cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and performance of an instrument for soft landing of biomolecular ions on surfaces.

A new ion deposition apparatus was designed and constructed in our laboratory. Our research objectives were to investigate interactions of biomolecules with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces and to carry out exploratory experiments aimed at highly selective deposition of spatially defined and uniquely selected biological molecules on surfaces. The apparatus includes a high-transmission electrospray ion source, a quadrupole mass filter, a bending quadrupole that deflects the ion beam and prevents neutral molecules originating in the ion source from impacting the surface, an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber for ion deposition by soft landing, and a vacuum lock system for introducing surfaces into the UHV chamber without breaking vacuum. Ex situ analysis of surfaces following soft landing of mass-selected peptide ions was performed using 15 keV Ga+ time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and grazing incidence infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy. It is shown that these two techniques are highl...
460 TEMPORAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DTP VACCINATION AND SIDS

Because DTP, a reactogenic vaccine, is routinely given at two, four and six months of age, the period of highest incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), this study was undertaken to determine if there is a temporal association between DTP immunization and SIDS. Parents of 145 SIDS victims who died in Los Angeles County between January 1, 1979 and August 23, 1980 were contacted and interviewed regarding their child's recent immunization and physician visit history. Fifty-three infants had received a DTP immunization; 27 had been immunized within 28 days of death. Six deaths occurred within 24 hours, 17 within 1 week and 23 within 2 weeks of immunization. Deaths were significantly more frequent than expected within 24 hours and 7 days of DTP immunization. Forty-six infants had a physician visit with no DTP immunization prior to death; 40 were seen within 28 days of death. Four deaths occurred within 24 hours, 22 within 1 week and 36 within 2 weeks of this visit. Deaths were significantly more frequent than expected during the first and second weeks post-physician visit when no DTP was given. These data suggest that there may be a temporal association between both DTP immunization, and physician visits without DTP immunization, and SIDS.
Migraine-Related Symptoms in Childhood

Periodic disorders of childhood often represent precursors of migraine. As we advance our knowledge of migraine and its complicated phenotypic presentation in childhood, we have noted the similarities in overlapping symptoms of children presenting with childhood periodic syndromes. There is often a positive family history of migraine in children that present with periodic syndromes. There is a known transformation of periodic syndromes from childhood into adult migraine with and without aura phenotype. There has been an evolution of our understanding of what was initially referred to as periodic symptoms of childhood and more recently been called childhood periodic syndromes and is now evolving into the terminology of episodic symptoms that are associated with migraine. International classification of headache disorders has been instrumental in the evolution of the classification of headache and children adults. The most recent classification utilizes and replaces the periodic symptom terminology with episodic symptoms that will no longer be limited to just childhood. This article will address the evolution of our understanding of the diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology and management of the episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine.
Life-cycle inventory analysis of concrete production: A critical review

Abstract Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials with a global consumption rate approaching 25 gigatonnes per year. Consequentially, its environmental burden is significant in terms of resource use and environmental emissions. There is a diverse audience of decision makers and manufacturers who are interested in understanding and lowering the environmental impact of concrete and other buildings materials, which requires a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. A critical first step in any LCA is the compilation of a credible life-cycle inventory (LCI), upon which subsequent life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) can be based. This article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of concrete LCIs to date, and offers a research roadmap to improve the quality of future cement and concrete LCIs and meet the needs of major LCA users.
Paleogene calcareous nannofossil magnetobiochronology: Results from South Atlantic DSDP Site 516

Abstract The detailed study of an expanded Paleogene section with abundant, moderate to well preserved calcareous nannofossils from South Atlantic DSDP Site 516 has resulted in a precise correlation of most calcareous nannofossil markers with the magnetostratigraphy. Many nontraditional datums have also been documented and correlated to the magnetostratigraphy. Comparison of the results from Site 516 with those of previous studies from other areas enables a critical evaluation of the accuracy, synchroneity or diachroneity of the species events over geographically long distances. Of special significance is the correlation for the first time of the stratigraphic ranges of Chiasmolithus gigas and Rhabdosphaera gladius with the magnetostratigraphy. Other important results include the following: first occurrence (FO) of Cruciplacolithus primus , 66.3 Ma; FO Chiasmolithus danicus , 65.6–66.0 Ma; FO Prinsius martinii , 65.5–66.0 Ma; FO Heliolithus kleinpellii , 59.8–61.6 Ma (probably diachronous); last occurrence (LO) of Tribrachiatus orthostylus , 51.0–54.8 Ma (unreliable); FO Chiasmolithus gigas , 47.4 Ma; FO Reticulofenestra umbilica , 44.6 Ma; LO Chiasmolithus gigas , 44.4–46.8 Ma (diachronous); LO Nannotetrina fulgens , 44.2 Ma; LO Chiasmolithus grandis , 40.0–41.6 Ma (probably diachronous); FO Chiasmolithus oamaruensis , 39.8–40.4 Ma (unreliable); FO Isthmolithus recurvus , 39.5 Ma; LO Reticulofenestra reticulata , 37.6 Ma; LO Discoaster saipanensis , 36.4 Ma; end acme of Ericsonia subdisticha , diachronous; FO and LO Sphenolithus distentus , unreliable; and LO Reticulofenestra bisecta , 24.0 Ma.
Determination of Anisotropic Solute Diffusivity in Human Lumbar Annulus Fibrosus by a Video-FRAP Method

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest avascular structure in the human body, consisting of the nucleus pulposus (NP) surrounded by the annulus fibrosus (AF), see Figure 1. Cellular nutrition occurs mainly by diffusion from the vascular network surrounding the disc [1]. Poor nutritional supply is believed to be one of the causes for disc degeneration [2–4]. Thus, it is important to investigate solute transport in IVD for understanding the etiology of IVD degeneration.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Efficient Oblivious Branching Programs for Threshold and Mod Functions

In his survey paper on branching programs, Razborov asked the following question: Does every rectifier-switching network computing the majority ofnbits have sizen1+?(1)? We answer this question in the negative by constructing a simple oblivious branching program of sizeOnlog3n/loglognlogloglogn for computing any threshold function. This improves the previously best known upper bound ofO(n3/2) due to Lupanov. We also construct oblivious branching programs of sizeo(nlog4n) for computing general mod functions. All previously known constructions for computing general mod functions have size?(n3/2).
Modularly complemented geometric lattices

A geometric lattice L is strongly uniform if the quotients [x"1, 1] and [x"2, 1] are isomorphic for all x"1, x"[email protected] of the same rank. It is shown that if L is a simple geometric lattice in which each element has a modular complement then L is strongly uniform.
“Takin’ It to the Web”: Updating Operations Manuals for Today's Techno-Realities

This article describes the process of revamping an existing operations manual for the interlibrary loan department at a small, private liberal arts college. It documents how staff met their goals of integrating traditional reference materials and training information, utilizing Web-based tools for content creation and delivery, consolidating assessment and evaluation mechanisms, and facilitating updating of content. By incorporating theories of blended learning into the design of the new resource, supervisors were able to shift their existing documentation from 2D to 2.0. Strategies for implementing an interactive training resource and operations manual are provided.
Generation of various amino acids mutants in the trpR gene of Escherichia coli by site-directed mutagenesis

Tryptophan repressor (trpR) gene lacks various amino acid codons. To establish these codons in the trpR gene, we created the mutants by site-directed mutagenesis in the trpR gene of pHK1 plasmid. The interested regions of trpR gene were amplified, cloned in pT7-5 plasmid and transformed in to the cells harboring pGP1-2 plasmid. These plasmid products were labeled with (35)S Met, and following sequencing we observed the presence of mutants for cysteine, glycine, serine and lysine in the trpR gene of E. coli. Therefore, using these approach mutants in various genes of E. coli could be established and used as a tool to study translational bypassing in trpR gene of E. coli.
Gas chromatographic determination of urinary excretion of testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione in pre-adolescent and adolescent children.

Urinary excretion levels of testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione were measured in 32 pre-adolescent and adolescent boys, ages 6.2–19.0 yr, using gas chromatography. Testosterone was detected (range 3.1 to 10.9 μg/24 hr) in 100% of the samples assayed between ages 6.2 to 13.2 yr. Epitestosterone was found (range 0 to 7.3 μg/24 hr) in 64% of the specimens of the same age group. Androstenedione was detected (range 0 to 3.8 μg/24 hr) in 15% of the samples. Following age 13.2 yr there was a steep rise in testosterone excretion levels. Epitestosterone also increased with chronological age. Androstenedione began to rise gradually at age 13.4 yr with a significant increase at age 14.6 yr. When a stage of pubertal development (I–V) was assigned to each male and compared with androgen excretion it was observed that boys with advanced sexual maturation excreted more testosterone irrespective of chronological age. Mean urinary testosterone levels in Stages I–V were 6.1 ± 0.9, 11.9 ± 3.5, 68.5 ± 46.6, 11...
D-D fusion induced by oxygen clusters impacting deuterated ice targets.

Deuterated ice targets were bombarded by oxygen clusters at incident energies of 115 and 172.5 keV per oxygen atom. The fusion yields were measured by detecting the 3-MeV protons from the D(D,[ital p])[sup 3]H channel. Comparisons of the fusion yields from clusters with those from single atoms at the same energy per oxygen atom show no evidence of collective enhancement, in disagreement with a recent report [Bae, Beuhler, Chu, Friedlander, and Friedman, Phys. Rev. A 48, 4461 (1993)].
Fractionation and functional analysis of newly synthesized and decaying messenger RNAs from vegetative cells of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract We have used thermal elution from poly(U)-Sepharose to separate RNA from Dictyostelium discoideum into several fractions which differ in their respective poly(A) sizes. We have shown that most newly synthesized poly(A)-containing RNA from vegetative cells of this organism contains long poly(A) tracts which shorten with age, and that these new transcripts can be purified at least tenfold, and perhaps as much as 60-fold, from other cellular messenger RNAs by this technique. We have isolated newly synthesized mRNA and mRNAs of different poly(A) contents and analyzed their translation activities and translation products using mRNA-dependent wheat germ and reticulocyte lysates and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Our results demonstrate that translatable RNAs are not distributed equally amongst RNAs of different poly(A) contents; some appear to be relatively more abundant in newly synthesized mRNA than in RNAs containing shorter poly(A) tracts, while, others appear to be less abundant. A comparison of the translation products of newly synthesized poly(A)-containing RNA with those of other RNA fractions has led us to suggest that mRNA synthesis is pre-eminent in establishing the frequency distribution of mRNAs in vegetative cells of this organism, and that additional minor adjustments are made by differential stabilities. We also have shown that poly(A)-minus RNA from vegetative cells of this organism codes for only a small number of major proteins. Since shortening of poly(A) with age is a common occurrence in cells of higher organisms, thermal elution from poly(U)-Sepharose could be a generally applicable technique to use for enriching for mRNAs induced by alterations in developmental or metabolic states as well as for studying eukaryotic mRNA metabolism.
Use of an insulin pen by homeless patients with diabetes mellitus

Purpose To assess the impact of an insulin delivery system, the NovoPen®, on diabetes treatment for the homeless. Data Sources Homeless patients (n=23) with diabetes and using insulin were identified from a registry of patients with diabetes maintained at the Homeless Outreach Medical Services clinical sites. Baseline evaluations included glycosylat-ed hemoglobin (HbAlc) measurements and a questionnaire about the patient's current treatment practices. Patients were instructed in the use of the NovoPen(r); HbAlc measurements and questionnaires were repeated after 3 and 6 months of participation. Conclusions Reductions of HbAlc were observed at 3 and 6 months. The authors concluded that use of the pen improved patient compliance and thus glycemic control. Implications for Practice Patients had improved quality of life after using the pen to administer insulin. Nurse practitioners should recognize quality of life issues when treating patients with chronic diseases. Nurse practitioners who care for homeless diabetes patients can promote better care for this population by educating homeless shelter staff about diabetes and its management.
The effects of fetal exchange transfusion with a red blood cell substitute.

Abstract Isovolemic exchange transfusion in the fetal lamb in utero was performed with the use of Fluosol-DA (20%), a perfluorochemical erythrocyte substitute. With maternal hyperoxygenation, a physiologic Po 2 was maintained in the fetal lambs, although the total fetal oxygen content decreased as the hematocrit dropped. Because of the oxygen-carrying properties of the perfluorochemical emulsion, the fraction of fetal oxygen carried in the dissolved state increased significantly when compared with that in controls that received saline solution.
In silico predicted structural and functional robustness of piscine steroidogenesis.

Abstract Assessments of metabolic robustness or susceptibility are inherently dependent on quantitative descriptions of network structure and associated function. In this paper a stoichiometric model of piscine steroidogenesis was constructed and constrained with productions of selected steroid hormones. Structural and flux metrics of this in silico model were quantified by calculating extreme pathways and optimal flux distributions (using linear programming). Extreme pathway analysis showed progestin and corticosteroid synthesis reactions to be highly participant in extreme pathways. Furthermore, reaction participation in extreme pathways also fitted a power law distribution (degree exponent γ=2.3), which suggested that progestin and corticosteroid reactions act as ‘hubs’ capable of generating other functionally relevant pathways required to maintain steady-state functionality of the network. Analysis of cofactor usage (O2 and NADPH) showed progestin synthesis reactions to exhibit high robustness, whereas estrogen productions showed highest energetic demands with low associated robustness to maintain such demands. Linear programming calculated optimal flux distributions showed high heterogeneity of flux values with a near-random power law distribution (degree exponent γ≥2.7). Subsequently, network robustness was tested by assessing maintenance of metabolite flux-sum subject to targeted deletions of rank-ordered (low to high metric) extreme pathway participant and optimal flux reactions. Network robustness was susceptible to deletions of extreme pathway participant reactions, whereas minimal impact of high flux reaction deletion was observed. This analysis shows that the steroid network is susceptible to perturbation of structurally relevant (extreme pathway) reactions rather than those carrying high flux.
Disciplinary Differences and the Integration of Technology into Teaching

ABSTRACT The preparation of teachers involves academics from across the disciplinary spectrum but research on the differences between academic disciplines has revealed that a faculty member's discipline is a major factor in shaping the several aspects of course planning and teaching. The purpose of this paper is to present a model for investigating disciplinary differences as they may relate to teaching with technology, thereby enabling more effective integration of technology into the curriculum. Components of the model include: the structure and ethos of the discipline; preparation for, and experience as, a teacher; faculty assumptions about students; faculty beliefs and perceptions about technology; and the environmental context.
Determination of the Minimal Clinically Significant Difference on a Patient Visual Analog Satisfaction Scale

. Objective:To determine the minimal clinically significant difference (MCSD) on a visual analog patient satisfaction scale. Methods:The authors prospectively collected patient satisfaction evaluations during a clinical trial assessing the effect of introducing personal television sets on overall patient satisfaction from their ED encounters. Patient satisfaction was assessed with 2 scales: a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) (0 = least satisfied, 100 = most satisfied) and a 7-point categorical scale (“terrible,”“mostly dissatisfied,”“mixed,”“partially satisfied,”“mostly satisfied,”“pleased,” and “delighted”). The differences between the mean VAS scores of “delighted” and “pleased” patients, and between “pleased” and “mostly satisfied” patients were used to determine the MCSD on the VAS. Reliability of each of the scales was determined. Results:181 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 41 years; 59% were female. On a subset of 19 patients, the VAS yielded an interobserver correlation of 0.93. The kappa measurement of agreement on the categorical scale was 0.77. The mean difference between “delighted” and “pleased” patient VAS satisfaction scores was 6.8 mm (95% CI, 1.3–12.3 mm). The mean difference between “pleased” and “mostly satisfied” patient VAS satisfaction scores was 10.7 mm (95% CI, 5.5–15.8 mm). Conclusion:The MCSD in patient satisfaction scores measured with a 100-mm VAS was approximately 7–11 mm. Future studies evaluating differences in patient satisfaction should be designed to detect this difference.
A Wall of Books: The Gender of Natural Colors in Modern Architecture

Abstract This essay examines a decorative convention-the display of books in modern interiors-that appears in both The International Style (1932) by Henry Russel Hitchcock and Philip Johnson and The Personality of a House (1930) by Emily Post. Looking at books in this way constitutes a partial history of the architectural palette that arises from the privileging of natural over applied finishes. The internal logic of that practice and its class and gender characterizations are discussed in the context of the separation of architecture from interior design. The “natural” palette and its host of attendant conventions is everywhere visible in contemporary architecture and interior design and even helps to define the boundary between the two practices, to explain what is and is not architectural.
Predictors of sexual transmission risk behaviors among HIV-positive young men

Reduction in the incidence of high-risk sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men is a priority. We examined the roles of proximal substance use and delinquency-related variables, and more distal demographic and psychosocial variables as predictors of serious high-risk sexual behaviors among 248 HIV-positive young males, aged 15-24 years. In a mediated latent variable model, demographics (ethnicity, sexual orientation and poverty) and background psychosocial factors (coping style, peer norms, emotional distress, self-esteem and social support) predicted recent problem behaviors (delinquency, common drug use and hard drug use), which in turn predicted recent high-risk sexual behaviors. Hard drug use and delinquency were found to predict sexual risk behaviors directly, as did lower self-esteem, white ethnicity and being gay/bisexual. Negative peer norms strongly influenced delinquency and substance use and positive coping predicted less delinquency. In turn, less positive coping and negative peer norms exerted indirect effects on sexual transmission risk behavior through delinquency and hard drug use. Results suggest targeting hard drug use, delinquency, maladaptive peer norms, dysfunctional styles of escaping stress and self-esteem in the design of intervention programs for HIV-positive individuals.
Excited-state nonlinear optics and enhancement mechanisms for nonresonant processes

ABSTRACT A general enhancement mechanism is reviewed for nonlinear optical processes originating from real population of electronic excited states. The nonresonant third order optical susceptibility y1(—w4;wi,w2,w3) of quasi—one dimensional conjugated linear chains can be enhanced by orders of magnitude, or even change sign, when the first (S1), or second (52), electronic excited state isoptically pumped and then populated for times suitably long to perform nonresonant measurements of y1(—w4; w1 , w2, w3) at frequencies different from the resonant pump frequency. I. INTRODUCTION For quasi—one (1D) and quasi—two (2D) dimensional chain—like and disc—like conjugated struc- tures, the microscopic origin and mechanism for nonresonant second order ,Bk(—w3;w,w2) andthird order #yjj(w4;w1,w,w3) optical processes originating from the So ground electronic state are fairly well understood, especially in terms of highly correlated virtual excitations[1]—{5]. How- ever, nonlinear optical processes can originate not only from the ground state but also from real
The mechanisms of kin discrimination and the evolution of kin recognition in vertebrates: a critical re-evaluation.

I re-examine the four most widely proposed mechanisms of kin discrimination among vertebrates and conclude that the current categorization of kin discrimination mechanisms has been counterproductive because it has a hindered a clear understanding of the basic mechanisms by which animals discriminate kin. I suggest that there likely is only one authentic mechanism of kin discrimination and that this mechanism is learning, particularly associative learning and habituation. Observed differences in the way animals discriminate between kin and non-kin are due only to the cues (e.g., individually-distinctive, family-distinctive, or self) that are used, and not to different mechanisms per se. I also consider whether kin discrimination is mediated by specially evolved kin recognition systems, defined as neural mechanisms that allow animals to directly classify conspecifics as either kin or non-kin. A preliminary analysis of vertebrate recognition systems suggests that specialized neural, endocrine, and developmental mechanisms specifically for recognizing kin have not evolved. Rather, kin discrimination results from an extension of other, non-specialized sensory and cognitive abilities of animals, and may be derived from other forms of social recognition, such as individual, group, or species recognition.
Kinetics of crystal growth from solution

Abstract The crystallization of a number of sparingly soluble salts on the addition of seed crystals to stable supersaturated solutions has been followed by conductivity measurements, by analysis, and by microscopic observation of the growing crystals. For the sulphates of lead, strontium and barium, crystallization follows a second order rate equation in supersaturation after an initial growth surge. The proposed interface-controlled mechanism is similar to that found for the crystallization of a number of other sparingly soluble electrolytes. The suggestion that the initial fast periods correspond to nucleation on the surface of the added seed crystals is supported by the results of experiments made in the presence of strongly adsorbed anions. It seems probable that, for a given supersaturation, a sufficient number of growth sites must be provided initially for uncomplicated second-order growth otherwise new sites must be generated by nucleation. Changes in the fluid dynamics of the systems have been affected by studying the growth of silver chloride electrodes. The results confirm the second-order dependence on supersaturation previously observed and indicate an interesting induction phenomenon. In contrast to these surface controlled crystallizations, the growth of calcium hydrogen phosphate appears to be limited by diffusion of the ions to the growing surface. First-order rate constants are markedly dependent upon the rate of stirring.
On the spin-lattice relaxation in polyethylene single crystals

Kurz.Mitteilungen sichern rasch die Prioritlit . Die Verantwortung /fir den Znhalt trggt der Autor. Erscheinungsterrain ca. innerhalb 2-6 Wochen nach Einreichung. Um/ang der deutllch (Formeln .f) geschriebenen Manuskripte bis zu 2 Maschinenseiten. Abbildungen vermeiden. Sonst klischierfiihige Zeichnungen mit Beschriftung in weichem Blei. Sonderdruckfreiexemplare wie bei Originalarbeiten. Manuskripte an: Prof. F. H. Miiller, 3550 Marbach bei Marburg/Lahn, Schulstrafle 26. Herausgeber und Verlag
The nature of calibrators in immunoassays: are they commutable with test samples? Must they be?

Immunoassay systems require calibration protocols that are normally more sophisticated than many analytical techniques in routine clinical use. Calibrators used in such assays may differ significantly from the analyte in clinical specimens. Differences in the properties of calibrators, or reference materials, from those of clinical specimens may include: species origin of the calibrator for an analyte; integrity of the molecular species; matrix of the calibration solution; addition of preservative agents. Owing to the large number of potential differences in the properties of calibrators and those of serum specimens that may affect immunoassay results, the concept of commutability that we originated and first applied to enzyme activity measurements can readily be applied to immunoassay determinations. We specifically examined the properties of calibration materials in nine commercial immunoassay tests for human thyrotropin. Significant non-commutability of materials was demonstrated. The measured results obtained with authentic patient sera differed by a factor of approximately two fold between the techniques exhibiting the lowest and greatest numeric results. Considerably larger intermethod biases were found for calibration materials. Multivariate analysis revealed that the patient sera formed a highly focussed pattern. The calibration materials for one instrument system also focussed in this group. Other calibrators formed three foci indicating similar patterns of commutability within each of the three groups. Clustering was independent of the amount of thyrotropin in the patient specimens, but appeared to be concentration-dependent for at least some of the calibrators. Thus the availability of a common calibration material appears feasible, but not presently available in many commercial products. A processed human serum, a candidate material for use in our proficiency testing program, was projected in the same cluster as authentic patient sera indicating that this material has intermethod properties identical to patient sera (i.e. fully commutable).
Thermotropic copolyesters. II. Synthesis and characterization of copolyesters containing the bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐2‐ene mesogenic unit

Random copolyesters based on 1,4-benzenedimethanol, trans-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octanedimethanol as spacers in ratios of 2 : 3 of the mesogenic group, bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-1,4-diol were prepared and characterized. The copolyesters containing the 1,4-benzenedimethanol moiety formed a more brightly colored birefringent fluid in the melt.
Rapid discharge of a fire suppressing agent

Abstract This paper describes an experimental method to study the rapid discharge of a fire suppressant (C 3 F 8 ) from a pressurized vessel. Experimental observations inside and at the exit of the vessel were made using high-speed photography. Boiling was not observed inside the vessel during discharges. A simple mathematical model was developed to predict the liquid depletion level and is compared to the experimental measurements.
AN EXPLORATORY ASSESSMENT OF THE LINKAGES BETWEEN HRM PRACTICES, ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, AND INNOVATION IN OUTSOURCING RELATIONSHIPS

This paper explores the relationship between innovation outcomes, absorptive capacity and human resource management practices in information technology outsourcing relationships. Previous research has highlighted the need for absorptive capacity to achieve innovation in organizations. Since this absorptive capacity is likely to be embodied within the relationship management teams of both the supplier and client in outsourcing dyads, the human resource practices of the participating firms should have a direct bearing on levels of absorptive capacity and innovation outcomes for the relationships. This research examined four large IT relationships as case studies and presents a model of inter-organizational innovation that shows the necessity of developing the appropriate absorptive capacity to achieve innovation in outsourcing environments. From this model, the research presents three HRM practices that can help develop absorptive capacity to support innovation activities: retention of client employees with firm-specific business process knowledge rather than technical knowledge; minimization of legacy hiring practices for suppliers; and maintaining and optimal work group size for relationship management teams on both the client and supplier sides of the relationship.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of 2-chloro-5-((1-methyl-2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)-3-(2-(4-pyridinyl)vinyl)pyridine analogues as potential positron emission tomography imaging agents for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Reportedly, 2-[18F]fluoro-A-85380, 1, a promising radiotracer for imaging the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) by positron emission tomography (PET) in humans, exhibits slow penetration thr...
Effect of light quality on chloroplast-membrane organization and function in pea

The effect of light quality during plant growth of chloroplast membrane organization and function in peas (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) was investigated. In plants grown under photosystem (PS) I-enriched (far-red enriched) illumination both the PSII/PSI stoichiometry and the electrontransport capacity ratios were high, about 1.9. In plants grown under PSII-enriched (far-red depleted) illumination both the PSII/PSI stoichiometry and the electron-transport capacity ratios were significantly lower, about 1.3. In agreement, steady-state electron-transport measurements under synchronous illumination of PSII and PSI demonstrated an excess of PSII in plants grown under far-red-enriched light. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of chlorophyll-containing complexes showed greater relative amounts of the PSII reaction center chlorophyll-protein complex in plants grown under farred-enriched light. Additional changes were observed in the ratio of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein to PSII reaction center chlorophyll-protein under the two different light-quality regimes. The results demonstrate the dynamic nature of chloroplast structure and support the notion that light quality is an important factor in the regulation of chloroplast membrane organization and-function.
wRACOG: A Gibbs Sampling-Based Oversampling Technique

As machine learning techniques mature and are used to tackle complex scientific problems, challenges arise such as the imbalanced class distribution problem, where one of the target class labels is under-represented in comparison with other classes. Existing over sampling approaches for addressing this problem typically do not consider the probability distribution of the minority class while synthetically generating new samples. As a result, the minority class is not well represented which leads to high misclassification error. We introduce wRACOG, a Gibbs sampling-based over sampling approach to synthetically generating and strategically selecting new minority class samples. The Gibbs sampler uses the joint probability distribution of data attributes to generate new minority class samples in the form of a Markov chain. wRACOG iteratively learns a model by selecting samples from the Markov chain that have the highest probability of being misclassified. We validate the effectiveness of wRACOG using five UCI datasets and one new application domain dataset. A comparative study of wRACOG with three other well-known resampling methods provides evidence that wRACOG offers a definite improvement in classification accuracy for minority class samples over other methods.
Flash X-ray sources powered by Blumlein pulse generators

Abstract Described here is the progress in construction and characterization of pulse-power generators capable of discharging at high repetition rates. These devices consist of several triaxial Blumleins stacked in series at one end. The lines are charged in parallel and synchronously commuted with a single thyratron at the other end. In this way relatively low charging voltages are multiplied to give the desired discharge voltage without the need for complex Marx bank circuitry. Scaling of these stacked Blumlein generators to obtain open circuit voltages in excess of 0.5 MV is reported. Peak power generated by discharging into an X-ray diode exceeds 10 7 R/s and high repetition rates allow for an average emitted X-ray exposure rate of 25 R/s from a sequence of 40 ns pulses.
En Bloc Mobilization of the Pancreas and Spleen to Facilitate Resection of Large Tumors, Primarily Renal and Adrenal, in the Left Upper Quadrant of the Abdomen: Techniques Derived from Multivisceral Transplantation

Background: The left upper quadrant of the abdomen may be occupied by a wide range of urologic pathology. When these lesions are large, safely resecting them often presents a significant technical challenge, with the possibility of resultant morbidity and mortality. Objective: We describe a technique derived from our experience with multivisceral transplant and organ procurement, which provides excellent exposure of this anatomic region. Design, setting, and participants: From May 1999 to April 2006, 70 patients underwent en bloc mobilization of the spleen and the pancreas and, as necessary, the stomach for masses in the left upper retroperitoneum. Pathology included malignant and benign lesions, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with or without inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement, adrenal tumors, retrocrural lymphadenopathy from testicular cancer, and transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Surgical procedure: An extended subcostal transabdominal approach was used to resect large tumors in the left upper abdomen. This approach offers significant advantages over conventional approaches, including a flank, thoracoabdominal, or midline transabdominal incision with reflection of the descending colon. Measurements: Intraoperative variables, including operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and extent of mobilization were recorded. Postoperative complications, including prolonged intubation, ileus, and deep venous thrombosis were also noted. Results and limitations: Mean estimated blood loss during surgery was 973 ml. There were no perioperative deaths. No patients had pancreatitis or acute renal failure. Deep venous thrombosis was not seen. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in one patient with an atrial thrombus. At a median follow-up of 42 mo, two patients died due to metastasis. Conclusions: Techniques acquired from organ harvesting as well as our experience at multivisceral transplant, such as en bloc mobilization of the spleen, pancreas, and stomach, can be utilized safely and effectively to gain excellent exposure to the left upper retroperitoneum via an extended subcostal incision with no additional morbidity for the patient.
Radiation exposure of fertile women in medical research studies

Fertile women may be exposed to ionizing radiation as human subjects in medical research studies. If the woman is pregnant, such exposures may result in risk to an embryo/fetus. Fertile women may be screened for pregnancy before exposure to ionizing radiation by interview, general examination, or pregnancy test. Use of the sensitive serum pregnancy test has become common because it offers concrete evidence that the woman is not pregnant (more specifically, that an embryo is not implanted). Evidence suggests that risk to the embryo from radiation exposure before organogenesis is extremely low or nonexistent. Further, demonstrated effects on organogenesis are rare or inconclusive at fetal doses below 50 mSv (5 rem). Therefore, there may be some level of radiation exposure below which risk to the fetus may be considered essentially zero, and a serum pregnancy test is unnecessary. This paper reviews the fetal risks and suggests that consideration be given to establishing a limit to the fetus of 0.5 mSv (50 mrem), below which pregnancy screening need not include the use of a serum pregnancy test.
Source and target cell specificities of a conditioned medium factor that increases choline acetyltransferase activity in cultured spinal cord cells

Abstract A macromolecular factor(s) in muscle conditioned medium (CM), when applied to spinal cord (SC) cells in culture, causes large increases in the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT), the enzyme which synthesizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. We have found apparent specificity of both species and cell type for the production, release, or action of this CAT stimulation component (CSC). Rat and mouse muscle CMs contained CSC which was active in mouse SC cells; chick muscle CM did not. In addition to muscle CM, the CM from cell cultures of mouse heart, liver, and kidney contained CSC. However, CM from secondary cultures of liver cells contained little if any CSC. These apparent specificities were not due to differences in the protein content of either the cells providing CM or of the CM itself. There was also apparent specificity of response to CSC among cholinergic cells in culture. Cultures of cells from only two of four regions of the mouse central nervous system, and from one of five neuronal cell lines tested, had increased CAT activity after treatment with muscle CM. The response in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells was further characterized, and was used to develop a more convenient and rapid assay for CSC.
Expansion technique for the dipole interaction of a spin-J system with a monochromatic electromagnetic field

An expansion technique for the dipole interaction of a spin-J system with a quantized monochromatic electromagnetic field is developed. The energy levels are equally spaced and the rotating-wave approximation is used. Particular results of the application of the method are presented.
Performance-Based Procedure for Direct Displacement Design of Engineered Wood-Frame Structures

This paper reports on a study to extend a recently proposed direct displacement design (DDD) procedure for midrise engineered wood-frame structures and develop a set of factors for use in the proce...
Why do immigrants drive less? Confirmations, complications, and new hypotheses from a qualitative study in New Jersey, USA

Abstract Recent immigrants to the United States drive autos less than the US-born, with rapid increases in their ownership and use of autos over time, and a persistently lower level of auto use even when controlling for socioeconomic characteristics and time in the US. Quantitative studies have not yet explained these phenomena. Given that population growth in the US is largely dependent on immigration, understanding auto ownership and use among immigrants is important for transportation sustainability. We conducted six focus groups with US residents born in India, the Philippines, and Latin America. Our findings confirm, complicate and contradict the existing literature explaining differences in auto use among immigrants and the US-born, and we identify some new hypotheses with implications for policy-relevant research. More difficult driving conditions in the US and remittances back home may contribute to the initially lower auto ownership and use among immigrants. The rapid transition to auto use may be a function of household changes having more dramatic effects among immigrants given their initially high-density residential locations. The growth of non-English speaking transit riders, an increase in private transit services, and different residential location priorities may all contribute to the persistently lower auto use by immigrants even after many years in the US.
Communicative intentions and language : Evidence from right-hemisphere damage and autism

In this review article, it is argued that the wide range of communicative deficits that have been noted in both individuals with damage to the right cerebral hemisphere (RHD) and high-functioning individuals with autism may stem from difficulties appreciating the importance of their interlocutor's communicative intentions (CIs). It is also argued that the abnormal semantic development noted in infants with RHD and autism may be related to difficulties in appreciating CIs as well. Finally, it is suggested that the CIs hypothesis may provide an avenue for integrating a number of theoretical suggestions that have been made regarding the right hemisphere's contributions to communicative competence.
Void detection at an anthracite mine using an in-seam seismic method

Abstract An in-seam seismic (ISS)-based void detection technique was developed at Penn State University. Among various features, the most important one is its capability of acquiring high quality and broadband signals ranging from 50 to 5000 Hz. This feature is essential for acquiring and analyzing signals for a thin seam condition. The technique was tested at an underground anthracite mine. It successfully detected a mined out void at a distance of 46 m (150 ft) from the coal face. The seam height at the test site was 1.4 m (4.5 ft) on average. The transmission surveys generated well developed Love seam waves. This made it possible to reliably assess the dispersion characteristics of Love waves for this particular site. The Airy-phase had a typical frequency range of 400–600 Hz with a fairly stable velocity of 975 m/s (3200 ft/s). An elliptical method was used for void mapping in order to accommodate highly irregular sensor and source locations. The mapping error was within ± 4.6 m (15 ft) based on the test results.
Macaque V1 Activity During Natural Vision: Effects of Natural Scenes and Saccades

In the present study, we examined the way that scene complexity and saccades combine to sculpt the temporal response patterns of V1 neurons. To bridge the gap between conventional and free viewing ...
Dispersed crude oil amplifies germ cell apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans, followed a CEP-1-dependent pathway

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is among the most severe environmental disasters in US history. The extent of crude oil released and the subsequent dispersant used for cleanup was unprecedented. The dispersed crude oil represents a unique form of environmental contaminant that warrants investigations of its environmental and human health impacts. Lines of evidence have demonstrated that dispersed oil affects reproduction in various organisms, in a more potent manner than oil- and dispersant-only exposures. However, the action mechanism of dispersed oil remains largely unknown. In this study, we utilized the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate impacts of dispersed oil exposure on sex cell apoptosis and related gene expressions. Worms were exposed to different diluted levels of crude oil–dispersant (oil–dis) mixtures (20:1, v/v; at 500×, 2,000×, and 5,000× dilutions). The dispersed crude oil significantly increases the number of apoptotic germ cells in treated worms when compared with control at all exposure levels (p < 0.05). Genes involved in the apoptosis pathway were dysregulated, which include ced-13, ced-3, ced-4, ced-9, cep-1, dpl-1, efl-1, efl-2, egl-1, egl-38, lin-35, pax-2, and sir-2.1. Many aberrant expressed genes encoding for core components in apoptosis machinery (cep-1/p53, ced-13/BH3, ced-9/Bcl-2, ced-4/Apaf-1, and ced-3/caspase) displayed consistent expression patterns across all exposure levels. Significantly ced-3/caspase was upregulated at all dispersed oil-treated groups, consistent with the observed apoptosis phenotype. Given cep-1/p53 was activated at all dispersed oil treatments and the germ cell apoptosis was suppressed in the CEP-1 loss of function mutant, the increased apoptosis is likely CEP-1 dependent. In addition, the anti-apoptotic ced-9/Bcl-2 was activated in response to the increase in cell death. This study provides a mechanism understanding of dispersed crude oil-induced reproductive toxicity.
One- and Two-dimensional Native PAGE Activity Gel Analyses of Maize Endosperm Proteins Reveal Functional Interactions between Specific Starch Metabolizing Enzymes

Starch metabolizing enzyme isoforms are known to exhibit functional interactions. This research employed one and twodimensional starch zymograms to investigate pleiotropic enzymatic effects in starch branching enzyme (BE) and debranching enzyme (DBE) mutants of maize. Activity bands are shown to correspond with specific gene products by immunoblot analysis or biochemical assay. Multiple migratory forms are observed for BEI and BEIIa, and a single form for BEIIb. SU1 isoamylase-type DBE migrates as three distinct forms and ZPU1 pullulanase-type DBE as a single form. For each BE and DBE, a genetic null mutation conditions complete loss of all forms of the respective enzyme. The BE mutation amylose-extender also results in loss of two BEI migration forms, and the sul-starchy and zpul-204 DBE mutations result in a loss of BEIIa activity. In both DBE mutants, BEIIa is of normal abundance and size, indicating the effect is posttranslational and directly impacts enzyme function. Zymogram analysis of the uncharacterized opaque5 (o5) mutant shows o5 endosperm is deficient in β-amylase activity, providing insight into a biochemical defect resulting from the mutation. Finally, a novel enzyme activity identified in starch zymograms was characterized and found to be a glucan hydrolase of the β-amylase type. This research demonstrates that activity gel analysis is an effective approach for uncovering pleiotropic enzymatic effects that might not be discovered using RNA microarray or proteomics technologies, and indicates that some mutational effects on starch metabolizing enzymes are likely due to altered protein complex associations.