cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Large-Scale Component and Framework Application Development on Business

Recent advances in computer hardware have generated corresponding demands for complex software that is increasingly difficult to build, maintain, and modify. This problem has become so serious that industry analysts have called it a “software crisis”. Building applications from reusable components, component-based development (CBD), emerged as a possible solution to the software crisis. Most CBD development, to date, has focused upon user-interface type components that are merely attachments to larger applications. However, the component-based approach is essentially one that focuses upon the development of large software systems. Large-scale CBD generally requires components of large size. In this paper, we address the effect of large-scale component and framework development upon business. Theoretically, composing collections of components into frameworks should be similar to assembly of a atomic components. However, scaling up increases complexity significantly.
Physiology of Sporeforming Bacteria Associated with Insects IV. Glucose Catabolism in Bacillus larvae

Abstract Bacillus larvae appears to be unique among related bacilli in that it contains enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas, pentose phosphate, and Entner-Doudoroff pathways. Simultaneous occurrence of enzymes of all three metabolic pathways has not until now been reported in other Bacillus species. Radiorespirometric analyses of specifically labeled glucose catabolism reveal that vegetative cells of B. larvae dissimilate glucose predominately via a direct oxidative route and to a lesser extent by a nonoxidative scheme although specific activities of enzymes of all three pathways are comparable. Predominance of an oxidative pathway is unusual and also has not been reported for other bacilli. Studies on the oxidation of pyruvic, acetic, succinic, and α-ketoglutaric acids show that terminal respiration of cells in transition from vegetative growth to sporulation involves both the tricarboxylic acid and glyoxylic acid cycles. The relationship of these findings to the fastidiousness and oligosporogeny of B. larvae is discussed.
Regulation of Na+-H+ exchange in normal NIH-3T3 cells and in NIH-3T3 cells expressing the ras oncogene

Our laboratory and others have demonstrated that Na+-H+ exchange can be regulated by two different pathways; one that is mediated by an inositol trisphosphate-stimulated increase in intracellular calcium activity, and one that is mediated by an increase in protein kinase C activity. To determine whether one of these pathways is more important than the other, or whether one pathway is physiologically relevant, we employed normal NIH-3T3 cells (3T3 cells) and NIH-3T3 cells expressing the EJ human bladder ras oncogene (EJ cells). The EJ cells were chosen because they provide a genetic model that does not exhibit serum- or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated inositol trisphosphate release or Ca2+ mobilization. It was found that serum- or PDGF-stimulated Na+-H+ exchange was more pronounced in EJ cells than in control 3T3 cells. As expected, serum- or PDGF-stimulated Na+-H+ exchange in 3T3 cells was inhibited by chelating intracellular Ca2+ with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator quin2, by the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), and by the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine. In contrast, these agents did not inhibit serum- or PDGF-stimulated Na+-H+ exchange in EJ cells. Activators of protein kinase C (e.g., 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol or biologically active phorbol esters) were found to stimulate Na+-H+ exchange in EJ cells to the same extent as serum. However, these agents were considerably less effective than serum in control 3T3 cells. Despite these findings, PDGF did not stimulate diacylglycerol levels in EJ cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent daily and general maladjustment: is there reactivity to daily repeated measures methodologies?

The present study examined whether repeated exposure to daily surveys about negative social experiences predicts changes in adolescents’ daily and general maladjustment, and whether question content moderates these changes. Across a 2-week period, 6th-grade students (N = 215; mode age = 11) completed 5 daily reports tapping experienced or experienced and witnessed negative events, or they completed no daily reports. General maladjustment was measured in 2-week intervals before, at the end of, and 2 weeks after the daily report study. Daily maladjustment either decreased or did not change across the 5 daily report exposures. General maladjustment decreased across the three 2-week intervals. Combined, results indicate that short-term daily report studies do not place youth at risk for increased maladjustment.
Longitudinal study of adrenal steroids in a cohort of HIV-infected patients with hemophilia.

Abstract The objective of the study was to relate plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations to the progression of HIV infection in individual HIV-infected men with hemophilia and to obtain information on the cause of DHEA-S alterations. Blood samples were obtained from 16 men with hemophilia; in 9 men serial samples were available for up to 11 years after HIV-1 infection. Control samples were obtained from men of comparable ages without hemophilia or HIV infection. Measurements were made of CD4 + cell counts, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, DHEA, DHEA-S, and prolactin. Before HIV infection, men with hemophilia had significantly lower plasma levels of DHEA-S than control men. After infection, 3 of 9 subjects studied serially had little or no change in plasma DHEA-S levels or in CD4 + cell counts over 11 years. Four of the 9 in whom AIDS developed had progressive decreases in plasma DHEA-S concentrations that, in some cases, preceded a precipitous fall in CD4 + cell counts. Major decreases in plasma DHEA-S levels before falls in CD4 + counts were observed in 2 other subjects who had other severe illnesses. None of the decreases in DHEA-S levels were associated with decreased concentrations of plasma cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin. We conclude that plasma DHEA-S is an indicator of general health rather than a specific indicator for progression of HIV. The decrease in plasma DHEA-S is not related to ACTH stimulation of the adrenal gland or to cortisol secretion, but it may be related to cytokines that can inhibit 17-hydroxylation of DHEA-S precursors.
Mortality among chemical plant workers exposed to acrylonitrile and other substances.

Objectives To examine the association between exposure to acrylonitrile (AN) and cancer mortality by performing an independent and extended historical cohort study of workers from a chemical plant in Lima, Ohio included in a recent NCI–NIOSH study. Methods Subjects were 992 white males who were employed for three or more months between 1960 and 1996. We identified 110 deaths and cause of death for 108. Worker exposures were estimated quantitatively for AN and qualitatively for nitrogen products. Statistical analyses included U.S. and local county-based SMRs and internal relative risk regression of internal cohort rates. Results No statistically significant excess mortality risks were observed among the total cohort for the cancer sites implicated in previous studies: stomach, lung, breast, prostate, brain, and hematopoietic system. We observed a statistically significant bladder cancer excess based on four deaths (SMR=7.01, 95% CI=1.91–17.96) among workers not exposed to AN. Among 518 AN-exposed workers, we observed a not statistically significant excess of lung cancer based on external (SMR=1.32, 95% CI=.60–2.51) and internal (RR=1.98, 95% CI=.60–6.90) comparisons. Although the trends were not statistically significant, exposure–response analyses of internal cohort rates showed monotonically increasing lung cancer rate ratios with increasing AN exposure, with RRs exceeding 2.0 in the highest exposure categories. Conclusions With the possible exception of lung cancer, this study provides little evidence that exposure to AN at levels experienced by Lima plant workers is associated with an increased risk of death from any cause including the implicated cancer sites. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:423–436, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of triparanol (MER-29) on progesterone-4-14C metabolism in the adrenal gland of the Mongolian gerbil.

Abstract Progesterone-4-14C has been incubated with sectioned adrenal glands of the Mongolian gerbil ( Meriones unguiculatus ) following administration of triparanol over an extended period. Strikingly diminished metabolism of radioactive progesterone was observed in the triparanol treated animals. Detailed analysis of radioactive metabolites by column chromatography and thin-layer techniques indicated selective effects of triparanol on particular enzymatic pathways. Relative distribution of metabolites in tissue and incubation medium for controls and triparanol treated groups is discussed.
Guidelines for the design of robotic gripping systems

This paper describes guidelines for the design of grippers for use in modular manufacturing workcells. Gripper design is an important and often overlooked aspect of the design of a complete assembly system. Here, guidelines are presented which can be applied to a wide variety of grippers. Guidelines are divided into three major categories: those that improve system throughput, those that increase system reliability, and those that decrease cost. Designs of several grippers, currently being used in a modular manufacturing workcell, are presented as examples of the application of the guidelines to real world problems.
Reduced cognitive function predicts functional decline in patients with heart failure over 12 months

Background:Occurrences of impaired activities of daily living (ADL) are common in heart failure (HF) patients and contribute to the elevated mortality and hospitalization rates in this population. Cognitive impairment is also prevalent in HF, though its ability to predict functional decline over time is unknown.Aims:This study examined the longitudinal pattern of activities of daily living (ADL) in HF persons and whether reduced baseline cognitive status predicts functional decline in this population.Methods:Altogether 110 persons with HF completed the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale and were administered the Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MS) at baseline and a 12-month follow-up. Three composite scores were derived from the Lawton-Brody scale, including total, instrumental, and basic ADL.Results:HF patients reported high rates of baseline impairments in instrumental ADL, including shopping, food preparation, housekeeping duties, laundry, among others. Repeated...
The Effect of Lactose on the Intestinal Absorption of Calcium and Zinc in the Rat during Maturation

Lactose facilitates the intestinal absorption of several minerals and trace elements in postweanling rats. There is no information in the literature on the effect of lactose on the process of absorption in suckling rats. Because soy and elemental formulas are nonlactose-containing diets, the role of lactose in facilitating the intestinal absorption of minerals is of considerable nutritional importance. We studied therefore, the effect of water (control), lactose, sucrose, and glucose on the intestinal absorption and tissue uptake of calcium and zinc in the suckling (14-15 day old) and adolescent (42-43 day old) rats. Our results indicate that absorption of calcium and zinc was significantly greater in the suckling than in adolescent rats (P less than 0.01). Lactose enhanced significantly the absorption and tissue uptake of calcium and zinc in the adolescent rats compared to control and other sugars. In the suckling rats lactose had no effect on the intestinal absorption or tissue uptake of calcium and zinc compared to control and other sugars. The possible mechanism(s) responsible for our findings are discussed.
Biogenetic Origin of the d-Isoleucine and N-Methyl-l-Alloisoleucine Residues in the Actinomycins

Studies with (14)C-labeled isoleucine stereisomers have established that l-alloisoleucine, d-alloisoleucine, and d-isoleucine may function as precursors for the biogenesis of d-isoleucine and N-methyl-l-alloisoleucine residues in actinomycin. l-[(14)C]isoleucine appears to be employed chiefly for d-alloisoleucine (and N-methylisoleucine [?] formation); however, its role in the biosynthesis of d-isoleucine and N-methylalloisoleucine remains unclear. The potential pathway of biosynthesis of d-isoleucine and N-methyl-l-isoleucine is discussed.
Coverage dependence of surface optical second-harmonic generation from CO/Ni(110): Investigation with a nonlinear-interference technique

A nonlinear-optical-interference technique in surface second-harmonic generation is developed to measure directly the variation of surface nonlinear susceptibility of CO/Ni(110) as a function of the CO coverage. It is found that some of the susceptibility elements vary linearly with the coverage and others nonlinearly. A simple model suggests that the former are dominated by contributions from nearly free electrons, while the latter by contributions from the more localized electrons.
Stability of multiple pulses in optical fibers with phase-sensitive amplification and noise

We demonstrate via numerical simulations the long-term stability of bound 2- and 3-pulses in a fiber-optic communication or storage system where loss is compensated by periodic, lumped, phase-sensitive amplification. The effects of attenuator quantum noise induced by linear loss in the fiber and of guided acoustic-wave Brillouin scattering caused by coupling to acoustic modes of the fiber are included in the computations. The first noise source is shown primarily to produce a small amount of intra-pulse timing jitter, while the second is shown mainly to cause pulse energy fluctuations. For amplifier spacings that are not too large, however, both effects are smaller than in systems using phase-insensitive amplification. It is suggested that these 2- and 3-pulses could be used in a novel encoding scheme to improve transmission system bit rates.
EXPRESSION OF MAMMALIAN CYTOKINES BY TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INDICATES UNIQUE SIGNAL SEQUENCE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESSING

A vector based upon the calmodulin-ubiquitin 2.65 locus of Trypanosoma cruzi has enabled the expression and secretion of the murine cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) by transfected T. cruzi. The T. cruzi-derived cytokines were bioactive and produced by both epimastigotes and mammalian forms. The native coding sequence of IL-2 was sufficient to cause secretion of the protein, but the gamma-IFN signal sequence had to be replaced by the IL-2 signal sequence (IL-2/gamma-IFN) to allow efficient secretion of gamma-IFN. The amino acid sequences at the N-termini of the secreted T. cruzi-derived cytokines were different from the expected murine secreted protein. The secreted IL-2 was cleaved six amino acids downstream from the murine signal sequence cleavage site, and the hybrid IL-2/gamma-IFN molecule was cleaved three amino acids downstream from the predicted signal cleavage site in the IL-2/gamma-IFN molecule. These apparent differences in signal peptide sequence requirements and cleavage sites most likely indicate that the signal sequence processing in trypanosomes is distinct from that of higher eukaryotes.
Female choice in the resource-defense mating system of the sand fiddler crab, Uca pugilator

Mating preferences of individual females and mating patterns among marked crabs were studied during the summers of 1973–1976 on sand beaches in mangrove habitat on the west coast of Florida in order to determine if females choose mates indirectly on the basis of the quality of a resource males defend and females use during breeding, directly on the basis of male size, or both.
Decision-making Related to Use of Soil Insecticides by Indiana Corn Farmers

Soil insecticide decision patterns of Indiana corn farmers were determined through a mail questionnaire. Corn farmers consider themselves to be the primary information source for all insect management decisions although local chemical dealers rank only slightly behind. In instances where chemical dealers were the primary decision makers for insect management, usage of soil insecticides was higher than where farmers themselves or county agents acted as primary decision makers. Corn farmers, while generally perceiving their soil insect problems as light or uncertain of infestation levels, in many such cases elected to use a soil insectcide in an insurance fashion.
A Chemoenzymatic Route to Diversify Aminolgycosides Enables a Microarray-Based Method to Probe Acetyltransferase Activity

Specific modification of functional groups in aminoglycosides poses a significant synthetic challenge. In this report, a chemoenzymatic route for modification of aminoglycosides is disclosed. The critical feature of this approach is the discovery that the aminoglycoside 3-N-acetyltransferase AAC(3)-IV from Escherichia coli [1] accepts azido acetyl coenzyme A (AzAcCoA) as a substrate similarly as the natural substrate, acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA). After enzymatic delivery of an azido acetyl group, it can be chemically modified via a Huisgen dipolar cycloaddition reaction (HDCR)[2] enabling further diversification. Thus, this method accelerates access to modified compounds with diversity beyond that which can be installed directly via AAC(3) and a modified CoA thioester. The approach was further developed to study modification of aminoglycosides by AAC(3), which causes broad-scale aminoglycoside inactivation, using a fluorescence-based microarray platform. This platform is a useful analytical tool for the facile identification of both protein and carbohydrate substrates for acetyltransferases, which play critical roles in a multitude of cellular processes.[3]
Novel treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: preclinical identification and clinical investigation

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer worldwide. Classically, it is a disease related to tobacco and alcohol use; an increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with HNSCC caused by infection with the human papillomavirus. New deep-sequencing techniques have confirmed the importance of p53 and EGF receptor in HNSCC development, and have identified pathways of critical importance, such as PI3K/mTOR and NOTCH. Increasing knowledge of key molecular features has lead to new therapeutic avenues for HNSCC. Novel therapies under investigation in HNSCC include antibody and small molecule inhibitors of EGF receptor and its family members, PI3K inhibitors, antiangiogenic agents, immunotherapies and agents interacting with early developmental pathways such as Hedgehog.
The minimum GTP cap required to stabilize microtubules

Abstract Background: Microtubules polymerized from pure tubulin show the unusual property of dynamic instability, in which both growing and shrinking polymers coexist at steady state. Shortly after its addition to a microtubule end, a tubulin subunit hydrolyzes its bound GTP. Studies with non-hydrolyzable analogs have shown that GTP hydrolysis is not required for microtubule assembly, but is essential for generating a dynamic polymer, in which the subunits at the growing tip have bound GTP and those in the bulk of the polymer have bound GDP. It has been suggested that loss of the ‘GTP cap' through dissociation or hydrolysis exposes the unstable GDP core, leading to rapid depolymerization. However, evidence for a stabilizing cap has been very difficult to obtain. Results We developed an assay to determine the minimum GTP cap necessary to stabilize a microtubule from shrinking. Assembly of a small number of subunits containing a slowly hydrolyzed GTP analog (GMPCPP) onto the end of dynamic microtubules stabilized the polymer to dilution. By labeling the subunits with rhodamine, we measured the size of the cap and found that as few as 40 subunits were sufficient to stabilize a microtubule. Conclusion On the basis of statistical arguments, in which the proportion of stabilized microtubules is compared to the probability that when 40 GMPCPP-tubulin subunits have polymerized onto a microtubule end, all protofilaments have added at least one GMPCPP-tubulin subunit, our measurements of cap size support a model in which a single GTP subunit at the end of each of the 13 protofilaments of a microtubule is sufficient for stabilization. Depolymerization of a microtubule may be initiated by an exposed tubulin–GDP subunit at even a single position. These results have implications for the structure of microtubules and their means of regulation.
A taxonomy for classification of stroke rehabilitation services.

Abstract Hoenig H, Sloane R, Horner RD, Zolkewitz M, Duncan PW, Hamilton BB. A taxonomy for classification of stroke rehabilitation services. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:853-62. Objective: To develop a taxonomy for use in measuring stroke rehabilitation services. Design: A cross-sectional study using facility-level survey data and extant data files. Setting: Veterans Administration medical centers (VAMCs). Variables: (1) A list of rehabilitation characteristics, including personnel, physical facilities, coordination of care, and hospital characteristics; and (2) a classification or typology of VAMCs according to the type of postacute stroke care on-site. Main Outcome Measures: Data sources included extant Veterans Administration (VA) computerized databases, VA central office administrative files, and 2 mailed surveys to VA rehabilitation medicine services and stroke acute care services. The rehabilitation taxonomy was derived using 2 methods that assess face and construct validity, respectively: (1) an expert panel rating, using a modified Delphi process, of the clinical importance of each of the rehabilitation characteristics; and (2) a comparison of rehabilitation characteristics across the different types of VAMCs. Variables were included in the final taxonomy if the expert panel reached consensus that the variable was clinically important, or if there were statistically significant differences in these characteristics across the different types of medical centers. Results: Of 67 possible rehabilitation characteristics, a multidisciplinary expert panel reached consensus about the likely clinical importance of 21 rehabilitation characteristics, 11 of which showed statistically significant differences across different types of VAMCs. An additional 9 variables that lacked expert panel consensus differed significantly among the different medical centers. These 30 variables represent a preliminary taxonomy of key rehabilitation characteristics. Among the 20 variables that varied significantly across the different types of medical centers, 18 showed a pattern with the greatest amount of resources and organizational sophistication being found in VAMCs with rehabilitation units, followed by medical centers with geriatric units, and the least amount of resources and organizational sophistication was seen in medical centers whose postacute care services were limited to nursing home or intermediate care. Conclusion: Thirty rehabilitation characteristics had face validity and/or construct validity, and can be considered to represent a preliminary taxonomy for measuring stroke rehabilitation services. This study also shows that there are significant differences among hospitals in resources and organization of care deemed to be important for stroke patients. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
AAV-based Neonatal Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A: Long-Term Correction and Avoidance of Immune Responses in Mice

Hemophilia A gene therapy has been hampered by immune responses to vector-associated antigens and by neutralizing antibodies or inhibitors against the factor VIII (FVIII) protein; these 'inhibitors' more commonly affect hemophilia A patients than those with hemophilia B. A gene replacement strategy beginning in the neonatal period may avoid the development of these immune responses and lead to prolonged expression with correction of phenotype, thereby avoiding long-term consequences. A serotype rh10 adeno-associated virus (AAV) was developed splitting the FVIII coding sequence into heavy and light chains with the chicken β-actin promoter/CMV enhancer for dual recombinant adeno-associated viral vector delivery. Virions of each FVIII chain were co-injected intravenously into mice on the second day of life. Mice express sustained levels of FVIII antigen ≥5% up to 22 months of life without development of antibodies against FVIII. Phenotypic correction was manifest in all AAV-FVIII-treated mice as demonstrated by functional assay and reduction in bleeding time. This study demonstrates the use of AAV in a gene replacement strategy in neonatal mice that establishes both long-term phenotypic correction of hemophilia A and lack of antibody development against FVIII in this disease model where AAV is administered shortly after birth. These studies support the consideration of gene replacement therapy for diseases that are diagnosed in utero or in the early neonatal period.
Derivation and reinterpretation of approximations in Schröudinger and Kohn–;Sham theory via a hierarchy within the work formalism

In this article, we derive and there by reinterpret various approximations in Schrodinger theory and Kohn-Sham density-funtional theory via a hierarchy within the work formalism of electronic structure due to Harbola and Sahni. In the work formalism, which is based on Coulomb's law, the local potential representing electron correlations as well as the electron correlation energy both arise from the same quantum mechanical source charge distribution that is the pair-correlation density. The potential is the work done to move an electron in the force field of the pair-correlation density, and the energy is the energy of interaction between the electronic and pair-correlation densities. The differential equation governing the system is a sturm-Liouville equation so that the system wave function can, in principle, be obtained as an infinite linear combination of Slater determinants of the spin-orbitals corresponding to the occupied and virtual states. The hierarchy is achieved by improvement of the pair-correlation density either by systematic improvement of the wave function or, as is the case of Kohn-Sham theory, by an expansion of the pair-correlation density in gradients of the density about the uniform electron gas result. The derivations of the approximations of Kohn-Sham theory via the work formalism, in turn, exhibit the existence of additional correlations that are not evident through the Kohn-Sham prescription, whereby the potential is obtained by functional differentiation. The approximations considered within Schrodinger theory are the Hartree, Hartree–Fock, and configuration-interaction approximations. Those within Kohn-Sham theory are the density functional theory Hartree, local density, and gradient expansion approximations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fostering First Graders' Fluency with Basic Subtraction and Larger Addition Combinations via Computer-Assisted Instruction.

Achieving fluency with basic subtraction and add-with-8 or -9 combinations is difficult for primary grade children. A 9-month training experiment entailed evaluating the efficacy of software designed to promote such fluency via guided learning of reasoning strategies. Seventy-five eligible first graders were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: guided subtraction (e.g., If 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 – 3 is 5), guided use-a-10 (e.g., If 10 + 7 = 17, then 9 + 7 is 16), or an unguided-practice condition for 30-minute sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. An ANCOVA revealed that at the delayed posttest, the guided-subtraction group outperformed both comparison groups on unpracticed subtraction combinations. Analyses of gains in slow but appropriate use of reasoning and decreases in inefficient strategy use indicated that both types of guided training promoted the learning of a targeted reasoning strategy.
A RAPID SCREENING TEST FOR ANTENATAL SEX DETERMINATION

Abstract A recombinant DNA probe was used for antenatal sex determination. The probe was isolated from the 3·4 kilobase human repeat sequence derived from heterochromatin of the Y chromosome and had 1000 times more affinity for male DNA than for female DNA. A dot blot hybridisation method with 200 μl of amniotic fluid yielded accurate results in 2 to 3 days. This test should facilitate antenatal diagnosis of sex-linked genetic disorders.
Stock market reactions to the depository institutions deregulation and monetary control act of 1980

Abstract This paper evaluates the effects of events leading to the passage of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980. The evidence suggests that the initial proposal of the Act by then President Carter, and the final passage of the Act by the House of Representatives, produced positive abnormal returns to stockholders of large commercial banks. Stockholders of small commercial banks and small savings and loans, on the other hand, generally experienced negative abnormal returns. Furthermore, when hopes of passage of the Act faced significant negative (positive) abnormal returns were experienced by stockholders of large (small) commercial banks.
Realistic estimates of the beam radiation from global radiation measurements through an enhanced model for Athens, greece

Abstract Three years of hourly radiation data measured at the National Observatory of Athens, Greece (37.5°N, 23.5°E) are used to develop an empirical model for the prediction of the beam irradiation. The model is a correlation between three variables, namely the clearness index, k t (defined as the ratio of global to extraterrestrial horizontal radiation), the atmospheric air-mass, m ,and the beam transmittance, τ b (defined as the ratio of beam normal to extraterrestrial normal radiation), and was developed by fitting an RMS locally weighted continuous surface to the available data. The proposed correlation can predict different values of ( τ b ) for a given day, and over the year, for the same value of ( k t ), which is what we observe from measured data.
Urban Planners” Skills and Competencies Are We Different from Other Professions? Does Context Matter? Do We Evolve?

A survey asks 638 planning, planning-related, and nonplanning professionals in Southern California which job skills they value most. The authors want to know whether planners” perceptions of significant skills are different from other professions, whether the context within which planners operate makes a difference, and whether the perceived importance of skills evolves with career experience. They find communication skills to be valued more than technical and quantitative skills across all three groups. However, planners value certain types of communication—report writing and writing for the public—more than planning-related and non-planning professionals. Professional planning con-text matters; public-sector planners value written communication more than private-sector planners. And, planners” valuation of skills changes with length of planning experience, implying an evolutionary model. The authors discuss implications for graduate education and training curricula.
The Relationship between Moral Reasoning and Plagiarism in Accounting Courses: A Replication Study

We investigate the relationship between moral reasoning and plagiarism by students in accounting courses. Using the Internet tool, turnitin.com (http://www.turnitin.com), we define plagiarism as the percentage of words copied from the Internet without proper acknowledgement of the source. We use writing assignments at the beginning and the end of the semester in three undergraduate and three graduate capstone accounting courses to hypothesize and find support for a significant inverse relationship between moral reasoning, as measured by the Defining Issues Test, and plagiarism. We also find evidence of significantly more plagiarism at the end of the semester than the beginning, and an inverse relationship between plagiarism and grade point average.
ERRORS IN SURFACE RAINFALL RATES RETRIEVED FROM RADAR DUE TO WIND DRIFT

A major assumption when using radar retrieved precipitation observations in hydrological applications is that the precipitation observed aloft impacts the surface directly below the volume sampled by the radar. However, it is well known that rain may be advected laterally considerable distances, implying that rainfall entered into distributed hydrological models will be inaccurate no matter how accurately the rain is measured aloft. In extreme cases, rain may be observed above one catchment and actually fall in another. As moves are made toward more accurate precipitation retrievals (using dual-polarization, for example) and higher resolution (for applications such as urban hydrology) this problem has received little attention. This paper describes a series of experiments based on real data wherein the advection of the precipitation below the radar sampled volume is estimated using Doppler radar determined wind fields. The experiments show that even at standard resolutions of 2km the error can be extensive, and at higher resolutions and greater ranges (higher beam elevations) the errors become very large. Errors are assessed using different Z-R relationships and resolutions as high as 0.5 km. The method is robust and could easily be used to correct for wind drift.
Linear mixed models and penalized least squares

Linear mixed-effects models are an important class of statistical models that are used directly in many fields of applications and also are used as iterative steps in fitting other types of mixed-effects models, such as generalized linear mixed models. The parameters in these models are typically estimated by maximum likelihood or restricted maximum likelihood. In general, there is no closed-form solution for these estimates and they must be determined by iterative algorithms such as EM iterations or general nonlinear optimization. Many of the intermediate calculations for such iterations have been expressed as generalized least squares problems. We show that an alternative representation as a penalized least squares problem has many advantageous computational properties including the ability to evaluate explicitly a profiled log-likelihood or log-restricted likelihood, the gradient and Hessian of this profiled objective, and an ECME update to refine this objective.
Optical Signatures of Coupled Quantum Dots

An asymmetric pair of coupled InAs quantum dots is tuned into resonance by applying an electric field so that a single hole forms a coherent molecular wave function. The optical spectrum shows a rich pattern of level anticrossings and crossings that can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots. Coulomb interactions shift the molecular resonance of the optically excited state (charged exciton) with respect to the ground state (single charge), enabling light-induced coupling of the quantum dots. This result demonstrates the possibility of optically coupling quantum dots for application in quantum information processing.
Does race matter? The determinants and consequences of self-reports of discrimination victimization

Abstract Few empirical investigations have explored the determinants of discrimination. Even more rare are studies that explicitly link reports of discrimination to harmful consequences. This article investigates the determinants and consequences of self-reports of discrimination victimization. It addresses how likely different kinds of people are to say that they have been the victims of discrimination. After estimating who is likely to report being victimized by discrimination, the article presents estimates of the relationship of self-reports of discrimination victimization to the earnings of different social groups. Results indicate that African Americans, Latinos, and immigrants report being victimized more frequently than whites with rates that exceed twice the national average. For African Americans, the “cost” of felt discrimination exceeds $6,200; for Latinos, the “cost” exceeds $11,300. Such findings suggest that reports of discrimination are not just the product of the imaginations of overly sensitive, raceconscious, victim-minded individuals. Rather, these reports appear to represent real experiences that negatively and demonstrably impact the quality of their lives.
Factors Associated with Medication Refill Adherence in Cardiovascular-related Diseases: A Focus on Health Literacy

BACKGROUND: The factors influencing medication adherence have not been fully elucidated. Inadequate health literacy skills may impair comprehension of medical care instructions, and thereby reduce medication adherence.
The Influence of Triethylene Glycol Aerosol on the Growth, Morbidity and Mortality Rates of a Broiler Flock

Abstract THE prevalence of respiratory tract infections among poultry during the past few years has prompted efforts toward reducing the dissemination of such diseases by means of chemical agents (Johnson, 1950). Vapors of certain compounds have given promise against some of the respiratory infections of man. However, most of the compounds tested have certain defects and a recent review (Puck, 1947) reveals that a completely satisfactory agent or method for air sterilization has not yet been found. Favorable properties have been attributed to certain aerial germicides, especially triethylene glycol (TEG) which, in effective concentrations, has the advantage of being practically non-irritating. Its action depends upon surface condensation of the vapor and the building up of lethal concentrations of the glycol in infection-carrying droplets and upon airborne organisms (Krugman and Swerdlow, 1949; Puck, 1947; Robertson et al., 1943). Considerable evidence exists of the effectiveness of TEG under laboratory conditions. At a relative . . .
Foundations of Mathematics in the Twentieth Century

1. INTRODUCTION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENTS. Logic and foundations are a domain of mathematics concerned with basic mathematical structures (in terms of which one can define all other mathematical structures), with the correctness and significance of mathematical reasoning, and with the effectiveness of mathematical computations. In the twentieth century, these areas have crystallized into three large chapters of mathematics: set theory, mathematical logic (including model theory), and computability theory, which are intertwined in significant ways. In this paper we describe the evolution and present state of each of them. In modern times the study of logic and foundations has attracted eminent mathematicians and philosophers such as Cantor, Cohen, Frege, Godel, Hilbert, Kleene, Martin, Russell, Solovay, Shelah, Skolem, Tarski, Turing, Zermelo, and others, and has given rise to a large body of knowledge. Although our paper is only a brief sketch of this development, we discuss essential results such as G6del's theorem on the completeness of first-order logic and his theorems on the incompleteness of most mathematical theories, some independence theorems in set theory, the role of axioms of existence of large cardinal numbers, Turing's work on computability, and some recent developments. There are still many interesting unsolved problems in logic and foundations. For example, logic does not explain what "good" mathematics is. We know that mathematics has a very precise structure: axioms, definitions, theorems, proofs. Thus we know what is correct mathematics but not why the works of certain mathematicians delight us while others strike us as downright boring. Nor do foundations tell us how mathematicians construct proofs of their conjectures. Since we have no good theoretical model of the process for constructing proofs, we are far from having truly effective procedures for automatically proving theorems, although spectacular successes have been achieved in this area. We mention other unsolved problems at the end of this paper. We now give a brief sketch of the history of logic and foundations prior to 1900. The ancient Greeks asked: what are correct arguments? and: what are the real numbers? As partial answers they created the theory of syllogisms and a theory of commensurable and incommensurable magnitudes. These questions resurfaced in the 18th century, due to the development of analysis and to the lack of sufficiently clear concepts of sets, functions, continuity, convergence, etc. In a series of papers (1878-1897) Georg Cantor created set theory. In 1879 Gottlob Frege described a formal system of logic that explained precisely the logical structure of all mathematical proofs. In 1858 Richard Dedekind gave a definitive answer to the question: what are the real numbers? by defining them in terms of sets of rational numbers. He proved the axiom of continuity of the real line, an axiom accepted hitherto (beginning with the Greeks) without proof.
Russia Has Already Invaded Ukraine

In 1990, right after the Berlin Wall fell, NPQ published our Spring edition, titled “The New World Disorder,” about the nationalistic chaos and up-in-theair sensibility of that fraught new historical moment. Nearly a quarter of a century later, the regime of globalization that had supplanted the Cold War world of blocs is itself coming apart at the seams. Even Henry Kissinger these days says “the world order is crumbling.” Will this New World Disorder 2.0 revert to a system of conflicting blocs, as during the Cold War, or will we be mature enough to save the interdependence of plural identities that is the foundation of a new global civilization? In this section our contributors offer their perspectives on what the future holds.
Mentoring the mentors: Aligning mentor and mentee expectations.

The Radiology Alliance for Health Services Research sponsored a symposium at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Association of University Radiologists, which focused on the issue of aligning mentor and mentee expectations to foster successful mentoring relationships. This article presents a summary of the informal discussion of the panelists’ individual experiences, common themes, and insights gained from the panel participants.
Determinants and alternating sign matrices

Let M be an n by n matrix. By a connected minor of M of size k we mean a minor formed from k consecutive rows and k consecutive columns. We give formulas for det M in terms of connected minors, one involving minors of two consecutive sizes and one involving minors of three consecutive sizes. The formulas express det M as sums indexed by sets of alternating sign matrices. These matrices are described here and by W. H. Mills, D. P. Robbins, and H. Rumsey, Jr. (Invent. Math.66 (1982), 73–87; J. Combin. Theory Ser. A.34 (1983), 340–359). The former study has led to the solution of Macdonald's conjecture on cyclically symmetric plane partitions (G. E. Andrews, Invent. Math.53 (1979), 193–225; I. G. Macdonald, “Symmetric Functions and Hall Polynomials,” p. 53, Oxford Univ. Press (Clarendon), Oxford, 1979).
A New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) from the Weedy Sea Dragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Osteichthyes: Syngnathidae)

A new species of intestinal coccidian is described from the weedy or common sea dragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus housed at the New England Aquarium in Boston and at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, USA. Live oocysts of Eimeria phyllopterycis sp. n. are spherical, 30.9 (28.0-34.4) microm, with a thin, single-layered wall. Both a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent and a large polar granule is sometimes present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and elongate, 24.3 x 10.4 (23.4-25.6 x 9.2-11.2) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index (length/width) 2.33 (2.14-2.70). A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of numerous granules of various sizes. Sporozoites each possess 3 refractile bodies. Preliminary evidence suggests that the coccidian may affect the health of sea dragons; however, it could not be determined whether this parasite caused significant morbidity or mortality.
Lowered Blood Carotenoid Levels in Chickens Infected with Coccidia

Abstract Chickens infected with any one of the six major species of chicken coccidia had lower levels of blood carotenoids (plasma pigmentation) than did uninoculated control birds. The species were Eimeria acervulina, E. mivati, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, or E. tenella. Carotenoids decreased as early as 4 days postinoculation (PI) (E. acervulina), but returned to a normal level by 14 days PI (E. mivati, E. acervulina, and E. tenella). The maximum decrease occurred at 7 or 8 days PI in all species and was 49.8% with E. tenella and 62.4%-74.0% with the five intestinal species. Additional studies with E. tenella, E. acervulina, and E. brunetti indicated that the magnitude of the decrease was related to the number of oocysts given within any one species. Increasing oocyst number also resulted in a more rapid reduction of longer duration in carotenoid levels.
The role of attitude objects in attitude functions

Previous approaches to attitude functions have examined personality and situational influences on the multiple functions that can be served by the same attitudes. The present analysis focuses on the role of attitude objects in attitude functions and proposes that attitudes toward some objects tend to serve a single function. Using newly developed measures of attitude functions, Study 1 established that objects that are primarily associated with a single attitude function (utilitarian, social identity, or self-esteem maintenance function) can be identified. In Study 2, such objects served as a basis for directly varying the functions of attitudes, by varying the types of objects that served as experimental stimuli. This study investigated whether attitudes toward objects that engage different functions respond to different types of persuasive appeals. Subjects read appeals (advertisements) containing function-relevant or function-irrelevant information about products assumed primarily to engage either a utilitarian or a social identity function. Function-relevant ads were more persuasive than function-irrelevant ads, consistent with the findings of previous functional approaches. Additional data identified a situational factor, the juxtaposition of appeals, that influenced the magnitude of these effects.
A Qualitative Study of Gestational Weight Gain Counseling and Tracking

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes and later obesity risk for both mother and child. Women who receive GWG advice from their obstetric clinicians are more likely to gain the recommended amount, but many clinicians do not counsel their patients on GWG, pointing to the need for new strategies. Electronic medical records (EMRs) are a useful tool for tracking weight and supporting guideline-concordant care, but their use for care related to GWG has not been evaluated. We performed in-depth interviews with 16 obstetric clinicians from a multi-site group practice in Massachusetts that uses an EMR. We recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed the interviews using immersion-crystallization. Many respondents believed that GWG had “a lot” of influence on pregnancy and child health outcomes but that their patients did not consider it important. Most indicated that excessive GWG was a big or moderate problem in their practice, and that inadequate GWG was rarely a problem. All used an EMR feature that calculates total GWG at each visit. Many were enthusiastic about additional EMR-based supports, such as a reference for recommended GWG for each patient based on pre-pregnancy body mass index, a “growth chart” to plot actual and recommended GWG, and an alert to identify out-of-range gains, features which many felt would remind them to counsel patients about excessive weight gain. Additional decision support tools within EMRs would be well received by many clinicians and may help improve the frequency and accuracy of GWG tracking and counseling.