cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The History of Ideas and Normative Research in Public Administration: Some Personal Reflections

This paper discusses the history of ideas as a methodological ap proach to normative research in public administration. It seeks to explore what the history of ideas entails, why our field has neglected it, and why, despite this neglect, this approach to normative research is useful. I argue here that an awareness of the history of the ideas and concepts that we use in thinking, talking, and writing about, as well as practicing, public administration can be helpful in avoiding the recycling of old ideas that have been tried in the past and found wanting. Equally important, it can also help us to avoid adopting ideas that are actually destructive of values that we hold dear and suggest ideas that are more coherent with these values.
Natural Mouse-a novel human computer interface

Face tracking allows hands-free human computer interactions. In spite of advances in computer hardware and efficient and robust vision algorithms for tracking, the requirement of face and facial tracking in particular situations remains unclear. This paper considers the problems of building a human computer interface via face tracking and describes an architecture for a novel tool-Natural Mouse. Natural Mouse allows the merger of state-of-art face-related techniques and human demands. The advantage of the Natural Mouse is that people can dynamically configure it and control it by facial gestures and face motion without the need to wear any accessory. A mouse icon displayed on the computer monitor visualizes the Natural Mouse and helps people to control it. An immediate application of the Natural Mouse will be as a device that enables people with hand and speech disabilities to communicate with a computer.
Substrate Mapping for Ventricular Tachycardia: Assumptions and Misconceptions

Substrate mapping was developed to treat poorly tolerated infarct-related ventricular tachycardias (VTs). This concept was based on 30-year-old data derived from surgical and percutaneous mapping during sinus rhythm and VT that demonstrated specific electrograms (EGMs) that characterized the "arrhythmogenic substrate" of VT. Electrogram characteristics of the arrhythmogenic VT substrate during sinus rhythm included low-voltage, fractionation, long duration, split signals, and isolated late potentials as well as EGMs demonstrating adjacent early and late activation. Introduction of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) systems during the mid-1990s has allowed investigators to record electrograms in 3 dimensions and to identify sites assumed to represent the central common pathway ("isthmus") during re-entrant VTs. However, several important assumptions and misconceptions make currently used "substrate mapping" techniques inaccurate. These include: 1) re-entrant circuits are produced by fixed barriers of immutable "inexcitable" scar; 2) low voltage amplitude (≤0.5 mV) implies dense "inexcitable" scar; 3) isthmuses identified in patients with tolerated VTs using entrainment mapping are both valid and provide an accurate depiction of isthmuses in less hemodynamically tolerated VTs; and 4) current mapping tools and methods can delineate specific electrophysiologic features that will determine the barriers forming channels during re-entrant VTs. None of these assumptions has been validated and recent experimental and human data using higher resolution mapping with very small electrodes cast doubt on their validity. These data call for re-evaluation of substrate-mapping techniques to characterize the arrhythmogenic substrate of post-infarction VT. Standardization of recording techniques including electrode size, interelectrode spacing, tissue contact, catheter orientation, and wavefront activation must be taken into consideration.
Immunologic significance of HLA class I genes in measles virus-specific IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine immune responses

The variability of immune responses modulated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and secreted cytokines is a significant factor in the development of a protective effect of measles vaccine. We studied the association between type 1 helper T cells (Th1)- and Th2-like cytokine immune responses and HLA class I alleles among 339 schoolchildren who previously received two doses of the measles vaccine. Median values for measles-specific interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) cytokines were 40.7 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 8.1–176.7] and 9.7 pg/ml (IQR 2.8–24.3), respectively. Class I HLA-A (*0101 and *3101) and HLA-Cw (*0303 and *0501) alleles were significantly associated with measles-virus-induced IFN-γ secretion. HLA-A*3101 and Cw*0303 were associated with a higher median IFN-γ response, while A*0101 and Cw*0501 were associated with lower measles-specific IFN-γ response. We found limited associations between HLA class I gene polymorphisms and Th2-like (IL-4) immune responses after measles vaccination, indicating that HLA class I molecules may have a limited effect on measles-vaccine-induced IL-4 secretion. Understanding the genetic factors that influence variations in cytokine secretion following measles vaccination will provide insight into the factors that influence both cell-mediated and humoral immunity to measles.
Geologic assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Aptian carbonates, onshore northern Gulf of Mexico Basin, United States

Abstract Carbonate lithofacies of the Lower Cretaceous Sligo Formation and James Limestone were regionally evaluated using established U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessment methodology for undiscovered conventional hydrocarbon resources. The assessed area is within the Upper Jurassic–Cretaceous–Tertiary Composite total petroleum system, which was defined for the assessment. Hydrocarbons reservoired in carbonate platform Sligo-James oil and gas accumulations are interpreted to originate primarily from the Jurassic Smackover Formation. Emplacement of hydrocarbons occurred via vertical migration along fault systems; long-range lateral migration also may have occurred in some locations. Primary reservoir facies include porous patch reefs developed over paleostructural salt highs, carbonate shoals, and stacked linear reefs at the carbonate shelf margin. Hydrocarbon traps dominantly are combination structural-stratigraphic. Sealing lithologies include micrite, calcareous shale, and argillaceous lime mudstone. A geologic model, supported by discovery history analysis of petroleum geology data, was used to define a single regional assessment unit (AU) for conventional reservoirs in carbonate facies of the Sligo Formation and James Limestone. The AU is formally entitled Sligo-James Carbonate Platform Oil and Gas (50490121). A fully risked mean undiscovered technically recoverable resource in the AU of 50 million barrels of oil (MMBO), 791 billion cubic feet of natural gas (BCFG), and 26 million barrels of natural gas liquids was estimated. Substantial new development through horizontal drilling has occurred since the time of this assessment (2010), resulting in cumulative production of >200 BCFG and >1 MMBO.
An active center tryptophan residue in dihydrofolate reductase: chemical modification, sequence surrounding the critical residue, and structural homology considerations

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei contains three tryptophan residues and the amino acid sequence surrounding each tryptophan has been determined. Oxidation of one of these residues by N -bromosuccinimide at pH 6.5 can be correlated with the complete loss of enzymatic activity. Following denaturation in urea, the oxidized enzyme was alkylated with dimethyl(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl) sulfonium bromide. Based on amino acid analyses and absorbance measurements at 410 nm, 2.2 mol of hydroxynitrobenzyl groups was incorporated per mol of protein. Presumably, hydroxynitrobenzyl adducts are formed with the two nonessential tryptophans. From the amino acid compositions of the two major thermolytic peptides containing the hydroxynitrobenzyl label and the partial sequences of two cyanogen bromide peptides containing the tryptophans, it was deduced that tryptophan-5 and tryptophan-129 were modified and, therefore, by difference, tryptophan-21 is the functional residue which becomes oxidized. The amino acid sequence surrounding tryptophan-21 is -Leu- -Trp-His-Leu-Pro-. In reductases from four other species, this region of the sequence is highly homologous; such a conservation in this vicinity of the primary structure may indicate a functional involvement. The proline residues at positions 20 and 24 may serve to position tryptophan-21 into the appropriate configuration for optimum substrate-binding interactions.
A Time-Temperature Model for Sensory Acceptance of a Military Ration

Average consumer-acceptance scores on the military ration called the Meal, Ready-to-Eat, at four temperatures and storage times through 60 months fitted an Arrhenius-like mathematical model which estimated the dependence of average score on storage time and temperature as well as the effect of temperature on shelf life. Results are presented for individual items and for the most important classes of items.
COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE PRISONER'S DILEMMA GAME

Summa7y.-39 high school girls from the North Carolina School of the Arrs (NCSA group) and 39 comparable girls from a regular city-county school system (HS group) were compared on degree of cooperative behavior to assess group differences between artistically oriented students and regular HS srudents. Cooperative behavior was assessed by having each S make 50 cooperative or competitive choices in the Prisoner's Dilemma game. The NCSA group was expected to be more competitive because within the performing arts, competition is a pervasive characteristic. Each S's opponent was an accomplice of E who responded according to a predetermined schedule containing 76% cooperative responses. Each S changed opponents (accomplices) and repeated 50 trials under the same conditions. The NCSA group was less cooperative than the HS group (p < .01) except on the initial trials, and there was less cooperation on the second game than on the first (p < .01). The HS group did not decrease across trials in Game 1 as had been expected. The decrease in cooperation at the beginning of Game 2 was more marked for the NCSA group. Five scales on the Adjective Check List differentiated the groups.
Quaking mouse: ultrastructural evidence for arrest of myelinogenesis

Abstract The central nervous systems of 20 Quaking and littermate control mice from 15 to 180 days of age were studied. Some younger control animals, not carrying the Quaking gene, were also examined. The most striking feature of the myelin sheath in Quaking mice was its apparent arrest in growth and maturation,e.g., thin myelin sheaths, lack of compaction with pockets of oligodendroglia cytoplasm and uneven growth of lateral loops with poorly developed nodes of Ranvier. In essence, this picture was observed in Quaking mice irrespective of age, although in mature animals (4 and 6 months of age) a few fibers acquired a myelin sheath of almost normal thickness. Demyelination, in the strict sense of complete destruction of ultrastructurally normal myelin, was not observed in the mutant mice. However, the perikaryonal cytoplasm of the oligodendroglial cells, as well as the oligodendroglial processes forming the myelin sheath, often contained whorls of myelin-like material. Similar accumulations of myelin ‘debris’ were occasionally observed in young normal mice, presumably as the result of the normal remodeling process. Some of the myelin figure accumulation in mutant mice may be the result of this phenomenon. It is also possible that the genetic lesion in Quaking mice results in a defect in assembly of normal mature myelin, because there is a deficit in some essential component. Therefore biosynthesized lipids cannot be used in myelin formation and accumulate in the oligodendroglial cells as myelin ‘debris’.
Receptive field dynamics underlying MST neuronal optic flow selectivity.

Optic flow informs moving observers about their heading direction. Neurons in monkey medial superior temporal (MST) cortex show heading selective responses to optic flow and planar direction select...
Pneumatoamperometric determination of various oxidants and total dissolved chlorine

Abstract Trace levels of dissolved nitrite, chromate, permanganate, cerium(IV), bromate, chlorine and bromine are treated with iodide to produce iodine, which is then determined pneumatoamperometrically, i.e., by purging it from solution with nitrogen and quantifying it at a gold, gas-porous electrode by electro-oxidation to iodate. All the dissolved oxidants produce linear calibration curves. Detection limits range from 30 to 60 ppb. Aqueous sample sizes of 4 ml are used.
In-situ and ex-situ characterization of GaAs/AlAs quantum well structures using spectroscopic ellipsometry

Abstract Spectroscopic ellipsometer is used to monitor the MBE growth of quantum well structures. Real time monitoring of the growth enabled the measurement of growth rate and correlation with RHEED oscillations. The growth of a single GaAs/AlAs quantum well is also monitored in real time using multiple wavelengths. Interface roughness of the interrupted “inverted” AlAs/GaAs interface was also monitored with SE. Under our growth conditions, we measure approximately a 2 ML interfacial region at the inverted interface. A correlation with photoluminescence is also discussed.
An algorithm for the storage of Condon-Shortley coefficients

Abstract An algorithm is presented for the generation and storage of all unique, non-zero Condon-Shortley coefficients. The formulas for retrieving these coefficients in a non-sequential fashion are developed and presented.
Use of etanercept in the dermatology setting. A review.

As psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic in nature, ideal treatment should have sustained efficacy, with minimal short- and long-term toxicities to allow lifelong treatment. Traditional therapies used for psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, including phototherapies and systemic agents, do not satisfy these criteria. Ninety percent of patients surveyed in 1998 by The National Psoriasis Foundation were not satisfied with their treatment options. Several observations have supported the introduction of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist etanercept as a treatment for psoriatic disease, including the failure of traditional therapies to meet patient needs, evidence that TNF plays a fundamental role in the inflammatory processes underlying psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, and the safety and efficacy of this agent in other inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Etanercept prevents initiation of the proinflammatory cascade by competitively binding TNF. First indicated for RA, etanercept is also approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, juvenile RA, ankylosing spondylitis, and most recently psoriasis. Etanercept provides dermatologists with a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, which can be used continuously with or without traditional therapies. The self-administered injections provide a distinct advantage over traditional therapies that often require frequent office visits and laboratory monitoring, and other biologic agents that require administration in the doctor’s office. Dermatologists should be aware of the ongoing research with etanercept in psoriasis and other dermatologic conditions.
New insights into the functional significance of the acidic region of the unique N-terminal extension of cardiac troponin I.

Previous structural studies indicated a special functional role for an acidic region composed of residues 1-10 in the unique N-terminal peptide of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Employing LC-MS/MS, we determined the presence of phosphorylation sites at S5/S6 in cTnI from wild type mouse hearts as well as in hearts of mice chronically expressing active protein kinase C-e (PKCe) and exhibiting severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). To determine the functional significance of these phosphorylations, we cloned and expressed wild-type cTnI, (Wt), and cTnI variants expressing pseudo-phosphorylation cTnI-(S5D), cTnI(S6D), as well as cTnI(S5A) and cTnI(S6A). We exchanged native Tn of detergent-extracted (skinned) fiber bundles with Tn reconstituted with the variant cTnIs and measured tension and cross-bridge dynamics. Compared to controls, myofilaments controlled by cTnI with pseudo-phosphorylation (S6D) or Ala substitution (S6A) demonstrated a significant depression in maximum tension, ATPase rate, and ktr, but no change in half-maximally activating Ca(2+). In contrast, pseudo-phosphorylation at position 5 (S5D) had no effects, although S5A induced an increase in Ca(2+)-sensitivity with no change in maximum tension or ktr. We further tested the impact of acidic domain modifications on myofilament function in studies examining the effects of cTnI(A2V), a mutation linked to DCM. This mutation significantly altered the inhibitory activity of cTnI as well as cooperativity of activation of myofilament tension, but not when S23/S24 were pseudo-phosphorylated. Our data indicate a new functional and pathological role of amino acid modifications in the N-terminal acidic domain of cTnI that is modified by phosphorylations at cTnI(S23/S24). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Cardiac Pathways of Differentiation, Metabolism and Contraction.
The Mediating Role of Attitude toward the Ad: Some Additional Evidence:

MacKenzie, Lutz, and Belch have enhanced our understanding of the mediating role of attitude toward the ad (AAd). The current study replicates and extends the structural equation tests of the four ...
Elements of participant satisfaction in dyads

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative influence of an individual's orientation toward himself and others by ascertaining his satisfaction with a dyadic communication experience. Subjects were randomly paired and given thirty minutes to engage in a dialogue with their partner about any topic they should choose. At the end of this period, subjects completed a satisfaction scale and wrote an essay about the experience. The essay was evaluated by content analysis. A linear regression and analyses of variance were computed for the data used. Results indicated that an individual's perception of others’ contributions to a dyadic communication was a significant factor in determining his satisfaction with that dialogue. It was also found that males employed more mutual‐oriented statements to describe their experience, while females employed more self‐oriented statements.
The study of global business ethics in East Asia: Taiwanese enterprises in Indonesia as targets

Abstract A survey randomly sampled 500 Taiwanese enterprises in Indonesia. One hundred and fifty three copies (30.6%) of the questionnaire were effective. The dimensions of ‘ethical decision-making’, ‘societal marketing’, ‘internal and external resources’ and ‘country risks’ were found to be demonstrably influential on the global business ethics of Taiwanese enterprises. Additionally, the study explored the ethical emphasis of targeted Taiwanese enterprises on localization and human rights.
The electrocardiographic pentalogy of pulmonary emphysema. A correlation of roentgenographic findings and pulmonary function studies.

The clinical applicability of the routine electrocardiogram and the chest roentgenogram in assessing advanced pulmonary emphysema is shown by a correlative study on 150 adults with moderately severe and severe pulmonary emphysema determined by pulmonary function studies. From these data a rather uniform electrocardiographic pattern has emerged entitled "the electrocardiographic pentalogy of pulmonary emphysema" which by itself suggests the presence of an advanced emphysematous state.
Understanding Faculty Senates: Moving from Mystery to Models

Undoubtedly faculty play an integral role in the intellectual enterprise of colleges and universities (Barnett, 1994). Their role in governance and decision-making, however, is a point of contention on many campuses (Gerber, 2001). In the tradition of higher education, approximately 90% percent of four-year institutions have a faculty governing body that, for better or worse, participate in campus governance (Gilmour, 1991). Yet research and theoretical knowledge about their involvement in campus decision-making is limited (Kezar & Eckel, forthcoming). For example, functional and structural differences that exist among senates, within or across institutional types, are virtually unknown. As a result, litigious discussion about faculty governance continues in the absence of descriptive or theoretical understanding about how faculty senates participate in decision making.
Mechanisms by which intracellular calcium induces susceptibility to secretory phospholipase A2 in human erythrocytes.

Exposure of human erythrocytes to the calcium ionophore ionomycin rendered them susceptible to the action of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Analysis of erythrocyte phospholipid metabolism by thin-layer chromatography revealed significant hydrolysis of both phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine during incubation with ionomycin and sPLA2. Several possible mechanisms for the effect of ionomycin were considered. Involvement of intracellular phospholipases A2 was excluded since inhibitors of these enzymes had no effect. Assessment of membrane oxidation by cis-parinaric acid fluorescence and comparison to the oxidants diamide and phenylhydrazine revealed that oxidation does not participate in the effect of ionomycin. Incubation with ionomycin caused classical physical changes to the erythrocyte membrane such as morphological alterations (spherocytosis), translocation of aminophospholipids to the outer leaflet of the membrane, and release of microvesicles. Experiments with phenylhydrazine, KCl, quinine, merocyanine 540, the calpain inhibitor E-64d, and the scramblase inhibitor R5421 revealed that neither phospholipid translocation nor vesicle release was required to induce susceptibility. Results from fluorescence spectroscopy and two-photon excitation scanning microscopy using the membrane probe laurdan argued that susceptibility to sPLA2is a consequence of increased order of membrane lipids.
VOR/DME system improvements

The VOR/DME/TACAN system of short distance navigation in the United States has provided service over the past decade to all civil and military air traffic. Improvements have been incorporated which have been in the nature of refinements, assuring adequate performance for all current aircraft needs. Recent analyses indicate that continued use of VOR/DME to meet increased civil air traffic demands through 1980 will require that the system demonstrate a capability for greater accuracy for terminal area operations, an improvement in signal quality to support area navigation, and the potential for increased traffic handling capacity of the DME component. Development activities now underway indicate that such improvements are feasible. Evaluation results and new techniques are described in support of this conclusion.
Risk assessment and risk stratification in sudden cardiac death: A biostatistician's view

Determining individual probabilities of developing lethal arrhythmia over time (risk assessment) and grouping individuals by that probability (risk stratification) are similar to, yet differ in purpose from, screening, diagnosis, risk factor identification, and prognostic staging. Methods of handling bias, use of multiple predictors, and evaluation of results provide challenges. A key purpose of risk assessment and stratification is examined. The role of operational definitions of predictors and events and of methods that account for multiple predictors and known confounding factors is analyzed. Constructed examples illustrate potential pitfalls in assessment and how multivariate techniques can deal with multiple predictors. A trial design to evaluate risk stratification for the identified purpose is elaborated and potential results are interpreted. Bias from predictors regressing to the mean can be minimized either by averaging a number of measurements or by equalizing the bias in comparison groups. An analysis of two predictors and two risk strata illustrates how the discrimination of combined predictors may be greater than the sum of the individual variables' discrimination. Risk stratification can be evaluated in trials that randomize competing interventions within different risk strata. Results of such trials indicate whether the risk strata adequately distinguish individuals by their responsiveness to particular intervention. Potential pitfalls, not easily recognized in risk stratification, can be avoided in the methods and in studies for evaluating those methods. Multivariate techniques maximize the discrimination of multiple predictors, but may increase complexity. Randomized trials of treatment provide evidence for utility of risk stratification.
Coherent backscattering spectroscopy: a new technique for probing short transport paths in living tissues and early precancer detection

Coherent backscattering (CBS) is a photon weak-localization phenomenon that gives rise to an enhanced backscattering of light by random media. Although this effect has been previously studied in nonbiological media, there have been only few attempts to use CBS for diagnosis and characterization in living tissue. Here we report spectroscopic CBS measurements (low-coherence CBS spectroscopy) by combining broadband illumination and low-coherence detection. We demonstrate that low-coherence CBS spectroscopy substantially simplifies CBS measurements in biological tissue and enables depth-resolved spectroscopic analysis of CBS. Low-coherence CBS spectroscopy may find important applications in probing biological tissue where depth-selective measurements are crucial. As an example of the potential of CBS for tissue diagnosis, we show that low-coherence CBS spectroscopy can be used to detect the earliest, previously undetectable, preadenomatous stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.
Systemic analysis of the critical dimensions of project management that impact test and evaluation program outcomes

It is generally believed that adopting standard organizational project management (PM) practices enhances the capability of organizations to achieve program success and customer satisfaction. We asked what specific dimensions of PM practices have been most helpful to project and program managers of Test and Evaluation (T&E). This paper focuses on T&E PM within the Federal Aviation Administration, an agency of the US government. The objective was to identify the critical dimensions of PM that contribute to successful T&E execution and determine how these critical dimensions could be unified with technical processes to achieve customer satisfaction. By combining the expressive abilities of the Boardman Soft Systems Methodology with a case study approach, we identified a set of critical dimensions and created a conceptual model that unifies PM practices with T&E processes. We concluded with a set of critical project management practices that have impact for a T&E organization.
Performance improvement of block based NAND flash translation layer

With growing capacities of flash memories, an efficient layer to manage read and write access to flash is required. NFTL is a widely used block based flash translation layer designed to manage NAND flash memories. NFTL is designed to achieve fast write times at the expense of slower read times. While traditionally, it is assumed that the read traffic to secondary storage is insignificant, as reads are cached, we show that this need not be true for NAND flash based storage due to garbage collection and reclamation processes. In this work, we present two independent techniques that extend NFTL and improve the read throughput in particular. The techniques presented add a minimal amount of RAM overhead to a flash controller, while providing, on an average, a 22.9% improvement in page read times and a 2.6% improvements in page write times on a set of file system and rigorous synthetic benchmarks. The techniques presented are well suited for flash controllers that are typically space constrained and have minimal processing power.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis in natives of India

A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter presenting as chronic flank pain, calculus, and hydronephrosis in an immigrant from India is presented. A literature review reveals a high frequency of reporting this otherwise rare tumor in India and suggests an inflammatory, environmental, or dietary etiology.
Self-Perceptions and Peer Relations of Boys with and Boys without Learning Disabilities in an Integrated Setting: A Longitudinal Study

This study examined the self-perceptions and peer relations among nonhandicapped boys and boys with learning disabilities (LD) in full-time integrated classes, grades 3–5. Compared to their nonhand...
Extended repertoire of permissible peptide ligands for HLA‐B*2702

Recognition of self peptides bound to the class I major histocompatibility complex molecule HLA-B27 is thought to trigger proliferation of autoreactive T cells and result in autoimmune arthritic diseases. Previous work from other laboratories established that a predominant feature of endogenous peptides eluted from purified B27 is an arginine at position 2. We studied the binding of peptides containing both natural and unnatural amino acids by the subtype HLA-B*2702, with the goal of gaining insight into peptide binding by this B27 subtype that is associated with susceptibility to arthritic disease. A soluble form of B*2702 was depleted of endogeneous peptides. We tested the binding of peptides substituted with cysteine, homocysteine, or an α-amino-ϵ-mercapto hexanoic acid side chain (Amh) instead of the naturally occurring arginine at position 2, to determine whether the peptide sulfhydryl residue could be covalently linked to cysteine 67 in the B*2702 binding cleft. Although none of the altered peptide sequences bound covalently to B*2702, the affinities of the homocysteine- and Amh-substituted peptides were close to that of the native peptide sequence. Substitutions at position 2 with other side chains, such as glutamine and methionine, also resulted in peptides that bound with only slightly reduced affinity. These results demonstrate that peptide side chains other than arginine at position 2 can be accomodated within the B*2702 peptide binding site with only minor reductions in affinity. This extended repertoire of permissible B27-binding peptides should be taken into account for a consideration of disease-associated peptide sequences.
Impaired hippocampal synaptic transmission and plasticity in mice lacking fibroblast growth factor 14.

Abstract Humans with an autosomal dominant missense mutation in fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) have impaired cognitive abilities and slowly progressive spinocerebellar ataxia. To explore the mechanisms that may account for this phenotype, we show that synaptic transmission at hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses and short- and long-term potentiation are impaired in Fgf14−/− mice, indicating abnormalities in synaptic plasticity. Examination of CA1 synapses in Fgf14−/− mice show a significant reduction in the number of synaptic vesicles docked at presynaptic active zones and a significant synaptic fatigue/depression during high/low-frequency stimulation. In addition, mEPSC frequency, but not amplitude, is decreased in hippocampal neurons derived from Fgf14−/− mice. Furthermore, expression of selective synaptic proteins in Fgf14−/− mice was decreased. These findings suggest a novel role for FGF14 in regulating synaptic plasticity via presynaptic mechanisms by affecting the mobilization, trafficking, or docking of synaptic vesicles to presynaptic active zones.
Moral Reasoning in Computer-Based Task Environments: Exploring the Interplay between Cognitive and Technological Factors on Individuals’ Propensity to Break Rules

This study examines the relationship between cognitive moral development (CMD), productivity features of information technology (IT) and unethical behavior or misconduct. Using an experimental design that randomly assigns subjects to one of four unique technology conditions, we assess the relationship between a subjects’ predominant level of CMD and ethical misconduct on IT-oriented work tasks. Our results show that both higher levels of CMD and increased levels of IT productivity features at one’s disposal have a significant role to play in explaining observed behavior in our sample. We find that CMD as measured by the Defining Issues Test’s P-score is negatively related to task misconduct. Conversely, IT productivity features such as copy-and-paste are positively related to task misconduct. In addition, the CMD—misconduct relationship is significantly diminished by the introduction of IT productivity features. Lastly, a series of hazard analyses are conducted to explore the boundaries of our principal findings. These results demonstrate the significant role of technology in enabling negative behavior and the relative inability of subjects’ use of principled moral reasoning to overcome it. Implications of these findings for academics and business managers are offered, as well as recommendations for mitigating misconduct in both academic and workplace environments.
Unmyelinated preganglionic fibers in frog ventral roots

It has been suggested that the preganglionic visceral fibers in the frog are unmyelinated. To obtain further evidence for this suggestion: (1) the percentages of unmyelinated fibers and the myelinated fiber histograms were done for all frog ventral roots, (2) the number of unmyelinated fibers were counted on either side of a chronic section of the seventh ventral root and (3) compound action potentials were obtained for roots 7-10. The results are that slightly more than 80% of the unmyelinated fibers in the seventh ventral root arise in the spinal cord and are presumably unmyelinated preganglionic efferents. Furthermore, a C fiber volley could be followed from the seventh ventral root into caudal parts of the sympathetic chain. Thus this data provides confirmation for the idea that many frog preganglionic fibers are unmyelinated. This study also shows that 24% of the ventral root axons in the frog are unmyelinated and that, on the basis of percentages of unmyelinated fibers and myelinated fiber histograms, there are five categories of frog ventral roots.
Second-order focusing for the mass spectrograph

Second order focusing can be obtained with an apparatus, which contains a circular magnetic field and differs little in its dimensions from the apparatus at present in use. The lay-out is shown to scale in Fig. 4: the essential data are collected at the end of Section V, and indications of the accuracy to be expected are given at the end of Section III.
Estimation of dispersion effects from robust design experiments with censored response data

A method is presented for estimating dispersion effects (DE) from robust design experiments (RDE) with control and noise factors involving censored response data. This method is developed to discern the significance of DE from RDE and the method aims at analyzing a multi-level/multi-factor experiment. This method imputes censored data by a regression based imputation technique, assuming that the distribution of lifetime before and after censoring is identical. This method also models the residuals to identify important DE, assuming that the distribution of the observed random variables of the model is the same with or without censored response data. Finally, the method is demonstrated through a numerical example. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates 65. 23-Epidihydrocalysterol: a new cyclopropane-containing sponge sterol

A new cyclopropane-containing sterol was isolated from the marine sponge Cribrochalina vasculum. The new sterol was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry and the structure was shown to be (23R,24S,28R)-dihydrocalysterol. Implications concerning the biosynthesis of cyclopropane and cyclopropene sterols in sponges are discussed.
The Coming of Age of America.

The central fact of the twentieth century for America is its involvement with the world, and for a nation bred in the psychic and geographic isolation of a uniform liberal faith this has evoked the dialectic battle of a pair of impulses: the effort to intensify "Americanism," to retreat to the comfortable womb of ancient fetishes, and the effort to transcend it, to move out maturely into a welter of national experiences where the fetishes have lost their magic.' It would be comforting if we could say that this battle has been clear cut, that it has been fought out by Good Men and Bad Men, much as the battle between "conservative" and "radical" has been fought out in the nationalist histories of the Progressive scholars. But this has not been true, if only because the issue itself has been hidden from sight and the men who have grappled with it, as in some Hegelian tale, have served purposes beyond their understanding. The struggle against the constraints of "Americanism," that peculiar blend of liberalism and nationalism' that only America has produced, has been as confused as the record of the twentieth century itself.
Evaluation of trajectories for different classes of robots

Abstract Trajectory planning is an integral part of robotics. As the number of different robots and trajectories increases, some evaluation scheme to match a particular robot type with a particular trajectory becomes crucial. An evaluation technique of trajectory paths based on joint torque, work, and power requirements is presented in this paper. Upon specification of a robot kinematic configuration and a set of trajectories, a systematic evaluation of each trajectory is performed to determine the optimal trajectory for the configuration. This allows for the determination of the optimal trajectory for each manipulator configuration.
Initiation of biofilm formation in Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 proceeds via multiple, convergent signalling pathways: a genetic analysis

Populations of surface-attached microorganisms comprising either single or multiple species are commonly referred to as biofilms. Using a simple assay for the initiation of biofilm formation (e.g. attachment to an abiotic surface) by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain WCS365, we have shown that: (i) P. fluorescens can form biofilms on an abiotic surface when grown on a range of nutrients; (ii) protein synthesis is required for the early events of biofilm formation; (iii) one (or more) extracytoplasmic protein plays a role in interactions with an abiotic surface; (iv) the osmolarity of the medium affects the ability of the cell to form biofilms. We have isolated transposon mutants defective for the initiation of biofilm formation, which we term surface attachment defective (sad). Molecular analysis of the sad mutants revealed that the ClpP protein (a component of the cytoplasmic Clp protease) participates in biofilm formation in this organism. Our genetic analyses suggest that biofilm formation can proceed via multiple, convergent signalling pathways, which are regulated by various environmental signals. Finally, of the 24 sad mutants analysed in this study, only three had defects in genes of known function. This result suggests that our screen is uncovering novel aspects of bacterial physiology.
Computational analysis of the human and other mammalian genomes

Working drafts are now available for the human, mouse and rat genomes, and other mammalian genome sequences are on the way. We discuss some of the key bioinformatic analysis problems presented by this data, including the problems of assembling the sequence, finding the genes and other functional elements, and reconstructing the evolutionary history of the genomes. Recent comparisons between the human and mouse genomes have revealed that approximately 5% of the human genome appears to be more conserved with the orthologous regions in mouse than can be explained assuming neutral evolution. Is this the portion of the genome under selection for specific functions? How can we use comparative genomics to further pinpoint functional elements? How accurately can we reconstruct the evolutionary history of key parts of the human genome? We briefly outline some recent work (described in more detail in Adam Siepel's talk) combining hidden Markov models, used in bioinformatics to analyse DNA from a single species, with continuous time Markov models of molecular evolution, used to reconstruct evolutionary history of several species. While still a long way from answering these questions, these methods may contribute to such investigations.
Understanding selective molecular recognition in integrated carbon nanotube–polymer sensors by simulating physical analyte binding on carbon nanotube–polymer scaffolds

Macromolecular scaffolds made of polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been explored recently (Zhang et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 2013) as a new class of molecular-recognition motifs. However, selective analyte recognition is still challenging and lacks the underlying fundamental understanding needed for its practical implementation in biological sensors. In this report, we combine coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations, physical adsorption/binding theories, and photoluminescence (PL) experiments to provide molecular insight into the selectivity of such sensors towards a large set of biologically important analytes. We find that the physical binding affinities of the analytes on a bare SWCNT partially correlate with their distribution coefficients in a bulk water/octanol system, suggesting that the analyte hydrophobicity plays a key role in determining the binding affinities of the analytes considered, along with the various specific interactions between the analytes and the polymer anchor groups. Two distinct categories of analytes are identified to demonstrate a complex picture for the correlation between optical sensor signals and the simulated binding affinities. Specifically, a good correlation was found between the sensor signals and the physical binding affinities of the three hormones (estradiol, melatonin, and thyroxine), the neurotransmitter (dopamine), and the vitamin (riboflavin) to the SWCNT–polymer scaffold. The four amino acids (aspartate, glycine, histidine, and tryptophan) and the two monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) considered were identified as blank analytes which are unable to induce sensor signals. The results indicate great success of our physical adsorption-based model in explaining the ranking in sensor selectivities. The combined framework presented here can be used to screen and select polymers that can potentially be used for creating synthetic molecular recognition motifs.
Electronic monitoring and the redundancy of control systems: The role of the supervisor

Despite an increasing amount of research on the concerns of lower level computer workers who perform clerical work using Video Display Terminals, there has been virtually no attention paid to the concerns and behaviors of their supervisors. Consequently, little is known about actual supervisory methods in settings with computerized performance monitoring systems.This paper reports on the results of a field study focusing on the supervisor's role in computerized and non-computerized data entry settings. Both supervisors and their employees comprised the research sample.In general, the results of this study do not support prior research regarding the differences in perception of closeness in supervision between VDT and non-VDT workers. Furthermore, the results suggest that the supervisors are largely under-utilizing the monitoring capabilities of the system. Implications for systems design are discussed.
Finite element model development of a child pelvis with optimization-based material identification

A finite element (FE) model of a 10-years-old child pelvis was developed and validated against experimental data from lateral impacts of pediatric pelves. The pelvic bone geometry was reconstructed from a set of computed tomography images, and a hexahedral mesh was generated using a new octree-based hexahedral meshing technique. Lateral impacts to the greater trochanter and iliac wing of the seated pelvis were simulated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify material parameters that substantially affected the model response. An optimization-based material identification method was developed to obtain the most favorable material property set by minimizing differences in biomechanical responses between experimental and simulation results. This study represents a pilot effort in the development and validation of age-dependent musculoskeletal FE models for children, which may ultimately serve to evaluate injury mechanisms and means of protection for the pediatric population.
Dissolved sulfide-catalyzed precipitation of disordered dolomite: Implications for the formation mechanism of sedimentary dolomite

Abstract Dolomite is a common mineral in the rock record. However, the rarity of modern dolomite and the notorious difficulty in synthesizing dolomite abiotically under normal Earth-surface conditions result in the long-standing “dolomite problem” in sedimentary geology. Some modern dolomites are associated with sediments where microbial sulfate reduction is active; however, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in dolomite formation is still under debate. In this study, we tested the effect of dissolved sulfide on the precipitation of Ca–Mg carbonates, which has been never explored before although dissolved sulfide is one of the major products of microbial sulfate reduction. Our results demonstrated that dissolved sulfide with a concentration of as low as several millimoles can enhance the Mg2+ incorporation into the calcitic structure, and promote the crystallization of high magnesian calcite and disordered dolomite. We also conducted seeded precipitation in experimental solutions containing dissolved sulfide, which showed that calcite seeds can inhibit the precipitation of aragonite and monohydrocalcite (CaCO3·H2O), and induce more Mg2+ incorporation. We propose that accumulated dissolved sulfide in pore waters in organic-rich sediments may trigger the precipitation of disordered dolomite which can be considered as a precursor of some sedimentary dolomite. Our adsorption experiments revealed a strong adsorption of dissolved sulfide onto calcite faces. We suggest that adsorbed dissolved sulfide can lower the energy barrier to the dehydration of Mg2+–water complexes on the growing carbonate surfaces. This study sheds new light on understanding the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in dolomite formation and the formation mechanism of sedimentary dolomite.