cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated expression of gusA in maize tissues

To develop a system forAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of maize (Zea mays L.), we have investigated histochemically the transient expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity in maize seedling tissue segments using binary vectors that allow minimal (pKIWI105 and pCNL1) or undetectable (p35S-GUS-INT and pCNL56) levels of GUS activity inA. tumefaciens. Tissue segments from three- to five-day-old sterile seedlings of maize genotype A188 were inoculated withA. tumefaciens. Four days after inoculation, transient expression of GUS activity was found in mesocotyl segments originating from the intercalary meristem region. This GUS activity was specific to the vascular cylinder and was not found in the internal cortical or epidermal layers, nor was it found in mature mesocotyl tissue (segments 5 mm below the coleoptilar node). Transient GUS activity was also detected in leaf and coleoptile tissues of shoot segments, but not in the shoot apexper se or in leaves younger than the first leaf. Maize tissues inoculated withA. tumefaciens strains that harbourgusA-containing binary vectors but no Ti-plasmid did not show GUS activity, supporting evidence from previous work thatvir gene activity was essential for the observed GUS activity.A. tumefaciens strains containing different types of Ti-plasmids were also tested. A strain harbouring an agropine-type Ti-plasmid was the most effective for expressing GUS activity in mesocotyl segments, whereas a strain harboring a nopaline-type Ti-plasmid was most effective for expression of GUS activity in the apical meristem-containing segment. These results indicate that different interactions occurred between the differentA. tumefaciens strains and the susceptible plant tissues. Maize genotype specificity for GUS activity in mesocotyl tissues was observed; variations in the cocultivation medium had a profound effect on the frequency of expression of GUS activity.
Thermodynamic properties of tert-butylbenzene and 1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene

Abstract Heat capacities, enthalpies of phase transitions, and derived thermodynamic properties over the temperature range 5
101 DOPPLER ASSESSMENT OF MITRAL FLOW IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Potential indices of left ventricular compliance were assessed by Doppler (DOP) measurement of blood flow velocity across the mitral valve. We measured time intervals (OC time, OE time, 0 to pressure half time), E velocity (EV), A velocity (AV), EV/AV ratio (E/A), OC area, and % of OC area during the first 1/3 (1/3 area) and first 1/2 (1/2 area) of diastole in 7 normal children (N) and 10 children with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Diastolic dysfunction was documented in our patients with HOCM by the presence of prolonged isovolumic relaxation time (31±5 msec - N vs 56±7 msec - HOCM; p 0.05). Comparisons between N and HOCM were made using both raw data and time intervals indexed for heart rate. Heart rate, OC time, and OC area were similar in both groups. The 1/3 area and EV were significantly lower in HOCM (p< 0.05). In contrast, comparison of OE time, AV, E/A and other measurements did not demonstrate a statistical difference between groups (Table). We conclude that diminished 1/3 area and EV reflect diminished flow during rapid filling phase of diastole and that 1/3 area and EV may be more sensitive measurements of diastolic function than other DOP indices in children with HOCM.
Lattice Damage in Ion-Implanted Compound Semiconductors and Its Effect on Electrical Activation

In recent years, a number of experimental observations have indicated that interactions between mobile point defects generated during ion implantation play an important role in the damage production in III–V compound semiconductors, and particularly GaAs. This paper reviews a set of such observations based on ion channeling measurements of the lattice damage in GaAs implanted with Si ions. Selected independent observations are also surveyed to illustrate the importance of point-defect interactions. Taken together, these show that at least two contributions to the lattice damage must often be considered: a “prompt” contribution attributed to direct-impact amorphization, and a “delayed” contribution attributed to point-defect clustering. New measurements are then described which show the different effects that these two damage components have on the electrical activation in annealed, Si-implanted GaAs. The aim is to indicate the potential to exploit the balance between these two damage contributions in order to improve the electrical performance and reproducibility of ion-implanted and annealed layers. Finally, the applicability of these concepts to other ion species and other compound semiconductors (GaP and InP) is briefly discussed.
Horizontal-tube falling-film evaporation with structured surfaces

Extensive experimental tests for tubes with commerical structured surfacesin a horizontal single-tube falling-film evaporator were conducted. The testsections were hollow copper cylinders with GEWA-T, Thermoexcel-E, or High Fluxsurfaces electrically heated by inserted cartridge heaters. A smooth surfacecylinder was also tested for reference. All tubes were tested in both poolboiling and falling-film evaporation with water. The results reveal thatfalling-film evaporation provides much higher heat transfer coefficients thanpool boiling in the low heat flux, convective region. The GEWA-T surfaceenhances heat transfer through its increased and accessible area, whileThermoexcel-E and High-Flux demonstrate high heat transfer performances becauseof enhanced nucleate boiling. The falling-film evaporation data for thestructured surfaces either merge or show a tendency to merge with the respectivepool boiling curves at high heat fluxes. Unusual incipient boiling behaviorof Thermoexcel-E and the effects of factors such as surface aging, surfacesubcooling, film flow rate liquid feed height, and rate of heat flux change,are described.
RESTRICTED VOTING SHARES, OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE, AND THE MARKET VALUE OF DUAL‐CLASS FIRMS

In this study, financial implications of differential voting right/multiple ordinary share class capitalizations are examined using data from British dual-class firms. Positive wealth effects are observed after announcements of plans to issue restricted voting (RV) shares, and also after announcements of RV share enfranchisement plans. The two share classes are usually created through large, noncash stock dividends or recapitalizations and, although corporate insiders hold about three times as large a fraction of superior voting (SV) shares, their RV shareholdings average a nontrivial 10.1 percent. Finally, compensation is usually paid to SV shareholders when RV shares are enfranchised.
Managing Students with Behavior Disorders: Perceived Efficacy of Interventions

This study examined the perceived efficacy of interventions commonly used by teachers of students with behavior disorders. Of 30 interventions used with approximately 1200 students labeled behaviorally disordered, 149 teachers ranked 22 as effective, and 8 were more often ranked as seldom effective. These findings have implications for teachers' preparation and identifying better practices for teaching students with behavior disorders.
Minimizing makespan in a multiclass fluid network with parameter uncertainty

We introduce and investigate a new type of decision problem related to multiclass fluid networks. Optimization problems arising from fluid networks with known parameters have been studied extensively in the queueing, scheduling, and optimization literature. In this article, we explore the makespan problem in fluid networks, with the assumption that the parameters are known only through a probability distribution. Thus, the decision maker does not have complete knowledge of the parameters in advance. This problem can be formulated as a stochastic nonlinear program. We provide necessary and sufficient feasibility conditions for this class of problems. We also derive a number of other structural results that can be used in developing effective computational procedures for solving stochastic fluid makespan problems.
EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL, EMPLOYEE RIGHTS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Radin and Werhane, the latter of whom is known for her range of writings on the subject of employee rights, trace these rights to John Locke, the seventeenth century philosopher, and his defense of the inalienability of the basic human rights to life, liberty, work and ownership of property. They summarize a defense of employee rights as derived from a Lockean point of view, including rights to free speech, to due process and to fair treatment as well as to safety in the workplace and to fair wages.
Sibling Relationships and Adolescent Adjustment: Longitudinal Associations in Two-Parent African American Families

Sibling relationships have been described as love-hate relationships by virtue of their emotional intensity, but we know little about how sibling positivity and negativity operate together to affect youth adjustment. Accordingly, this study charted the course of sibling positivity and negativity from age 10 to 18 in African American sibling dyads and tested whether changes in relationship qualities were linked to changes in adolescents' internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Participants were consecutively-born siblings [at Time 1, older siblings averaged 14.03 (SD = 1.80) years of age, 48 % female; younger siblings averaged 10.39 (SD = 1.07) years of age, 52 % female] and two parents from 189 African American families. Data were collected via annual home interviews for 3 years. A series of multi-level models revealed that sibling positivity and sibling negativity declined across adolescence, with no significant differences by sibling dyad gender constellation. Controlling for age-related changes as well as time-varying parent-adolescent relationship qualities, changes in sibling negativity, but not positivity, were positively related to changes in adolescents' depressive symptoms and risky behaviors. Like parent-adolescent relationships, sibling relationships displayed some distancing across adolescence. Nevertheless, sibling negativity remained a uniquely important relational experience for African American adolescents' adjustment.
Ultrastructure of the epidermis in the ice worm, Mesenchytraeus solifugus.

The ice worm is adapted for life at O°C. A survey of the ultrastructure of the cuticle, epidermal epithelium and basement membrane does not reveal any features which self-evidently correlate with such metabolic specialization; instead, these tissues are much like those of the earthworm and some freshwater oligochaetes. The cuticular fibers are unstriated. Epithelial cells aresuggested as the source of cuticular material. Epithelial microvilli penetrate the cuticle. There is an array of membrane bound bodies on the cuticle surface. The basement membrane fibers are transversely striated and are oriented in crossed lamellae. The junctional complex is represented by azonula adhaerens and septate desmosome.
6H-SiC lateral JFETs for analog integrated circuits

This paper reports fabrication and electrical characterization of 6H-SiC n-channel, depletion-mode, junction-field-effect transistors (JFETs) for use in high-temperature analog integrated circuits for sensing and control in propulsion, power systems, and geothermal exploration. Electrical characteristics of the resulting JFET devices have been measured across the wafer as a function of temperature, from room temperature to 450oC. The results indicate that the JFETs are suitable for high-gain amplifiers in high-temperature sensor signal processing circuits.
Taxonomic Status of Nycteris vinsoni Dalquest (Chiroptera, Nycteridae)

The type of Nycteris vinsoni has been reexamined and the tragus partially reconstituted. It is now evident that the tragus is semilunate rather than pyriform in structure. This character causes N. vinsoni to be transferred from the thebaica group, where I had previously put it, to the macrotis group. I would therefore regard it as a subspecies of Nycteris macrotis .
Addition chains—an erratic sequence

An addition chain for a positive integer n is a set 1=a0<a1<⋯<ar=n of integers such that for each i⩾1, ai=aj+ak for some k⩽j<i. This paper introduces the function NMC(n) which denotes the number of minimal addition chains for an integer n. The function is explicitly determined on certain classes of integers, and its relation to factor chains is explored. In particular the concept of a normal integer is introduced, and lower bounds for NMC(n) are developed for normal integers for which the factor chain method produces a minimal addition chain.
Engineered laser materials for remote sensing applications

Lasers can be engineered and specifically designed for particular remote sensing applications. Laser material selection criteria in this venture are reliability, efficiency, and operation at a specific wavelength. Traditionally, atmospheric researchers adapted existing lasers to remote sensing applications. However, research programs at NASA Langley Research Center has fundamentally altered the way by which laser materials are selected using quantum mechanical modeling. A program of development to predict new laser materials, as well as new methods utilizing existing laser materials, specifically designed to improve lidar or DIAL performance is discussed. This article will cover specifics of the development program and applications.
Quantifying Negative Feedback Regulation by micro-RNAs

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by pairing with target mRNAs to repress protein production. It has been shown that over one-third of human genes are targeted by miRNA. Although hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in mammalian genomes, the function of miRNA-based repression in the context of gene regulation networks still remains unclear. In this study, we explore the functional roles of feedback regulation by miRNAs. In a model where repression of translation occurs by sequestration of mRNA by miRNA, we find that miRNA and mRNA levels are anti-correlated, resulting in larger fluctuation in protein levels than theoretically expected assuming no correlation between miRNA and mRNA levels. If miRNA repression is due to a catalytic suppression of translation rates, we analytically show that the protein fluctuations can be strongly repressed with miRNA regulation. We also discuss how either of these modes may be relevant for cell function.
Design of consensus and adaptive consensus filters for distributed parameter systems

This work establishes an abstract framework that considers the distributed filtering of spatially varying processes using a sensor network. It is assumed that the sensor network consists of groups of sensors, each of which provides a number of state measurements from sensing devices that are not necessarily identical and which only transmit their information to their own sensor group. A modification to the local spatially distributed filters provides the non-adaptive case of spatially distributed consensus filters which penalize the disagreement amongst themselves in a dynamic manner. A subsequent modification to this scheme incorporates the adaptation of the consensus gains in the disagreement terms of all local filters. Both the well-posedness of these two consensus spatially distributed filters and the convergence of the associated observation errors to zero in appropriate norms are presented. Their performance is demonstrated on three different examples of a diffusion partial differential equation with point measurements.
Peter Safar: Father of modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Countless numbers of people owe their lives to the quick application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The technique of coupling positive pressure ventilation and external cardiac compression was the result of the work of Peter Safar, who is also credited with the creation of one of the first intensive care units in the United States as well as one of the first paramedic emergency services.1 Safar was born in Vienna, Austria on April 12, 1924, in a family of physicians (Fig. 1). His father, Karl, was an ophthalmologist and his mother, Vinca, was a pediatrician.2 His grandfather was also a medical publisher whose company eventually became the Vienna branch of Springer-Verlag known as Minerva.3 He was destined to become a physician. As the political climate of Europe deteriorated during the 1930s and Vienna was eventually occupied by Nazi Germany in 1938, Safar’s parents lost their jobs in medicine, due primarily to his mother’s heritage not being “Aryan”. Peter was sent off to a Bavarian labor camp, and would have been drafted into the German army had it not been for his tenacity and ingenuity. He had no intention of being drafted and found that if he rubbed tuberculin cream into his eczema sores
Lysine 48-linked polyubiquitination of organic anion transporter-1 is essential for its protein kinase C-regulated endocytosis.

Organic anion transporter-1 (OAT1) mediates the body’s disposition of a diverse array of environmental toxins and clinically important drugs. Therefore, understanding the regulation of this transporter has profound clinical significance. We had previously established that OAT1 undergoes constitutive internalization from and recycling back to the cell surface and that acute activation of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibits OAT1 activity by reducing OAT1 cell-surface expression through accelerating its internalization from cell surface to intracellular compartments. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the current study, we provide novel evidence that acute activation of PKC significantly enhances OAT1 ubiquitination both in vitro and ex vivo. We further show that ubiquitination of cell-surface OAT1 increases in cells transfected with dominant negative mutant of dynamin-2, a maneuver blocking OAT1 internalization, which suggests that OAT1 ubiquitination proceeds before OAT1 internalization. Mass spectroscopy has revealed that ubiquitination of OAT1 consists of polyubiquitin chains, primarily through lysine 48 linkage. Transfection of cells with the dominant negative mutant of ubiquitin Ub-K48R, which prevents the formation of Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains, abolishes PKC-stimulated OAT1 ubiquitination and internalization. Together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that Lys48-linked polyubiquitination is essential for PKC-regulated OAT1 trafficking.
Kazantzakis among the postmoderns: some reflections

Abstract Following Friedrich Nietzsche, Nikos Kazantzakis gives mythopoetic embodiment to a way of looking at life that anticipates what we now see — attention to evolution, language, truth, perspective, and world enthusiasm – in various postmodern philosophies of religion. To show this alliance, my essay facilitates a broad but illuminating exchange between Kazantzakis and recent postmodern thinkers from around the western-oriented world: John Caputo (North America), Don Cupitt (England), Lloyd Geering (New Zealand) and Gianni Vattimo (Italy). With the advent of Nietzschean-inspired postmodern philosophies of religion, it seems that rereading Kazantzakis, like recent rereadings of Nietzsche, creates intriguing possibilities for thought as well as for action.
Effect of a Nasogastric Tube on Esophageal Pressure Measurement in Normal Adults

We studied the correspondence between fluctuations of esophageal pressure measured before and after placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube in six normal volunteers. Flow, airway pressure, and esophageal pressure data from at least 20 breaths were recorded in seven ventilatory conditions in two body postures: 0 degree (supine) and 60 degrees (upright). The conditions studied included normal quiet breathing, added resistance, reduced compliance, increased frequency, increased tidal volume, continuous positive airway pressure, and volume-cycled ventilation with positive pressure. During recording with the NG tube in place, the subject targeted the same tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate, and inspiratory time fraction (TI/TTOT) recorded before NG tube placement. A computer program selected for analysis only those recorded breaths with and without an NG tube that were "matched" within 5 percent for both VT and TI. We calculated average VT, TI, and esophageal pressure fluctuation (delta Pes) for the matched breaths from each subject during every condition. The delta Pes values with and without NG tube were not statistically different in any tested condition (p > 0.05). Our data indicate that the presence of an NG tube does not invalidate the accuracy of delta Pes measurements made using a well-positioned balloon catheter in the tested conditions.
Advertisement pacing and the learning of marketing information by the elderly

This study investigates how pace of information presentation to the elderly influences learning of marketing information. The learning task involved recalling or recognizing brand, product, and commercial information from three advertisements which were mechanically manipulated through time compression or expansion to expose a subject to the commercials at different paces. In order to test the total time hypothesis of Cooper and Pantle (1967), the total time of exposure was held constant by varying the repetitions of the advertisement. Results indicate that elderly consumers remember less than younger subjects, but support the total time hypothesis of no pacing effects for older subjects. Some support was also found for applicability to younger subjects.
Calculation of thermodynamic properties for micelle formation

Abstract Changes in thermodynamic quantities for micelle formation calculated from direct experimental thermodynamic data often do not agree. The values obtained are dependent on the experimental and calculational methods used. A model for the thermodynamics of aqueous micellar solutions has recently been developed. Application of the model to experimental data for surfactant solutions permits the calculation of the change in a thermodynamic property for the formation of micelles at infinite dilution and at finite concentrations. Partial molar quantities are also calculated. Changes in thermodynamic properties for a given surfactant calculated by graphical extrapolation of partial molar quantities to the cmc agree with changes calculated from the model.
Fractional calculus, delay dynamics and networked control systems

In networked control systems (NCS), the spiky nature of the random delays makes us wonder about the benefits we can expect if the spikiness, or what we call delay dynamics can be considered in the NCS controller design. It turns out that the spikiness of the network induced random delays can be better characterized by the so-called α-stable processes, or processes with fractional lower-order statistics (FLOS) which are linked to fractional calculus. Many real dynamic systems are better characterized using a noninteger order dynamic model based on fractional calculus or, differentiation or integration of non-integer order. Traditional calculus is based on integer order differentiation and integration. The concept of fractional calculus has tremendous potential to change the way we see, model, and control the nature around us. Denying fractional derivatives is like saying that zero, fractional, or irrational numbers do not exist. This article proposes a transformative research idea to link fractional calculus, delay dynamics and NCSs. Specifically, fractional order modeling of delay dynamics will be used to better characterize the dynamic delay behavior. Then, a fractional order controller will be designed based on the fractional order delay dynamic model. Initial evidence confirmed that, incorporating delay dynamics in the controller design offers improved NCS control performance.
A novel spatially designed and functionally graded electrospun membrane for periodontal regeneration.

A periodontal membrane with a graded structure allows tailoring of the layer properties to design a material system that will retain its physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics for a period long enough to optimize periodontal regeneration. In this work a novel functionally graded membrane (FGM) was designed and fabricated via sequential multilayer electrospinning. The FGM consists of a core layer (CL) and two functional surface layers (SLs) interfacing with bone (nano-hydroxyapatite, n-HAp) and epithelial (metronidazole, MET) tissues. The CL comprises a neat poly(DL-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (PLCL) layer surrounded by two composite layers composed of a protein/polymer ternary blend (PLCL:PLA:GEL). Electrospinning parameters involved in fabrication of the individual layers (i.e. neat PLCL, ternary blend, PLA:GEL+10%n-HAp and PLA:GEL+25%MET) were optimized to obtain fibrous layers free of beads. Morphology, structure and mechanical property studies were carried out on each electrospun layer. The individual fiber morphology and roughness of the functional SLs, which are the n-HAp containing and drug-incorporating layers were evaluated by atomic force microscopy. The CL structure demonstrated higher strength (8.7 MPa) and a more elastic behavior (strain at break 357%) compared with the FGM (3.5 MPa, 297%). Incorporation of n-HAp to enhance osteoconductive behavior and MET to combat periodontal pathogens led to a novel FGM that holds promise at solving the drawbacks of currently available membranes.
The Gut Microbiota Appears to Compensate for Seasonal Diet Variation in the Wild Black Howler Monkey ("Alouatta pigra")

For most mammals, including nonhuman primates, diet composition varies temporally in response to differences in food availability. Because diet influences gut microbiota composition, it is likely that the gut microbiota of wild mammals varies in response to seasonal changes in feeding patterns. Such variation may affect host digestive efficiency and, ultimately, host nutrition. In this study, we investigate the temporal variation in diet and gut microbiota composition and function in two groups (N = 13 individuals) of wild Mexican black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) over a 10-month period in Palenque National Park, Mexico. Temporal changes in the relative abundances of individual bacterial taxa were strongly correlated with changes in host diet. For example, the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae was highest during periods when energy intake was lowest, and the relative abundance of Butyricicoccus was highest when young leaves and unripe fruit accounted for 68 % of the diet. Additionally, the howlers exhibited increased microbial production of energy during periods of reduced energy intake from food sources. Because we observed few changes in howler activity and ranging patterns during the course of our study, we propose that shifts in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota provided additional energy and nutrients to compensate for changes in diet. Energy and nutrient production by the gut microbiota appears to provide an effective buffer against seasonal fluctuations in energy and nutrient intake for these primates and is likely to have a similar function in other mammal species.
Teaching the internet: a protocol for interactive learning

A description of our teaching protocol is given which has been tested concurrently on two classes, one at Mercer University and one at California State University. These classes were general-studies/community enrichment courses and were teaching their students how to use the Internet. Both classes met simultaneously and used the Internet to communicate during the course. The students at each site were set up so that they could "talk" with their counterparts across the country, trade files with them, and actually teach each other some different aspects of the Internet. One interesting facet of this protocol is that one site taught its students "A, B and C," while the other site taught its students "X, Y and Z." The students then use the technology that they learned to teach their counterparts across the country. At the end of the short course the students had not only heard about the Internet, they had really used it to solve some real problems.
Targeted in vivo computed tomography (CT) imaging of tissue ACE using concentrated lisinopril-capped gold nanoparticle solutions

The development of cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis have been associated with overexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Moreover, ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, have shown a benificial effect for patients diagnosed with heart failure or systemic hypertension. Thus targeted imaging of the ACE is of crucial importance for monitoring of the tissue ACE activity as well as the treatment efficacy in heart failure. In this respect, lisinopril-capped gold nanoparticles were prepared to provide a new type of probe for targeted molecular imaging of ACE by tuned K-edge computed tomography (CT) imaging. Concentrated solutions of these modified gold nanoparticles, with a diameter around 16 nm, showed high contrast in CT imaging. These new targeted imaging agents were thus used for in vivo imaging on rat models.
Differential Treatment in Academia: Do Female Faculty Report being Treated Differently by Students Than Male Faculty?:

Faculty members (123 men, 79 women) were asked about behaviors of students which could indicate a lack of respect for a teacher, such as challenging grades, calling the professor at home, and sexual propositions. Female faculty reported being more likely than male faculty to believe they had been treated differently because of their sex. Male faculty reported being more likely than female faculty to be called Doctor by students meeting them for the first time.
The Stability of Low Radial Immersion Milling

Abstract Traditional regenerative stability theory predicts a set of spindle speeds with locally optimum stability at integer fractions of the natural frequency of the most flexible mode of the system. The assumptions of this theory become invalid for highly interrupted machining, where the ratio of time spent cutting to not cutting (denoted ρ) is small. This paper proposes a new stability theory for interrupted machining that predicts a doubling in the number of optimally stable speeds as the value of ρ becomes small. The predictions are verified against experiment and numerical simulation.
The Government PaperWork Elimination Act: Operating Instructions For An Electronic Government

Abstract The U.S. Federal government has a long history of legislating the creation, use, dissemination and disposal of information that it produces. The Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA, Pub. L. 105-277) is one of the most recent and revolutionary pieces of legislation to inform government information policy. GPEA requires that, when practicable, Federal agencies use electronic forms, electronic filing, and electronic signatures to conduct official business with the public by 2003. In doing this, agencies will create records with business, legal and, in some cases, historical value in an electronic environment. This article explores the role of GPEA in moving the United States toward an electronic government, one that provides information and services to citizens, businesses, and to other government using electronic technologies, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Further, it puts GPEA into a policy framework, which, is filled out with other legislation, Presidential memos and Executiv...
Altered orientation of active site residues in variants of human ferrochelatase. Evidence for a hydrogen bond network involved in catalysis

Ferrochelatase catalyzes the terminal step in heme biosynthesis, the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin to form protoheme IX. The crystal structures of human ferrochelatase both with and without protoporphyrin substrate bound have been determined previously. The substrate-free enzyme has an open active site pocket while in the substrate-bound enzyme the active site pocket is closed around the porphyrin macrocycle and a number of active site residues have reoriented side chains. In order to understand how and why these structural changes occur we have made amino acid substitutions in three residues (H263, H341, and F337) whose side chains occupy different spatial positions in the substrate-free vs. substrate-bound ferrochelatases. The catalytic and structural properties of ferrochelatases containing the amino acid substitutions H263C, H341C or F337A were examined. It was found that in the H263C and H341C variants, but not the F337A variant enzymes, the side chains of N75, M76, R164, H263, F337, H341 and E343 are oriented in a fashion similar to what is found in ferrochelatase with bound porphyrin substrate. However, all of the variant forms possess open active site pockets as is found in the structure of porphyrin-free ferrochelatase. Thus, while the interior walls of the active site pocket are remodeled in these variants, the exterior lips remain unaltered in position. One possible explanation for this collective reorganization of active site side chains is the presence of a hydrogen bond network among H263, H341, and E343. This network is disrupted in the variants by alteration of H263C or H341C. In the substrate-bound enzyme the formation of a hydrogen bond between H263 and a pyrrole nitrogen results in disruption of the network. The possible role of this network in catalysis is discussed.
Cantilever fixed prosthesis replacing the maxillary lateral incisor: Design consideration

A variation in design of a cantilever fixed prosthesis is suggested using a wrap-around configuration of the mesial surface of the lateral incisor pontic. The preparation on the canine is modified with one or more shallow grooves to provide additional resistance to rotational forces. All occlusal contacts on the lateral incisor pontic are avoided.
The effect of calcium concentration on ACTH stimulation of steroidogenesis in mouse adrenal tumor cells.

Calcium is required for ACTH stimulated steroidogenesis in adrenal tumor cells in tissue culture. In the absence of calcium, the dose of ACTH required to induce half maximum steroidogenesis was increased 30 fold. In contrast to intact adrenal glands or isolated adrenal cells, high doses of ACTH (50 mU/ml) maximally stimulated steroidogenesis in the absence of calcium. Growth for up to six days in medium with low calcium did not affect basal or ACTH induced steroidogenesis. The addition of calcium to cells incubated with ACTH produced a maximum steroidogenic response in 15 minutes. In contrast to intact adrenal glands, calcium is not required for adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) stimulated steroidogenesis in adrenal tumor cells. These experiments support the concept that calcium is important at the level of ACTH-membrane receptor site interaction or activation of adenyl cyclase in adrenal tumor cells.
Morphology of the spermatozoon in two sympatric species of Fissurella Bruguière, 1789 (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda) from Southern Chile

Summary Light and electron microscopy were used to analyze the morphology and ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of Fissurella nigra and Fissurella picta, two sympatric species of keyhole limpets from the southern Chilean coast. The spermatozoa of both species are of the aquasperm type, typical of species with external fertilization. Each species had its own distinctive spermatic morphology, particularly in relation to size. Proceeding from anterior to posterior, the spermatozoa of both species each consists of an elongated head with a conical acrosome having a deep subacrosomal space and truncated conical nucleus, followed by a midpiece containing five mitochondria associated in a compact ring around the proximal and distal centrioles, and, at the end, a flagellum. The spermatozoon head of F. nigra is almost twice as long as that of F. picta. This difference constitutes the first morphological evidence that the size of the spermatozoon could represent a candidate for the maintenance of reproductive isola...
Two classes of transform faults

A theoretical model and experimental work with cooling wax, as well as a consideration of some faults that were originally cited as transform faults, have suggested that two classes of transform faults exist. They are termed “boundary transform fault” and “ridge transform fault.” They differ in the degree and manner in which they delineate plate boundaries and probably also in age relative to a given plate.
Computer model for the elastic properties of short fibre and particulate filled polymers

A finite difference type of approach is proposed for the study of the elastic properties of fibre and particulate reinforced composites. The effects of the fibre modulusE 1 and aspect ratio (I/d) on the composite modulus are studied. In that respect, the ratio (E1/Em/(I/d), whereE m is the matrix modulus, is shown to be an important index of short fibre composites. Our results for the dependence of the composite modulus onE 1,I/d and volume fraction of the fibres are compared to available experimental data on foams and particulate filled polymers. A good agreement with experiment is found, which is much better than that obtained with the help of the widely used semi-empirical Halpin-Tsai equation.
Microstructural Evolution of Fe Grown on a (001) Cu Film and its Implication to the Elastic Anomaly in Metallic Superlattices

A large softening of the shear modulus has been reported in metallic superlattices composed of insoluble bcc/fcc metals. In an attempt to understand this elastic anomaly, we have studied the microstructure of Fe/Cu bilayers as a function of the Fe thickness with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of the moire fringes observed in plan-view TEM images revealed that the fee Fe structure epitaxially grows on the (001) Cu up to a thickness of 2.0 nm. At 2.3 nm, the bec Fe structure nucleates, accompanying lattice rotation around the growth direction with respect to the underlying fee structure. As the Fe thickness further increases, submicron polycrystalline grains formed. Based on these results, the microstructure of the metallic superlattices and its relation to the softening of the shear modulus will be discussed.
CEO Education, CEO Turnover, and Firm Performance

This paper analyzes the relationship between CEO education, CEO turnover and firm performance. Our primary interest is on the role that CEO education plays in a firm's decision to replace its current CEO, the role that it plays in selecting a new CEO, and on whether CEO education significantly affects performance. We use six main measures of CEO education: whether or not the CEO attended a Top-20 undergraduate school, whether or not the CEO has an MBA, law or masters‟ degree, and whether or not the MBA or law degree is from a Top-20 program. Our study includes more than 14,500 CEO-years and more than 2,600 cases of CEO turnover from 1993-2007. Our results show that CEO education does not play a large role in the decision by a firm to replace its current CEO; poorly performing CEOs are replaced, regardless of their education. Education, however, does play a significant role in the selection of the replacement CEO; there is a significantly positive correlation between the education levels of new CEOs and those of the CEOs they replace. Further, hiring new CEOs with MBA degrees leads to short-term improvements in operating performance. We, however, do not find a significant systematic relationship between CEO education and long-term firm performance. CEO education does not seem to be an appropriate proxy for CEO ability. Our results lead to the puzzling implication that, while CEO education appears to play an important role in the hiring of CEOs, it does not affect the long-term performance of firms.
Skin‐derived Precursors as a Source of Progenitors for Cutaneous Nerve Regeneration

Peripheral nerves have the potential to regenerate axons and reinnervate end organs. Chronic denervation and disturbed nerve regeneration are thought to contribute to peripheral neuropathy, pain, and pruritus in the skin. The capacity of denervated distal nerves to support axonal regeneration requires proliferation by Schwann cells, which guide regenerating axons to their denervated targets. However, adult peripheral nerve Schwann cells do not retain a growth-permissive phenotype, as is required to produce new glia. Therefore, it is believed that following injury, mature Schwann cells dedifferentiate to a progenitor/stem cell phenotype to promote axonal regrowth. In this study, we show that skin-derived precursors (SKPs), a recently identified neural crest-related stem cell population in the dermis of skin, are an alternative source of progenitors for cutaneous nerve regeneration. Using in vivo and in vitro three-dimensional cutaneous nerve regeneration models, we show that the SKPs are neurotropic toward injured nerves and that they have a full capacity to differentiate into Schwann cells and promote axon regeneration. The identification of SKPs as a physiologic source of progenitors for cutaneous nerve regeneration in the skin, where SKPs physiologically reside, has important implications for understanding early cellular events in peripheral nerve regeneration. It also provides fertile ground for the elucidation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors within the nerve microenvironment that likely play essential roles in cutaneous nerve homeostasis.
Optically active organoiron complexes in synthesis. An enantioface selectiv3 3-hydroxypropionate-2,3-dication equivalent

Abstract The use of organoiron complexes 8 and 9 as chiral 3-hydroxypropionate-2,3-dication equivalents is illustrated by a sequence of transformations involving successive addition of nucleophiles to these cations, followed by redox promoted carboxylation to give 2R,3S-methyl 3-hydroxypentanoate and ent-sitophilate.
Responsiveness and minimally important difference for the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) 20-item physical functioning short form in a prospective observational study of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To estimate responsiveness (sensitivity to change) and minimally important difference (MID) for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 20-item physical functioning scale (PROMIS PF-20). Methods The PROMIS PF-20, short form 36 (SF-36) physical functioning scale, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were administered at baseline, and 6 and 12 months later to a sample of 451 persons with rheumatoid arthritis. A retrospective change (anchor) item was administered at the 12-month follow-up. We estimated responsiveness between 12 months and baseline, and between 12 months and 6 months using one-way analysis of variance F-statistics. We estimated the MID for the PROMIS PF-20 using prospective change for people reporting getting ‘a little better’ or ‘a little worse’ on the anchor item. Results F-statistics for prospective change on the PROMIS PF-20, SF-36 and HAQ by the anchor item over 12 and 6 months (in parentheses) were 16.64 (14.98), 12.20 (7.92) and 10.36 (12.90), respectively. The MID for the PROMIS PF-20 was 2 points (about 0.20 of an SD). Conclusions The PROMIS PF-20 is more responsive than two widely used (‘legacy’) measures. The MID is a small effect size. The measure can be useful for assessing physical functioning in clinical trials and observational studies.
Nerve-sparing technique and urinary control after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Objectives To characterize determinants of 4-, 12-, and 24-month urinary control after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).
A model based fault detection scheme for nonlinear multivariable discrete-time systems

In this paper, a novel robust scheme is developed for detecting faults in nonlinear discrete time multi-input and multi-output systems in contrast with the available schemes that are developed in continuous-time. Both state and output faults are addressed by considering separate time profiles. The faults, which could be incipient or abrupt, are modeled using input and output signals of the system. By using nonlinear estimation techniques, the discrete-time system is monitored online. Once a fault is detected, its dynamics are characterized using an online approximator. A stable parameter update law is developed for the online approximator scheme in discrete-time. The robustness, sensitivity, and performance of the fault detection scheme are demonstrated mathematically. Finally, a continuous stir tank reactor (CSTR) is used as a simulation example to illustrate the performance of the fault detection scheme.
Pressure, temperature, and composition history of syntectonic fluids in a low-grade metamorphic terrane

Analysis of stable isotopes and fluid inclusions in centimeter-scale fibrous quartz-calcite strain fringes from the Taconic thrust belt in Vermont and New York allows reconstruc- tion of fluid conditions and sources over the course of strain-fringe growth. Oxygen isotope ratios in quartz show regular variations in d 18 O, ranging between 19.2‰ and 20.0‰ in different parts of strain fringes. Fluid inclusions have low salinities (2.4% NaCl equivalent) in all parts of strain fringes, and we propose that fluids were derived from clay dehydra- tion. Variations in fluid temperature and pressure derived from stable isotope and fluid- inclusion analysis mimic changes in the orientations of fibers, indicating a strong corre- lation between tectonics and fluids. Earliest fluids had temperatures of ;240 8C; temperatures declined over time to ;200 8C and rose again to ;260 8C. Fluid pressures began at ;1.6 kbar (160 MPa) and fell to ;0.8 kbar (80 MPa) before rising to ;2 kbar (200 MPa). We interpret these results in the context of thrust faulting and the dynamics of thrust wedges. Our model begins with thrusting along the Bird Mountain fault, placing rocks from depth on shallower ones and raising the temperature of the footwall. Increasing temperatures would have stimulated clay dehydration, raising fluid pressures and weak- ening the rocks within the orogen. Reduced strength of the Taconic accretionary wedge would have required lower critical taper angles, stopping motion on the Bird Mountain fault and stimulating horizontal elongation within the Taconic thrust wedge. As fluid pressures and temperatures declined, increasing strength of the rocks would have de- manded higher critical taper angles, stimulating renewed Bird Mountain thrusting and increases in temperature and fluid pressure. We cannot uniquely determine the depth of burial during strain-fringe growth, but we can constrain the depth for different geother- mal gradients and evaluate how close fluid pressures were to lithostatic. The highest fluid pressures were ;70% of lithostatic, and could have been higher. Similar mechanisms tying fluid conditions to tectonics in a feedback loop may be active in accretionary prisms and thrust belts worldwide.
Forty years of the American Society of Missiology: retrospect and prospect

This essay was delivered as a plenary address at the ASM meeting in Chicago, June 21, 2013. It demonstrates how over the past 40 years, the Association has established the academic legitimacy of mi...
Application of higher-order statistics for improved radar target detection in sea clutter

The application of higher-order statistics (HOS) to the detection of radar targets takes advantage of HOS characteristics that allow the formulation of a test statistic that is unbiased by Gaussian noise and insensitive to constant target velocity. To make use or these characteristics using data from a coherent radar, the samples from the radar's synchronous detector are formulated into special fourth-order products and coherently averaged. A second version of the HOS detector compensates for constant target acceleration. Comparisons are made between the two HOS detectors, the pulsed Doppler detector and the quadratic detector. The comparison shows a one to two dB improvement using the HOS detectors with Gaussian noise. However, examples are presented of an accelerating, synthetic target in actual, spiky sea clutter that show a 2.5 to 11 dB of improvement. >