recognition via non-Watson-Crick bonds in base triplets. The intermediates in the RecA reaction differ distinctly from triplex DNA that forms non-enzymically. The biological significance of the novel set of DNA interactions by which RecA protein effects homologous recognition is indicated by the importance of this protein in recombination, and the widespread distribution of homologous proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Equatorial plane pattern of an axial-TEM slot on a finite size ground plane

Edge diffraction effects in TEM axially slotted finite ground plane on radiation pattern in waveguides of different geometries
Calcineurin regulation of synaptic function: from ion channels to transmitter release and gene transcription

Abstract Calcineurin is a calcium (Ca 2+ )/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein phosphatase that has been shown to regulate the activity of ion channels, neurotransmitter and hormone release, synaptic plasticity and gene transcription. At glutamatergic synapses, the inhibition of calcineurin with immunosuppressant drugs has been reported to enhance both the presynaptic release of glutamate and postsynaptic responsiveness. Several other ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels are negatively regulated by calcineurin. Hormone release in insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells and pituitary corticotrope tumour (AtT20) cells is also negatively regulated by calcineurin. In this article, Jerrel Yakel discusses the evidence that calcineurin plays a vital role in regulating neuronal excitability and hormone release.
Relative susceptibility of selected apple cultivars to powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera leucotricha.

Apple powdery mildew thrives during dry spring and summer weather wherever apples are grown. The fungus perennates in buds, making it difficult to control and, although it can cause fruit russet, it primarily causes losses due to its chronic effect on tree vigor and yield. Data were collected over several years from 1995 (23 entries) and 1999 (22 entries) plantings of new apple cultivars and selections established at multiple locations as part of regional project NE-183. The cultivars Golden Delicious and McIntosh were the standards in both plantings. Incidence of powdery mildew on leaves and fruit was observed and data were analyzed to determine differences due to location and cultivar. One of the two planting group analyses indicated the significance of cultivar differences due to location. In general, the cultivars Ginger Gold, Suncrisp, GoldRush, Crimson Crisp, and Delblush, and the selection CQR10T17 were the most susceptible, whereas the cultivars Gala Supreme, Enterprise, Zestar, September Wonder, Hampshire, and the selections NY 75414-1 and NY 79507-72 exhibited the lowest incidences of mildew. Pinova was the most highly susceptible cultivar to mildew on fruit in Virginia, followed by Crimson Crisp and the selection NY 65707-19. Percent leaf area with mildew was related to incidence of mildew on leaves; however, fruit symptoms were not significantly related to disease incidence or severity on the foliage.
[Survey of pandemic behavior: to stay at home or not].

Objectives Preparedness plans for pandemic flu are published in many countries. Since the details of pandemic flu are still not clear, mathematical models are widely used for the development of pandemic flu preparedness plans. Obtaining actual numbers for parameters in a mathematic model is very difficult. Our objectives were (1) to obtain realistic estimations of what proportion of people will decide to stay at home during pandemic flu and (2) to investigate reasons for their decisions. If the number of parameters is obtained, we can apply these parameters to the mathematical pandemic model. Methods In April 2007, we a surveyed 2,614 households, selected randomly from 250,000 in Japan. "Reason to stay at home during a pandemic flu," "Working at Home", and "food inventory" were asked. We analyzed the "decision of whether to stay home" by multivariate analysis. Results We collected responses from 1,727 households (5,381 individuals). Of these, 46.1% would definitely stay at home, 47.1% would leave if necessary, and 6.7% would leave anyway. We found that "30-40 years old," "vaccination of influenza," and "cars and motorbikes as normal transportation" significantly affect the decision to "stay at home." Conclusions We identified major factors for the decision of general Japanese people to stay home during pandemic flu. The fact that people most likely to go out were 30-40 years old suggests a close relationship to workplaces policy. To encourage people to stay at home during pandemic flu, management and human resource management policies in the workplace are thus important.
An Inquiry-Based Curriculum for Nonmajors

Only 28% of the U.S. adult population is considered scientifically literate. Although this is the second highest among 35 developed countries, a fact attributed to postsecondary science requirements ( 1 ), it should not be considered satisfactory, and improvement is critical to our future. A trend of many U.S. colleges and universities is to offer courses for nonmajors that cover a wide range of material via lectures, with few opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning. This is particularly disturbing given that “a growing body of science educators has found that students' attitudes toward science, their motivation for learning, and their conceptual development … can all be enhanced by engagement in real scientific investigations” ( 2 ).
Initiation and inhibition of the release croak of Rana pipiens.

Abstract A release croak is emitted by unreceptive female frogs when they are clasped by males; receptive females are silent. This report investigates the sources of stimuli which initiate and inhibit the release croak of Rana pipiens. Experiment 1 demonstrates that manual clasping of the trunk rather than the legs elicits the croak. Experiment 2 shows that denervation of the skin of the trunk prevents the release call in response to manual stimulation. Experiment 3 confirms that artificial distension of the body with fluid inhibits the release croak in response to manual stimulation. Experiment 4 shows that artificially-distended females, who are not in the normal endocrinological state that accompanies mating, are silent and receptive in response to clasping by sexually-active male frogs. The first two experiments imply that stimulation of the skin of the trunk initiates the release croak; Experiments 3 and 4 suggest that an internal afferent source inhibits the release croak and might mediate an important aspect of receptivity in female frogs.