cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Data Science to Digital Government Research: Contributions of Data Science to Digital Government Research

In this study we reflect on the past ten years of data-driven research in the field of digital government in order to understand how researchers have embraced Data Science (DS) to enhance knowledge about digital government research and practices. Using a total of 248 unique articles, we conducted a systematic literature review. We found that applications of DS methods have been increasing and the ways in which DS methods are applied have been evolving. Some DS methods were more frequently used to accomplish specific types of outcomes. Although description is the major purpose of using DS methods, we found active efforts to engage in predictive modeling and tool development. We conclude the paper by discussing how DS contributes to digital government research and practices.
A Behavior-Analytic Approach to Antivaccination Practices

In recent years, there has been an increase in outbreaks of diseases that are preventable by vaccination. As vaccination involves behavior, behavior analysts are uniquely positioned to contribute solutions to this socially significant problem. The present article explores a behavior-analytic approach to understanding the function of the behavior of both people who have their children vaccinated and those who do not have their children vaccinated, and potential interventions to increase vaccination rates. An introduction to the problem is followed by a brief history of the antivaccination movement. In our analysis, a failure to vaccinate is conceptualized as a noncompliance response (i.e., medical nonadherence), and conditions giving rise to that noncompliance are evaluated. In this process, the roles of avoidance, the functional-altering impact of rule-governed behavior, relational frames, and countercontrol are considered. Potential solutions informed by applied behavior-analytic literature, including contingency management and behavioral safety, are discussed.
To Fix a Broken Heart": An Unusual Case of Infective Endocarditis Involving the Mitral Valve With Perforation and Hemodynamic Instability."

Infective endocarditis (IE), commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, can affect multiple cardiac structures and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of IE with extensive mitral valve involvement causing perforation and hemodynamic compromise. A 66-year-old Caucasian female presented to the emergency department for progressive altered mental status and lethargy. The patient and family denied history of intravenous drug use (IVDU) on interview. Physical exam revealed tachypnea, tachycardia, lethargy, and fluctuance in the right antecubital fossa draining serous fluid. Initial studies revealed a urinary tract infection, patchy bilateral opacities on chest x-ray, hypoxic respiratory failure, elevated lactate and cardiac markers, leukocytosis, and positive urine toxicology for opioid and benzodiazepine. She was intubated and admitted to the ICU, and later developed acute respiratory distress syndrome with requirement for vasopressors. Antibiotics were started, and blood cultures ultimately grew methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) results were negative. Cardiology was consulted for elevated cardiac markers that were due to myocardial injury in the setting of septic shock. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large mobile mass on the anterior mitral leaflet. Further evaluation with transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large, mobile, and centrally necrotic vegetation on the medial portion of the mitral annulus extending to both the anterior and posterior leaflets. Doppler of the valve showed holosystolic retrograde ejection into the left atrium confirming a perforation. The patient was transferred urgently to a cardiothoracic surgery capable center for operative intervention on the mitral valve. IE is most commonly caused by S. aureus and seen in highest rates among patients with a prosthetic valve, congenital heart disease, and intracardiac device. However, roughly 50% of IE occurs in patients without any valvular disease. Other risk factors include IVDU, valvular disease, and prior history of endocarditis. Clinical diagnosis of IE is made using the Duke's criteria, with echocardiogram and bacteremia playing a major role. The initial management involves empiric antibiotics until a pathogen is identified. Surgical consult is also suggested, and indications for surgery include heart failure due to valve dysfunction, uncontrolled infection, prevention of embolism, and hemodynamic compromise. Prompt recognition and intervention is crucial in the prevention of mortality in patients with IE leading to mitral perforation and hemodynamic compromise.
An experimental study of leadership institutions in collective action games

We investigate the effectiveness of two leadership institutions in each of two games: a weakest link and a linear public good game. An ''Exemplar'' leader is a first mover who commits to a level of contribution; a ''Manager'' is a first mover who makes cheap talk suggestions to the team members. Our results show that both leadership institutions reduce coordination failures as compared to a simultaneous move, baseline scenario with no leader. Although the Manager treatment seems to be slightly more effective at the outset, both leadership institutions significantly and equally improve contributions in the coordination game over time. According to our results none of the leadership institutions seem effective in the linear public good game. This may be due to the fact that our marginal per capita return is rather large, keeping the contribution levels high regardless of the treatment. Subjects who choose to free ride continue to do so with or without leaders, and subjects who choose to be cooperative do not become discouraged by others' lack of cooperation.
A psychosocial measure of the factual autonomy and job satisfaction among prison employees

This study investigates the effects of psychosocial factors on the factual autonomy (FA) and job satisfaction among prison employees. The research findings are based on the data that we have collected from two medium security prisons and one maximum security prison in the state of Indiana between October 2009 and January 2010. The research findings that emerged from this study show that stress–response states (SRS) had a negative effect on job satisfaction, which indicates that correctional employees who are exposed to anger, frustration, depression, and intimidation are less likely to be satisfied with their job. The same SRS had a positive effect on the FA, which indicates that prison employees have less control over their job-related activities. Additionally, the findings of this study show that working conditions in the prison environment have a significant effect on both the FA and job satisfaction. The years of service in the correctional institutions did not have any significant effect on the FA or...
Auditing Politics or Political Auditing

I investigate the relationship between Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO is the legislature’s primary auditor of federal administrative agencies; it evaluates agency programs on its own initiative, by statutory mandate, and at the request of members of Congress. I begin with a basic principal-agent model between a legislature and an auditor, where the auditor must choose among various opportunities for self-initiated oversight over time. The model identifies how the auditor, who must consider how neutrality or political bias, or the perceptions of either, operates given her own interests and the objectives of the legislature. The model also shows how the legislature can create socially optimal as well as socially perverse incentives for its auditor. I then explore empirically some of the model’s assumptions and implications with data on the GAO’s selfinitiated investigations and recommendations from 1978 to 1998. The empirical results support the theory that the GAO is a nonpartisan auditor who faces some political constraints.
IS50-mediated inverse transposition. Discrimination between the two ends of an IS element.

The termini of the kanamycin resistance transposon Tn5 consist of a pair of nearly identical insertion sequences named IS50L and IS50R arranged in inverted orientation. The ends of these IS50 elements consist of an extremely short (8 of 9 base-pairs) inverted repeat. Assays of IS50-mediated gene transposition from pBR322:: Tn5 and related bacterial plasmids to bacteriophage λ show that the two ends of IS50 are not equivalent as sites for transposase recognition. Pairs of outside (O) ends of IS50 are found to be used up to three orders of magnitude more efficiently than pairs of inside (I) ends, but only slightly more efficiently than one O end and one I end. These data suggest that the eight base-pair inverted repeats at the termini of IS50 comprise only a partial transposase recognition site, and that sequences at the O end beyond the common eight base-pairs are needed for efficient transposase recognition.
Performance Evaluation of a State and Input Observer for Machine Diagnostics

In this paper, the performance of a state and input observer is evaluated on a DC spindle drive system designed and built for this purpose. The observer estimates the spindle drive load torque (a disturbance input) based on easy-to-access signals: armature voltage, current and speed. The results show that the bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio of the load torque estimate is as good as that obtained with an in-line torque transducer for the conditions tested. The use of these observers for detecting machine tool malfunctions and abnormal process conditions related to load torque (such as tool breakage, tool wear, slide stick/slip, and bearing preload) is discussed. State and input observers appear to have good potential for machine diagnostics.
Computing for artificial intelligence

VLSI technology is making possible the rapid development of computers that are tailored to artificial intelligence applications, which require fast sorting and searching through large databases. New computer architectures are sought because traditional computers are too slow at performing these tasks. Special features of the upgraded computers are the hardware implementation of parallel processing and the support of data types.
Tris­(propane-1,3-di­amine)­nickel(II) bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate)

The cationic components, [Ni(C9H30N6)]2+, of the title compound [Ni(C9H30N6)](BF4)2 or Ni(pn)3(BF4)2 (pn is 1,3-di­amino­propane), are stacked in the crystal via hydrogen bonding (N—H⋯F). The geometry around the NiII atom is distorted octahedral, with an average Ni—N bond distance of 2.14 (2) A.
Transformational Leadership in Human Service Organizations

ABSTRACT Continuing interest in social work leadership is occurring in the 21st century. This study examines leadership in human service organizations. Members of ACOSA and the National Network for Social Work Managers were asked to consider an organization, and then to assess the leadership style of a leader using the MLQ-5R (Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire), along with characteristics of the organization within which the leader worked. A transformational (vs. transactional or laissez-faire) leadership style was most often attributed to the leaders by respondents. The transformational leadership style and the “democratic” (vs.“authoritarian”) organization were correlated with successful leadership outcomes.
Churg‐Strauss syndrome presenting as scar reactivation: histopathologic features and an illustration of ‘locus minoris resistentiae’

We report a 33-year-old female with cutaneous involvement by Churg-Strauss syndrome confined to surgical scars that were obtained 13 years before. She presented to the emergency department with 2-day history of fever, night sweats, right-sided weakness, hoarseness and worsening asthma symptoms. She was found to have an eosinophilia and two sub-5-mm pulmonary nodules. The patient also reported that the scars on her right thumb, inner wrist and back had been swollen, red and painful for 2 days. Examination revealed tender, erythematous, well-healed edematous scars studded with small skin colored papules. She had no clinical findings that were classic for cutaneous vasculitis. A skin biopsy of a scar revealed perivascular and palisading granulomatous inflammation consisting of histiocytes and neutrophils with leukocytoclasia. Focal vascular injury was identified. Scattered tissue eosinophils were seen. Special stains were negative for infection. Thereafter, she was started on intravenous steroids, at which point the fever, pulmonary and cutaneous symptoms subsided. Although scar sarcoidosis is a well-described phenomenon, granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis seen in Churg-Strauss syndrome exclusively manifesting in well-healed surgical scars highlights the unique features seen in this case and draws attention to the concept of locus minoris resistentiae. This case also highlights how a skin biopsy in the setting of suspected systemic vasculitis can confirm the presence of vasculitis and/or granulomatous inflammation and obviate the need for more invasive, higher risk procedures such as lung biopsy.
Save the child's esophagus, part II: Colic patch repair

Abstract Purpose: In a previous report, the authors documented the procedures necessary to regain esophageal continuity in infants who had massive disruption of the suture line following esophagoplasty. As a corollary, this study shows the feasibility of preserving the esophagus in older children by using an esophageal patch. Methods: Fifteen children ranging in age from 8 months to 16 years at the time of surgery had repair of esophageal strictures or tracheoesophageal fistulae by the use of a vascularized patch rather than esophageal resection and interposition with colon or stomach. The technique of "colonic-patch oesophagoplasty" was described by Hecker and Hollman in 1975. From 1976 to 1995, the authors have used a modification of their procedure in 14 children, and in one patient an intercostal muscle flap was interposed. The technique consists of esophagotomy through the area of stricture with application of a vascularized patch of colon to the resulting defect. Results: Ten of the patients were boys and four were girls with an additional girl considered for the procedure at 8 months of age. However, during surgery, an intercostal muscle flap interposition was used. Eight children had esophageal stricture caused by lye ingestion; two from anastomotic stricture; two from gastroesophageal reflux; two from recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula; and one from long-term nasogastric intubation. Follow-up showed excellent results in nine patients who had the colic patch operation. All had good swallowing. A tenth patient, the child with the vascularized intercostal muscle flap, is currently eating a regular diet but it has only been 4 months since the operation. However, one of these excellent patients continues to have a small focus of Barrett's esophagus and another one was killed in an automobile accident one year after operation. Three children have good results but with occasional difficulty in swallowing boluses of meat or with continuing reflux. Two patients had poor results and both have undergone reoperation. In one of these children with Down's syndrome and diabetes, the colic patch worked well for 6 years but because of continuing reflux, distal esophageal scarring and obstruction eventually ensued. After reoperation for distal esophageal resection and colic interposition, the patient died of pulmonary failure. The second child with poor results has recently undergone reoperation to extend the esophagotomy through the distal scarred esophagus and to revise the colic patch. Conclusion: The use of a vascular colic patch for treatment of severe esophageal strictures is a viable alternative to esophageal resection and interposition. However, patients with continuing reflux or Barrett's esophagus, or both, may progress with distal esophageal scarring and obstruction and subsequent dilation of the patch. Those patients will require reoperation.
Structure-activity determinants in antifungal plant defensins msdef1 and mtdef4 with different modes of action against fusarium graminearum

Plant defensins are small cysteine-rich antimicrobial proteins. Their three-dimensional structures are similar in that they consist of an α-helix and three anti-parallel β-strands stabilized by four disulfide bonds. Plant defensins MsDef1 and MtDef4 are potent inhibitors of the growth of several filamentous fungi including Fusarium graminearum. However, they differ markedly in their antifungal properties as well as modes of antifungal action. MsDef1 induces prolific hyperbranching of fungal hyphae, whereas MtDef4 does not. Both defensins contain a highly conserved γ-core motif (GXCX3–9C), a hallmark signature present in the disulfide-stabilized antimicrobial peptides, composed of β2 and β3 strands and the interposed loop. The γ-core motifs of these two defensins differ significantly in their primary amino acid sequences and in their net charge. In this study, we have found that the major determinants of the antifungal activity and morphogenicity of these defensins reside in their γ-core motifs. The MsDef1-γ4 variant in which the γ-core motif of MsDef1 was replaced by that of MtDef4 was almost as potent as MtDef4 and also failed to induce hyperbranching of fungal hyphae. Importantly, the γ-core motif of MtDef4 alone was capable of inhibiting fungal growth, but that of MsDef1 was not. The analysis of synthetic γ-core variants of MtDef4 indicated that the cationic and hydrophobic amino acids were important for antifungal activity. Both MsDef1 and MtDef4 induced plasma membrane permeabilization; however, kinetic studies revealed that MtDef4 was more efficient in permeabilizing fungal plasma membrane than MsDef1. Furthermore, the in vitro antifungal activity of MsDef1, MsDef1-γ4, MtDef4 and peptides derived from the γ-core motif of each defensin was not solely dependent on their ability to permeabilize the fungal plasma membrane. The data reported here indicate that the γ-core motif defines the unique antifungal properties of each defensin and may facilitate de novo design of more potent antifungal peptides.
Dynamic highway congestion detection and prediction based on shock waves

Existing highway traffic monitoring system requires to deploy a large number of sensors and video cameras to detect traffic congestions, which is costly and prone to errors and failures [1]. In this paper, we present a distributed traffic detection and prediction solution by using shock wave traffic model. We develop a Hello protocol to maintain the vehicle sequence on the same lane. Based on the measurements of velocity and distance between immediate leading and following vehicles, a vehicle can detect and compute shock wave velocity incurred by vehicle merges or obstacles on the highway. When velocity changes occur continuously, congestions will be formed, which can be detected and predicted by the vehicles through a shock wave detection procedure. Our solution is effective since we only require vehicles to communicate with its neighboring vehicles within its wireless communication range.
Operating Engineers: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Trade

Abstract Construction is among the leading industries in work-related injuries and workers' compensation costs. Among the construction trades, operating engineers are exposed to unique job-related musculoskeletal demands. Their environmental stressors tend to be more postural and sustained in nature when compared with other construction trades. To reduce the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) and associated compensation costs, an evaluation of the operating engineers' trade was performed. Questionnaires were mailed to 1075 members of an operating engineers' local union. 410 members responded to the symptom and job factors questionnaire. Analysis of the responses identified a lower rate of self-reported symptoms among operating engineers when compared with other construction trades. Within their trade, operating engineers reported the greatest incidence of symptoms, physician visits, and missed work related to the low back, neck, and shoulder regions. The job factors reported to con...
Viscosity surface for mixtures of methane and ethane

Abstract The viscosity surface for methane-ethane mixtures has been correlated as a function of composition, density and temperature. The correlation is based on measurements, made at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, using a torsionally oscillating quartz crystal viscometer, which have been reported previously. The viscosity data cover the composition range including both pure fluids and three of their binary mixtures and include temperatures from 100 to 320K with pressures to 30 MPa. The correlation comprises contributions from the dilute gas state, based entirely on Chapman-Enskog mixture theory and an empirical excess function. The excess function exploits corresponding states arguments and, with suitable reductions of the viscosity, density and temperature, the data are seen to conform closely to a single function of the reduced quantities. The very steep rise of viscosity at high densities is described by a simple rational polynomial and this is added to another polynomial in reduced density and temperature to completely represent the reduced excess viscosity. For the 624 experimental points which were considered, the average absolute deviation from the correlation is less than 1.5%.
Excitation structure of the hierarchy scheme in the fractional quantum Hall effect

The hierarchy schemes for the fractional quantum Hall effect are reexamined and it is shown that different schemes all give the same lattice of excitations whose statistics is determined by the norm of the corresponding vector, and hence have equivalent Ginzburg-Landau theories. Similar ideas apply to the anyon liquid. The schemes can be generalized by using different lattices; many inequivalent states can be obtained at any filling factor (or value of the statistics parameter).
Cell formation in group technology: a new approach

Abstract In the U.S.A., machine-component cluster formation is considered a poor alternative to classification and coding as a planning tool for Cellular Manufacture. This paper introduces a heuristic procedure, the Occupancy Value method, for identifying clusters in a machine-component matrix created from route card data. A unique feature of this method is that it progressively develops block diagonalization starting from the northwest corner of the matrix. The flexibility of the procedure is illustrated in detail through a small example. Another large matrix is analyzed to demonstrate the inherent simplicity of the method. Further extensions of this method to implement the manufacturing cells from these initial clusters are discussed.
Developments in the International Payments System (Evolution du systÃ©me des paiements internationaux) (Acontecimientos en el sistema internacional de pagos)

Cet article est une A©tude dA©veloppA©e d'une confA©rence prononcA©e en mars 1963 A l'UniversitA© de Michigan. L'auteur y dA©crit l'A©volution, au cours de la pA©riode d'aprA¨s-guerre, des vues concernant un systA¨me adA©quat de paiements internationaux et de l'orientation possible de ces vues A l'avenir. Tout d'abord, il y expose A grands traits la doctrine A©conomique prA©dominante A l'A©poque oA¹ des institutions telles que le Fonds MonA©taire International et l'Accord GA©nA©ral sur les Tarifs Douaniers et le Commerce ont A©tA© A©tablies. Puis il y fait un compte-rendu des transformations que l'orthodoxie de cette doctrine a subies A la suite d'A©vA¨nements ultA©rieurs, en particulier de pressions inflationnistes gA©nA©rales et persistantes. Il passe ensuite en revue l'A©volution la plus rA©cente du milieu A©conomique international, notamment la mobilitA© de plus en plus grande du capital par dessus les frontiA¨res, l'apparition d'un problA¨me de liquiditA© internationale, l'importance croissante du facteur coA»t dans la dA©termination des prix et une diminution possible de la pression de la demande totale. Il y examine l'influence de cette A©volution sur le modus operandi du systA¨me des paiements et y fait allusion A la possibilitA© d'un dA©veloppement de courants divergents dans diffA©rentes parties du monde industriel. /// Este trabajo es una versiA³n ampliada de una conferencia dictada en marzo de 1963 en la Universidad de Michigan. El autor expone la manera en que los conceptos en cuanto a un sistema internacional de pagos adecuado han evolucionado durante la A©poca de posguerra y cA³mo podrAin evolucionar en el porvenir. Primeramente, esboza las doctrinas econA³micas que prevalecA­an en la A©poca en que se establecieron las instituciones como el Fondo Monetario Internacional y el Acuerdo General sobre Aranceles Aduaneros y Comercio. Luego ofrece una reseA±a de aquellas modificaciones que esos criterios ortodoxos han padecido como resultado de las experiencias posteriores, incluyendo, especialmente, las de las presiones inflacionarias generalizadas y persistentes. Examina despuA©s algunos de los acontecimientos mAis recientes en el Aimbito de la economA­a internacional, notablemente el aumento en la movilidad del capital, el surgimiento del problema de la liquidez internacional, la creciente importancia de los factores que elevan los costos en la determinaciA³n de los precios, y la posible disminuciA³n en un grado pronunciado de la presiA³n de la demanda total. Considera la forma en que esos acontecimientos inciden sobre el modus operandi del sistema de pagos, y alude a la posibilidad de que haya tendencias divergentes en distintas partes del mundo industrial.
A general substructure synthesis method for the dynamic simulation of complex structures

Abstract In this paper a general substructure synthesis method is developed for the dynamic analysis of complex flexible structures. The motion of each substructure is represented by a given number of substructure admissible functions. Substructure admissible functions are often low-order polynomials, and hence computationally easy to work with. The otherwise disjoint substructures are connected together to form a whole structure by imposing approximate geometric compatibility conditions by means of the method of weighted residuals. The behavior of the estimated eigenvalues obtained by the substructures synthesis method can be ascertained by means of a bracketing theorem. The estimated eigenvalues do converge to the actual eigenvalues of the original structure, although it is necessary to consider two limiting processes, one in which the number of substructure admissible functions is increased and the other in which the number of internal boundary weighting functions is increased.
Mobile Network Emulation -- Experiences and Challenges

The development and use of emulation-based modeling of wireless, mobile network systems have matured during the past several years. This approach to experimentation has had several successful applications and a growing community of researchers has been collaborating to advance this technology. A number of challenges have been identified and a systems engineering approach is described to address these challenges.
The evaluation of hot-working characteristics of cobalt-based implant alloys

The hot-working characteristics of wrought Co-Ni-Cr-Mo implant alloy during ingot-to-billet conversion were evaluated using a Gleeble-2000A simulator. The hot tensile test at 700–1 320 °C was used to determine the optimum hot-working parameters at a strain rate equivalent to that of conventional press forging to ensure acceptable hot workability. Hot ductility and deformation resistance as a function of temperature can be clearly established. The fracture surfaces of the tensile specimens were examined to correlate them with the hot tensile ductility values at various temperatures. The poor ductility at temperatures above 1300 °C was attributed to the incipient melting of grain boundaries. The effect of temperature and strain rate on the flow-stress behaviour and microstructures were investigated by uniaxial compression testing in the temperature range 900–1200 °C and strain rate, ɛ, range of 0.01–10s−1. The strain-hardening and steady-state behaviour were described from the measured true stress-true strain curves.
Sodium azide, an efficient inhibitor of protein diazotization.

L'azide de sodium est un inhibiteur tres efficace de la reaction de diazotation. Il reagit avec l'ion de diazonium a des molarites approximativement egales.
Post-translational modification of manganese superoxide dismutase in acutely rejecting cardiac transplants: role of inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Background Nitration of a critical tyrosine residue in the active site of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) can lead to enzyme inactivation. In this study, we examined the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on MnSOD expression, activity and nitration in acutely rejecting cardiac transplants. Methods Lewis (isograft) or Wistar–Furth (allograft) donor hearts were transplanted into Lewis recipient rats. Some rats received l- N 6 -(1-iminoethyl) lysine (l-NIL), a specific iNOS inhibitor. Protein nitration was determined by immunohistochemical, Western blot and slot-blot analyses. MnSOD enzyme activity and gene expression were determined using Western, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoprecipitation techniques. Results MnSOD protein levels were decreased 50% by post-operative day 6 (POD 6), which was prevented by l-NIL. RT-PCR analysis indicated that this decrease could not be explained by any changes in MnSOD mRNA. MnSOD enzyme activity but not protein was decreased at POD 5 in untreated allografts. The loss of MnSOD activity at POD 5 was also prevented by l-NIL. Immunoreactive nitrotyrosine was apparent in untreated allografts at POD 6. Slot-blot analysis indicated that nitrotyrosine formation in allografts could be blocked by l-NIL. Nitration of MnSOD was evident upon immunoprecipitation of MnSOD followed by Western blotting for nitrotyrosine. Conclusions These results suggest that the decreased MnSOD enzyme activity in acutely rejecting cardiac allografts can be attributed to a post-translational modification related to nitration arising via an iNOS-dependent pathway. This could be a potential major source of amplified oxidative stress in acute graft rejection.
L -Cysteine increases Agrobacterium -mediated T-DNA delivery into soybean cotyledonary-node cells

A major limitation in producing transgenic soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] using the Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledonary-node method is low-frequency T-DNA transfer from Agrobacterium tumefaciens into cotyledonary-node cells. We increased Agrobacterium infection from 37% to 91% of explants in the cotyledonary-node region by amending the solid co-cultivation medium with L-cysteine, which resulted in a fivefold increase in stable T-DNA transfer in newly developed shoot primordia. Southern analysis detected greater than a twofold increase in transformation efficiency, as determined by the number of independent fertile, transgene plants per explants inoculated. Enzymatic browning on explant tissue was also reduced, which suggests cysteine may interact with wound- and pathogen-defense responses in the soybean explant, resulting in an increased T-DNA delivery into the cotyledonary-node cells.
A store-oriented approach to determine order packaging quantities in grocery retailing

Instore operations in bricks-and-mortar grocery retailing account for the highest share of operational logistics costs within the internal retail supply chain. The order packaging quantity (OPQ) is regarded as one important driver of instore logistics efficiency. We define the OPQ as the number of consumer units that are bundled into one order and distribution unit for supplying the individual stores. Therefore, the OPQ corresponds to the smallest possible order size and determines the possible granularity of order sizes with an impact on instore operations costs. In this paper, we develop a cost-minimization model including instore handling and inventory carrying costs to determine OPQs. The model developed builds on inventory management theory and is based on discrete probability distributions of consumer demand. We apply the model in an industry case study with real retail data for 39 stock keeping units and 1,180 stores of a European retail company. By applying the minimal-cost OPQ for all stores, the costs considered can be reduced by 9.4 %. This paper can be considered as a first in-depth analysis of the dormant instore efficiency potential in connection with adjusted OPQs that seems to be largely untapped in retail research and practice.
Missouri River Mitigation: A System Approach

Abstract Channelization of the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa, to the mouth at St. Louis directly eliminated 192,071 hectares (474,600 acres) of aquatic and terrestrial habitat from the active erosion zone; agricultural and urban encroachment has affected an additional 728,460 hectares (1.8 million acres). The Water Resources and Development Act of 1986 authorized a mitigation package which would result in the acquisition of 12,100 hectares (29,900 acres) of habitat; this mitigation would replace only 6.3% of lost habitat. Development of this land should proceed in a manner consistent with the view that the river is an ecosystem. The system approach suggests that: (1) successful mitigation is related to the extent to which natural channel and floodplain morphology and vegetative cover are replaced; (2) mitigation must be an ongoing program which recognizes need beyond that which has been already identified; (3) a “Trust Fund” is an appropriate instrument to provide for the allocation of funds for re...
Effects of semantic organization on the recognition of pictures following temporal lobectomy.

Abstract Long-term recognition memory for single details and whole scenes of organized and disorganized pictures was assessed in 19 patients who had undergone left or right anterior temporal lobectony. Dissociation between organized and disorganized pictures occurred only with left temporal lobectomy patients. Whole scenes were recognized better than details by all subjects. Results are discussed in terms of symmetric hemispheric representation for mnestic processes involving details and whole scenes, and asymmetric representation for mnestic processes involving organized and disorganized scenes, or real-world schemata.
The Entries of Haar-Invariant Matrices from the Classical Compact Groups

Let Γn=(γij)n×n be a random matrix with the Haar probability measure on the orthogonal group O(n), the unitary group U(n), or the symplectic group Sp(n). Given 1≤m<n, a probability inequality for a distance between (γij)n×m and some mn independent F-valued normal random variables is obtained, where F=ℝ, ℂ, or ℍ (the set of real quaternions). The result is universal for the three cases. In particular, the inequality for Sp(n) is new.
Dynamic response of active twist rotor blades

Dynamic characteristics of active twist rotor (ATR) blades are investigated analytically and experimentally in this paper. The ATR system is intended for vibration and potentially for noise reductions in helicopters through individual blade control. An aeroelastic model is developed to identify frequency response characteristics of the ATR blade with integral, generally anisotropic, strain actuators embedded in its composite construction. An ATR prototype blade was designed and manufactured to experimentally study the vibration reduction capabilities of such systems. Several bench and hover tests were conducted and those results are presented and discussed here. Selected results on sensitivity of the ATR system to collective setting (i.e. blade loading), blade rpm (i.e. centrifugal force and blade station velocity), and media density (i.e. altitude) are presented. They indicated that the twist actuation authority of the ATR blade is independent of the collective setting up to approximately 10P, and dependent on rotational speed and altitude near the torsional resonance frequency due to its dependency on the aerodynamic damping. The proposed model captures very well the physics and sensitivities to selected test parameters of the ATR system. The numerical result of the blade torsional loads show an average error of 20% in magnitude and virtually no difference in phase for the blade frequency response. Overall, the active blade model is in very good agreement with the experiments and can be used to analyze and design future active helicopter blade systems.
Properties of reflective and semitransparent CsI photocathodes

Abstract Various aspects related to the quantum efficiency of the reflective and semitransparent CsI photocathodes have been investigated experimentally. The investigation explored the dependence of the quantum efficiency on the following: the thickness of the photocathode film, the gas used in the parallel-plate avalanche chamber, exposure to water vapor, and the density of the CsI film. With reflective CsI photocathodes quantum efficiencies of more than 25% at 180 nm have achieved in three different gases: CH 4 , C 2 H 6 , and C 4 H 10 . Our study reveals that high quantum efficiency is also achievable for the semitransparent CsI photocathodes. For a 95-A semitransparent photocathode the quantum efficiency at 185 nm can be as high as 20%. A simple model to explain the dependence of quantum efficiency on the thickness of CsI photocathodes is suggested, which may be a useful guide for further improvement of the performance of CsI photocathodes. Also reported are UV-transmittance measurements for various materials used in our studies, such as methane, ethane, isobutane, CF 4 , CO 2 , helium, neon, air, TMAE vapor, thin CsI films, and quartz windows, all in the wavelength range 115 nm to 230 nm.
On the Use of Gas Metal Arc Welding for Manufacturing Beams of Commercially Pure Titanium and a Titanium Alloy

A noticeable reduction in the cost of structural components made from titanium, both commercially pure and the alloy counterpart is possible with the concept of built-up welded fabrication. Rolled sheets of the titanium material can be welded together to fabricate a built-up structural component without having to machine the part from a large billet. In this paper, the results of a recent feasibility study on the manufacturing of welded built-up I-beams for large structural applications are presented and discussed. The fillet welds were produced using the pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-P) process. Commercially pure titanium (Grade 2) and a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4 V) were the two materials chosen for the study. The specific details of the welding process are highlighted along with a discussion of the successful implementation of the concept of built-up welded beams for the manufacture of large structural elements and components of titanium.
Distribution of potentiation following short high frequency bursts to motoneurons of different rheobase

Potentiation of composite EPSPs has been studied at group Ia fiber/alpha motoneuron connections using a short burst of conditioning stimuli [32 shocks with 6 ms interstimulus interval (ISI)]. Potentiation reached its peak (range 1.2-2.0 X control value) 100-150 ms following the burst. Potentiation decayed slowly and was still present 2 s after the burst. High frequency burst stimulation of a nerve to a synergist muscle did not potentiate the response to stimulation of the homonymous nerve. Three independent sets of measurements suggest that the time course of decline of potentiation depends on the amount of transmission during the potentiated state. First, connections on high rheobase motoneurons exhibited more peak potentiation than those on low rheobase motoneurons but potentiation decayed more rapidly in the former than in the latter. Second, increasing the frequency of the conditioning burst enhanced peak potentiation but the rate of decay of this potentiation also increased. Third, potentiated EPSPs exhibited more low frequency depression than unpotentiated ones at the same connection suggesting that low frequency stimulation during the potentiated state could elevate the rate of decay of potentiation. The short burst paradigm could cause peak potentiation similar in magnitude to that evoked by long, high frequency trains (studied here at the same connection) but with much less of an increase in latency and rise time of the potentiated EPSP. The magnitude of potentiation was unrelated to changes in EPSP latency and rise time. These findings indicate that potentiation can act to modulate EPSP amplitude under conditions of normal motor behaviour when spindle afferents fire in patterns similar in duration and frequency to those used in the present experiments.
The Historian and the Hesperides Fernández de Oviedo and the Limitations of Imitation

Imitation of classical authors in Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo's time was a European cultural phenomenon expressed in virtually every discipline from rhetoric, aesthetics, visual arts and politics to literature and the writing of history. This widespread practice could help authors to develop their own style and themes by imitating classical models, and/or provide a place to make a critique of them. At the same time, it gave Renaissance authors a way of dealing with the admired cultural achievements of the classical era amid their own pervasive sense of inferiority and search for alternatives.1 This overpowering tradition filled with Greek and Roman masterpieces, which the Renaissance authors reread and recreated in their own much transformed cultural context, became a source of both creativity and anxiety for the humanists in Europe.2
4-Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: an ionizable probe of the active site of the medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase.

4-OH-Cinnamoyl-CoA has been synthesized as a probe of the active site in the medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. The protonated form of the free ligand (λmax = 336 nm) yields the corresponding phenolate (λmax = 388 nm) with a pK of 8.9. 4-OH-Cinnamoyl-CoA binds tightly (Kd = 47 nM, pH 6) to the pig kidney dehydrogenase with a prominent new band at 388 nm, suggesting ionization of the bound ligand. However, this spectrum reflects polarization, not deprotonation, of the neutral form of the ligand. Thus, the 388 nm band is abolished as the pH is raised (not lowered), and analogous spectral and pH behavior is observed with the nonionizable analogue 4-methoxycinnamoyl-CoA. Studies with wild type, E99G, and E376Q mutants of the human medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase showed that these two active site carboxylates strongly suppress ionization of the 4-OH ligand. Binding to the double mutant E99G/E376Q gives an intense new band as the pH is raised (pK = 7.8), with an absorbance maximum at 498 nm resembling the...
Automated 3-dimensional quantification of noncalcified and calcified coronary plaque from coronary CT angiography

Introduction We aimed to develop an automated algorithm (APQ) for accurate volumetric quantification of non-calcified (NCP) and calcified plaque (CP) from Coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods APQ determines scan-specific attenuation thresholds for lumen, NCP, CP and epicardial fat, and applies knowledge-based segmentation and modeling of coronary arteries, to define NCP and CP components in 3D. We tested APQ in 29 plaques for 24 consecutive scans, acquired with dual-source CT scanner. APQ results were compared to volumes obtained by manual slice-by-slice NCP/CP definition and by interactive adjustment of plaque thresholds (ITA) by 2 independent experts. Results APQ analysis time was 3 vs. 42.1 mm 3 , p=0.01), lower bias than ITA (32.6 mm 3 vs 64.4 mm 3 , p=0.01) for NCP. There was strong correlation between APQ and readers (R = 0.94, p Conclusions We developed a fast automated algorithm for quantification of NCP and CP from CCTA, which is in close agreement with expert manual quantification.
Antiretroviral agents increase NO production in gp120/IFNγ-stimulated cultures of rat microglia via an arginase-dependent mechanism

In the present study we carried out a screening of different Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for their potential pro-inflammatory effects on microglial cells. Efavirenz, neviparine, darunavir and atazanavir increased nitric oxide (NO) production in microglial cells activated with Gp120CN54 and interferon-γ. The stimulatory effect on NO production appeared to be mediated by inhibition of arginase (ARG) I activity. Consistently the ARG inhibitor, Nω-hydroxy-nor-arginine, mimicked the effects of ARVs. Take together these data suggest that ARG is an additional molecular target of different ARVs, whose inhibition can contribute to their pharmacological activity as well as explain the neurotoxic potential.
Shear-induced alignment of lamellae in thin films of diblock copolymers

The shear alignment of lamellae-forming diblock copolymers in thin films is examined using coarse-grained Langevin dynamics simulations. We investigate how lamellar orientation is affected by the shear rate, and interactions between polymer segments and the confining surfaces. For neutral confining surfaces, we find that above a critical stress, lamellae melt and reform in the direction of the shear (perpendicular to the walls), irrespective of their initial orientation. The time needed for reorientation was four times longer when the initial configuration was parallel to the walls, relative to lamellae initially oriented perpendicular to both the walls and the shear direction. When the surface–block interactions become non-neutral, there is critical interaction strength above which the perpendicular orientation is no longer favored, because of enthalpic contributions of one block preferentially wetting the non-neutral surface. The formation of parallel lamellae in films under shear requires a smaller degree of preferential interfacial interactions if both confining surfaces are non-neutral. The film thickness affects the rate of lamellar reorientation as well as the lamellar periodicity. Overall, our results are in good agreement with experimental findings and provide insights into how to use shear to control alignment of lamellar structures in thin films.
Barriers to Reporting Sexual Victimization: Prevalence and Correlates among Undergraduate Women

This study examined the frequency and correlates of barriers to reporting sexual victimization to law enforcement. Participants were 127 female undergraduate sexual assault victims who completed self-report surveys. The most frequently reported barriers were “I handled it myself” and “I didn't think it was serious enough.” Factor analysis of the reported barriers items revealed two factors: shame/not wanting others involved and did not acknowledge the event as a crime /handled it myself. Shame/not wanting others involved was positively associated with physical injury, being victimized by a relative, and self-blame. Acknowledgment/handled it myself was negatively associated with being victimized by a relative. Findings suggest that intervention efforts should focus on increasing acknowledgment, decreasing negative reactions to disclosure, and decreasing victims' self-blame.
Performance comparison of uncoded and coded OFDM and OFDM-CDMA waveforms on HF multipath/fading channels

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a very popular technique used for data transmission on multipath fading channels. The multipath component of these types of channels causes a phenomenon known as frequency selective fading. This type of fading can severely degrade or completely eliminate the signal energy of many of the OFDM tones producing an irreducible error rate, even when no noise is present. In the early 1990's, researchers combined some of the characteristics of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Spread Spectrum (SS) with OFDM in order to create a more robust modulation scheme capable of surviving frequency selective fading without the need for forward error correction (FEC) techniques and thus OFDM-CDMA was born. This paper will investigate the performance of uncoded and coded OFDM and OFDM-CDMA waveforms on various HF multipath/fading channels.