cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practitioner perspectives on Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for individuals with serious mental illness

BACKGROUND: Although individual placement and support (IPS) is established as an evidence-based model of supported employment, opportunities for improvements abound. Front-line supported employment practitioners are uniquely positioned to provide feedback on implementation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates IPS from a practitioner perspective to illuminate themes in practitioner endorsement, advantages, disadvantages, growth opportunities, ideal practitioner characteristics, sequence of services and methods for promoting self-determination. METHODS: Sixty-seven employment practitioners completed an open-ended survey about IPS implementation. Qualitative results were analyzed using Lofland and Lofland’s (1984) systematic filing system and Berg’s (2004) themes to combine similar items into categorical frameworks. RESULTS: Three conceptual frameworks are described: Program, Practitioner Characteristics and Practitioner Essential Tasks. Despite general endorsement of IPS, many complexities are discussed. Practitioners emphasized the importance of interpersonal skills in establishing rapport, promoting hope and encouraging self-determination. Highly organized, persistent practitioners who balance client and business needs are seen as most effective. CONCLUSIONS: We offer these frameworks for utilization by IPS practitioners, researchers and stakeholders for the purposes of program development and organizational decision-making.
Comparative study of bioactive peptides released from in vitro digestion of human milk and infant formulas (623.1)

Human milk (HM), donor HM, and/or infant formulas (IFs) are the diets of most neonates. Bioactive peptides are known to be formed during gastrointestinal digestion of milk proteins, but the extent to which this occurs is not clear. HM, pasteurized HM (simulating donor HM), standard IF, and hypo-allergenic IFs were subjected to in vitro digestion, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis for identifying bioactive peptides. HM, where some peptides were present prior to digestion, released practically the same pattern of bioactive peptides with and without pasteurization, suggesting that provision of donor HM may be similar to breast-feeding in terms of bioactive peptides, especially anti-oxidative and ACE-inhibitory peptides. Sequences of bioactive peptides were different between HM and standard IF, which may result in bioactivities with different intensity. Bioactive peptides formed from digestion of hypo-allergenic IFs were less diverse than those from standard IF, indicating that industrial hydrolysis of cow’s milk...
The evaluation of insufficient cognitive effort in schizophrenia in light of low IQ scores.

Low IQ has recently been shown to predict neuropsychological effort test failure in healthy and neurological populations. Although low IQ is common in schizophrenia (SZ), its effect on effort test performance remains unclear in this population. The current study examined the role of IQ in effort test performance in a sample of 60 outpatients with SZ and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (CN). Participants were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests, and insufficient effort was calculated using two embedded effort indices: the Reliable Digit Span Effort Index and the Finger Tapping Effort Index. Results indicated that 16.1% of SZ patients and 0% CN failed both effort measures and that 32.1% of SZ and 3.3% of CN failed one measure. In SZ, IQ in the 80) did not fall below effort cut-offs. Findings suggest that low IQ is a significant predictor of insufficient effort during neuropsychological test performance in schizophrenia, calling into question the validity of neuropsychological effort testing in SZ patients with low IQ.
Privacy preserving optics for miniature vision sensors

The next wave of micro and nano devices will create a world with trillions of small networked cameras. This will lead to increased concerns about privacy and security. Most privacy preserving algorithms for computer vision are applied after image/video data has been captured. We propose to use privacy preserving optics that filter or block sensitive information directly from the incident light-field before sensor measurements are made, adding a new layer of privacy. In addition to balancing the privacy and utility of the captured data, we address trade-offs unique to miniature vision sensors, such as achieving high-quality field-of-view and resolution within the constraints of mass and volume. Our privacy preserving optics enable applications such as depth sensing, full-body motion tracking, people counting, blob detection and privacy preserving face recognition. While we demonstrate applications on macro-scale devices (smartphones, webcams, etc.) our theory has impact for smaller devices.
Dynamic studies of (110)-oriented garnets in the rotating gradient experiment

Abstract The in-plane field dependence of the dynamic stability and conversion behavior of magnetic bubble states in a (110)-oriented orthorhombic garnet, [(YTmBi) 3 (FeGa) 5 O 12 ], was studied in a rotating gradient experiment. The (0,0/0) ± states were dynamically converted into states containing Bloch lines, such as the (0,4/2).
New technique for repair of ascending thoracic aortic dissections

Dacron graft replacement of the ascending aorta for thoracic dissections often results in major intraoperative or postoperative hemorrhage due to tissue tearing at the suture lines. We report a promising solution to this problem: strengthening the aortic wall with glutaraldehyde solution. Using this technique, we obtained a tough, resistant tissue that could be sutured without disintegration. We have used the method successfully in 5 consecutive patients.
Laser probe of the atomic ionization continuum: Stimulated recombination into an excited state

A two-laser theory is formulated for the photoionization of Li atoms. The first laser is tuned above the ionization threshold of Li(2s). The second laser probes the ionized target. Stimulated recombination into Li(ns) occurs near the Raman-type resonance point epsilon/sub n/s-epsilon/sub 2s/-epsilon/sub 1/+epsilon/sub 2/ = 0 (where n>2 and epsilon/sub q/ is a photon energy). Near the resonance point the ionization probability is characterized by a line profile which resembles that for an autoionizing resonance.
Intradermal positivity after negative prick testing for inhalants

ObjectiveExamine the incidence of positive intradermal tests after a negative skin prick test for 24 inhalant antigens.Study Design and SettingRetrospective study. Charts from patients who underwen...
Beyond 5dB Nonlinear Raman Crosstalk Reduction via PSD Control of 10Gb/s OOK in RF-Video Coexistence Scenarios for Next-Generation PON

We present the first experimental verification of nonlinear Raman crosstalk mitigation via PSD control of 10 Gb/s OOK using simple RF filtering. Beyond 5dB crosstalk suppression is achieved without bandwidth expansion after 25-km SSMF transmission.
Toxicity of weight loss agents.

Introduction: With the rise of the obesity epidemic in the United States over the last several decades and the medical complications seen with it, weight loss and dieting have become a national public health concern. Discussion: Because of their increased use and availability through internet sales, several different dieting agents were reviewed for potential toxicity. These included: syrup of ipecac, cathartics, human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, 2,4 Dinitrophenol, guar gum, phenylpropanolamine, ma huang/ ephedra, caffeine, clenbuterol, fenfluramine, sibutramine, thyroid hormone, orlistat and cannabinoid antagonists. Conclusions: With the internet making even banned products readily accessible, healthcare providers need to be aware of the potential toxicities of a wide range of weight loss agents. Our review covered topics we thought to be most historically significant as well as pertinent to the practice of medical toxicology today.
Myocardial metabolism during fixed-rate pulsatile left ventricular bypass.

Fixed-rate pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass may improve subendocardial perfusion during ventricular fibrillation and has been employed during intermittent aortic cross-clamping. Variable-rate pulsatile left heart bypass that is governed by venous inflow and is asynchronous to the electrical activity of the heart is currently used in clinical practice. To study the effect of fixed-rate pulsation on myocardial metabolism during left heart bypass, six adult pigs underwent alternating periods of pulsatile (PLS) and nonpulsatile (NPLS) centrifugal pump left atrial-to-aortic bypass in randomized block design. Coronary sinus, aortic, and bypass circuit flows were recorded. Oxygen content and lactate concentration of coronary sinus and aortic blood were measured. Pulsatility index and pulse power index during pulsatile bypass were 4.4 and 4.7 (cycles/s)2, respectively. Percent bypass was maximal at a mean pulsation rate of 41.3 and averaged 92.2 and 91.3 for PLS and NPLS, respectively. Myocardial oxygen consumpti...
Accelerated creep-fatigue crack propagation in thermally aged type 316 stainless steel

Abstract Crack propagation experiments performed on thermally aged 316 stainless steel at 593°C have shown that an acceleration in the rate of crack propagation occurred when extended tension hold periods were included in the creep-fatigue cycle. The results demonstrate that the onset of accelerated crack propagation was coincident with the linkage of intergranular cavities associated with grain boundary precipitates and was accompanied by a change in failure mode. Analyses of the quantitative values obtained for average cavity spacing, \ gl and size, ḡr, show that the critical conditions necessary for cavity linkage were satisfied when the crack tip opening displacement equaled or exceeded a value given by a( \ gl − \ gr). The crack propagation rate was found to revert to the continuous cycling value when the duration of the hold period was reduced. The results suggest that both intergranular precipitates and creep-fatigue cycling must be present to produce the accelerated crack propagation.
A compact folded ring resonator antenna with multiband characteristics

A novel loop antenna based on the volumetric folded ring resonator (FRR) structure is proposed. The FRR is embedded in a slotted ground plane for improved matching and radiation performance. Two bands, one at 3.6 GHz and another between 4.75 GHz to 5.8 GHz, are matched to better than S11= −10 dB and maintain a constant 2.5 dBi gain with > 90% radiation efficiency. The simulated reflection coefficient and gain radiation patterns agree well with measurements.
Numerical investigation of vortex dynamics in an H-rotor vertical axis wind turbine

We study the vortex dynamics of a two-dimensional H-rotor wind turbine using a Navier-Stokes solver. The turbulence model with the wall function is used as the turbulence closure. A sliding mesh technique is employed to handle the blade rotation. The vortex-blade interaction is systematically investigated and its influence on the force generation is discussed. Our simulations show that the vortex-blade interaction largely depends on the solidity and tip speed ratio. We further study the impact of solidity on the turbine performance. Our simulations show that the peak torque per blade decreases with the solidity while the peak torque azimuthal angle increases with the solidity. Our simulations also show that the increase in the azimuthal angle is more significant at low tip speed ratios than at high tip speed ratios. The impact of blade thickness is studied. Our simulations show that a thicker airfoil has a higher torque coefficient than a thinner airfoil. However, because for the thinner airfoil its peak ...
Puffing in salivary gland chromosomes of picture-winged Hawaiian Drosophila

A portion of the X chromosome was examined for puffing activity shortly before puparium formation in several species of Hawaiian Drosophila. A large puff was induced by incubating excised salivary glands with β ecdysone. In two of the seven species studied, the region in question has been moved by inversion to a new position relative to the banding sequence in the other species, but the reaction to β ecdysone remained unchanged. Another puff, not affected by short term incubations with β ecdysone, displayed different degrees of activity in some homosequential species, affording a cytological means for distinguishing these species.
Vapor–liquid interfacial dynamics and related liquid nitrogen boiling on perforated plates

Abstract For the switch from terrestrial gravity (“1 g ”) to micro-gravity, we investigate vapor–liquid interfaces and their control in simulation studies and experiments. An improved level set method is presented for vapor bubble kinematics prediction. In view of a wide range of vapor bubble dynamics phenomena, our initial experimental investigations have focused on film boiling in and near perforated plates immersed in liquid nitrogen. A “zeroth order” approximation of transport based on minimum energy expenditure rates provides information on mean field vapor thickness. We have measured thermal conductance for the zero net mass flow case and finite mass flow. The data are compared with results obtained in comparison runs for single solid plates.
Practical implications of uncertainty in observed SSTs

[1] Uncertainties in the accuracy of observed sea surface temperature (SST) estimates limit a number of efforts relevant to seasonal-to-interannual climate variability and its prediction. Some of the efforts that may be hampered by uncertain SSTs include estimates of skill in predicted SSTs, attribution studies of seasonal climate anomalies, and calibration of probabilistic seasonal climate forecast systems. This study examines the explicit impact of SST uncertainties on the climate response from an atmospheric general circulation model. Uncertainties in Western Pacific SSTs play a substantial role in the sensitivity of the seasonal climate.
Bile Salt Stimulates Intestinal Epithelial Cell Migration through TGFβ after Wounding

Abstract Background. In addition to aiding in the digestion of fats, luminal bile salts have been shown to modulate gastrointestinal epithelial growth, differentiation, and other functions. We hypothesized that bile acids could modulate the intestinal mucosal repair process of restitution. We investigated the effect of the bile salt taurodeoxycholic acid on epithelial migration and identified a role for TGFβ, a widely expressed cytokine in the intestinal villus, in this repair process. Methods. Using a well-established model of epithelial restitution, IEC-6 cells were plated on 60-mm Matrigel-coated plastic dishes and grown to confluence. The epithelium was wounded by scraping with a 6-mm-wide blade to create a smooth denuded edge and cell migration was measured 8 h later. Cells were grown in control DMEM with 5% FBS with or without 0.01–2 mM taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA). In parallel experiments, cells were harvested for Northern analysis of TGFβ and GAPDH expression; [ 3 H]thymidine uptake was used to measure proliferation. Anti-TGFβ antibody was added to cells grown in the presence of 0.05 mM TDCA and migration was measured at 8 h. Results. TDCA at physiologic luminal concentrations augments IEC-6 cell migration, with a maximal effect at 0.05 mM. TDCA inhibited proliferation at these concentrations. TGFβ expression increased in response to bile acid, while wounding had less of an effect on TGFβ expression. Blockade of TGFβ function with TGFβ antibody eliminated the effect of bile on cell migration. Conclusions. Bile acid at physiologic concentrations augments small intestinal epithelial cell migration. The process is dependent on TGFβ and is independent of cell division. The data further support a role for bile acids and TGFβ in differentiated intestinal cell functionand in preservation of an intact mucosa.
Pre- and postoperative force plate analysis of dogs with experimentally transected cranial cruciate ligaments treated using tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

Objective— Quantitative and objective assessment of hindlimb kinetics after cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection and subsequent stifle stabilization using the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in normal dogs. Study Design— In vivo experimental biomechanical evaluation. Animals— Six healthy adult foxhounds. Methods— Dogs were screened by orthopedic and radiographic examination before study entry. Force plate analysis of gait was measured before extirpation of the right CrCL and TPLO and again at 8 and 18 weeks after surgery. Results— There was a significant decrease in peak vertical forces (PVFs) and vertical impulse (VI) of the treated hindlimb at 8 weeks when compared with preoperative and 18-week measurements. When compared with preoperative values, there was no significant difference in 18 week PVF and VI in dogs that had TPLO. Conclusion— TPLO can restore kinetic measures of limb function at 18-weeks after surgery when compared with preoperative values after experimental transection of the CrCL in dogs. Clinical Relevance— TPLO induces lameness that returns to near normal at 18 weeks. The severity and duration of lameness was similar to that reported for other experimental models of stifle instability repaired by different techniques.
A CCD portrait of Comet P/Tempel 2

The development of activity in Comet P/Tempel 2 is studied from aphelion (R = 4 AU) to perihelion (R = 1.4 AU) using extensive time-series CCD photometry and CCD spectra. The comet undergoes a profound morphological change at R of about 2-2.5 AU, from a bare nucleus at larger distances to an active comet supporting a coma of gas and dust. Cyclic photometric variations with the period T = 8.95 + or - 0.01 hr. are present at all R, and are attributed to the rotation of the nucleus at this period. The nucleus is prolate (axes a:b:c = 1.9:1:1), a property shared with other nuclei studied using CCD photometry. Novel results include a limit on the bulk density of the nucleus, rho above 300 kg/cu m, and a 20-A-resolution CCD spectrum of the nucleus. Spatially and temporally resolved photometry is used to study the effects of nucleus rotation on the coma. The coma does not share the dramatic photometric variations shown by the nucleus. It possesses a steep surface-brightness distribution, which is attributable to progressive destruction of the coma grains with increasing space exposure.
Effects of nanosecond pulse electric fields on cellular elasticity

Abstract We investigated the effects of a single 60 nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) of low (15 kV/cm) and high (60 kV/cm) field strengths on cellular morphology and membrane elasticity in Jurkat cells using fluorescent microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We performed force displacement measurements on cells using AFM and calculated the Young's modulus for membrane elasticity. Differential effects were observed depending upon pulsing conditions. We found that a single nsPEF of low field strength did not induce any apparent cytoskeletal breakdown and had minor morphological changes. Interestingly, force measurements and calculation of Young's modulus showed a significant decrease in membrane elasticity. A single nsPEF of high field strength induced stark morphological changes due to disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and a marked decrease in elasticity likely caused by irreversible membrane damage. We suggest that the cellular morphology is mainly dependent on stabilization by the actin cytoskeleton, while the elasticity changes are partially dependent on the cytoskeletal integrity.
Quantum optics: kittens catch phase.

The most sensitive phase-measuring instrument yet uses quantum trickery and a scaled-down version of the notorious Schrodinger's cat. It means that more sensitive devices for metrology and imaging could be on the way.
A problem with incorrigibility

The Incorrigibility Thesis, as I shall understand it here, is the thesis that, for each person S, S's first person present tense mental state ascribing propositions are incorrigible for S. This thesis, of course, has been debated back and forth, accepted by some but treated with a certain lack of warmth by others. Unfortunately, discussions of this thesis, both pro and con, have never been sufficiently alive to certain troubles besetting the standard explications of the notion of incorrigibility itself. The purpose of the present paper is to argue that, for various reasons, the standard explications offered for incorrigibility are hopelessly inadequate. And, if I am correct, it is less than entirely clear how the standard accounts may be adequately repaired. The standard approach consists in explaining the notion of incorrigibility in terms of entailment and belief and/or knowledge. A prominent example is the following definition offered by D.M. Armstrong:
Partial tolerance and immunity after adoptive abrogation of transplantation tolerance in the rat

Abstract Lewis rats were rendered hematopoietic and lymphoid cell chimeras by injection of (LBN)F 1 hybrid cells at birth or following treatment with cyclophosphamide in adult life. The establishment of transplantation tolerance was indicated by acceptance of (LBN)F 1 skin grafts and specific unresponsiveness in graft vs. host reaction (GvHR) and mixed lymphocyte interaction (MLI) in vitro . Tolerance was abolished by adoptively transferred Lewis lymphocytes, and the loss of chimerism and recovery of specific reactivity by blood lymphocytes were monitored independently by mixed lymphocyte cultures. Recovery of competence to initiate GvHR by splenic and lymph node cells was monitored by the local renal graft vs. host technique. Both techniques measure essentially the proliferative response of certain lymphocytes to foreign cellular AgB antigens, and both detected a prolonged, but gradually weakening, state of partial tolerance to the AgB factors to which tolerance had originally been induced. During this phase of partial tolerance the former chimera rejects skin and lymph node cell grafts from (LBN)F 1 donors with alacrity, but in some cases accepts (LBN)F 1 kidney grafts. Cytotoxic antibodies appear in the serum soon after allogeneic chimerism is terminated. These results are interpreted to indicate that a state of partial tolerance exists among the cells which proliferate in response to certain AgB antigens in GvHR and MLI in the formerly tolerant chimera, and that a state of transplantation immunity (possibly to other determinants) coexists with this partial tolerance.
Second through fifth virial coefficients for model methane–ethane mixtures

Abstract We report the virial coefficients for model methane–ethane mixtures up to the fifth order from 190 K to 320 K. United-atom models with modified Buckingham exp-6 sites are used for both methane and ethane. Comparison of computed second- and third-order coefficients to experimental values from the literature reveals some shortcomings in the molecular models, showing differences of order 5–10% for B2, and 20–30% for B3. We use the virial equation of state (VEOS) to obtain spinodal curves and critical points as a function of mole fraction. Despite the inaccuracies in the models’ virial coefficients, we find that the VEOS provides accurate critical points for the methane–ethane mixture, in comparison to experiment.
Smashing Atoms: Post-START Rationality and Cold War Hangover

Success in the completion of a U.S.-Russian initial post-START nuclear arms reduction agreement is only the first step in a broader program of mutual deterrence and reassurance. There remains the uncertainty whether significant reductions in both sides' strategic nuclear forces can be the gateway to additional cooperation on nonproliferation, disarmament and missile defenses – among other issues. Standing in the way of further cooperation in nuclear matters between Washington and Moscow are contentious issues of high politics, including NATO enlargement, Russia's possible role in any U.S.-NATO missile defense system, and U.S.-Russian differences over nuclear containment of Iran.
Socio-environmental influences on adolescents’ alcohol outcome expectancies: a prospective analysis

Aims To investigate the prospective influence of social influence and social bonding variables on the development of alcohol outcome expectancies among adolescents with and without drinking experience. Design Longitudinal data from students in the control schools of a field trial designed to evaluate a school-based drug prevention program. Setting A total of 19 middle schools in South Dakota, USA. Measurements An alcohol outcome expectancy scale administered to 1410 students in grades 8 and 9. After using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to develop an expectancies measure, multiple-group (grade 8 drinkers versus grade 8 non-drinkers) path analysis was used to model 9th grade alcohol expectancies. Grade 8 social influence and bonding variables were used as predictors, controlling for grade 8 expectancies. Findings At the bivariate level, peer and adult influences and social bonding variables were related consistently to alcohol outcome expectancies among drinkers and non-drinkers. A bivariate relationship between alcohol advertising and alcohol expectancies was found among drinkers only. In the multivariate model, greater alcohol use by important adults predicted independently increased alcohol positivity among drinkers; greater perceived approval of alcohol use by parents and peers predicted diminished perceived potency of alcohol among non-drinkers. Advertisement exposure and social bonding variables were not independent predictors of alcohol expectancies in the multivariate model. Conclusions These findings suggest that attempts to alter adolescents' alcohol expectancies are likely to fail unless they address the influence of immediate social models on these beliefs. Language: en
Escherichia coli Processivity Clamp β from DNA Polymerase III Is Dynamic in Solution

Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III is a highly processive replicase because of the presence of the β clamp protein that tethers DNA polymerases to DNA. The β clamp is a head-to-tail ring-shaped homodimer, in which each protomer contains three structurally similar domains. Although multiple studies have probed the functions of the β clamp, a detailed understanding of the conformational dynamics of the β clamp in solution is lacking. Here we used hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry to characterize the conformation and dynamics of the intact dimer β clamp and a variant form (I272A/L273A) with a weakened ability to dimerize in solution. Our data indicate that the β clamp is not a static closed ring but rather is dynamic in solution. The three domains exhibited different dynamics, though they share a highly similar tertiary structure. Domain I, which controls the opening of the clamp by dissociating from domain III, contained several highly flexible peptides that underwent partial cooperative unfolding (EX1 kinetics) with a half-life of ~4 h. The comparison between the β monomer variant and the wild-type β clamp showed that the β monomer was more dynamic. In the monomer, partial unfolding was much faster and additional regions of domain III also underwent partial unfolding with a half-life of ~1 h. Our results suggest that the δ subunit of the clamp loader may function as a "ring holder" to stabilize the transient opening of the β clamp, rather than as a "ring opener".
Online connection provisioning in metro optical WDM networks using reconfigurable OADMs

Optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs) can significantly reduce the cost of metro optical wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) ring networks by allowing traffic to bypass intermediate nodes without expensive opto-electro-opto (O-E-O) conversion. Some traditional OADMs, called fixed OADMs (FOADMs), can only add/drop traffic on a specific wavelength. Reconfigurable OADMs (ROADMs) are emerging, which can add/drop traffic onto/from different wavelengths at different time. ROADMs provide desirable flexibility, enable fast provisioning of dynamic traffic, and save capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx). In order to be cost effective, some ROADMs employ architectures that tune the ROADM continuously from one wavelength to another, crossing through all the wavelengths in between, which may cause interference to the connections, if any, on those wavelengths being crossed. In order to prevent existing connections from being interrupted, a constraint needs to be imposed that ROADMs cannot cross working wavelengths when tuning. In this paper, the design and the benefits of metro optical WDM network architectures using ROADMs and the impact of this tuning constraint on the performance of the network are investigated. The dynamic traffic provisioning problem is analyzed and divided into two subproblems: 1) a traditional one on resource allocation; and 2) a new subproblem on tuning-head positioning (TP). Several heuristics for each subproblem are developed to combat the tuning constraint. Results from our simulation experiments show that the tuning constraint can significantly affect the network performance in terms of overall connection blocking probability, and good heuristics for network control and management are needed to overcome this tuning constraint.
Methodology for Semi-automatic Development of Cloud-Based Business Applications

The purpose of this paper is to define a generic methodology for semi automatic development of cloud-based business applications. This can be used by non-IT experts, such as business stakeholders, who trigger a business application development by simply stating its requirements in terms of business functionalities and constraints, QoS parameters, and her/his preferences. From these functionalities and constraints, Linked USDL requirements files are automatically generated. These files provide the basis for the cloud service discovery and launch the automatic development of cloud business applications. We present the first developments of our prototype.
The pricing of global and domestic initial public offerings by US companies

Abstract This study examines the pricing of global initial public offerings made by US companies as compared to purely domestic offerings. We find that global participation can significantly reduce underpricing by about four percentage points. Moreover, the degree of underpricing declines as larger proportions of shares are allocated to foreign investors. Our results suggest that US companies time their global offerings when foreign demand for US shares is high. There is also evidence that global offerings alleviate the downward pricing pressure associated with new share offerings.
Can instruction in engineering ethics change students' feelings about professional responsibility?

How can a course on engineering ethics affect an undergraduate student’s feelings of responsibility about moral problems? In this study, three groups of students were interviewed: six students who had completed a specific course on engineering ethics, six who had registered for the course but had not yet started it, and six who had not taken or registered for the course. Students were asked what they would do as the central character, an engineer, in each of two short cases that posed moral problems. For each case, the role of the engineer was successively changed and the student was asked how each change altered his or her decisions about the case. Students who had completed the ethics course considered more options before making a decision, and they responded consistently despite changes in the cases. For both cases, even when they were not directly involved, they were more likely to feel responsible and take corrective action. Students who were less successful in the ethics course gave answers similar to students who had not taken the course. This latter group of students seemed to have weaker feelings of responsibility: they would say that a problem was “not my business.” It appears that instruction in ethics can increase awareness of responsibility, knowledge about how to handle a difficult situation, and confidence in taking action.
The effect of LPN reductions on RN patient load

Objective:This study explores the effect of licensed practical nurse (LPN) reductions on registered nurse (RN) staffing.Background:RN staffing is usually evaluated by assessing RN/patient and RN/nursing staff ratios. Using these measures, researchers generally have not found deterioration in RN staf
Corporate political activity, social responsibility, and competitive strategy: an integrative model.

Many tensions exist within the nexus of corporate social responsibility, competitive strategy, and political activity. Previously, these aspects of strategic management have been considered in relative isolation or at best in pairs. Accordingly, an attempt is made here to set out a general strategic problem of the corporation, in which all three aspects are combined. This project reveals a particular need to explicate the political assumptions held by or on behalf of the corporation. Examples might include the classical liberal model, global hypercompetition, or variants of the stakeholder model. The project also reinforces the broader notion that when one adopts the perspective of a corporate strategist, one can sometimes find potentially productive ways of reframing issues in ethics, economics, and politics.
Assessment of Self-archiving in Institutional Repositories: Across Disciplines

This research examined self-archiving practices by four disciplines in seven institutional repositories. By checking each individual item for its metadata and deposition status, the research found that a disciplinary culture is not obviously presented. Rather, self-archiving is regulated by a liaison system and a mandate policy.
Analysis of mobile-assisted adaptive location management strategy

Source messages intended for a mobile host can be routed in one of two ways. Either the source knows the direct route to the mobile host, and is informed of all location changes by the mobile host (informed routing), or the source directs messages to a home agent that forwards messages to the mobile host (triangle routing). When the rate at which the mobile host changes location and the rate at which messages are directed to the mobile host are known and fixed, we show that the optimal routing policy is described by a threshold rule that depends on the normalized differential cost of the routing techniques and the ratio of the source messaging to location update rates. Since this call to mobility ratio may not be known a priori or may change slowly with time,we also derive anadaptive policy selection algorithm.The policy is derivedfroma maximum likelihood estimate of the call tomobility ratio based on observations of message arrivals and location changes. The algorithm is found to work well when there is a clear advantage to either triangle or informed routing. However,when the two routing schemes are relatively close in average cost, the algorithmperformance is degraded by repeatedpolicy reversals. For this reason,algorithms which use hysteresis and/or a preset preference (preference threshold) for one routing scheme or another were explored. It was found that neither hysteresis, nor preference threshold techniques alone performed well, but rather a combination of the tworesulteding reatly improved performance for a wide range of values of the call to mobility ratio.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cotton, Linen, Ramie, and Viscose Rayon Fabrics

Cotton, linen, ramie, and viscose rayon fabrics along with a cotton / linen blend were hydrolyzed with cellulase from Trichoderma viride. Surface fibrils were eliminated by a 6 hour treatment in all cases. The loss of fibrillar matter appeared to be the primary cause of weight loss at this stage. On prolonged treatment, cotton, linen, and viscose rayon lost weight at a faster rate than ramie and the cotton / linen blend. The fall in yam strength was progressive with increasing weight loss for cotton and viscose, while for linen and ramie it was slight initially and then increased sharply. Retention of strength after 48 hours' incubation time increased in the order viscose rayon << cotton < ramie < linen, whereas weight loss increased in the order ramie < linen < cotton < viscose rayon. X-ray crystallinity and moisture sorption of the samples did not change after the treatment, indicating that the mechanism of endwise attack of the cellulase at accessiblc cellulose chains on crystallite surfaces appeared t...
The Clinical Validity of the Process for Assessment of Effective Student Functioning.

Abstract This report presents the results of a study of the clinical validity of A Process for Assessment of Effective Student Functioning . A clinical team composed of social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists saw 300 representative second and fifth grade children, rated them on interview and test protocols, and summarized the evaluation by single and summary qualitative judgments. The clinical validity criteria were established on the basis of independent evaluations of the home environment, the intellectual and emotional status of the child, and the child's ego functioning. Finally, a clinical criterion score was derived from the overall evaluation of the effectiveness of each subject by each member of the team. The multiple correlations of the three screening measures with the clinical criterion score ranged from .49 to .55 for second grade and fifth grade boys and girls. The clinical criterion scores of children who were screened by the recommended multiple cut-off procedure showed that none of the screened group was rated by the clinicians to have better than average adjustment. The multiple correlation and multiple cut-off procedure showed that the Process was valid for predicting independent clinical judgments of the status of these children. Furthermore, the Process was far more efficient in locating potentially handicapped children than either a carefully designed teacher nomination procedure or teacher referral.
Are Students Tuning You Out or Downloading You In? Improving Online Instruction for 21st Century Skills

In the past five years, online learning has augmented significantly. However, the question is, with this increased proliferation in its popularity, has online learning been authentically preparing students for 21st century skills? According to a myriad of statistics and studies, the dismal response is no. Recognizing the mounting interest in online education and whether or not schools are genuinely equipping and priming students for 21st century skills, this article suggests five strategies to not only improve the online learning experience, but to integrate and polish students for the 21st century with skills requisite to capitalize upon for global success.
Quantitative acoustic emission and failure mechanics of composite materials

Abstract This Paper considers quantitative acoustic emission (AE) techniques with real and simulated sources as powerful tools for investigating failure processes in composite materials. Using a simulated source acting as a point source and one or more point receivers whose characteristics are known, one has the necessary components of a materials and structure testing system. Examples are shown in which a composite material's attenuation and wavespeeds can be determined as a function of frequency and propagation direction. It is demonstrated that this testing procedure permits the ultrasonic characterization of ultra-attenuative and irregular shaped, high performance composite materials. The principles of quantitative AE source characterization procedures are also reviewed and applications are demonstrated in which the time characteristics of several simple sources are recovered.
Dense Al2O3/ZrO2 Particulate Composites by Free Sintering of Coated Powders

Composite powders, prepared by coating coarse ZrO2 particles with fine Al2O3 powder using a chemical precipitation technique, were compacted and sintered freely at a constant heating rate of 4°C/min to ∼1600°C. Composites containing up to ∼30 vol% inclusions were sintered to nearly full density under the same conditions used for the unreinforced matrix. Furthermore, the sintering kinetics were not influenced significantly by the inclusion volume fraction. The sinterability of the composites formed from the coated powders was significantly better than that for similar composites formed from mechanically mixed powders. The present data provide a further demonstration that the use of coated powders may have widespread applicability for the fabrication, by free sintering, of dense ceramic particulate composites.
Stereo and Color Signal Demodulation with Integrated Circuit Techniques

This paper outlines general considerations of silicon monolithic integrated circuit design. It then reviews principles of gate demodulation with special emphasis on stereo and color signal demodulations. The ideas presented are merged to form the basis for discussion of the design and development of two monolithic integrated circuits. An FM broadcast stereo demodulator is described which encompasses the functions of subcarrier regeneration as well as additional functions of inter-station mute, weak signal demodulator defeat, indicator lamp driver, and inter-stereo-station mute. A versatile monolithic color demodulator is described which is capable of either direct or difference signal color demodulation. In addition, this IC has provisions for blanking and the option of brightness/luminance control.
Cloning and expression analysis of the 28 kDa protein from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis ATCC 4797 hypothesized to influence lactacin B production

Aims: A cell wall-associated lactacin B inducer protein (IP) was purified from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis ATCC 4797 (Lact. lactis) by chromatofocusing and gel filtration HPLC (Barefoot et al. 1994). Methods and Results: N-terminal sequence of the purified IP was used to design an oligonucleotide (24-mer) for gene identification by Southern and colony hybridizations. Southern hybridization on Lact. lactis chromosomal DNA digested with EcoRI and PstI produced a single 4–5 kbp DNA fragment. Colony hybridizations with 6250 clones produced four positive recombinants for the proposed IP. Sequence of the DNA isolated from RU43e9 revealed a 4623 bp DNA fragment containing three open reading frames (ORF) potentially encoding enzymes that function in glycolysis. One ORF, coding for an active triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi), showed 98% homology to the N-terminal domain of the HPLC purified IP. PCR primers were designed to amplify the ORF encoding the proposed IP for subcloning, protein expression, purification and bacteriocin enhancing assays on pure cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus N2. Conclusions: The regions flanking the Tpi gene (data not shown) were also sequenced and it is concluded that the proposed IP reported by Barefoot et al. (1994) is located on an operon containing several glycolytic enzymes that function in glycolysis. Significance and Impact of the Study: The findings of this study do not support previously published research (Barefoot et al. 1994) hypothesizing that a purified IP from Lact. lactis, homologous to a Bacillus stearothermophilus Tpi, is capable of enhancing bacteriocin synthesis in Lact. acidophilus N2.
Incorporation and the audit market

Abstract This paper evaluates the effects of allowing auditors to limit their liability by incorporating. Using a model that integrates the audit market with the market for the firms being audited, it predicts that, once incorporation becomes an option, the least wealthy employed auditors under unlimited liability either exit the audit market or earn lower profits from auditing than before. The most wealthy employed auditors earn higher profits; they incorporate and remove wealth from their corporations. The model also explains the recent shift in auditors' attitudes toward incorporation, and why insurance and other wealth-sheltering devices imperfectly substitute for incorporation.
Calculation of parity-nonconserving amplitude and other properties of Ra +

We have calculated parity-nonconserving $7s\ensuremath{-}6{d}_{3/2}$ amplitude ${E}_{\text{PNC}}$ in $^{223}\text{R}{\text{a}}^{+}$ using high-precision relativistic all-order method where all single and double excitations of the Dirac-Fock wave functions are included to all orders of perturbation theory. Detailed study of the uncertainty of the parity-nonconserving amplitude is carried out; additional calculations are performed to estimate some of the missing correlation corrections. A systematic study of the parity-conserving atomic properties, including the calculation of the energies, transition matrix elements, lifetimes, hyperfine constants, and quadrupole moments of the $6d$ states, as well as dipole and quadrupole ground-state polarizabilities, is carried out. The results are compared with other theoretical calculations and available experimental values.
Genetic effects of acridine compounds

Acridines and a very large number of acridine derivatives are used in enormous quantities both in medicine and industry. The mutagenic action of these compounds has been demonstrated in a wide variety of organisms and is known to occur both in the dark as well as in the presence of light (photodynamic action). At the molecular level, acridines have been shown to cause frameshift mutations of both the addition and deletion types, a characteristic which has been of tremendous help in elucidating the nature of the genetic code. These and various other biological effects of acridines, such as inhibition of DNA repair, curing of plasmids and cell-growth inhibition, are examined in this review.
FileMap: map-reduce program execution on loosely-coupled distributed systems

In this paper we present FileMap, an open-source, alternative map-reduce-based computing system that we have developed and utilized over the last 5 years. This system features several significant design decisions and performance aspects that are not found in prevalent map-reduce systems such as Hadoop [16]. The prevailing design goal is to have a system for scheduling and orchestrating parallel and distributed data processing, but that does not interpose itself between data and the serial programs that process data. FileMap manages the organization of input and output files and the scheduling of program execution, but does not process files itself and is agnostic to the format in which data is stored and/or indexed. We layer on top of existing, ubiquitous file systems, security models, and network access software in order to minimize the complexity of FileMap and maximize the ability of its users to benefit from specialized compute platforms, file systems, and software.
Free-radical 4-nitrophenylation of thieno[2,3-b]pyridine. Part 3: Consideration of mechanistic and selectivity factors involved in the substitution process

A 1:1 geometrically oriented encounter complex between thieno[2,3-b]pyridine (1) and 4-nitrophenyldia-zoacetate (2) is proposed to account for the dominant formation (ca. 64%) of the 2-isomer in the mixture of 4-nitrophenyl-l isomers obtained previously. A mechanism involving one-electron transfer from 1 to 2 plus fragmentation of 2· into 4-nitrophenyl free radical, N2, and acetate ion is invoked. Formation of other isomers is discussed. It is noted that there is a close correlation between orientational rules plus mechanisms of reaction for numerous free-radical substitutions (SR) with SN reactions of alkyllithiums on furan, thiophene, N-alkylpyrroles, pyridine, and their condensed aromatic molecules, including 1, as substrates. Also isomeric selectivities for SE, SN, and SR substitutions into 1 were shown to be qualitatively consistent with one another. While SE reactions occur largely at position 3 and then at 2, SN and SR reactions occur either at 2 or 6. Selectivity for positions 4 or 5 is small or zero.