cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of the acidity of substituted phenols, anilines, and benzoic acids calculated by MNDO, AM1, and PM3 with Hammett‐type substituent constants

Heats of formation and net atomic charges of some 120 structures involving substituted phenols, anilines, and benzoic acids and the corresponding anions were calculated by MNDO, AM1, and PM3 semiempirical methods. The gas phase acidities of substituted phenols and anilines and the net atomic charges on the anionic heteroatoms of the corresponding anions have been successfully correlated with σ− constants. Moreover, good correlations with σ were found for the charges on the acidic hydrogens of substituted phenols and anilines. In contrast, the gas phase acidities of substituted benzoic acids and the charges on the anionic oxygens of the corresponding anions are better correlated with Taft σ° constants. Comparisons of these results with experimental data and ab initio theoretical calculations indicate that AM1 and PM3 methods are much better than MNDO in predicting the acidity of aromatic compounds.
Comparative study of diets and disease prevalence in Greek Chians part II Chian immigrants to Athens and to the United States

The study examined differences in Greek and Greek‐American diets and disease patterns related to migration within the Mediterranean and from the Mediterranean to the United States. Data reported here discuss changes in food patterns and health‐related characteristics of two populations, both originating from the Greek island of Chios, residing either in Athens, Greece, or urban centers in the United States. Food consumption and medical history questionnaires were mailed to 2652 Chians residing in Athens, New York, and the San Francisco Bay region of California. A total of 381 usable responses were obtained; 79% of both the Chian Greek and the Chian Greek American sample were first generation emigrants. Food consumption data were analyzed as monthly frequencies of 49 food items and categories using factor analysis and discriminate analysis. Associations between location of residence and disease prevalence were examined using maximum‐likelihood logit analysis; results were controlled for age, Body Mass Inde...
Presenting quality data to vulnerable groups: charts, summaries or behavioral economic nudges?:

ObjectivesDespite the increased focus on health care consumers’ active choice, not enough is known about how to best facilitate the choice process. We sought to assess methods of improving this process for vulnerable consumers in the United States by testing alternatives that emphasize insights from behavioral economics, or ‘nudges’.MethodsWe performed a hypothetical choice experiment where subjects were randomized to one of five experimental conditions and asked to choose a health center (location where they would receive all their care). The conditions presented the same information about health centers in different ways, including graphically as a chart, via written summary and using behavioral economics, ‘nudging’ consumers toward particular choices. We hypothesized that these ‘nudges’ might help simplify the choice process. Our primary outcomes focused on the health center chosen and whether consumers were willing to accept ‘nudges’.ResultsWe found that consumer choice was influenced by the method of...
DNA synthesis in vitro in human fibroblast preparations

Abstract When confluent cultures of human fibroblasts were ultraviolet irradiated and either permeabilized or lysed, three types of DNA synthesis were subsequently observed during incubation in vitro: (A) a low level of DNA replication, which ceased after 15–30 min incubation at 37°C; (B) radiation-dependent reparative gap-filling, which also ceased after 15 min at 37°C; and (C) radiation-independent DNA synthesis, which was not semiconservative and proceeded at a linear rate for 1 h at 37°C. Normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts displayed different rates of radiation-dependent reparative gap-filling after lysis but similar rates of radiation-independent DNA synthesis. The rates of DNA replication and radiation-independent DNA synthesis were less in the permeable cell system than in the lysed cell system, whereas radiation-dependent reparative gap-filling was the same in both. Preparations of permeable and lysed cells activated radiation-dependent reparative gap-filling at about 15% of the rate estimated for intact cells. No radiation-dependent DNA strand breaks, as assayed by alkaline elution, were observed in the lysed cell preparation. Some radiation-dependent breaks were observed in the permeable cell preparation, but radiation-dependent DNA breakage was less than that seen in intact cells. This inability to incise DNA at damaged sites could account for the low rate of activation of reparative gap-filling in vitro. DNA strand breaks were produced in fibroblast preparations nonspecifically during lysis or permeabilization and incubation in vitro, and this breakage of DNA probably was responsible for the radiation-independent DNA synthesis.
Tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of ethanol during ethanol withdrawal.

Abstract Prior research has indicated that tolerance develops to the antinociceptive effects of ethanol and continues even during withdrawal. Three potential pharmacological mechanisms for this tolerance are examined, using nitrendipine (L-type calcium channel blocker), theophylline (adenosine A 1 /A 2 antagonist) and flumazenil (benzodiazepine antagonist). Rats received 10 days of exposure to an ethanol-containing liquid diet (6.5% w/v). A radiant heat tail-flick assay was used to assess hyperalgesia at 12 h after removal of the liquid diet, as well as tolerance to the effects of cumulative doses of ethanol (0.5–2 g/kg). Co-administration of flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d.), nitrendipine (5 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d.) or theophylline (1 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d.) with chronic ethanol prevented development of the hyperalgesia produced by ethanol withdrawal, but only theophylline reduced tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of ethanol administered during ethanol withdrawal. In contrast, when administered during ethanol withdrawal, theophylline (1–10 mg/kg) blocked the anti-hyperalgesic effects of ethanol during ethanol withdrawal, whereas nitrendipine (5–25 mg/kg) enabled ethanol to produce levels of antinociception comparable to non-dependent rats. These findings indicate that L-type calcium channels and adenosine receptors play important, but differing roles in the development of hyperalgesia during withdrawal, and to tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of ethanol.
A note on the visibility in the [1, N ] × [1, N ] integer domain

A k-dimensional integer point is called visible if the line segment joining the point and the origin contains no proper integer points. This note proposes an explicit formula that represents the number of visible points on the two-dimensional [1,N]×[1,N] integer domain. Simulations and theoretical work are presented.
Connecting Classroom with Community: Service and Professional Socialization in Applied Programs for Undergraduates

One of the original propositions surrounding higher education in the United States was that its purpose was to allow people to give service to society, and that the curriculum should provide values-oriented intellectual training (Wieckowski, Thomas Student-Community Service Programs: The Academic Connection. NASPA Journal 29(3), 1992). This agenda has all but disappeared, as even liberal arts education focuses on a goal of earning rather than learning, and the values being absorbed by students are those tied to consumerism and the individual acquisition of wealth. The notion of giving back to the land (or society) and reaching out to help the community is alien to many, if not most, of our students. Indeed, in a recent survey of first year college students, only 22% said that "participating in a community-action program" was very important (Delve, Cecilia I. Community Service as Values Education. New Directions for Student Services, No. 50, 1990:2). Consequently, those of us committed to service-learning ...
Review of the New World species of the genus Argopistes Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)

The New Worldspecies of the genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 are reviewed, illustrated and a key for their identification is provided. Two new species are described: A. turnbowi (Bahamas Islands) and A. woodleyi (Dominican Republic). The lectotype of A. scyrtoides LeConte is designated.
Using views of Systems Biology Cloud: application for model building.

A large and growing network (“cloud”) of interlinked terms and records of items of Systems Biology knowledge is available from the web. These items include pathways, reactions, substances, literature references, organisms, and anatomy, all described in different data sets. Here, we discuss how the knowledge from the cloud can be molded into representations (views) useful for data visualization and modeling. We discuss methods to create and use various views relevant for visualization, modeling, and model annotations, while hiding irrelevant details without unacceptable loss or distortion. We show that views are compatible with understanding substances and processes as sets of microscopic compounds and events respectively, which allows the representation of specializations and generalizations as subsets and supersets respectively. We explain how these methods can be implemented based on the bridging ontology Systems Biological Pathway Exchange (SBPAX) in the Systems Biology Linker (SyBiL) we have developed.
Pyrolysis of 2-methylene-3,4,5,6-dibenzo-3′,4′-(9,10-phenanthro)spirobicyclohexane to yield tetrabenzanthracene and ethylene

Abstract The pyrolysis of 2-methylene-3,4,5,6-dibenzo-3′,4′-(9,10-phenanthro)spirobicyclohexane (3) does not lead to an isomer, as suggested in the literature, but yields tetrabenz(a,c,h,j) anthracene (4). Concerted and two-step reactions, the latter involving an ene rearrangement, are considered for the loss of the two-carbon fragment from 3.
Determination of blood folate using acid extraction and internally standardized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection.

Whole blood folate level is a superior indicator of folate nutritional status than serum/plasma level. Problems with and lack of confidence in results of current whole blood folate assays have limited its popularity for assessing folate nutritional status. Here, an acid extraction GCMS detection method that measures total folate whole blood is presented. Folates are released from the matrix of whole blood and cleaved to para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) by acid hydrolysis in the presence of [(13)C(6)]pABA as internal standard (IS). The hydrolysate is passed over a C18 resin to remove heme. The pABA isotopomers are ethyl esterified, isolated on C18 resin, and trifluoroacetylated. Following normal-phase HPLC separation, the isotopomers are silylated to their tBDMS derivatives. The abundance of these derivatives are measured at m/z 324 for [(13)C(6)]pABA as IS and m/z 318 for pABA from whole blood folate. Our method uses readily available chemicals and our results agree well with those using Lactobacillus casei, the current gold standard reference assay. The presence of folate analogs (methotrexate) or antibacterials (sulfonamines) does not affect our method. This feature makes it useful in monitoring folate status of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Before using our method, pABA supplements must be discontinued for a few days.
Published Results of Surgery for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

Optimal decision making about whether to offer or to undergo any arterial revascularization requires explicit consideration of the risks associated with the natural course of the disease and with specific interventional strategies, as well as the preferences of individual patients concerning specific outcomes. Adequate data are vital to informed decision making. Ideally, one would estimate the likelihood of specific outcomes from the results of prospective population-based studies involving a variety of practice settings and patient types over a broad geographic area. However, with rare exceptions, these data are not presently available for patients with aortoiliac arterial occlusive disease (AIAOD). Instead, practitioners must estimate results from institution-based retrospective studies. The data reported here were collated by use of structured literature review in order to improve decision making for all patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and for their physicians. We accepted the fact of publication bias (for example, the concept that published results would tend to be better than unpublished results), in order to summarize the data physicians are communicating to one another in the literature. These data bring us as close as we can come today to answering the question, ‘‘What can physicians tell patients about the results of reconstructive surgery for aortoiliac arterial occlusive disease, on the basis of available information?’’ The data also focus attention on the related question, ‘‘What additional information do patients and physicians need?’’
Working set generation methods for labor tour scheduling

Abstract Working set methods in labor scheduling generally consist of a generation and implementation phase. The generation phase involves the selection of a subset of work schedules from the complete (master) set of all allowed work schedules. In the implementation phase, either heuristic or integer optimal solutions are obtained upon the basis of the schedules in the working set. We classify previous working set generation procedures as being either structural, demand-based, or refinement. Two new working set procedures within the first category and one new procedure within the second category are developed. Subsequently, we compare the efficacy of the new and previously published generation procedures within the context of a discontinuous tour scheduling environment where the sole objective is minimization of total labor hours scheduled. All comparative analysis was based upon the global integer optimal solutions to problems posed by the master set associated with 36 different labor requirements distributions. The second of the new structural methods resulted in the best performance for all working set sizes. In particular, it resulted in global integer optimal solutions, for all test problems, with working set sizes of 40 and 50. The new demand-based method resulted in the second best performance at a working set size of 50. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the results for future research and practice.
Job satisfaction among program directors in obstetrics and gynecology: A national portrait

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine job satisfaction among program directors in obstetrics and gynecology with the use of a validated tool and to identify specific sources of dissatisfaction that might lead to job change. Study design The program director satisfaction and a global job satisfaction survey were sent to all program directors in the United States. Motivators for seeking a job change were assessed. The χ 2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used. Results Seventy percent of 254 surveys were completed. Global job satisfaction (minimum, 4; maximum, 16) was 11.9±2.9; mean program director satisfaction score was 135±25.8 (minimum, 54; maximum, 200). Job satisfaction was highest in chairs, full professors, those whose age was >50 years, and those with >5 years of experience ( P =.02) and in facets that were related to work with residents, colleagues, and patients. Dissatisfaction was highest with regard to salary, promotion opportunities, and resources. Forty-six percent of those who responded were considering a job change in 3 years; the most common reason for a job change that was cited was administrative hassles. Conclusion Although job satisfaction is high among program directors, administrative hassles may lead to high rate of rapid turnover.
Results of the interaction of mercury with alloys of other metals

It is well known that alloying metals with each other often modifies in a remarkable way their several relations to acids and other non-metallic reagents. Examples of this are afforded by the addition of silver to platinum, rendering the latter soluble, along with the former, in nitric acid —by the great resistance to the action of aqua regia on platinum when alloyed with rhodium or iridium—and by the solubility in cold, somewhat dilute sulphuric acid, of copper in alloy with nickel and zinc as common “German silver.” It seemed interesting to see what the behaviour of fluid metallic mercury would be in relation to alloys of metals solid at common temperatures. For instance, if an alloy of two metals—one of them when alone amalgamating readily with mercury and the other not—should be exposed to the action of mercury, would the former resist amalgamation or the latter be rendered amalgamable, or would each continue to behave as though the other were absent and the mercury take up the one and leave the other intact?
Task dependent cerebral lateralization of the 40 Hertz EEG rhythm.

Task dependent lateralization of the 40 Hz EEG rhythm and its relationship to 40 Hz EMG activity were investigated in 24 right-handed subjects. Each subject was administered four tests: verbal analogies, mathematical problems, facial discrimination, and geometric figure rotation. Bilateral EEG and EMG activity were recorded during each of the tests. Lateralization of the 40 Hz EEG rhythm was found during three of the four tasks. No comparable lateralization of 40 Hz EMG activity was found. Results are discussed in terms of 40 Hz EEG as resulting from a focused state of cortical arousal, and of 40 Hz EEG as differentiable from 40 Hz EMG.
Minimizing Infiltration Times during Isothermal Chemical Vapor Infiltration with Methyltrichlorosilane

Minimum infiltration times during isothermal chemical vapor infiltration were calculated for the formation of a silicon carbide matrix composite from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS). Several different reaction models were used to describe the SiC deposition kinetics. The results show that the nature of the reaction model has a significant effect on process optimization considerations. It is clear that a simple first-order deposition reaction does not accurately describe the infiltration process, while rate expressions that treat the effect of chlorine-containing byproduct gases provide much more accurate predictions. In theory, much shorter infiltration times can be obtained with precursor chemistries that do not produce Cl-containing gases. The results also provide guidelines for minimizing infiltration times with MTS.
Saying “Yes,”“No,” and “Load Me Up” to Guns in America

Debate over gun control and gun rights has energized but not explained the seesaw nature of national gun policy making. Punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) aids in understanding that process, the g...
Feeding Value of Low-Moisture Alfalfa Silage from Conventional Silos

Summary The feeding value of low-moisture alfalfa silage from conventional tower silos was compared to the same crop preserved as high-quality hay. Silage or hay was fed ad lib as the only forage to dairy cattle or heifers in four feeding trials. Average daily forage dry matter intakes by dairy cows were 24.3 vs. 23.0 and 24.6 vs. 25.1lb for low-moisture silage and hay, respectively. The corresponding values for FCM production were 23.4 vs. 22.5 and 33.5 vs. 32.8lb. Heifers consumed similar amounts of low-moisture silage and hay dry matter per day (16.5 vs. 17.1 and 21.3 vs. 21.5lb, respectively) and made similar liveweight gains (.93 vs. .71 and 1.71 vs. 1.62lb). Analysis of variance indicated no significant differences in these means at a 5% probability level. Proximate composition of the two forage types showed a consistent tendency for higher crude protein and lower crude fiber in the low-moisture silages compared to the matched hays. These silages were characterized by low contents of ammoniacal nitrogen and total acid, with a predominance of lactic acid and more than 2% reducing sugars. This indicated excellent preservation and limited fermentation. Higher digestibility of silage was observed in one of the two years. It was concluded that replacement of field curing with low-moisture ensiling would be advantageous in many instances, since this would permit greater independence from weather and full automation of harvesting and feeding, with no sacrifice in feeding value.
User zoning handover: an approach for 4G mobility

Mobility management is a critical aspect of 4G. Modern 4G networks require a sufficient level of mobility support in order to meet future networks' expectations. Plenty of research is taking place to improve mobility to support next generation networks. In this paper, we discuss different aspects of mobility and identify challenges facing mobility management. In addition, we propose a user zoning handover technique based on the IEEE 802.21 protocol. Handover cost analysis is provided. The new technique reduces overhead and time consumed while performing handover.
From theory to research: Contextual predictors of “ estar + adjective” and the study of the SLA of Spanish copula choice

The current study addresses the challenge of investigating the SLA of estar with adjectives when highlighting two specific contextual meanings: comparisons within an individual frame of reference and speaker reactions as a result of immediate experience with the referent. Estar is examined within these contexts using a picture-description task and a contextualized preference task specifically designed to create clear and unambiguous contexts of comparison and immediate experience. One hundred and eleven English-speaking Spanish students at four different levels of proficiency participated in the research. Findings from the study are examined in relation to recent predictive models as well as future directions for the study of the SLA of Spanish copula choice.
Using enhancement data to deinterlace 1080i HDTV

When interlaced scan (IS) is used for television transmission, the received video must be deinterlaced to be displayed on progressive scan (PS) displays. To achieve good performance, the deinterlacing operation is typically computationally expensive. We propose a receiver compatible approach which performs a deinterlacing operation inexpensively, with good performance. At the transmitter, the system analyzes the video and transmits an additional low bit-rate stream. Existing receivers ignore this information. New receivers utilize this stream and perform a deinterlacing operation inexpensively with good performance. Results indicate that this approach can improve the digital television standard in a receiver compatible manner.
The big picture: how (and when and why) the West grew rich

Abstract This paper surveys the analysis of Nathan Rosenberg and L.E. Birdzell Jr. in How the West Grew Rich . They deal with two major questions: (1) the explanation of the original onset of economic growth in the Western world; (2) the circumstances that permitted this economic growth to continue, without decline or stagnation, for several centuries. Their focus on the critical role of the relationship between economic and political spheres, particularly the importance of political decentralization and individual freedoms, is examined. Also discussed is the attention given to the impact of the expansion of trade and to the causes and consequences of the scientific and technological changes of the modern era. The arguments of Rosenberg and Birdzell are briefly compared and contrasted with those of other economic historians who have dealt with similar questions.
2-Dimensional kinetic analysis of manual wheelchair propulsion with an improved SMARTWheel

The purpose of this project was to develop a system for dynamically sensing push-rim propulsion forces and torques and to collect kinetic data with the device. A system was developed to detect the forces and torques applied to the wheelchair pushrim, record, store, and process the measured data, and display the kinetic information for analysis. Ten adults, including four male wheelchair users, three ambulatory men, and three ambulatory women, pushed a wheelchair with the SMART Wheel on a dynamometer while their kinematics were videotaped. The kinetic data collected with our wheel were correlated with stick figure representations of digitized kinematic data obtained through video analysis. The close agreement between the kinetic results and the kinematic results provided a temporal validation of the ability of the wheel to detect forces and torques applied to the wheelchair pushrim. The recorded forces and torques were representative of what was expected in terms of magnitudes and directions.
Sense-Through-Foliage target detection using UWB radar sensor networks

In this paper, we propose two signal processing approaches to detect the target obscured by foliage based on real data collected by an Ultra-wide band (UWB) radar sensor. One is a differential-based four-step signal processing approach that estimates and offsets the impulsive clutter; the other approach employs short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to distinguish the target from foliage clutter. Both of these approaches provide better detection performance compared to the common 2-D image algorithm used for UWB radar. From time to time, due to the significant pulse-to-pulse variability of the foliage clutter, neither differential-based nor STFT approach can detect the target. In this case, we propose radar sensor network (RSN) and a RAKE structure in addition to the previous signal processing approaches for data fusion. The result shows that accurate detection can be achieved. Numerical performances have been analyzed for both cases in terms of probability of detection and probability of false alarm.
Purification and DNA binding properties of the blal gene product, repressor for the β-lactamase gene, blaP, of Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract The location of the repressor gene, blaI, for the beta-lactamase gene blaP of Bacillus licheniformis 749, on the 5' side of blaP, was confirmed by sequencing the bla region of the constitutive mutant 749/C. An amber stop codon, likely to result in a nonfunctional truncated repressor, was found at codon 32 of the 128 codon blaI open reading frame (ORF) located 5' to blaP. In order to study the DNA binding activity of the repressor, the structural gene for blaI, from strain 749, with its ribosome binding site was expressed using a two plasmid T7 RNA polymerase/promotor system (S. Tabor and C. C. Richardson. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 82, 1074-1078 (1985). Heat induction of this system in Escherichia coli K38 resulted in the production of BlaI as 5-10% of the soluble cell protein. Repressor protein was then purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and cation exchange chromatography. The sequence of the N-terminal 28 amino acid residues was determined and was as predicted from the DNA. Binding of BlaI to DNA was detected by the slower migration of protein DNA complexes during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. BlaI was shown to selectively bind DNA fragments carrying the promoter regions of blaI and blaP.
Expanding Computing as an Academic Service Discipline

In addition to its traditional role as a professionally oriented major, computing must expand as a mainstream service discipline, with significance for all schools in academia.
DIID - Data-Independent Interface for Databases The AI Perspective

We describe the development and implementation of DIID, a data-independent natural language interface (NLI) from the perspective of Artificial Intelligence research. In general, we discuss the implications and applications of AI epistemology, methodology and technology for developing state-of-the-art software products such as our DIID system. In particular, we discuss how a unified knowledge representation coupled with appropriate heuristics is necessary to build a powerful, robust, and extensible NLI.
Reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction during cold pressor test is mediated through α-adrenoceptors

The effects of the cold pressor test on the coronary circulation have been clearly defined but the effects on the peripheral vasculature are less well understood. To measure the peripheral vasomotor response during cold pressor test perfusion in the upper extremity contralateral to the cold immersion was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry and skin-surface temperature gradients. To identify the mechanism of vasoconstriction, cold pressor test was performed before and after the administration of phentolamine, an α-adrenoceptor antagonist. Vasoconstriction during cold pressor test was demonstrated by both skin-surface temperature gradients and by laser Doppler flowmetry. This vasoconstrictor response was significantly attenuated by the administration of phentolamine. The results demonstrate that the cold pressor test induces an α-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstriction in the peripheral vasculature.
The Spouse Observation Checklist: Empirical Analysis and Critique.

Abstract Fifty couples completed questionnaires designed to test two assumptions of a major assessment instrument in behavioral marriage therapy—the Spouse Observation Checklist. The assumption that this checklist represents the universe of marital pleasing and displeasing events received some support. Generally, couples rated items appropriately as pleasing, displeasing or neutral, and correlations between item occurrence and marital happiness measures were as predicted. The assumption that couples can reliably observe their own behavior was not supported. Comparisons of independent spouse reports revealed agreement levels that were greater than chance but less than the minimums usually employed in observational research. Furthermore, agreement indices were significantly correlated with measures of daily happiness in the relationship and, to a lesser extent, of general marital happiness. The implication of these findings for collecting observational data via the self-reports of couples is discussed.
Men's self-reports of unwanted sexual activity.

We investigated men's experience with unwanted sexual activity—including unwanted kissing, petting, or intercourse—engaged in because of physical or psychological pressure or from societal expectations about male sexuality. We developed a questionnaire asking if respondents had ever engaged in unwanted sexual activity for any of 51 reasons. This questionnaire was administered to 507 men and 486 women. More women (97.5%) than men (93.5%) had experienced unwanted sexual activity; more men (62.7%) than women (46.3%) had experienced unwanted intercourse. Using factor analysis, we grouped the 51 questionnaire items into 13 general reasons; we then compared percentages of men and women who had engaged in unwanted sexual activity for these 13 reasons. There were seven sex differences in reasons for unwanted sexual activity: Five were more frequent for women than men; two reasons were more frequent for men than women—peer pressure and desire for popularity. There were eight sex differences in reasons for unwanted...
Estimation and testing in the random effects probit model

Abstract This paper examines the finite-sample properties of the random effects probit estimator in comparison to the standard probit estimator and the standard probit estimator with a corrected asymptotic covariance matrix. The Monte Carlo experiment considers data-generating processes consistent with longitudinal data and also data from sample surveys. The probit estimator with corrected asymptotic covariance matrix works surprisingly well over a wide range of parametric configurations and is recommended as long as an estimate of the error correlation is not of high importance
Symbolic programs for structural identification of linear pharmacokinetic systems

Most parameter estimation techniques implicitly assume that it is possible to determine the parameters of the system uniquely if there were no noise in the output. In practice, this is not always the case. Whether or not this assumption is true for a given input-output experiment is the problem of structural identification. Two programs utilizing symbolic matrix calculus are presented which aid in solving this problem for linear systems. Pharmacokinetic examples are given.
Thermally activated luminescence in InN nanowires

Abstract The photoluminescence from InN nanowires is known to decrease in magnitude with increasing temperature up to 300 K. Here it is shown that the luminescence reappears at higher temperatures, and continues to increase in intensity with increasing temperature up to 600 K. The high temperature luminescence has similar features as the low temperature spectrum, however the magnitude of the high temperature peaks show activated temperature dependence not observed at low temperatures. This suggests that the high temperature luminescence is due to the thermal excitation of charge from long-lived trap states into the conduction band where it then relaxes radiatively.
Corals from a dismembered late Paleozoic paleo-Pacific plateau

A coral belonging to the rare Late Mississippian–Early Pennsylvanian Family Pseudopavonidae and a specimen of the Permian waagenophyllid coral genus Parawentzelella have been recovered from the Cache Creek assemblage in northern British Columbia and from a small limestone block in southern British Columbia, Canada, respectively. Both of these fossils are closely related to corals known from eastern Japan and western Sze-chuan, China; Parawentzelella also occurs in Indochina. These corals apparently occur in shallow-water carbonates that overlie pieces of oceanic volcanic ridges or plateaus. In both Asia and North America these corals now lie geographically close to coeval, but completely different, coral faunas that lived on shallow carbonate platforms built on continental shelves. This suggests that the circum-Pacific terranes bearing these unusual corals were displaced from a single, shallow-water oceanic region that in late Paleozoic time lay in the paleo-Pacific Ocean far from any continental margin. In Late Permian or early Mesozoic time the region colonized by these fossils was torn apart; the rock masses bearing these fossils were then carried on oceanic plates to subduction zones at continental margins on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, where they became lodged.
Spatial and Dynamic Interactions between Phospholamban and the Canine Cardiac Ca2+ Pump Revealed with Use of Heterobifunctional Cross-linking Agents

Heterobifunctional thiol to amine cross-linking agents were used to gain new insights on the dynamics and conformational factors governing the interaction between the cardiac Ca2+ pump (SERCA2a) and phospholamban (PLB). PLB is a small protein inhibitor of SERCA2a that reduces enzyme affinity for Ca2+ and thereby regulates cardiac contractility. We found that the PLB monomer with Asn27 or Asn30 changed to Cys (N27C-PLB or N30C-PLB) cross-linked to lysine of SERCA2a within seconds with ≥80% efficiency. Optimal cross-linking occurred at spacer chain lengths of 10 and 15 A for N27C and N30C, respectively. The rapid time course of cross-linking indicated that neither dissociation of PLB pentamers nor binding of PLB monomers to SERCA2a was rate-limiting. Cross-linking occurred only to the E2 (Ca2+-free) conformation of SERCA2a, was strongly favored by nucleotide binding to this state, and was completely inhibited by thapsigargin. Protein sequencing in combination with mutagenesis identified of Lys328 of SERCA2a as the target of cross-linking. A three-dimensional map of interacting residues indicated that the cross-linking distances were entirely compatible with the 10-A distance recently determined between N30C of PLB and Cys318 of SERCA2a. In contrast, Lys3 of PLB did not cross-link to any Lys (or Cys) of SERCA2a, suggesting that previous three-dimensional models that constrain Lys3 near residues 397–400 of thapsigargin-inhibited SERCA2a should be viewed with caution. Furthermore, although earlier models of PLB·SERCA2a are based on thapsigargin-bound SERCA, our results suggest that the nucleotide-bound, E2 conformation is substantially different and represents the key conformational state for interacting with PLB.
Spin-State Selective Carbon-Detected HNCO with TROSY Optimization in All Dimensions and Double Echo−Antiecho Sensitivity Enhancement in Both Indirect Dimensions

A carbon-detected TROSY-optimized experiment correlating 1HN, 15N, and 13C‘ resonances, referred to as c-TROSY−HNCO is presented, in which the 1HN and 15N TROSY effects are maintained in both indirect dimensions, while the directly detected 13C‘ is doubly TROSY-optimized with respect to 1HN and 15N. A new strategy for sensitivity enhancement, the so-called double echo-antiecho (dEA), is described and implemented in the c-TROSY−HNCO experiment. dEA offers sensitivity enhancement of in both indirect dimensions and is generally applicable to many multidimensional experiments. A carbon-detected HNCO experiment, c-HNCO, without TROSY optimization and sensitivity enhancement is also designed for comparison purposes. Relaxation simulations show that for a protein with a rotational correlation time of 10 ns or larger, the c-TROSY−HNCO experiment displays comparable or higher signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios than the c-HNCO experiment, although the former selects only 1/4 of the initial magnetization relative to the l...
Adrenalectomy after weaning restores beta3-adrenergic receptor expression in white adipocytes from C57BL/6J-ob/ob mice.

The role of hypercorticism in the development of compromisedβ -adrenergic signaling in adipose tissue was assessed in ob/ob mice adrenalectomized at 4 weeks of age and studied 1 and 3 weeks thereafter. Adrenalectomy prevented the rapid increase in body weight and fat deposition between 4 and 5 weeks of age in ob/ob mice and produced a phenotype indistinguishable from that of lean mice. However, adrenalectomized ob/ob mice became intermediate between lean and ob/ob mice by 7 weeks of age. Adipocyte β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) messenger RNA levels were similar between lean and adrenalectomized ob/ob mice at both time points and were 4- to 8-fold higher than messenger RNA levels in ob/ob mice. As judged by maximal activation of adenylyl cyclase by aβ 3-AR-selective agonist, adrenalectomy also restored functional activity of the β3-AR to levels above or equivalent to those seen in lean mice at both time points. The present results suggest that development of hypercorticism at or before weaning in ob/ob mice r...
An Optimal Density Functional Theory Method for GaN and ZnO

We report an optimal DFT method (bBLYP) for studying the GaN and ZnO systems. It is developed by modifying the exchange functional in the hybrid BLYP method in order to overcome the flaw of traditional DFT that often predict a rather small band gap for those semiconductors. Results show that the bBLYP method can describe not only correct band gaps of both GaN and ZnO wurtzite crystals, but also accurate properties of relevant small molecules. The application study of crystal-cut nanoparticles and nanowires reveals a new mechanism for band gap narrowing in GaN/ZnO.
Effect of Graphene Layers on Static Pull-in Behavior of Bilayer Graphene/Substrate Electrostatic Microactuators

A closed-form solution is obtained for the pull-in instability of curved multilayer graphene/substrate microcantilever electrostatic actuators. The first-order fringing-field correction and the interlayer shear between neighboring graphene layers (GLs) and between the graphene and the substrate are incorporated into the analytical model. In the solution procedure, the governing fourth-order differential equation of variable coefficients is converted into a Fredholm integral equation. The resulting equation is solved for the static pull-in voltages by adopting the first natural mode of the cantilever beam as a deflection shape function. The influence of GLs on the pull-in voltages of the electrostatic microactuators is investigated. It is found that laying 10, 30, and 60 GLs on top of the substrate results in increases of about 95%, 190%, and 295%, respectively, in the pull-in voltage of the straight bilayer graphene/substrate electrostatic microactuators. It is also observed that the classical Euler-Bernoulli beam theory fails to predict the pull-in voltages of the multilayer graphene/substrate electrostatic microactuators, showing that the pull-in voltage is highly affected by the graphene interlayer shear.
Pathogens and Disease, 1 year later.

A year has passed since the relaunch of FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology (FEMSIM) under the new name Pathogens and Disease (PAD), along with a new image, new format, new editors, new Editorial Board, and renewed energy. The reasons behind the relaunch were multiple but can be distilled to two distinct objectives. There was first a strong desire shared by all involved to update the journal by embracing the most current research in infectious disease microbiology, and to become readily adaptable to future developments. This simply could not be achieved in FEMSIM. It meant redefining the scope of the journal, and recruiting new editors and a new Editorial Board whose members are active participants of the emerging new era in pathogenesis research. A second objective was to produce a high quality scientific publication that significantly upgraded the image of FEMSIM, starting with the retiring of its dysfunctional name. The team included first and foremost the FEMS Publications Manager, Prof. …
The End of Moral Realism

The author considers how constructivism, presently known to us essentially as a theory for generating rules of social cooperation, embodies a certain conception of justification that in turn may be thought of as a general theory. It is argued that moral realism and projectivism are by turns platitudinous and unsatisfactory as conceptions of justification; by contrast the general conception of justification in constructivism makes sense of reason giving and coherent rivalry. The author argues that once the right picture of justification is in place, the picture constructivism illustrates or embodies, the problem of moral ontology disappears.
Automobile engine reliability, maintainability and oil maintenance

This paper provides an investigation of the effectiveness of the oil change, one of the most basic procedures for automobile engine preventive maintenance. The analysis in this paper is based on a review of oil, engine, and bearing technologies and on a survey of vehicle operators. The oil development, specification and approval process is also discussed. The results indicate engine reliability is significantly dependent on the period between oil changes. Surprisingly, the survey data shows that oil changes, when too frequent, can reduce the expected life of an automobile engine. The unexpected outcome is supported by lubrication technology literature. Changing engine oil at the proper mileage can improve engine reliability and has the potential to reduce nationwide waste and recycled oil by 325 million gallons annually. Despite more demanding conditions, engine reliability has also improved. Many automobile operators change engine oil more frequently than required by the manufacturer. All automobile manufacturer's provide oil change mileage recommendations which are based on the climate and the type of driving. A query in the operator's manuals is used to determine this mileage and most manufacturers require oil changes at about 7500 miles for "normal service" or 3000 miles for "severe service". This paper concludes that automobile engine reliability will be improved by using these recommended oil drain intervals with potential results of a significant nationwide reduction in waste and recycled oil.
BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SECONDARY LIPID OXIDATION PRODUCTS

(1987). Biological Significance of Secondary Lipid Oxidation Products. Free Radical Research Communications: Vol. 3, No. 1-5, pp. 213-225.
Improved Iron-Hematoxylin Stain for Elastic Fibers

A modification of Verhoeff's elastic tissue stain with connective tissue counterstaining is described. The modified procedure requires no differentiation of the elastic fibers, thus eliminating the problem of over- or understaining of elastic fibers. The procedure is easy to perform and yields consistently good results with sharply defined elastic fibers that are easily distinguishable from other connective tissue elements. It is recommended for routine use, particularly when photomicrography is desired.
Examining Contextual Factors in the Career Decision Status of African American Adolescents

This study examined the extent to which perceived occupational barriers and perceived parental support predicted career certainty and career indecision in a sample of African American adolescents. Perceived occupational barriers were positively predictive of career indecision, and perceived parental support was positively associated with career certainty. The results provided support for the importance of considering contextual variables, such as perceived occupational barriers and perceived parental support, in the career decision-making processes of African American adolescents. The results also highlighted the salience of social cognitive career theory in conceptualizing career-related issues in African American high school students. Future research directions are discussed.
Microdon (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Nests of Monomorium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Texas

Numerous species of animals live in the nests of ants. Among the most bizarre are those in the dipteran family Syrphidae, genus Microdon . Their flattened, disc shaped larvae, and the sluglike larval locomotion led to their misidentification in the past as molluscs and coccids. Hennig (1952) described the variety of morphological forms in the genus.
Personal Selling and Sales Management: A Relationship Marketing Perspective

The authors examine how the practice of personal selling and sales management is changing as a result of the increased attention on long-term, buyer-seller relationships and identify some implications of these changes. Changes in the traditional personal selling and sales management activities are needed to support the emergence of the part-nering role for salespeople. For salespeople in the part-nering role, the personal selling shifts from a focus on influencing buyer behavior to managing the conflict inherent in buyer-seller relationships. The emphasis on building relationships rather than making short-term sales and the use of sales teams dictates changes in the way firms select, train, evaluate, and compensate salespeople and members of sales teams. In this article, the authors have suggested some issues concerning the emerging partnering role for salespeople that deserve the attention of scholars interested in personal selling and sales management research.
Adaptive wavelet coding of images

In this work, we propose end-to-end image compression/decompression systems based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), entropy-constrained trellis coded quantization (ECTCQ), and arithmetic coding. Two forms of adaptation (codebook and image subblock) are investigated. The baseline system uses neither form of adaptation, while the adaptive systems use one or both forms of adaptivity. Excellent peak signal-to-noise ratios are obtained for the 512/spl times/512 "Lenna" image. Comparison of the systems with other results from the literature show that the fully adaptive system is quite competitive. >