cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFICACY OF INFRARED HEAT TREATMENT FOR INACTIVATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN MILK

The efficacy of infrared (IR) heating for inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic microorganism, in milk was studied to investigate the potential of this technology for milk processing. S. aureus population was reduced from 0.10 to 8.41 log10 cfu/mL, depending upon the treatment conditions. The effects of IR lamp temperatures (536 and 619C), volumes of treated milk samples (3, 5 and 7 mL) and treatment times (1, 2 and 4 min) on the lethality of targeted microbes were found to be statistically significant (P 4 min) indicated that there was no growth observed following the enrichment in most cases for treatment at the lamp temperature of 619C. The results demonstrated that IR heating has a potential for effective inactivation of S. aureus in milk.To ensure the sterility efficacy, the heating patterns of milk samples under IR radiation were simulated using computational fluid dynamics codes in three dimensions with user-defined functions for radiative internal energy source terms. The predicted temperature values were in good agreement with the experimental data with the maximum prediction error of 5.2C. Further optimization of the process parameters, i.e., temperature and heating time, using the developed model is expected to ensure that even underprocessed food components will receive desirable doses of lethality, which can result in a commercially successful milk pasteurization method. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Infrared (IR) heating has been used in the food industry as a heating or drying method because of several advantages such as minimal deterioration in food quality, faster heating and higher energy efficiency. IR heating can effectively inactivate pathogenic microorganisms in dairy products compared with conventional heating. IR heating cannot only effectively inactivate pathogenic microorganisms in dairy foods, but also preserve the quality. Furthermore, IR heating is found to be cost effective as it can reduce the energy consumption up to 44% for various food products compared with conventional heating. Results from this study could provide a basis for the application of IR heat treatment for dairy food processing. Further investigation on sensory and quality changes during IR heating can shed light on the efficacy of this process and may provide a potential novel pasteurization method for the dairy industry.
Evacon: a framework for integrating evolutionary and concolic testing for object-oriented programs

Achieving high structural coverage such as branch coverage in object oriented programs is an important and yet challenging goal due to two main challenges. First, some branches involve complex program logics and generating tests to cover them requires deep knowledge of the program structure and semantics. Second, covering some branches requires special method sequences to lead the receiver object or non-primitive arguments to specific desirable states. Previous work has developed the concolic testing technique (a combination of concrete and symbolic testing techniques) and the evolutionary testing technique to address these two challenges, respectively. However, neither technique was designed to address both challenges at the same time. To address the respective weaknesses of these two previous techniques, we propose a novel framework called Evacon that integrates evolutionary testing (used to search for desirable method sequences) and concolic testing (used to generate desirable method arguments). We have implemented our framework and applied it on six classes taken from the Java standard library and basic data structures. The experimental results show that the tests generated using our framework can achieve higher branch coverage than evolutionary testing or concolic testing alone
Further experimental proof of thelytokous parthenogenesis in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida: Desmonomata).

Based on available sex-ratio data, and a few published laboratory proofs, it appears that thelytokous parthenogenesis is probably widespread in the oribatid mites. It is especially common in early-derivative taxa, such as the Desmonomata, where it seems to characterize whole families. Fifteen species of that group were proven capable of parthenogenesis by rearing immatures in groups or in isolation, and following the reproductive success of resulting adults; these include:Afronothrus incisivus, Allonothrus giganticus, Archegozetes longisetosus, Heminothrus ornatissimus, Nanhermannia dorsalis, Na. elegantula, Nothrus anauniensis, No. terminalis carolinae, Platynothrus banksi, P. biangulatus, P. bicarinatus, Trhypochthoniellus badius, Trhypochthoniellus excavatus, andTrhypochthonius americanus. Males are rare or absent in natural populations of each of these species. For three,P. biangulatus, Al. giganticus, andAr. longisetosus (two populations), thelytoky was proven by rearing parthenogenetically generated progeny. Existing evidence suggests that highly female-biased sex-ratios in the Desmonomata are a reliable indication of thelytokous capability, rather than reflecting an evolutionarily stable ratio of sexually reproducing species.
AMP on an Insoluble Solid Support

WHILE investigating some fundamental interactions of amino-acids with nucleotides, we became interested in the possibility of attaching adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) to an insoluble support. If AMP could be bound to a polymer frame by means of the phosphate function, the result would be a reactive site (template) which bears some resemblance to the amino-acid acceptor terminus of a transfer (soluble) ribonucleic acid (tRNA)1. The similarity is represented schematically in Fig. 1.
Modeling the reliability of threshold weighted voting systems

In many applications, ranging from target detection to safety monitoring systems, we are interested in determining whether or not to accept a hypothesis based on the information available. In this paper we model the reliability of threshold weighted voting systems (WVS) with multi-failure-modes, where a general recursive reliability function of the WVS is presented. We also develop approximation formulas for calculating the reliability of WVS based on a large number of units. We also develop reliability functions of time-dependent threshold weighted voting systems, where each unit is a function of time. Finally, the optimal stopping time that minimizes the total cost of the systems subject to a reliability constraint is discussed.
Selective hydrophobic and hydrophilic texturing of surfaces using photolithographic photodeposition of polymers

The control and localization of small volumes of aqueous solutions inside miniature reactors is a topic of growing significance. A simple control method relies on patterning regions of different wetability that define and guide the liquid spread within these systems. In this paper photolithographic photodeposition is demonstrated as a technique for texturing patterned surfaces. Hydrophobic surfaces are created by selectively photopolymerizing trifluorochloroethylene gas (C 2 F 3 Cl) through a quartz mask. Similarly, hydrophilic surfaces are created via acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) photopolymerization. These surfaces are demonstrated to provide a simple and effective means of fluidic control and localization.
BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL ASPECTS OF CA2+ TRANSPORT BY MITOCHONDRIA OF THE HEPATOPANCREAS OF THE BLUE CRAB CALLINECTES SAPIDUS

Mitochondria isolated from the hepatopancreas of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus show up to 12-fold stimulation of respiration on addition of Ca2+, which is accompanied by Ca2+ accumulation (Ca2+:site = 1.9) and H+ ejection (H+:Ca2+ = 0.85). Sr2+ and Mn2+ are also accumulated; Mg2+ is not. A strongly hypertonic medium (383 mosM), Mg2+, and phosphate are required for maximal Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake takes precedence over oxidative phosphorylation of ADP for respiratory energy. Once Ca2+ is accumulated by the crab mitochondria, it is stable and only very slowly released, even by uncoupling agents. ATP hydrolysis also supports Ca2+ uptake. Respiration-inhibited crab hepatopancreas mitochondria show both high-affinity and low-affinity Ca2+-binding sites, which are inactive in the presence of uncoupling agents. Crab hepatopancreas mitochondria have an enormous capacity for accumulation of Ca2+, up to 5,500 ng-atoms Ca2+ per mg protein, with an equivalent amount of phosphate. Freshly isolated mitochondria contain very large amounts of Ca2+, Mg2+, phosphate, K+, and Na+; their high Ca2+ content is a reflection of the vary large amount of extra-mitochondrial Ca2+ in the whole tissue. Electron microscopy of crab mitochondria loaded with Ca2+ and phosphate showed large electron-dense deposits, presumably of precipitated calcium phosphate. They consisted of bundles of needle-like crystals, whereas Ca2+-loaded rat liver mitochondria show only amorphous deposits of calcium phosphate under similar conditions. The very pronounced capacity of crab hepatopancreas mitochondria for transport of Ca2+ appears to be adapted to a role in the storage and release of Ca2+ during the molting cycle of this crustacean.
A Comparison of Two Meal Planning Methods For Persons With Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Few comparisons of effectiveness of meal planning methods have been performed in persons with type II diabetes. Carbohydrate (CHO) counting is growing in popularity as an alternative to exchange lists (EL). The purpose of this investigation was 1) to determine whether counseling 30 overweight (BMI>30) outpatients with Type II diabetes using a) carbohydrate counting or b) exchange lists would result in significant differences in glycohemoglobin (GHb), serum triglyceride(TG), and weight change and 2) to determine if an association existed among measures of GHb, TG levels, and weight change. In the CHO counting group, mean GHb was 11.1, mean TG was 199, and mean weight was 211 pounds at baseline. In six months, the figures were 10.2, 232, and 215 respectively. In the EL group, mean GHb was 11.4, mean TG was 210, and mean weight was 211 pounds at baseline. In six months, the figures were 10.7, 193, and 213 respectively. Meal planning technique did not result in any significant differences in any of the measures at either three or six months. GHb, TG levels, and weight change were not correlated at baseline, three or six months.
Age effects on the clinical presentation of alcoholics at a psychiatric hospital

Despite the clinical importance of race effects on comorbidity and symptom patterns in recent community studies, little is known about such effects in various treatment facilities. This study evaluated the effect of race on the clinical profile of 604 alcoholics who presented for initial evaluation and treatment at a psychiatric hospital. The factor that most strongly distinguished the racial groups was socioeconomic status (SES). After controlling for SES and other factors, no significant difference was noted between ethnic groups in the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) or antisocial personality disorder. However, after controlling for SES and other factors, alcohol and drug use were more severe in African-American alcoholics, along with four symptoms associated with alcohol and drug use. In contrast, reversed neurovegetative symptoms, anxiety-related symptoms, and some personality-related symptoms were more severe in white alcoholics.
Nonlinear acoustic experiments for landmine detection: the significance of the top-plate normal modes

In nonlinear acoustic detection experiments involving a buried inert VS 2.2 anti-tank landmine, airborne sound at two closely spaced primary frequencies f1 and f2 couple into the ground and interact nonlinearly with the soil-top pressure plate interface. Scattering generates soil vibration at the surface at the combination frequencies | m f 1 +- n f 2 | , where m and n are integers. The normal component of the particle velocity at the soil surface has been measured with a laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) and with a geophone by Sabatier et. al. [SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4742, (695-700), 2002; Vol. 5089, (476-486), 2003] at the gravel lane test site. Spatial profiles of the particle velocity measured for both primary components and for various combination frequencies indicate that the modal structure of the mine is playing an important role. Here, an experimental modal analysis is performed on a VS 1.6 inert anti-tank mine that is resting on sand but is not buried. Five top-plate mode shapes are described. The mine is then buried in dry finely sifted natural loess soil and excited at f 1 = 120 Hz and f 2 = 130 Hz. Spatial profiles at the primary components and the nonlinearly generated f 1 - (f 2 - f 1 ) component are characterized by a single peak. For the 2f 1 +f 2 and 2f 2 + f 1 components, the doubly peaked profiles can be attributed to the familiar mode shape of a timpani drum (that is shifted lower in frequency due to soil mass loading). Other nonlinear profiles appear to be due to a mixture of modes. This material is based upon work supported by the U. S. Army RDECOM CERDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate under Contract DAAB15-02-C-0024.
Public choice interpretations of distributional preference

This essay examines, from the perspective of both economics and ethics, the logical foundations of income transfers in a democratic society that allocates resources, in the large, through free markets. Such transfers, enacted through the public choice process, modify the market-determined distribution of income, as a reflection of the distributional preferences of the members of a society. Both constitutional and post-constitutional explanations of redistributions are considered. A discussion of recent experimental evidence of distributional preferences leads into a critique of simple equality, built on Michael Walzer's distinction between monopoly and dominance, as a criterion of distributive justice.
Studies into the Diels–Alder reactions of 5-trimethylsilylthebaine

Abstract The introduction of a 5-trimethylsilyl group on the least hindered face of the diene thebaine was anticipated to favor attack by dienophiles from the alternate face, but only gave rise to a rearrangement product when treated with 3-butene-2-one at 110 °C. Reaction with the more reactive benzoquinone at lower temperature gave rise to a very slow reaction from the same face as the silyl group, indicating that a trimethylsilyl group does not sufficiently hinder this face to achieve reaction at the other face.
Proactive versus reactive: the effect of experience on performance in a critical care simulator.

Abstract Background We sought to study the cognitive performance of residents in a critical care patient simulator. Methods Residents in general surgery and emergency medicine were recruited to participate in the study. Subjects were read a morning report and presented with written data for 4 critical care patients. The subjects were evaluated on completing essential clinical tasks, cognitive errors, and directionality of reasoning. Results Nine residents completed the study. Months of clinical residency training did not significantly affect performance. Residents with more than 10 weeks of intensive care unit (ICU) experience (EXP) made significantly fewer cognitive errors than those with less than 10 weeks of ICU experience (N-I) (EXP: .75 ± .96 vs N-I: 7 ± 5.6 errors per subject, P P Conclusions A unique finding was that residents with more than 10 weeks of ICU experience initiated a large number of proactive actions immediately following presentation of patient information, while N-I rarely performed these actions. In addition, residents with this degree of experience committed significantly fewer cognitive errors. These differences might play a role in efficiency, cost, and overall outcome in the care of ICU patients.
Algorithms to separate text from a mixed text/graphic document and generate a succinct description for this complex graphic

The objective of this paper is to describe an approach to separate text from a mixed text/graphic document, and describe this graphic as overlapping meaningful shapes. Accuracy in the reconstruction of the mixed text/graphic document from the description file is also reported. This paper is a continuation of our previous work, which was mainly on engineering drawings with polygonal shapes. This paper focuses on documents consisting of any curved shape components with text. In this paper algorithms are designed to automate the process of generation of loops with minimum redundancy from the bit map of the image, and to break the interweaved complex loops into simpler interpretable shapes of curved segments. Finally, a succinct description file can be established for the whole image, thus achieving drastic saving in memory when archiving the document images. Effectiveness of the algorithms has been evaluated through experiments on a large number of mixed text/graphic documents. Results show that the algorithms developed are computationally efficient. Once the text is separated from the graphic, the graphic image is then decomposed into the meaningful component parts, the data reduction achieved through this succinct description is extremely high. Even for those silhouettes of curved shape, an approach, called concatenated-arc representation, is developed for their description. With this concatenated-arc approach, much fewer number of arc segments are needed than those needed by line segment approximation. Shapes reconstructed from these description files match closely with the original ones, even for the very complex graphics.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hot Isostatic Pressing of a Presintered Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Ceramic

The effect of hot isostatic pressing on the bend strength of ZrO{sub 2}-3 mol% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} was critically dependent on the presintering process. Optimally sintered bodies contained no open porosity and exhibited large increases in strength following hot isostatic pressing. When open porosity of as little as 0.3% persisted after sintering, hot isostatic pressing increased the bulk density, but little or no increase in strength was realized. Two-parameter Weibull analysis of the strength data was used to quantify the strength improvement obtained following hot isostatic pressing. Typical fracture-initiating flaws were identified through optical and electron microscopy.
Aquarius/SAC-D MicroWave Radiometer ocean wind speed measurements

Aquarius/SAC-D is an Earth remote sensing satellite observatory developed jointly by NASA and the Argentine Space Agency (CONAE). This science mission is to measure sea surface salinity with high precision for better understanding of the hydrological cycle and global climate studies. The MicroWave Radiometer (MWR) is a sensor that operates at K-band and Ka-band to provide environmental parameter measurements, namely: integrated water vapor, ocean surface wind speed, oceanic rain rate, and sea ice concentration. Providing these parameters coincidently, with the primary instrument, the Aquarius L-band radiometer and scatterometer, will aid in the retrieval of sea surface salinity. This paper deals only with the MWR measurement of ocean surface wind speed and presents wind speed measurement results and comparison with independent satellite-derived wind speeds using the Navy's WindSat radiometer.
Anaerobic CO2 fixation by the acetogenic bacterium Moorella thermoacetica

Anaerobic bacteria such as Moorella thermoacetica have the capacity of fixing carbon dioxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen for the production of ethanol, acetic acid, and other useful chemicals. In this study, we evaluated the fixation of CO2 for the production of acetic acid, as a product in its own right but also as precursor for lipid synthesis by oleaginous organisms. We achieved maximum cell optical density of 11.3, acetic acid titer of 31 g/L, and productivity of 0.55 g/L-h at CO mass-transfer rate of 83 mM/h. We also showed electron availability by CO mass transfer limited the process at CO mass transfer rates lower than 30 mM/h. Further enhancement of mass-transfer rate removed such limitations in favor of biological kinetics as main limitation. This work underlines the potential of microbial processes for converting syngas to fuel and chemical products in processes suitable for distributed feedstock utilization. (c) 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3176-3183, 2013
The significance of the onset and final temperatures in the kinetic analysis of TG curves

Abstract The importance of the onset temperature has perhaps been unduly stressed in the literature. In many TG plots, it is seen that the final temperature is more significantly determined than the onset temperature. By reconstructing TG graphs from the predetermined set of Arrhenius parameters and applying different kinetic mechanisms to the calculations, it is apparent that the “sharpness” of the onset and final temperature is due to kinetic factors-especially the kinetic mechanism. Certain kinetic mechanism expressions lead to an asymptotic departure from the base line in a TG plot while others produce a very “sharp” approach to the final plateau. An inspection of these features can thereby indicate the probable kinetic mechanism of a TG plot.
An evaluation of the family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scales and the circumplex model

Two basic assumptions of the Circumplex Model of family systems were evaluated: (1) Healthy families evidence balanced degrees of cohesion and adaptability, whereas problem families evidence extreme degrees, and (2) families with balanced degrees of cohesion and adaptability possess more positive communication skills than families with extreme degrees. Subjects were 58 mother-son dyads from father-absent families. In 29 of the families the adolescent was a juvenile offender, while in the remaining families there was no history of arrest or psychiatric referral. The dyads completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES) and an unrevealed differences interaction task. FACES was highly proficient at differentiating delinquent from nondelinquent families. Moreover, in families with balanced degrees of cohesion and adaptability, the mothers' communication was significantly more supportive and explicit, and the dyads evidenced significantly greater warmth and affection than dyads with extreme degrees.
CXCL12 and CXCR4 in adenocarcinoma of the lung: association with metastasis and survival.

Objectives Although the chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 have been implicated in metastasis of non–small cell lung carcinoma, the prognostic significance of these molecules is poorly defined. This study aimed to determine whether expression of these molecules is associated with clinicopathologic features and disease-free survival in non–small cell lung carcinoma. Methods Immunohistochemical staining for CXCL12 and CXCR4 was performed on 154 primary non–small cell lung carcinomas. Staining intensity was compared with tumor histotype, TNM stage, and disease-free survival; correlation was assessed by using the Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan–Meier and Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis. Results Intense CXCL12 immunostaining was associated with nodal metastasis, although no difference in survival was observed. The prognostic relevance of CXCR4 was dependent on its subcellular location: in univariate analysis intense nuclear staining was significantly associated with lower T classification and improved disease-free survival in patients with adenocarcinoma, whereas cytomembranous staining was associated with distant metastasis and decreased disease-free survival. On multivariate analysis, cytomembranous CXCR4 expression conferred a significantly worse disease-free survival (relative risk, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–5.7; P = .004). Conclusions Cytomembranous expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in adenocarcinoma of the lung is an independent risk factor associated with worse disease-free survival, whereas nuclear staining confers a survival benefit. These findings are consistent with a model in which CXCR4 promotes tumor cell proliferation and metastasis when present in the cytoplasm or cell membrane, whereas localization of this molecule in the nucleus prevents it from exerting these effects.
Class race and fertility in the rural South 1910 and 1940.

This analysis of fertility differences among rural Whites and Blacks in the United States in 1910 and 1940 is based on census returns. Fertility changes in the rural South lend support to two structural models of fertility decline (decline attributed to the diffusion-innovation model or decline due to economic changes such as the Great Depression). Although the South was behind the nation in modern fertility patterns during 1910-1940 the sharpest decline in fertility occurred among the most marginal group (farm laborers). The evidence is interpreted as supporting within-class changes rather than redistribution of rural families across social classes. Fertility declined for all social classes for both races but the most dramatic declines were among farm laborers. The decline among the most vulnerable social class in the rural South is attributed to their particularly vulnerable economic position and their greater responsiveness to antinatalist information and values. The European transition was different in that the social elites were the first to make the transition to lower fertility. The fertility pattern in the rural South is described as dropping from 5.6 to 3.6 children per woman during the study period. Fertility declined from 6.5 to 4.2 for farm families and from 4.6 to 2.8 for non-farm families. Agricultural wage workers are considered different from farm tenants and farm owners in a domestic production economy in that the child-to-parent flow of wealth was not as efficient or as assured and costs were higher. Findings show weak support for the modernization theory of fertility decline and the political economy theory of fertility decline. Poisson regression results show that class differences are greater among Blacks and that wives literacy in 1910 and years of schooling in 1940 are consistently and negatively associated with fertility. Husbands education is significant only for Whites in 1940. 13% of rural Black transition and 1% of White transition can be attributed to a shift of agricultural couples into lower-fertility social classes (farm laborers).
Tangled Trees: Phylogeny, Cospeciation, and Coevolution

R. D. M Page (ed.). 2002. Tangled Trees: Phylogeny, Cospeciation, and Coevolution. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois, 378 pp. ISBN 0-226-64467-7, price (paper), $28.00. Host-parasite associations and the study of their coevolution and cospeciation have long been of strong interest to evolutionary biologists. This book does an excellent job of bringing readers up to date in the field, including both theoretical and empirical reports, the development of novel methodological approaches, and the incorporation of molecular data. The book is divided into 2 sections; the first presents theoretical developments in the field, while the second focuses on experimental results. In the first chapter, Page briefly but thoroughly summarizes the current state of the art and defines cospeciation, noting the problems encountered in jointly reconstructing the evolution of hosts and parasites. In addition, Page provides a historical sketch, in which he highlights the most influential experimental research in host-parasite coevolution …
Induction of CD8 T-cell-Ifn- γ response and positive clinical outcome after immunization with gene-modified allogeneic tumor cells in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Large tumor burdens in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) are thought to be immunosuppressive. To determine whether CD8-mediated immune responses could be elicited in stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients, 14 subjects were immunized several times with allogeneic NSCLC cells transfected with CD80 (B7.1) and HLA-A1 or A2. Patients enrolled were matched or unmatched at the HLA A1 or A2 locus and their immune response compared. Immunization significantly increased the frequencies of interferon-γ secreting CD8 T cells in all but one patient in response to ex vivo challenge with NSCLC cells. The CD8 response of matched and unmatched patients was not statistically different. NSCLC reactive CD8 cells did not react to K562. Clinically, five of 14 patients responded to immunization with stable disease or partial tumor regression. The study demonstrates that CD8 Ifn-γ responses against nonimmunogenic or immunosuppressive tumors can be evoked by cellular vaccines even at advanced stages of disease. The positive clinical outcome suggests that nonimmunogenic tumors may be highly susceptible to immune effector cells generated by immunization.
Physics: The enigmatic electron

While we are still learning about the particle's true nature, says Frank Wilczek, let's celebrate its beauty.
Assessment of features technology

Abstract Features encapsulate the engineering significance of portions of the geometry of a part or assembly, and, as such, are important in product design, product definition, and reasoning, for a variety of applications. Feature-based systems have demonstrated some potential in creating attractive design environments and in automating the geometric reasoning required in applications such as process planning and manufacturability evaluation. The paper reviews the major concepts and approaches that are in use in feature-based modelling. Several methodologies are prevalent for creating feature models and databases. These fall broadly into the categories of interactive definition, automatic recognition/extraction, and design by features. Within each, there are several subcategories, which are discussed and compared in the paper. Also presented are several schemes popular for representing features. They include augmented graphs, syntactic strings in grammars, and objects in object-oriented programming. Feature interactions and validation issues are outlined. Attempts at developing feature taxonomies are also summarized.
The effect of top management support of SISP on strategic is management : insights from the US electric power industry

Strategic IS planning (SISP) is a fundamental tool of strategic IS management. Top management support of SISP, however, is often weak or absent. The association between this support and strategic IS management is important to an understanding of top management's role in the use of what has been acknowledged as a strategic tool. Strategic use of IS in US electric power companies is noteworthy because the industry is transitioning into a deregulated environment with increasing hostility and can provide special insights not available elsewhere. A postal survey of CIOs and other members of top management from 161 US companies, including 21 electric utility companies, revealed that top management support of SISP is strongly and significantly associated with strategic IS management. Top management support for SISP was present for both electrics and non-electric companies but results were mixed. CEOs exhibited only moderate participation in SISP although such participation was positively and strongly associated with strategic IS management. Overall, results suggest that top management support of SISP may increase when an industry transitions to a more hostile environment. Prescriptions are offered for improving top management support.
Na+ Effects on Intracellular pH of Isolated, Perfused Rabbit Gastric Mucosal Surface Cells

The effects of extracellular Na+ on intracellular pH were studied by perfusing BCECF loaded gastric mucosal surface cells adherent to glass coverslips held in a spectrophotofluorometer. Removal of Na+ from a NaCl Ringer perfusate (pH 7.4) resulted in progressive intracellular acidification, which was partially blocked by amiloride. An H+ conductance did not appear to be present. Acidification induced either by Na+ removal or by a NH4 prepulse was reversed by extracellular Na+, but this effect was not completely prevented by amiloride. Amiloride significantly, but not completely, inhibited Na22 uptake by gastric mucosal surface cells. The data suggest that extracellular Na+ maintains intracellular pH of gastric mucosal surface cells through amiloride-sensitive and -insensitive pathways. In the absence of extracellular Na+, cellular acidification seemed to be partially due to Na+/H+ exchange.
Electroabsorption in Semiconductors: The Excitonic Absorption Edge

Numerical calculations of the optical-absorption coefficient for direct, excitonic transitions in a uniform applied electric field are presented. The electron-hole scattering is treated within the effective-mass approximation and leads to an absorption coefficient which differs markedly in size and shape from the Franz-Keldysh absorption spectrum. A detailed numerical study of the shape of the absorption-edge spectrum at photon energies somewhat below the zero-field absorption threshold suggests that for small field strengths the dominant asymptotic form of the absorption coefficient is $\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{C}_{0}|E\ensuremath{-}{{E}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}}|}{f})$, where $f=\frac{|e|\mathrm{Fa}}{R}$ is the electric field strength in units of exciton Rydbergs per electron-exciton Bohr radius. This result contradicts the existing belief that the electron-hole interaction does not alter the asymptotic form of the Franz-Keldysh shape: $\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{{C}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}}{|E\ensuremath{-}{{E}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}}|}^{\frac{3}{2}}}{f})$. Physical arguments are presented to show why the exciton effects should be important. A discussion is presented of the interrelationships among the present treatment of electro-absorption and various one-electron, exciton, and many-body formalisms.
Cyclic Amp and the release of antral gastrin.

The isolated, vagally innervated antral pouches in anesthetized dogs were irrigated with 0.5% acetylcholine chloride (Ach) or a 0.4 M mixture of nonessential amino acids (AA), or distended at 30 cm H2O pressure. In addition, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) was administered intravenously. Significant increases in antral venous gastrin, caused by gastrin releasers, were associated with a significant rise in cAMP content in the antral mucosa. Acidification of the antrum with simultaneous administration of 2-DG, and acidified AA abolished gastrin release, and significantly reduced mucosal cAMP. Acidified Ach and distension of the antrum with 0.1 N HCl supressed gastrin levels without significantly changing the mucosal cAMP content. Since the augmented gastrin release was accompanied by an increased mucosal cAMP, the results suggest that cAMP participates in the action of gastrin secretagogues.
Double indemnity: p53, BRCA and cancer

p53 mutation partially rescues developmental arrest in Brca1 and Brca2 null mice, suggesting a role for familial breast cancer genes in DNA damage repair.
Studies of fibrin film. II. Small-angle x-ray scattering.

Measurements of small-angle x-ray scattering have been made on bovine fibrin film, prepared by gentle compaction of coarse fibrin clots, containing 12–15% fibrin plasticized with either aqueous buffer or glycerol. Most of the experiments were made with water-plasticized films because of the better x-ray contrast. Both unligated and ligated (i.e., with α-α and λ-λ ligation by fibrinoligase, factor XIIIa) films were studied. Theoretical angular scattering profiles were calculated for a simplified model of the fibrin protofibril as a function of stretch ratio in uniaxial elongation based on an orientation distribution derived in the preceding paper. Measurements were made on unstretched films both with slit geometry and with pinhole geometry and two-dimensional position-sensitive detection. From the former, which had better resolution, the fundamental peak corresponded to a repeat spacing of 230 ± 5 A, in agreement with early results of Stryer et al. [(1963) Nature197, 793–794] and electron micrographs of stained fibrin, and with the half-staggered overlapping model of the protofibril. Measurements were made with pinhole geometry on film stretched up to a stretch ratio λ = 1.59 at different times after imposition of strain and after release and recovery. The changes in meridional and equatorial scattering profiles, including the more prominent appearance of a harmonic in the former, show the orientation of the protofibrils as previously deduced from birefringence and related quantitatively to stretch ratio. In addition, the original repeat spacing is gradually replaced by one of about 290 A. The “internal” stretch ratio λx, averaging about 1.28, is independent of the macroscopic stretch ratio λ from 1.14 to 1.59. The change, which is more nearly complete for unligated film and is reversible on release and retraction of the stretched strips, is attributed to an internal transition in the fibrin monomer units, probably involving extension of either the helical connectors or the terminal nodules. The results of stress and birefringence relaxation reported in the preceding paper of this series are interpreted on this basis.
Theoretical interpretation of resistive transition data from arrays of superconducting weak links

The effects of a vortex-unbinding phase transition on the properties of a square lattice of superconducting weak links are discussed. Formulas relating bulk static quantities such as the penetration depth and transition temperature to single-junction parameters are given, as well as formulas for the current- and temperature-dependent resistance. Except for temperatures very near the transition temperature, these results can differ significantly from the continuum results of Halperin and Nelson, and thus may be more appropriate for description of junction arrays and some granular films.
Attitudes Toward Spirituality and the Core Principles of Alcoholics Anonymous

ABSTRACT One-hundred and fifty-one students enrolled in substance abuse counselor training classes were surveyed on their attitudes about spirituality in substance abuse treatment and their beliefs about the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Significant correlations were found between the subjects' spirituality and their attitudes toward spirituality in treatment. Most of the students did agree that spirituality should be included in treatment, but they tended not to subscribe to core principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Update on Chlamydophila psittaci

Chlamydia psittaci , the name veterinarians commonly call the parrot fever organism, has been one of the most common bacterial diseases that infects pet birds. This intracellular bacterium has been the subject of much research regarding avian species as well as humans and other animal groups. The genesis of this research is not only to improve diagnostic capabilities and animal health, but also because this is a zoonotic disease that has the ability to cause severe clinical disease in infected humans. The advent of antibiotics and diagnostic techniques have lessened the pathogenic impact of Chlamydia psittaci , but has not removed much of the mystery surrounding its diagnosis and treatment in animals, especially avian species. Molecular biology has enabled scientists to unravel some of the mysteries, with many of these findings annually contributing to the scientific knowledge base. Recent scientific studies have led to new findings on classification and diagnostic testing of the C. psittaci organism. A protocol to control C. psittaci infection among humans and pet birds has recently been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Temperature-dependent refractive index models for BaF2, CaF2, MgF2, SrF2, LiF, NaF, KCl, ZnS, and ZnSe

A method for developing an accurate temperature-dependent dispersion model is described. It combines a room-temperature Sellmeier dispersion model with temperature-dependent refractive index measurements at a few wavelengths to predict the refractive index over a wide temperature and wavelength region. The method is applied to nine well-characterized materials to give dispersion over a wide temperature and wavelength region.
Comparison of nucleic acid extraction platforms for detection of select biothreat agents for use in clinical resource limited settings

High-quality nucleic acids are critical for optimal PCR-based diagnostics and pathogen detection. Rapid sample processing time is important for the earliest administration of therapeutic and containment measures, especially in the case of biothreat agents. In this context, we compared the Fujifilm QuickGene-Mini80 to Qiagen's QIAamp Mini Purification kits for extraction of DNA and RNA for potential use in austere settings. Qiagen (QIAamp) column-based extraction is the currently recommended purification platform by United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases for both DNA and RNA extraction. However, this sample processing system requires dedicated laboratory equipment including a centrifuge. In this study, we investigated the QuickGene-Mini80, which does not require centrifugation, as a suitable platform for nucleic acid extraction for use in resource-limited locations. Quality of the sample extraction was evaluated using pathogen-specific, real-time PCR assays for nucleic acids extracted from viable and γ-irradiated Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, vaccinia virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, or B. anthracis spores in buffer or human whole blood. QuickGene-Mini80 and QIAamp performed similarly for DNA extraction regardless of organism viability. It was noteworthy that γ-irradiation did not have a significant impact on real-time PCR for organism detection. Comparison with QIAamp showed a less than adequate performance of the Fujifilm instrument for RNA extraction. However, QuickGene-Mini80 remains a viable alternative to QIAamp for DNA extraction for use in remote settings due to extraction quality, time efficiency, reduced instrument requirements, and ease of use.
The mouse type IV c-abl gene product is a nuclear protein, and activation of transforming ability is associated with cytoplasmic localization

The subcellular localization of the mouse type IV c-abl protein was determined by indirect immunofluorescence of nontransformed NIH 3T3 fibroblasts that overexpress the protein. Unlike the viral transforming protein p160gag/v-abl, which has cytoplasmic and plasma membrane localization, a large fraction of the c-abl (IV) protein is nuclear, with the remainder in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Deletion of a small N-terminal regulatory region of the c-abl (IV) protein, sufficient to activate its transforming potential fully, changes the distribution of the protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Mapping of an amino acid sequence responsible for the nuclear localization of the c-abl (IV) protein reveals a nuclear localization signal similar to that of SV40 large T antigen.
Discussion of the “Executive Summary of the PhRMA Working Group on Adaptive Designs in Clinical Drug Development”

In recent years adaptive (flexible) designs attracted much interest from statisticians, clinical researchers and clinical trial sponsors. While the statistical methodology for adaptive designs has ...
Divergence from statistical independence in specified clusters of adjacent neuronal spike train intervals before and after ethanol state changes

In order to test the influence of drug-induced state changes on serial ordering of interaction potential intervals, we evaluated divergence from statistical independence of specific "clusters" of various numbers of adjacent intervals. Such divergence, which was highly significant statistically, was noted using two different methods, one based on relative interval duration, and the other based on categorizing intervals as to short, medium, or long. Before ethanol, significant divergence was seen for clusters of as many as 5-6 adjacent intervals, and this same degree of serial ordering was seen after ethanol. While the apparent cluster length remained unchanged by ethanol, the specific clusters which contributed most to the statistical significance, were generally not the same after ethanol. This suggests that neurons process intervals as "clusters" of a given length but that specific "clusters" may be important "information carriers" in the nervous system. The methodology outlined herein may allow us to identify these important "clusters."
Spatial Competition and Location with Mergers and Product Licensing

This paper analyses mergers by Cournot firms producing differentiated products in a spatial market with product licensing by the merged firms. Product licensing allows the merged firms to co-ordinate their locations. If the degree of differentiation is not 'too low', a two-firm merger is more profitable for the merged firms than for the non-merged firms. The locational advantage created by the merger leads to the additional profit from the merger being an increasing function of the number of firms in the market. A two-firm merger generally increases total surplus and is therefore efficiency-enhancing. Moreover, there are circumstances in which every firm in the market wants to find a merger partner, consistent with the wave of mergers characteristic of many markets.
A delay budgeting algorithm ensuring maximum flexibility in placement

In this paper, we present a new, general approach to the problem of computing upper bounds on net delays. The upper bounds on net delays are computed so that timing constraints between input and output signals are satisfied. The set of delay upper bounds is called a delay budget. The objective of this work is to compute a delay budget that will lead to timing feasible circuit placement and routing. In our formulation, we find a delay budget so that the placement phase has "maximum flexibility." We formulate this problem as a convex programming problem and prove that it has a special structure. We utilize the special structure of the problem to propose an efficient graph-based algorithm. We present experimental results for our algorithms with the MCNC placement benchmarks. Our experiments use budgeting results as net length constraints for the TimberWolf placement program, which we use to evaluate the budgeting algorithms. We obtain an average of 50% reduction in net length constraint violations over the well-known zero-slack algorithm (ZSA). We also study different delay budgeting objective functions, which yield 2/spl times/ performance improvements without loss of solution quality. Our results and graph-based formulation show that our proposed algorithm is suitable for modern large-scale budgeting problems.
Optimizing stringency for expression microarrays

While several studies have reported methods to optimize expression microarray protocols, none have dealt directly with hybridization wash stringency. We designed a series of experiments to determin...
Dynactin is required to maintain nuclear position within postmitotic Drosophila photoreceptor neurons

How a nucleus is positioned within a highly polarized postmitotic animal cell is not well understood. In this work, we demonstrate that the Dynactin complex (a regulator of the microtubule motor protein Dynein) is required to maintain the position of the nucleus within post-mitotic Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptor neurons. We show that multiple independent disruptions of Dynactin function cause a relocation of the photoreceptor nucleus toward the brain, and that inhibiting Dynactin causes the photoreceptor to acquire a bipolar appearance with long leading and trailing processes. We find that while the minus-end directed motor Dynein cooperates with Dynactin in positioning the photoreceptor nucleus, the plus-end directed microtubule motor Kinesin acts antagonistically to Dynactin. These data suggest that the maintenance of photoreceptor nuclear position depends on a balance of plus-end and minus-end directed microtubule motor function.