cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information technology and computer applications in public administration: issues and trends

The Challenge of Teaching Information Technology in Public Administration Graduate Programmes Political Dimensions of Information Systems in Public Administration Information Technology and Organizational Change in the Public Sector The Evolution of Information Technology Management at the Federal Level - Implications for Public Administration Planning for Public Sector Information Management in State Government Managing Information Privacy and Information Access in the Public Sector Electronic Governance on the Internet Leading Edge Information Technologies and Their Adoption - Lessons from US Cities Management Information Systems in the Public Sector Software Toolkit Approach for Public Administrators Computers, Survey Research and Focus Groups in Public Administration Research and Practice Managing Geographic Information Systems in the Public Sector Legal Aspects of Electronic Mail in Public Organizations World Wide Web Site Design and Use in Public Management Online Research for Public Managers.
White-tailed deer population dynamics and adult female survival in the presence of a novel predator

Recent localized declines in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in the southeastern United States have been linked to increasing predation pressure from coyotes (Canis latrans), a novel predator to the region. Studies have documented coyotes as the leading cause of mortality for neonates, and 1 study documented coyotes as a mortality factor for adult females. However, no study has used field-based vital rates to conduct sensitivity analyses or model deer population trajectories under potential harvest or predator removal strategies. We used low, medium, and high values of fawn survival, adult female survival, and fecundity data collected from Fort Bragg Military Installation, North Carolina to demonstrate the current declining population trajectory for deer (λ = 0.905; low λ = 0.788, high λ = 1.003). Consistent with other studies of ungulates, we determined adult female survival was the most sensitive and elastic vital rate. Further, for 3 potential management (“what if”) scenarios, we projected the population for 10 years using estimated vital rates. Reducing adult female harvest (λ = 0.935; low λ = 0.875, high λ = 1.002) and coyote removal (λ = 0.995; low λ = 0.898, high λ = 1.081) reduced the current population decline, whereas combining both approaches (λ = 1.024; low λ = 0.898, high λ = 1.141) resulted in population increases. Our data indicate that for low-density deer populations with heavy predation pressure on neonates, protecting adult females from harvest may not completely offset population declines. Coyote removal might be a necessary strategy because it could possibly increase very low fawn survival, which appears to be the most important vital rate influencing λ in our study. However, managers may have to start with reductions in adult female harvest because coyote removal would have to be continuous and consistently effective, making it an impractical management approach by itself. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Clinical manifestations of food allergic disease.

Adverse reactions to foods are classified as either food hypersensitivity (allergy) or food intolerance. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity accounts for the majority of well-characterized food allergic reactions, although non-IgE-mediated immune mechanisms are believed to be responsible for a variety of hypersensitivity disorders. This chapter examines adverse food reactions that are IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated and those entities that have characteristics of both. The true prevalence of adverse food reactions is still unknown. The vast majority of food allergic reactions are secondary to a limited number of foods. Oral tolerance to food allergens occurs as the result of an appropriate suppression of the immune system when the gut mucosa comes in contact with dietary proteins. Gastrointestinal clinical manifestations are generally milder, and histologic examination of the gut mucosa shows less-extensive changes than with those patients presenting with primary gastrointestinal disease. Celiac disease is an extensive enteropathy leading to malabsorption. Once the diagnosis of food allergy is established, the only proven therapy is the strict elimination of the food from the patient’s diet. Certain factors place some individuals at increased risk for more severe anaphylactic reactions: (i) history of a previous anaphylactic reaction; (ii) history of asthma, especially if poorly controlled; (iii) allergy to peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish; (iv) use of s-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; and (v) (possibly) being female. Primary prevention of food allergies relates to blocking immunologic sensitization to foods. Patient education and support are essential for food-allergic patients.
A self-injection locked, Q-switched, line-narrowed Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laser

Line-narrowing, Q-switched, and self-injection locking are studied independently and as a system. Line narrowing is shown both theoretically and experimentally to depend on the inverse square root of the pulse evolution time interval. Q switching of the Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laser is demonstrated and the laser output energy as a function of the Q-switch delay is investigated. Self-injection is demonstrated and the operation of the laser is explored as a function of loss and the Q-switch delay. Self-injection locking is demonstrated and the performance as a function of the Q-switch delay is determined. >
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Utilization and Cessation Among American Indians

Background American Indians in Oklahoma have higher rates of tobacco use (29.2%) than any other racial group in the state. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free cessation services to all Oklahomans and implements strategies specifically aimed at increasing the utilization and effectiveness of cessation services for American Indians. Purpose To explore Helpline utilization patterns as well as outcomes, such as participant satisfaction and success in quitting, for American Indians. The utilization patterns and outcomes for American Indians were compared to that of the white population from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013, to determine whether the Helpline is equally effective among American Indians compared to whites. Methods Helpline utilization data from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013, were analyzed in the fall of 2013 to identify patterns and compare differences between American Indian and white Helpline registrants. Four- and 7-month follow-up survey data were used to compare outcomes related to satisfaction with services and quit rates. Results During the 3-year study period, 10.6% of registrants who enrolled in an intervention were American Indian (11,075) and 71.2% were white (74,493). At the 7-month follow-up survey, 31.7% of American Indians reported having used no tobacco in the past 30 days compared to 36.5% of whites, but the differences were not statistically significant between racial groups. Conclusions The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is equally effective for American Indian and white tobacco users who register for Helpline services.
Shape wave in density functional theory

The shape wave u(r) is defined in such a way that the square of its absolute value gives the shape of the electron charge density for a nonrelativistic many-electron system: |u(r)|2 = ρ(r)/∫ρ(r) dr, where ρ(r) is the total electron charge density. The u(r) is treated as the probability amplitude for the shape of the electron charge density in the real three-dimensional space. The secular equation of the u(r) is given as L(r)u(r) = λu(r), where L(r) and λ are a real Hermitean operator and the eigenvalue, respectively. This equation has the form of the spinless one-particle Schrodinger equation. The potential is local and is a functional of ρ(r), and so we need a self-consistent field procedure to solve it. For equilibrium state shape wave u = ueq, which is temperature-dependent, and for stationary state shape wave u = u0, respectively, Leq(r)ueq(r) = λequeq(r) and L0(r)u0(r) = λ0u0(r). For one-electron systems, the latter equation reduces to the Schrodinger equation for a stationary state, with the usual eigenvalue λ0 = E0. In general, λ is identified with the Gibbs chemical potential μG. Boundary conditions such as the cusp condition at a nucleus and exponential decay at an infinitely large distance from the nucleus are easily implemented. In case L(r) allows complex eigenfunctions, u(r) = A(r)eiS(r), the hydrodynamical potential appears in the secular equation for the real amplitude A(r). The real phase S(r) satisfies the equation of continuity. By introducing «apparatus» operators [16], the excited state shape wave is also obtained. Comparisons are made with a recent discussion of Levy, Perdew, and Sahni [3].
Flank Wear and Process Characteristic Effect on System Dynamics in Turning

The dynamics of the cutting process is modeled for investigating the relationship between tool wear and sound generation during surface turning. The vibration of the tool holder, together with the cutting insert, is considered as the main source of sound associated with tool wear. In this research, the tool holder-cutting insert combination is simplified as a cantilever beam which is excited by an external force that is directly related to tool wear. Based on this model, the displacement of the cutting tool is shown to be directly affected by tool wear and process characteristics. Simulation results show a change in the sound signal distribution over frequency as tool wear increases. A transfer function that includes the process characteristics is also developed to investigate the capability of sound and vibration signals in tool wear monitoring for a specific process. This provides critical information for sensor selection in implementing a tool failure monitoring system in reconfigurable manufacturing.
Tappers and sappers: rubber, gold and money among the Mundurucú

The following paper presents a description and analysis of social and cultural change among the Mundurucu Indians of the upper Tapajos River, Brazil, from Robert Murphy's 1952–1953 fieldwork through the 1979–1981 field trip of Brian Burkhalter. This is a period that saw a transition from a Mundurucu trade economy in wild rubber, exchanged through a barter-credit system, to digging, or sapping, of placer deposits of gold within the context of a cash economy. The change has had far-reaching effects on the Mundurucu system of social relations, which has seen a further erosion of institutions based on communality, commensality, and cooperation, and a growing prevalence of monetary objectification of persons and their labors. [Mundurucu Indians, South American ethnology, social change, monetary exchange, trade]
Mass-resolved laser ionization spectroscopy of HCl

Abstract We report 2 + 1 resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization spectra of HCl between 82000 and 89000 cm −1 two-photon energy with mass resolution of the ions. We see significant production of atomic products subsequently ionized when the two-photonresonant state has a long bond length but we see only HCl + when the resonant state is of Rydberg origin (and hence has a short bond length). The state at 82780 cm −1 , assigned as the E 1 Σ + (ν = 0) state, exhibits the production of atoms that is characteristic of a state with a long bond length, evidence that this state should be incorporated into the double-minimum B 1 Σ + state.
Escape conditioning and goal punishment: Effects of acquisition trials, initial punishment trials, and CS extent

Abstract In the first of three experiments in which albino rats were given spaced shockescape trials in a straight runway, groups of 6 animals were given 6 or 24 trials followed by extinction, with or without goal-box punishment. Punishment facilitated behavior after 24 trials but did not significantly affect it after 6. Both punishment and 24 trials led to more “abrupt” extinction. In the second experiment, 6 groups of 6 animals received 6, 12, or 24 trials followed by 54 extinction trials with or without goal punishment on the first 18. All punished groups ran self-punitively, and acquisition trials effects were apparent during and after punishment. In the third experiment, buzzer extent, or duration, was manipulated, and longer extents produced stronger self-punitive effects. The results of all three experiments were interpreted in the context of presumed directive effects of aversive and conditioned aversive stimuli.
Macadamia nut production in the Hawaiian Islands

This minor industry of Hawaii, second to coffee in acreage and value, covers only about 3,000 acres and produced less than 500 tons of unshelled nuts, valued at about $160,000 in 1954. Growth of the industry has been so great, however, that within a few years it is expected to be the principle tree crop of the Islands.
Light gas solubility in phenanthrene: the hydrogen—phenanthrene and methane—phenanthrene systems

Abstract A variable volume equilibrium cell was used to study the hydrogen—phenanthrene and methane—phenanthrene systems. The data were taken along isotherms from 398.2 to 473.2 K and up to pressures of 25.23 MPa. Henry's constants and heats of solution were calculated for both systems. The data indicated that both pressure and liquid mole fraction effects are important in describing deviations from ideal solution as well as heats of solution.
Synthesis of a non-porous, polystyrene-based strong anion-exchange packing material and its application to fast high-performance liquid chromatography of proteins.

Abstract Adsorbed coating technology has been used to produce a strong anion-exchange stationary phase on 3-μm non-porous poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) particles. In order to take full advantage of the excellent kinetic properties of the resultant packing material, small columns of 5 mm × 6 mm I.D. were used. These columns were pressure- and pH-stable and allowed protein separations to be made in less than 1 min at ambient temperature.
The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test: Development of a new memory test with six equivalent forms.

Abstract A new test of verbal learning and memory, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, was developed. The test consists of three trials of free-recall of a 12-item, semantically categorized list, followed by yes/no recognition. Six parallel forms yielded equivalent results in normals. The performance of patients with Alzheimer's disease and chronic amnesia is described. The test is likely to be useful in patients too impaired for more comprehensive memory assessments and where repeated testing is necessary.
Variability monitoring of multistage manufacturing processes using regression adjustment methods

The recent trends in manufacturing toward modularity and flexibility result in complex multistage manufacturing processes that consist of many interrelated workstations. In such processes, it is highly desirable to differentiate between local and propagated variations, and implement process variability monitoring and reduction. In this paper, attention is focused on the properties of a widely used regression-adjustment-based method in the monitoring of variation propagation in multistage manufacturing processes. Particularly, the impacts of measurement errors and regressor selection on the monitoring scheme are investigated, and conclusions which can help guide the use of this method are summarized. Numerical examples are also presented to validate the analysis.
Reepithelialization of denuded corneas in diabetic rats.

A delay in the rate of reepithelialization of completely denuded corneas of diabetic rats was observed. The possibility that aldose reductase was involved in this abnormality was explored. Several aldose reductase inhibitors were found to enhance regeneration of the epithelium. Further support for the role of aldose reductase in the manifestation of diabetes in the cornea was provided when the same effects were observed in galactosemic rats. The features similar to those observed in the diabetic state were the delay in the healing and the action of aldose reductase inhibitor to enhance epithelial regeneration and to preserve transparency after resurfacing has been completed.
The Personality Composition of Teams and Creativity: The Moderating Role of Team Creative Confidence

We examined the possibility that teams composed primarily of individuals with personality characteristics conducive to team creativity (e.g., high extraversion, high openness to experience, low conscientiousness, high neuroticism, low agreeableness) would show synergistic increases in creativity when they experienced high levels of "team creative confidence", a shared understanding that the team is more creative than each team member individually. We tested these hypotheses using a sample of 145 three-student teams that worked on a set of idea generation tasks at Time 1 (T1) and a second set two weeks later at Time 2 (T2). As expected, results of cross-lagged regression analysis indicated that when team creative confidence at T1 was high, team creativity at T2 increased quadratically as the number of team members who scored high on extraversion, high on openness, or low on conscientiousness increased. However, the number of individuals composing a team who scored high on neuroticism or low on agreeableness had no relation to team creativity under conditions of high or low team creative confidence. Implications of these results for the design of creative teams are discussed.
Longitudinal Stability of Phonological and Surface Subtypes of Developmental Dyslexia

Limited evidence supports the external validity of the distinction between developmental phonological and surface dyslexia. We previously identified children age 8 to 13 meeting criteria for these subtypes (Peterson, Pennington, & Olson, 2013), and now report on their reading and related skills approximately 5 years later. Longitudinal stability of subtype membership was fair and appeared stronger for phonological than surface dyslexia. Phonological dyslexia was associated with a pronounced phonological awareness deficit, but subgroups otherwise had similar cognitive profiles. Subtype did not inform prognosis. Results provide modest evidence for the validity of the distinction, although not for its clinical utility.
Environmental Manipulation of Growth and Sexual Maturation in Yellow Perch, Perca flavescens

Yellow perch, Perca flavescens, exhibit sexually dimorphic growth detected as the fish enter puberty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differential influences of photoperiod and temperature on the sexual maturation and dimorphic growth pattern of yellow perch. Four combinations of constant (CP) or natural (NP) photoperiod with constant (CT) or natural (NT) temperature were evaluated (CPCT, CPNT, NPCT, NPNT). Following 6 months of growth, results indicate that (1) CT is the strongest promoter of overall growth regardless of photoperiod. Perch reared under CT were 26.4 ± 8.1 g heavier than perch reared under NT (P < 0.0001). (2) CP also promotes overall growth regardless of temperature. CP perch outgrew NP perch by 7.0 ± 8.1 g (P < 0.0872). (3) NP (decreasing) initiates maturation in yellow perch regardless of temperature. (4) NT is required for late maturational processes. While both NP groups initiated maturation, only NPNT females were able to recruit oocytes to a vitellogenic stage. Only NPNT males were able to sustain spermiation to the end of the study. (5) CPCT confer the best overall growth performance, fully inhibit maturation in both genders, and suppress a sexually dimorphic growth pattern up to 53 g average weight. These results indicate that using a CPCT regime during intensive fingerling production will produce a larger, more uniform fish population that could alleviate losses as a result of cannibalism. Perch that remained immature did not exhibit a dimorphic growth pattern.
Monte-Carlo simulation of the theoretical site response variability at Turkey Flat, California, given the uncertainty in the geotechnically derived input parameters

Abstract In the weak‐motion phase of the Turkey Flat blind‐prediction effort, it was found that given a particular physical model of each sediment site, various theoretical techniques give similar estimates of the site response. However, it remained to be determined how uncertainties in the physical model parameters influence the theoretical predictions. We have studied this question by propagating the physical parameter uncertainties into the theoretical site‐response predictions using monte‐carlo simulations. The input‐parameter uncertainties were estimated directly from the results of several independent geotechnical studies performed at Turkey Flat. While the computed results generally agree with empirical site‐response estimates (average spectral ratios of earthquake recordings), we found that the uncertainties lead to a high degree of variability in the theoretical predictions. Most of this variability comes from poor constraints on the shear‐wave velocity and thickness of a thin (~2m) surface layer...
Dosimetric perturbations of linear array of β‐emitter seeds and metallic stent in intravascular brachytherapy

The radiation treatment with catheter-based β-emitter sources is under clinical trials to prevent restenosis following interventional coronary procedures. There are still large uncertainties in the dose calculation due to the complicated treatment geometry. We present the Monte Carlo simulations to account for the dosimetric perturbations due to neighboring trained seeds, proximal/distal gold markers, and a stainless steel stent. A catheter-based β-emitter system is modeled using the Monte Carlo code, MCNP4B. Dose distributions and dose rates are calculated in voxels (0.64×0.64×0.5 mm 3 ) around the long cylindrical trains of 90 Sr/Y source with and without the stent (at 1.92 mm from the source axis). For the total activity of 70 mCi (2.59×10 9 Bq), the dose around most of the source length (except for edge seeds and gold markers) varies from 40 to 0.23 cGy/s as the radial distance from the source axis (r) increases from 0.64 to 6.4 mm. At the prescription range of r=1.5–4.0 mm , the dose gradient is very steep and the contribution of neighboring seeds to the dose is significant. The dose enhancement due to neighboring seeds (the so-called “train effect”) varies from 9% to 64% as r increases from 0.64 to 5.2 mm. The doses at r=2 mm from the last edge seed and the gold marker are about 80% and 40% of that of the nonedge seed (8.7 cGy/s), respectively. The dose enhancement due to the secondary electrons and the primary electronsscattered with the stent is shown to be about 9.3% in the voxel including the stent. However, as r increases beyond the stent (r=2.0–6.4 mm ), the dose is slightly reduced by 4%–12%, compared to that without the stent.
Surface plasmon resonance studies of complex formation between cytochrome c and bovine cytochrome c oxidase incorporated into a supported planar lipid bilayer. II. Binding of cytochrome c to oxidase-containing cardiolipin/phosphatidylcholine membranes

Complex formation between horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c) and bovine cytochrome c oxidase (cco) incorporated into a supported planar egg phosphatidylcholine membrane containing varying amounts of cardiolipin (CL) (0–20 mol%) has been studied under low (10 mM) and medium (160 mM) ionic strength conditions by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Both specific and nonspecific modes of cyt c binding are observed. The dissociation constant of the specific interaction between cyt c and cco increases from approximately 6.5 microM at low ionic strength to 18 microM at medium ionic strength, whereas the final saturation level of bound protein is independent of salt concentration and corresponds to approximately 53% of the total cco molecules present in the membrane. This suggests a 1:1 binding stoichiometry between the two proteins. The nonspecific binding component is governed by electrostatic interactions between cyt c and the membrane lipids and results in a partially ionic strength-reversible protein-membrane association. Thus, hydrophobic interactions between cyt c and the membrane, which are the predominant mode of binding in the absence of cco, are greatly suppressed. Both the amount of nonspecifically bound protein and the binding affinity can be varied over a broad range by changing the ionic strength and the extent of CL incorporation into the membrane. Under conditions approximating the physiological state in the mitochondrion (i.e., 20 mol% CL and medium ionic strength), 1–1.5 cyt c molecules are bound to the lipid phase per molecule of cco, with a dissociation constant of 0.1 microM. The possible physiological significance of these observations is discussed.
Matrix generation within a macroporous non-degradable implant for osteochondral defects is not enhanced with partial enzymatic digestion of the surrounding tissue: evaluation in an in vivo rabbit model

Articular cartilage defects are a significant source of pain, have limited ability to heal, and can lead to the development of osteoarthritis. However, a surgical solution is not available. To tackle this clinical problem, non-degradable implants capable of carrying mechanical load immediately after implantation and for the duration of implantation, while integrating with the host tissue, may be viable option. But integration between articular cartilage and non-degradable implants is not well studied. Our objective was to assess the in vivo performance of a novel macroporous, nondegradable, polyvinyl alcohol construct. We hypothesized that matrix generation within the implant would be enhanced with partial digestion of the edges of articular cartilage. Our hypothesis was tested by randomizing an osteochondral defect created in the trochlea of 14 New Zealand white rabbits to treatment with: (i) collagenase or (ii) saline, prior to insertion of the implant. At 1 and 3-month post-operatively, the gross morphology and histologic appearance of the implants and the surrounding tissue were assessed. At 3 months, the mechanical properties of the implant were also quantified. Overall, the hydrogel implants performed favorably; at all time-points and in all groups the implants remained well fixed, did not cause inflammation or synovitis, and did not cause extensive damage to the opposing articular cartilage. Regardless of treatment with saline or collagenase, at 1 month post-operatively implants from both groups had a contiguous interface with adjacent cartilage and were populated with chondrocyte-like cells. At 3 months fibrous encapsulation of all implants was evident, there was no difference between area of aggrecan staining in the collagenase versus saline groups, and implant modulus was similar in both groups; leading us to reject our hypothesis. In summary, a porous PVA osteochondral implant remained well fixed in a short term in vivo osteochondral defect model; however, matrix generation within the implant was not enhanced with partial digestion of adjacent articular cartilage.
The Human Glutamate Receptor δ2 Gene (GRID2) Maps to Chromosome 4q22

Abstract We isolated the human glutamate receptor δ2 (GRID2) gene, which has 97.0% identity in amino acid sequence to the mouse glutamate receptor δ2 (Grid2) gene. We subsequently mapped this gene to human chromosome 4q22 by radiation hybrid mapping and by hybridization to two overlapping human yeast artificial chromosomes that are located in 4q22. TheGrid2gene, which is mutated in lurcher (Lc) mice, maps to mouse chromosome 6. Thus, the mapping of theGRID2gene to human chromosome 4q22 confirms and refines a region of synteny between mouse and human genomes.
SU-E-J-91: Developing Platform for Online Registration Using Digital Tomosynthesis

Purpose: To meet the needs of fast registration of on‐board digital tomosynthesis (DTS), a platform was developed in assisting the task of intensive DTS reconstruction and analysis. Methods: this platform consists of four parts: pre‐processing, reconstruction, post‐processing, and registration. These four software parts were integrated into one platform and developed using Java programming language. The pre‐processing part handles the procedure of cone‐beam extracting and projection image filtering. The reconstruction part provides the function of FDK‐based cone‐beam reconstruction. Three types of reconstruction algorithms (CPU‐based, OpenGL‐based, and CUDA‐based) were provided to facilitate the processing of DTS in various application scenarios. The post‐processing part handles the procedure of image realignment, DICOM reformatting, and XML file setup for image registration. The image registration part provides both manual and automatic methods, many tools are provided to assist this procedure. Results: several clinical patient cases were tested on this platform. The need of current study which requires fast and intensive reconstruction of DTS from cone‐beam projection is met. Conclusion: this platform demonstrates a clinical available on‐board DTS registration software in assisting current image guided radiotherapy. In the future, additional functions will be added to this platform in order to handle more complex clinical cases.
Comments, with reply, on "Generation of OTA-C filter structures from active RC filter structures" by R.V. Ananda Mohan

Comments on the above-named work (see ibid., vol.37, p.656-60, 1990) are presented. For the VLSI implementations of high-frequency analog filters, reasons for, caution in the use of OTA-C (operational transconductance amplifier) filters generated from active RC filters are given. An author's reply is included. >
Antioxidant property of dietary phenolic agents in a human LDL-oxidation ex vivo model: Interaction of protein binding activity

High consumption of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. It has been hypothesized that dietary antioxidants reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by inhibiting oxidative damage of lipoproteins. Phenolic agents are a major class of dietary antioxidants occurring in high concentrations in all edible plants. To investigate the mechanism by which dietary phenolic agents might retard atherogenesis, we examined the antioxidant properties of 26 common dietary phenolic agents in a LDL-oxidation ex vivo model. Pooled human plasma from 22 healthy volunteers was incubated in the presence of various concentrations (20–200 μM) of each phenolic agent, then LDL was isolated by affinity chromatography and immediately assessed for oxidative susceptibility by measuring copper-induced formation of conjugated dienes. All phenolic agents tested showed dose-dependent inhibition of LDL oxidation, varying between 2% and 110% relative to α-tocopherol. In addition to the structure features, the protein binding activity of phenolic agents, as measured by using the bovine skin proteins as protein matrix, was significant correlated with the antioxidant property (r = 0.777, P < 0.001). The findings not only demonstrate the antioxidant property of 26 dietary phenolic agents in an ex vivo model, but also indicate a possible involvement of phenol-protein interaction in the biological inhibition of LDL-oxidation, suggesting that both chemical reducing ability and availability at the site of LDL components may be necessary for these major dietary antioxidants to prevent LDL oxidation in vivo.
Evidence for Gardnerella vaginalis uptake and internalization by squamous vaginal epithelial cells: implications for the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common condition seen in premenopausal women, is associated with preterm labor, pelvic inflammatory disease, and delivery of low birth weight infants. Gardnerella vaginalis is the predominant bacterial species associated with BV, although its exact role in the pathology of BV is unknown. Using immunofluorescence, confocal and transmission electron microscopy, we found that VK2 vaginal epithelial cells take up G. vaginalis after exposure to the bacteria. Confocal microscopy also indicated the presence of internalized G. vaginalis within vaginal epithelial cells obtained from a subject with BV. Using VK2 cells and (35)S labeled bacteria in an invasion assay, we found that a 1 h uptake of G. vaginalis was 21.8-fold higher than heat-killed G. vaginalis, 84-fold compared to Lactobacillus acidophilus and 6.6-fold compared to Lactobacillus crispatus. Internalization was inhibited by pre-exposure of cells to cytochalasin-D. In addition, the cytoskeletal protein vimentin was upregulated in VK2 cells exposed to G. vaginalis, but there was no change in actin cytoskeletal polymerization/rearrangements or vimentin subcellular relocalization post exposure. Cytoskeletal protein modifications could represent a potential mechanism for G. vaginalis mediated internalization by vaginal epithelial cells. Finally, understanding vaginal bacteria/host interactions will allow us to better understand the underlying mechanisms of BV pathogenesis.
MBE growth and characterization of InxGa1−xSb/InAs strained layer superlattices

Abstract An experimental investigation of the artificially structured In x Ga 1−x Sb/InAs strained layer superlattice (SLS) system proposed by Mailhiot and Smith in 1987 for long-wavelength infrared detection was carried out. The SLS structures were grown on GaSb(100) substrates using MBE and were characterized by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, double- crystal X-ray diffraction, Roman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Far infrared absorption was observed at a wavelength of 12.6 μm in a 25-period, 150 A/150 A [In 0.2 Ga 0.8 Sb/InAs]‖GaSb(100) sample, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this material system for long-wavelength infrared detection.
Polysemy in Verbs: Systematic Relations between Senses and their Effect on Annotation

Sense inventories for polysemous predicates are often comprised by a number of related senses. In this paper, we examine different types of relations within sense inventories and give a qualitative analysis of the effects they have on decisions made by the annotators and annotator error. We also discuss some common traps and pitfalls in design of sense inventories. We use the data set developed specifically for the task of annotating sense distinctions dependent predominantly on semantics of the arguments and only to a lesser extent on syntactic frame.
The Causes of Early Implant Bone Loss: Myth or Science?

The success of dental implants is highly dependent on integration between the implant and intraoral hard/soft tissue. Initial breakdown of the implant-tissue interface generally begins at the crestal region in successfully osseointegrated endosteal implants, regardless of surgical approaches (submerged or nonsubmerged). Early crestal bone loss is often observed after the first year of function, followed by minimal bone loss (≤0.2 mm) annually thereafter. Six plausible etiologic factors are hypothesized, including surgical trauma, occlusal overload, peri-implantitis, microgap, biologic width, and implant crest module. It is the purpose of this article to review and discuss each factor. Based upon currently available literature, the reformation of biologic width around dental implants, microgap if placed at or below the bone crest, occlusal overload, and implant crest module may be the most likely causes of early implant bone loss. Furthermore, it is important to note that other contributing factors, such a...
Electrochemical properties of a new electrode material, Ti4O7

Cyclic voltamograms of Ti/sub 4/O/sub 7/ (Ebonex) together with its overpotentials for the production of H/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/ in acidic and basic aqueous solutions are reported. Ti/sub 4/O/sub 7/ electrode properties are compared to other electrodes: TiO/sub 2/, Pt, carbon, and vitreous carbon. Stong adsorption of ruthenium and platinum to the surface of Ti/sub 4/O/sub 7/ reduces the overpotentials for H/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/ production and modifies its electrode behavior. ESR results indicate the small amounts of higher oxide phases (Magneli phases) may be present in the Ebonex material.
Conjugal Role Definitions, Value of Children and Contraceptive Practice*

This study deals with the differential impact of conjugal role definitions on contraceptive practice and the value attached to children. A modified version of Motz's Role Conception Inventory was u...
On the concept of the yield surface

In this paper we introduce in the theory of plasticity the concept of a family of loading surfaces that are distinct from and enclose the yield surface. The yield surface is the boundary of a region in stress space in which both unloading and reloading produce elastic strains only. In the region of stress space occupied by the family of loading surfaces, reloading produces plastic strains, while unloading produces only elastic strains. Some implications of this concept for the theory of plasticity are considered. In particular, it is shown that the existing proof of convexity of a yield surface is not applicable to the loading surfaces.
The structure, bonding and transformation behaviour of iminium, aminocarbene and aminocarbyne ligands in triosmium cluster complexes

Abstract A summary of recent developments in the study of the reactions of tertiary amines with triosmium cluster complexes is presented. The relationships between iminium ion ligands, dimethylaminocarbene ligands and dimethylaminocarbyne ligands in several series of triosmium carbonyl cluster complexes are described. The transformations are dominated by binuclear CH activation processes. Novel ligand coordination modes were characterized by crystallographic methods.
Activation of the template activity of isolated rat liver nuclei for DNA synthesis and its inhibition by NAD.

Abstract The template activity of isolated rat liver nuclei for DNA synthesis assayed with E. coli DNA polymerase was found to be dependent upon the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ in the incubation medium. DNA was prepared from isolated nuclei subjected to conditions which activated the template and centrifuged in an alkaline sucrose gradient. The distribution profile showed that smaller fragments were formed, suggesting enhancement of endonucleolytic activity. When isolated nuclei were incubated with NAD to induce poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) formation and were subjected to the activation conditions, the template for DNA synthesis remained unchanged. The distribution profile in an alkaline sucrose gradient of DNA prepared from these nuclei and control nuclei was identical. The present findings suggest that the template-activating system for DNA synthesis was blocked when isolated nuclei were treated with NAD in vitro .
Quality by Design Approach for Understanding the Critical Quality Attributes of Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion

Restasis is an ophthalmic cyclosporine emulsion used for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. There are no generic products for this product, probably because of the limitations on establishing in vivo bioequivalence methods and lack of alternative in vitro bioequivalence testing methods. The present investigation was carried out to understand and identify the appropriate in vitro methods that can discriminate the effect of formulation and process variables on critical quality attributes (CQA) of cyclosporine microemulsion formulations having the same qualitative (Q1) and quantitative (Q2) composition as that of Restasis. Quality by design (QbD) approach was used to understand the effect of formulation and process variables on critical quality attributes (CQA) of cyclosporine microemulsion. The formulation variables chosen were mixing order method, phase volume ratio, and pH adjustment method, while the process variables were temperature of primary and raw emulsion formation, microfluidizer pressure, and number of pressure cycles. The responses selected were particle size, turbidity, zeta potential, viscosity, osmolality, surface tension, contact angle, pH, and drug diffusion. The selected independent variables showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) effect on droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, turbidity, and osmolality. However, the surface tension, contact angle, pH, and drug diffusion were not significantly affected by independent variables. In summary, in vitro methods can detect formulation and manufacturing changes and would thus be important for quality control or sameness of cyclosporine ophthalmic products.
Endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity and addiction-related behavior

Abstract Endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde messengers that provide feedback inhibition of both excitatory and inhibitory transmission in brain through the activation of presynaptic CB 1 receptors. Substantial evidence indicates that eCBs mediate various forms of short- and long-term plasticity in brain regions involved in the etiology of addiction. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms through which eCBs mediate various forms of synaptic plasticity and discusses evidence that eCB-mediated plasticity is disrupted following exposure to a variety of abused substances that differ substantially in pharmacodynamic mechanism including alcohol, psychostimulants and cannabinoids. The possible involvement of dysregulated eCB signaling in maladaptive behaviors that evolve over long-term drug exposure is also discussed, with a particular focus on altered behavioral responses to drug exposure, deficient extinction of drug-related memories, increased drug craving and relapse, heightened stress sensitivity and persistent affective disruption (anxiety and depression). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Synaptic Plasticity and Addiction’.
Mutational analysis of a conserved motif of Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirD2

Abstract The VirD2 polypeptide from Agrobacterium tumefaciens, in the presence of VirD1, introduces a site- and strand-specific nick at the T-DNA borders. A similar reaction at the origin of transfer (oriT) of plasmids is essential for plasmid transfer by bacterial conjugation. A comparison of protein sequences of VirD2 and its functional homologs in bacterial conjugation and in rolling circle replication revealed that they share a conserved 14 residue segment, HxDxxx(P/u)HuHuuux [residues 126-139 of VirD2; Ilyina, T.V. and Koonin, E.V. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20, 3279-3285]. A mutational approach was used to test the role of these residues in the endonuclease activity of VirD2. The results demonstrated that the two invariant histidine residues (H133 and H135) are essential for activity. Mutations at three sites, histidine 126, aspartic acid 128 and aspartic acid 130, that are conserved in a subfamily of the plasmid mobilization proteins, led to the loss of VirD2 activity. Aspartic acid at position 130, could be substituted with glutamic acid and to a much lesser extent, with tyrosine. In contrast, another conserved residue, asparagine 139, tolerated many different amino acid substitutions. The non-conserved residues, arginine 129, proline 132 and leucine 134, were also found to be important for function. Isolation of null mutations that map throughout this conserved domain confirm the hypothesis that this region is essential for function.
Crew Physical Support and Restraint in Advanced Manned Flight Systems

tion Proc, vol. 18, no. 4, December 1959, p. 1249. 5 Steinkamp, G. R., Hawkins, W. R., Hauty, G. T., Burwell, R. R. and Ward, J. E., "Human Experimentation in the Space Cabin Simulator. Development of Life Support Systems and Results of Initial Seven-Day Flights," School of Aerospace Medicine Rep. No. 59-101, August 1959. 6 Nelson, J., "Closed Ecology Problems in a Space Cabin Simulator," Fourth Symposium, The Ballistic Missile and Its Space Technology, UCLA, August 24-27, 1959.
Energy dependence of mean square charged multiplicity in Regge-Mueller formalism

Abstract The energy dependence of the mean square multiplicity is obtained on the basis of a Regge-Mueller analysis, when a pomeron with α p(0) = 1 and subsidiary trajectories with α(0) = 1 2 are present. The expression for 〈 n ( n − 1)〉 is shown to be of the form c 1 (ln s ) 2 + c 2 (ln s ) + c 3 + c 4 (ln s ) 2 /√ s + c 5 ln s /√ s + c 6 /√ s , with the coefficients given in terms of certain well defined integrals over physically measurable quantities. We are unable, with available experimental data on inclusive reations to estimate all these coefficients. However, retaining only the terms that survive as s →∞, we obtain a simple expression for the correlation function f 2 = 〈 n ( n −1)〉 − 〈 n 〉 2 for which a reasonable estimate has been made. The agreement with experiment is good.
North Carolina's Child Welfare Education Collaborative (NCCWEC): One State's Long-Term Commitment Toward an Improved Workforce

One state's Title IV-E child welfare social work education collaborative is delineated. This multi-year collaborative between public universities and the state's child welfare system has resulted in funding and field placements for 725 BSW and MSW students in 74 of the state's 100 counties. Further, 589 collaborative graduates have been hired in public child welfare. In addition, beneficial relationships among university personnel, local and state child welfare staff and administrators, and state legislators have enabled this collaborative to continue during difficult economic times. Finally, current challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future child welfare social work education initiatives are examined.
The Living Arrangements of Children in Immigrant Families in the United States.

Little is known about the living arrangements of first- and second-generation immigrant children. Using data from the Current Population Survey and a multivariate approach, I compared living arrangements of immigrant children to U.S.-born white children with U.S.-born parents. Findings show, except for foreign-born black and some Hispanic children, that foreign-born children lived with married parents more frequently than did U.S.-born white children with U.S.-born parents. However, by the third generation, a pattern emerged showing a decline in living with married parents among some immigrant children and a rise in living with single parents. The noticeable “downward assimilation” amon some second and third-generation immigrant children fits a theory of segmented assimilation and is concerning because single-parent families confront more social problems and sociodemographic risks.
Roll cell mantle convection under the Pacific plate

SPECTRAL analysis of bathymetry and heat flow data for selected regions of the Pacific has revealed anomalous patterns which trend in the direction of absolute motion of the Pacific plate. The bathymetry and heat flow anomalies have dominant wavelengths of the order 1,000 km, and amplitudes about 300 m and 10 mW m−2 respectively. We suggest here that these observations support the hypothesis of a roll cell form for small scale mantle convection as advanced by Richter and Parsons1.
SARRIMA: smart ADL recognizer and resident identifier in multi-resident accommodations

Systems for measuring Activities of Daily Livings (ADL) play a significant role in home health-care. The ability of performing ADLs successfully is used as an important factor in deciding treatments and services for patients and elderly citizens. However, most of these systems are designed for single-resident homes. The presence of multiple people creates higher numbers of parallel and overlapping activities, and introduces additional complexities in defining and recognizing activity instances. We present SARRIMA, a system that recognizes activity instances and assigns those activities to a person in 2-resident homes using only passive sensors. We evaluate the efficiency of SARRIMA in two different public datasets (data from real homes) with multiple residents. On the average SARRIMA detects more than 97% of the activity instances. We also show how the person assignment accuracy varies as a function of the similarity of behavior of the 2 people living together and of the types of passive sensors installed.