cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical redundancy allocation for multi-level reliability systems employing a bacterial-inspired evolutionary algorithm

A high level of reliability is a crucial factor in many real-world systems. Specifically, redundancy allocation problems (RAPs) have attracted much attention in the last three decades for their comprehensive applications in various engineering systems. RAPs have been proven to be NP-hard and numerous meta-heuristic methods have been proposed to address them. To date, a significant number of successful research endeavors regarding RAPs in single-level systems have been conducted; however, most real complex systems involve multiple levels. Consequently, RAPs on multi-level systems (labeled here as MLRAPs) are deemed to be more realistic and challenging. As such, this paper proposes a bacterial-inspired evolutionary algorithm (BiEA) for addressing MLRAPs. Apart from designing the mutation operation of the canonical bacteria evolutionary algorithm (BEA) to be adaptive to the solution encoding of MLRAPs, two new search operators, dynamic gene transfer and a niching scheme, are introduced in the BEA. As a result, the BiEA is dedicated to MLRAP designs with near-optimal solutions. Case studies on MLRAP designs show the BiEA outperforms current state-of-the-art approaches in regard to two representative experiments.
Polarity dependence of N2O formation from corona discharge

Abstract The formation of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) by point to plane corona discharge exhibits a polarity dependence with the negative point producing 4.2 ± 0.2 times more N 2 O than found during similar positive point discharges. These results were obtained under ambient temperature and pressure. For the discharge currents used, ±5, ±10, and ±15 μA , N 2 O formation was found to be linear with current for both the negative and positive point discharge. Consistent with previously reported values, we found that negative point produced 7.2 ±0.2 times more ozone (O 3 ) than positive point discharges, under the same conditions. We also found that with negative point discharge, only one N 2 O molecule was produced for every 90±10 O 3 molecules; one N 2 O molecule for every 50 ± 5 O 3 molecules during positive point discharge.
The association between funding for statewide programs and enactment of obesity legislation.

Abstract Objective As part of a national effort to prevent and control obesity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases (NPAO) provides funding to states to improve access to healthful food and increase opportunities for physical activity. The CDC also provides funding to states to build Coordinated School Health (CSH) programs across agencies and within schools to help reduce chronic disease risk factors. This paper investigates the possible role of these programs in state policy change. Methods Descriptive study of state legislation targeting obesity prevention passed in 2005. Units of analysis were 135 pieces of obesity-related state legislation identified within 4 legislative databases. Legislation was coded into programmatic setting and obesity-prevention strategy categories. Results On average, states receiving NPAO or CSH program funding passed twice as many bills as states not yet funded. Conclusions and Implications The statewide obesity prevention and school health programs may have contributed to states enacting more obesity-related legislation. Further research into the process by which state programs influence the enactment and effective implementation of policies could help build the evidence base for policy changes that help prevent obesity.
Piezo-Optical Active Sensing With PWAS and FBG Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

This paper presents the investigation of piezo-optical active sensing methodology for structural health monitoring (SHM). Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) have emerged as one of the major structural health monitoring (SHM) technology; with the same installation of PWAS transducers, one can apply a variety of damage detection methods; propagating acousto-ultrasonic waves, standing waves (electromechanical impedance) and phased arrays. In recent years, fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensors have been investigated as an alternative to piezoelectric sensors for the detection of ultrasonic waves. FBG have the advantage of being durable, lightweight, and easily embeddable into composite structures as well as being immune to electromagnetic interference and optically multiplexed.In this paper, the investigation focused on the interaction of PWAS and FBG sensors with structure, and combining multiple monitoring and interrogation methods (AE, pitch-catch, pulse-echo, phased-array, thickness mode, electromechanical impedance). The innovative piezo-optical active sensing system consists of both active and passive sensing. PWAS and FBG sensors are bonded to the surface of the structure, or are integrated into structure by manufacturing process. The optimum PWAS size and excitation frequency for energy transfer was determined. The FBG sensors parameters (size, spectrum, reflectivity, etc.) for ultrasonic guided waves sensing were also evaluated. We focused on the optimum FBG length and design to improve the sensitivity, coverage, and signal to noise ratio. In this research, we built the fundamental understanding of different sensors with optimum placement. Calibration and performance improvements for the optical interrogation system are also discussed. The paper ends with conclusions and suggestions for further work.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Proper preferences and quasi-concave utility functions

Abstract It is shown that preferences which are continuous, convex and uniformly proper [Mas-Colell (1983)] on the positive cone of a Banach lattice can be represented by a quasi-concave utility function which is defined on a larger domain with non-empty interior. This utility function may be chosen to be either upper or lower semi-continuous on its domain, and continuous at each point of the positive cone. Conversely, any preference relation on the positive cone which is monotone and arises from such a utility function is shown to satisfy a condition which is slightly weaker than uniform properness but which (in the presence of appropriate compactness assumptions) is sufficient to establish the existence of quasi-equilibria. An example is presented to illuminate the role played by the uniformity requirement.
Pesticides in the San Joaquin River, California: Inputs from Dormant Sprayed Orchards

Rainfall-induced runoff mobilized pesticides to the San Joaquin River and its tributaries during a 3.8-cm rainstorm beginning the evening of 7 February and lasting through the morning of 8 Feb. 1993. Two distinct peaks of organophosphate pesticide concentrations were measured at the mouth of the San Joaquin River. These two peaks were attributed to contrasts between the soil texture, basin size, pesticide-use patterns, and hydrology of the eastern and western San Joaquin Valley. The fine soil texture and small size of the western tributary basins contributed to rapid runoff. In western valley streams, diazinon concentrations peaked within hours of the rainfall's end and then decreased because of a combination of dilution with pesticide-free runoff from the nearby Coast Ranges and decreasing concentrations in the agricultural runoff. Peak concentrations for the Merced River, a large tributary of the eastern San Joaquin Valley, occurred at least a day later than those of the western tributary streams. That delay may be due to the presence of well-drained soils in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, the larger size of the Merced River drainage basin, and the management of surface-water drainage networks. A subsequent storm on 18 and 19 February resulted in much lower concentrations of most organophosphate pesticides suggesting that the first storm had mobilized most of the pesticides that were available for rainfall-induced transport.
Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations of Spectroscopic Overlaps in A {<=} 7 Nuclei

We present Green's function Monte Carlo calculations of spectroscopic overlaps for $A\ensuremath{\leqslant}7$ nuclei. The realistic Argonne ${v}_{18}$ two-nucleon and Illinois-7 three-nucleon interactions are used to generate the nuclear states. The overlap matrix elements are extrapolated from mixed estimates between variational Monte Carlo and Green's function Monte Carlo wave functions. The overlap functions are used to obtain spectroscopic factors and asymptotic normalization coefficients, and they can serve as an input for reaction calculations.
Hydrogen molecule in the small dodecahedral cage of a clathrate hydrate: quantum five-dimensional calculations of the coupled translation-rotation eigenstates.

We report quantum five-dimensional (5D) calculations of the energy levels and wave functions of the hydrogen molecule, para-H 2 and ortho-H 2 , confined inside the small dodecahedral (H 2 O) 20 cage of the sII clathrate hydrate. All three translational and the two rotational degrees of freedom of H 2 are included explicitly, as fully coupled, while the cage is treated as rigid. The 5D potential energy surface (PES) of the H 2 -cage system is pairwise additive, based on the high-quality ab initio 5D (rigid monomer) PES for the H 2 -H 2 O complex. The bound state calculations involve no dynamical approximations and provide an accurate picture of the quantum 5D translation-rotation dynamics of H 2 inside the cage. The energy levels are assigned with translational (Cartesian) and rotational quantum numbers, based on calculated root-mean-square displacements and probability density plots. The translational modes exhibit negative anharmonicity. It is found that j is a good rotational quantum number, while the threefold degeneracy of the j = 1 level is lifted completely. There is considerable translation-rotation coupling, particularly for excited translational states.
Can large increases in viscosity and thermal conductivity preserve large-scale heterogeneity in the mantle?

Abstract Recent studies in mineral physics suggest that the major component minerals undergo substantial changes in properties at the pressure and temperature conditions that pertain at the lower mantle. The associated affect on mantle viscosity and thermal conductivity could influence mantle flow. Several studies explore the effect of viscosity variations on mantle mixing, but none have yet examined the combined effects of pressure on both viscosity and thermal conductivity. Here, we explore the dynamical influence of variations in thermal conductivity and viscosity suggested by recent experiments [Badro, J., Fiquet, G., Guyot, F., Rueff, J., Struzhkin, V.V., Vanko, G., Monaco, G., 2003. Iron partitioning in Earth's mantle: toward a deep lower mantle discontinuity. Science, 300, 789–791; Badro, J., Rueff, J., Vanko, G., Monaco, G., Fiquet, G., Guyot, F., 2004. Electronic transitions in perovskite: possible nonconvection layers in the lower mantle. Science 305, 383–386] as a mechanism for generating mantle heterogeneity. We performed a series of 2-D computations using the finite element thermal convection code ConMan [King, S.D., Raefsky, A., Hager, B.H., 1990. ConMan—vectorizing a finite element code for incompressible 2-dimensional convection in the Earth's mantle. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 59, 195–207], where the viscosity and/or thermal conductivity increases at the vertical mid-point of either internally or basally heated models. Because the effect of pressure on material properties is poorly characterized, we explored a wide range of values. Increasing either viscosity or thermal conductivity alone or both viscosity and thermal conductivity together by a factor of up to 150 changes the thermal profile and dynamics, with increases in either or both tending to increase the wavelength of structures and the temperature in the lowermost mantle. Passive tracers show efficient transfer of mass across the transition depth, with no layering. The configurational entropy of the tracer distributions increases with time and indicates relatively efficient mixing. If geochemical constraints such as neon, xenon, and neodymium isotopes require long-lived isolated mantle reservoirs, a mechanism other than varying viscosity and thermal conductivity must be invoked; intrinsic density contrasts may be required.
Predissociation of H3 near its ionization threshold induced by very weak electric fields.

We report the discovery of predissociation channels in H{sub 3} at energies within a few meV of the lowest ionization threshold. The predissociation affects selected {ital p}- and {ital d}-Rydberg states with high principal quantum numbers. For the {ital d} states, the predissociation process is induced by very weak electric fields, of order less than 1 V/cm. The predissociations are due to interaction with vibrationally excited states of low principal quantum number that exhibit significant coupling to the repulsive ground-state surface of H{sub 3}, 2{ital p}{sup 2}{ital E}{prime}. We discuss the possible significance of these predissociation channels for decay paths in dissociative recombination of H{sub 3}{sup +} with low-energy electrons.
Design of a Counter-Based DPWM Using RC Charge

Conventional counter-based digital PWM (DPWM) has simple hardware architecture to generate the PWM pulse, however, the resolution of the counter-based DPWM is directly proportional to its input reference clock, and thus the higher clock frequency is required, which means higher dynamic power consumption and noise interference may be incurred. In this paper, by the design approach of RC charge, the proposed DPWM device can extend its resolution without increasing the reference clock frequency. Moreover, this DPWM scheme with resolution extension also can reduce the hardware complexity and the impact caused by capacitance error compared with the conventional DPWM.
Single and Multiple Self Implications for Change Grids: Studies of Consistency

Abstract This study, derived from the work of Hinkle (1965), explored the short-term test-re-test stability of two forms of Implications for Change grids. In the Single Self implications task, persons considered whether a general self change on one personal construct dimension would influence change on their other dimensions. The Multiple Self implications task followed the same form of questioning. However, in this latter procedure, persons were asked about self change within more specific contexts of activity (e.g., self as friend, self at play). Average consistency levels were calculated for the Single Self and the Multiple Self grids. Predictions were made regarding which subjects would show more or less consistency using measures of self meaningfulness and construct organization at first testing
Teaching practices and the promotion of achievement and adjustment in first grade

Abstract The effects of teacher practices in promoting student academic achievement, behavioral adjustment, and feelings of competence were investigated in a prospective study of 257 children in 14 first grade classrooms. Using hierarchical linear modeling and regression techniques, observed teaching practices in the fall were explored as predictors of mean levels of student achievement, behavior, and self-perceived competence, as well as the percentage of students who met academic standards as measured in the spring. After controlling for child characteristics at school entry, in classrooms where teachers were observed to offer more instructional and social–emotional support (i.e., attending to students' interest and initiative, providing appropriately challenging learning opportunities, and creating positive social relationships), children on average acquired more math skills, made greater behavioral gains, and had more positive perceptions of their academic abilities. Further, a higher percentage of students in such classrooms met academic standards (two reading, one math). Implications for future research and educational practice are discussed.
Evaluation of Spartan semi-empirical molecular modeling software for calculations of molecules on surfaces: CO adsorption on Ni(111).

Abstract This paper reports the use of the PM3(tm) semi-empirical method in the Spartan molecular modeling software to optimize geometries and calculate vibrational frequencies for increasingly complex transition metal- and carbon monoxide (CO)-containing systems, culminating in calculations of CO adsorbed on a Ni(111) surface. Mononuclear and dinuclear transition metal carbonyl molecular species were used to establish the level of accuracy that could be expected for vibrational frequencies to provide a context for the results from the adsorbed molecule calculations. One to four CO molecules adsorbed on the (111) face of a 22-atom–nickel crystal were then modeled, and the accuracy of the adsorption geometry and vibrational frequency was evaluated. The calculated CO stretching vibrational frequencies were within 8% larger than the gas phase experimental values for the molecular species and were approximately 10% larger than the range of experimental values for CO on the nickel surface. The geometry optimization predicted that the CO molecules on the Ni(111) surface occupy three-fold hollow sites with no preference for sites over Ni atoms, in agreement with recent structural data and other theoretical calculations. The software was less successful in calculating the CO bond angle to the surface and the distance of the CO molecules from the surface, but the calculation did produce a reasonable distance between CO molecules on the surface. In general, the PM3(tm) method in Spartan shows promise for predicting adsorption sites and vibrational frequencies of molecules on metal surfaces.
Diffusion Coefficients of Small Molecules as Guests in Various Phases of Pluronic L64 Measured by One-Dimensional Electron Spin Resonance Imaging

The diffusion coefficients of small nitroxide probes as guests in aqueous solutions of the triblock copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) EO13PO30EO13 (Pluronic L64) were measured at 300 K by one-dimensional electron spin resonance imaging (1D ESRI). The method is based on encoding the spatial distribution of the probes as a function of time in ESR spectra recorded in the presence of magnetic field gradients and simulation of these spectra in order to extract the diffusion coefficient, D. The rate of transport of each probe as a function of polymer content in the various phases (micellar, hexagonal, lamellar, and reverse micellar) of aqueous L64 depends on the probe location in the self-assembled system. The probe site was deduced from the analysis of the ESR spectra; the isotropic hyperfine splitting, aN, from the 14N nucleus of the >NO fragment in the probes was the polarity sensitive parameter. D values for the cationic probe 4-(N,N,N-trimethyl)ammonium-2,2,6,6-t...
Comparison of the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine and procaine in rhesus monkeys responding under a progressive-ratio schedule.

Rhesus monkeys (n=5) were prepared with chronic IV catheters and trained to lever press under a PR schedule of drug injection. The schedule consisted of five components, each made up of four trials (i.e., 20 trials total). Each trial within a component had the same response requirement. The response requirement in the first component was 120/trial and doubled in successive components to a maximum of 1920 in the fifth. A trial ended with an injection or the expiration of a 12-min limited hold (LH). The inter-trial interval (ITI) was 15 or 30 min. Following an injection or expiration of the LH, all stimulus lights were extinguished and responding had no consequence for the remainder of the trial. A session ended when either all 20 injections were self-administered or the response requirement was not met within the LH for two consecutive trials. The number of injections/session and responses/session increased with dose for cocaine (0.012–0.1 mg/kg per injection) and procaine (0.12–2.0 mg/kg per injection) at both ITI values. At the 15-min ITI, responding decreased again at higher doses in some monkeys with cocaine and in all monkeys with procaine. At maximum, cocaine maintained significantly more injections and responses/session when the ITI was 30 min than when it was 15 min. In contrast, the increase in ITI did not increase the maximum maintained by procaine. Cocaine was approximately 10-fold more potent than procaine and maintained at maximum significantly more injections and responses than procaine when the ITI was 30 min but not when the ITI was 15 min. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that cocaine is a more efficacious positive reinforcer than procaine. Moreover, they extend recent findings suggesting that number of injections/session provides a measure of PR performance that is amenable to statistical analysis and may, therefore, be useful in establishing reliable differences among drugs in terms of relative reinforcing efficacy. Reliable quantification of between-drug differences in reinforcing efficacy can enhance not only estimates of relative abuse liability but also pharmacological analysis of central mechanisms mediating reinforcing effects.
Polyethersulfone–[silicon oxide] hybrid materials via in situ sol–gel reactions for tetra-alkoxysilanes

Polyethersulfone (PES)–[silicon oxide] hybrids were derived via sol–gel reactions for tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) in dimethylacetamide solutions of the polymer. In one scheme, water was initially present, and condensation reactions between SiOR groups competed with their reactions with —OH groups at PES chain ends. In a second scheme, water addition was delayed; TMOS molecules reacted with chain ends before competing TMOS–TMOS reactions occurred. A third study involved parallel experiments, as follows: 1) introduction of EtOH to PES–TEOS solutions for a time before water addition; and 2) reactions occurring for a time in non-EtOH-containing PES–TEOS solutions before water addition. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy uncovered signatures of Si–O–Si bridges in silicon oxide phases and PES endgroup modifications (Si–O–Ph). Composites prepared according to the latter two schemes contain more Si–O–Ph linkages than those generated via the first. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that Tg can be raised, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed how the PES thermal degradation profile can be modified via these inorganic incorporations. The schemes for late water addition produced composites having increased elongation-to-break and lowered strength relative to unfilled PES. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 67:1799–1810, 1998
Co‐creating logistics value: a service‐dominant logic perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore logistics service value through the theoretical lens of service‐dominant (S‐D) logic with a focus on the creation of logistics value jointly by the provider and the customer.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐disciplinary literature review including supply chain management, logistics, marketing, and strategy is conducted to integrate existing knowledge on value of service and antecedents and consequences of value creation in a process framework for co‐creation of value in a logistics context. This framework is grounded in the S‐D logic perspective and supported by transaction cost analysis (TCA), resource‐based view (RBV) and knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm.Findings – The process of co‐creation of value in a logistics context has three phases: learning, innovation and execution, and outcomes. These phases and their key elements are integrated into a comprehensive framework of co‐creation of logistics service value. A total of 12 propositions are ...
LASSIE: Structure to Layout for Behavioral Synthesis Tools

Behavioral synthesis tools generate a wide range of designs, not all suited to one layout style. Thus there is a need for a flexible framework for mapping behavioral synthesis output onto module generators and layout tools. LASSIE provides this flexible framework and introduces a structural binding step that adapts the output of behavioral synthesis tools to different layout styles. The design process is divided into structural binding, partitioning, placement, and layout generation. Several options are provided at each step, and feedback is provided to the user to allow him to evaluate the results of each step.
Rates and risk of postpartum depression—a meta-analysis

The average prevalence rate of non-psychotic postpartum depression based on the results of a large number of studies is 13%. Prevalence estimates are affected by the nature of the assessment method...
A Comparison of Implementation Resistance Factors for DMSS Versus Other Information Systems

Effective decision-making within and across organizations is of strategic importance as the global business environment becomes more complex. Business processes and their related computer based information systems CBIS must support integrated decision-making. While decision support systems DSS, executive information systems EIS, and knowledge-based systems KBS have been independently used to support problem solving and decision making activities, they are still not widely implemented and accepted by a broad spectrum of organizations. Identifying the reasons for the lack of widespread use, as well as integration of these technologies would enable organizations to better design and implement these support systems. Using 41 narratives, we have compared decision-making support systems DMSS resistance factors with those of other CBIS to better understand these factors and their impact on DMSS implementation.
Making sense of argumentation and explanation

Constructing scientific explanations and participating in argumentative discourse are seen as essential practices of scientific inquiry (e.g., R. Driver, P. Newton, & J. Osborne, 2000). In this paper, we identify three goals of engaging in these related scientific practices: (1) sensemaking, (2) articulating, and (3) persuading. We propose using these goals to understand student engagement with these practices, and to design instructional interventions to support students. Thus, we use this framework as a lens to investigate the question: What successes and challenges do students face as they engage in the scientific practices of explanation and argumentation? We study this in the context of a curriculum that provides students and teachers with an instructional framework for constructing and defending scientific explanations. Through this analysis, we find that students consistently use evidence to make sense of phenomenon and articulate those understandings but they do not consistently attend to the third goal of persuading others of their understandings. Examining the third goal more closely reveals that persuading others of an understanding requires social interactions that are often inhibited by traditional classroom interactions. Thus, we conclude by proposing design strategies for addressing the social challenges inherent in the related scientific practices of explanation and argumentation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed93:26–55, 2009
LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY FOR INFLAMMATORY RENAL CONDITIONS

Purpose: Inflammatory and infectious renal conditions may result in severe perirenal fibrosis, making the laparoscopic approach challenging. The theoretical advantages of laparoscopy for managing inflammatory and infectious renal conditions have been questioned. We identified whether laparoscopy for inflammatory renal conditions is associated with higher morbidity than for other benign renal conditions. Furthermore, several technical modifications are discussed that may help to improve the outcome.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for inflammatory and infectious renal conditions between 1998 and 2000. The transperitoneal approach was used and specimens were removed after morcellation. Operative data were compared with those from a similar group of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for other benign conditions.Results: Laparoscopic nephrectomy done for inflammatory or infectious conditions in 12 cases and for o...
Evaluating criteria for use of military force

Abstract During this century, the United States has been involved in five wars (counting the recent Persian Gulf war) and numerous military interventions. Some have enjoyed the general support of the populace and others have not. Some have been successful and others have not. This work selects three wars and three interventions and, at the time of presidential decision to intervene, applies the six tests for use of military force articulated by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1984. The questions to be answered are twofold: Would the United States have made the same use‐of‐force decisions had the criteria been available at the time? And, are the criteria valid after application in a historical context? While results indicate that only the decision to intervene in Vietnam may have been different, use of the criteria would have precipitated major changes in the actual conduct of all events save the Cuban Quarantine.
Subconductance behavior in a maxi Ca2+-activated K+ channel induced by dendrotoxin-I

Abstract Toxin I (DTX-I), a 60-residue peptide belonging to the dendrotoxin family of Mamba snake neurotoxins, is a potent inhibitor of various types of voltage-gated K + currents. To investigate the sensitivity of another major class of K + channels to DTX-I, the effect of this toxin was studied on single Ca 2+ -activated K + channels from rat skeletal muscle incorporated into planar bilayers. Internal (intracellular) DTX-I was found to induce reversibly a long-lived (τ = 40 s), inwardly rectifying subconductance state with 66% of the normal open-state current at +20 mV Analysis of the kinetics of substate formation and the current-voltage behavior of the substate suggest that binding of DTX-I modifies conduction of K + ions through the pore without affecting the Ca 2+ dependence or voltage dependence of gating. These results identify a unique internal binding site for DTX-I (K d = 90 nM in 50 mM KCI) on a ubiquitous class of high-conductance, Ca 2+ -activated K + channels.
Information technology usage dynamics in Nigeria: an empirical study

Researchers have responded to the challenges of information technology management by examining factors that affect or determine technology usage. However, these writings focused mainly on developed countries thereby limiting their generalizability to developing countries, which are developmentally and culturally different. This study examines how organizational support and computer experience affect microcomputer usage in a developing country - Nigeria. Both main and moderating effects of computer experience were examined. Data were collected from 143 employees working in nine organizations in Nigeria. The findings revealed that organizational support and computer experience both enhanced microcomputer usage. Further analyses revealed that for employees with high computer experience, organizational support will only promote the total applications used. However, for employees with low computer experience, organizational support contributed to their daily use of computers, their frequency of use, total application and total tasks performed using computers. Limitations and direction for future study are discussed.
Using Kohn−Sham Orbitals in Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory to Investigate Intermolecular Interactions

This is the first reported use of a hybrid method involving density functional theory (DFT) and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) to calculate intermolecular interactions. This work was stimulated by the reported failures of supermolecular DFT calculations to adequately predict intermolecular (and interatomic) interactions, particularly of the van der Waals type. The goals are to develop a hybrid scheme that will calculate intermolecular interaction energies accurately and in a computationally efficient fashion, while including the benefits of the energy decomposition provided by SAPT. The computational savings result from replacing the costly perturbation theory treatment with DFT, which should include the intramolecular correlation effects on the intermolecular interaction energies. The accuracy of this new hybrid approach (labeled SAPT(DFT)) is evaluated by comparisons with higher level calculations. The test cases include He2, Ar2, Ar−H2, (H2O)2, (HF)2, CO2−CH3CN, and CO2-dimethylnitramine. ...
The taxonomy of the anascosporous yeast-like fungi

The species of yeast-like anascosporogenous fungi most frequently isolated from man were found to be the following: albicans, tropicalis, pseudotropicalis, Krusei, parakrusei, stellatoidea and Guilliermondi. A restudy of old cultures maintained in culture bureaus for long periods of time has allowed investigators to add other species to this list. These old cultures, representing single isolations, were thought to be partially dissociated because both rough and smooth colonies developed on blood agar plates at 37°C. when streaked from Sabouraud's glucose broth. When the smooth colony was picked for study, the culture could be identified as one of the most frequently isolated species.
The influence of situational features on perceived conflict styles and self-construals in work groups

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of situational features on self-construal and conflict styles in work group settings. A total of 504 participants completed a questionnaire about a cooperative or competitive task with members from an ingroup or outgroup. The major findings of this study include: (a) competitive group tasks lead to more dominating, avoiding, and third-party help and a greater emphasis of the independent self-construal than do cooperative group tasks; (b) ingroup situations lead to less avoiding and emotional expression, and a lesser emphasis of the independent self-construal than do outgroup situations; and (c) cooperative/ingroup situations lead to more integrating and more compromising than either cooperative/outgroup or competitive/ingroup situations, and a greater emphasis of the interdependent self-construal than cooperative/outgroup situations. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
A Navier-Stokes Analysis of Three-Dimensional Turbulent Flows Inside Turbine Blade Rows at Design and Off-Design Conditions

Analyse par l'equation de Navier-Stokes des ecoulements turbulents tridimensionnels dans des rangees d'aubes de turbine pour un fonctionnement normal et anormal
Alpha beta cycling of uranium

Abstract Experiments on the alpha-beta cycling of the core of a bar of uranium while the rim remains in the alpha phase show that dimensional distortions of the bar occur when more than about 10 % of the bar diameter is transformed to beta. The extent of the damage depends on the fraction of the bar diameter transformed (e.g. + 0.5 % diameter strain with 30 % transformed). Damage is not observed to increase with increasing number of cycles between 13 and 100. Tubular specimens suffer more severe damage than solid bars when compared on a basis of the percentage of outside diameter transformed. The striking feature of those results is the large increase in internal diameter. The distortions are dependent on the direction of movement of the interface between the phases, and the detailed results are consistent with a general model of phase-change cycling. Metallographic examination after cycling shows that recrystallisation has taken place in all metal heated to above 560 ± 10° C . No porosity which can be attributed to cycling has been detected.
Current Operative Techniques in Lisfranc Injury

Lisfranc injuries carry a high risk for chronic secondary disability. Post-traumatic arthritis in the midfoot occurs despite operative intervention and restoration of anatomic alignment. The currently accepted method of stabilization of an extensive Lisfranc injury is the use of screws across tarsometatarsal and intercuneiform joints of the medial and middle columns and K wires in the lateral column of the foot. Screws traversing articular surfaces may contribute to the articular damage and post-traumatic arthritis in the midfoot. More recently, therefore, plates with screws that do not traverse articular surfaces have been used to minimize the risk. This article gives a brief overview and description of current and evolving techniques used in surgical intervention of the Lisfranc injury.
Effect of GABA agonists and modulators on prolactin release

Abstract Administration of GABA agonists has been found both to stimulate and inhibit prolactin secretion in vivo . These independent actions represent a stimulatory effect after intracerebroventricular injection mediated by an action within the CNS and an inhibitory response resulting from a direct action of GABA on the pituitary cell membrane to reduce prolactin release. Thus the response to exogenously administered GABA or its agonists depends on the route of injection. In this study amino oxyacetic acid and isonicotinic acid hydrazide were given to increase or decrease respectively the concentration of endogenous GABA. Benzodiazepine was used to enhance the affinity of the receptor for endogenous GABA. Unlike the agonists used previously these drugs enter the CNS after systemic administration and can thus produce two opposing effects. The results indicated that increased blood and brain GABA content or receptor affinity was associated with reduced prolactin release. These effects however were more significant when basal prolactin secretion was stimulated by estrogen or haloperidol.
Altered Lung Mechanics after Double–Lung Transplantation

We studied lung mechanics and small airways function in 15 patients after double-lung (DL) transplantation. Patients were classified as stable (DL-S, n = 11), or having obliterative bronchiolitis syndrome (DL-OBS, n = 4). We performed pulmonary function tests (PFT), measured slope of phase 3 of the single-breath nitrogen test (N2SP3), and obtained pressure-volume curves and values: chord compliance (Cst,L), specific chord compliance (SCst,L), and elastic recoil pressure at 90% TLC. PFT showed mild restrictive pattern in DL-S and severe obstructive lung disease in DL-OBS. The N2SP3 measurement indicated small airways dysfunction in 82% of DL-S and in all DL-OBS patients. The Cst,L was 0.24 +/- 0.08 L/cm H2O in DL-S and 0.16 +/- 0.05 L/cm H2O in DL-OBS, both lower than control subjects 0.34 +/- 0. 09 L/cm H2O (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). Moreover, SCst,L was 0.09 +/- 0. 03 cm H2O-1 in DL-S, and 0.05 +/- 0.02 cm H2O-1 in DL-OBS, significantly lower than control subjects 0.12 +/- 0.02 cm H2O-1 (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). Elastic recoil at 90% TLC was normal in 14 of 15 patients. We found a linear correlation between N2SP3 and FEV1, and between FEV1 and Cst,L and SCst,L for combined DL-S and DL-OBS. Reduced compliance near FRC with normal elastic recoil at high lung volumes does not suggest changes in lung parenchyma. We speculate that structural or functional alterations in small airways may have contributed to low compliance measurements. Of special concern are our findings that DL-S had significant small airways dysfunction and reduced compliance in a pattern similar to the DL-OBS, only smaller in magnitude.
Aliphatic Esters as Targets of Esterase Activity in the Parsnip Webworm (Depressaria pastinacella)

As a specialist on the reproductive structures of Pastinaca sativa and species in the related genus Heracleum, the parsnip webworm (Depressaria pastinacella) routinely encounters a distinctive suite of phytochemicals in hostplant tissues. Little is known, however, about the detoxification mechanisms upon which this species relies to metabolize these compounds. In this study, larval guts containing hostplant tissues were homogenized, and metabolism was determined by incubating reactions with and without NADPH and analyzing for substrate disappearance and product appearance by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Using this approach, we found indications of carboxylesterase activity, in the form of appropriate alcohol metabolites for three aliphatic esters in hostplant tissues—octyl acetate, octyl butyrate, and hexyl butyrate. Involvement of webworm esterases in hostplant detoxification subsequently was confirmed with metabolism assays with pure compounds. This study is the first to implicate esterases in lepidopteran larval midgut metabolism of aliphatic esters, ubiquitous constituents of flowers and fruits. In addition, this method confirmed that webworms detoxify furanocoumarins and myristicin in their hostplants via cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, and demonstrated that these enzymes also metabolize the coumarin osthol and the fatty acid derivative palmitolactone.
Are oppositional-defiant and hyperactive-inattentive symptoms developmental precursors to conduct problems in late childhood?: genetic and environmental links.

Inattentive–hyperactive and oppositional behavior have been hypothesized to be developmental precursors to conduct problems. We tested these hypotheses using a longitudinal sample of 6,466 offspring of women selected from nationally representative US households. Conduct problems across 8–13 years were robustly predicted by conduct problems at 4–7 years, but also were independently predicted to a small extent by both inattentive–hyperactive and oppositional behaviors at 4–7 years. Longitudinal multivariate behavior genetic analyses revealed that the genetic and environmental factors that influence conduct problems at both 4–7 and 8–13 years also influence the putative precursors at 4–7 years. After genetic and environmental influences on conduct problems at 4–7 years were taken into account, however, inattentive–hyperactive and oppositional behavior at 4–7 years shared causal influences with conduct problems 8–13 years to a negligible extent. These findings suggest that after early conduct problems are controlled, little is gained in terms of prediction or understanding genetic and environmental influences on later child conduct problems by treating early inattentive–hyperactive and oppositional behavior as developmental precursors to later conduct problems.
5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinone, a liver aldehyde oxidase-activated prodrug of 5-fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an effective antitumor agent used in treating various cancers. Because of its metabolism by intestinal and other cells, 5-FU has an inconsistent bioavailability that limits its oral use. 5-Fluoro-2-pyrimidione (5-FP), a 5-FU prodrug, was synthesized and found to be converted to 5-FU by aldehyde oxidase, an enzyme present in high concentrations in the livers of mice and humans but not in the gastrointestinal tract. Using BDF1 mice, the pharmacokinetics of 5-FP were studied and compared with those of 5-FU. The bioavailability of 5-FP given orally was 100% at a dosage of 25 mg/kg and 78% at a dosage of 50 mg/kg. The half-lives of both doses of 5-FP were at least 2-fold longer than the half-lives of the same doses of 5-FU, and the clearance rates of 5-FP were 3-fold slower. 5-FP was converted rapidly to 5-FU, in vivo. The resulting 5-FU was measured at a steady-state level of 40-70 microM in plasma, at a dosage of 25 mg/kg, that was sustained for at least 4 hr. Also, when given orally, 5-FP was shown to have potent activity against Colon 38 tumor cells and P388 leukemia cells in mice. The therapeutic index of 5-FP was similar to that of 5-FU in these mouse tumor models. The potential clinical use of 5-FP as a prodrug of 5-FU should be considered.
Omeprazole-induced hypergastrinemia: role of gastric acidity.

The increase in gastrin caused by the gastric proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole, is presumably related to inhibition of gastric acid secretion (GAS). We investigated omeprazole's effect on gastrin release by studying two doses of omeprazole which produced marked acid suppression. Six gastric fistula dogs received omeprazole, 3 μmole/kg, daily for 20 days and, after a rest interval of 2 months, omeprazole, 10 μmole/kg again for 20 days. Both doses of omeprazole increased gastrin levels and produced a decrease in GAS which was still significant (P < 0.05) 3 days postfinal dose. The increase in the integrated gastrin response by omeprazole, 10 μmole, was greater than by omeprazole, 3μmole. Omeprazole, 10 μmole, also reduced GAS and gastric acidity, and increased gastric pH more consistently than omeprazole, 3 μmole. The magnitude of the gastrin response corresponded with the degree of acid inhibition and pH increase. Therefore, the data support the hypothesis that the hypergastrinemia caused by omeprazole is dependent on gastric pH and GAS suppression.
Effect of Temperature Environment and Laying Cages on the Reproductive Performance of Turkeys

Abstract This study was designed to determine the effects of (1) environmental temperatures of 20°, 23° and 26° C., (2) laying cages vs. conventional litter floors, and (3) limestone flour vs. granulated limestone on the reproductive performance of Large White turkey hens for a 24-week experimental period. Females in an environmental temperature of 26° C. laid significantly (P ≤ 0.05) fewer eggs on the average than those maintained at temperatures of 20° and 23° C. (51.6 vs. 64.0 and 60.0 eggs, respectively). Egg shell breaking strength showed no consistent trend with increased temperature. Percentage settable eggs, fertility, hatchability and feed consumption were unaffected within the range of environmental temperatures imposed. Females in laying cages showed an increase in egg production, a lower percentage of settable eggs, poorer egg shell thickness and egg shell breaking strength, an increase in feed consumption, and reduced fertility and hatchability compared to those in conventional litter pens. Indications from the plasma calcium concentrations were that the egg shell quality problem in caged hens may be related to calcium metabolism. Neither the ground limestone nor the #10-limestone particle diets had any effect on the parameters measured. Data showed that maximum reproductive potential for Large White turkeys was expressed at temperatures between 20° and 23° C. in conventional litter floor pens under the conditions of this study.
Assembly of the Epithelial Na+ Channel Evaluated Using Sucrose Gradient Sedimentation Analysis

Three subunits, α, β, and γ, contribute to the formation of the epithelial Na+ channel. To investigate the oligomeric assembly of the channel complex, we used sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis to determine the sedimentation properties of individual subunits and heteromultimers comprised of multiple subunits. When the α subunit was expressed alone, it first formed an oligomeric complex with a sedimentation coefficient of 11 S, and then generated a higher order multimer of 25 S. In contrast, individual β and γ subunits predominately assembled into 11 S complexes. We obtained similar results with expression in cells andin vitro. When we co-expressed β with α or with α plus γ, the β subunit assembled into a 25 S complex. Glycosylation of the α subunit was not required for assembly into a 25 S complex. We found that the α subunit formed intra-chain disulfide bonds. Although such bonds were not required to generate an oligomeric complex, under nonreducing conditions the α subunit formed a complex that migrated more homogeneously at 25 S. This suggests that intra-chain disulfide bonds may stabilize the complex. These data suggest that the epithelial Na+ channel subunits form high order oligomeric complexes and that the α subunit contains the information that facilitates such formation. Interestingly, the ability of the α, but not the β or γ, subunit to assemble into a 25 S homomeric complex correlates with the ability of these subunits to generate functional channels when expressed alone.