cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A casual path model of the overall user attitudes toward the MIS function: the case of user information satisfaction

Abstract MIS literature has identified the importance of user attitude toward MIS, which is measured by user information satisfaction (UIS). However, poor user evaluation of the function remains a problem in many organizations. In this paper we examine factors that may influence UIS and their relative influence or importance. The paper evaluates some alternate causal path models of UIS involving traditional factors such as quality of information products, knowledge and involvement, and attitude towards EDP staff and service, along with three new factors: equity in the allocation of MIS resources, role conflict, and role ambiguity. Data from a cross-sectional survey involving 324 users is employed to evaluate the causal path models through path analysis. Equity was found to be the most important variable influencing UIS. The importance of equity identified here supports the existence of struggle for obtaining scarce MIS resources reported by other researchers. The results also highlight a need for the establishment of mechanisms and structural arrangements for fair allocation of resources.
Tutorial: applications of Raman gain in optical transmission systems

The nonlinear stimulated Raman scattering process leads to broadband amplification when high power 14 xx nm pump photons scatter off vibrations of the glass matrix (acoustic phonons), down-shift in frequency and coherently add to signal photons. While erbium-doped fiber amplifiers spent the 1990's becoming the preferred commercially viable amplification technology, there has been renewed interest in Raman amplification. The prime reason is it's ability to provide distributed amplification along transmission fiber, hence acting as a low-noise pre-amplifier enabling ultra-long 10Gbps as well as 40 Gbps transmission. Additionally, bandwidth flexibility-particularly it's location, magnitude and flatness-has increased excitement of all-Raman systems. This tutorial will cover the fundamentals of Raman amplification, compare it to erbium amplifiers, discuss distributed and discrete applications and review recent Raman-based transmission experiments.
Molecular identification of Trypanosoma cruzi in Anasa tristis (LB268)

Chagas’ disease is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It is a major health concern for the USA, although, mainly endemic to rural, poverty-stricken areas, of Latin America. It is estimated 300,000 people in the USA and 8 to 14 million in Latin America are infected. The parasites are transmitted by the reduviid “kissing” bug. The kissing bug takes a blood meal and defecates on the host, which allows feces infected with T. cruzi to enter the wound. Currently, the source of T. cruzi transmission in the USA is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if squash bugs, common relatives of the kissing bug, can act as vectors for T. cruzi and potentially transmit the parasites to mammalian hosts. Hence, 400 squash bugs were collected from a variety of curcubit plants, identified and separated by genus/species. PCR analysis was performed on DNA isolated from bug midgut contents to determine if T. cruzi was present. Morphological examination confirmed that all samples...
The thiol-olefin co-oxidation (TOCO) Reaction—IV : Temperature effects on product distribution in the toco reaction of indene and aromatic thiols

Abstract The stereochemistry of the TOCO reaction is found to be temperature dependent: increasing amounts of cis addition products (approaching 50%) are formed as the temperature is lowered to −23° and also when the temperature is raised to ca 60°. The sensitivity of this temperature effect depends on the electronic character of the substituent present in the benzenethiol. The product distribution under a variety of experimental conditions and the kinetics of the TOCO reaction were examined in order to arrive at a self-consistent mechanism.
Algorithmic Game Theory: Cascading Behavior in Networks: Algorithmic and Economic Issues

The flow of information or influence through a large social network can be thought of as unfolding with the dynamics of an epidemic: as individuals become aware of new ideas, technologies, fads, rumors, or gossip, they have the potential to pass them on to their friends and colleagues, causing the resulting behavior to cascade through the network. We consider a collection of probabilistic and game-theoretic models for such phenomena proposed in the mathematical social sciences, as well as recent algorithmic work on the problem by computer scientists. Building on this, we discuss the implications of cascading behavior in a number of on-line settings, including word-of-mouth effects (also known as “viral marketing”) in the success of new products, and the influence of social networks in the growth of on-line
Applying insecticides through drip irrigation to reduce wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) feeding damage in sweet potato.

BACKGROUND A 2 year field study was conducted at multiple locations to determine whether insecticides or an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, applied through drip irrigation in sweet potato reduced wireworm damage when compared with the non-treated check and/or insecticides applied conventionally. RESULTS Wireworm damage was low in 2012, and there were no differences in the proportion of roots damaged or the severity of damage between treatments. In 2013, a preplant-incorporated (PPI) application of chlorpyrifos followed by either bifenthrin, imidacloprid, clothianidin, or oxamyl injected through drip irrigation significantly reduced the proportion of wireworm damage as well as the severity of wireworm damage when compared with the non-treated check. The incidence and severity of wireworm damage in these treatments did not differ significantly from those in the conventional management practice. The PPI application of chlorpyrifos followed by either cyantraniliprole or S. carpocapsae injected through drip irrigation was not significantly different from the non-treated check in the proportion of wireworm damage; however, both treatments reduced the severity of wireworm damage compared with the non-treated check. CONCLUSION Applying insecticides through drip irrigation provides an alternative to conventionally applied insecticides. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The Case for Forensic Toxicology.

Understanding natural and human-induced hazards is an important part of the standards-based science curriculum. Experience, however, indicates that the topic is a difficult one for many students. We have developed an exciting investigative laboratory exercise that uses simulated food-based case studies to promote critical thinking and improve students' understanding of science and technology. While other authors have reported laboratory exercises to detect the presence of sugar, starch, protein, and fat in known and unknown food and beverage samples, these rely on traditional reagents that may be difficult to use or may be toxic (See Lawson 1994; Hummer et al. 1979). It was our idea to create an activity that is fun, quick to prepare, and promotes content mastery and critical thinking using readily available resources. Case studies are used to extend these non-toxic forensic tests to real-life diet and nutrition applications.
Direct observation of global protein motion in hemoglobin and myoglobin on picosecond time scales

Picosecond phase-grating spectroscopy is highly sensitive to density changes and provides a new holographic approach to the study of protein dynamics. Photodissociation of carbon monoxide from heme proteins induces a well-defined transition from a ligated to a deoxy structure that is important to hemoglobin and myoglobin functionality. Grating spectroscopy was used to observe protein-driven density waves on a picosecond time scale after carbon monoxide dissociation. This result demonstrates that global tertiary structure changes of proteins occur on an extremely fast time scale and provides new insight into the biomechanics of deterministic protein motion.
Dementia, ethnicity, and culture.

Edited byJacquelyn H. Flaskerud, RN, PhD, FAANSchool of Nursing, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USAAre there consistent relationships among dementia, ethnicity, and ...
Edge Excitations in the Fractional Quantum Hall States at General Filling Fractions

We propose a scheme to construct the edge states for the Fractional Quantum Hall (FQH) states obtained by the Jain’s scheme. The low energy effective theory of the edge excitations is obtained. We calculate the number of the branches and the electron propagators of the edge states for various FQH states. We demonstrate that two FQH states with the same filling fraction may have different topological orders and may support different edge excitations.
A Comparative Study of Carbon Gasification with O2 and CO2 by Density Functional Theory Calculations

A comparative study of carbon gasification with O-2 and CO2 was conducted by using density functional theory calculations. It was found that the activation energy and the number of active sites in carbon gasification reactions are significantly affected by both the capacity and manner of gas chemisorption. O-2 has a strong adsorption capacity and the dissociative chemisorption of O-2 is thermodynamically favorable on either bare carbon surface or even isolated edge sites. As a result, a large number of semiquinone and o-quinone oxygen can be formed indicating a significant increase in the number of active sites. Moreover, the weaker o-quinone C-C bonds can also drive the reaction forward at (ca. 30%) lower activation energy. Epoxy oxygen forms under relatively high O-2 pressure, and it can only increase the number of active sites, not further reduce the activation energy. CO2 has a lower adsorption capacity. Dissociative chemisorption of CO2 can only occur on two consecutive edge sites and o-quinone oxygen formed from CO2 chemisorption is negligible, let alone epoxy oxygen. Therefore, CO2-carbon reaction needs (ca 30%) higher activation energy. Furthermore, the effective active sites are also reduced by the manner Of CO2 chemisorption. A combination of the higher activation energy and the fewer active sites leads to the much lower reaction rate Of CO2-carbon.
Salt embrittlement of Nylon 6

Abstract Metal halides remaining in Nylon 6 after evaporation of the water from specimens saturated with aqueous halide solution embrittled the Nylon 6. That is the fracture toughness (GIC) is decreased by up to a factor of 7. The primary cause of the embrittlement is the decrease in the size of the plastic zone at the crack tip because the salts increase the yield stress, and a decrease in the inherent toughness. The change in properties depends on the specific salt: for example in the dehydrated state the modulus, yield stress and glass transition increase in the following order: NaCl, LiCl, CaCl2, ZnCl2. The increase in the glass transition temperature suggests that the salts increase the bond strength. It is well known that aqueous solutions plasticize nylon, but not as well known that dehydrated nylon could be embrittled so this work provides initial insight into a potential problem.
Taming wildcards in Java's type system

Wildcards have become an important part of Java's type system since their introduction 7 years ago. Yet there are still many open problems with Java's wildcards. For example, there are no known sound and complete algorithms for subtyping (and consequently type checking) Java wildcards, and in fact subtyping is suspected to be undecidable because wildcards are a form of bounded existential types. Furthermore, some Java types with wildcards have no joins, making inference of type arguments for generic methods particularly difficult. Although there has been progress on these fronts, we have identified significant shortcomings of the current state of the art, along with new problems that have not been addressed.In this paper, we illustrate how these shortcomings reflect the subtle complexity of the problem domain, and then present major improvements to the current algorithms for wildcards by making slight restrictions on the usage of wildcards. Our survey of existing Java programs suggests that realistic code should already satisfy our restrictions without any modifications. We present a simple algorithm for subtyping which is both sound and complete with our restrictions, an algorithm for lazily joining types with wildcards which addresses some of the shortcomings of prior work, and techniques for improving the Java type system as a whole. Lastly, we describe various extensions to wildcards that would be compatible with our algorithms.
A Conversion-Electron Mssbauer Study of Tin-Based Compounds Formed During Pads Treatment (Plasma-Assisted Dry Soldering) of a Solder Foil

We have used conversionelectron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) to examine the surfaces of solder foils treated in a plasma assisted dry soldering (PADS) system which has been developed1 to convert surface oxides to more desirable fluorides in order to protect the solder surface prior to assembly and to eliminate the need for flux during the soldering process. CEMS samples only the outer 1 μm of a solder foil and this, coupled with the fortuitous fact2 that Mossbauer spectroscopy is 10-20 times more sensitive to oxides and fluorides than to the metallic form of solder, means that surface layers of oxides and fluorides as thin as 10 nm can be detected and chemically identified. We have followed the evolution of surface layers produced in PADS treatments ranging from 7 minutes to several hours. Our results show that fully treated foils contain surface layers of SnF2 and Sn2F6. Partially treated foils also contain some SnO2 and perhaps a small amount of SnO. No Sn2OF2 or SnF4 was produced during any portion of the PADS treatment cycle.
Structuring West Germany's energy objectives

For this article a comprehensive and politically legitimate list of criteria to evaluate energy systems was constructed from interviews with leading representatives of a broad spectrum of West German society. In the interviews, we probed the fundamental values of nine political and social organizations, including the Catholic and Lutheran Churches, the Federation of German Labour Unions, the Association of German Industries and the German Nature Society. A hierarchical representation of value criteria was logically structured for each group separately, and then aggregated into a combined ‘value tree’. The result facilitates communication and constructive compromise, promotes the creation of policy options and helps evaluate future energy systems.
Amyloid β Protein Precursor (AβPP), but Not AβPP-like Protein 2, Is Bridged to the Kinesin Light Chain by the Scaffold Protein JNK-interacting Protein 1

Proteolytic processing of amyloid beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) generates peptides that regulate normal cell signaling and are implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. AbetaPP processing also occurs in nerve processes where AbetaPP is transported from the cell body by kinesin-I, a microtubule motor composed of two kinesin heavy chain and two kinesin light chain (Klc) subunits. AbetaPP transport is supposedly mediated by the direct AbetaPP-Klc1 interaction. Here we demonstrate that the AbetaPP-Klc1 interaction is not direct but is mediated by JNK-interacting protein 1 (JIP1). The phosphotyrosine binding domain of JIP1 binds the cytoplasmic tail of AbetaPP, whereas the JIP1 C-terminal region interacts with the tetratrico-peptide repeats of Klc1. We also show that JIP1 does not bridge the AbetaPP gene family member AbetaPP-like protein 2, APLP2, to Klc1. These results support a model where JIP1 mediates the interaction of AbetaPP to the motor protein kinesin-I and that this JIP1 function is unique for AbetaPP relative to its family member APLP2. Our data suggest that kinesin-I-dependent neuronal AbetaPP transport, which controls AbetaPP processing, may be regulated by JIP1.
The vertical hand span: Nonstandard units, expressions, and symbols in the classroom☆

Abstract Student creation of nonstandard units of measurement, and symbols for such units, is a pedagogical technique intended in part to promote students' understanding of mathematics as communication (NCTM, 1989). This paper examines a conflict that arose during such an activity in a sixth-grade classroom. In our view, the students' disagreement reflects the tension among several conflicting requirements of language and symbol use in mathematical communication. Iconic, transparent symbols exist alongside those that are arbitrary and opaque. Technical terms depart from their everyday linguistic counterpart in unpredictable ways. Most importantly, students must recognize and honor conventional, historically grounded uses of expressions and symbols, while also using and actively interpreting innovative and contextually determined uses. We explore the implications of these complexities for student learning and teaching.
Dissecting the Role of Ferrous Iron in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Gene Regulation

In our quest towards a predictive understanding of biological systems, we have combined quantitative models of gene regulation with careful experimental tests of model predictions in order to determine how promoter architecture dictates the output level of gene expression. We have applied this quantitative framework to understand how cells sense and respond to extracellular cues, using ferrous iron-mediated gene regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an important case study. Upon recent discovery of a two-component system that specifically responds to ferrous iron, there is an emerging picture of the critical role of Fe(II) availability in the regulatory outputs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On the bench top Fe(II) is readily oxidized to Fe(III), however in infections such as in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, cells can encounter reducing environments containing Fe(II). Ferrous iron regulates genes related to both pathogenicity and biofilm formation. These pathways are also controlled by the quorum sensing systems and the availability of ferric iron. It is not yet clear why multiple pathways are used to sense extracellular iron or how the cell integrates information from these different pathways to effectively respond to changes in the availability and oxidation state of iron. Using statistical mechanical models of gene regulation and the tools of synthetic biology, the rules of the ferrous iron regulon are beginning to emerge. We quantified how promoter architecture dictates the regulatory response to Fe(II). A quantitative understanding of how promoters encode a ferrous iron response enabled us to predict how Fe(II) influences global gene expression patterns. Some genes respond to both Fe(II) and additional regulatory inputs, such as other transcription factors or two-component systems. We dissected these multi-input promoters to understand how cells combine ferrous iron availability with other regulatory factors to make transcriptional decisions.
Association of erosive hand osteoarthritis with a single nucleotide polymorphism on the gene encoding interleukin-1 beta.

Abstract Objective : Certain forms of primary osteoarthritis (OA), particularly those affecting hand joints, have a genetic component. Recent studies have shown suggestive evidence that hand and knee OA are linked with the interleukin-1 (IL-1) region on human chromosome 2q. This study was undertaken to assess the association of primary OA of the hand (hand OA) with IL-1 region markers. Methods : Sixty-eight US Caucasoid cases and 51 US Caucasoid controls aged 60 years or older were recruited from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Hand OA was classified by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Clinical Criteria, and cases were subjected to radiographic examination for subgrouping. Genotyping was done for seven previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes for IL-1α (encoded by IL1A), IL-1β (IL1B), and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), as well as an IL1RN variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) marker. Six microsatellite markers on other chromosomes (null loci) were also typed. Results : The IL1B 5810 G>A SNP genotypes marker were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium ( p p =0.007). This IL1B 5810 AA genotype association was also significant between erosive and non-erosive hand OA subjects (relative risk 4.01, p =0.008). As expected, significant linkage disequilibrium was present between IL1B 5810 SNP and IL1A (−)889 SNP, other IL1B SNPs, and the nearest IL1RN SNP examined. The IL1B 5810A allele occurs most frequently on haplotypes with the SNP alleles IL1B 1423C, IL1B 1903T, IL1B 5887C, and IL1A (−)889C. Genotypes at null loci failed to show evidence suggesting population stratification that might account for spurious association. Conclusion : Statistical evidence shows association between erosive hand OA and a genomic region containing the IL1B 5810 SNP in a US Caucasoid population. This supports a potential role for IL-1 in the pathogenesis of a severe phenotype of hand OA.
Mechanisms of iron acquisition from siderophores by microorganisms and plants

Most bacteria, fungi, and some plants respond to Fe stress by the induction of high-affinity Fe transport systems that utilize biosynthetic chelates called siderophores. To competitively acquire Fe, some microbes have transport systems that enable them to use other siderophore types in addition to their own. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli achieve this ability by using a combination of separate siderophore receptors and transporters, whereas other microbial species, such as Streptomyces pilosus, use a low specificity, high-affinity transport system that recognizes more than one siderophore type. By either strategy, such versatility may provide an advantage under Fe-limiting conditions; allowing use of siderophores produced at another organism’s expense, or Fe acquisition from siderophores that could otherwise sequester Fe in an unavailable form.
Investigation of sub-Doppler cooling in an ytterbium magneto-optical trap

We report experimental evidence of Sisyphus cooling in atoms with a ${}^{1}{S}_{0}$ ground state. Since $J=0,$ any cooling mechanism which requires multiple sublevels can only occur in the isotopes which have nuclear spin $I\ensuremath{\ne}0.$ Ytterbium has seven stable isotopes and offers a unique system in which we can study cooling on $F=\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{0}1$ ${(}^{168,170,172,174,176}\mathrm{Yb}),$ $F=1/\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{2}3/2$ ${(}^{171}\mathrm{Yb}),$ and $F=5/\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{2}7/2$ ${(}^{173}\mathrm{Yb}),$ depending on the selection of isotope. We have trapped each of the seven stable isotopes of ytterbium in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) using the strong ${}^{1}{S}_{0}{\ensuremath{-}}^{1}{P}_{1}$ transition, and transferred them into a second MOT which uses the much narrower ${}^{1}{S}_{0}{\ensuremath{-}}^{3}{P}_{1}$ intercombination transition. We have measured the temperature of isotopes ${}^{171}\mathrm{Yb},$ ${}^{173}\mathrm{Yb},$ and ${}^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$ in the ${}^{1}{S}_{0}{\ensuremath{-}}^{3}{P}_{1}$ MOT, as a function of the intensity and detuning of the trapping laser. The temperature of ${}^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$ was found to increase more rapidly with intensity than predicted by Doppler cooling theory, in agreement with earlier work on alkaline-earth atoms. In the odd isotopes the temperature was found to decrease with increasing angular momentum, as observed in earlier experiments and three-dimensional simulations.
Theoretical electronic structure studies of diamond: surfaces, adsorbates, defects and heterointerfaces

Abstract The implementation of self-consistent electronic structure calculations has made a large impact in the past decade on our understanding of the origins of the properties of materials. In this paper we briefly review several applications and a few of the recent calculational results of our group for the material properties of diamond: defects, diamond-metal interfaces and chemical processes occuring at diamond surfaces.
Management of stage T1c prostate cancer

Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) can identify prostate cancers not palpable by digital rectal examination. Prostate cancer is detected more often by PSA than by digital rectal exam. In the TNM staging system, these PSA-detected cancers are classified as Stage T1c. In general, these Stage T1c cancers are pathologically found to be more extensive than Stage T1a cancers, which are often followed without immediate treatment, and less than or similarly extensive to Stage T2 cancers, which are often managed with definitive treatment. Eleven to thirty percent have tumor volumes less than 0.5 cm, 3 which rarely progress clinically. Unfortunately, there is no certain way to determine these insignificant tumors, although serum PSA level, PSA density, and needle biopsy pathologic findings are accurate predictors of tumor extent. In many cases, serial PSA measurements might better define which patients can be followed and which need definitive treatment. Cancer 1995 ;75 :1900-2.
A General Model for the Intermediate Stage of Sintering

A model proposed for intermediate-stage sintering relates the densification rate to the instantaneous geometry in the compact and to the volume and grain-boundary diffusion coefficients, despite concurrent surface diffusion, vapor transport, and/or grain and pore growth. Quantitative stereological methods can be used to measure the necessary geometric parameters. The suggested experiments would provide a detailed description of the evolution of the microstructure and calculated values for the grain-boundary and/or volume diffusion coefficients.
Test And Evaluation Of The Hubble Space Telescope 2.4-meter Primary Mirror

Manufacture of the 2.4-meter diffraction-limited hyperboloidal primary mirror for the Hubble Space Telescope encompassed several state-of-the-art processes. These included computer-controlled polishing and interferometric test and evaluation. To advance the manufacturing processes to the 0.008μm rms surface figure level achieved on the primary mirror, full-aperture and sub-aperture interferometric test configurations were developed in conjunction with a precision interferogram analysis facility. Full-aperture interferometric testing of the uncoated mirror took place in air with the test chamber providing the necessary thermal and vibrational stability. A remotely-controlled, six-degree-of-freedom table was used to orient and position the mirror with respect to the fixed geometry metrology unit consisting of a Co-axial Reference Interferometer (CORI) and a reflective null corrector. The CORI generated a high quality spherical wavefront which, in turn, was converted to a hyperboloidal wavefront characteristic of the desired mirror surface by the reflective null corrector. Interferograms in the form of photographic negatives recorded the departures from the highly corrected null condition to provide surface contour and aberration data. The high spatial frequency surface defects, so important to the ultraviolet (UV) performance of the Space Telescope, were measured via sub-aperture interferometry. A laser interferoscope and precision test plates with reference surface radii appropriate to several zones on the primary mirror were employed to produce high fidelity measurements of "mid-frequency" defects at the 0.002μm rms level.
Direct Consumption of Cotton Pollen Improves Survival and Development of Cheiracanthium inclusum (Araneae: Miturgidae) Spiderlings

ABSTRACT Cheiracanthium inclusum (Hentz) (Araneae: Miturgidae), a spider that is common in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., foliage, was tested for the impact of consumption of cotton pollen on its survival and development under conditions of prey limitation. Immature C. inclusum readily consumed cotton pollen grains that were pierced, crushed, and macerated with the mouthparts while being extraorally digested. When reared on a diet of cotton pollen alone, spiderlings survived 178% longer than those given only water (14.45 versus 5.2 d). When provided with a prey-limited diet (Five eggs of Helicoverpa zea, a favored prey) access to cotton pollen improved the likelihood of spiderlings molting to the second instar from 0 to 22%. This increased from 60 to 84% for spiderlings provided with 10 eggs plus access to pollen. Addition of cotton pollen also extended the survival of spiders fed five or 10 eggs. Supplemental consumption of pollen seems adaptive for this spider and may lead to increased survival and rete...
Stimulation of prostacyclin synthesis in rats treated with phenobarbital.

Abstract The effect of phenobarbital treatment on the synthesis of prostacyclin in coronary vascular microsomes was studied in Sprague Dawley rats. It was found that the treatment increased the synthesis of prostacyclin by nearly 100%. The treatment also resulted in an increase in HDL and a decrease in LDL in the serum. In vitro effects of HDL and LDL on the microsomal synthesis of prostacyclin showed that the synthesis was stimulated by HDL and inhibited by LDL. Hence it appears that the increase in prostacycle in synthesis resulting from phenobarbital treatment was at least partly due to increased level of HDL and decreased level of LDL in the serum.
Influence Of Epinephrine and Insulin on Uridine Diphosphate Glucose-α-Glucan Transferase and Phosphorylase in Muscle

Influence Of Epinephrine and Insulin on Uridine Diphosphate Glucose-α-Glucan Transferase and Phosphorylase in Muscle
Effects of environmental temperature on the acute toxicity of a number of compounds in rats.

Abstract The acute intraperitoneal toxicity of each of 58 compounds was determined in albino rats exposed to three different environmental temperatures: 8°, 26°, and 36°C. Except for strychnine, chlorpromazine, and promazine, all compounds were most toxic at 36°C. Strychnine was equally toxic at 8° and 36°C, while promazine and chlorpromazine were most toxic at 8°C.
An efficient detection technique for removing random-valued impulse noise in images

In this paper we propose a new technique to detect random-valued impulse noise in images. In this method, the noisy pixels are detected iteratively through several phases. In each phase, a pixel will be marked as a noisy pixel if it does not have sufficient number of similar pixels inside the neighborhood window. The size of the window increases over the phases, so does the sufficient similar neighbor criterion. After the detection phases, all noisy pixels will be corrected in a recovering process. We compare the performance of this method with other recently published methods, in terms of peak signal to noise ratio and perceptual quality of the restored images. From the simulation results we observe that this method outperforms all other methods at medium to high noise rates. The algorithm is very fast, providing consistent performance over a wide range of noise rates. It also preserves fine details of the image.
Looking Backwards: Baroque Opera and the Ending of the Orpheus Myth

Vergil and Ovid, the Latin authors most widely read during the Baroque Age, presented the legend of Orpheus as ending tragically: the singer lost Eurydice forever and then endured a horrible death at the hands of the Maenads. While this version of the story was widely known throughout the Baroque Age, most operas of that period contained an altered version of the legend with a happy ending (lieto fine). Orpheus was presented as exalted into the heavens, reunited with Eurydice on earth, or at least consoled for his sufferings by the god Apollo. An examination of Poliziano’sOrfeo (1480), Jacopo Peri’sEuridice (1600), Claudio Monteverdi’sLa favola di Orfeo (1607), Luigi Rossi’sOrfeo (1647), and Christoph Willibald Gluck’sOrfeo ed Euridice (1762) suggests that many different reasons—artistic, musical, social, and sometimes even personal—explain why Baroque composers so frequently changed the ending of this myth. Surveying those reasons is important because it helps to clarify the relationship between Baroque opera and Italian pastoral poetry. Additionally, such an analysis provides insight into the Baroque approach to the classical tradition as a whole.
Neuronal autophagic vacuoles in experimental scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

We report the presence of autophagic vacuoles (AV) in neuronal perikarya and neuronal processes of rodents with experimental scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. AV were composed of sequestrated cytoplasmic areas containing ribosomes and occasionally mitochondria and small secondary vacuoles. The formation of AV may contribute to neuronal degeneration and ultimately to neuronal loss.
Managing nuisance parameters

The principal design challenge in Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) is signature variability. Target signatures are known to vary significantly as a function of numerous nuisance parameters, such as aspect angle, depression angle, component articulation, etc. There are several methods that have been used to manage nuisance parameters and the resulting signature variability. The focus of this paper is to define the various methods, provide examples, and illustrate the most common methods. A simple example will be used to compare the performance of the sampling, estimation, and integration methods.
Passive microwave sensing of soil moisture content: The effects of soil bulk density and surface roughness

Microwave radiometric measurements over bare fields of different surface roughness were made at frequencies of 1.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 10.7 GHz to study the frequency dependence, as well as the possible time variation, of surface roughness. An increase in surface roughness was found to increase the brightness temperature of soils and reduce the slope of regression between brightness temperature and soil moisture content. The frequency dependence of the surface roughness effect was relatively weak when compared with that of the vegetation effect. Radiometric time-series observations over a given field indicate that field surface roughness might gradually diminish with time, especially after a rainfall or irrigation. The variation of surface roughness increases the uncertainty of remote soil moisture estimates by microwave radiometry. Three years of radiometric measurements over a test site revealed a possible inconsistency in the soil bulk density determination, which is an important factor in the interpretation of radiometric data.
Thinking Inside or Outside of the Box: Impact of Digitization on Battle Command

As the US Army invests in automation for battle command, it is important to define how this technology impacts (either positively or negatively) on the team and organizational decision-making process. While many studies have taken a traditional task modeling approach to assessing battle command performance, this paper examines performance issues from a different level of systems analysis. Specifically, the paper seeks to identify a number of behavioral characteristics or “proficiencies” that are associated with effective decision-making performance at the team and organizational level. Each of these proficiencies, in turn, suggests a possible measurement taxonomy for assessing the enabling or degrading influence of digitization (combined with leader development, staff training, and organizational design) on decision-making performance in battle command.
Time-based measures of leadership experience and organizational performance: A review of research and a preliminary model.

Abstract This paper seeks to explicate the role and function of time-based measures of leadership in group and organizational performance, and their relation to intellectual abilities. Experience—viewed as overlearned knowledge, skills and behavior—represents a fall-back pattern or crash-plan for dealing with uncertainty and stress. Research shows that intellectual abilities and intellectual effort interfere with the effective utilization of experience, while experience interferes with tasks that require logical, analytical thinking rather than quick responses based on habit and overlearned behavior.
ULTRASONIC ABSORPTION MEASUREMENTS IN SINGLE MOLECULAR CRYSTALS

Ultrasonic absorption measurements have been made by a pulse method along the principal axes of single crystalline benzene. The measurements were made with longitudinal waves in the frequency range 6-38 MHz, and over a temperature range 170-250 °K. Present theories of such absorption predict the absorption coefficient α to be proportional to the square of the frequency in the temperature and frequency range of this experiment ; however, α was observed to depart from the dependence as the temperature was lowered, the change being different for each axis. In the case of the a axis, a relaxation peak was observed (for the αλ-ν curve) in the neighborhood of 15 MHz, and for the b- axis, just above 20 MHz. The behavior along the c- axis was more complex, suggesting the presence of multiple effects. It has been hypothesized that the absorption results from an exchange of energy between the lattice vibrations and the low frequency molecular oscillations, but the theoretically derived (from the theories of Liebermann and Danielmeyer) relaxation times are 10 to 100 times too small. Modification of the Danielmeyer theory to take rough account of anisotropy leads to some improvement, but agreement thus far is order-of-magnitude. Single crystals of nitrobenzene have also been grown, and measurements made by two different laboratory techniques. The results of these measurements will also be reported.
The toxic effect of copper on Oscillatoria (Trichodesmium) theibautii1

(/sup 14/C)CO/sub 2/ fixation in Oscillatoria theibautii decreased in response to copper at low cupric ion activities (10/sup -10/ M) in test media containing Tris as a copper chelator and to low concentrations (10/sup -8/ M) of total added copper in filtered seawater. This sensitivity could be important to natural systems as well as laboratory and shipboard cultures.
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSIENT INSERETION OF HEAT FLUX GAGES IN A CYLINDRICAL BLACK BODY CAVITY AT 1100 °C

Initial transient thermal models have been developed to simulate a heat flux gage calibration process capable of generating high heat flux levels of interest to reciprocating and gas turbine engine industries as well as the aerospace industry. These transient models are based on existing, experimentally validated, steady state models of the cylindrical blackbody calibration system. The steady state models were modified to include insertion of a heat flux gage into the hot zone of the calibration system and time varying electrical current passing through the resistance heated blackbody. Heat fluxes computed using the initial transient models were compared to experimental measurements. The calculated and measured transient heat fluxes were within 5% indicating that the major physical phenomena in the transient calibration had been captured by the models. The predicted and measured transient heat fluxes were also compared at two different gage insertion depths. These results indicated that there is an optimum insertion position which maximizes heat flux and minimizes cavity disturbance.
Prognostic significance of silent ischemia in elderly patients with peripheral arterial disease with and without previous myocardial infarction.

Abstract Early postoperative silent myocardial ischemia detected by ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery for occlusive peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with clinical ischcmic events after surgery. 1 Patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery who had silent myocardial ischemia before surgery detected by ambulatory ECG had an increased incidence of major postoperative cardiac events after surgery. 2 At a mean follow-up of 615 days after peripheral vascular surgery, cardiac events occurred in 12 of 32 (38%) patients with ischemia before surgery detected by ambulatory ECG and in 10 of 144 (7%) without myocardial ischemia (relative risk 5.4). 3 We are reporting data from a prospective study correlating silent myocardial ischemia detected by 24-hour ambulatory ECG with the incidence of new coronary events at a 43-month mean follow-up in elderly patients with PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) and in those with PAD and hypertension, valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy without CAD.
Rising from the RecQ-age: the role of human RecQ helicases in genome maintenance

The RecQ helicases are guardians of the genome. Members of this conserved family of proteins have a key role in protecting and stabilizing the genome against deleterious changes. Deficiencies in RecQ helicases can lead to high levels of genomic instability and, in humans, to premature aging and increased susceptibility to cancer. Their diverse roles in DNA metabolism, which include a role in telomere maintenance, reflect interactions with multiple cellular proteins, some of which are multifunctional and also have very diverse functions. The results of in vitro cellular and biochemical studies have been complimented by recent in vivo studies using genetically modified mouse strains. Together, these approaches are helping to unravel the mechanism(s) of action and biological functions of the RecQ helicases.
Cleavage of dolichyl pyrophosphoryl oligosaccharides by endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H: Comparison of enzymatic and acid hydrolysis techniques for saccharide release☆

Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo H) was found to bring about the complete hydrolysis of dolichyl pyrophosphoryl oligosaccharides. Both glycosylated and unglucosylated polymannose oligosaccharides were released by the enzyme through cleavage of the di-N-acetylchitobiose sequence. The action of the endo H on the oligosaccharide-lipids was facilitated by the inclusion of Triton X-100 (maximal stimulation at concentrations greater than 0.03%) or small amounts of a variety of other detergents; however, sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1%) was strongly inhibitory. Although incubations were routinely carried out at pH 5.2, the enzyme was noted to be equally effective at pH 6.5 and to retain 75% of its activity toward oligosaccharide-lipid at pH 7.4. While these results broaden the known specificity of the endo H for the aglycon moiety, it was observed that even under optimal conditions the rate of hydrolysis of lipid-linked Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 was substantially slower than that of the same oligosaccharide attached to asparagine in a peptide sequence. The use of endo H, an enzyme which can be obtained free of exoglycosidases, appears to have a number of advantages over mild acid hydrolysis as a tool for cleaving oligosaccharide-lipids. It was found that the latter procedure causes a small but detectable degradation of the sugar chains and, when carried out in the presence of methanol, leads to the release of about 10% of the oligosaccharide as its beta-methyl glycoside. Furthermore, the oligosaccharides released by the endo H can be directly compared to those liberated by this enzyme from glycoproteins; this may prove to be useful in metabolic studies dealing with oligosaccharide-lipid assembly and their involvement in the N-glycosylation of proteins.
A clinical study of marginal integrity and tarnish behaviour of three Cu-rich amalgam systems

Summary Three high Cu-γ2 free amalgams and one conventional amalgam were used in a clinical study to evaluate degree of marginal integrity and surface discoloration occurring for time periods of up to two years. Two hundred and seventy restorations were placed in Class I and II cavities in sixty-two paedodontic patients. Amalgams were prepared from conventional alloy, Cu admixed, Dispersalloy and three parts 50Ag-20 Sn-30Cu mixed with one part conventional alloy. Restorations were evaluated by three groups of clinicians. Ridit means obtained from all three groups of evaluations were in good agreement. The lower ridits indicate better marginal integrity and less tarnish. Marginal integrity of amalgams prepared from Cu-admix did not differ appreciably (0.41) from the ridit associated with initial placement (0.39). Conventional amalgams had the highest ridit (0.65) for marginal integrity whereas the ternary/conventional and Dispersalloy restorations were intermediate (0.55 and 0.52). The ridit for tarnish and surface discoloration was decidedly higher for the Cu-admix (0.73) than for the other systems investigated which had ridits of the order of 0.50 compared to an initial ridit for tarnish of 0.28.
The vital prognosis of subclavian stenosis.

Objectives This study sought to assess the prognosis of subclavian stenosis (SS) as a potential marker of total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Background Subclavian stenosis, diagnosed by a brachial systolic pressure difference (BSPD) ≥15 mm Hg, is associated with an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors. However, the association between SS and mortality is unknown. We hypothesized that a BSPD ≥15 mm Hg would predict an increased risk of CVD events. Methods We analyzed baseline and longitudinal data from 3 cohorts. Two were recruited from noninvasive vascular laboratories, and the third was a community-dwelling cohort. Multivariate survival models were used to test for an independent association of SS with total and CVD mortality. Results Baseline and follow-up data (mean 9.8 years) were complete in 1,778 participants. Subclavian stenosis was found in 157 (8.8%) subjects. Adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, and cohort of origin, the presence of SS was significantly associated with increased total and CVD mortality (respectively, hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, p Conclusions The presence of SS, easily diagnosed by comparing systolic pressures in the left and right arm, predicts total and CVD mortality independent of both CVD risk factors and existent CVD at baseline.
Race, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Disorders as Predictors of Juvenile Court Outcomes: Do They Vary By Gender?

Predicting juvenile court outcomes based on youthful offenders’ delinquency risk factors is important for the adolescent social work field as well as the juvenile justice system. Using a random sample of 341 delinquent youth from one Midwestern urban county, this study extends previous research by examining if race, substance abuse, and mental health disorders influence important delinquency outcomes (number of court offenses, felony conviction(s), probation supervision length, detention length, and number of probation services) differently for male and female juvenile offenders. Multivariate analysis findings revealed that race was significant only for males, and having a substance use disorder was a stronger predictor of delinquency outcomes for males; whereas, having a mental health disorder was a stronger predictor of delinquency outcomes for females. Implications for this research include the importance of early disorder identification and subsequent availability of gender-focused treatment.
Projecting Sprawl? The Atlanta Regional Commission and the 1975 Regional Development Plan of Metropolitan Atlanta

In 1975, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Atlanta, Georgia, adopted a new regional development plan (RDP) for the seven counties that comprised the metropolitan area. During the process of writing the plan, ARC staff adapted a large-scale urban model to produce a set of region-wide population, employment, and land-use projections, for a 30-year horizon (1970—2000). The development policies ARC ultimately adopted encouraged the building of a vast, low-density landscape, exactly as the model predicted. A number of participants argued that the model had distorted the process by privileging policies that closely matched its projections of sprawling growth. Yet in spite of its trouble, the model helped ARC establish its legitimacy as a powerful force in the development of metropolitan Atlanta. An examination of the process of writing the 1975 RDP provides a case example of the role of planning technologies in shaping regional planning discourse ...