cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interviewee Selection Test and Evaluator Assessments of General Mental Ability, Emotional Intelligence and Extraversion: Relationships with Structured Behavioral and Situational Interview Performance

The purpose of the study was to examine antecedents of interview performance commonly measured via two divergent methods; selection tests and evaluator assessments. General mental ability (GMA), emotional intelligence (EI), and extraversion have been largely studied in isolation. This study evaluates the relative strength of these traits across methods and tests whether selection test and evaluator-assessed traits interact to further enhance the prediction of interview performance. 81 interviewees were asked to complete traditional selection tests of GMA, EI, extraversion, and a video-recorded structured behavioral and situational job interview. The traits, behavioral, and situational interview performance were then evaluated with three independent sets of raters. Regression analysis was used to investigate the extent that these traits predicted structured interview performance. Results indicate that each trait was a strong predictor of interview performance, but results differed based on the method of measurement and the type of structured interview assessed. Further, evaluator perceptions related to interview performance more strongly than did selection tests. Finally, evaluator assessments of each trait interacted with its respective selection test counterpart to further enhance the prediction of interview performance. This improves our understanding of how applicant traits impact hiring decisions. This is the first study to directly compare tested versus others’ ratings of interviewee GMA, EI, and extraversion as predictors of interview performance.
The economic effect of child abuse in the burn unit

The financial burden imposed on society by abusing children through burn injury is unknown. This study retrospectively evaluates the economic impact and demographics of such abuse on patients and their families treated at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron (CHMCA) from four counties over a 5 year period. The inclusive group consisted of all children evaluated during the stated period referred to Social Services for possible child abuse. There were 104 children (55 females and 49 males, 46% black and 56% white) with a mean age of 3.76 years. 71% of the patients came from single parent homes (all single mothers). There were a total of 58 admissions with a mean length of stay of 10.53 days. Total cost for all patients was approximately 1.2 million dollars for health care, of which 65% was government funded. In addition to hospital costs, the perpetrators incurred court costs and jail costs, all of which were the financial responsibility of Summit County. Child abuse through burns imposes a potentially preventable financial burden. This study does not take into account the socioeconomic and psychological impact on the abused victims through life, which is incalculable. By increasing awareness about the demographics and financial burden of child abuse, this paper may serve as a focus for further study and prevention of such abuse.
Enhanced fluorescence cyanide detection at physiologically lethal levels : Reduced ICT-based signal transduction

Three water-soluble fluorescent probes have been specifically designed to determine free cyanide concentrations up to physiologically lethal levels, >20 microM. The probes have been designed in such a way as to afford many notable sensing features, which render them unique with regard to signal transduction, photophysical characteristics, and their application to physiological cyanide determination and safeguard. The probes are readily able to reversibly bind free aqueous cyanide with dissociation constants around 4 microM3. Subsequent cyanide binding modulates the intramolecular charge transfer within the probes, a change in the electronic properties within the probes, resulting in enhanced fluorescence optical signals as a function of increased solution cyanide concentration. The ground-state chelation with cyanide produces wavelength shifts, which also enable the probes to sense cyanide in both an excitation and emission ratiometric manner, in addition to enhanced fluorescence signaling. This has enabled a generic cyanide sensing platform to be realized that is not dependent on fluorescent probe concentration, probe photodegradation, or fluctuations in the intensity of any employed excitation sources, ideal for remote cyanide sensing applications. Further, the >600 nm fluorescence emission of the probes potentially allows for enhanced fluorescence ratiometric cyanide sensing in the optical window of tissues and blood, facilitating their use for the transdermal monitoring of cyanide for mammalian safeguard or postmortem in fire victims, both areas of active research.
The transfer of technology to less developed countries: A model from the perspective of the technology recipient

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual model of international technology transfer from the technology recipient's perspective. This model differs from traditional economic and strategy-based models due to its focus on the technology recipient and its description of the recipient as a proactive participant in the technology acquisition process. The model identifies how strategy and human resource practice interact with government policy and industry structure to influence the rate of technology acquisition in less developed countries (LDCs). The primary conclusion is that the position of the recipient firm is not simply reciprocal to that of the technology exporter, but rather is moderated by the contextual factors described in the model.
Modeling multiple scattering among vertical interconnects for SIW structures and 3D ICs in arbitrarily shaped waveguide

In this work, we use a mostly analytical approach of Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equation method with a recent major improvement, 1D technology, to efficiently model and solve physical/electromagnetics properties of the structures of SIW based devices and 3D IC in chip-package-board system which include multiple vertical interconnects. We first use MoM with 1D discretization to obtain the surface currents' distributions on the side walls of arbitrarily shaped finite cavity. Then the coupling among vertical interconnects are solved by applying Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equation. We consider cases when the vias are placed close to each other and also to cavity boundary. The effects of higher order waveguide modes, axially anisotropic modes are considered and leakage through periodic via gaps are carefully studied. The waveguide and cavity modes are decoupled in the Foldy-Lax equations. The scattering matrix of coupling among vias is calculated. Numerical results for the method are in good agreement with a commercial full wave numerical tool up to 100 GHz.
Evolution of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer flight and ground data processing system

The modifications made to both the AVIRIS instrument and the data processing facility since the instrument made its initial flight in the summer of 1987 are described. Historical development of the data system is discussed and attention is given to enhancements to instrument stability and noise performance. AVIRIS data facility objectives include rapid and automated decommutation and archiving of data, the ability to assess the quality of the data and health of the instrument, and the provision of an automated procedure for applying radiometric corrections to the data and providing responsive processing of data requests from investigators. The modifications described have resulted in an overall radiometric stability of better than 10 percent, with stability of only a few percent during a single flight.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the fibula

Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign, expansile lesions that are not at all uncommon in the lower extremity. These lesions are difficult to recognize clinically. This paper is a thorough review of the current literature regarding aneurysmal bone cysts. After this review, one should be able to diagnose and appropriately treat aneurysmal bone cysts. Also provided is a case report with classic histologic, clinical, and radiographic findings that was treated by en bloc resection.
Multiagent study of smart grid customers with neighborhood electricity trading

Abstract The smart grid of the future may equip customers with distributed generation and storage systems that can change their overall demand behavior. Indeed, the smart grid's infrastructure provides new opportunities for the grid and its customers to exchange information regarding real-time electricity rates and demand profiles. Here we report on innovative agent-based modeling and simulation of a smart grid where active customers are modeled as self-interested, autonomous agents with their own specific load profiles and generation/storage capacities. They may choose to use locally generated power, charge/discharge their batteries, and manipulate their loads. A unique scenario for the customers analyzed for this paper is one in which customers are allowed to trade electricity within their neighborhood in order to minimize their electricity costs. Meanwhile, the grid prefers an overall uniform demand from all customers. To achieve this, we propose an effective demand flattening management scheme for the customers. A model of the active customers within the smart grid environment is used to determine the impact of the neighborhood power transactions, demand diversity, and load shifting on the customers and the utility. A number of case studies and sensitivity analyses have determined how and to what extent these parameters affect customer electricity costs and power system metrics.
Maximum power tracking in parallel connected converters

A control scheme for parallel connected converter systems that will transfer the maximum available power from a nonideal voltage source is presented. Monitoring the rates of change in both the average input current and average input power from the source in each switching period, the proposed control method can dynamically regulate the DC-DC converter system to track the peak power of the source. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillation due to a limit-cycle around the system peak power point is analyzed. In addition, the central-limit current distribution control for the system is incorporated in this control scheme to improve the system efficiency and reliability by uniformly distributing the total peak power among the converters connected in parallel. >
Automatic mesh-point clustering near a boundary in grid generation with elliptic partial differential equations

Elliptic partial differential equations are used to generate a smooth grid that permits a one-to-one mapping in such a way that mesh lines of the same family do not cross. Problems that arise due to lack of clustering at crucial points or intersections of mesh lines at highly acute angles, are examined and various forcing or source terms are used (to correct the problems) that are either compatible with the maximum principle or are so locally controlled that mesh lines do not intersect. Attention is given to various schematics of unclustered grids and grid detail about (highly cambered) airfoils.
The Collapse of the Classic Maya: A Case for the Role of Water Control

This article focuses on the role of water control in the emergence and demise of Classic Maya political power (c. C.E. 250-950), one that scholars have long underestimated. The scale of water control correlates with the degree of political power, re- flected in three levels of Maya civic-ceremonial centers—regional, secondary, and minor. Such power derives from a complex relation- ship among center location, seasonal water supply, amount of agricultural land, and settlement density. Maya kings monopolized artificial reservoirs and other water sources during annual drought, providing the means to exact tribute from subjects. Climate change undermined the institution of rulership when existing ceremonies and technology failed to provide sufficient water. The collapse of rul- ers' power at regional centers in the Terminal Classic (c. C.E. 850-950) had differing impacts on smaller centers. Secondary and minor centers not heavily dependent on water control survived the drought and the collapse of regional centers. (Keywords: political power, water control, Classic Maya collapse)
Contrast sensitivity measures and accuracy of image stabilization systems

Recently, it has been argued that the precision of image stabilization is reflected in the magnitude of the differences in contrast sensitivity measures obtained with and without image stabilization. Here we present two sets of data, one showing large and the other small differences in contrast sensitivity to sinusoidal gratings viewed under stabilized and unstabilized, normal conditions. Both sets of data were obtained by the use of the same apparatus optimized for image stabilization. Large differences occur between unstabilized and stabilized measures of sensitivity only when the observer is allowed to scan the unstabilized test grating, or to prolong inspection of the stabilized target thus allowing for disappearance of the stabilized image. On the other hand, when the target is presented for a few seconds and the observer fixates on it, normal image motion, which results from eye movements of fixation, is found to enhance contrast sensitivity by only a small amount. It would appear, therefore, that the extent of reduction of sensitivity for a stabilized grating cannot be used as an index of the precision of image stabilization.
Supersonic flutter analysis of composite plates and shells

A high-precision doubly curved quadrilateral thin shell finite element is used. The composite material property is included using classical lamination theory, and the supersonic aerodynamic effect is included using linearized piston theory. The normal modes approach is adopted. Results are presented for composite plates and curved panels, and composite cylindrical and conical shells. Parametric studies concerning the effects of boundary conditions, fiber orientation, degree of orthotropy, and flow angle on the flutter characteristics are presented
Disembodied Voices and Dislocated Signals: The World of Modern-Day DXing

DXing is a hobby which historically has been associated with amateur radio enthusiasts, though there are subcategories of DXing which focus on shortwave, AM, FM, and other communications. DXing features many interesting characteristics, including its own jargon, intercultural communication, a competitive, gendered orientation, eavesdropping, and a strong sense of community. This article examines an understudied aspect of radio listening: the DXing community. There is a dearth of scholarly research focusing on this community of radio listeners, but DXing remains a popular and widely practiced hobby and aspect of radio listening to this day. Based on 17 interviews that were conducted with active, present-day DXers (including ham radio DXers and broadcast band DXers), as well as a textual analysis of articles and other materials pertaining to DXing, this article examines the hobby, the particular aspects which appeal to its participants, and some of its notable characteristics, such as the jargon that has de...
Strength Differences Arising from Homogeneous Versus Heterogeneous Dislocation Nucleation

We show that it is possible to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous dislocation nucleation on the basis of differences in experimentally measured theoretical strengths. From nanoindentation tests, the critical shear stress for dislocation nucleation in two different Mo-alloy single crystals (Mo-3Nb and Mo-10Al-4Ni) is found to be $\ensuremath{\sim}1∕8$ of the shear modulus. The corresponding stress in uniaxially compressed Mo-10Al-4Ni micropillars is $\ensuremath{\sim}1∕26$ of the shear modulus. This strength difference is due to the higher critical stress required to nucleate a full dislocation loop homogeneously in the bulk as opposed to a half or quarter loop heterogeneously at a surface or edge.
Effect of Oxygen Depletion on the Pinning Properties of ${\rm YBa}_{2}{\rm Cu}_{3}{\rm O}_{\rm x}$ Films With Nanoinclusions

Applications of YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO) coated conductors require strong vortex pinning to ensure a non-dissipative state over a large range of temperatures and magnetic field values. Incorporations of nanoparticles and nanorods have generally resulted in a substantial increase of pinning, but the actual mechanism producing this increase is not fully understood. This report addresses the origin of the enhanced pinning through comparative resistive measurements in the mixed state of thin films of YBCO, YBCO doped with Y2O3 nanoparticles, and YBCO doped with BaSnO3 nanorods. In order to study the effect of oxygen, all three kinds of samples have been annealed in air at 420°C. We have extracted and compared the resistive irreversibility lines before and after annealing. Our results indicate that while the nanoinclusions in the fully-oxygenated samples improve the pinning strength over that in the pure YBCO sample, the pinning enhancement essentially vanishes upon oxygen depletion. This is true for both pinning structures, nanorods and nanoparticles.
Determining parentage and relatedness from genetic markers sheds light on patterns of marine larval dispersal.

Population connectivity, the extent to which geographically separated subpopulations exchange individuals and are demographically linked, is important to the scientific management of marine living resources. In theory, the design of a marine protected area, for example, depends on an explicit understanding of how dispersal of planktonic larvae affects metapopulation structure and dynamics (Botsford et al. 2001). In practice, for most marine metazoans with planktonic larvae, the mean and variance of the distances that larvae disperse are unobservable quantities, owing to the small sizes of larvae and the very large volumes through which they are distributed. Simulation of dispersal kernels with models that incorporate oceanography and limited aspects of larval biology and behaviour, coupled with field studies of larval distribution, abundance, and settlement, have provided the best available approaches to date for understanding connectivity of marine populations (Cowen et al. 2006). On the other hand, marine population connectivity has often been judged by spatial variation in the frequencies of alleles and genotypes, although the inherent limitations of this indirect approach to measuring larval dispersal have often been overlooked (Hedgecock et al. 2007). More recently, researchers have turned to genetic methods and highly polymorphic markers that can provide direct evidence of population connectivity in the form of parentage or relatedness of recruits (e.g. Jones et al. 2005). In this issue, Christie et al. (2010) provide a particularly elegant example, in which both indirect and novel direct genetic methods are used to determine the major ecological processes shaping dispersal patterns of larval bicolour damselfish Stegastes partitus, a common and widespread reef fish species in the Caribbean Basin (Fig. 1). Figure 1. The bicolour damselfish Stegastes partitus shows substantial self-recruitment of juveniles to their natal coral reef habitat. Below, a male guarding an artificial nest made from PVC pipe; differential reproductive success of parents or differential survival of egg clutches or the larvae that hatch from them may account for signals of sweepstakes reproductive success in this species (photo credits: top, Bill Harward; bottom, Darren Johnson).
Loops in Proteins Can Be Modeled as Worm-Like Chains

The end−end distances of loops in proteins are found to be distributed according to the worm-like chain model with a persistence length lp = 3.04 A. For a protein with a loop at a certain short end−end distance, increasing the loop length is expected to decrease the protein stability since the entropic cost increases for constraining the loop ends at the given distance. The predicted decrease in stability is tested against experimental results on the four-helix-bundle protein Rop, in which the native two-residue loop is replaced by two to ten glycinces. Without adjustable parameters, the prediction agrees with experiment with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.
Low pressure semiconductor processing transport property modeling using direct simulation Monte Carlo

Summary form only given. In order to extend the capability of the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model (HPEM)1 simulation code to increasingly lower operating pressure conditions, the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC)2 method is used to improve the modeling of the heavy particle species in a hollow cathode magnetron (HCM) plasma reactor, a device used to implement the Ionized Metal Physical Vapor Deposition (IMPVD) technology.The DSMC, at the current stage, is inserted between the fluid kinetics-Poisson module (FKPM) and plasma chemistry Monte Carlo module (PCMCM) module of HPEM as an correction to the FKPM at the low-pressure condition. The DSMC module initializes a large number of simulated particles (each represents 109 real atoms) at different computation cells in the plasma reactor with positions and instantaneous velocities according to the number density, temperature, flux from the FPKM. The continuous process of particle movement and interaction is uncoupled, i. e., at each time step every particle is moved according to its velocity subjecting to the electric and magnetic fields, then, the interaction between the particles is modeled by appropriate by collision and reaction models where the heavy-heavy particle reactions are implemented by total collision energy model while the electron impact reactions are introduced by the electron impact rate coefficients and source functions. In each HPEM iteration, the time-accurate DSMC calculation will be performed for a physical time of 1 μ, same as the FKPM module, with 10,000 DSMC steps. Sampling will be performed after 9,000 steps and the number density, temperature, and flux will be obtained by averaging the sampled particles at difference cells for different species. These properties along with the electric field will be output to the PCMCM module. Detailed models and simulation results will be presented in the conference paper.
Use of a gut content ELISA to detect whitefly predator feeding activity after field exposure to different insecticide treatments.

Abstract A 2-year commercial-scale study was conducted to qualitatively evaluate the effect of different insecticide treatment regimes on the predator complex attacking Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in cotton. In 1996 three insecticide regimes were compared: a rotation of conventional broad-spectrum insecticides or one of two different regimes based on the initial use of the insect growth regulators (IGRs), buprofezin and pyriproxyfen. In 1997 the same three regimes plus an untreated control were compared; split-plots were sprayed once for Lygus hesperus Knight control using a broad-spectrum insecticide. Relative feeding activity for each predator species was compared between treatment regimes by analyzing the gut contents of predators for the presence of whitefly remains using a whitefly-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA results were combined with predator density data to obtain a qualitative pesticide impact index for each predator group. In total, we analyzed the gut contents o...
Web-Based Comparison of Two Styles of Auditory Presentation: All TTS versus Rapidly Mixed Tts and Recordings

A current controversy in the interactive voice response (IVR) community is whether and under which conditions designers should use recorded audio when portions of the interface must be generated by text -to-speech (TTS). The purpose of this study was to examine user preferences for a very extreme case—a prompt that incorporates multiple units of dynamic information in a single sentence. Two groups of IBM® employees listened to and compared two auditory styles of information presentation (all information given by a single TTS voice and alternating recorded audio and the TTS voice.) The groups listened to both presentation styles in counterbalanced order and then indicated their preference and degree of preference. The percentage of respondents indicating a preference for the all TTS style was significantly greater than the percentage indicating a preference for the mixture of recorded and TTS.
imDEV: a graphical user interface to R multivariate analysis tools in Microsoft Excel

Summary: Interactive modules for Data Exploration and Visualization (imDEV) is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet embedded application providing an integrated environment for the analysis of omics data through a user-friendly interface. Individual modules enables interactive and dynamic analyses of large data by interfacing R's multivariate statistics and highly customizable visualizations with the spreadsheet environment, aiding robust inferences and generating information-rich data visualizations. This tool provides access to multiple comparisons with false discovery correction, hierarchical clustering, principal and independent component analyses, partial least squares regression and discriminant analysis, through an intuitive interface for creating high-quality two- and a three-dimensional visualizations including scatter plot matrices, distribution plots, dendrograms, heat maps, biplots, trellis biplots and correlation networks. Availability and implementation: Freely available for download at http://sourceforge.net/projects/imdev/. Implemented in R and VBA and supported by Microsoft Excel (2003, 2007 and 2010). Contact: vog.adsu.sra@namweN.nhoJ Supplementary Information: Installation instructions, tutorials and users manual are available at http://sourceforge.net/projects/imdev/.
Investigating Amyloid Nucleation and Growth with Fluctuation Microscopy

The nucleation and growth mechanisms in amyloid forming materials are of high interest due to their importance in human diseases and also due to their potential applications as functional nano-materials. While much is known about the β-sheet secondary structure of amyloids, the nucleation mechanism and self-assembly processes remain poorly understood. Multiple intermediate species have been proposed to play important roles in the self assembly process, yet these states remain poorly defined or have not been unambiguously identified in solution. We have used single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and two-photon fluorescence imaging to investigate early events in amyloid nucleation and growth. Our observations have demonstrated that unstructured protein aggregates play a key role in the earliest phases of self assembly.
New Staging System of the Fifth Joint National Committee Report on the Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-V) Alters Assessment of the Severity and Treatment of Hypertension

The fifth Joint National Committee report on the detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC-V) introduced a new system of blood pressure classification that incorporated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and established new diastolic blood pressure (DBP) cut points. With the previous JNC classification, subjects were classified according to DBP alone. In this study, our purpose was to assess the effect of the new staging system on the assessment of hypertension severity and to determine whether the new JNC-V staging system better identifies individuals at risk for hypertensive target-organ damage. We compared the assessment of hypertension severity using JNC-IV with that using JNC-V in 1158 subjects enrolled in the Harlem Hospital Hypertension Clinic database from 1975 to 1992. We used pretreatment DBP to classify subjects according to JNC-IV criteria. These subjects were reclassified into one of the four stages of JNC-V. The assessment of hypertension severity and prevalence of organ damage in subjects who remained in the same category of severity in both systems was compared with damage in subjects who were upstaged. With the JNC-V classification, 321 subjects remained in the same category, and 837 were upstaged. Six hundred and four subjects moved up because of the new cut points of DBP, and 275 were upstaged because of higher SBP. Upstaged subjects had more manifestations of hypertensive target-organ damage. With the new JNC-V classification system, hypertension is assessed as severe or very severe in more individuals than with JNC-IV. Subjects who are upstaged in JNC-V are more likely to have evidence of renal disease and other target-organ damage.
Unrealized Potential: Misconceptions About Corporate Purpose and New Opportunities for Business Education

The dominant conception of the corporation today is that firms exist to maximize value for shareholders. Unfortunately, a narrow understanding of this paradigm causes many business leaders to believe that they are legally and morally obligated to maximize stock price for their investors. This conventional wisdom unnecessarily constrains thinking about the role of corporations in the long-term health of society. In doing so, it may also be an impediment to building the skills that companies, investors, and society are demanding from corporate leaders. We clarify the widespread assumption that shareholders own the corporation, then explore the implications for what is being taught to business students about value creation, risk, accountability, good management, and good governance. Business education is uniquely positioned to develop business leaders and investors who exercise sound judgment, resist the allure of the short term, and thus help realize the full potential of the corporate form.
Credit Spread Changes and Equity Volatility: Evidence from Daily Data

We investigate the determinants of daily changes in credit spreads in the U.S. corporate bond market. Using a sample of liquid investment grade and high-yield bonds, we show that both systematic bond and stock market factors as well as idiosyncratic equity market factors affect changes in the yield spread at the daily frequency. In particular, we find that increase in stock market volatility has a positive effect on changes in the spread of corporate bonds over the corresponding Treasuries beyond that captured by standard term structure variables. Our
Robotic-assisted beating heart surgery

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the USA. A promising treatment option for this disease is off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as the artery grafting is done without stopping the heart. In the robotic assisted-surgery concept the surgeon views the surgical scene on a video display and operates on the heart as if it were stationary while the robotic system actively compensates for the motion of the heart. With the proposed system concept, the CABG surgery will be possible without using passive stabilizers, and the hospitalization time and cost of the operation will be decreased. In this dissertation intelligent robotic tools for assisting off-pump (beating heart) CABG surgery are presented. Most important aspects of such a robotic system are accurately measuring and predicting the heart motion as they are instrumental in canceling the relative motion between the heart surface and surgical tools attached to the robotic manipulators. The proposed control algorithm contributes to the field by using biological signals in the estimation of heart’s future motion for active relative motion canceling. Also a novel contact position sensor is developed to measure the position of the beating heart and a preliminary noise characterization for the future sensor system implementation is presented.
A Control Architecture for Safe Human-Robotic Interactions During Lunar Surface Operations

** †† ‡‡ Long duration human-robotic missions to the Moon and beyond will require increased use of automation beyond current Space Shuttle and International Space Station practice. This paper explores the application of a model- and state-based goal-oriented control architecture to solving the problem of coordinating activities between humans and robots to improve the reliability and safety of these interactions. A goal-oriented control system continuously enforces constraints on states of the system to achieve not only control goals, but also to enforce passive constraints, such as safety constraints, on those activities.
Downregulation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase leads to cell death via the nitric oxide-peroxynitrite pathway

We previously showed that the downregulation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity in PC12 cells by exposure to an appropriate antisense oligonucleotide causes their apoptotic death. In this report, we used this model to examine the pathways by which SOD1 downregulation leads to death and to compare these pathways with those responsible for death caused by withdrawal of trophic support. To improve delivery of the SOD1 antisense oligonucleotide, we coupled it to a carrier “vector” peptide homologous to the third helix of the Drosophila Antennapedia homeodomain. This caused not only efficient cellular uptake even in the presence of serum, but also inhibition of SOD1 activity and promotion of apoptosis at 100-fold lower concentrations of oligonucleotide. Death induced by SOD1 downregulation appeared to require the reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide (NO) to form peroxynitrite. In support of this, inhibitors of NO synthase, the enzyme responsible for NO synthesis, blocked death in our experiments, whereas NO generators and donors accelerated cell death. N-Acetylcysteine and chlorophenylthiol cAMP, which rescue PC12 cells and neurons from the withdrawal of nerve growth factor and other forms of trophic support, did not protect PC12 cells from SOD1 downregulation. In contrast, overexpression of bcl-2, which also rescues these cells form loss of trophic support, was equally effective in saving the cells in the SOD1 downregulation paradigm. Taken together with past findings, such observations suggest that SOD1 downregulation and withdrawal of trophic support trigger apoptosis via distinct initial mechanisms but may utilize a common final pathway to bring about death. Our findings may be relevant to the causes and potential amelioration of neuronal degenerative disorders caused by impaired regulation of cellular levels of NO and superoxide.
Future trends in human longevity: Implications for investments, pensions and the global economy

In the past 150 years demographic events across the globe have had a rippling effect on just about every aspect of our social and economic lives. Foremost among the demographic transitions that have taken place and which are still ongoing is the dramatic increase in how long we live. No one could have predicted the modern rise in human longevity, and the consequences of this unanticipated phenomenon on work, retirement, insurance, national economies, health care, government funding for age entitlement programmes and pension schemes have been alarming. Even more worrisome is the fact that the most dramatic impacts of population aging are looming ahead of us. In this paper we reveal why these global demographic events occurred, discuss how predictions about the future of human longevity are made, describe new investment and hedging opportunities that have arisen in response to these events, and explain why it is important for prospective investors to understand the nuances of demography, biology and the actuarial sciences before investing in what we anticipate will be an explosive market in the coming years.
Effect of Temperature on Porosity of Dried Whole Milk Powder Granules

Abstract Densities of spray-dried whole milk foam were measured at 25, −80, and −195C by pycnometric techniques, using He or N 2 as the displaced medium. Evidence was obtained for marked thermal contraction of the powder particles at the lower temperatures, with associated closing of the pores on the powder surface. These effects were manifested in decreased rates of diffusion of the gases to the interior of the powder particles as the temperature was lowered.
Research Commentary—Informing Privacy Research Through Information Systems, Psychology, and Behavioral Economics: Thinking Outside the “APCO” Box

Recently, several researchers provided overarching macromodels to explain individuals’ privacy-related decision making. These macromodels—and almost all of the published privacy-related information systems (IS) studies to date—rely on a covert assumption: responses to external stimuli result in deliberate analyses, which lead to fully informed privacy-related attitudes and behaviors. The most expansive of these macromodels, labeled “Antecedents–Privacy Concerns–Outcomes” (APCO), reflects this assumption. However, an emerging stream of IS research demonstrates the importance of considering principles from behavioral economics (such as biases and bounded rationality) and psychology (such as the elaboration likelihood model) that also affect privacy decisions. We propose an enhanced APCO model and a set of related propositions that consider both deliberative (high-effort) cognitive responses (the only responses considered in the original APCO model) and low-effort cognitive responses inspired by frameworks a...
Realized and Potential Fecundity, Egg Fertility, and Longevity of Laboratory-Reared Female Beet Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Under Different Adult Diet Regimes

Longevity, duration of the oviposition period, realized fecundity, potential fecundity, and egg fertility of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), were examined in the laboratory under three different adult diet regimes. All parameters were significantly reduced for the water-only diet compared with 10% honey or sucrose diets, except fertility, which could not be measured after 5 d because of high mortality of water-fed females. Oviposition was highest the night after mating and decreased in a logarithmic manner thereafter. In the carbohydrate-fed moths, 92% of lifetime realized fecundity occurred by the fourth night of oviposition. Although our data indicate that carbohydrates in the adult diet can increase realized and potential fecundity, most of the lifetime complement of oocytes (91%) is present at the time of eclosion from the pupa. Pupal weight was significantly correlated with lifetime potential fecundity, explaining 37–66% of the variation among moths depending on adult diet, and this effect was substantial. Taken together, our results suggest that the bulk of variation in realized fecundity is generated in the larval stage, provided suitable oviposition substrate is available for the adults. This information will be important in understanding population dynamics of beet armyworm and to improving our ability to predict population outbreaks from sampling data.
A Simplified Theory of Thin Cylindrical Shells

A new simplified theory is derived for the nonaxisymmetrical deformation of thin circular cylinders by assuming that the circumferential strain is negligible. Two equations of equilibrium along with three boundary conditions at each end of the shell are obtained by means of the virtual work theorem. The order of the characteristic equation of the governing equations is reduced from eight to six and the boundary conditions at each end from four to three. The present theory is simpler than Donnell's approximate theory yet when applied to boundary value problems, in one case it appears to be significantly more accurate than Donnell's theory and gives the same results as Flugge's theory; and in another case it gives results as accurate as does Novozhilov's theory. Conditions under which the present theory is applicable are examined.
Cardiovascular risk reduction and factors influencing loss to follow-up in the coronary health improvement project

Background: This study determined whether the Corollary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) can improve cardiovascular disease risk factors through one year of follow-up and identified factors influencing loss to follow-up. Material/Methods: The CHIP program, an intensive four week community-based health education intervention designed to improve coronary risk factors, was evaluated using a quasi-experimental design. Analyses were based on 1,712 community volunteers, ages 30 to 87 from the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan area. Of the participants, 97.7% completed the lifestyle evaluation at both baseline and after four weeks, and 51% provided data through one year. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in all cardiovascular risk factors considered (body mass index, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and glucose) after both four weeks and one year. Loss to follow-up was highest among those who were ages 30-39, had a history of diabetes, had a history of being overweight, smoked, lived with a heavy smoker, were physically less active, or were experiencing stress. Those with higher BMI, SBP, DBP, or glucose at baseline were also more likely to be lost to follow-up through one year. Those who failed to improve their BMI, resting heart rate, serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, or glucose after four weeks were 16%, 9%, 22%, 21%, 16%, 22%, and 15% more likely to be lost to follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: The CHIP program improves cardiovascular disease risk factors through one year of follow-up. Poorer health status at baseline is associated with increased loss to follow-up. Failure to improve one or more cardiovascular risk factors after four weeks of intervention is predictive of loss to follow-up through one year.
Some Applications of ESR to in Vivo Animal Studies and EPR Imaging

Paramagnetic centers, such as naturally occurring free radicals and paramagnetic metal ions, are of crucial importance in many biological functions. Some examples are flavoenzymes, vitamin B12, aging, oxygen radicals, and melanins. While work in the early days of ESR was limited by the size and electronic constraints of the X-band cavity, as well as the need, frequently, to freeze-clamp the sample or excised tissue, an “ideal” in vivo ESR spectrometer is one in which a live animal can be directly accommodated (Swartz et al., 1972). These latter experiments were virtually impossible with commercial X-band (9.5 GHz) instruments as the large electric field losses through water and ions would result in “cooking the animal” besides the extreme difficulty in matching the sample. Conventional X-band EPR spectrometers present several technical limitations to measurements on live animals, principally microwave heating. Hence, the first attempts at EPR imaging were limited to very small nonliving samples.
Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus repair: the dark side.

Hypothesis/Purpose:The Scarf osteotomy has gained popularity as treatment of choice in parts of Europe and is based on sound structural principles. The excellent results reported by others could not, however, be reproduced by the author and the results are presented.Methods:From January 1997 to June 1997 the Scarf osteotomy was selected in 20 consecutive patients (12 female and eight male patients, ages 18 to 60, mean: 41 years) with moderate metatarsus primus varus (IMA 13 to 20°) and hallux valgus deformities (less than 40°). The AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, visual analog scale and patient satisfaction were monitored prior to surgery, six and 12 months post-op. The patients were treated in a short leg cast, non-WB for two weeks followed by four weeks partial WB in a cast shoe. Routine post-bunion rehabilitation followed once the radiological and clinical diagnosis of healing was made.Results:Multiple complications were encountered. The most common was “troughing” of the metata...
Monetary Trends in the United States and the United Kingdom

Editor’s IntroductionOriginally published in Volume 16, Number 1, Spring 1972, pages 4-17. At the 1971 annual conference of the American Economic Association, Milton Friedman (1912-2006) delivered ...
Quantification of the Error Induced at Air Data Sensors due to Basket Engagement during Aerial Refueling

In this paper the computed error in pressure and local flow orientation at installed air data sensors of a modern fighter aircraft during aerial refueling is presented. The source of this error is the close proximity of the trajectory of the aerial refueling basket. This close proximity of the aerial refueling basket disturbs the local flow field and therefore causes errors in addition to those normally present (and catered for in system design) due to variation of flow conditions such as angle-of-attack (AOA) and sideslip angle (). These errors adversely affect critical aircraft systems like the fly-by-wire flight control system. It is, therefore, necessary to quantify these additional errors for subsequent correction. In the present study the errors are computationally evaluated near M=0.6 at AOA = 06 Deg, which is the aerial refueling flight condition of the under study aircraft. The results of this study indicate significant induced errors in terms of variation in static pressure and flow orientation at the location of the air data probes. This error reduces for the air data probe located farthest from the proposed aerial refueling basket trajectory. In this study the computed induced error has been characterized as function of location of basket relative to Air Data Sensors.
A Schema-Based Approach to Modeling an African-American Racial Belief System

We use a cognitive schema-based approach to model an African-American racial belief system, showing the content of racial belief systems in a national sample to be associated with the individual's degree of sodoeconomic status, religiosity, and exposure to black media. We find that African-Americans with a higher sodoeconomic status are less supportive of black political autonomy and that they feel themselves more distant from black masses and black elites than do those of lower socioeconomic status. Religiosity, while unrelated to black autonomy, strengthens closeness to black masses and black elites. Black television—and, to a much lesser degree, black print media—had a consistent impact on the racial belief system. We conclude by discussing the complexity of the African-American racial belief system and potential directions for future work.
An unusual presentation of posterior fossa ependymoma in a child.

A 15-year-old girl with a history of congenital nystagmus presented with newly recognised hyperkinetic tongue movements on protrusion without dysphagia, dysphonia or palatal myoclonus (see online supplementary video). Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed a small lesion within the fourth ventricle abutting the dorsal medulla (figure 1). The pathology on …
Instructional interventions that motivate classroom learning.

Motivation takes place at every point in the learning and achievement process. Many factors drive students’ motivation, ranging from external rewards or schools’ environments to students’ personal goals and interests. Authors in this special issue utilize the research findings that students’ beliefs about themselves, their environment, and what it takes to succeed in intellectual pursuits can influence their motivation and, as a result, their performance in school. This means that shaping these beliefs can potentially affect students’ academic motivation and performance. Building on this insight, this special issue showcases a promising but underexplored approach to improving students’ motivation and learning in schools: the design and implementation of psychologically informed instructional activities to change students’ attitudes and beliefs. All of the authors studied motivational processes in schools and classrooms, and they tested the effectiveness of interventions against rigorous control conditions. Together, this issue reflects a genuine effort to thoughtfully and painstakingly understand the instructional processes that lead to improved motivation and learning in schools. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)