cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Collaboration: Promises and Challenges

We currently face a myriad of grand global challenges in fields such as poverty, the environment, education, science, and medicine. However, our current means of dealing with such challenges has fallen short, and ingenious solutions are required to overcome the inherent resistance to progress toward ameliorating such difficulties. Here, we highlight the promises and challenges of international collaboration in achieving success toward these trials. We note prior successes in fields such as education, medicine, science, and environmental issues made to date, yet at the same time we do note deficiencies and shortcomings in these efforts. Hence, the notion of international collaboration should be strengthened and encouraged by governments, non-profit organizations, and others moving forward using creative means to bring talented teams together to tackle these challenges across the globe.
The Relation between Conceptual Elaboration and Retrieval Access to Episodic Information in Memory for Children and Adults.

Abstract The purpose of the six experiments in this study was to examine the problems of third graders, sixth graders, and college students in gaining access to episodic information in retrieving information from memory. In Experiment 1, the lengths of the related and unrelated stimuli were varied as a way of manipulating the conceptual elaboration of category and thematic stimuli, and stimulus classification was ensured by orienting questions. Conceptual access to the representations of the episodes in memory was assessed by comparisons of recall for one-word and two-word “extra-list” cues that were conceptually related to the targets. In the other experiments, access problems were examined further by varying “list” cues that represented physical information in the context and instructions about cue use, and conceptual elaboration was examined further by varying no orient instructions, subordinate and superordinate category orienting questions, and prototypical and nonprototypical associates in the stimuli. The results suggested that conceptual access problems vary with grade, that the conceptual elaboration of the representation of an episode facilitates access, and that elaboration is the result of a complex interaction of stimulus information and the associative structure of permanent memory.
On generating planar graphs

A 3-valent graph G is cyclically n-connected provided one must cut at least n edges in order to separate any two circuits of G. If G is cyclically n-connected but any separation of G by cutting n edges yields a component consisting of a simple circuit, then we say that G is strongly cyclically n-connected. We prove that there exists a graph G"0 such that all strongly cyclically 4-connected planar graphs, other than the graph of the cube and the pentagonal prism, can be generated from G"0 by adding edges. We introduce two operations called adding a pair of edges and replacing a face. We prove that using these two operations together with adding edges we can generate the cyclically 5-connected planar graphs.
The freedom of information act and the intelligence agencies

Abstract The author challenges the claims of intelligence agency officials for exempting their agencies' files from the FOIA. Noting that the FOIA's mandatory search and disclosure provision alone permits access to the range of intelligence agency files, the author cites the separate filing and “compartmentalized” records policies of the CIA and the FBI. He concludes by challenging the adequacy of congressional oversight without independent historical research.
Strengthening American Indian Couples' Relationship Quality to Improve Parenting

Using Fragile Families data, this study examined the impact that relationship quality has on American Indian parenting and its consequences on children. Results indicated that the more support American Indian parents received from one another, the more positive interactions they had with their child. Additionally, while engagement increased and spanking decreased with more support received for unmarried American Indian mothers, support from the father impacted their engagement more so than those who were married. Therefore, implementation of culturally appropriate relationship enhancing and premarital programs could be beneficial to strengthening American Indian families and have a positive impact on parenting.
A test of the effects of retail store rating context on the stability of alternative multientity scaling methods

Abstract Although multientity scaling has been advocated as a method of increasing sampling efficiency, reducing questionnaire size, increasing rating discrimination, and reducing halo effects, recent research indicates multientity scaling procedures may be vulnerable to context induced instability. This study extends the research on context effects in multientity scaling. The results of two experiments support previous research that indicates entity-based scaling, when compared to attribute-based scaling, may be less vulnerable to context induced rating instability. In addition, the findings of both experiments indicate that oral data collection represents a promising method of increasing the stability of entity-based multientity scaling.
Working with other disciplines: The role of agricultural economists in interdisciplinary agribusiness research†

The evolving field of agribusiness research is viewed in light of the potential for interdisciplinary arrangements. Special emphasis is placed on the role of agricultural economists. An historical perspective of multidisciplinary efforts and a review of joint research traditions of agricultural economics are given. Special opportunities for new work with managerial science scholars are illustrated with a research agenda. Some organizational considerations are discussed. Encouragement is given for more professional attention to agribusiness research.
Institutions and juvenile delinquency in historical perspective

Abstract This paper is an empirical historical study of institutionalization of juvenile delinquents. Estimates of institutionalization rates from 1820 to 1970 are presented. Rates have increased throughout this period, most rapidly in the second half of the 19th century and again during recent decades of the 20th century. Theories that have attempted to explain institutionalization are reviewed. However, the commonly accepted theories do not seem to comprehensively account for the observed pattern of institutional growth. A different perspective is offered, one that seems to fit the totality of data better than previous theories. The evidence suggests that institutionalization for juvenile delinquency has increased as a function of a changing vouth labor market—first the separation of work from family life, followed by a long-term decline in demand for young workers. As a dilemma in social planning related to juvenile delinquency, the findings suggest a need for providing con- structive social and economic alternatives to the declining youth labor market.
Functional Analysis of Measurements

HISTORY tells us that measurement has been one of the principal foundations upon which the material progress of mankind has been based. It is only by carefully comparing or measuring the unknown in terms of some known quantity or unit that real knowledge is advanced. As our modern way of living increases in complexity and as our knowledge of science and technology expands, measurements and measuring equipment have progressively increased in diversity and in complication. Better measurements have vitally aided our progress in understanding physical laws, in designing and operating new and improved machines, and in automatic control of processes and operations. In all fields of applied arts and sciences, our rich store of knowledge is largely the result of our ability to measure.
Reconstruction of equilibrium trajectories during whole-body movements.

The framework of the equilibrium-point hypothesis was used to reconstruct equilibrium trajectories (ETs) of the ankle, hip and body center of mass during quick voluntary hip flexions (`Japanese courtesy bow') by standing subjects. Different spring loads applied to the subject's back were used to introduce smooth perturbations that are necessary to reconstruct ETs based on a series of trials at the same task. Time patterns of muscle torques were calculated using inverse dynamics techniques. A second-order linear model was employed to calculate the instantaneous position of the spring-like joint or center of mass characteristic at different times during the movement. ETs of the joints and of the center of mass had significantly different shapes from the actual trajectories. Integral measures of electromyographic bursts of activity in postural muscles demonstrated a relation to muscle length corresponding to the equilibrium-point hypothesis.
Analysis and modelling of anisotropies in the dissipation rate of turbulence

The modelling of anisotropies in the dissipation rate of turbulence is considered based on an analysis of the exact transport equation for the dissipation rate tensor. An algebraic model is systematically derived using integrity bases methods and tensor symmetry properties. The new model differs notably from all previously proposed models in that it depends nonlinearly on the mean velocity gradients. This gives rise to a transport equation for the scalar dissipation rate that is of the same general form as the commonly used model with one major exception: the coefficient of the production term is dependent on the invariants of both the rotational and irrotational strain rates. The relationship between the new model and other recently proposed models is examined in detail. Some basic tests and applications of the model are also provided along with a discussion of the implications for turbulence modelling.
Entropy and the Ehrenfest urn model

Synopsis This note concerns the entropy of the Ehrenfest urn model. Both Boltzmann and Gibbs entropies are discussed. It is shown that they agree at equilibrium. The Boltzmann entropy shows fluctuations in time while the Gibbs entropy is proved to increase monotonically to its maximum (equilibrium) value. The concepts of equilibrium associated with the two points of view are compared.
An Efficient and Accurate Approach for Characterizing Non-Linear Capacitance in MESFET/HEMT Devices

This paper presents an accurate and efficient approach of characterizing the non-linear capacitance in MESFET/HEMT devices. This approach utilizes a feed-forward neural network program using the back-propagation method with the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm implemented. Using the LM algorithm provides accurate modeling of the non-linear capacitance with minimal training time. This approach is truly independent of device process and technology, and can therefore be applicable to FET devices from SiC, GaN, MOSFETs to GaAs and InP HEMTs. Excellent agreement is also observed between the novel approach and measured results.
A Test of the Linguistic Relativism in Accounting

A selected set of accounting concepts was subjected to analysis using multidimensional scaling techniques to evaluate the intergroup perceptual differences between users of four various language groups, unilingual French, unilingual English, bi-lingual English and bi-lingual French groups. The linguistic relativism paradigm in accounting was used to justify the possible lack of consensus on the meaning of accounting concepts. The INDSCAL model applied to the matrix of similarity judgments enabled the identification of three dimensions and subjects' saliences. An analysis of variance applied to the individual saliences allowed the verification of the linguistic relativism paradigm for both the disjunctive and relational dimensions. Rival hypotheses were rejected. Basically, individuals from different language groups have a different perception of the same accounting concepts. Each linguistic group seems to develop its own “accounting language and repertoire.'' Resume Un ensemble choisi de concepts comptables a ete analyse a l'aide de techniques de mesure multidimensionnelles, afin d'evaluer les differences de comprehension qui leur est attribuee par les groupes linguistiques suivants: unilingue francais, unilingue anglais, bilingue francais et bilingue anglais. On a eu recours en paradigme de la relativite linguistique afin d'expliquer d'eventuelles differences de signification des vocables de la comptabilite. Le modele INDSCAL, applique a la matrice de la similarite des jugements, a permis d'isoler trois dimensions, ainsi que les termes principaux des definitions adoptees par les sujets de l'experience. Une analyse de variance appliquee a ces definitions individuelles a permis de verifier le paradigme de la relativite linguistique sur deux dimensions. Les hypotheses rivales ont ete rejetees. En fin de compte, les membres de groupes linguistiques differents attribuent des comprehensions differentes aux měmes termes comptables. Chacun des groupes semble utiliser un langage et un repertoire comptables qui lui sont propres.
Purification, properties and temperature dependence of the adenosine deaminase from a poikilotherm (bay scallop).

Abstract The adenosine deaminase of the digestive diverticulum of the bay scallop was purified and electrophoresis of the purified enzyme yielded a single enzymatically active band at several different pH values. A molecular weight of 130,000 was estimated using gel filtration and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The enzyme had spectral properties typical of simple proteins and its isoelectric point proved to be 4.8. The scallop enzyme was stable at room temperature from pH 5.0 to 7.0, and in this range it was exceptionally resistant to heat inactivation. The effect of the substrate, adenosine, on the reaction velocity was followed over a 10,000-fold concentration range, and no deviation from Michaelis-Menten kinetics was observed. The following rate equation applies to the enzyme: 1 ^v = ( 1 α[ S ] ) + ( 1 β ) . The effect of pH on the reaction, using adenosine as the substrate, was studied; and it was found that pH had a much greater effect on the α parameter of the rate equation than on the β parameter and that pH had little effect on the apparent activation energy of either parameter. The apparent activation energy of the β parameter was 12.2 kcal with adenosine as the substrate, while the apparent activation energy of the α parameter was zero. The α parameter of the rate equation, using other substrates, was also insensitive to temperature.
Oxidizing Power of the Surface of Attapulgite Clay

It has been demonstrated that ferric iron is the principal source of the oxidizing action of the surface of attapulgite clay. The extent of oxidizing action in a given time (the oxidizing power) has been determined as a function of the temperature of calcination of the clay in the range 100–900°C. The oxidizing power was measured with TiCl3 in aqueous acid medium by direct titration of the clay in situ and by titration of extracts of the clay. The dissolution of the metallic cations of the clay was also studied in the same medium. The results have been correlated with structural changes caused by the calcination of attapulgite.
Correlation and prediction of jet noise

Measurements of subsonic jet noise made on a model jet rig in the anechoic chamber ofthe National Gas Turbine Establishment are presented. Jet noise spectra for three nozzles of diameters 2·84, 2·4 and 1·52 inches have been obtained. Considerable care has been taken to ensure that unwanted noise from sources such as valves and ducting upstream of the nozzle are insignificant compared with the jet mixing noise. Attempts have then been made to collapse all the data points obtained on to one curveThis is done first of all by normalizing the 1/3 octave and overall sound pressure levels for the theoretical parameters obtained from Lighthill's theory. Empirical schemes are then presented to collapse the data for all the angles and the frequencies. The prediction schemes for 1/3 octave SPL, PWL and OASPL and OAPWL are considered. The schemes presented predict noise accurately for cold and clean jets.
IVC filters may prevent fatal pulmonary embolism in musculoskeletal tumor surgery.

To determine whether inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement protects patients with musculoskeletal tumors from fatal pulmonary embolisms (PE), we retrospectively analyzed the records of 81 patients who underwent surgery for pelvic and lower extremity malignancies. All 81 patients received an IVC filter and mechanical compression for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, but no pharmacologic anticoagulation. Duplex imaging was performed before hospital discharge and when clinical suspicion of DVT arose. Seventy-six of the 81 (94%) patients were followed at least 3 months (mean, 21.3 months; range, 3–77 months) postoperatively. We reviewed the perioperative medical records and office visit notes to determine the rate of clinically evident DVT, symptomatic PE, wound complications, and IVC filter-related complications. DVT and PE incidences in the early postoperative period (< 30 days) were 21% (17 of 81) and 2% (two of 81), respectively. There were no known deaths from PE. Patients undergoing reconstruction surgery (n = 41) were more likely to have early DVT develop after definitive tumor surgery. Patient age, tumor type or histology, anatomic location, presence of pathologic fracture, or development of wound complications did not correlate with an increased DVT rate. Two (3%) patients had late DVT, and none had a late PE. Combining an IVC filter with mechanical limb compression prevented fatal PE in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery for malignancies of the pelvis and lower extremity and is a reasonable form of thromboembolic prophylaxis specific for this patient population. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Changes in Territorial Defense Produced By Changes in Circulating Levels of Testosterone: a Possible Hormonal Basis for Mate-Guarding Behavior in White-Crowned Sparrows

Circulating levels of testosterone in male white-crowned sparrows increase when their mates are sexually receptive. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that this increase in circulating levels of testosterone results in an increase in the intensity of male territorial defense. The first experiment demonstrated that males with sexually receptive females are more aggressive than males with nonreceptive females under laboratory conditions. The second experiment, conducted in the field, confirmed the laboratory finding and also demonstrated that experimental elevation of plasma levels of testosterone results in increased territorial defense. Thus, male territorial behavior in white-crowned sparrows appears to be regulated by changes in circulating levels of testosterone. The fact that this results in males being most aggressive when their mates are sexually receptive suggests that this response functions as mate-guarding behavior.
Seroprevalence of Psoroptes sp. mites in free-ranging elk (Cervus elaphus) as determined by kinetic ELISA.

Western blots and a kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to characterize and quantify the prevalence of antibodies to Psoroptes sp. mites in elk (Cervus elaphus) from nine herds in North America. Sera from infested (n =18) and non-infested (n = 22) elk were used to optimize test methodology and to define cut-off values for negative, suspect, and positive samples. Among 357 samples, 35 (9.8%) of the animals were seropositive, 259 (73%) were negative, and 63 (18%) were suspect. Six of nine herds (67%) contained positive animals and two additional herds (22%) had suspect animals. Sex was not associated with prevalence of antibodies, but adults greater than 2 yr old were approximately five times more likely (95% confidence interval = 2.6–15.4) to be seropositive than calves. Based on these results, we propose that exposure to Psoroptes sp. mites may be widespread in free-ranging elk of North America.
Messiahs or mercenaries? The future of international private military services

(2000). Messiahs or mercenaries? The future of international private military services. International Peacekeeping: Vol. 7, Managing Armed Conflicts in the 21st Century, pp. 129-144.
Strategic value planning for libraries

Purpose – Strategic plans are developed and executed by businesses in order to chart a course toward an idealized future destination for the organization. Normally, this means aspiring to become an industry leader or niche holder by increasing market share, developing customer loyalty, penetrating new markets or some other defined goal that is ultimately premised on growth in revenue attainment. Because of the competitive nature of business and the environmental changes that have occurred and continue to occur at an increasing rate, marketing has become a key functional area within most enterprises' strategic plans. Today's strategies require the development of plans that embrace customer engagement in an effort to increase revenue. As such, marketing is fast becoming a critical functional area surrounding the development and execution of a strategic plan. Examining marketing's role in strategic planning, as well as the critical thought work conducted by marketing and sales personnel as they influence org...
A Paley-Wiener Theorem for All Two- and Three-Step Nilpotent Lie Groups

Abstract A Paley-Wiener theorem for all connected, simply-connected two- and three-step nilpotent Lie groups is proved. If f ∈ L ∞ c ( G ), where G is a connected, simply-connected two- or three-step nilpotent Lie group such that the operator-valued Fourier transform φ(π) = 0 for all π in E , a subset of Ĝ of positive Plancherel measure, then it is shown that f = 0 a.e. on G . The proof uses representation-theoretic methods from Kirillov theory for nilpotent Lie groups and an integral formula for the operator-valued Fourier transform φ(π).
Quantitation of absolute flow in coronary artery bypass grafts using digital subtraction angiography.

Abstract Coronary angiography defines the location and size of obstructive lesions, but does not assess their physiological significance. To assess a new method to measure the blood-flow waveform, reversed saphenous vein grafts from the left subclavian artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery were placed in five mongrel dogs. Contrast material was injected selectively into the vein graft while obtaining fluoroscopic images from AP and 45° LAO projections. Blood flow was measured under baseline, low-flow, and hyperemic conditions using an electromagnetic flow probe (EM). Seventeen radiographic determinations of mean blood flow (range 18–130 ml/min) were linearly correlated to simultaneous EM measurements ( r = 0.91 and 0.88, respectively). Contrast material injections changed EM flow measurements by an average of 35%, which though large, is less than with other radiographic methods. The computed blood-flow waveforms had a time resolution of 1 30 sec and were in good agreement with EM waveforms measured simultaneously. Clinical application of this radiographic method for determining the blood-flow waveform may allow early prediction of coronary artery bypass graft closure.
Viewing perspective in energetic neutral atom intensity

[1] Through interspacecraft comparison of energetic neutral oxygen (ENO) intensity from two different vantage points provided by IMAGE and Geotail, Lui et al. (2005) showed that viewing perspective plays a very important role in the observed ENO intensity level during a magnetic storm period. Motivated by the findings of Lui et al. (2005), we investigate how viewing perspective influences energetic neutral atom emissions from a modeling perspective. The main results of this paper are that (1) our simulation results, based upon O+ ion fluxes from the Comprehensive Ring Current Model and the subsequent ENO calculation, reproduce the total differential ENO intensity obtained from two spacecraft to a reasonable degree and (2) further analysis of our results indicates that pitch angle anisotropy in ring current ion flux, a crucial physical quantity in ring current dynamics, is one major contributor to the difference in energetic neutral atom intensity from different viewing perspectives.
Acid-mediated regioselective alkylation of 1,2,3-triazole

1,2,3-Triazole reacts with isopropyl alcohol in concentrated sulfuric acid to yield 1-isopropyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole as the only reaction product.
Maternal cell contamination in cultured chorionic villi: comparison of chromosome Q-polymorphisms derived from villi, fetal skin, and maternal lymphocytes.

Maternal cell contamination of chorionic villi (CV) samples used for first trimester prenatal diagnosis can cause obvious and/or unrecognized diagnostic dilemmas. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the frequency of maternal cell contamination (MCC) in chorionic villus samples and to evaluate selected parameters which might predict where contamination is more likely to have occurred. Maternal lymphocytes, chorionic villi from ultrasonically directed transcervical catheter aspiration, and fetal tissue were obtained at 8–11 weeks gestation from 45 patients undergoing elective termination. Quinacrine (Q) banded metaphases were compared from duplicate direct preparations of chorionic villi; cultured chorionic villi, fetal fibroblast tissue cultures, and maternal lymphocyte cultures. Q-polymorphisms in metaphase chromosomes were 100 per cent concordant between fetal tissue and direct CV preparation. However, evidence for maternal cell contamination occurred in 13.1 per cent of cultured chorionic villi preparations where polymorphisms were found to be identical between maternal and cultured CV and both distinct from fetal tissue preparations. Where MCC was identified, it was noted that CV cell cultivation interval was prolonged (24.2±6.8 days) compared with non-contaminated cultures (14.1±4.4 days) (p <0.05). We conclude that maternal cell contamination is a significant problem with chorionic villus sampling. Where direct preparations are not employed or when cultures are ‘slow growing’, MCC may be a significant and unrecognized complication re: fetal diagnosis. Direct preparations, multiple cultures, quinacrine banding, and maternal Q-polymorphism comparisons can minimize diagnostic dilemmas secondary to maternal cell contamination. Q-polymorphism comparisons between maternal and fetal chromosomes should be included in all instances where cultured chorionic villi are utilized for fetal diagnosis and where direct preparations are not available.
Integrating Cognitive Strategies into Behavioral Treatment for Abusive Parents and Families with Aggressive Adolescents

In this article we describe cognitive problems that mark two parenting populations, abusive parents and parents of aggressive adolescents. We summarize the research characterizing the nature of these difficulties for both populations in three areas: distorted expectations and attributions, poor cognitive problem-solving capacities and poor anger control and stress management skills. We then describe promising cognitive strategies to address these difficulties. We suggest these strategies will enhance currently available behavioral approaches and address the complex tasks of parenting more fully.
Tetrodotoxin for prolonged local anesthesia with minimal myotoxicity

Conventional local anesthetics such as bupivacaine cause considerable myotoxicity and neurotoxicity, whereas tetrodotoxin (TTX) does not. Tetrodotoxin combined with bupivacaine or vasoconstrictors produces long-duration nerve blockade. To assess whether these prolonged blocks can be produced without increased myotoxicity, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with bupivacaine, TTX, and both, or TTX plus epinephrine. Median durations of thermal nociceptive blockade were, respectively, 188, 401, 882, and 972 min. On dissection 4 days later, all tissues appeared macroscopically pristine. Muscle injury was at most mild to moderate in all animals, and the muscle injury scores for the combination formulations were not higher than for bupivacaine alone. Similarly, in differentiated cells from a myoblast cell line (C2C12), TTX caused either no or minimal worsening of cell viability from bupivacaine at 2 or 7 days. Epinephrine did not worsen TTX's relatively minimal cytotoxicity. Tetrodotoxin may thus be useful in producing prolonged nerve block with minimal myotoxicity and perhaps neurotoxicity.
Five-Year Outcomes after Segmental Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Most studies evaluating the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation report follow-up periods of 1 year to 2 years, but few report long-term results of ≥5 years after ablation. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term efficacy (i.e., >5 years) of segmental antrum pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal AF. Seventy-one patients (60 ± 10 years, 56 men) who underwent PVI for paroxysmal AF from January 1, 2002, to August 31, 2003, were followed for at least 5 years after their index ablation procedure. Five-year outcomes were determined at last clinic visit, by telephone encounters, and by cardiac monitoring when available. After 1 ablation, off antiarrhythmic drugs, 61 patients (86%) were free of symptomatic AF at 12 months, 56 patients (79%) at 24 months, and 40 patients (56%) at 63 ± 5 months. Sixteen patients (22.5%) had AF recur after the second year after ablation. Thirty-one patients underwent ≥1 repeat ablations (1.6 ± 0.9 per patient). After multiple procedures, 58 patients (81%) were free of symptomatic AF off antiarrhythmic drugs at 63 ± 5 months after their initial ablation; however, in 18 of these patients who received multiple ablation procedures, mean duration of follow-up after the last ablation was only 13.5 ± 2.1 months. In conclusion, overall 5-year outcome after PVI for paroxysmal AF is similar to that previously reported for shorter-term follow-up (≤2 years). However, late recurrences >2 years after initial ablation were frequent, and repeat ablation was often required to maintain freedom from symptomatic AF.
Sub-circuits of a gene regulatory network control a developmental epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental cell state change that transforms epithelial to mesenchymal cells during embryonic development, adult tissue repair and cancer metastasis. EMT includes a complex series of intermediate cell state changes including remodeling of the basement membrane, apical constriction, epithelial de-adhesion, directed motility, loss of apical-basal polarity, and acquisition of mesenchymal adhesion and polarity. Transcriptional regulatory state changes must ultimately coordinate the timing and execution of these cell biological processes. A well-characterized gene regulatory network (GRN) in the sea urchin embryo was used to identify the transcription factors that control five distinct cell changes during EMT. Single transcription factors were perturbed and the consequences followed with in vivo time-lapse imaging or immunostaining assays. The data show that five different sub-circuits of the GRN control five distinct cell biological activities, each part of the complex EMT process. Thirteen transcription factors (TFs) expressed specifically in pre-EMT cells were required for EMT. Three TFs highest in the GRN specified and activated EMT (alx1, ets1, tbr) and the 10 TFs downstream of those (tel, erg, hex, tgif, snail, twist, foxn2/3, dri, foxb, foxo) were also required for EMT. No single TF functioned in all five sub-circuits, indicating that there is no EMT master regulator. Instead, the resulting sub-circuit topologies suggest EMT requires multiple simultaneous regulatory mechanisms: forward cascades, parallel inputs and positive-feedback lock downs. The interconnected and overlapping nature of the sub-circuits provides one explanation for the seamless orchestration by the embryo of cell state changes leading to successful EMT.
Impacts of Student Categorization of Their Online Discussion Contributions

This study examined the impacts of online graduate students categorizing their online discussion contributions according to an instructor's criteria. Student messages before and after this categorizing activity were unitized by terminal punctuation; classified for function, skill, and level; and analyzed based on Henri and Rigault's (1996) content analysis framework. There was an unexpected decrease in the quantity of messages following the treatment. Even more surprising was the decrease in four quality measures of cognitive dialogue: percentage cognitive unit among four functions, percentage inference and percentage analysis or elaboration (or in-depth clarification) among five cognitive skills, and percentage high-level processing. This treatment seems to have inhibited cognitive dialogue, although qualitative data suggested that there may have been some advantages for some students.
Quasistatic and dynamic regimes of granular material deformation under impulse loading

Abstract A two-dimensional computer code, using a multi-material Eulerian finite element formulation, was used to investigate the dynamic micromechanical behavior of granular material. The main results are: The strain-rate insensitive material model provides the correct increase in the dissipated energy with an increase of shock pressure; An increase in the initial porosity or the pressure results in the transition from the quasistatic to the dynamic regime of particle deformation, which can be characterized by the intensive localized plastic flow on the particles' interfaces. A new space scale is introduced into the system—the width of localized plastic flow; The macro and micro-scale responses of the granular material do not depend on the particle size for a rate independent material model; The energy of the shock wave compression at high pressures cannot be completely dissipated during the pore collapse at the shock front; The transition pressure from the quasistatic to the dynamic deformation regime does not depend on the density of the solid material for a given porosity with the other material properties fixed; A well developed dynamic regime correlates with a critical value of the microkinetic energy, which is comparable to the geometrically necessary energy for complete pore collapse. The results of computer calculations are in qualitative agreement with the experiments.
Rapid narcotic detoxification in chronic pain patients treated with auricular electroacupuncture and naloxone.

Severe withdrawal signs which accompany the detoxification of narcotic addicts from opiate drugs are also a serious problem for chronic pain patients taking high levels of analgesic medications. A rapid narcotic detoxification procedure utilizing auricular electroacupuncture was applied to 14 chronic pain patients to be withdrawn from their opiate medications. All patients were first switched to oral methadone. They were then given bilateral electrical stimulation to needles inserted in the “lung” and “shen men” acupuncture points on the ear, followed by periodic intravenous injections of low doses of naloxone. Twelve of the patients, 85.7%, were completely withdrawn from narcotic medications within 2-7 days, and they experienced no to minimal side effects. These results are explained by the relationship of electroacupuncture to the release of endorphins.
Protracted Upregulation of Leptin and IGF1 is Associated with Activation of PI3K/Akt and JAK2 Pathway in Mouse Intestine after Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Ionizing radiation is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies including cancer. Hormones and related signaling crosstalk, which could contribute to radiation-induced persistent pathophysiologic changes in the small intestine and colon, remain to be explored. The current study assessed perturbation of GI homeostasis-related hormones and signaling pathways at the systemic as well as at the tissue level in small intestine and colon. Mice (6-8 week old C57BL/6J) were exposed to 2 Gy γ radiation, serum and tissue samples were collected, and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin signaling were assessed two or twelve months after radiation exposure. Serum levels of IGF-1, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), leptin, and adiponectin were altered at these times after irradiation. Radiation was associated with increased IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and obesity (leptin) receptor (Ob-R), decreased adiponectin receptor 1 (Adipo-R1) and 2 (Adipo-R2), and increased Ki-67 levels in small intestine and colon at both time points. Immunoblot analysis further showed increased IGF1R and Ob-R, and decreased Adipo-R2. Additionally, upregulation of PI3K/Akt and JAK2 signaling, which are downstream of IGF1 and leptin, was also observed in irradiated samples at both time points. These results when considered along with increased cell proliferation in the small intestine and colon demonstrate for the first time that ionizing radiation can persistently increase IGF1 and leptin and activate downstream proliferative pathways, which may contribute to GI functional alterations and carcinogenesis.
Thyroid and parathyroid operations in veterans affairs and selected university medical centers: results of the patient safety in surgery study

Background There is increasing interest in surgical outcomes. The Patient Safety in Surgery (PSS) Study database was examined about thyroid and parathyroid procedures to determine risk factors for adverse outcomes and outcomes rates. Relative outcomes performance for the Veterans Affairs (VA) and private-sector populations was compared after risk adjustment. Study Design Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were analyzed for 7,082 patients: 2,814 VA patients and 4,268 private sector patients. Prevalence of risk or process factors was described. Occurrence rates and unadjusted odds ratios (OR) for adverse outcomes were calculated. Stepwise multiple logistic regressions were performed to model the impact of various factors on outcomes and to calculate the adjusted OR for any adverse event for the VA population compared with the private sector. Results Overall mortality rate was 0.35% and 0.60% in the VA and 0.19% in the private sector. Overall rate of any adverse outcomes was 2.90% and 4.48% in the VA and 1.97% in the private sector. Adjusted OR for thyroid versus parathyroid operation was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.67−1.31). Adjusted OR for operation in the VA versus private sector was 1.25 (95% CI, 0.87−1.78). Conclusions Overall rates of mortality and any morbidity were low and consistent with previous reports. Based on adjusted OR, there was no significant difference in outcomes for thyroid versus parathyroid operation. Similarly, there was no apparent significant difference in surgical outcomes between the VA and private-sector groups after risk adjustment.
Enhanced virus removal by flocculation and microfiltration

In this work we have investigated the feasibility of virus clearance by flocculation and tangential flow microfiltration. Chinese hamster ovary cell feed streams were spiked with minute virus of mice and then flocculated using cationic polyelectrolytes prior to tangential flow microfiltration. Our results indicate that flocculation prior to microfiltration leads to more than 100 fold clearance of minute virus of mice particles in the permeate. Today, validation of virus clearance is a major concern in the manufacture of biopharmaceutical products. Frequently new unit operations are added simply to validate virus clearance thus increasing the manufacturing cost. The results obtained here suggest that virus clearance can be obtained during tangential flow microfiltration. Since tangential flow microfiltration is frequently used for bioreactor harvesting this could be a low cost method to validate virus clearance.
Communication Effects on Small Group Decision-Making: Homogeneity and Task as Moderators of the Communication-Performance Relationship.

The present investigation attempts to discern the circumstances under which communication variables contribute significantly to the constitution of group decisions. Two variables, homogeneity of task‐relevant information possessed by group members and task demonstrability, are postulated to moderate the impact of communication and group member ability on the quality of group outcomes. The findings indicate that the conditions under which communication and group member ability might make a difference vary, suggesting that the mediating factors may be homogeneity and task.
SOX2 Modulates Reprogramming of Gene Expression in Two-Cell Mouse Embryos

Sox2 is a key gene that controls transcriptional networks required for pluripotency. The role of Sox2 in the developmental transition of a highly differentiated oocyte to totipotent blastomeres of the early preimplantation embryo, however, is not known. We report that Sox2, which is localized in the nucleus, is first zygotically expressed during the 2-cell stage and that its expression dramatically increases between the morula and blastocyst stages. Injecting a cRNA encoding Sox2 into 1-cell embryos resulted in overexpression of SOX2 by approximately 70% and developmental arrest at the 2-cell stage, whereas injecting cRNAs encoding Pou5f1, Myc (also known as c-Myc), or Klf4 has little effect on the ability of 2-cell embryos to cleave to the 4-cell stage. Global transcription assessed by bromo uridine triphosphate incorporation is reduced by approximately 15%, and transcript profiling revealed that approximately 15% of zygotically expressed genes are dramatically repressed in 2-cell embryos overexpressing SOX2. Furthermore, overexpressing a dominant-negative SOX2 perturbs reprogramming of gene expression in 2-cell embryos, though to a much lesser extent than that observed following overexpression of SOX2, and leads to developmental failure after the 2-cell stage but before the 8-cell stage. Results of these experiments implicate Sox2 as a critical transcriptional regulator in the oocyte-to-embryo transition that entails formation of totipotent blastomeres and indicate that the amount of Sox2 is critical for successful execution of this transition.
Biennial Characteristics of Indian Monsoon Rainfall

Abstract Basic diagnoses of summertime all-India rainfall (AIR) are conducted in an effort to evaluate the hypothesis that asserts the biennial alternation between successive strong and weak Indian monsoon summer seasons. The associations between subsets of the 10, 20, and 30 strongest and weakest monsoon seasons from 1871 to 2001, the mean rainfall in the summer seasons that precede and follow them, and the frequency with which the seasons are preceded or followed by strong (+10%)/weak (−10%) or surplus (above normal)/deficient (below normal) summer monsoon rainfall are assessed. The relationships are also stratified by the presence or absence of anomalous El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions. Spectral and spatial comparisons between the monsoon's bienniality and ENSO teleconnection are then conducted using Indian district rainfall and wavelet decomposition. For the strongest monsoon seasons, statistically significant associations with the preceding summer rains are found that are consistent wi...
Comparison of Thermodynamic Retrieval by the Adjoint Method with the Traditional Retrieval Method

Abstract The adjoint technique for retrieval of the thermodynamic fields is compared with the traditional technique of Gal-Chen and Hane. The comparison is performed using both Doppler radar observations and simulated data. The real dataset is a gust-front case observed during the Phoenix II experiment. The simulated data are from a numerical experiment of a collapsing cold pool. In the simulated data study, we assume that observations of the horizontal velocity are available, either from a dual-Doppler synthesis or from a single-Doppler retrieval. Tests are performed on data that have been degraded in various ways to replicate real data. These tests include the sensitivity to the temporal sampling frequency, random error, spatially correlated error, and divergent/rotational error in the forcing terms. In most of the cases examined, it is found that the adjoint method is able to retrieve the buoyancy field more accurately than the traditional technique.
Strategic Alliances In The Financial Services And Chemical Industries

The penetration and practice of strategic alliances and Total Quality Management in a goods industry (Chemical Industry) was compared to that for a service industry (Financial Services). The ingoing hypothesis that the Financial Services Industry and the Chemical Industry were similar as it relates to strategic alliances and TQM, based on the longevity of these concepts, was not fully supported. Clear industry similarities and differences were noted. For example, the penetration of TQM and strategic alliances was deeper in the Chemical Industry. This is thought to be the result of the earlier application of TQM and strategic alliances in goods industries. Company size, as measured by revenue, did not affect whether small or medium sized companies in either industry practiced TQM, engaged in strategic alliances or the number of strategic alliances that each had. The proportion of strategic alliance practitioners who also practiced TQM was statistically similar for both industries. Importantly, a high, and similar, proportion of strategic alliance participants in both industries achieved business growth. While those practitioners did achieve a reduction of the numbers of suppliers there is significant room for improvement in both industries. Strategic alliance performance met or exceeded expectations and alliance costs were on or below forecasts in both industries but the result was significantly better for the Financial Services industry in both instances. The lower outcomes for the Chemical Industry are most likely rooted in negative aspects of relationships with strategic alliance partners as suggested by the top 5 advantages and top 5 disadvantages responses. Significantly, a high proportion of strategic alliances will continue with most of these being with the current partner and a few with new partners. The Financial Services Industry outperforms the Chemical Industry on this measure. It is recommended that firms in the Financial Services Industry closely examine the benefits that strategic alliances can yield, and then conduct pilot tests. On the other hand, firms in the Chemical Industry need to improve their relationships with potential partners in order to maximize the outcome of strategic alliances .
Technical Issues Associated with the Connection of Nuclear Power Plants to the National Electricity Transmission System via High-Voltage Direct Current Technology

This article highlights some of the key technical issues associated with the connection of large modern nuclear power plants (NPPs) to the national electricity transmission system via high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. The importance of the electricity system for such a connection is described. The need for reliable and secure supplies from the electricity grid to power the safety systems of the NPP is also discussed. Simulations carried out on the power system computer-aided design have highlighted the susceptibility of HVDC current source converter technology to commutation failure under a three-phase fault condition at the inverter when connected to a weak ac system. The work has also demonstrated the fault ride through the capability of the voltage source converter technology for the same scenario.