cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing growth and nitrogen uptake by soybeans using pesticides

Benomyl applied to the seeds of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) inoculated with a benomyl resistant strain ofRhizobium japonicum increased the relative abundance of nodules formed by the inoculum strain and the numbers of the added rhizobium on the roots, the total N content, the percentage N, the yield at one plant density and, in one of four soils, the pod weight of soybeans grown in the greenhouse. Oxamyl applied to the seeds, foliage or both of soybeans inoculated with an oxamyl resistant strain ofR. japonicum increased the yield, N content, percentage N, and weight of nodules, pods and grain and enhanced the relative frequency of nodules formed by the inoculum strain. It is suggested that pesticides or other antimicrobial agents and rhizobia resistant to these inhibitors may provide a new means for increasing nitrogen fixation by soybeans.
DNA sequences responsible for reduced promoter activity of human phospholipid transfer protein by fibrate

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) plays an important role in plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. We have previously cloned and characterized the promoter region of the human PLTP gene. The present study was conducted to determine if the promoter activity of the human PLTP gene is affected by fibrate, a hypolipidemic drug, and to identify DNA sequences that are responsible for the effect. The results indicated that the promoter activity of the PLTP gene was significantly reduced by fenofibrate, and the area that was mainly responsive to the reducing effect by fibrate was located between -377 and -230 of the 5'-flanking region. The DNA sequence analysis suggested that each area of the DNA sequences from -342 to -323 and from -322 to -299 has two repeated sequences, which are inverted and homologous to the recognition motif of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), namely the PPAR-responsive element (PPRE). Mutagenesis of these PPRE-like sequences, especially that at -322 to -299, abolished most of the reducing effects of fibrate on the PLTP promoter activity. These findings strongly suggest that the PPRE-like elements are responsible for the reduced promoter activity of the human PLTP gene by fibrate.
Political blend: an application designed to bring people together based on political differences

Modern social media have increasingly helped people separate themselves by worldview. We watch television shows and follow blogs that agree with our views, and read Twitter streams of people we like. The result is often called the echo chamber. Scholars cite political echo chambers as partly to blame for the divisive and destructive U.S. political climate. In this paper, we introduce a mobile application called Political Blend designed to combat echo chambers: it brings people with different political beliefs together for a cup of coffee. Based on interviews, we discovered that people are open to this kind of application and feel it may help the broader political environment. The primary contribution of this work is evidence that people are open to meeting those different from them, even those who ideologically oppose them. In an environment dominated by applications matching based on similarities, we see that this is an important finding.
Matrix Metalloprotease 2-Responsive Multifunctional Liposomal Nanocarrier for Enhanced Tumor Targeting

A novel "smart" multifunctional drug delivery system was successfully developed to respond to the up-regulated matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) in the tumor microenvironment and improve cancer cell-specific delivery of loaded drugs. The system represents a surface-functionalized liposomal nanocarrier, for which two functional polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipid conjugates were synthesized and characterized. The functionalized liposome was further modified with the tumor cell-specific antinucleosome monoclonal antibody (mAb 2C5). In the resulting system, several drug delivery strategies were combined in the same nanocarrier in a simple way and coordinated in an optimal fashion. The functions of the nanocarrier include (i) the hydrophilic and flexible long PEG chains to prevent nanocarrier nonspecific interactions and prolong its circulation time; (ii) a nanoscale size of the system that allows for its passive tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect; (iii) a mAb 2C5 to allow for the specific targeting of tumor cells; (iv) a matrix metalloprotease 2-sensitive bond between PEG and lipid that undergoes cleavage in the tumor by the highly expressed extracellular MMP2 for the removal of PEG chains; (v) cell-penetrating peptide (TATp) triggering of the enhanced intracellular delivery of the system after long-chain PEG removal and exposure of the previously hidden surface-attached TATp. It is shown that such a design can enhance the targetability and internalization of nanocarriers in cancer cells.
Calprotectin in myeloid and epithelial cells of laminae from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis.

Background: Laminar inflammation is one of the earliest events in equine laminitis. Calprotectin (CP), a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern protein, is overexpressed in inflammatory conditions of human skin. Hypothesis: CP is overexpressed in the laminar epidermis of horses with black walnut extract (BWE)-induced laminitis. Animals: Twenty adult horses. Methods: Experimental study. Horses were allocated to one of 4 groups. BWE was administered to horses in 3 groups, which were sampled 1.5, 3, and 12 hours (LAM) later. CP was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Laminar leukocyte counts and intensity of laminar epithelial staining were scored for all animals and statistically analyzed. Results: Laminar epidermal CP signal was significantly increased (P= .02) at the LAM time point, compared with other groups. Rare leukocytes were detected in laminae with CP staining in CON group, but there were marked increases in number of leukocytes in BWE-treated groups (P= .003). Sequential hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that the majority of CP-positive leukocytes were perivascular polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) at each of the developmental time points. CP-positive PMN and mononuclear cells were detected in perivascular locations and close to the epidermal basement membrane in the LAM group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CP expression in the laminar epidermis occurs after extravasation of leukocytes, indicating that leukocyte emigration might be an initiating factor in laminar epithelial stress and inflammation in BWE-induced laminitis. These results indicate a possible role of CP in laminitis pathophysiology and laminar failure.
Separation control over an airfoil at high angles of attack by sound emanating from the surface

Active control by sound emanating from a narrow gap in the vicinity of the leading edge of a symmetrical airfoil is used to study the influence of sound on the pressure distribution and the wake at high angles of attack. The results from experiments conducted at a Reynolds number based on the chord of 35,000 show that, with injection of sound at twice the shedding frequency of the shear layer, the region of separation becomes drastically reduced. The shear layer is found to be very sensitive to sound excitation in the vicinity of the separation point. The excitation sufficiently alters the global circulation to cause an increase in lift and reduction in drag. Furthermore, experimental results describing stall and post-stall conditions compare well with the limited data available and indicate that stall is delayed by sound injection into the separated region.
Congenital pterional dermal sinus in an 18-month-old child: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital dermal sinus tracts most frequently occur in the midline and are often associated with dermoid or epidermoid inclusion cysts. A lateral cranial origin is extremely rare and anatomically inconsistent with an etiology involving closure of the rostral neural tube during embryogenesis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We describe the first case of a pterional cranial dermal sinus tract associated with a small epidermoid, with extension to the dura of the anterior cranial fossa. INTERVENTION: The extra- and intracranial portions of the tract were visualized and resected with the use of an operating microscope. Pathological diagnosis confirmed dermal sinus tract. CONCLUSION: We review the existing literature and address the developmental and clinical features pertinent to the management of cranial dermal sinus tracts, emphasizing the need for exploration of these potentially harmful lesions.
The effect of the duration and structure of a surgery clerkship on student performance.

The emphasis on a generalist professional education has led to shortening and restructuring of the surgery clerkship in the curricula of many medical schools. Little data exist regarding the effect of these changes on student performance. Therefore, we examined the effect of the length, timing, and content of the third year surgery rotation on several clerkship and post-clerkship performance measures of 487 students from July 1994 to July 1998. In addition, students' perceptions regarding their ability to understand surgical disease topics were surveyed. The 8-week clerkship (n = 232) was associated with higher NMBE surgery test scores (510.5 ± 6.3 versus 457.4 ± 10.0, P < 0.05) resulting in higher final clerkship grades (5.15 ± 0.04 versus 4.87 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). Although clerkship length had no significant effect on USMLE step 2 total or surgery subsection scores, the longer clerkship was associated with higher total (70.6 ± 0.37 versus 68.8 ± 0.50, P < 0.05) and abdominal pain station (81.87 ± 0.71 versus 79.54 ± 0.73, P < 0.05) OCSE scores. Students rotating on surgery during the second half of third year (n = 233) had higher NMBE surgery test scores (513.1 ± 8.9 versus 460.5 ± 11.2, P < 0.05) and final grades (5.17 ± 0.03 versus 4.81 ± 0.04, P < 0.05). Although the timing of the surgery clerkship did not significantly affect total OSCE scores, students who rotated on surgery in the second half of third year performed significantly better year on the abdominal pain OSCE station (80.47 ± 0.92 versus 76.49 ± 1.27, P < 0.05). Students who rotated on general surgery (n = 298) performed significantly better on the NBME surgery test (525.6 ± 6.0 versus 459.6 ± 9.1, P < 0.05), although this did not significantly affect the final grade. Although general versus subspecialty surgery rotation did not significantly affect total OSCE scores, students rotating on general surgery performed significantly better on the abdominal pain OSCE station (81.21 ± 0.91 versus 78.17 ± 0.32, P < 0.05). The length, timing, and content of the third year surgery rotation had no significant effect on performance on the oral examination. Students who had a 6-week clerkship and students who lacked exposure to general surgery felt their surgery rotation failed to prepare them to understand a number of surgical topics as well as students who had an 8-week clerkship or students who rotated on general surgery. The length, timing, and content of the surgery clerkship affect some clerkship performance measures and student perceptions of their understanding of surgical disease topics. While cognitive differences related to clerkship length are no longer detectable at the end of the third year of medical school, differences related to the acquisition of some clinical skills persist after the surgery clerkship.
Peakons, kinks, compactons and solitary patterns solutions for a family of Camassa-Holm equations by using new hyperbolic schemes

In this paper, a family of Camassa-Holm equations with distinct parameters is investigated. New solitary wave solutions that include peakons, kinks, compactons, solitary patterns solutions, and plane periodic solutions are formally derived. New schemes that rest mainly on hyperbolic functions are employed to achieve our goal. The work highlights the qualitative change in the physical structures of the obtained solutions.
Mesenchymal morphogenesis of embryonic stem cells dynamically modulates the biophysical microtissue niche

Stem cell fate and function are dynamically modulated by the interdependent relationships between biochemical and biophysical signals constituting the local 3D microenvironment. While approaches to recapitulate the stem cell niche have been explored for directing stem cell differentiation, a quantitative relationship between embryonic stem cell (ESC) morphogenesis and intrinsic biophysical cues within three-dimensional microtissues has not been established. In this study, we demonstrate that mesenchymal embryonic microtissues induced by BMP4 exhibited increased stiffness and viscosity accompanying differentiation, with cytoskeletal tension significantly contributing to multicellular stiffness. Perturbation of the cytoskeleton during ESC differentiation led to modulation of the biomechanical and gene expression profiles, with the resulting cell phenotype and biophysical properties being highly correlated by multivariate analyses. Together, this study elucidates the dynamics of biophysical and biochemical signatures within embryonic microenvironments, with broad implications for monitoring tissue dynamics, modeling pathophysiological and embryonic morphogenesis and directing stem cell patterning and differentiation.
Action of tubercidin and other adenosine analogs onSchistosoma mansoni schistosomules

Abstract The incorporation of the radiolabeled adenosine analogs tubercidin, formycin A, 9-deaza-adenosine, and adenine arabinoside into nucleotides of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomules was studied in vitro. Of the four analogs, only tubercidin and formycin A were incorporated into the nucleotide pool, at rates respectively one-tenth and one-fiftieth the rate of adenosine incorporation. Tubercidin inhibited schistosomule motility in vitro with an approximate IC 50 value of 1 μM, whereas formycin A exerted no visible effect even when more of it than of tubercidin was incorporated into the nucleotides and nucleic acids. Formycin A thus acts like a nontoxic adenosine analog. 7-Deaza-adenine, the purine base of tubercidin, was not incorporated into nucleotides. 7-Deaza-adenine, 9-deaza-adenosine, and adenine arabinoside all had no effect on schistosomule motility at concentrations up to 100 μM. Formycin A blocked the incorporation of tubercidin and of adenosine with equal effectiveness, as did p -nitrobenzyl-6-mercaptopurine ribonucleoside, a specific inhibitor of nucleoside transport in many mammalian cells. Thus, formycin A, tubercidin, and adenosine appear to have a common mechanism of cellular uptake. The significant levels of adenosine phosphorylase and adenine phosphoribosyl transferase activity found in schistosomule extracts suggests that most of the transported adenosine is converted to adenine before conversion to AMP. The levels of adenosine kinase and tubercidin kinase, while low, can more than account for the rate of tubercidin incorporated into intact schistosomules. The kinase(s) may also represent a minor pathway for direct adenosine incorporation. It may have a rather unusual substrate specificity because it is able to recognize adenosine, tubercidin, and formycin A as substrates, but not 9-deaza-adenosine or adenine arabinoside.
Growth of human marrow in plasma clot diffusion chambers

Unseparated as well as nonadherent human bone marrow cells produced colonies while suspended within plasma clots contained within diffusion chambers implanted into irradiated mice. The majority of colonies consisted of granulocytes or macrophages. Colony size was significantly increased by the administration of endotoxin prior to implantation of the chambers.
A biochemical investigation of spinal cord after contusive injury

Abstract A closed spinal cord contusive injury system which is easily and reproducibly inflicted is described. At various times after injury, homogenates from individual segments along the cord were evaluated for total protein, lipid soluble galactose, (galactolipid), ceramide, 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase, and myelin. Homogenates and myelin were also evaluated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, the tissues were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The results indicated that there was little change, in comparison with normal spinal cord tissue, in any biochemical components studied as long as 48 h after contusive injury. This was especially evident when the data were normalized on the basis of protein and/or galactolipid per tissue slice. This was in marked contrast to the progressive tissue necrosis and unraveling of the myelin sheath evident by light and electron microscopic examination of the injury site. The data suggest that at short times after injury, the architecture of the myelin sheath is disorganized yet the biochemical building blocks are still present.
Cyclic AMP and amine effects on phosphorylation of specific protein in abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica; localization and kinetic analysis

Incubation of abdominal ganglia, obtained from Aplysia californica weighing 120--260 g, with octopamine or serotonin led to marked increases in cAMP (cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) levels after 10 min of incubation; these increases were blocked by phentolamine and methysergide, respectively. Incubation for 21 hr with octopamine also produced an elevation in cAMP levels but prolonged incubation with serotonin did not. Both these amines increased incorporation of 32P or 33P into a specific protein with apparent molecular weight of 118,000, upon incubation with the ganglion for 21 hr. The selective effect on this phosphoprotein was previously shown to be blocked by phentolamine (for octopamine effect) or methysergide (for serotonin effect) and could be mimicked by addition of dibutyryl cAMP to the medium. Incubation for more than 15 hr was required to generate a stable phosphoprotein pattern in which 5 phosphoprotein peaks could be reliably identified on polyacrylamide gels. With shorter incubations there was marked variability between ganglia with respect to the proteins which incorporated radioactive phosphate. The dibutyryl cAMP effect on phosphorylation of specific protein could not be demonstrated with incubations shorter than 15 hr. The specific effect on the phosphoprotein with molecular weight 118,000 was not observed in a number of large identified cells removed from the ganglion after 21 hr of incubation with radioactive phosphate and dibutyryl cAMP. The effect was also not observed in connective nerves and the bag cell clusters, but was consistently present in that portion of the ganglion remaining after these dissections. Upon subcellular fractionation the phenomenon was not observed in a crude nuclear fraction but was consistently present in a crude mitochondrial fraction. All these results are consistent with the possibility that the change in phosphoprotein metabolism produced by dibutryl cAMP may be localized in the neuropil, which contains all the synaptic contacts in this ganglion.
A NEW COMPONENT IN PROTEIN FLUORESCENCE

Tryptophyl residues in proteins absorb at longer wavelengths than tyrosyl residues and thus the tryptophyl fluorescence can be selectively excited. In addition, tryptophyl residues have a fluorescence maximum at much longer wavelengths than tyrosyl residues and are the predominant source of fluorescence at the long wavelength region. The contribution of tyrosyl fluorescence to protein fluorescence can be determined by exploiting these spectral properties. The tyrosyl fluorescence of native human serum albumin is different than the fluorescence of N-acetyl-L-tyrosinamide. The spectral maximum is at longer wavelength and the spectral width is greater. This is caused by a second component with a maximum at 345 nm. The excitation spectrum of the 345 nm component is similar to the excitation spectrum of the normal 304 nm tyrosyl component. The 345 nm is largely absent from denatured serum albumin. An excited singlet state protolysis from the buried tyrosyl residues explains the appearance of the 345 nm component. A possible acceptor base is an amino group of buried lysyl residue.
Novel mechanism for defective receptor binding of apolipoprotein E2 in type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

The defective binding of apolipoprotein (apo) E2 to lipoprotein receptors, an underlying cause of type III hyperlipoproteinemia, results from replacement of Arg 158 with Cys, disrupting the naturally occurring salt bridge between Asp 154 and Arg 158. A new bond between Asp 154 and Arg 150 is formed, shifting Arg 150 out of the receptor binding region. Elimination of the 154–150 salt bridge by site-directed mutagenesis of Asp 154 to Ala restored the receptor binding activity to near normal levels. The X-ray crystal structure of apoE2 Ala 154 demonstrated that Arg 150 was relocated within the receptor binding region. Our results demonstrate that defective binding of apoE2 occurs by a novel mechanism of the replacement of one salt bridge with another.
Parameter estimation, regularity and the penalty method for a class of two point boundary value problems

We study a penalization technique for a class of parameter estimation problems associated with elliptic equations. Moreover, a regularization phenomenon of the minimizers is discussed for various parameters in the equation and for different observation operators. Finally it is shown that under weak assumptions the norm constraints are active.
Logic functions from three-terminal quantum resistor networks for electron wave computing

Electron transmission characteristics through a generalized three-terminal clean Aharonov-Bohm ring is investigated with an arbitrary terminal configuration. This three-terminal ring is shown to be the most basic quantum resistor network that is suitable for electron wave computing, as we demonstrate in this work. There are four basic classes of three-terminal rings. The scaling relation in each class is deduced. Thus the transmission characteristics in each class are valid from an atomic-scale-sized ring to a mesoscopic-scale-sized one, limited only by the electron phase-breaking length. The Buttiker symmetry rule is essential when searching for basic logic functions. Logic functions such as IF-THEN, AND, OR, XOR, and INVERT are shown here as the basic building blocks for a possible massive parallel electron wave computing machine. The node equation method, linking the wave function of one terminal node with its neighboring terminal nodes, is used. The rules governing each terminal node are summarized. This method is equivalent to the Kirchhoff current conservation law in classical circuit theory.
Discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method with optimal test functions for thin-body problems in solid mechanics

Abstract We study the applicability of the discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin (DPG) variational framework for thin-body problems in structural mechanics. Our numerical approach is based on discontinuous piecewise polynomial finite element spaces for the trial functions and approximate, local computation of the corresponding ‘optimal’ test functions. In the Timoshenko beam problem, the proposed method is shown to provide the best approximation in an energy-type norm which is equivalent to the L2-norm for all the unknowns, uniformly with respect to the thickness parameter. The same formulation remains valid also for the asymptotic Euler–Bernoulli solution. As another one-dimensional model problem we consider the modelling of the so called basic edge effect in shell deformations. In particular, we derive a special norm for the test space which leads to a robust method in terms of the shell thickness. Finally, we demonstrate how a posteriori error estimator arising directly from the discontinuous variational framework can be utilized to generate an optimal hp-mesh for resolving the boundary layer.
Regression forests for efficient anatomy detection and localization in computed tomography scans

This paper proposes a new algorithm for the efficient, automatic detection and localization of multiple anatomical structures within three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans. Applications include selective retrieval of patients images from PACS systems, semantic visual navigation and tracking radiation dose over time. The main contribution of this work is a new, continuous parametrization of the anatomy localization problem, which allows it to be addressed effectively by multi-class random regression forests. Regression forests are similar to the more popular classification forests, but trained to predict continuous, multi-variate outputs, where the training focuses on maximizing the confidence of output predictions. A single pass of our probabilistic algorithm enables the direct mapping from voxels to organ location and size. Quantitative validation is performed on a database of 400 highly variable CT scans. We show that the proposed method is more accurate and robust than techniques based on efficient multi-atlas registration and template-based nearest-neighbor detection. Due to the simplicity of the regressor's context-rich visual features and the algorithm's parallelism, these results are achieved in typical run-times of only ∼4 s on a conventional single-core machine.
Shear Deformation of High Density Aluminum Honeycombs

The orthotropic crush model has commonly been used to describe the constitutive behavior of honeycomb [1]. To completely define the model parameters of a honeycomb, experimental data of axial crushes in T, L, and W principal directions as well as shear stress-strain curves in TL, TW, and LW planes are required. The axial crushes of high-density aluminum honeycombs, e.g., 38 pcf (pound per cubic foot), under various loading speeds and temperatures have been investigated and reported [2]. This paper describes experiments and model simulations of the shear deformation of the same high-density aluminum honeycomb. Results of plate shear test, beam flexure test, and off-axis compression are presented and discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Medical care utilization by afdc recipients under reformed medicaid

As Medicaid moves toward a system of managed care, Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients often are assigned to an organization that assumes responsibility for managing their annual receipt of health care. This study reports the results of an investigation into the patterns of medical care utilization by AFDC recipients and their children under reformed Medicaid. The issues explored include whether or not medical care utilization patterns vary by race, and if there are identifiable factors that determine the utilization patterns of AFDC recipients and their children. We conclude that racial differences in medical care utilization do exist for AFDC recipients, but not for their children. Policy makers involved in reforming Medicaid should recognize that certain cohorts continue to exhibit undesirable medical care utilization patterns, and implement measures to rectify this situation.
RNA binding and modulation of PKR activity

PKR is an RNA-dependent protein kinase that is induced in mammalian cells by interferon treatment. It is present in a latent or inactive form in mammalian cells and is activated by very low concentrations of double-stranded (ds) RNA. Activated PKR phosphorylates eIF2, an essential initiation factor of protein synthesis, as well as other substrates including histone IIA, a 90-kDa protein from rabbit reticulocytes, the inhibitor, IkappaB, of the transcription factor, NF-kappaB, and the HIV-1 Tat protein. PKR interacts with several cellular and viral products and these interactions modulate its activation by dsRNA. Here we describe methods that are used to study the activation or inhibition of PKR by RNA modulators. Specifically, we detail (1) the purification of PKR from interferon-treated mammalian cells, (2) functional assays for PKR activation and inhibition in vitro, using purified enzyme or crude cell lysates, and (3) assays allowing evaluation of the binding of dsRNA and single-stranded RNA to PKR.
Episodic accretion and plutonism in southwestern Alaska

Abstract Paleontologic and radiometric dating of the accretionary prism and magmatic arc of southwestern Alaska reveal an history of episodic accretion and plutonism. Possible accretion events in the Triassic (220-195 m.y.) and Early Jurassic (184-176 m.y.) were followed by Middle Cretaceous (108-83 m.y.), earliest Paleogene (65-60 m.y.), Middle Paleogene (50-40 m.y.), and Neogene (25-0 m.y.) accretion episodes. Plutonic events, which alternate with the accretion events, occurred in the Early Jurassic (193-184 m.y.), Middle/Late Jurassic (176-145 m.y.), Late Cretaceous/Early Paleogene (83-50 m.y.), and Late Paleogene (38-26 m.y.). Episodicity of accretion events is an apparent cause of incomplete stratigraphic records in the accretionary prism and forearc basin.
Mechanism Branches, Turning Curves, and Critical Points

This paper considers single-degree-of-freedom, closed-loop linkages with a designated input angle and one design parameter. For a fixed value of the design parameter, a linkage has turning points (dead-input singularities), which break the motion curve into branches such that the motion along each branch can be driven monotonically from the input. As the design parameter changes, the number of branches and their connections, in short the topology of the motion curve, may change at certain critical points. As the design parameter changes, the turning points sweep out a curve we call the “turning curve,” and the critical points are the singularities in this curve with respect to the design parameter. The critical points have succinct geometric interpretations as transition linkages. We present a general method to compute the turning curve and its critical points. As an example, the method is used on a Stephenson II linkage. Additionally, the Stephenson III linkage is revisited where the input angle is able to rotate more than one revolution between singularities. This characteristic is associated with cusps on the turning point curve.
Pricing Strategies in Industrial Markets

Suggests that rapid rise of energy costs and worldwide inflation have altered pricing decisions importance. Provides an overview of the marketing literature on pricing — intending developing a conceptual framework and classification system for different types of pricing strategies in industrial markets. Strives to provide a more comprehensive basis for developing industrial pricing strategies in addition to earmarking the most relevant marketers' needs. Sectionalises the article and, in the first part, explores existing literature; the second part develops a taxonomy of purchasing situations. Closes by linking the pricing topics, identified previously, to the different purchasing situations. Lists, by topic, the articles used and these are in the Appendix to enable quick reference to potential users. Employs tables for extra emphasis to aid in explanation along with 2 Appendixes.
Effect of connections on frames

Abstract The ways in which rotational flexibility of beam-column connections affect the behavior of steel frames are outlined. Then, observed connection behavior is summarized and possible formulations for analysis are described. This connection behavior is incorporated in linear and non-linear analyses of steel frames, and predictions are presented for the behavior of flexibly connected frames. Some of these predictions are validated by comparison with test results. Lastly, a computerized design method which includes realistic connection behavior is outlined.
Inhibition of the microsomal N-hydroxylation of 2-amino-6-nitrotoluene by a metabolite of methimazole

Inhibition studies were used to investigate the identity of the microsomal enzyme(s) responsible for the NADPH-dependent N-hydroxylation of 2-amino-6-nitrotoluene. The N-hydroxylation reaction was inhibited by several cytochrome P-450 inhibitors as well as by methimazole, a substrate for flavin-containing monooxygenase. Heat inactivation of flavin-containing monooxygenase had no effect on the rate of the reaction but abolished the inhibition by methimazole. These results indicate that the flavin-containing monooxygenase-mediated metabolism of methimazole produced an inhibitor of the cytochrome P-450-catalyzed N-hydroxylation reaction. When glutathione was included in the incubation the inhibition by methimazole was abolished, presumably due to the reduction of oxygenated metabolites of methimazole. These results show that methimazole inhibition does not necessarily implicate flavin-containing monooxygenase in microsomal N-hydroxylation reactions.
An expanded table of probability values for rao's spacing test

Rao's Spacing Test is a useful and powerful statistic for testing uniformity with circular and periodic data. Previously published tables of critical values are incomplete, giving critical values only out to p=.l and n = 200. We extend those tables to n=1000 and for p-values from .001 out to 0.9. The extension will enable researchers to better evaluate the confidence with which they are accepting the null hypothesis, and to use the test with larger n
Nonbinary social choice for economic environments

Assume a finite integer l≥2 and a social choice correspondence Φ mapping each (p, Z) into a nonempty subset Φ (p, Z) of Z, where p is a profile of individual preferences and Z is a set of outcomes of cardinality l or more. Suppose that Φ satisfies Arrow's choice axiom, independence of infeasible alternatives, and the Pareto criterion. If the preference domain is the family of profiles of classical economic preferences over the space of allocations of public goods, then Φ is dictatorial.
Ordering for Estimation and Optimization in Energy Efficient Sensor Networks

A discretized version of a continuous optimization problem is considered for the case where data is obtained from a set of dispersed sensor nodes and the overall metric is a sum of individual metrics computed at each sensor. An example of such a problem is maximum-likelihood estimation based on statistically independent sensor observations. By ordering transmissions from the sensor nodes, a method for achieving a saving in the average number of sensor transmissions is described. While the average number of sensor transmissions is reduced, the approach always yields the same solution as the optimum approach where all sensor transmissions occur. The approach is described first for a general optimization problem. A maximum-likelihood target location and velocity estimation example for a multiple node noncoherent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar system is later described. In particular, for cases with N good quality sensors with ideal signals and sufficiently large signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), the average percentage of transmissions saved approaches 100% as the number of discrete grid points in the optimization problem Q becomes significantly large. In these same cases, the average percentage of transmissions saved approaches (Q-1)/ Q × 100 % as the number of sensors N in the network becomes significantly large. Similar savings are illustrated for general optimization (or estimation) problems with some sufficiently well-designed sensors. Savings can be even larger in some cases for systems with some poor quality sensors.
Information-theoretic matched waveform in signal dependent interference

The design of transmit waveforms is critical to the performance of a radar system. Traditionally, pulsed and wideband chirp transmit waveforms are used. Our focus here is on the design of waveforms matched to extended targets. In the literature, optimum transmit waveform design in additive receiver noise has been investigated both from SNR maximization and information-theoretic approaches. In this paper, we extend the information-based approach to the signal-dependent interference problem. In particular, we investigate the use of information theory to generate the optimum waveform matched to a Gaussian distributed target ensemble with known spectral variance in the presence of signal-dependent clutter. Several waveform design examples are shown. We also apply this waveform technique to a cognitive radar application.
Unstructured Grid Arbitrarily Shaped Element Method for Fluid Flow Simulation

A three-dimensional unstructured grid arbitrarily shaped element method is developed for solving the Navier-Stokes equations. The proposed method is generally applicable to arbitrarily shaped elements and, thus, offers the potential to unify many of the different grid topologies into a single formulation. Examples of grid topologies include a structured hexahedral mesh; unstructured tetrahedral mesh; hybrid mesh using a combination of hexahedra, tetrahedra, prisms, and pyramids; Cartesian mesh with elements (cubes) cut by flow boundaries; and mixed arbitrary multiblock meshes. The concept of such an arbitrary element method is developed and implemented into a pressure-based finite volume solver. It utilizes a collocated and cell-centered storage scheme. Expressions for second-order discretizations of the convection and diffusion terms are derived and presented for an arbitrarily shaped element. The developed code, as a first step, is applied to two selected three-dimensional viscous flows using a structured hexahedral mesh and an unstructured tetrahedral mesh. It is demonstrated that the concept of the arbitrarily shaped element method can be viable and efficient
Chemical process based reconstruction of exposures for an epidemiological study. III. Analysis of industrial hygiene samples.

As part of an historical cohort study to investigate the mortality experience of industrial workers exposed to chloroprene (β-CD) and other substances, all available industrial hygiene exposure monitoring data were collected and summarized. From discussions with on-site industrial hygiene personnel, it was apparent that these data were not collected for epidemiological purposes and, therefore, their use in characterization of exposures was problematic as the data mostly pertained to samples collected to investigate the performance of specific tasks. These data were, however, informative for validating the exposure modeling process used to estimate historical exposures. The data summarized below clearly indicate that exposures to β-CD were lowered across the time period of this study. Typically, the exposures recorded were less than the occupational exposure limits of the periods in which the exposures were recorded. Additionally, exposure measurements recorded in the recent past do not represent the exposure actually experienced by the worker as a strict personal protective equipment use program has been in place for the facilities studied since the mid-1980s.
Algorithms by design: A new normalized time-weighted residual methodology and design of a family of energy–momentum conserving algorithms for non-linear structural dynamics

A new approach termed as the hybrid displacement–strain-based normalized time-weighted residual approach is presented to accurately model non-linear structural dynamic problems. The focus here is restricted to all possible algorithmic designs within the class of linear multi-step methods that fall under the umbrella of the generalized single solve single step linear dynamic framework originally developed via the classical time-weighted residual approach involving a single solve within each time step as such designs are the most predominant in research and commercial software (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2004; 59:597–668; Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2006; 66:1738–1790). However, traditional practices via classical time-weighted residual approaches fail to preserve the underlying physics and stability and do not serve the purposes of extensions to non-linear dynamic situations. In contrast, a new normalized time-weighted residual approach is proposed that naturally enables such extensions leading to the design of a family of conserving time operators for unconstrained conservative dynamic systems without resorting to enforcing energy constraints as in past practices. Consequently, the algorithmic stability (in the sense of energy stability) via this approach for non-linear dynamic problems is also preserved. For linear dynamic situations, it reverts to the classical paradigm. Only simple numerical illustrations are purposely presented to demonstrate the basic concepts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion-Controlled Self-Assembly and Dendrite Formation in Silver-Seeded Anatase Titania Nanospheres

We study diffusion-controlled, solvent-mediated self-assembly and dendritic structure formation as anatase TiO2 is seeded with silver oxides and silver that are formed using silver nitrate (zinc-catalyzed). Anatase TiO2 nanocolloid solutions are seeded with silver nitrate over a concentration range extending to saturation as the zinc-catalyzed transformation of the nitrate is studied in a number of solvents used in the formation and study of porous silicon interfaces. In acetone alone and, to a lesser extent, butanone, the silver/silver-oxide-seeded titania nanoparticles assemble into needlelike arrays of significant extent. This assembly is greatly accentuated in benzene/acetone mixtures and, to a much lesser extent, in diethyl ether/acetone mixtures, due primarily to the significant vapor pressure of the ether. In contrast to these aprotic solvents, self-assembly cannot be induced in the protic solvents water, methanol, and ethanol or in the aprotic solvents acetonitrile, methylene chloride, and dimethy...
Interpreting the data: Parallel analysis with Sawzall

Very large data sets often have a flat but regular structure and span multiple disks and machines. Examples include telephone call records, network logs, and web document repositories. These large data sets are not amenable to study using traditional database techniques, if only because they can be too large to fit in a single relational database. On the other hand, many of the analyses done on them can be expressed using simple, easily distributed computations: filtering, aggregation, extraction of statistics, and so on. We present a system for automating such analyses. A filtering phase, in which a query is expressed using a new procedural programming language, emits data to an aggregation phase. Both phases are distributed over hundreds or even thousands of computers. The results are then collated and saved to a file. The design -- including the separation into two phases, the form of the programming language, and the properties of the aggregators -- exploits the parallelism inherent in having data and computation distributed across many machines.
The Application of Social Constructionist Principles to Teaching Social Work Practice in Mental Health

Abstract The introduction of social constructionism to social work education has added an important dimension to traditional methods of social work pedagogy. This paper discusses several social constructionist principles relevant to the field of mental health and applies them to the contexualization of major issues in mental health practice. A model for teaching is proposed that integrates the voices of clients, families, and providers with several socially constructed dichotomies seen as historically and culturally relevant to current social work practice in mental health.
Ethical Considerations in the Use of Computers in Psychological Testing and Assessment.

Abstract Ethical considerations in the use of computers in psychological testing and assessment are discussed. Particular attention is given to existing ethics and standards that provide guidance to users of computerized test interpretation and report-writing programs. Issues covering professional accountability and confidentiality are also discussed as they relate to computer-assisted assessment. Areas of appropriate use of computers in testing and assessment are suggested, including test scoring, the analysis of scores, and generating remedial recommendations. Findings are summarized and several guidelines are suggested for users of computers in testing and assessment.
Summary of the Symposium

This has been an exciting session. We’ve learned a lot. Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Welch have truly arranged an admirable symposium on the physiological effects of audible sound. They have been able to bring together competent scientists from all parts of the world to report on noise as a polluting factor in our environment and on the often unrecognized effects which noise may produce within us.
Linear finite state machine for lD ILAs

Linear Finite State Machine for One Dimensional (1D) Iterative Logic Arrays (ILAs) is described. The technique for modifying the Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) based test generator called Linear Finite State Machine (LFSM) for deterministic test pattern generation is discussed and extended for generating the test vectors for 1D unilateral ILAs. One Repetition Length (ORL) of C-testable ILAs and unique characteristics of the C-testable test patterns are used for the compact design of the LFSM based at-speed Built-in Self Test (BIST). Such LFSM based BIST occupies small silicon area, simplifies the design of the controller and does at-speed testing of the ILAs. This results in reduced time and cost of testing. In addition, the exact probability distribution equations are developed for additional bits needed to map a Finite State Machine (FSM) into an LFSM. The distribution clearly shows that the expected number of additional bits is very small, often zero. The probability distribution equations are equally valid for any LFSR based test generator for other circuits. >
Effects of geometric azimuthal asymmetries of the PPM stack on electron beam characteristics

The effects of geometric azimuthally asymmetric properties of a periodic permanent magnet (PPM) focusing stack on electron beam characteristics obtained using a fully three dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell (PIC) code will be presented. The simulation model, using MAFIA (Solution of MAxwell's equations by the Finite-Integration-AIgorithm), incorporates 3D behavior of the beam immersed in static fields calculated directly from the exact geometry and material properties ofthe 3D magnetic focusing structure. The Hughes 8916H, 18-40 GHz helical TWT for the millimeter-wave power module (MMPM) was used as a prototype. Firstly, the effects of C-magnets used at the input and output of the TWT to allow for coupling ofthe RF signal into and out of the tube are considered. The 8916H input and output C-magnets differ because coaxial couplers are used at the input and waveguide couplers are used at the output. The repositioning of the beam from its central axis due to the inclusion of the output C-magnet was found to be most significant.
Extension of limb salvage by combined vascular reconstruction and adjunctive free-tissue transfer

Abstract Purpose: Vascular reconstruction alone can be insufficient for extremity salvage in some patients with severe soft-tissue wounds. We present our experience in 20 patients with vascular reconstruction for ischemic disease and free-tissue transfer for limb-threatening soft-tissue wounds. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent autogenous venous bypasses and one patient underwent an aortobifemoral bypass. Ten soft-tissue reconstructions were performed at the time of the vascular reconstruction and 10 were delayed. Free-tissue transferred included muscle, fasciocutaneous flaps, and omentum. Inflow to the flap was from the bypass graft ( n = 12) or the distal tibial artery. Results: One free flap and graft failed immediately in the same patient. One successful flap and graft required a below-knee amputation for ongoing infection in the surrounding soft tissues. Eighteen of 20 patients have had free-flap and graft patency during the mean follow-up period of 17 months (range 6 to 33 months). These 18 patients ambulate independently. Conclusions: In patients with arterial insufficiency and severe soft-tissue wounds, combined vascular reconstruction and free-tissue transfer permits extended limb salvage with excellent functional results. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:972-80.)