cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating Turning of Hard-to-Cut Material Using Self-Propelled Rotary Tool

This paper presents the findings of an experimental study on lathe turning operations on Hard-to-Cut Materials based on 55RC samples using Carbide inserts coated with Titanium Nitride fitted on a self-propelling rotary tool, and compares the results with simulated conventional tools with fixed inserts. Tool performance is assessed based on cutting force, surface quality of the machined workpiece, and tool wear. Findings indicate better tool life and overall performance of rotary tools due to the self-propelled motion of the inserts. The self-propelled motion of the inserts provides a self-cooling effect, improving tribological properties and lowering Thrust Force as a result of the decrease of contact time at the tool-work surface interface. Wear is observed to be evenly distributed with no evidence of diffusion-type wear. Finally, the machined surface quality is at par or better than one resulting from using a conventional fixed tool. The above characteristics translate into a more cost-efficient cutting operation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes as evaluated by morphometric analysis

Freshly isolated hepatocytes from neonatal rats were cultured for approximately 24 h; incubated for 5, 30, or 60 min in solutions containing 0, 50, 100, or 200 μM cadmium; embedded in plastic; and sectioned for optical microscopy. The exeent of cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated by double-blind morphometric analysis (a geometricostatistical processing of two-dimensional data for the collection of threedimensional information) whereby hepatocytes were classified on the basis of the severity of morphologic damage at the optical level. Both time and concentration effects were studied. Cultures exposed to 200 μM cadmium, for various intervals of time from 5 to 60 min, showed statistically significant reductions in the relative volume percent of normal hepatocytes, elevations (then reductions) in the relative volume percent of slightly damaged hepatocytes, increases in the relative volume percent of moderately damaged cells, and increases in the relative volume percent of severely damaged liver cells. As the concentration of cadmium was increased from 50 to 200 μM cadmium (during both 30 and 60-min exposures), significant trends were observed in cellular distribution patterns based on relative volume percent. Morphologically normal cells decreased, both slightly damaged and moderately damaged cells increased, and severely damaged cells remained unchanged. These results indicated that morphometric analysis at the optical level provided quantitative estimates for the evaluation of time- and concentration-effects of cadmium on cultured hepatocytes.
Subunit proximity in the H+-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase probed by zero-length cross-linking.

The proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Paracoccus denitrificans is composed of 14 different subunits (designated Nqo1−14), seven of which are located in the membrane domain and the other seven in the peripheral domain. It has been previously reported that membrane domain subunit Nqo7 (ND3) directly interacts with peripheral subunit Nqo6 (PSST) by using a cross-linker, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydrosuccinimide ester, and heterologous expression [Di Bernardo, S., and Yagi, T. (2001) FEBS Lett. 508, 385−388]. To further explore the near-neighbor relationship of the subunits, a zero-length cross-linker, 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide (EDC), and the Paracoccus membranes were used, and the cross-linked products were examined with antibodies specific to subunits Nqo1−11. The Nqo6 subunit was cross-linked to subunit Nqo9 (TYKY). In addition, a ternary product of Nqo3 (75k), Nqo6, and Nqo7 and binary products of Nqo3 and Nqo6 and of Nqo6 and Nqo7 were observed, but a binary pr...
Idiopathic Short Stature: Decision Making in Growth Hormone Use

Short stature is a common concern in pediatrics. Several ambiguities and controversies persist, especially with regard to criteria, cost, medical necessity and outcomes of growth hormone (GH) therapy for idiopathic short stature (ISS). Due to these ambiguities and controversies, a series of decisions by primary care physicians (whether to refer the short child to a pediatric endocrinologist), pediatric endocrinologist (whether to recommend GH treatment), families (whether to raise concern about short stature and whether to agree to undertake treatment), and third party payers (whether to cover the costs of GH therapy) influence which individual short children will receive GH in the US. Together, these decisions determine overall GH use. Apart from child's growth characteristics, several non-physiological factors drive the critical decisions of these stakeholders. This article focuses on current ambiguities and controversies regarding GH therapy in ISS, discusses the decision-makers involved in GH therapy, and explores the factors influencing their decisions.
Circadian rhythm of volatile emission from flowers of Nicotiana sylvestris and N. suaveolens

The volatile profiles from flowers of Nicotiana sylvestris and N. suaveolens were investigated by means of dynamic headspace sampling and capillary gas chromatography. Under conditions of light/dark entrainment both species emitted phenylpropanoid-derived volatiles (e.g. benzyl alcohol, methyl benzoate) with maximum emission occurring during the dark period. Emission of these compounds was demonstrated to be circadian by continuance of rhythmicity under conditions of constant light and subsequent re-entrainment to a new light/dark cycle. In contrast, emission of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, caryophyllene, from N. sylvestris followed no apparent pattern. The emission of monoterpene hydrocarbons from flowers of N. suaveolens showed diurnal differences only under conditions of light/dark entrainment.
Coaches, drama, and technology: Mediation of super bowl broadcasts from 1969 to 1997

With recent production innovations, such as super slo‐mo, digital‐editing, and advanced graphics, the Super Bowl on television has become a much more mediated experience for home viewers. This study examines network broadcast coverage of the 1969, 1978, 1987, and 1997 Super Bowls. Findings show an increase in the amount of visual‐aural mediation focused on that in turn reflects an emerging cultural imperative to identify sources of credit or responsibility for team victories (or blame for losses) for the audience. The measurable difference may also reflect the impact of corporate values and the commodification of professional sports and leisure cultural activity in the information society.
Profiling expression changes caused by a segmental aneuploid in maize

While changes in chromosome number that result in aneuploidy are associated with phenotypic consequences such as Down syndrome and cancer, the molecular causes of specific phenotypes and genome-wide expression changes that occur in aneuploids are still being elucidated. We employed a segmental aneuploid condition in maize to study phenotypic and gene expression changes associated with aneuploidy. Maize plants that are trisomic for 90% of the short arm of chromosome 5 and monosomic for a small distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 6 exhibited a phenotypic syndrome that includes reduced stature, tassel morphology changes and the presence of knots on the leaves. The knotted-like homeobox gene knox10, which is located on the short arm of chromosome 5, was shown to be ectopically expressed in developing leaves of the aneuploid plants. Expression profiling revealed that ~40% of the expressed genes in the trisomic region exhibited the expected 1.5 fold increased transcript levels while the remaining 60% of genes did not show altered expression even with increased gene dosage. We found that the majority of genes with altered expression levels were located within the chromosomal regions affected by the segmental aneuploidy and exhibits dosage-dependent expression changes. A small number of genes exhibit higher levels of expression change not predicted by the dosage, or display altered expression even though they are not located in the aneuploid regions.
The Analytic Signal Representation of Modulated Waveforms

This report offers a rather general and mathematically convenient formulation of analog-modulated signals which makes use of the analytic signal concept. Known types of modulation are readily identified as special cases. As a result of examining the various cases which the model embraces, a new type of modulation has been discovered-single sideband frequency modulation (SSB FM)?which can be derived from a conventional phase-modulated signal by an additional amplitude modulation, using the exponential function of the modulating signal's Hilbert transform. The resulting modulated signal will have a one-sided spectrum about the carrier frequency, will be compatible with existing FM receivers, and will cause a decrease in signal bandwidth.
Selective Impact of HIV Disease Progression on the Innate Immune System in the Human Female Reproductive Tract

Background We have previously demonstrated intrinsic anti-HIV activity in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) from HIV-infected women with high CD4 counts and not on antiretroviral therapy. However, the impact of HIV disease progression on CVL innate immune responses has not been delineated. Methods CVL from 57 HIV-infected women not on antiretroviral therapy were collected by washing the cervicovaginal area with 10 ml of sterile normal saline. We characterized subject HIV disease progression by CD4 count strata: >500 cells/µl, 200–500 cells/µl, or <200 cells/µl of blood. To assess CVL anti-HIV activity, we incubated TZM-bl cells with HIV plus or minus CVL. Antimicrobials, cytokines, chemokines and anti-gp160 HIV IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA and Luminex. Results CVL exhibited broad anti-HIV activity against multiple laboratory-adapted and transmitted/founder (T/F) viruses, with anti-HIV activity ranging from 0 to 100% showing wide variation between viral strains. Although there was broad CVL inhibition of most both laboratory-adapted and T/F virus strains, there was practically no inhibition of T/F strain RHPA.c, which was isolated from a woman newly infected via heterosexual intercourse. HIV disease progression, measured by declining CD4 T cell counts, resulted in a selective reduction in intrinsic anti-HIV activity in CVL that paralleled CVL decreases in human beta-defensin 2 and increases in Elafin and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. HIV disease progress predicted decreased CVL anti-HIV activity against both laboratory-adapted and T/F strains of HIV. Anti-HIV activity exhibited close associations with CVL levels of fourteen cytokines and chemokines. Conclusions Amid a multifaceted immune defense against HIV-1 and other sexually transmitted pathogens, HIV disease progression is associated with selective disturbances in both CVL anti-HIV activity and specific innate immune defenses in the human female reproductive tract (FRT). Overall, these studies indicate that innate immune protection in the FRT is compromised as women progress to AIDS.
All but one free ride when wealth effects are small

Quasilinear preferences on a public good and a numeraire good are limits of preferences where both goods are normal. The set of equilibria of the voluntary contribution (or private provision) game is easily characterized under quasilinearity by: top valuators aggregately contribute their common stand-alone contribution, whereas non-top valuators contribute nothing. Because, as long as preferences are randomly selected, there will typically be a single top valuator, it follows that, typically, the equilibrium is unique, with all players but one contributing nothing, hence “free riding” in the sense of the ordinary English usage of the expression. The upper-hemicontinuity of the Nash equilibrium correspondence implies that this is also the case when both goods are strictly normal, but the wealth effects on the public good are small.
Exploring predictors of walking ability among community-dwelling older adults

Aims: The objective of this analysis was to examine the association between complex multidimensional factors and walking ability among older adults. Methods: In total, 200 patients completed literature-validated questionnaires to assess depressive symptoms, psychosocial stress and chronic pain. Previous medical diagnoses and medication usage were also recorded. BMI was calculated and walking ability was estimated using the Six-Minute Walk Test. Multiple regression was performed to ascertain the contribution of the predictor variables on distance walked. Results: The overall model accounted for 61.2% of the variance in walking ability. Age, number of medications used and number of comorbid conditions were predictive of distance walked along with chronic pain, depressive symptoms and BMI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that walking ability is influenced by complex multidimensional factors, many of which can be managed. Comprehensive intervention should focus on ameliorating depressive sympto...
Comparing Local TV News with National TV News in Cancer Coverage: An Exploratory Content Analysis

The authors compared local TV news with national TV news in terms of cancer coverage using a nationally representative sample of local nightly TV and national network TV (i.e., ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN) cancer news stories that aired during 2002 and 2003. Compared with national TV news, local TV cancer stories were (a) much shorter in length, (b) less likely to report on cancer prevention (i.e., preventive behaviors and screening tests), and (c) less likely to reference national organizations (i.e., National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration) that have made clear recommendations about ways to prevent cancer. The implications of these findings for health communication research and cancer education were discussed.
Hydroxyprolyl-soluble ribonucleic acid and the biosynthesis of collagen.

Abstract Prolyl-U-14C-sRNA and iminoacyl-U-14C-sRNA (containing hyprolyl-14C- and prolyl-14C-sRNA), prepared from chick-embryos, were separately incubated with microsomal and ribosomal systems. The incubation reactions were carried out under atmospheres of N2 (anaerobic) only or N2 followed by 95% O2:5% CO2, and the incorporation of pro-14C into hot trichloroacetic acid-extractable protein (collagen) was determined. If hyprolyl-sRNA is the precursor of collagen hydroxyproline residues, there should have been a direct transfer of hypro, even under anaerobic conditions, from its sRNA linkages to the templates. When either prolyl-14C- or iminoacyl-14C-sRNA was employed, significant incorporation of hypro-14C was obtained only when anaerobic incubation was followed by aerobic conditions. The incorporation into hypro-14C increased with aerobic incubation time, but it did not require, nor was it enhanced by, the presence of hyprolyl-sRNA in the reaction mixtures. In a second series of experiments, chick-embryo sRNA was fractionated on DEAE-Sephadex columns. As a result, prolyl-14C-sRNA's were prepared which could not be (hydroxylated) converted to hyprolyl-14C-sRNA. The same preparations, when incubated with microsomal systems, did serve as efficient precursors of pro-14C and hypro-14C residues which were incorporated into hot trichloroacetic acid-extractable protein. The evidence obtained indicates that prolyl-sRNA and not hyprolyl-sRNA is the precursor of collagen hydroxyproline residues. The results support the thesis that the hydroxylation of proline occurs after its incorporation into microsomal peptide linkages.
Dietary Intake and Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer death. There is a need to identify modifiable dietary risk factors for this disease. To evaluate the role of diet in ovarian cancer risk, we performed a PRISMA-directed systematic review that included prospective cohort studies with >200 cases (n = 24). Higher risk for ovarian cancer was shown for total, animal, and dairy fat (five of nine studies), as well as total nitrate and possibly total vitamin C. No associations were demonstrated for red meat, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, β-carotene, or folate. Vegetables were associated with lower risk in one of three studies; fruit showed no association, although risk estimates were all greater than 1.0. Isoflavones and flavonoids were associated with modestly lower risk in two studies and tea intake was associated with lower risk in one of two studies. This review suggests that no specific dietary factors are consistently associated with ovarian cancer risk. Data by tumor subtypes are limited, but suggest that differential associations by tumor subtype may exist and should be evaluated. Studies of ample sample size, varied exposure, which can better control for dietary measurement error, are needed to fully define dietary recommendations for ovarian cancer prevention.
A texture-based method for identificaiton of retinal vasculature

Noting the advantages of texture-based features over the structural descriptors of vascular trees, we investigated texture-based features from gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) and various wavelet packet energies to classify retinal vasculature for biometric identification. Wavelet packet energy features were generated by Daubechies, Coiflets and Reverse Biorthogonal wavelets. Two different entropy methods, Shannon and logarithm of energy, were used to prune wavelet packet decomposition trees. Next, wrapper methods were used for classification-guided feature selection. Features were ranked based on area under the receiver operating curves, Bhattacharya, and t-test metrics. Using the ranked lists, wrapper methods were used in conjunction with Naive Bayesian, k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Best results were achieved by using features from Reverse Biorthogonal 2.4 wavelet packet decomposition in conjunction with a nearest neighbor classifier, yielding a 3-fold cross validation accuracy of 99.42% with a sensitivity and specificity of 98.33% and 99.47% respectively.
Increased ADAMTS‐13 proteolytic activity in rat hepatic stellate cells upon activation in vitro and in vivo

Summary. Introduction: ADAMTS-13 is a member of ADisintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 repeats (ADAMTS) family, primarily synthesized in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), one of the major cell types transdifferentiating into myofibroblasts during liver fibrosis. However, the association between ADAMTS-13 expression and HSC activation or liver fibrosis is not known. Methods: In this study, we determined the ADAMTS-13 mRNA, protein, and activity in isolated primary HSCs upon activation on a plastic dish and in liver after administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Results: We showed that ADAMTS-13 antigen and proteolytic activity in the activated rat HSCs were dramatically increased, whereas ADAMTS-13 mRNA in these cells was only minimally altered. Similarly, the ADAMTS-13 antigen and proteolytic activity in rat liver after CCl4 injury were also significantly increased, whereas the ADAMTS-13 mRNAs in these liver tissues were only slightly increased compared with normal. Surprisingly, despite the dramatic up-regulation of ADAMTS-13 protein synthesis in the activated HSCs after CCl4 administration, the plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 protease in rats did not increase concordantly. Conclusion: We conclude that the up-regulation of ADAMTS-13 protein expression in rat HSCs during activation in vitro and in vivo suggests the possibility of ADAMTS-13 proteolysis, an important part of function of the activated HSCs, perhaps through modulation of liver regeneration or formation of liver fibrosis after various injuries. The data also suggest the minimal contribution of the activated HSCs in regulation of plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 protease.
An API LC/MS/MS quantitation method for ansamitocin P-3 (AP3) and its preclinical pharmacokinetics.

Abstract Ansamitocin P-3 (AP3) is a potent maytansinoid antitumor agent isolated from microorganisms and mosses. In this study, a highly sensitive and specific electrospray ionization (ESI) liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for quantitation of AP3 was developed and validated. AP3 was extracted from rat plasma along with the internal standard, depsipeptide FK228 (NSC-630176, FR) with ethyl acetate. Components in the extract were separated on a 50 mm × 2.1 mm Betabasic C 85 μm stainless steel column by isocratic elution with 70% acetonitrile/0.9% formic acid. The liquid flow was passed through a pre-source splitter and 5% of the eluent was introduced into the API source. The components were analyzed in the multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode as the precursor/product ion pair of m / z 635.2/547.2 for AP3 and of m / z 541.5/424.0 for the internal standard FR. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the range 1–500 ng/mL using 0.2 mL rat plasma. The within-day coefficients of variation (CVs) were 12.9, 6.7, and 5.5% and the between-day CVs were 10.4, 6.5, and 6.4% (all n = 5) at 1, 10, and 200 ng/mL, respectively. A formulation based on normal saline and PEG300 was then developed and Sprague–Dawley male rats were given this formulated drug by i.v. bolus. Plasma drug concentrations were measured by this method and the pharmacokinetics were analyzed by standard techniques. Plasma concentration–time profiles were found to follow a triexponential decline and the terminal phase was nearly flat, suggesting that the drug distributed in deep tissue compartments or organs and then equilibrates slowly with the blood stream.
Relative Kinematics of the Rib Cage and Abdomen During Speech and Nonspeech Behaviors of 15-Month-Old Children

Speech motor control emerges in the neurophysiologic context of widely distributed, powerful coordinative mechanisms, including those mediating respiratory function. It is unknown, however, whether...
RNA Polymerase III Accurately Initiates Transcription from RNA Polymerase II Promoters in Vitro

In eukaryotes, there are three major RNA polymerases (Pol) in the nucleus, which are commonly described as transcribing non-overlapping subsets of genes. Structural studies have highlighted a conserved core shared among all three transcription systems. Initiation of human Pol III from TATA box-containing Pol II promoters under conditions with impaired Pol II transcription activity have been described previously. RNA polymerase III and Pol II were found to co-localize at the promoters of the c-myc gene and the RPPH1 sRNA in vivo. Here, I report that Pol III can, like Pol II, initiate transcription from most tested Pol II core promoters when assayed with crude human nuclear extracts (HSK, SNF, or Dignam). Both polymerases often initiate from the same transcription start site, and depend on a TATA box or AT-rich region but not the downstream promoter element (DPE) or the motif ten element (MTE). Moderate (∼2-fold) changes in the ratio of DNA template to nuclear extract were sufficient to change Pol II-mediated transcription to a mixture of Pol II- and Pol III-, or to a solely Pol III-dependent initiation of transcription from Pol II promoters. Polymerase specificity is thus not fixed but a variable that depends on the properties of the promoter and the transcription conditions. These findings provide functional evidence for a close similarity between the Pol II and Pol III transcription complexes, and additionally explain previous controversies in the literature.
Arrhythmogenesis, Heart Failure, and the Biophysics of Z-Band Protein Networks

Cardiac function is determined by exquisite and finely tuned electromechanical activity of each myocyte, which in partnership with neighboring cells achieves a synchronized contraction and relaxation of the ventricular chambers to attain proper blood flow into systemic circulation. The complex cellular scaffold of each cardiomyocytes, the cytoskeleton (see also Chaps. 6 and 10), has been recently shown to be tightly associated with proteins forming channels, pores, and pumps that allow ions to move in and out the cellular barrier, and across different cells to provide the appropriate electrical stimulus throughout the heart. Here we consider some recent understanding of the connection between a subset of the cytoskeleton, the Z-band, and representative ion channels involved in the development of cardiac failure and arrhythmias.
Structure activity-based predictive toxicology: an efficient and economical method for generating non-congeneric data bases

Starting with the results of the mutagenicity of 100 chemicals, we use CASE, a structure activity relational system, to select additional chemicals for inclusion into a data base. We demonstrate that a data base consisting of approximately 180 carefully selected chemicals is as predictive as the analysis based upon 820 'unselected' chemicals.
Summary of ISO/TC 201 Standard: ISO 29081: 2010, surface chemical analysis—Auger electron spectroscopy—reporting of methods used for charge control and charge correction

This international standard specifies the minimum amount of information required for describing the methods of charge control in measurements of Auger electron transitions from insulating specimens by electron-stimulated Auger electron spectroscopy to be reported with the analytical results. Information is provided in an Annex on methods that have been found useful for charge control prior to or during AES analysis. The Annex also includes a summary table of methods or approaches, ordered by simplicity of approach. A similar international standard has been published for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISO 19318: 2003(E), Surface chemical analysis - X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy - Reporting of methods used for charge control and charge correction).
Treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and has a high mortality rate. With improved survival of patients with cirrhotic liver disease and increased prevalence of chronic hepatitis C viral infections, a rise in the number of HCC cases is being reported worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with HCC. Although surgical resection is an important potentially curative therapy for liver tumors, in appropriately selected patients, liver transplantation has been shown to achieve excellent survival rates for a solid tumor. Locally ablative and locoregional therapies in the form of percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial radioembolization (TheraSphere) are viable options in patients with unresectable HCC. Unfortunately, the role of systemic therapy has been very limited in the treatment of these patients. Novel treatment options based on an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC are being explored. These targeted molecular therapies are aimed at growth factors and their receptors, intracellular signal transduction and cell cycle control. A substantial improvement in outcomes of intermediate and advanced stage HCC is expected with the advent of these targeted therapies, used in combination with surgical or locoregional therapies. Recent positive results from a large Phase III study of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, hold great promise in the treatment of HCC.
Dynamic Change of Services in Wireless Sensor Network Middleware Based on Semantic Technologies

This paper presents a middleware for Wireless Sensor Networks that uses a set of technical statements, such as patterns and styles, in order to achieve flexibility, autonomy and adaptation. The middleware exposes the functionality of the network as Semantic Web Services, so that applications can access its functionality through Web Services. The Service-oriented architecture is used as a means of interaction between the network and the external elements. Inside the network, standards connectors, such as Dispatcher and Interceptors, are used. This paper also presents a scenario in which two services are exposed as semantic web services and designed to run in a constrained environment and they are exchanged in accordance with the capabilities of the network.
Understanding information systems continuance: an expectation-confirmation model

This paper examines cognitive beliefs and affect influencing one's intention to continue using (continuance) information systems (IS). Expectation-confirmation theory is adapted from the consumer behavior literature and integrated with theoretical and empirical findings from prior IS usage research to theorize a model of IS continuance. Five research hypotheses derived from this model are empirically validated using a field survey of online banking users. The results suggest that users' continuance intention is determined by their satisfaction with IS use and perceived usefulness of continued IS use. User satisfaction, in turn, is influenced by their confirmation of expectation from prior IS use and perceived usefulness. Post-acceptance perceived usefulness is influenced by users' confirmation level. This study draws attention to the substantive differences between acceptance and continuance behaviors, theorizes and validates one of the earliest theoretical models of IS continuance, integrates confirmation and user satisfaction constructs within our current understanding of IS use, conceptualizes and creates an initial scale for measuring IS continuance, and offers an initial explanation for the acceptance-discontinuance anomaly.
Preforming Analysis of Biaxial Braided Fabrics Sleeving on Pipes and Ducts

This work investigates the preforming process of composite ducts made of biaxial braided fabrics. Two models based on the geometric modeling were developed to predict the fiber orientation and surface density. It is found that fabrics tend to slip during preforming in the case of curved ducts. A slip coefficient was introduced in the model to take this into account. A series of experiments were conducted to validate the models. The results show good agreement between model prediction and experiments.
UNBANKED TRANSIT RIDERS AND OPEN PAYMENT FARE COLLECTION

Several transit agencies are considering accepting contactless credit and debit cards directly at turnstiles and bus fare boxes. By using the expertise and scale economies of the payments industry, agencies may reduce fare collection costs and improve regional interoperability and ease of use. One issue with bankcard-based fare collection systems is how to serve transit riders who do not have or do not want to use contactless bankcards. In this paper, based on Chicago, Illinois, data, discrete choice models of the likelihood of transit users to have credit and debit cards or to use alternative financial services such as currency exchanges are estimated. A significant fraction of transit riders in Chicago do not have credit or debit cards; these riders come from groups with lower incomes, lower levels of education, and minority ethnicities. To meet the needs of this unbanked group of transit users, agencies may accept cash fares, agency-issued cards, or payment industry-issued prepaid cards that can be loa...
Artificial intelligence design challenge - Background, analysis, andrelative performance of algorithms

The Artificial Intelligence Design Challenge was an attempt to stimulate interest in a common problem involving the application of artificial intelligence technology to problems likely to be encountered in planning, scheduling, and battle management. These problems are characterized by high combinatorial complexity, uncertainty, constraints, and, in some cases, requirements for real-time performance on finite-speed processors. Participants in the design challenge submitted competing, alternative approaches, implemented in computer code executable on desktop microcomputers, for assessment and relative evaluation over a range of problems. The range of problems was generated by variation of an input data file at the time of contest judging. The participants were given a priori knowledge of only the range of data variations, and not the specific details. In this manner, robustness to problem variations was evaluated, as was normalized performance of competing algorithms and implementations.
Critical adult learning of Asian immigrant workers: A social network perspective

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2006 Adult Education Research Conference, May 20, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to This study reveals how the social networks of immigrant workers play a key role in mediating critical learning towards a particular political attitude. Theoretical relationships between critical learning and political attitudes were set up and four types of political attitudes were identified. A “resistant political attitude” was conceptually linked to critical learning, and this link was investigated by using social network analysis. Finally, based on the social network analysis, we argue that both the network size and network position of immigrant workers who represented a resistant political attitude tended to shape critical adult learning when they were associated with the collective reinterpretation of the immigrant workers’ social lives.
Interplay of Sintering Microstructures, Driving Forces, and Mass Transport Mechanisms

The equilibrium shapes of segments of a row of sintering particles are calculated for the case where interparticle distances are constrained and, in particular, for only vapor-phase transport or surface diffusion active. These equilibrium states are contrasted with those obtained by mechanisms which allow densification. The sintering potentials and surface curvatures are calculated for the equilibrium shapes as a function of dihedral angle. Expressions for the rate of shrinkage are presented and, for the case of equilibrium structures, calculated exactly.
Controlling Mass Transport in Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic platforms offer exquisite capabilities in controlling mass transport for biological studies. In this review, we focus on recent developments in manipulating chemical concentrations at the microscale. Some techniques prevent or accelerate mixing, whereas others shape the concentration gradients of chemical and biological molecules. We also highlight several in vitro biological studies in the areas of organ engineering, cancer, and blood coagulation that have benefited from accurate control of mass transfer.
Accident proneness (Unfallneigung): a classic case of simultaneous discovery/construction in psychology.

Using a striking example from the history of applied psychology, the concept of accident proneness, this paper suggests that historians of science may still find viable the idea of simultaneous discovery or construction of a scientific idea. Accident proneness (Unfallneigung) was discovered independently in Germany and in Britain during the period of World War I. Later on, in 1926, the idea was independently formulated and named in both countries. The evidence shows not only striking simultaneity but true novelty and commensurateness of the two formulations that crystallized at the same time in parallel, but distinctly separate, settings. Language: en Cited in: Burnham JC (2009). Accident Prone: A history of technology, psychology, and misfits of the machine age. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-13: 978-0-226-08117-5. The book was favorably reviewed by David Hemenway in Injury Prevention (2011), doi: 10.1136/ip.2011.031658. Special Thanks to Dr. Burnham for providing an electronic copy of the bibliographic notes that accompany each chapter. This greatly facilitated adding previously unidentified records to the SafetyLit database. SafetyLit users may obtain a listing of the book's references by searching using the following Textword(s) Exact query: "Burnham-Accident-Prone".
Synthesis and Activity of Co-doped Barium Cerium Zirconate for Hydrogen Reforming and Purification

BaCe0.25Zr0.60Co0.15O3−x (BCZC) was synthesized via oxalate co-precipitation route. Material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Catalytic activity of BCZC with respect to hydrogen generation via methanol partial oxidation was determined. Conductivity of the material at different temperatures and under different environments was determined by AC impedance spectroscopy. XRD and TEM results indicated that BCZC was synthesized as a homogeneous cubic phase material. Catalyst tests indicated that BCZC was catalytically active towards hydrogen generation and AC impedance results were positive enough to warrant further electrochemical studies.
Evaluating initial unloading stiffness from elastic work-of-indentation measured in a nanoindentation experiment

Differentiation of the energy-based power function used to represent the nanoindentation unloading response at the peak indentation load generally overestimates the contact stiffness. This is mainly because of the larger curvature associated with this function and the proximity between the contact and maximum penetration depths. Using the nanoindentation data from ceramics and metals, we have shown that these two errors can be eliminated if the derivative is multiplied by the geometric and stiffness correction factors, respectively. The stiffness correction factor is found to be a function of the elastic energy constant and is independent of the peak indentation load. The contact stiffness evaluated by the proposed method is in excellent agreement with that obtained from the power law derivative for a wide range of elastoplastic materials and peak indentation loads. The relationship between the elastic recovery ratio and elastic energy constant developed in this study further simplifies the proposed procedure.
Synthesis and characterization of polycholesteryl methacrylate–polyhydroxyethyl methyacrylate block copolymers

We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel diblock copolymers, poly(cholesteryl methacrylate-b-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PCMA-b-PHEMA). Monomers, cholesteryl methacrylate (CMA) and 2-(trimethylsiloxy)ethyl methacrylate (HEMA-TMS), were prepared from methyacryloyl chloride and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, respectively. Homopolymers of CMA, PCMA, with well-defined molecular weights and polydispersity indices (PDI), were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation and chain transfer (RAFT) method. Precursor diblock copolymers, PCMA-b-P(HEMA-TMS), were synthesized using PCMA as macromolecular chain transfer agent and monomer, HEMA-TMS. Product diblock copolymers, PCMA-b-PHEMA, were prepared by deprotecting trimethylsilyl units in the precursor diblock copolymers using acid catalysts. Detailed molecular characterization of the precursor diblock copolymers, PCMA-b-P(HEMA-TMS), and the product diblock copolymers, PCMA-b-PHEMA, confirmed the composition and structure of these polymers. This versatile synthetic strategy can be used to prepare new amphiphilic block copolymers with cholesterol in one block and hydrogen-bonding moieties in the second block. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6801–6809, 2008
Gel electrophoretic separation of transcription complexes: an assay for RNA polymerase selectivity and a method for promoter mapping

Abstract We describe a method for analyzing ternary transcription complexes, of RNA polymerase, DNA and nascent RNA32 chains, by agarose gel electrophoresis. When the RNA of such complexes is 32P-labelled, a simple comparison of the DNA fluorogram with an autoradiogram identifies transcriptionally active DNA molecules and restriction fragments in any mixture. Two limitations on the method are described: 1) retardation during electrophoresis of polymerase-DNA complexes relative to their conjugate bare NA fragments; 2) failure of very large ternary complexes to enter gels. The following potential applications of the method are surveyed: transcription unit (elongation) mapping, separation of RNA molecules in a mixture of transcripts, dinucleotide primer mapping and identification of preferred template conformations.
Paroxetine Use during Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

Objective:To evaluate the literature assessing the neonatal risks of antepartum paroxetine use.Data Sources:MEDLINE (1966–August 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–August 2006) searches were performed. Key search terms included paroxetine, SSRI, pregnancy, malformations, neonate, and fetus.Data Synthesis:Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with neonatal withdrawal symptoms such as respiratory distress, irritability, lethargy, and tremors. In a cohort study, 30% of infants exposed to SSRIs had poor neonatal adaptation, compared with 9% of controls (p = 0.018). Some reports indicate that paroxetine is more commonly associated with neonatal withdrawal than other SSRIs. Recently, paroxetine was associated with a 1.82-fold (95% CI 1.17 to 2.82) increased risk of congenital malformations compared with other antidepressants. Other SSRIs were also associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations; however, the results were not statistically significant. L...
The Effect of EF-P on tRNA Ribosomal P-site Binding

Bacterial elongation factor-P (EF-P) is a conserved protein common to all eubacteria and needed for translation of particular subscripts involved in virulence and antibiotic susceptibility. Similar in size and shape to a tRNA, EF-P undergoes a posttranslatial modification from PoxA that appears to be essential for promoting peptide bond formation. Structurally, EF-P makes contacts near the peptidyl transferase center of the tRNA, as well as with the P-site tRNA. The purpose of this study is to determine whether conserved residues play a role in EF-P’s function. Therefore, EF-P sites that interact with the anticodon stem-loop of the P-site tRNA and the A1339 and G1338 nucleotides in the 16S RNA of the 30S small ribosomal subunit (otherwise known as residues Y183 and R186) were selected for site mutagenesis. When Δefp strains were complemented with the mutants, growth phenotypes could not be rescued, indicating that these residues are critical for function. To verify the mutants were still being aminoacylated by PoxA, in vivo assessment via Western blotting was performed. The results indicate that these mutants are still being aminoacylated, implying that they function at the ribosomal level. Moreover, puromycin assays were performed, the results of which indicate the mutants are not able to properly bind the ribosome.
IDDq benefits (digital CMOS testing)

The author discusses many different aspects of IDDq, quality, reliability, and test being the major three. A description of IDDq is presented with different pragmatic methods of implementing it. Employing IDDq testing on digital CMOS technology, the user obtains a product with greater reliability. These benefits are introduced, which clearly support IDDq's implementation. >
Quantifying fat, oil, and grease deposit formation kinetics

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits formed in sanitary sewers are calcium-based saponified solids that are responsible for a significant number of nationwide sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) across United States. In the current study, the kinetics of lab-based saponified solids were determined to understand the kinetics of FOG deposit formation in sewers for two types of fat (Canola and Beef Tallow) and two types of calcium sources (calcium chloride and calcium sulfate) under three pH (7 ± 0.5, 10 ± 0.5, and ≈14) and two temperature conditions (22 ± 0.5 and 45 ± 0.5 °C). The results of this study displayed quick reactions of a fraction of fats with calcium ions to form calcium based saponified solids. Results further showed that increased palmitic fatty acid content in source fats, the magnitude of the pH, and temperature significantly affect the FOG deposit formation and saponification rates. The experimental data of the kinetics were compared with two empirical models: a) Cotte saponification model and b) Foubert crystallization model and a mass-action based mechanistic model that included alkali driven hydrolysis of triglycerides. Results showed that the mass action based mechanistic model was able to predict changes in the rate of formation of saponified solids under the different experimental conditions compared to both empirical models. The mass-action based saponification model also revealed that the hydrolysis of Beef Tallow was slower compared to liquid Canola fat resulting in smaller quantities of saponified solids. This mechanistic saponification model, with its ability to track the saponified solids chemical precursors, may provide an initial framework to predict the spatial formation of FOG deposits in municipal sewers using system wide sewer collection modeling software.
Effects of Alcoholic Beverage, Instigation, and Inhibition on Expectancies of Aggressive Behavior

To investigate the role of alcohol expectancy, situational factors, and personality variables in predicting postdrinking aggression, two questionnaire studies were conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to imagine themselves and their responses in a scenario situation, which was a combination of different beverages (soda vs. alcohol), instigation, and inhibition conditions. Both studies found significant 3-way interactions of personality aggression proneness (Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory Assault scale) by beverage condition and by situational cue condition on subjects' reported likelihood of engaging in aggressive behavior. Expected aggression was strongly associated with greater aggression proneness in the nonalcoholic condition when there was a situational cue (low inhibition in Study 1, high instigation in Study 2) invoking aggression, but not when the situational cue was absent. This relationship between aggression proneness and expected aggression, however, was attenuated in the alcoholic drink conditions in both studies. In general, it was found that the effect of alcohol on expected aggression was minor relative to the large and significant effects of aggression proneness, instigation, and inhibition. Language: en
Nanoinclusions in Cryogenically Quenched Nanoemulsions

Nanodroplets containing mixtures of silicone oil and squalene are dispersed in a simple aqueous surfactant solution, quenched in liquid ethane, and examined using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (CTEM). Depending on the phase of ice that forms around the nanodroplets and on the composition of the oil mixture, nanoinclusions can be observed inside oil nanodroplets, independent of surfactant type. Our observations suggest that these nanoinclusions arise from nucleation of vapor cavities as the water freezes and expands while the oil remains liquid during the quench.
Stictocephala militaris, a Membracid (Homoptera) Associated with Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua

Insect eggs were found inserted into the meristem tissue of overwintering sweetgum buds in north Georgia. Rearings from these eggs were made and the insect was identified as a membracid, Stictocephala militaris (Gibson and Wells). This treehopper, for which host plants were not previously recorded, remained on sweetgum leaves and shoots throughout its entire life cycle. It occurs as a single generation a year.