cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that Explain the Perceived Effectiveness of E-Government: A Survey of United States City Government Information Technology Directors

This article examines the perceived effectiveness of e-government through a survey of city government Information Technology (IT) directors in the United States. The existing survey literature on e-government has primarily examined the features of e-government in terms of content and accessibility. This study is different in that it examines the performance of e-government through the lens of IT directors who should have knowledge on how effective e-government is for their city government. This research uses the citizen-initiated contacts with government literature as a way of understanding e-government effectiveness. Exploratory factor analysis reveals that e-government effectiveness is explained by management capacity, security and privacy, and collaboration in city governments. Of the three factors, the regression analysis carried out in this research indicated that management capacity and collaboration influenced e-government effectiveness. There was no evidence that security and privacy had a statistically significant impact on e-government effectiveness. The results of this study confirm much of the existing qualitative research that management capacity and collaboration are critical elements of e-government adoption.
3D silicon micro-pillars/-walls decorated with aluminum-ZnO/ZnO nanowires for opto-electronic device applications

In this paper, high aspect ratio vertically oriented p-silicon (100) micropillars and microwalls were fabricated using the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process with the BOSCH recipe of cyclical passivation and etching. Two different patterns were etched; uniform pillar arrays of dimensions ~15µm (height) x 2µm (diameter) and wall arrays of dimensions ~1.5µm (width) x 25µm (height). Three-dimensional (3D) heterostructures of n-ZnO/p-Si heterostructures were fabricated from growing hydrothermally dense arrays of ZnO nanowires (290-400 nm in length and 48-80 nm in diameter) and depositing Aluminum-ZnO (AZO) thin film onto the high aspect ratio vertically oriented p-silicon micropillars and microwalls. The performances of the fabricated heterostructure optoelectronic devices were characterized for different applications including solar cells, photodetectors and field ionization gas sensors.
Antidiuretic Hormone and Bile Flow

DURING experiments related to the excretion of manganese1, variations in flow of bile in the rat suggested the possibility that bile flow is sensitive to the action of the antidiuretic hormone.
Streamflow Response to Forest Cutting and Revegetation

: Experimental cuttings on two small, hardwood-forested watersheds in New England showed that annual streamflow can be increased as much as 41 percent. Most of the increase occurred in summer and early autumn when additional streamflow is most needed. Revegetation caused the annual increases to nearly disappear within 4 years after complete forest clearing.
Reconsidering Some Approved Antimicrobial Agents for Tuberculosis

The case report in this issue by [Forgacs and colleagues][1] ([8][2]) is particularly timely in view of the resurgence of tuberculosis and the promise of new therapeutic approaches ([15][3]). Much of the current attention on tuberculosis has focused on the close association of tuberculosis and human
The Effects of Damaged Kernel Caused by Combine Harvester Settings on Milled Rice Free Fatty Acid Levels

Milled rice surface oil and free fatty acid (FFA) contents determine rice acceptability to the brewing industry. Both could subsequently contribute to beer off-flavors and thus compromise milled rice brewing quality. Controlling milled rice FFA by harvesting practices could be important in maintaining brewing quality as some rough rice is damaged by hull removal and/or bran disruption during harvesting. To determine the effect of harvester speed on kernel damage, the long-grain rice variety Cocodrie was harvested at 3 different combine harvester settings and the percent of damaged kernel (w/w) was measured. Combine harvester cylinder speed had a significant effect on rough rice kernel damage. The percentages of damaged kernels for 550, 850, and 1000 rpm cylinder speeds were 1.2%, 4.0%, and 9.0%, respectively. The FFA level of milled rice with varying amount of damaged kernels was investigated over 6 mo of storage. The faster harvester cylinder speeds resulted with time in significantly greater FFA levels in “as-harvested” rice. The FFA content of 1000 rpm as-harvested rice almost reached the 0.1% (w/w) level. The greater the amount of damaged kernel, the greater was the milled rice FFA level, and it was significantly greater than milled rice with no damaged kernels during accelerated storage. The as-harvested rice with 1000 rpm had the highest FFA level, followed by 850 and 500 rpm.
Bovine Proparathyroid Hormone: Structural Analysis of Radioactive Peptides Formed by Limited Cleavage

Certain structural features of bovine proparathyroid hormone, the known biosynthetic precursor to parathyroid hormone, could be determined by chemical and enzymatic cleavage of the radioactive prohormone. Electrophoretic and chromatographic mobilities of amino—terminal fragments of labeled proparathyroid hormone derived by limited cleavage with cyanogen bromide or dilute acid were found to differ from those of parathyroid hormone. However, the mobilities of carboxyl—terminal tryptic fragments of proparathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone were identical. The results indicate that the additional amino acids of proparathyroid hormone are at the amino-terminal and not the carboxyl—terminal end of the hormone. Amino—terminal tryptic fragments of proparathyroid hormone were found to be identical indicating that an arginine or lysine residue must be present in the prohormone sequences close to the amino—terminal alanine residue of parathyroid hormone. (Endocrinology 92: 219, 1973)
Accessories For Micro-Emission FTIR And Their Performance

Micro-emission FTIR (MEFTIR) is a most sensitive technique for the analysis of non-uniform surface layers. It is non-destructive, requires no sample preparation, can be used in an ambient environment, with flat or even rough surfaces, at high and low temperatures, and it requires only microscopic sample areas. In contrast to reflection methods, MEFTIR does not need precise angles of observation and its dynamic range requirement is small, since differencing is not involved. However, its sensitivity depends on wave-length by Planck's law.
The politics of luck: Political ideology and the perceived relationship between luck and success

Abstract Three studies examined how individuals' beliefs about the relation between luck and success vary with political ideology. Conservative participants endorsed luck as influential to success considerably less than liberal participants (Studies 1 and 2). The ideologically polarizing effect of luck was shown to be related to its emphasis on random chance: Polarization was not found in response to an external attribution for success that was unrelated to chance (Study 2), and was specific to the challenge that random chance poses to deservingness (Study 3). Moreover, conservatives' support for the notion that luck contributes to success was related to their belief that luck is a quality of the person (which does not rely on random chance), whereas liberals' support was not (Study 3). These findings demonstrate that there is ideological disagreement over how success is achieved, which may be at the heart of the ideological divide over wealth redistribution.
Cultural Diversity in the Amazon Borderlands: Implications for Conservation and Development

AbstractThe Amazon basin, one of the world's core areas for biocultural diversity, includes or borders on nine South American states. The remote and biodiverse Amazon borderlands shared by these states contain over 12,000 kilometers of international boundaries and are increasingly threatened by transboundary infrastructure initiatives. This paper combines geographic information systems (GIS), field observations, and document research to investigate the relationship between cultural diversity and the Amazon borderlands: (1) Are the borderlands more culturally diverse than the Amazonian countries and Amazonian lowland rainforest biome? (2) If so, what characterizes this diversity? Results introduce the unique characteristics of the Amazon borderlands and underscore the argument for an alternative means of Amazon integration based on standing forest and biocultural diversity.
Preferred orientation and shape of electrodeposited nanocrystalline Al–Mg alloy dendrites

Abstract Al–Mg electrodeposition yielded face centered cubic (fcc)-Al(Mg) nanocrystalline featherlike dendrites consisting a stem and several arms exhibiting strong morphological anisotropy and microtexture. Various morphological features and preferred orientations lead to a crystallographic model suggesting that the stem and arms contain nanograins with their high energy {011} and {001} planes perpendicular to the growth directions. The dendrites grow with both low ({111}) and high ({001}) energy planes of nanograins as growth planes. The shape of these dendrites was explained using preferred orientations of nanograins within.
Combining laser doppler flowmetry with microdialysis: a novel approach to investigate the coupling of regional cerebral blood flow to neuronal activity

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is directly coupled to neuronal activity; however, the mediators of this coupling have not been established. The characterization of these vasoactive substances requires a technique which enables sampling of locally released mediators together with the simultaneous monitoring of rCBF. The goal of this study was to establish such a technique by combining microdialysis and laser doppler flowmetry. Laser doppler and microdialysis probes were inserted into the dorsal hippocampal, CA1-dentate hilus, of rats. Animals received sequentially increasing concentrations of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). rCBF responded in a dose-dependent manner, increasing to 106.8 ± 2.3%, 119.7 ± 6.3%, 148.0 ± 16.6%, and 191.4 ± 20.4% of baseline at 50 μM, 100 μM, 200 μM, and 500 μM NMDA, respectively. All doses of NMDA produced an increase in extracellular concentrations of adenosine and citrulline, an indirect measure of nitric oxide generation. These results indicate that the combination of microdialysis and laser doppler flowmetry is a valuable tool to investigate the coupling of rCBF to neuronal activity. Moreover our data suggest two possible mediators of this coupling, nitric oxide and adenosine, which require further investigation.
Using Juvenile Literature with Portrayals of Disabilities in Your Classroom.

Children's books that include portrayals of characters with disabilities can be a particularly effective means of teaching students about disabilities. In addition, classroom discussion of such books can be integrated with a unit on history, music, or other content area. In the present article, 46 frequently recommended children's books that portray characters with disabilities are described, along with ideas for specific classroom use.
Justifying wrongful employee behavior: The role of personality in organizational sabotage

The role that personality plays in the justification of organizational sabotage behavior was examined. In a two phase study, 120 business students were first surveyed to create a list of 51 methods of sabotage. In the second phase, 274 other business students rated justifiability of the 51 methods and completed Machiavellian and hostility scales. A factor analysis of the justification ratings yielded four factors: (1) methods of sabotaging company profits and production, (2) informational sabotage, (3) violent and illegal methods, and (4) traditional labor methods of sabotage. A 2 (high versus low Machiavellianism) ×2 (high versus low hostility) ANOVA upon factor scores for justifiability revealed significant main effects for hostility and significant interactive effects on Factors 1 and 2. Results were discussed in terms of differences in management and blue collar methods of sabotage and in terms of a self-presentational approach to justification of sabotage.
Bank audit practices and loan loss provisioning.

Abstract I empirically examine the evolution of loan loss accounting across banks that differ categorically by external auditing practice. Using a partial adjustment model, and a sample of 75,505 observations on affiliated banks, 1995–2009, I find evidence of convergence across audit categories in target ratios of provisions for loan losses to nonaccrual loans. This is consistent with a standardized method of accounting for “impaired” loans. I observe less convergence, on the other hand, in target ratios of provisions for loan losses to loans, which appears to accommodate a role for managerial discretion.
Increased gluconeogenesis in rats exposed to hyper-G stress

The effect of glucogenesis on the plasma glucose and liver glycogen of rats exposed to hyper-G stress is investigated. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats are injected with C-14 lactate, alanine, of glycerol, and six of the rats are exposed to 3.1 G for 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 hr. The plasma glucose and liver glycogen of the centrifuged and noncentrifuged rats are analyzed. A significant increase in the C-14 incorporation of the substrate into the plasma glucose and liver glycogen is observed in the centrifuged rats. The injection of 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, a gluconeogenesis inhibitor, results in a blocked increase in plasma glucose and liver glycogen. The role of epinephrine on the hyperglycemic and liver glycogen responses of centrifuged rats is studied. It is concluded that the initial increase in plasma glucose and liver glycogen in rats exposed to hyper-G stress is the result of an increased rate of gluconeogenesis.
Pathogens for biological control of nematodes

Abstract This review briefly examines some of the earlier research that lists the natural soil enemies of plant-parasitic nematodes. The major emphasis is on research developments of the past decade that consider biological control of nematodes. The importance of biocontrol has arisen as a consequence of the loss of the two effective but hazardous nematicidal soil fumigants, namely dibromo-chloropropane and ethylene dibromide, and because of the urgent need for new control strategies that their passing has created. Reports of successful biocontrol of plant nematodes by the fungal agents Nematophthora gynophila, Dactylella oviparasitica and Paecilomyes lilacinus and by the bacterial agent Pasteuria penetrans are examined. These recent developments are analysed and their implications on future research of nematode biocontrol discussed.
Locally produced textiles: product development and evaluation of consumers’ acceptance

Textile and apparel represent one of the most globalised industries which can have negative impacts on the environment and social equity. This research used locally grown natural materials, including sheep's wool, mohair, and plant-sourced natural dyes, from a university campus and surrounding areas to develop textiles. The study demonstrated that local production can be a sustainable development strategy with economic, environmental, and social benefits. Focus group discussions and a questionnaire survey were conducted with university students to evaluate the users’ acceptance of the locally produced textiles. A majority of the participants liked the colours of the textiles, thought the textile yarns and scarf made from local materials were beautiful and comfortable, and were willing to buy the locally produced textile products. Students’ sustainability attitudes towards equity, economy, and environment affected their preference for locally produced textiles. Their interest in campus-sourced products was...
A Lattice BGK Model for Viscoelastic Media

A two- and three-dimensional lattice Bhatnager-Gross-Krook model is proposed to simulate viscoelastic media. Large-scale equations are derived using the Chapman-Enskog expansion. A simple linear relationship between the parameter $E$ which is introduced to characterize the elastic behavior and the transverse velocity is obtained. Numerical simulations further confirm the analytical predictions.
The Driving Anger Expression Inventory: A Validity Study with Community College Student Drivers

This study explored the relationship of driving anger expression to driving anger, trait anger, general anger expression, and aggressive and risky behavior while driving. Verbal, physical, and vehicular forms of expressing anger while driving correlated positively with each other, driving and trait anger, anger-in, and anger-out and negatively with adaptive/constructive driving anger expression and general anger-control. Adaptive/constructive expression formed small negative correlations with these measures, except for a positive correlation with anger-control. Regression models controlling for demographic variables and driving anger, trait anger, or general anger expression demonstrated forms of driving anger expression added variance to predicting aggressive and risky behavior. Forms of driving anger expression partially mediated the effects for driving anger, trait anger, and general anger expression on aggressive and risky behavior. No moderation effects were found for age, gender, or miles driven. Findings provided evidence for convergent and incremental validity for the Driving Anger Expression Inventory.
Impact of device physics on DG and SOI MOSFET linearity

Abstract The influence of different physical mechanisms on MOSFET linearity is analyzed using 2D TCAD device simulations. In particular, the RF linearity performance of 50 nm gate length SOI and DG-MOSFETs are investigated and compared with traditional bulk MOSFETs. We employ the hydrodynamic (HD) transport model to account for non-equilibrium carrier dynamics and the density gradient approximation for quantum mechanical effects. Impact ionization of channel carriers and self-heating effect (SHE) are also accounted for in the thin-body devices. Our results disclose the relationship between various aspects of device physics and linearity. We show that linearity performance is particularly sensitive to non-local effects and are lowered due to SHE. Quantum mechanical effects appear to have a small positive impact on linearity. Drift-diffusion approximation is found to be unreliable for linearity analysis of DG MOSFETs due to large overestimation from this model. We also observe that linearity has an anomalous monotonous dependence on the ambient temperature.
Information Requirements for Traffic Awareness in the Free-flight Environment

The goals of the current research were (1) to identify the information necessary for the air carrier pilot to maintain "traffic awareness" in a system that included a free-flight traffic environment, a pilot, and a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) and (2) to apply and evaluate the utility of the Function Allocation Issues and Tradeoffs (FAIT) analysis (Riley, 1993). One hundred information requirements were identified. The FAIT analysis indicated the following characteristics of the system are highly influential in a free-flight traffic environment: Weather, General piloting skills, Time of day, Terrain, Ownship state (e.g., altitude, attitude, speed, etc.), Level of pilot mental workload, and Perceived time pressure. In addition, the FAIT analysis suggested that the following characteristics are very sensitive: Type of action chosen by the pilot, Level of pilot mental workload, Appropriateness of planned action, Ownship state, Level of air traffic managers' mental workload, Accuracy of current machine model, and Level of confidence in planned action. In more general terms, the FAIT analysis indicated that pilot characteristics were both more influential and more sensitive than either environment or machine characteristics. Although the FAIT analysis identified numerous potential system tradeoffs, no pair of characteristics represented a pure tradeoff. However, the FAIT analysis identified several pairs of characteristics that had unstable relations (i.e., under some circumstances, they have a direct relation, and under other circumstances, they have a tradeoff relation). Overall, relative to operator-driven system design issues, automation issues, and other issues, the FAIT analysis revealed training as the most important issue to address in a free-flight traffic environment. These findings indicate that the FAIT analysis is a useful tool. For example, only 28 of the 100 information requirements identified from the present research were defined in related, previous research (i.e., Endsley, Parley, Jones, Midkiff, & Hansman, 1998; Endsley & Rodgers, 1994), suggesting that the FAIT may have advantages relative to traditional task analyses in the identification of information requirements. The FAIT also has the added utility of providing information beyond that of the traditional task analyses (e.g., sensitivity and influence ratings, identification of tradeoffs, etc.).
Judith Stein, Running Steel, Running America: Race, Economic Policy, and the Decline of Liberalism. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1998. xi + 323 pp. $59.95 cloth; $19.95 paper.

Judith Stein recounts two histories in tandem that all too frequently are narrated separately: “that of a changing [American] economy and that of changing race relations” (2). The brilliant originality of Running Steel is to bring the history of civil rights in employment together with larger questions of national, indeed international, post-1945 political economy. The struggle for racial justice appears neither a beneficiary nor a casualty of an easily invoked but vaguely defined “liberalism,” as in so many other studies. Instead, the limits of fair employment prove an integral part of the making and unmaking of a political and economic totality with quite specific elements seemingly unconnected to race relations. In contrast to currently fashionable neoliberal accounts, Stein concludes “it was the foreign commitments and economic policies of liberalism, not the excesses of racial reformers or the racism of the culture, that transformed American politics in the postwar era” (6).
A note on the ‘underadjustment phenomenon’

Abstract In recent work in the area of employment discrimination statistics we have noticed that a basic formula quantifying the degree of underadjustment bias in regression coefficients seems not to have been clearly stated and proved. We believe the underadjustment phenomenon to be of great importance in assessing the validity of multiple regression studies of wage disparities in equal employment litigation, and of observational studies involving two populations in general. Since the argument is based entirely on some simple mathematical features of the linear model, the result should be of interest in other fields of application as well.
On constructing balanced incomplete block designs from association matrices with special reference to association schemes of two and three classes

Abstract Balanced incomplete block designs and n-class association schemes are defined. Various methods of constructing association schemes with two and three classes are discussed. Necessary and sufficient conditions are found for a BIB incidence matrix to be (i) a linear combination of association matrices or (ii) a matrix formed by placing association matrices side by side (the latter is referred to as juxtaposition of association matrices). The various two-and three-class schemes are examined to determine whether BIB designs can be constructed from them.
INTERBRANCH CONFLICT AND THE EARLY EVOLUTION OF COVERT ACTION AS A PRESIDENTIAL TOOL OF FOREIGN POLICY

A number of contemporary studies of executive-legislative relations have suggested that interbranch conflict owes primarily to transient institutional factors such as the relative level of organizational development within the executive or the rise of individual over collective interests within Congress (Aberbach 1990; Dodd 1977). In keeping with this interbranch conflict paradigm Holt (1995) and Smist (1990) conclude that conflict over the control and oversight of covert operations is a phenomenon of the Cold War era which should be seen as a modern manifestation of these same institutional factors (See Holt 1995, 2–3; Smist 1990, 4–19).
Anaphase Spindle Mechanics Prevent Mis-Segregation of Merotelically Oriented Chromosomes

Merotelic kinetochore orientation is a kinetochore misattachment in which a single kinetochore is attached to microtubules from both spindle poles instead of just one. It can be favored in specific circumstances, is not detected by the mitotic checkpoint, and induces lagging chromosomes in anaphase. In mammalian cells, it occurs at high frequency in early mitosis, but few anaphase cells show lagging chromosomes. We developed live-cell imaging methods to determine whether and how the mitotic spindle prevents merotelic kinetochores from producing lagging chromosomes. We found that merotelic kinetochores entering anaphase never lost attachment to the spindle poles; they remained attached to both microtubule bundles, but this did not prevent them from segregating correctly. The two microtubule bundles usually showed different fluorescence intensities, the brighter bundle connecting the merotelic kinetochore to the correct pole. During anaphase, the dimmer bundle lengthened much more than the brighter bundle as spindle elongation occurred. This resulted in correct segregation of the merotelically oriented chromosome. We propose a model based on the ratios of microtubules to the correct versus incorrect pole for how anaphase spindle dynamics and microtubule polymerization at kinetochores prevent potential segregation errors deriving from merotelic kinetochore orientation.
Design Considerations for Harvesting Vibration Energy at MEMS Scale: Review

Vibration based energy harvesting has wide potential applications in areas such as wireless sensors networks and ultra low power devices. While there have been various technologies through which vibration energy has been harvested, there is a considerable need to improve the power density of such devices. Recently, efforts have been made in developing MEMS scale devices as they would have increased power density and also provide ease of integration with wireless sensors and low power electronic devices. The aim of this paper is to present the generic and specific design considerations for vibration energy harvesting at the MEMS scale for electrostatic, electromagnetic and piezoelectric techniques. The effect of external load such as load resistance employed for peak power output on the total damping in the system is discussed. The typical MEMS scale vibrating structures such as cantilever beam, fixed-fixed beam and membrane are also presented.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A MALONIC ESTER SYNTHESIS WITH ACID CHLORIDES. THE HOMOLOGATION OF DIOIC ACIDS

Recently we reported1 that sodium cyanoborohydride in acetic acidis an effective reagent for the reduction of acylated derivatives of barbituric acid, Meldrum's acid, and 4-hydroxy-coumarin to the ...
Iterated LQR smoothing for locally-optimal feedback control of systems with non-linear dynamics and non-quadratic cost

This paper introduces the novel concept of LQR smoothing, which analogous to Kalman smoothing consists of both a backward pass and a forward pass. In the backward pass the cost-to-go function is computed using the standard LQR Riccati equation that runs backward in time, and in the forward pass the cost-to-come function is computed using a Riccati equation that runs forward in time. The sum of the cost-to-go and the cost-to-come function gives the total-cost function, and we will show that the states for which the total-cost function is minimal constitute the minimum-cost trajectory for the linear-quadratic optimal control problem. This insight is used to construct a fast-converging iterative procedure to compute a locally-optimal feedback control policy for systems with non-linear dynamics and non-quadratic cost, where in each iteration the current minimal-total-cost states provide natural points about which the dynamics can be linearized and the cost quadratized. We demonstrate the potential of our approach on two illustrative non-linear control problems involving physical differential-drive robots and simulated quadrotor helicopters in environments with obstacles, and show that our approach converges in only about a third of the number of iterations required by existing approaches such as Iterative LQR.
Materialism and Social Consumption

The present study examines a psychological motivator and some behaviors of the materialist. In this study, we examine a motivator that is broader than status—social consumption motivation. Four hypotheses are proposed that link materialism to social consumption motivation, opinion leadership, time spent shopping, and spending. Data were gathered from 204 adults. The analysis showed that materialism correlated significantly with social consumption motivation and a mid-range level of opinion leadership, and was a significant and important predictor of time spent shopping and spending. Results suggest that materialists are sensitive to the social acceptability and communicative ability of products and brands.
The adult Bullard laryngoscope in paediatric patients.

Purpose The adult Bullard laryngoscope (BL) is effective in managing both normal and abnormal airways. Although its name implies use in the adult population, its size does not preclude its use in paediatric patients. Thus we evaluated whether the adult BL could be used in the paediatric population and whether its efficacy was related to age, weight, or height.
Analytic descriptions for transitional nuclei near the critical point

Abstract Exact solutions of the Bohr Hamiltonian with a five-dimensional square well potential, in isolation or coupled to a fermion by the five-dimensional spin–orbit interaction, are considered as examples of a new class of dynamical symmetry or Bose–Fermi dynamical symmetry. The solutions provide baselines for experimental studies of even–even [ E ( 5 ) ] and odd-mass [ E ( 5 | 4 ) ] nuclei near the critical point of the spherical to deformed γ -unstable phase transition.
Alterations in the Fine Structure of Developing Endosperm of Hibiscus Hybrids

SUMMARYEarly development is compared in self-fertilized Hibiscus costatus and in hybrid H. cos. tatus-aculeatus and H. costatus-furcellatus endosperm. Since the paternal parents H. aculeatus and H. furcellatus are both tetraploids, fertilization of the polar nuclei of H. costatus, a diploid, results in tetraploid endosperm. Development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in both the hybrids was highly aberrant and was characterized by short irregular pieces which apparently arose from blebs in regions of the membrane which were devoid of ribosomes. The nuclei of the hybrids frequently contained multiple (5–30) nucleoli, even at very young stages. In comparison, selfed material generally contain only one to perhaps three nucleoli per nucleus at the age observed. Nuclei of the hybrid endosperm also frequently contained many large clumps of heterochromatin associated with the nuclear membrane. Failure of hybrid crosses of different ploidy parents is discussed in terms of recent observations.
The urokinase receptor and integrins in cancer progression

Enhanced levels of expression of urokinase receptor (uPAR) and certain integrins have been linked to cancer cell progression. This has classically been attributed to matrix degradation via the activation of the urokinase (uPA)/plasmin system and modulation of cell motility and survival through integrin engagement. More recently, uPAR has been shown to play multiple roles independent of protease activity. Specifically, uPAR has been shown to be intimately involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration and proliferation in part through interactions with other membrane partners, including integrins. The goal of this review is to summarize recent insights in the function of uPAR/integrin interactions, to provide a framework for understanding the importance of these interactions in the context of cancer, and to highlight its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Local host response in osteosarcoma after chemotherapy referred to radiographs, CT, tumour necrosis and patient survival

The necrotic effect of chemotherapy on primary osteosarcoma has been shown to be predictive of the final outcome. Little attention has been paid to the local response of the host (LHR), which reflects the tumour–host relationship. Design: A four-step grading system was developed based on distinct histological patterns of the LHR around the lesion. These responses were correlated with the chemotherapy-induced necrosis or chemosensitivity and analysed in an attempt to ascertain their influence on the patient prognosis. The ability of conventional radiographs and computed tomography to measure LHR was studied. Methods: The grading system was applied to macroslides of specimens obtained from 72 patients with stage II B primary osteosarcoma in various limbs after wide resection and complete courses of pre- and postoperative chemotherapy who were treated between 1985 and 1991 with a median follow-up of 5 years and 9 months. The histological specimens were blindly reviewed by two pathologists and two experienced musculoskeletal oncologists to assign a grade of response. The results were correlated with tumour necrosis, patient survival and response features on conventional radiographs and CT images. Results: Significant correlation was found between LHR and tumour necrosis or chemosensitivity (r = 0.55) and between LHR and CT response (r = 0.56). There was no correlation between LHR and the findings on conventional radiographs. A grade 4 LHR was predictive of long-term survival. Conclusions: The LHR to preoperative chemotherapy has a prognostic influence on patient survival and can be predicted by CT.
Knock-in mutation of transcription factor GATA-3 into the GATA-1 locus: partial rescue of GATA-1 loss of function in erythroid cells.

Abstract Transcription factors of the GATA-family are essential for proper development of diverse tissues or cell types. GATA-1 is required for differentiation of two hematopoietic lineages (red blood cells and megakaryocytes), whereas GATA-3 is essential for T-cell development. Functional studies suggest that many properties of the GATA-family of proteins are shared and largely interchangeable. To test whether the function of GATA-1 in erythroid differentiation can be replaced by another GATA-factor, we generated a knock-in mutation of the GATA-1 locus in which GATA-3 cDNA was introduced by gene targeting. Mutant embryos (designated G1G3ki), though embryonic lethal, exhibit partial rescue, characterized by increased survival of erythroid precursor cells and improved hemoglobin production. The basis for the incomplete extent of rescue is likely to be complex, but may be accounted for, in part, by insufficient accumulation of GATA-3 protein (compared with the normal level of GATA-1). Our findings suggest that GATA-3 protein is functional when expressed in an erythroid environment and is competent to act on at least a subset of erythroid-expressed target genesin vivo.
Multiscale analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanofiber scaffolds

Abstract Biopolymers play a significant role in tissue engineering, as they simulate the physiological environment required for the development of tissue cultures. Use of carbon nanotube polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications has gained attention recently due to the enhanced mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. In this paper, a hierarchical approach by studying the atomistic properties of carbon nanotube based polymers using molecular dynamics and coupling the scales through complex multi-scale nonlinear hyperelastic material-based mathematical homogenization models are developed. These homogenization methods offer a systematic and rigorous treatment of up-scaling the properties from the micro or nanoscale to the macroscales. The material constitutive properties estimated using the developed methods for nanotube polymeric scaffold materials show excellent comparison with experimental studies.
Parental Reactivity and the Link Between Parent and Child Anxiety Symptoms

Ample research documents a link between parent and child anxiety, yet little work has examined parents’ and children’s emotional reactivity for their association with parent–child anxiety transmission. Using a community sample, here we evaluate parents’ subjective emotional reactions to imagining their children feeling afraid and examine (1) their link with parental anxiety and (2) whether this reactivity moderates the association between parent anxiety and children’s subjective and physiological reactivity [resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)]. Finally, we evaluate whether these two indices of children’s reactivity act as indirect effects between parental anxiety and child anxiety, and whether this association is moderated by parents’ reactivity to the child’s fear (moderated mediation). School-aged children (N = 75) and their primary caregivers reported on their anxiety symptoms. Parents and children then completed parallel paradigms in which they imagined the child feeling afraid and reported on their reactivity. Children’s resting RSA was assessed as they watched a nature video. The association between parental anxiety and children’s subjective and physiological reactivity was moderated by parents’ reactivity, such that only when parents reported high reactivity was there a significant association between parental anxiety and children’s self-reported and physiological reactivity. Further, children’s physiological reactivity acted as an indirect effect in the link between parents’ and children’s anxiety symptoms, but only for parents who reported high levels of reactivity to child fear. Results are discussed in terms of their contribution to the literature on parent–child relationships and anxiety.
A core-top calibration of B/Ca in the benthic foraminifers Nuttallides umbonifera and Oridorsalis umbonatus: A proxy for Cenozoic bottom water carbonate saturation

Abstract We present modern B/Ca core-top calibrations for the epifaunal benthic foraminifer Nuttallides umbonifera and the infaunal Oridorsalis umbonatu s to test whether B/Ca values in these species can be used for the reconstruction of paleo-Δ[CO 3 2− ]. O. umbonatus originated in the Late Cretaceous and remains extant , whereas N. umbonifera originated in the Eocene and is the closest extant relative to Nuttallides truempyi , which ranges from the Late Cretaceous through the Eocene. We measured B/Ca in both species in 35 Holocene sediment samples from the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans. B/Ca values in epifaunal N. umbonifera (~ 85–175 μmol/mol) are consistently lower than values reported for epifaunal Cibicidoides (Cibicides) wuellerstorfi (130–250 μmol/mol), though the sensitivity of Δ[CO 3 2− ] on B/Ca in N. umbonifera (1.23 ± 0.15) is similar to that in C. wuellerstorfi (1.14 ± 0.048). In addition, we show that B/Ca values of paired N. umbonifera and its extinct ancestor, N. truempyi, from Eocene cores are indistinguishable within error. In contrast, both the B/Ca (35–85 μmol/mol) and sensitivity to Δ[CO 3 2− ] (0.29 ± 0.20) of core-top O. umbonatus are considerably lower (as in other infaunal species), and this offset extends into the Paleocene. Thus the B/Ca of N. umbonifera and its ancestor can be used to reconstruct bottom water Δ[CO 3 2− ], whereas O. umbonatus B/Ca appears to be buffered by porewater [CO 3 2− ] and suited for constraining long-term drift in seawater B/Ca.
Proteinuria: Measurement and Interpretation

Proteinuria is a general term that describes the presence of any type of protein in the urine (e.g., albumin, globulins, mucoproteins, and Bence-Jones proteins); however, albumin is the predominate protein in urine in healthy dogs and cats as well as dogs and cats with renal disease. Proteinuria can arise from several different physiologic and pathologic causes, but persistent proteinuria associated with normal urine sediment is consistent with kidney disease. The urine dipstick colorimetric test is the usual first-line screening test for the detection of proteinuria, but false-positive reactions are common. When proteinuria of renal origin is suspected, the next diagnostic steps are quantitation and longitudinal monitoring via the urine protein/creatinine ratio. The recent availability of a species-specific albumin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology that enables detection of low concentrations of canine and feline albuminuria has both increased diagnostic capability and stimulated discussion about what level of proteinuria/albuminuria is normal. Beyond being an important diagnostic marker, proteinuria is associated with kidney disease progression in both dogs and cats: the greater the magnitude of the proteinuria, the greater the risk of renal disease progression and mortality. Treatments that have attenuated proteinuria in dogs and cats have also been associated with slowed kidney disease progression and/or improved survival. For these reasons, screening for renal proteinuria and longitudinal assessment of renal proteinuria has recently received renewed interest.
Development of the D8 Transport Configuration

The D8 jet transport configuration is presented. Focus is on the aerodynamic characteristics of its distinguishing features: the wide “double-bubble” fuselage with beneficial pitching moment and carryover lift characteristics, the nearly-unswept wing and reduced cruise Mach number, and the boundary layer ingesting rear engine installation together with the twin “pi-tail” configuration. The merit of each feature is evaluated in terms of mission fuel burn, calculated via an MDO optimizer which accounts for the weight and propulsive efficiency of the design features. Evaluations via panel methods are also performed, and wind tunnel test data from a 20:1 low speed model is also presented. The calculations and tunnel data indicate that the advantages of the D8 configuration would lead to a very large 33% fuel burn reduction compared to an optimized conventional transport configuration with the same materials and engine technology.
Physical model of a MEMS accelerometer for low-g motion tracking applications

This paper develops a physical model of a MEMS capacitive accelerometer in order to use the accelerometer effectively in low-g motion tracking applications. The proposed physical model includes common physical parameters used to rate an accelerometer: scale factor, bias, and misalignment. Simple experiments used to reveal the behavior and characteristics of these parameters are described. A phenomenological modeling method is used to establish mathematical representations of these parameters in relation to errors such as nonlinearity, hysteresis, cross-axis effect, and temperature effect, without requiring a complete understanding of the underlying physics. Experimental results are presented, in which the physical model reduces RMSE by 93.1% in comparison with the manufacturer's recommended method.
Return of Tags with Different Rewards in Lake Lanier, Georgia

Abstract A multi-reward program was conducted in Lake Lanier, Georgia, in 1982 to see if the reward amount would influence anglers to return tags on rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Two thousand trout tagged with Floy tags were planted along with 98,000 unmarked trout in December 1981. Lots of 500 fish were marked with tags that had either $5, $10, or $20 REWARD or simply REWARD marked on the tags. There was no evidence that the higher monetary awards increased the incentive to return the tags. Return rates also were less than expected. It is suggested that perhaps a better way to improve angler response would be to use both a variable reward plus a drawing for a single large reward.
Short rest between cyclic flexion periods is a risk factor for a lumbar disorder.

Background. The epidemiology identifies cyclic lumbar loading as a risk factor for cumulative trauma disorder. Experimental biomechanical and physiological confirmation is lacking. The objective of this study was to asses the impact of different rest durations applied between periods of cyclic loading on the development of an acute lumbar disorder which, if continued to be subjected to loading, may develop into a cumulative disorder. Methods. Three groups of in vivo feline preparations were subjected to six sequential 10 min loading periods of cyclic lumbar flexion at 40 N with a frequency of 0.25 Hz applied to the L-4/5 level. The rest durations varied from 5 min in the first group, to 10 min in the second and to 20 min in the third. Reflexive EMG from the multifidi and lumbar displacement were used to identify significant (P < 0.001) effects of time and rest duration for post-load EMG and displacement. Single-cycle test were performed hourly for 7 h post-loading to assess recovery. A model developed earlier was applied to represent the experimental data. Findings. The groups allowed 5 and 10 min rest exhibited an acute neuromuscular disorder expressed by a significant (P < 0.001) delayed hyperexcitability 2–3 h into the 7 h recovery period with the intensity of the hyperexcitability significantly higher (P < 0.001) for the group allowed only 5 min rest. The group allowed 20 min rest had a slow, uneventful recovery, free of delayed hyperexcitability. Interpretations. Occupational and sports activities requiring repetitive (cyclic) loading of the lumbar spine may be a risk factor for the development of a cumulative lumbar disorder and may require sufficient rest, as much as twice as long as the loading period, for prevention. Comparison to similar data for static lumbar loading shows that cyclic loading is more deleterious than static loading, requiring more rest to offset the negative effect of the repeated acts of stretch. � 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Post-9/11 Hijab as Icon*

This study argues that the process of re-Islamization has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 as an increasing number of adolescents and young adults (daughters of immigrant Muslims) are assuming a public Islamic identity by wearing the hijab (headscarf). Drawing on two decades of research on American Muslim communities and in-depth interviews with American Muslim youth, this study finds that the hijab has become a symbol of an American Islamic identity--a public affirmation of trust in the American system that guarantees freedom of religion and speech. At the same time, it has also become a symbol of anti-colonial solidarity and resistance to efforts to eradicate Islam in an American environment that is increasingly seen as anti-Islamic. Implications for the future role of the veil in the lives of American Muslims are discussed
PLUMAGE CONVERGENCE AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE ISLAND THRUSH IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract With more than 50 described subspecies occurring throughout Southeast Asia and Micronesia and a wide array of morphological and ecological variation, the Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) is one of the most variable known bird species. However, this bird has been studied surprisingly little from an evolutionary perspective, with no information on its evolutionary history to inform our understanding of its tremendous variation. In this study, we examine the population history of the Island Thrush within the Philippine Islands, sampling 88 individuals from six named Philippine subspecies and three populations currently lacking formal subspecific names, as well as several outgroups. Many subspecies are not reciprocally monophyletic, yet most island populations are, and show up to 2.6% sequence divergence (uncorrected). Philippine populations are not monophyletic; samples from Borneo, Sulawesi, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands are nested within the Philippines. Previously hypothesized routes of th...