cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motivations Behind Using Performance Measurement: City-wide vs. Selective Users

Abstract This article identifies and describes the utilisation of performance measurement in Florida local governments. Two research questions are considered here: which factors influence Florida city governments to use performance measurement? And how do the factors associated with cities that are city-wide users differ from cities that are selective users? The paper develops a framework constructed from literatures in performance measurement and management innovation to develop hypotheses that are tested with 2005 Florida local government data. This study finds strong support for the role of community attributes, form of government and internal capacity as contributors to the use of performance measurement. The study also finds the factors that influence city-wide users are different from factors that influence selective users, especially with regard to revenue size and the reward/incentive system.
Qualitative modeling and fault diagnosis of dynamic processes by MIDAS

The Model Integrated Diagnostic Analysis System (MIDAS) is a program for diagnosing abnormal transient conditions in chemical, refinery, and utility systems. MIDAS employs causal reasoning using an event model derived from piping and instrumentation diagrams, and from quantitative process models. Root causes typically considered are equipment degradation and failure, incorrect manual actions, and external disturbances. By prompt and accurate diagnosis of these conditions, MIDAS can reduce the risk of safety hazards, material wastage, and unnecessary downtime. This paper extends and complements a previous report on MIDAS† by detailing the qualitative modeling techniques used in MIDAS, and presenting the results of a simulation case study. The modeling methodology employs a new result on qualitative modeling to help resolve ambiguity from feedback loops and locate apparent “non-local causality”. The event model allows MIDAS to exploit the sequence of malfunction propagation in its internal reasoning. The mo...
Amphibian embryo protease inhibitors. VI. Material origin and idenntity with lipovitellin heavy subunit

Abstract Embryo trypsin inhibitor (ATI) and chymotrypsin inhibitor (ACPI) from Rana pipiens are shown to be integral parts of the yolk protein lipovitellin, and to be not associated with the other major yolk protein phosvitin. Enzymatic cleavage of lipovitellin produces fragments of varying molecular weights which have either ATI or ACPI activities; one has both activities, and as its molecular weight is equal to the sums of the weights of ATI and ACPI, the possibility that the inhibitors occur in tandem on the lipovitellin precursor is suggested. Possible roles for such inhibitors in the control of early development are discussed.
Characterization of the fluorescein isothiocyanate-reactive site of gizzard myosin ATPase.

Abstract We describe the reaction of fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate with gizzard myosin, and investigate the effect of this fluorescent modification on ATPase activities. Changes in the ATPase activities upon modification occur rapidly, paralleling the reaction of ‘fast reacting lysine residues’ during the fast phase of the reaction. The loss in the ATPase activity is linearly correlated with the extent of modification. About 90% of the ATPase activity is lost with the incorporation of 2.6 mol of reagent per mol of myosin. The fluorescent label is mainly incorporated into the heavy chain of the myosin molecule. Using limited tryptic digestion of labeled S1, we have shown that the fluorescent dye remains in the 18 kDa fragment. The amino acid composition and the partial sequence of the peptide from the N-terminal end is presented. The results presented here suggest the participation of the 18 kDa peptide in the nucleotide binding domain of gizzard myosin.
A discrete-time dynamic programming approach for network airline revenue management

A discrete-time dynamic programming (DP) model is proposed to determine the optimal bid price for each booking request under both single and multiple booking scenarios. The optimal revenue function and opportunity cost are analysed and an asymptotical property is presented. Several approximation schemes to solve the DP model are proposed, including the network decomposition method and the function approximation technique. The solution methodology is discussed and the performance of the different methods is evaluated by their computational efficiencies and revenue impacts. The results show that the proposed approximation algorithms represent a major step forward in terms of revenue growth and computational ability.
Phylogeny, divergence times, and historical biogeography of New World Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae).

 Premise of the study: Dryopteris is a large, cosmopolitan fern genus ideal for addressing questions about diversifi cation, biogeography, hybridization, and polyploidy, which have historically been understudied in ferns. We constructed a highly resolved, well-supported phylogeny for New World Dryopteris and used it to investigate biogeographic patterns and divergence times.  Methods: We analyzed relationships among 97 species of Dryopteris , including taxa from all major biogeographic regions, with analyses based on 5699 aligned nucleotides from seven plastid loci. Phylogenetic analyses used maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. We conducted divergence time analyses using BEAST and biogeographic analyses using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and S-DIVA approaches. We explored the monophyly of subgenera and sections in the most recent generic classifi cation and of geographic groups of taxa using Templeton tests.  Key results: The genus Dryopteris arose ca. 42 million years ago (Ma). Most of the Central and South American species form a well-supported clade which arose 32 Ma, but the remaining New World species are the result of multiple, independent dispersal and vicariance events involving Asia, Europe, and Africa over the last 15 Myr. We identifi ed six long-distance dispersal events and three vicariance events in the immediate ancestry of New World species; reconstructions for another four lineages were ambiguous.  Conclusions: New World Dryopteris are not monophyletic; vicariance has dominated the history of the North American species, while long-distance dispersal prevails in the Central and South American species, a pattern not previously seen in plants.
High-speed pollen release in the white mulberry tree, Morus alba L

Anemophilous plants described as catapulting pollen explosively into the air have rarely attracted detailed examination. We investigated floral anthesis in a male mulberry tree with high-speed video and a force probe. The stamen was inflexed within the floral bud. Exposure to dry air initially resulted in a gradual movement of the stamen. This caused fine threads to tear at the stomium, ensuring dehiscence of the anther, and subsequently enabled the anther to slip off a restraining pistillode. The sudden release of stored elastic energy in the spring-like filament drove the stamen to straighten in less than 25 μs, and reflex the petals to velocities in excess of half the speed of sound. This is the fastest motion yet observed in biology, and approaches the theoretical physical limits for movements in plants.
The stabilities and enthalpies of dissociation of some ammine complexes of platinum(II)

Abstract The dissociation pressures of a series of ammine complexes of platinum(II) were measured at various temperatures. These complexes, diammine(2:2′-bipyridine) platinum(II), 2:2′-bipyridinebis(methylamine)-platinum(II), 2:2′-bipyridine(ethylenediamine)platinum(II) and 2:2′-bipyridine-(1:3-diaminopropane)platinum(II) chlorides, dissociate, on heating, to give the gaseous ammine and dichloro(2:2′-bipyridine)platinum(II). Free energies, enthalpies and entropies of dissociation were calculated from the ammine dissociation pressures and the unexpected order of stability, [Pt(bipy)tn]Cl2
Utilizing Empowerment Theory in Clinical Practice with Female Substance Abusers

There is a psychological, social, and cultural experience of stigmatization associated with “socially problematic” drug use of any type by a woman. In 1999 13% of the female population in the United States used illicit substances, prescribed medication, or both in recreational ways. Such behavior violates the female role expectations. The empowerment approach to clinical practice attempts to make connections between people's problems and their social and economic reality. Empowerment theory functions under the belief that populations will manifest their potentials when there exists a “goodness of fit” between themselves and their environments. The clinical use of empowerment theory in working with substance abusing women will enable the practitioner to strengthen this population both individually and collectively to work toward self-efficacy, hopefulness, and a sense of personal power, promoting this “goodness of fit” between recovering women and their environments
Planning and Organising A Bank Sales Management System: A Case Study

The development of a bank sales management system is described. Using a modified management‐by‐objectives planning procedure, sales goals and strategies were formulated. Then the tasks of the line sales organisation, the branch banking system and the staff sales department were identified. As a result the bank now has a framework for its selling efforts.
Temporality and the modern state

Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that as things now stand no state has reached, nor is it soon likely to reach, the point where it can comfortably abandon temporality altogether as a source of legitimacy. Even the most technocratic states today still rely on continuity and the “meaning systems” of the past in order to extract a measure of allegiance from their constituencies. Though a concern with history and time may not seem as important to state administrators as it once did, the value of temporal rationales nevertheless remains indispensable. This is particularly true in periods of crisis when state managers and ideologues feel compelled to resuscitate powerful memories of the genealogy of the state, or of the state's place in time, in order to strengthen their authority. In cases such as these, a politics of time is invaluable for at least formally authorizing the existence or role of the state in modern society.
Volume, texture, and molecular mechanism behind the collapse of bread made with different levels of hard waxy wheat flours

Abstract Physico-chemical properties of bread baked by partially replacing normal wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) flour (15, 30, and 45%) with two hard waxy wheat flours were investigated. Substitution with waxy wheat flour resulted in higher loaf volume and softer loaves. However, substitution at >30% resulted in excessive post-bake shrinkage and a ‘key-hole’ shape with an open crumb structure. Bread crumb microstructure indicated a loss of starch granule rigidity and fusing of starch granules. The cells in the interior of the bread did not become gas-continuous and as a result, shrunk as the loaf cooled. Soluble starch content was significantly higher in bread crumb containing waxy wheat flour than in control bread. Debranching studies indicated that the soluble starch in bread made with 30–45% hard waxy wheat flour was mostly amylopectin. Incorporation of waxy wheat flour resulted in softer bread immediately after baking but did not retard staling upon storage.
Stabilizing Monetary-Injection Policies

Abstract The primary concern of this paper is understanding how prices and interest rates respond to open-market operations. In a model economy developed by Grossman and Weiss, but with more general utility functions, we establish global existence of equilibrium paths and observe that prices and interest rates rise initially, but thereafter oscillate around a new steady state. Also investigated are optimal monetary policies wherein injections take place in more than one time period and corresponding to which the equilibrium prices are most stable. Existence of such policies is established by mathematical analysis and its detailed structure explored by numerical simulation. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: E50, E52.
Low-frequency waves of inflation and economic growth: Digital spectral analysis

Abstract Modern digital spectral analysis confirms that very noisy inflation and economic growth series share ∼9- and ∼18-year business and building cycle signals, but that inflation alone displays the additional ∼28- and ∼56-year rhythms of the long wave. The growth cycle that accounts for the greatest variance is one of ∼6 years, probably associated with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) fluctuations. Discussion of these results leads to clarification of major sources of confusion in the long-wave literature, and to confirmation of the hypothesis that mode-locked endogenous rhythms may have their timing controlled by an exogenous pacemaker that links inflation and growth.
Epigenetics: Stopping a chromatin enzyme

The first direct chemical inhibitor of a key histone-methylating enzyme provides a new tool to alter epigenetic states and genome expression profiles in normal and cancer cells.
Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Cardiac Rhythm, Conduction and Repolarization*

Because sympathetic stimulation has been implicated in the genesis of arrhythmias, we studied the effects on arrhythmias of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Fifteen psychiatric patients (male: 8, female: 7, age: 19-51, mean: 29.8) without known heart disease underwent 24-hout Holter recordings before, during, and after ECT (25 episodes). All patients were taking psychotropic drugs and received atropine (0.4-1.2 mg, mean: 1.1 mg IV), methohexital, and succinylcholine prior to ECT. Following ECT, mean maximum heart rate increased (106 +/- 3.2 to 142 +/- 6.0 beats/min, p less than .001), PR interval decreased (149 +/- 3.3 to 131 +/- 3.7 msec, p less than .001) and QTc interval increased (132 +/- 6.5 to 454 +/- 9.7 msec, p less than .001) compared to values obtained after atropine administration. Mean PVC or PAC frequently immediately after ECT or per 24 hours did not change significantly (PVC per 24 hours 6.8 +/- 3.2 to 10.4 +/- 6.4, NS; PAC per 24 hours 0.4 +/- 0.3 to 0.3 +/- 0.2, NS) and no complex arrhythmias were noted. Rate and PR changes suggest adrenergic effects of ECT and QTc increase may be due to imbalanced sympathetic discharge. Autonomic stimulation produced by ECT did not induce arrhythmias in these patients without heart disease. The possible antiarrhythmic role of psychotropic agents or premedication is unknown.
Formation of the Dimethylbenzimidazole Ligand of Coenzyme B 12 under Physiological Conditions by a Facile Oxidative Cascade.

Dimethylbezimidazole, the axial ligand of vitamin B12, is synthesized from riboflavin by a two-electron oxidation, a retro-aldol condensation, and a second two-electron oxidation. This oxidative cascade readily takes place nonenzymatically under physiological conditions.
Critical stenosis of the carotid artery in the dog.

Critical stenosis was determined for the canine carotid artery. With all four cephalic vessels patent, the critical stenosis was demonstrated to be 81%, at which level a 15% reduction in flow occurred. The superimposition of bilateral vertebral artery and contralateral carotid artery occlusion lowered the level of critical stenosis to 72% luminal constriction. When both exter nal carotid arteries were ligated and common carotid artery flow represented internal carotid flow, critical stenosis was determined to be 90%, and this did not change with superimposed bilateral vertebral arterial and con tralateral carotid arterial occlusion.
The multinational corporation and the host and home country

(1984). The multinational corporation and the host and home country. International Interactions: Vol. 11, No. 3-4, pp. 219-235.
Certain approximate analyses of large deflections of cylindrical shells

Es werden unter Benutzung der Naherung von Berger vereinfachte Differentialgleichungen fur grosse Deformationen elastischer Schalen hergeleitet und auf kreiszylindrische Schalen spezialisiert. Der rechtwinklige Streifen mit beliebigem Seitenverhaltnis und der unendlich lange Streifen werden, beide mit Randauflage, im Detail behandelt. Die numerischen Ergebnisse fur den quadratischen Ausschnitt werden mit anderen be kannten Losungen verglichen.
Survival after diagnosis of localized T1a kidney cancer: current population-based practice of surgery and nonsurgical management.

Objective To compare overall and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients who undergo nonsurgical management (NSM), partial nephrectomy (PN), and radical nephrectomy (RN). NSM is being increasingly used for older patients with early-stage kidney cancer and competing risks of death. However, survival is poorly characterized for this approach compared with surgery with PN or RN. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare database from 1995 to 2007 was used to identify patients aged 65 years or older diagnosed with localized T1a kidney cancer treated with PN, RN, or NSM. We used Cox proportional hazards regression, Fine and Gray competing risks regression, and propensity score matching to adjust for patient and tumor characteristics. Results Of 7177 Medicare beneficiaries meeting the inclusion criteria, 754 (10.5%) underwent NSM, 1849 (25.8%) PN, and 4574 (63.7%) RN, with 436 (57.8%), 389 (21.0%), and 1598 (34.9%) patients dying from any cause, respectively, at a median follow-up of 56 months. Overall survival favored PN and RN compared with NSM (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.40 [0.34-0.46] and 0.50 [0.45-0.56], respectively) as did CSS (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.42 [0.27-0.64] and 0.62 [0.46-0.85], respectively). However, there was no difference in CSS between any 2 treatment groups for younger patients ( Conclusion NSM was associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer death among Medicare beneficiaries aged 75-79 years. Evolving active surveillance protocols will need to develop robust selection criteria to maximize cancer survival for older patients with kidney cancer.
Intensity of systematic joints: Methods and application

Intensity (joint surface area per unit volume of rock) of a multiset system of joints can be calculated from measurements of perpendicular spacings between adjacent joints in the same sets. Several estimators of intensity are easily calculated. The estimator that uses the trimean of spacings is least distorted by irregular spacing data that are observed and expected in joint systems. Such a measure of joint intensity can be used in academic, engineering, environmental, and economic geology, and in mine design. We apply it to evaluating an exposed analogue of probable fractured gas reservoirs. A field test shows that a major cross-strike structural discontinuity in the Valley and Ridge province of the central Appalachians crosses into the easternmost Appalachian Plateau province as a zone of about twice-normal intensity of systematic jointing.
Are two parents better than one? Examining the effects of biparental care on parental and egg clutch mass in the stomatopod Pullosquilla thomassini (Manning, 1978)

Among marine crustaceans, biparental care has only been directly observed in the stomatopod genus Pullosquilla. This study investigated the evolutionary maintenance of biparental care in Pullosquilla thomassini (Manning, 1978) by examining fitness costs and benefits of biparental care using a manipulation of the number and sex of care providers. In the absence of parental care, egg clutch mass decreased. However, in the presence of at least one parent, there were no changes in clutch mass during the experiment. This suggests that while parental care increases production of offspring, uniparental care by either sex is sufficient. We suggest that biparental care may increase fitness in P. thomassini by facilitating the production of overlapping egg clutches. We found evidence that males providing uniparental care lost body mass, suggesting they pay a small cost in fitness. However, single males with eggs were rare at our field site (3.93% of burrows).
Individual-based modeling of PCBs effects on young-of-the-year largemouth bass in southeastern USA reservoira

Abstract Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on young-of-the-year (YOY) largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) are simulated using an individual-based population model. The model simulates the daily development, growth, and survival of largemouth bass from eggs to the end of their first growing season (October 15) in a single, well-mixed box. The model was configured for southeastern USA reservoirs, mostly using data from two Tennessee River impoundments. PCBs exposure levels are expressed as tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) concentrations in largemouth bass tissue. PCBs effects of increased mortality and reduced growth (via decreased feeding and increased metabolic rate) are imposed on modelled individuals dependent on specified exposure concentrations. Monte Carlo following fie model predictions of largemouth bass were analyzed; number density (number/ha), biomass density (kg/ha), mean length (cm), and mean condition factor ( K ), all on October 15, and survivorship (fraction of eggs surviving to October 15). PCBs concentrations between 0 and 20 ppm were stimulated. Predicted bass number density and biomass density increased with increasing spawner density show a leveling off with increasing spawner density, implying density-dependence (due to bass consumption reducing prey densities) was operating. PCBs effects were apparent but small relative to natural variation in model predictions. Number density, biomass density, mean condition factor K , and survivorship all decreased, and mean length slightly increased, with increaseing PCNs levels. Predicted PCBs effects for a chronically exposed population (fewer spawners) were less at low exposure levels and greater at high exposure levels than those for an initially-healhy population. Field-based comparisons of YOY densities have a low power for distinguishing PCBs effects from natural interannual variability. While the direct effects of PCBs were relatively small. PCBs exposure may increase the risk of populations to natural and other anthropogenic stresses. Some caution should be used when short-term predictions are used to assess long-term consequences of contaminant exposure. Accurate prediction of PCBs effects require realistic representation of YOY largemouth bass growth rates and better method for estimating exposure in nature.
Molecular Biology and Schizophrenia: Lessons From Huntington's Disease

Recombinant DNA technology allows powerful new approaches to schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric diseases. The first step in exploiting this new opportunity is the documentation of large kindreds that contain relatively high numbers of schizophrenic patients. Molecular tools may both provide nosological criteria for distinguishing subtypes of schizophrenia and give insight into the nature of the genetic contribution to the disease. Even in the short run, recombinant DNA techniques will allow the direct evaluation of specific hypotheses concerning the etiology of schizophrenia.
Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibits SAPK activation in neuronal apoptosis.

Abstract Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expressed in cultured neuronal PC12 cells under inducible promoter protects cells from trophic withdrawal apoptosis. Stimulation of SAPK is thought to play a significant role in initiation of PC12 cell death. We have therefore examined whether COX-2 expression inhibits trophic withdrawal-mediated activation of SAPK. SAPK activity increased during the first 6 h after NGF removal in mock-transfected PC12 cells. COX-2 expression attenuated the increase of SAPK, as detected by Western blot analysis with phosphorylation state specific anti-SAPK antibodies and by SAPK activity assays. We propose that COX-2 attenuated SAPK activation by preventing activation of nNOS, which occurs, as we have shown before, via COX-2-mediated expression of dynein light chain (DLC). Activation of SAPK in neuronal cell death was attenuated by DLC expression. These observations support a role for NO production and SAPK activation in the neuronal death mechanisms.
The Influence of Organizational Rank and Role on Marketing Professionals' Ethical Judgments

The author examines empirically the extent to which marketing professionals of different organizational ranks (lower versus upper) and roles (executive versus research) differ in ethical judgments. For organizational rank, the results indicate that marketing professionals of lower organizational rank do not differ from those of upper organizational rank in ethical judgments. For organizational role, the results suggest that marketing professionals of executive role differ in an “overall” sense from marketing professionals of research role in ethical judgments. In general, marketing professionals of executive role reflect higher ethical judgments than those of research role.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the Escherichia coli outer membrane cobalamin transporter BtuB in complex with the carboxy-terminal domain of TonB.

The energy-dependent uptake of organometallic compounds and other micronutrients across the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria is carried out by outer membrane active-transport proteins that utilize the proton-motive force of the inner membrane via coupling to the TonB protein. The Escherichia coli outer membrane cobalamin transporter BtuB and a carboxy-terminal domain of the TonB protein, residues 147–239 of the wild-type protein, were expressed and purified individually. A complex of BtuB and TonB147–239 was formed in the presence of the substrate cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl; vitamin B12) and calcium and was crystallized. BtuB was purified in the detergent LDAO (n-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylamine-N-oxide) and the complex was formed in a detergent mixture of LDAO and C8E4 (tetraethylene glycol monooctylether). Crystals were obtained by sitting-drop vapor diffusion, with the reservoir containing 30%(v/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG 300) and 100 mM sodium acetate pH 5.2. The crystals belong to space group P212121 (unit-cell parameters a = 74.3, b = 82.4, c = 122.6 A). The asymmetric unit consists of a single BtuB–TonB complex. Data sets have been collected to 2.1 A resolution at a synchrotron beamline (APS SER-CAT 22-ID).
Differential diagnosis of the Taussig-Bing heart from complete transposition of the great vessels with a posteriorly overriding pulmonary artery.

The Taussig-Bing transposition bears the name of the authors who described for the first time the clinical, physiologic, and anatomic findings. It has been recognized that the malformation is physiologically not so distinct as it is anatomically and that a transposition with the same physiologic pattern but different anatomy has been observed. Several case reports have appeared in the literature in which no clear differentiation was made in regard to the second type of transposition with overriding pulmonary artery. In the latter instance there is a complete transposition of both great vessels with a posteriorly placed overriding pulmonary artery in contrast to the original Taussig-Bing heart in which the 2 vessels are side by side, the pulmonary artery being in its normal place. Following the original case report, 14 cases were seen in this clinic in which the diagnosis was established either by catheterization, angiocardiography, or autopsy. In 4 other cases, the diagnosis of a transposition with a posterior overriding pulmonary artery was made. Criteria for the differential diagnosis of these 2 lesions are pointed out. The differentiation of these 2 transpositions is of particular importance for possible surgical correction.
Feeding Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood: How Often Is It Seen in Feeding Programs?

To date, there is little consensus in the literature on defining childhood feeding disorders. The definition of feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision [DSM–IV–TR]) assumed the disorder is due to a nonorganic etiology. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood as defined by the DSM–IV–TR in a sample of 234 children referred to a feeding program. The results showed only 19 of these children met the DSM–IV–TR definition. The implications of this finding are discussed.
Immunogenicity evaluation of DNA vaccines that target guinea pig cytomegalovirus proteins glycoprotein B and UL83.

ABSTRACT Vaccines are needed for control of congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Although the species-specificity of cytomegaloviruses precludes preclinical evaluation of HCMV vaccine...
Effects of long-term drought on the hydrology and growth of a white pine plantation in the southern Appalachians

Abstract The southern Appalachians experienced record precipitation deficits for 4 consecutive years in the mid-1980s. We analyzed the impacts of the drought on the hydrology and stemwood growth of a 33-year-old white pine plantation. Increment cores and dendrometer bands indicated a significant reduction in basal area growth during the drought for all tree classes (dominant, codominant, and intermediate) and shifts in patterns of seasonal growth. There was little variation in pine foliage litterfall over the drought period, but substantial variation in other litterfall components (e.g. wood, cones, seeds, etc.) Precipitation-runoff (P-RO) relationships indicated less variation in evapotranspiration (ET) over the drought period than predicted by simulation modeling. The discrepancy between measured and modeled ET may be related to the importance of stored soil water to streamflow which dampens P-RO ET estimates. Regression analyses showed that growing season water potential explained as much as 61% of the variation in annual basal area growth. No significant relationships were established with climatic variables alone.
Phonon dispersion and Kohn anomaly in tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ)

The phonon dispersion relation of the one-dimensional conductor, deuterated tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ), has been studied by inelastic neutron scattering over a temperature range of 60-300 K. Acoustic phonons propagating along the chain direction (the monoclinic ${b}^{*}$ direction) are studied in detail in search for a giant Kohn anomaly. Below 150 K, a sharp anomaly develops near the transverse branch at $2{k}_{F}$ and becomes more pronounced as the Peierls transition at $T=54$ K is approached. Additional room-temperature measurements on our protonated sample showed excellent agreement with the deuterated crystal.
Evaluation of the Potential of NASA Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis in Global Landslide Hazard Assessment

Landslides are one of the most widespread natural hazards on Earth, responsible for thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage every year. In the U.S. alone landslides occur in every state, causing an estimated $2 billion in damage and 25- 50 deaths each year. Annual average loss of life from landslide hazards in Japan is 170. The situation is much worse in developing countries and remote mountainous regions due to lack of financial resources and inadequate disaster management ability. Recently, a landslide buried an entire village on the Philippines Island of Leyte on Feb 17,2006, with at least 1800 reported deaths and only 3 houses left standing of the original 300. Intense storms with high-intensity , long-duration rainfall have great potential to trigger rapidly moving landslides, resulting in casualties and property damage across the world. In recent years, through the availability of remotely sensed datasets, it has become possible to conduct global-scale landslide hazard assessment. This paper evaluates the potential of the real-time NASA TRMM-based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) system to advance our understanding of and predictive ability for rainfall-triggered landslides. Early results show that the landslide occurrences are closely associated with the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of rainfall characteristics. Particularly, the number of landslide occurrences and the relative importance of rainfall in triggering landslides rely on the influence of rainfall attributes [e.g. rainfall climatology, antecedent rainfall accumulation, and intensity-duration of rainstorms). TMPA precipitation data are available in both real-time and post-real-time versions, which are useful to assess the location and timing of rainfall-triggered landslide hazards by monitoring landslide-prone areas while receiving heavy rainfall. For the purpose of identifying rainfall-triggered landslides, an empirical global rainfall intensity-duration threshold is developed by examining a number of landslide occurrences and their corresponding TMPA precipitation characteristics across the world. These early results , in combination with TRMM real-time precipitation estimation system, may form a starting point for developing an operational early warning system for rainfall-triggered landslides around the globe.
An Improved Bound on the Length of Checking Experiments for Sequential Machines with Counter Cycles

The bound on the length of checking experiments derived by Murakami et al. [1] is improved by using a more efficient output specification in the counter cycle.
Morality and the Software Architect

The author poses the question:is there a moral dimension to developing software? Should software architects have a professional code of ethics? As Bjarne Stroustrup has pointed out, our civilization runs on software. We as a professional community have developed technology that has changed the way individuals live, businesses operate, communities interact, and nations and civilizations thrive and expand. At that level of abstraction, a moral dimension is undoubtedly at play: when our technology touches the activities of the human spirit, then questions of social responsibility, individual rights, and goodness of fit to the moral atmosphere of the surrounding community come alive. Should we enable technology that allows tracking an individual's activities to a high degree of fidelity? Should we permit unfettered access to all information? On the other hand, should we allow complete digital anonymity? Should the transport and storage of bits be an essentially free utility? These, and many other questions, are rooted in technology, which by itself is neither good nor evil; it's the use of that technology that brings us to the moral dimension.
Opsonic deficiency of peritoneal dialysis effluent in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Staphylococcus epidermidis peritonitis frequently complicates the clinical course of patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Since bacterial opsonization is critical to the effective defense of the peritoneal cavity by phagocytic cells, we prospectively evaluated the opsonic activity of peritoneal dialysis effluent obtained from 17 CAPD patients during 102 patient months. Samples of peritoneal dialysis effluent contained concentrations of opsonins against S. epidermidis that were less than 2% of that observed in serum. Moreover, heat-labile opsonic activity against Escherichia coli was absent from all dialysis effluents. During the study, there were ten episodes of peritonitis in nine CAPD patients (1 per 10.2 patient months). S. epidermidis was isolated in seven episodes, a gram-negative bacillus in one, and two episodes were culture negative. the incidence of S. epidermidis peritonitis was 1 per 62 patient months in the patients with "high" peritoneal dialysis effluent opsonic activity against S. epidermidis but was nearly tenfold greater in patients with "low" opsonic activity (1 per 6.7 patient months). We conclude that peritoneal dialysis effluent opsonic activity predicts which CAPD patients are at an increased risk to develop S. epidermidis peritonitis.
University of Central Florida Librarians on Location

Librarians on Location is an innovative project implemented at the University of Central Florida and is designed to move reference service out of the library to meet the needs of students. At two campus locations outside of the library, librarians use a wireless laptop to provide reference service and demonstrate library resources. The intent is to proactively meet the information needs of those students and faculty who might otherwise remain unaware of the extensive resources provided by the library. The nature of the project also addresses differing information-seeking styles in an informal setting. Because of the location in different buildings on campus, the project enhances the library's visibility to faculty, administrators, and students. Librarians on Location is one part of an ongoing and innovative outreach program at the University of Central Florida Library.
Induction of MIC-1/growth differentiation factor-15 following bile duct injury

Macrophage inflammatory peptide-1 (MIC-1)/growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily cloned by others and us. MIC-1/GDF-15 is expressed in the liver, breast, and colon. Studies have demonstrated a growth-inhibiting effect of MIC-1/GDF-15 on colon and breast cancer cell lines in vitro and on tumor growth in vivo. We previously reported that MIC-1 expression is rapidly induced after a wide variety of murine acute and chronic liver injuries including aniline dye administration. I hypothesized, therefore, that MIC-1/GDF-15 may be a mediator of biliary tract injury and could play a role in regulation of bile duct proliferation. C57BL/6 mice underwent surgical ligation of the common bile duct. Northern blot analysis revealed a time-dependent induction of MIC-1/GDF-15 mRNA in the liver. In situ hybridization of liver sections for MIC-1/GDF-15 expression after bile duct ligation demonstrated a zone 1 or periportal expression pattern, consistent with expression of MIC-1 in periductular hepatocytes. Northern blot analysis of liver mRNA from patients with sclerosing cholangitis or cirrhosis also demonstrated enhanced expression of MIC-1/GDF-15. MIC-1/GDF-15 is expressed after bile duct injury in mice and humans. Taken together with the previously demonstrated growth inhibitory effects of MIC-1/GDF-15 on normal and transformed cells, MIC-1/GDF-15 may play a role in regulation of bile duct proliferation and biliary tumor formation.
Genetic basis in plants for interactions with disease-suppressive bacteria

Plant health depends, in part, on associations with disease-suppressive microflora, but little is known about the role of plant genes in establishing such associations. Identifying such genes will contribute to understanding the basis for plant health in natural communities and to new strategies to reduce dependence on pesticides in agriculture. To assess the role of the plant host in disease suppression, we used a genetic mapping population of tomato to evaluate the efficacy of the biocontrol agent Bacillus cereus against the seed pathogen Pythium torulosum. We detected significant phenotypic variation among recombinant inbred lines that comprise the mapping population for resistance to P. torulosum, disease suppression by B. cereus, and growth of B. cereus on the seed. Genetic analysis revealed that three quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with disease suppression by B. cereus explained 38% of the phenotypic variation among the recombinant inbred lines. In two cases, QTL for disease suppression by B. cereus map to the same locations as QTL for other traits, suggesting that the host effect on biocontrol is mediated by different mechanisms. The discovery of a genetic basis in the host for interactions with a biocontrol agent suggests new opportunities to exploit natural genetic variation in host species to enhance our understanding of beneficial plant—microbe interactions and develop ecologically sound strategies for disease control in agriculture.
Socioeconomic-Related Risk and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among African-American Adolescent Females

Abstract Purpose Virtually no studies have examined the potential role that chronic stress, particularly the stress associated with socioeconomic status (SES) strain, may play on sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. This study examined the association between SES-related risk at baseline to STI acquisition and reinfection over 36 months of follow-up. Methods Six hundred twenty-seven African-American female adolescents, ages 14–20 years, recruited from sexual health clinics in Atlanta, GA, participated in a randomized controlled HIV prevention trial and returned for at least one follow-up assessment. Following baseline assessment, six waves of data collection occurred prospectively over 36 months. Chronic SES-related risk was assessed as a sum of yes–no exposure to seven risk indicators. Laboratory-confirmed tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were performed at each follow-up. Results In multivariable regression analysis, SES-related risk significantly predicted STI acquisition over 36 months (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22) and STI reinfection (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16) above and beyond other known correlates of STI. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that SES-related risk was predictive of both STI acquisition and reinfection among young African-American females. They are consistent with propositions that some health disparities observed in adulthood may be linked to earlier chronically stress-inducing life experiences, particularly experiences associated with low SES conditions. Although various explanations exist for the observed connection between SES-related risk and subsequent STI acquisition and/or reinfection across 36 months of follow-up, these findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the exact pathway(s) by which SES-related risk influences later STI acquisition to refine STI prevention interventions for this population.
Virus Infection Induces the Assembly of Coordinately Activated Transcription Factors on the IFN-β Enhancer In Vivo

Abstract We have identified a virus-activated factor (VAF) that binds to a regulatory element shared by different virus-inducible genes. We provide evidence that VAF contains two members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcriptional activator proteins (IRF-3 and IRF-7), as well as the transcriptional coactivator proteins p300 and CBP. Remarkably, VAF, as well as recombinant IRF-3 and IRF-7 proteins, binds very weakly to the interferon-β (IFN-β) gene promoter in vitro. However, in virus-infected cells, both proteins are recruited to the endogenous IFN-β promoter as part of a protein complex that includes ATF-2/c-Jun and NF-κB. These observations provide a unique example of the coordinate activation of multiple transcriptional activator proteins and their highly cooperative assembly into a transcriptional enhancer complex in vivo.
The Role of Instructor Humor and Students’ Educational Orientations inStudent Learning, Extra Effort, Participation, and Out-of-Class Communication

This study used instructional humor processing theory to examine how instructors’ humor enhanced students’ learning outcomes (i.e., cognitive learning, extra effort) and communication practices both inside (i.e., participation) and outside (i.e., out-of-class communication) the college classroom. These relationships were examined while controlling for students’ educational orientations (i.e., learning orientation, grade orientation), which are known to influence students’ learning and motivation in their coursework. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that learning orientation was a positive predictor of students’ cognitive learning, extra effort, participation, and out-of-class communication, whereas grade orientation was a negative predictor of participation and out-of-class communication. Results also indicated that after controlling for variance explained by students’ learning and grade orientations, instructor humor remained a positive predictor of students’ cognitive learning, extra effort, p...
Tris(3-nitro­phenyl)­phosphine oxide

The title compound, C18H15N3O7P, has a P=O bond length of 1.486 (2) A. The P—C bond lengths range from 1.806 (4) to 1.812 (3) A, and the C—N bond distances are in the range 1.471 (4)–1.479 (5) A.
Another Aid in Teaching Vocabulary

In this exercise, based upon the “psychological response,” the teacher pronounces a word in the language studied, and the student responds with the first word he thinks of. For example, porte might bring forth the response fenetre.
Variability of Door-to-Device Times at a Rural Tertiary Care Center

The current best reperfusion strategy for patients presenting with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).1 The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) set a goal to attain a door-to-device (DTD) time below 90 minutes for patients with STEMI. This included patients who initially presented to facilities not equipped to perform PCI and were then transferred to hospitals that had this capability. Hospitals nationwide have managed to dramatically shorten their DTD times since the target of 90 minutes was introduced in 1999. Unfortunately, delays in inter-hospital transfer have been responsible for failing to reach this target for the majority of the transfer patient subset.1 Target DTD time is identical for both urban and rural hospitals. A hospital is considered rural if it is located in an area of low population density, compared to an urban or suburban hospital. To be considered a rural tertiary care center, the hospital must meet additional criteria outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The first criterion is that the hospital must have at least 275 beds. If this does not apply, criteria for the Medicare patient population served at the hospital may be applied and includes stipulations that at least 50% of patients must be referred from other hospitals, 60% of patients must live at least 25 miles away, and 60% of all Medicare services must be provided to patients living at least 25 miles away.2 Longer DTD times for transferred patients were reported for rural teaching hospitals compared to urban centers.3 This disparity is partially attributable to greater geographic separation of facilities leading to relatively long transportation times. In the rural setting, other factors posited for contributing to transfer delays include inadequate staffing of emergency medical services personnel, lack of 24/7 in-house cardiac catheterization laboratory team, effects of weather on transportation, and lack of experience managing STEMI at community hospitals due to relatively infrequent occurrence.4 Nevertheless, feasibility of achieving DTD times of <90 minutes in rural settings has been demonstrated, both with and without a protocol for rapid triage and transfer.5,6 The time of day a patient presents with STEMI is an important prognostic factor. In a recent study looking at the time of presentation for STEMI patients, prolonged DTD times were documented at higher frequency during after-hours compared to regular business hours. This meta-analysis reported a small increase in short-term mortality compared to regular business hours.7 The aim of the current study was to determine whether any differences exist in DTD times at our rural tertiary care center between regular business hours and after-hours, including weekends and holidays. We also examined seasonal variability for DTD times and impact on transportation time to the hospital, which have not been studied previously.
Resistive effects on Alfvén wave heating

We consider the effects of resistive dissipation on energy absorption by spatially localized Alfven waves which form a part of the continuous spectrum of ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). We demonstrate that the strong absorption rate found in ideal MHD is unaltered for plasma resistivities of the order found in tokamaks, thus implying the possibility of effective heating of these machines by Alfven waves.