cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identity threat and antisocial behavior in organizations: The moderating effects of individual differences, aggressive modeling, and hierarchical status

This study examines whether the experience of identity threat predicts antisocial behavior directed towards other employees. A social interactionist model is used as a theoretical framework for predicting that employees who are frequent recipients of actions that challenge or diminish their sense of competence, dignity, or self-worth will engage in higher levels of antisocial behavior. However, it is predicted that the strength of this relation will be moderated by individual (gender, age, and attitudes toward revenge) and situational (aggressive modeling, hierarchical status) factors. Data from 308 employees from three organizations supported moderating effects of age, revenge attitudes, and hierarchical status. A three-way interaction was also found showing that identity threat was more strongly related to antisocial behavior for low as compared to high status employees, but only when they were exposed to low levels of aggressive modeling.
Radioimmunoelectrophoretic studies of ragweed-binding antibodies in allergic sera

Abstract With the radioimmunoelectrophoresis technique, ragweed-binding antibodies may be demonstrated in all the immunoglobulins of human sera. One or several different binding antibodies may be present in an individual serum. Beta-2A ragweed-binding activity was present in about two thirds of sera obtained from both untreated and treated ragweed-sensitive patients. Gamma globulin binding antibodies were also present in about two thirds of the untreated sera and in almost all of the treated sera. Beta-2M binding activity was noted in 10 per cent and 29 per cent of the untreated and treated groups, respectively. No correlation could be found between most clinical parameters of ragweed sensitivity and the type of binding antibody. Beta-2M antibodies were associated with younger patients, particularly in the untreated group. Almost all patients developed gamma globulin antibodies following specific therapy. The clinical significance of binding is still unclear. There was some correlation noted between reagin titers and beta-2A binding activity. A more striking correlation between hemagglutinating antibody titers and gamma globulin binding was found.
Fuel processing for fuel cell systems in transportation and portable power applications

Abstract Small fuel cell systems in the 1–100 kW power range have become the focus of intense R&D activities. Applications envisioned for such systems include primary propulsion power for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, auxiliary power for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles (for operator quality-of-life and housekeeping needs) and portable power generation for residential and recreational use. The operating mode of these small fuel cell systems differs dramatically from that of larger fuel cell systems (100–1000 kW) designed for utility power generation. These small systems will operate over a wide load range, with only brief periods at full power, considerable time at 30–50% of the rated power, and relatively frequent shutoffs and restarts. The lack of an infrastructure for producing and distributing H2 has led to a research effort to develop on-board fuel processing technology for reforming hydrocarbon fuels to generate H2. Existing reforming technology used in large-scale manufacturing operations, such as ammonia synthesis, is cost prohibitive when scaled down to the size of these small systems. Furthermore, these large reforming systems are designed to operate at a constant production rate and with infrequent shutoffs and restarts. In this paper, we provide an overview of the reforming options for generating H2 from hydrocarbon fuels, the development of new reforming catalysts, and the design of fuel processors for these small fuel cell systems.
Bimolecular rate constant determination for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals with domoic and kainic acid in aqueous solution

Bimolecular rate constants for the hydroxyl radical, .OH, reaction with domoic acid, kainic acid, and several model compounds were determined using electron pulse radiolysis and transient absorption spectroscopy. These oxidation rate constants were determined as (9.22 +/- 0.60) x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) and (2.46 +/- 0.19) x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), for domoic acid and kainic acid, respectively. Model compound rate constant measurements suggested that the conjugated double bond of the C4 substituent of domoic acid, and the double bond in kainic acid, were the preferential initial site of .OH reaction, which would destroy the conjugation and/or molecular conformation of these toxins. These reaction rate constants were also used to determine potential persistence in natural water systems, however the calculated half-life for domoic acid of approximately 34 days implies that significant photodegradation via .OH reaction mechanisms is unlikely.
Schaffer v. Weast The Supreme Court on the Burden of Proof in Special Education Due Process Hearings

In a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Schaffer v. Weast, the high court ruled that the burden of persuasion in special education due process hearings should fall on the party that challen...
Endoscopic CO2 Laser Excision of Large or Recurrent Laryngeal Saccular Cysts in Adults

Saccular cysts are uncommon disorders that represent cystic dilatation of the laryngeal saccule. They are distinguished from laryngoceles by their lack of lumenal continuity with the endolarynx, and the fact that they are not air filled. Voice change is the most common clinical presentation in adults, whereas airway compromise is more common in infants. Management recommendations range from observation of asymptomatic lesions, to endoscopic marsupialization or excision, to excision through a laryngotomy or the thyrohyoid membrane. The literature states that large or recurrent saccular cysts require the exposure afforded by a transcervical approach. This report describes complete endoscopic laser excision of large, symptomatic saccular cysts in seven adults. Four of the seven patients were referred with recurrent cysts after the failure of endoscopic marsupialization procedures. None required tracheotomy, and only three of seven were observed overnight in the hospital. Surgical technique with emphasis on complete excision, pre- and postoperative radiographic and surgical anatomy, and treatment outcome are discussed.
The effect of red blood cell age on coagulation

Abstract Background Packed red blood cell (PRBC) units stored and unused at community hospitals are transferred to trauma centers near the end of their shelf storage life, because of a higher likelihood of utilization before expiration without consideration of coagulation system effects. This study was conducted to determine if the stored age of PRBC units has an effect on coagulation. Methods Single-donor citrate/phosphate/dextrose–preserved, PRBCs, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) were recalcified in an in vitro model. The activated clotting time (ACT) was measured using the microsample method on days 3, 19, 20, and 33 from the date of donation. Results The ACT was prolonged as the age of PRBCs increased while other factors were held constant. ACTs on days 19, 20, and 33 were prolonged relative to day 3. Measurements taken on day 33 were significantly prolonged relative to day 20. Conclusions Increasing age of PRBCs measured from the date of donation adversely affects the global coagulation status. This study suggests that we should re-evaluate current blood banking and transfusion practices in trauma care.
Preparation of ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) latexes using hydroperoxide redox initiators

The 80/20 (w/w) azeotropic styrene/acrylonitrile mixture was copolymerized at 35, 50, and 70°C in crosslinked polybutadiene seed latexes of varying particle size (range 113–242 nm) using the t-butyl or cumene hydroperoxide/sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate dihydrate/EDTA-chelated Fe+2 redox initiator. Other initiators used for comparison were: (1) ammonium persulfate at 70°C; (2) ammonium persulfate/sodium bisulfite redox initiator at 35 and 50°C; (3) oil-soluble, 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) at 50°C. The following polymerization parameters were varied systematically: (1) polybutadiene seed latex particle size; (2) monomer/polymer swelling ratio; (3) polymerization temperature; (4) type and concentration of initiator; and (5) mode (and duration) of initiator addition. The following parameters were determined: (1) polymer yield (final conversion); (2) variation of conversion with time; (3) morphology of the latex particles; (4) amount of coagulum; and (5) fraction of styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixture grafted to the polybutadiene seed latex (defined here as grafting efficiency). For polymerizations using the t-butyl or cumene hydroperoxide/sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate dihydrate/EDTA-chelated Fe+2 redox initiator, the rates of polymerization were faster, the grafting efficiencies were greater, and the amounts of coagulum were greater at 70°C than at 50 or 35°C. The rates of polymerization were decreased by decreasing the concentration of redox initiator or adding it incrementally. A 1.00/1.00/0.08 (w/w) t-butyl or cumene hydroperoxide/sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate dihydrate/EDTA-chelated Fe+2 ratio gave reasonable polymerization rates at 35 and 50°C, and a 0.48/1.00/0.07 ratio, at 70°C. The latexes were stabilized during polymerization with 3% (based on seed solids) nonionic Igepal CO-990 at 35°C, and 6% at 50 and 70°C. The grafting efficiency increased with decreasing particle size of the polybutadiene seed latex and decreasing monomer/polymer ratio. The rate of polymerization increased with decreasing monomer/polymer ratio. The monomer/polymer ratio also affected the morphology of the particles; higher values gave inclusions of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) in the polybutadiene particles. There were no significant differences in polymerization kinetics or grafting efficiency between the t-butyl and cumene hydroperoxides.
Polymerisation of red cell membrane protein contributes to spheroechinocyte shape irreversibility.

THE discocyte–spheroechinocyte transformation of red cells undergoing ATP depletion and calcium accumulation is reversible after restoration of normal ATP and calcium levels or exposure of cells to stomacytogenic agents such as cationic anaesthetics1–3. This transformation becomes irreversible after a prolonged incubation without glucose or an introduction of high calcium concentrations into the cells.4 In our studies of membrane protein composition of metabolically depleted red cells, we have noted that aerobically ATP-depleted erythrocytes contained a >1 × 106-dalton reducible membrane protein polymer which was selectively enriched in spectrin, the major protein at the cytosol membrane interface5. We suggested that the formation of this complex was due to changes in the assembly of spectrin in ATP-depleted red cell membranes to form closer contacts, allowing a spontaneous crosslinking of the nearest spectrin neighbours through disulphide couplings5. Another polymer differing from that in ATP-depleted red cells by an absence of cleavage with reducing agents was recently noted in fresh red cells, into which Ca2+ (>0.5 mM) was introduced by ionophore A23187 (ref. 6); it has been attributed to a crosslinking of γ-glutamyl e-lysine residues of spectrin and other membrane proteins, catalysed by a Ca2+-activated cytoplasmic transglutaminase6,7. As both the above membrane protein polymers were found in cells which transformed into spheroechinocytic shape, we have studied and report here results which show that such spontaneous membrane protein crosslinking contributes to a permanent fixing of the red cells to their abnormal shape.
On the classical mechanical reactive infinite order sudden approximation.

Abstract The classical mechanical formulation of the reactive infinite order sudden approximation (RIOSA) is reconsidered. It is shown that the classical RIOSA conserves the total energy of the system not only in each arrangement channel, but also on the borderline separating the different arrangement channel configuration spaces. A unique interchannel transformation rule for the RIOSA angular momenta parameters is derived, which is valid for any masses of the interacting atoms and which explicitly incorporates the specificity of the RIOSA approach.
Diamonds in dense molecular clouds: A challenge to the standard interstellar medium paradigm

Observations of a newly discovered infrared C-H stretching band indicate that interstellar diamond-like material appears to be characteristic of dense clouds. In sharp contrast, the spectral signature of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium is dominated by -CH2- and -CH3 groups. This dichotomy in the aliphatic organic component between the dense and diffuse media challenges standard assumptions about the processes occurring in, and interactions between, these two media. The ubiquity of this interstellar diamond-like material rules out models for meteoritic diamond formation in unusual circumstellar environments and implies that the formation of the diamond-like material is associated with common interstellar processes or stellar types.
Gender and reactions to a hypothetical relationship partner's masturbation and use of sexually explicit media

Heterosexual college students completed a questionnaire measuring affective reactions and cognitive attributions pertaining to behavior by a hypothetical relationship partner. Compared to men, women indicated more negative feelings about a partner's solitary sexual behavior. For men and women, a partner's use of sexually explicit material was rated more negatively than a partner's masturbation. Regarding the attributions, there was a difference on concerning the belief about partner satisfaction. Respondents were more likely to see a partner's use of sexually explicit materials rather than masturbation as a sign of dissatisfaction with the original partner or the sexual relationship. Results are discussed with regard to implications for future research.
Development of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism after long-term phosphate supplementation in hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. Report of two cases

Orally administered phosphate supplements are the mainstay of therapy for hypophosphatemic osteomalacia of diverse causes and are generally believed to be free from harmful side effects. Two cases are reported, however, in which long-term therapy (14 and 10 years, respectively) resulted in hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism associated with surgically proved adenomatous hyperplasia. This complication occurred despite concomitant treatment with pharmacologic doses of vitamin D. Thus, long-term oral phosphate therapy can produce tertiary hyperparathyroidism in susceptible patients.
Morphology of the Males of Seven Species of Ortheziidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea)

ABSTRACT Because adult male Coccoidea rarely live more than three or four days, they are seldom collected and their morphology has been little studied. Therefore, the systematics of the Coccoidea is dependent on the morphology of the paedomorphic adult female. A good example is the family Ortheziidae, in which the males of only four extant and three fossil taxa are known among more than 200 species. The present work provides descriptions of the male morphology of seven further species: Graminorthezia graminis (Tinsley), Insignorthezia insignis (Browne), Newsteadia americana Morrison, Orthezia annae Cockerell, O. newcomeri Morrison, and Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas), as well as another belonging to an undetermined genus. The males of three additional genera are added to the previous literature on male Ortheziidae, providing significantly better sampling of male morphological variation within this family. Variation among genera confirms the latest classification of Kozar, in which Graminorthezia, Ins...
Significant hyponatremia following DDAVP administration in a healthy adult

We report the development of significant hyponatremia (121 mEq/L) following three daily intravenous doses of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP; 18 μg; 0.3 μg/kg) in a healthy adult with moderate von Willebrand's disease. Previous reports suggest that clinically important hyponatremia due to DDAVP administration only occurs in the very young, those receiving hypotonic intravenous fluids or those given multiple frequent (e.g., every 8–12 hours) doses of DDAVP. None of these conditions was present in this case. Consideration should be given to monitoring serum sodium levels and fluid balance in patients receiving more than a single dose of DDAVP, even in the absence of previously reported risk factors for the development of hyponatremia. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulation of real-gas effects on pressure distributions for a proposed Aeroassist Flight Experiment vehicle and comparison to prediction

Pressure distributions measured on a 60-deg elliptic cone, raked off at a 73-deg angle and having an ellipsoid nose (ellipticity equal to 2.0), are presented for a range of angle of attack from -10 to 15 deg. The high normal shock density ratio aspect of a real gas was simulated by testing in Mach-6 air (normal shock density ratio equal to 5.25) and Mach 6 CF4 (normal shock density ratio equal to 12.0). The effects of Reynolds number, angle of attack, and normal shock density ratio on these measurements are examined, and comparisons are made to an inviscid flowfield computer code known as HALIS. A significant effect of density ratio on pressure distributions on the cone section of the configuration was observed; the magnitude of this effect decreased with increased angle of attack. The effect of Reynolds number on pressures was negligible for forebody pressure distributions, but a measurable effect was noted on base pressures. In general, the HALIS code accurately predicted the measured pressure distributions in air and CF4.
RECONSIDERING EURIPIDES' BELLEROPHON

No consensus has been reached about the reconstruction of Euripides' fragmentary tragedy Bellerophon, but two suggestions have not received the serious attention they deserve. The first is that Stheneboea is a character in the play, and the second that Euripides does not depict Bellerophon as an atheist or an impious hero. In this paper, I shall reconsider both of these suggestions. In fact, the addition of Stheneboea to the dramatis personae allows us to correct the second problem, as I shall propose that Stheneboea, not Bellerophon, speaks the infamous atheistic fragment.
An Attempt to Find Neighbors

In this paper, we present our continuous research on similarity search problems. Previously we proposed PanKNN[18]which is a novel technique that explores the meaning of K nearest neighbors from a new perspective, redefines the distances between data points and a given query point Q, and efficiently and effectively selects data points which are closest to Q. It can be applied in various data mining fields. In this paper, we present our approach to solving the similarity search problem in the presence of obstacles. We apply the concept of obstacle points and process the similarity search problems in a different way. This approach can assist to improve the performance of existing data analysis approaches.
Quantitative evaluation of plasmon enhanced Raman scattering from nanoaperture arrays

Nanoaperture arrays in a silver film were quantitatively evaluated, for the first time, to determine the absolute Raman scattering enhancement factors as a function of aperture lattice spacing using a nonresonant analyte. The arrays, with 200 nm diameter apertures and varying spacing in a 50 nm thick silver film, resulted in an average area-corrected SERS enhancement factor of (6 ± 3) × 107 for 514.5 nm excitation. Comparison between theory and experiment provided critical insight into the magnitude and origin of enhancement in these nanoaperture arrays as a function of lattice spacing. The measured enhancement factor was attributed to two distinct sources: a factor of 105 from nm scale roughness associated with the Ag film in the absence of the nanoapertures and a factor of 6 × 102 associated with plasmons localized near the aperture edges.
Texture Control in Thin Films Using Ion Bombardment

The development of texture in thin films under ion bombardment is believed to occur due to the preferential growth of the aligned grains in the film relative to the unaligned grains. The difference in growth rates between aligned and unaligned grains results in the development of texture with increasing thickness. Both out-of-plane (fiber) and in-plane texture can be controlled during ion bombardment. Experiments were performed to create a (110) out-of-plane texture in thin aluminum films and to create a (110) in-plane texture in niobium films. Results showed that the texture in both cases increases in strength with depth, and that for 500 nm Al films, the (110) texture was stronger than the thermodynamically-preferred (111) texture obtained by physical vapor deposition. Results confirm a texturing mechanism based on ion channeling and preferential sputtering.
Disease, Population Viability, and Recovery of Endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) experienced a severe population decline after European settlement from which they have never recovered; this subspecies was listed as endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1999. Recovery of a listed species is accomplished via federally mandated recovery plans with specific population goals. Our main objective was to evaluate the potential impact of disease on the probability of meeting specific population size and persistence goals, as outlined in the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep recovery plan. We also sought to heuristically evaluate the efficacy of management strategies aimed at reducing disease risk to or impact on modeled bighorn populations. To do this, we constructed a stochastic population projection model incorporating disease dynamics for 3 populations (Langley, Mono, Wheeler) based on data collected from 1980 to 2007. We modeled the dynamics of female bighorns in 4 age classes (lamb, yearling, adult, senescent) under 2 disease scenarios: 5% lower survival across the latter 3 age classes and persistent 65% lower lamb survival (i.e., mild) or 65% reduced survival across all age classes followed by persistent 65% lower lamb survival (i.e., severe). We simulated management strategies designed to mitigate disease risk: reducing the probability of a disease outbreak (to represent a strategy like domestic sheep grazing management) and reducing mortality rate (to represent a strategy that improved survival in the face of introduced disease). Results from our projection model indicated that management strategies need to be population specific. The population with the highest growth rate (^; Langley; ^ ¼ 1.13) was more robust to the effects of disease. By contrast, the population with the lowest growth rate (Mono; ^ ¼ 1.00) would require management intervention beyond disease manage- ment alone, and the population with a moderate growth rate (Wheeler; ^ ¼ 1.07) would require manage- ment sufficient to prevent severe disease outbreaks. Because severe outbreaks increased adult mortality, disease can directly reduce the probability of meeting recovery plan goals. Although mild disease outbreaks had minimal direct effects on the populations, they reduced recruitment and the number of individuals available for translocation to other populations, which can indirectly reduce the probability of meeting overall, range-wide minimum population size goals. Based on simulation results, we recommend reducing the probability of outbreak by continuing efforts to manage high-risk (i.e., spatially close) allotments through restricted grazing regimes and stray management to ensure recovery for Wheeler and Mono. Managing bighorn and domestic sheep for geographic separation until Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep achieve recovery objectives would enhance the likelihood of population recovery. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Departing glances: A sociotechnical account of ‘leaving’ Grindr

Grindr is a popular location-based social networking application for smartphones, predominantly used by gay men. This study investigates why users leave Grindr. Drawing on interviews with 16 men who stopped using Grindr, this article reports on the varied definitions of leaving, focusing on what people report leaving, how they leave and what they say leaving means to them. We argue that leaving is not a singular moment, but a process involving layered social and technical acts – that understandings of and departures from location-based media are bound up with an individual’s location. Accounts of leaving Grindr destabilize normative definitions of both ‘Grindr’ and ‘leaving’, exposing a set of relational possibilities and spatial arrangements within and around which people move. We conclude with implications for the study of non-use and technological departure.
Exterior Sourcing and Technology Distinctness as Indicators for Radical Innovations: Evidence from Patents in the Information Technology Industry

We hypothesized and tested the role of looking beyond a firm’s focal industry on technology distinctness and both of their impacts on radicalness of innovations. We used patent filings from 1996 through 2009 (N=192,070) from the IT industry within the S&P 500 database. We also classified exterior sourcing as high and low, and divided technology distinctness as high, medium, and low. We found that when innovations are primarily sourced exteriorly, there is a negative relationship with technology distinctness. We also found that the relationship between technology distinctness and radicalness is stronger at lower levels of exterior sourcing than at higher levels. Further, when exterior sourcing is unable to create highly distinct technologies, the relationship between technology distinctness and radicalness goes from sparsely significant to significantly negative.
Organizational Implementation of Best Value Project Delivery: Impact of Value-Based Procurement, Preplanning, and Risk Management

Many buyer organizations have attempted to implement new project delivery methods to increase performance on their contracting processes. Yet implementing new business practices can be difficult to accomplish successfully. An action research methodology was utilized to present a longitudinal case study of the University of Alberta’s implementation of the Best Value Business Model (BVBM). A key research objective was to document and present observations of the change management principles utilized during the implementation of organizational change at a large public organization. Other research objectives included quantification of project-level and organizational-level success indicators that reflect the progress of change implementation. Results are analyzed after more than two years of implementation of the BVBM on ten separate contracts. Direct cost savings on these projects as a result of the BVBM has been documented to be as much as $16 million when considering savings below budget and conducting comparisons against traditional project delivery methodologies. Other success factors include low rates of vendor and contractor change orders and high satisfaction among owner project managers with regards to the performance of contracted service providers. Contributions of this research include documentation how theoretical change management principles have been applied within an action research setting as well as the identification and documentation of success indicators for project- and organizational-level implementation of new project delivery methods.
Experimental evidence for physiological costs underlying the trade-off between reproduction and survival.

Summary 1. A central tenet of life-history theory is that investment in reproduction compromises survival. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms that link reproduction to survival are poorly understood, particularly in wild populations. 2. Previous experiments in the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) show that the elimination of reproduction via surgical ovariectomy results in a dramatic increase in the survival of wild females. We hypothesized that this trade-off reflects underlying differences in energy allocation between reproduction and physiological processes that influence survival. 3. To test this hypothesis, we compared ovariectomized (OVX) females to reproductive controls (SHAM) with respect to four physiological parameters that are thought to influence survival: energy storage, haematocrit, immune function and parasitemia. 4. Consistent with previous studies, we found that OVX females exhibited increased survival and growth relative to reproductive SHAM females. At the end of the breeding season, OVX also exceeded SHAM with respect to energy storage, haematocrit and immune response to phytohemagglutinin challenge. 5. Contrary to our predictions, OVX were more likely than SHAM to exhibit high levels of parasitemia. However, growth and parasite load were positively correlated in OVX and negatively correlated in SHAM, suggesting that reproductive investment may compromise parasite tolerance rather than parasite resistance. 6. Collectively, our results provide direct experimental evidence that reproductive investment affects several key physiological traits that likely interact to influence survival in wild populations.
Geophysics at sea: Rising fuel costs

In the past year or two the costs of fuel for research vessels have seriously affected geophysical and oceanographic studies at sea. Many vessels have not left the dock during that period, others have been used sparsely, and research programs have suffered. The National Science Foundation has considered new efficient vessels to replace the currently existing fleet. New propulsion systems are being considered, although for this decade, no large breakthroughs are expected in the efficiency of diesel engines.
Use of infrared thermography to assess laying-hen feather coverage

Infrared thermography (IRT) was compared with the traditional 4-scale feather scoring (FS, with 1 representing the worst feather coverage and 4 the best) method for assessing feather coverage of laying hens. The feather coverage of 6 body parts (head, dorsal neck, front neck and crop, back, breast, and belly), body surface temperature distribution, and relative change in sensible heat loss of 60 laying hens (Lohmann SL white breed) at 28, 56, or 73 wk of age (20 hens per age group) were compared by using IRT. For all the 6 body parts and the area-weighted overall, the area of excellent feather (EF) determined by IRT was positively correlated with the 4-scale scores determined by FS (P < 0.05), whereas the areas of fair feather (FF), no feather (NF), and body surface temperature were negatively correlated with FS scores (P < 0.05). Feather deterioration occurred for elder hens at all body parts. Feather coverage of the hens was classified as 98.7% EF, 1.3% FF, and 0% NF at 28 wk of age; 70.2% EF, 20.6% FF, and 9.2% NF at 56 wk of age; and 35.4% EF, 17.1% FF, and 49.5% NF at 73 wk of age. As a result of less feather coverage and higher surface temperature, sensible heat loss was speculated to be higher for 56- and 73-wk-old hens than for 28-wk-old hens, potentially leading to higher feed-to-egg conversion for the elder hens. It was concluded that IRT is a promising technique or tool that may provide a more objective and quantitative evaluation of laying-hen feather conditions and delineation of bird thermoregulation.
Reviewing versus doing: learning and performance in crowd assessment

In modern crowdsourcing markets, requesters face the challenge of training and managing large transient workforces. Requesters can hire peer workers to review others' work, but the value may be marginal, especially if the reviewers lack requisite knowledge. Our research explores if and how workers learn and improve their performance in a task domain by serving as peer reviewers. Further, we investigate whether peer reviewing may be more effective in teams where the reviewers can reach consensus through discussion. An online between-subjects experiment compares the trade-offs of reviewing versus producing work using three different organization strategies: working individually, working as an interactive team, and aggregating individuals into nominal groups. The results show that workers who review others' work perform better on subsequent tasks than workers who just produce. We also find that interactive reviewer teams outperform individual reviewers on all quality measures. However, aggregating individual reviewers into nominal groups produces better quality assessments than interactive teams, except in task domains where discussion helps overcome individual misconceptions.
Synovial cyst of temporomandibular joint, a potential etiology for auriculotemporal neuralgia?

Synovial cysts of the TemporoMandibularJoint (TMJ) are rare. To date, eleven case reports exist. AuriculoTemporal Neuralgia (ATN) is a distinct form of facial pain with no clear etiology. We report a case of synovial cysts of the TMJ with symptoms suggesting ATN.
A projective method for collision detection of robot arms moving among obstacles

The authors present a projective method for collision detection for robot arms moving among obstacles. A mixed model for describing objects is suggested. Procedures for intersection checking among primitive shapes are developed that are based on the idea that two objects have no intersection if one can find a particular projection direction such that the images of the two objects have no intersection on the projection plane. It is noted that not all of these algorithms provide necessary and sufficient conditions for collision detection. However, none of them requires more than two projections to determine whether a collision is likely to occur. Furthermore, images of the objects after projection are simple shapes such as circles and polygons. Thus, the checking procedures are simple and efficient for online implementation. The method can also be applied for planning paths for multiarm robots. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the applicability of the algorithms. >
Effects of Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Degree Utility on Student Persistence: A Path Analytic Study.

A path model was constructed mapping the effect of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and degree utility on persistence of underprepared college students. The path model accounted for 21 percent of the variance in intent to persist and 27 percent of the variance in student persistence. The final structural model adds to the literature on student persistence in several ways. First, it suggests the importance of Degree Utility for this population: Students who believed college would provide employment opportunities and better careers were more likely to persist. Second, it confirms that CDMSE has a direct effect on social and academic integration and an indirect effect on persistence. Implications for research include developing and testing interventions to enhance CDMSE. Implications for practice include providing career counseling and advising that identifies the connection between employment opportunities and academic course, program, or degree completion and engaging in practices that increase...
Carbon Nanotube Nanostructured Hybrid Materials Systems for Renewable Energy Applications

Global energy demand is growing at an alarming and unsustainable rate, drawing mainly on the use of fossil fuels. These reserves are decreasing rapidly and becoming increasingly expensive. The associated emissions of greenhouse gases and other toxic pollutants are becoming environmentally unacceptable. Energy security has become a major issue as fossil fuels are confined to few areas in the world and their availability is controlled by political, economic, and ecological factors. A global coherent energy strategy that encompasses the entire energy life cycle is required in order to address all the forms of energy harvesting, storage, conversion, transmission, and distribution. Hybrid nanomaterial systems hold the key to fundamental advances in direct renewable energy and energy storage and conversion which are needed to enable renewable energy and meet the general energy challenges and associated environmental effects. This paper presents new approaches and methodologies used to design and develop carbon nanotube nanostructured hybrid nanomaterial systems incorporating structural and light-absorbing electron donor polymers, inorganic semiconductors, metallic and ceramic nanoparticles as energy harvesting and storage systems.
Stability properties of an arbitrarily oriented mean flow

The linear properties of eddies growing in a mean flow that is oriented in any horizontal direction are analyzed. The mean flow only varies with height. The growth rate, phase speed and structure of the waves change dramatically with different orientations of the mean flow and the waves. These properties are related to the vertical profile of the mean total interior potential vorticity gradient, Q?. Q? is largest for those orientations where the Coriolis terms are most positive; it is smallest when those terms are most negative. When Q? is maximized; the growth rates are largest, the propagation speed is least, the upper level eddy amplitude is enhanced and the sharpest vertical tilts of the trough and ridge axes occur at lower levels. The opposite properties result when Q? is minimized. Limiting the horizontal extent of the wave (by using side-wall boundaries) causes cross-flow asymmetry in the wave structure and induces horizontal tilts to the wave axes. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1981.tb01743.x
Self-Noise of Frequency Hopping Signals

The self-noise of a system that uses frequency hopping for channel coding is determined for the limiting case of no receiver noise. The noise output is found to be a semirandom sequence of "clicks." Adjacent clicks are correlated, and the power density spectrum is of the form sin^{2} x .
Electronically variable time delay in ultrasonic Lamb wave delay lines

This paper is concerned with the effect of a biasing electric field on the propagation of ultrasonic Lamb waves in thin plates. The biasing field is applied parallel to the direction of substrate thickness. Since the plate is very thin, large values of electric field can be obtained with low bias voltages. Our experiments have utilized Lamb wave delay lines fabricated on a 2.5 /spl mu/m thick silicon nitride membrane. Preliminary results indicate that fractional time delay changes greater than 130 parts per million can be obtained with bias voltages less than 2 volts.
Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous azidothymidine in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous bolus and continuous infusion azidothymidine (AZT) was studied in rhesus monkeys. Three animals received 100 mg/m2 as a bolus injection both intravenously and subcutaneously, with the order of administration randomly determined. Two animals received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of 25 mg/m2 per h for 12 or 24 h. AZT was measured in plasma by a reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay. Following intravenous bolus administration, AZT elimination was rapid, with a mean half-life of 1.2 h and a mean clearance of 318 ml/min per m2 (range, 200 to 441 ml/min per m2). The bolus subcutaneous dose was rapidly (time to peak concentration, 15 to 30 min) and nearly completely (fraction absorbed, 92%) absorbed without evidence of local tissue toxicity. With continuous subcutaneous infusion of AZT, the steady state was attained within 4 h and steady-state concentrations in plasma in the two animals exceeded 3.0 mumol/liter. No local tissue toxicity was observed at the infusion site. The subcutaneous route may be a practical alternative to intravenous administration of AZT and deserves further clinical study.
Role of Fibrinogen and Protease-Activated Receptors in Acute Xenobiotic-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury

Alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury causes tissue factor (TF)-dependent coagulation in mice, and TF deficiency reduces ANIT-induced liver injury. However, the mechanism whereby TF contributes to hepatotoxicity in this model is not known. Utilizing pharmacological and genetic strategies, we evaluated the contribution of fibrinogen and two distinct receptors for thrombin, protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and PAR-4, in a model of acute ANIT hepatotoxicity. ANIT administration (60 mg/kg, po) caused a marked induction of the genes encoding the three fibrinogen chains (α, β, and γ) in liver, an increase in plasma fibrinogen, and concurrent deposition of thrombin-cleaved fibrin in liver. Partial depletion of circulating fibrinogen with ancrod did not impact ANIT hepatotoxicity. However, complete fibrin(ogen) deficiency significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity and hepatocellular necrosis in ANIT-treated mice. ANIT-induced hepatocellular necrosis was similar in PAR-1(-/-) mice compared with PAR-1(+/+) mice. Interestingly, the progression of ANIT-induced hepatocellular necrosis was significantly reduced in PAR-4(-/-) mice and by administration of an inhibitory PAR-4 pepducin (P4Pal-10, 0.5 mg/kg, sc) to wild-type mice 8 h after ANIT treatment. Interestingly, a distinct lesion, parenchymal-type peliosis, was also observed in PAR-4(-/-) mice treated with ANIT and in mice that were given P4Pal-10 prior to ANIT administration. The results suggest that fibrin(ogen), but not PAR-1, contributes to the progression of ANIT hepatotoxicity in mice. Moreover, the data suggest a dual role for PAR-4 in ANIT hepatotoxicity, both mediating an early protection against peliosis and contributing to the progression of hepatocellular necrosis.
Thyroid hormone coordinates respiratory control maturation and adenine nucleotide translocator expression in heart in vivo.

Background —The signal transduction mechanism linking mitochondrial ATP synthesis with cytosolic ATP utilization in heart changes during postnatal development in vivo. This maturational process occurs in parallel with accumulation of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), which provides a possible site for respiratory control. We postulated that thyroid hormone regulates these maturational processes. Methods and Results —We used 31P MR spectroscopy to determine the relationship between myocardial high-energy phosphates, phosphocreatine, and ADP and oxygen consumption (MVo2) during epinephrine stimulation in 32- to 40-day-old lambs thyroidectomized after birth (THY) and age-matched controls. Steady-state protein and mRNA levels for ANT isoforms and β-F1-ATPase were assessed from left ventricular tissues by Western and Northern blotting. With greater doses of epinephrine, THY attained lower peak MVo2 than controls ( P <0.05). Controls maintained high-energy phosphate levels, unlike THY, which demonstrated significantly decreased phosphocreatine/ATP and increased cytosolic ADP despite lower peak MVo2. No significant differences in β-F1-ATPase protein or mRNA occurred between groups. However, ANT isoform mRNA levels were 2-fold greater and protein levels 4-fold greater in control hearts. Conclusions —These data imply that the maturational shift away from ADP-mediated respiratory control is regulated by thyroid hormone in vivo. Specific thyroid-modulated increases in ANT mRNA and protein imply that this regulation occurs in part at a pretranslational level.
General Circulatory Alterations Induced by Intravenous Infusion of Synthetic Bradykinin in Man

The general hemodynamic effects induced by a continuous intravenous infusion of synthetic bradykinin were studied in ten patients submitted to simultaneous right- and left-heart catheterization. A significant drop in systemic arterial pressure and in total peripheral resistance was observed, coincident with an increase of the cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume. There was no consistent change of the pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures, but the pulmonary vascular resistance decreased significantly.
The effect of intermittent hypoxia on obstructive sleep apnea: beneficial or detrimental?

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant public health problem owing to both prevalence and debilitating long-term negative consequences. OSA typically occurs in individuals whose narrow upper airways (UA) make them dependent on UA dilator muscle tone to maintain UA patency. In these patients
Origin and interpretation of cancer transcriptome profiling: the essential role of the stroma in determining prognosis and drug resistance

Mesenchymal gene expression in tumors has been implicated in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and poor prognosis of patients. The source of these mesenchymal signals has been mostly attributed to the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐like phenotype of epithelial tumor cells. However, recent evidence from colorectal and other cancer transcriptome studies clearly shows that the mesenchymal gene expression likely originates from stromal cells in and around the tumor and that this microenvironment specifically confers tumor aggressiveness. These findings highlight the need to move away from tumor‐centric interpretations and to better establish the complementary role of the stromal microenvironment in fueling aggressive traits of cancer cells. This observation also suggests that future attempts at transcriptome profiling of whole tumor tissue must take into account the origin of mesenchymal gene expression profiles to better guide development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Modeling the Rate of Senescence: Can Estimated Biological Age Predict Mortality More Accurately Than Chronological Age?

Biological age (BA) is useful for examining differences in aging rates. Nevertheless, little consensus exists regarding optimal methods for calculating BA. The aim of this study is to compare the predictive ability of five BA algorithms. The sample included 9,389 persons, aged 30–75 years, from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. During the 18-year follow-up, 1,843 deaths were counted. Each BA algorithm was compared with chronological age on the basis of predictive sensitivity and strength of association with mortality. Results found that the Klemera and Doubal method was the most reliable predictor of mortality and performed significantly better than chronological age. Furthermore, when included with chronological age in a model, Klemera and Doubal method had more robust predictive ability and caused chronological age to no longer be significantly associated with mortality. Given the potential of BA to highlight heterogeneity, the Klemera and Doubal method algorithm may be useful for studying a number of questions regarding the biology of aging.
Induction of apolipoprotein E expression by TR4 orphan nuclear receptor via 5' proximal promoter region.

Abstract While other plasma lipoproteins are exclusively expressed in liver and intestine, apoliprotein E (apoE) is ubiquitously synthesized in many tissues. To understand the molecular mechanism of non-tissue-specific apoE expression, we tested the testicular orphan receptor 4 (TR4) effect on apoE expression in different cell lines, such as HepG2, COS-1, and H1299 cells. Gel shift assay and 5′ promoter activity analyses identified one distinct hormone response element (TR4RE-DR0-apoE at −303 to −292 bp) that binds to TR4 and results in full induction of apoE gene transcription. TR4 also forms a complex with Sp1 to synergistically induce apoE expression via a region containing the TR4RE-DR0-apoE and the Sp1 binding site (−169 to −140 bp). Induction of apoE expression by TR4 was also confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels in H1299 cells. Together, our data demonstrate that TR4 can enhance apoE gene expression via binding to TR4RE-DR0 in apoE 5′ promoter and this TR4 binding is essential for synergistic interaction with another transcription factor, Sp1.