cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When the CEO is ill: Keeping quiet or going public?

Abstract CEOs represent the pinnacle of leadership in organizations. In addition to power and prestige, constant media scrutiny and pressures to exceed past levels of firm performance are often associated with this role. Although CEOs may rely on other top managers for input regarding operational decisions and long-term planning, the outcomes of strategic initiatives rest solely on their shoulders. Moreover, how CEOs are depicted in the press can greatly affect public opinion about their organizations. In recent years, CEO health and health concerns have made headlines for such well-known companies as McDonald's, Clorox, Pilgrim's Pride, and EarthLink. In this article we discuss the ramifications of disclosure and non-disclosure of serious CEO health issues, and their potential impact on shareholder wealth and succession planning. We conclude by offering a few thoughts about the future direction of CEO health.
Identification of Acrosomal Matrix–Specific Hydrolases Binding Proteins of Bovine Cauda Epididymal Spermatozoa

Previously, we described the isolation of a detergent-stable complex from bovine sperm acrosome, termed the outer acrosomal membrane-associated matrix complex (OMC). This stable matrix assembly is associated with the luminal surface of the outer acrosomal membrane and exhibits specific binding activity for acrosin. The present study was undertaken to identify the matrix proteins that specifically interact with acrosomal hydrolases. The OMC fraction exhibited polypeptides of 54, 50, and 45 kd and a major polypeptide family between 38 and 19 kd by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In this study, we purified 45-kd polypeptide, termed OMC45, from the high-pH insoluble fraction of OMC, and the polyclonal antibody was raised against 45-kd polypeptide. Anti-OMC45 polyclonal antibody reacts strongly on immunoblots with the OMC45 band. Using immunofluorescence anti-OMC45 localizes specifically to the acrosomal cap. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis of OMC identified a set of approximately 5-6 isoelectric variants of 45 kd in the pH range of 5.5-7.2. To identify matrix-specific hydrolase-binding proteins, OMC32 (32-kd polypeptide isolated from high-pH soluble fraction of OMC) and OMC45 polypeptides were coupled to AminoLink Plus resin separately and incubated with soluble acrosomal hydrolases. Acrosin and N-acetylglucosaminidase bound the OMC32 polypeptide in a concentration-dependent fashion. In contrast, OMC45 polypeptide exhibited stronger affinity to acrosin than N-acetylglucosaminidase. The binding specificity of acrosomal matrix proteins to hydrolases strongly suggests that the matrix polypeptides play an important role in the regulation of hydrolase release during the acrosome reaction and could also function during acrosome assembly to target and/or segregate hydrolases within the acrosome interior.
Extrinsic photoconductivity at 1550 nm and 1030 nm for THz Generation

Pulses from a 1550 and 1030 nm fiber-mode-locked laser are used to drive an ErAs:GaAs photoconductive switch, resulting in extrinsic photoconductivity and useful levels of THz (∼100 µW) with the 1550-nm laser drive, but not with the 1030-nm laser. This finding supports the recent discovery that extrinsic photoconductivity is a useful mechanism in ErAs:GaAs, but the THz generation is sensitive to the specific laser drive wavelength.
Altered mitochondrial membrane potential, mass, and morphology in the mononuclear cells of humans with type 2 diabetes.

Mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization and morphologic changes are important in inflammatory cell activation. Despite the pathophysiologic relevance, no valid and reproducible method for measuring mitochondrial homeostasis in human inflammatory cells is available currently. The purpose of this study was to define and validate reproducible methods for measuring relevant mitochondrial perturbations and to determine whether these methods could discern mitochondrial perturbations in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is a condition associated with altered mitochondrial homeostasis. We employed 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′3,3′-tetraethylbenzamidazol-carboncyanine (JC-1) to estimate mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψ m ) and acridine orange 10-nonyl bromide (NAO) to assess mitochondrial mass in human mononuclear cells isolated from blood. Both assays were reproducible. We validated our findings by electron microscopy and pharmacologic manipulation of Ψ m . We measured JC-1 and NAO fluorescence in the mononuclear cells of 27 T2DM patients and 32 controls. Mitochondria were more polarized ( P = 0.02) and mitochondrial mass was lower in T2DM ( P = 0.008). Electron microscopy demonstrated diabetic mitochondria were smaller, were more spherical, and occupied less cellular area in T2DM. Mitochondrial superoxide production was higher in T2DM ( P = 0.01). Valid and reproducible measurements of mitochondrial homeostasis can be made in human mononuclear cells using these fluorophores. Furthermore, potentially clinically relevant perturbations in mitochondrial homeostasis in T2DM human mononuclear cells can be detected.
Bioscaffolds development for small-diameter vascular grafts

Cardiovascular diseases and injuries are one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Vascular grafts implantation is the standard procedure to treat them, and there is a pressing need to develop small-diameter vascular vessels. Tissue engineering offers one promising approach to address the shortcoming of autologous therapies. Despite the successful application of polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron), polyurethane and Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in large-diameter vascular grafts, the outcome of replacing the native small-diameter vessels by vascular grafts made from those biomaterials is still not satisfactory. Recent studies have shown some significant advances and provide confidence that success may be attainable in the near future. Here, we summarise recent development of bioscaffolds in Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts (SDVG) and discuss the challenges and potential improvements for the future.
Dexamethasone Alters TNF-α Expression in Retinopathy

Abstract TNF-α has been found in the retina. Hyperoxia and hypoxia regulate TNF-α expression. TNF-α is an important factor in inflammation and angiogenesis. Dexamethasone inhibits TNF-α production. Changes in TNF-α expression in the retina may play an important role in the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Oxygen-induced retinopathy was produced in C57BL6 mice by exposure to 75% oxygen at Postnatal Day 7 (P7) for 5 days and the mice recovered in room air until Day 17 (P17). Dexamethasone was administered at 0.5 mg/kg/day once daily subcutaneously during the 5 days of oxygen exposure. TNF-α expression was evaluated at Day 7 prior to oxygen exposure, at Day 12 (P12) immediately upon removal from oxygen, and at Day 17, the time of maximal vasoproliferation by RT-PCR. TNF-α is developmentally regulated in the retinae of C57BL6 mice. From P7 to P12, there is a 3-fold increase in TNF-α expression and from P7 to P17 there is a 2.7-fold increase. There was 2.7-fold suppression in expression immediately following oxygen exposure at P12. The expression was dramatically increased at P17, the time of maximal vasoproliferation. Dexamethasone inhibited the expression of TNF-α at P17 by 6.4-fold. At this dose, it also suppressed the baseline TNF-α expression in the mouse model. In summary, TNF-α is altered in the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy in the mouse. It increased markedly during the vasoproliferative phase and was suppressed by dexamethasone. Modulation of TNF-α expression may provide a potential site of action for future therapeutic targets.
Holographic interferometry deformation study of a printer type-piece

Holographic interferometry with a pulsed ruby laser is used to determine printer type-piece deformation caused by impact of the print hammer. A variety of type-piece designs are examined. Effects of impact velocity and hammer-type-piece alignments are studied. Means of obtaining stress information from the holographic data are considered. Cubic spline methods are used to smooth the holographic data and to obtain continuous first and second derivatives. The stresses calculated from the holographic data agree well with those obtained by other means such as finite element analysis. Some limitations of the holographic technique as well as its advantages are discussed. Considerable type-piece twisting is observed; this was not expected or known previously. The most significant result is that a type-piece tends to twist when impacted by the hammer at any point other than the exact center. Thet wist angle is of the same magnitude as the angle of out-of-plane motion of the type. Hence the type may impact the platen on one corner or side edge. Also, the type bends greatly in the necked down region adjacent to the character and does not pivot by a large amount at its bearing point. Twisting motion is propagated from one end of the type to the other.
Vertical migratory behavior of the infective third-stage larvae of Oesophagostomum dentatum

The vertical migratory behavior of third-stage infective larvae (L3i) of Oesophagostomum dentatum was investigated using upright truncated agarose cones and equivalent conical depressions in agarose. Geotactic response varied with the age of the infective larvae. Four-day-old L3i showed no preference for the sloping surfaces of either indented or upright cones, while the 8-day-old L3i showed a positive geotactic reaction, migrating down the sloping surface of the depressions.
Left Ventricular Vortex Under Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair

Mitral valve (MV) edge-to-edge repair (ETER) changes MV geometry by approximation of MV leaflets, and impacts left ventricle (LV) filling fluid mechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate LV vortex with MV ETER during diastole. A computational MV–LV model was developed with MV ETER at the central free edges of the anterior and posterior leaflets. It was supposed that LV would elongate apically during diastole. The elongation deformation was controlled by the intraventricular flow rate. MV leaflets were modeled as a semi-prolate sphere with two symmetrical circular orifices and fixed at the maximum valve opening. MV chordae were neglected. FLUENT was used to simulate blood flow through the MV and in the LV. MV ETER generated two jets deflected laterally toward the LV wall in rapid LV filling. The jets impinged the LV wall obliquely and moved apically along the LV wall. Jet energy was primarily lost near the impingement. The jet from each MV orifice was surrounded by a vortex ring. The two vortex rings dissipated at the end of diastole. The total energy loss increased inversely with the MV orifice area. The atrio-ventricular pressure gradient was adverse near the end of diastole and possibly in diastasis. Reduction of the total orifice area led to more increment in the transmitral pressure drop than in the transmitral velocity. In conclusion, during diastole, two deflected jets from the MV under ETER impinged the LV wall. Major energy loss occurred around the jet impingement. Two vortex rings dissipated at the end of diastole with little storage of inflow energy for blood ejection in the following process of systole. MV ETER increased energy loss and lowered LV filling efficiency. The maintaining of a larger orifice area after ETER might not significantly increase energy loss in the LV during diastole and the transmitral pressure drop. The adverse pressure gradient from the atrium to the LV might be the mechanism of MV closure in the late diastole.
The prion folding problem

Abstract Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders in which dramatic conformational change in the structure of the prion protein is the fundamental event. This structural transition involves the loss of substantial α-helical content and the acquisition of β-sheet structure. A convergence of recent biological and structural studies argues that the mechanism underlying the prion diseases is truly unprecedented.
Effects of light on size‐selectivity of kokanee feeding on Daphnia

Planktivory by fingerling kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka feeding on Daphnia became more size-selective with increased illumination (0.1 v. 15 lux). The average difference in length of Daphnia (D. pulex and D. galeata) in trial arenas before and after kokanee feeding was 0.107 mm (P = 0.0007) at 0.1 lux and 0.371 mm (P < 0.0001) at 15 lux.
Shedding light on tumors using nanoparticles.

The scaffold of nanoparticles (broadly defined as having a size range of 1−100 nm) presents a convenient platform to incorporate multiple functionalities into one single particle for cancer imaging and therapeutics. Whether hollow inside or not, a single nanoparticle can encapsulate a large payload of imaging probes, anticancer drug molecules, or both. On the surface, tumor-specific targeting molecules (e.g., receptor-binding ligands or antibodies) may be immobilized to facilitate active tumor targeting and drug delivery. This versatile nanoplatform promises more efficient delivery of payloads to tumors for improving cancer detection and treatment.
The old labor history and the new: In search of an American working class

(1979). The old labor history and the new: In search of an American working class. Labor History: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 111-126.
Monetary and Fiscal Constitutions and the Bureaucratic Behavior of the Federal Reserve

A body of literature has developed that models the Federal Reserve as a self- interested bureaucracy, and not simply as an altruistic bureau guided only by a concern with the public interest. This literature focuses on the monetary constitution—the institutional arrangements and relationships under which the Federal Reserve operates. However, the Federal Reserve also operates under a fiscal constitution (the institutional arrangements that guide development of a federal budget). This is because the Federal Reserve is an agent of Congress. Unfortunately, this important principal-agent relationship has not been incorpo rated into the examinations of the bureaucratic behavior of the Federal Reserve. The purpose of this article is to reexamine the Federal Reserve's tendency to engage in expense-preference behavior while controlling for both monetary and fiscal constitutions.
The natural radiochemical and growth records in contemporary hermatypic corals from the Atlantic and Caribbean

Abstract The skeletal banding observed in vertical cross-sections of two species of coral,Montastrea annularis from Jamaica andDiploria labrynthiformis from Bermuda, has been confirmed to be annual by ingrowth of228Th towards radioactive equilibrium with228Ra taken up from seawater. In addition the Bermuda coral is shown to have incorporated210Pb at essentially constant specific activity over at least the last thirty years. The individual annual patterns of growth banding in a suite of specimens ofD. Labrynthiformis from Bermuda are shown to be correlative. The mass of CaCO3 accumulated each year is positively correlated with the band width for the corresponding year.
Compensation Schemes and Human Capital Attainment in Congress: Is There an Adverse Selection of Legislator Attributes?

This study examines the role that compensation plays in the self-selection process of legislator attributes in the U.S. Congress. The statistical results from the 104th Congress suggest that human capital levels of senators are significantly different from those of representatives, and this result is likely due to adverse selection because of the disparity in compensation schemes across the two chambers of the Congress. Such a result has potentially significant consequences given the constitutional provisions that place taxation authority in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the fact that House members sponsor vastly larger amounts of spending legislation (and total legislation) than senators. Although much future work is needed to be done, this study lays a foundation for public choice scholars to ponder.
Interactions of Recombinant Mouse Erythrocyte Transglutaminase with Membrane Skeletal Proteins

Transglutaminases (TGs) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the formation of covalent gamma-glutamyl-epsilon-lysine crosslinks between glutamine (Q) acyl-donors and lysine (K) acyl-acceptors. Here, we report the cDNA cloning of a TG from mouse reticulocytes, its 4.6-kb message size and high-yield synthesis of recombinant TG in yeast cultures. Its activity was assayed by crosslinking the amine of monodansylcadaverine (DC) onto casein and inside-out vesicles of erythrocytes. The latter contain TG substrates including the anion ion exchanger (AE1) or band 3, and the crosslinking activity was the highest at physiological [GTP] and [ATP] of erythrocytes. To study individually how TG interacts with band 3 and what role P4.2, a pseudo-TG that is normally associated with band 3, may play in their interaction, recombinant cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3) and P4.2 were also cloned by polymerase chain reaction from mouse reticulocytes, expressed and affinity-purified from Escherichia coli. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis revealed that increasing [CaCl(2)] enhanced TG-mediated crosslinking of DC to cdb3 but decreased TG binding to cdb3. P4.2 inhibited the TG-mediated crosslinking of cdb3 but stabilized the binding of TG to cdb3 in the presence of calcium. This in vitro study suggests a relationship among TG, cdb3 and P4.2 in erythrocyte membrane during calcium influx.
Protein phosphatase 1 activation and alternative splicing of Bcl-X and Mcl-1 by EGCG + ibuprofen.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and ibuprofen synergistically act to suppress proliferation and enhance apoptosis of prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and LNCaP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of underlying this synergism. Most interestingly, EGCG + ibuprofen treatment in PC-3 cells resulted in altering the ratio of the splice variants of Bcl-X and Mcl-1, downregulatingthe mRNA levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-X(L) and Mcl-1 (L) with a concomitant increase in the mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic Bcl-X(s) and Mcl-1 (s). However, there were no apparent changes in splicing variants in either ibuprofen or EGCG treated cells. Induction of alternative splicing was correlated with increased activity of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) in EGCG + ibuprofen-treated cells, since pretreatment with calyculin A and tautomycin blocked EGCG + ibuprofen-induced alternative splicing in PC-3 cells in contrast to pretreatment with okadaic acid. On the other hand, EGCG + ibuprofen treatment in LNCaP cells did not alter splicing variants of Bcl-X and Mcl-1, despite the increase in protein phosphatase activity. In both cell lines, EGCG + ibuprofen inhibited cell proliferation synergistically. Taken together, this study demonstrate for the first time that EGCG + ibuprofen upregulated PP1 activity, which in turn induced alternative splicing of Bcl-X and Mcl-1 in a cell-type specific manner. Our study also demonstrates that the activation of PP1 contributes to the alternative splicing of Mcl-1.
STATE DEPENDENCY OF BANK STOCK REACTION TO FEDERAL FUNDS RATE TARGET CHANGES

We investigate the effects of changes in the federal funds target rate on bank stock returns through an event-study analysis. We examine the state dependency of such effects and focus on the surprise elements of policy changes derived from the federal funds futures market. Although we confirm an inverse relation between bank stock returns and changes in the federal funds target rate previously supported in the literature, we find that bank stock returns only respond to surprise or unexpected changes in the federal funds target rate. We also find that such responses are conditional on the context in which policy changes take place.
Glucocorticoid modulation of collagenase expression in human skin fibroblast cultures. Evidence for pre-translational inhibition.

Abstract Glucocorticoids inhibit collagenase accumulation in the medium of human skin explant cultures. To examine the mechanism for this process, skin fibroblasts were placed in serum-free medium containing various steroids. Dexamethasone produced a dose-dependent inhibition of trypsin-activatable collagenase in the culture medium with maximal inhibition of approx. 85% at 10−6 M. Dexamethasone failed to inhibit collagenase activity directly. The decrease in activity in the medium was paralleled by a decrease in immunoreactive protein, suggesting inhibition of enzyme synthesis. The specificity of the effect was shown in two ways. At 10−6 M steroid, only dexamethasone and hydrocortisone were inhibitory; estradiol, progesterone and testosterone produced less than 10% inhibition. In biosynthetic studies, exposure to 10−7 M dexamethasone for 24 h produced approx. 50% inhibition of collagenase synthesis but caused no greater than 10% inhibition of total protein synthesis. The T 1 2 for achieving the effect was approx. 16 h after initial exposure to dexamethasone. These kinetics were parallel to the inhibition caused by actinomycin D and cordycepin, two inhibitors of transcription, but were longer than that caused by cycloheximide ( T 1 2 h ). To examine this process, cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 10−6 M dexamethasone prior to harvesting mRNA for cell-free translation. In each case the inhibition or enzyme activity in the intact cells was paralleled by a reduction in translatable collagenase mRNA from the same cells. At the same time, there was no significant inhibition of total protein translation by the steroid. These data suggest that glucocorticoids regulate collagenase synthesis at a pre-translational level, possibly through inhibition of transcription.
Using logistic regression and the Mantel-Haenszel with multiple ability estimates to detect differential item functioning.

Logistic regression has recently been advanced as a viable procedure for detecting differential item functioning (DIF). One of the advantages of this procedure is the considerable flexibility it offers in the specification of the regression equation. This article describes incorporating two ability estimates into a single regression analysis, with the result that substantially fewer items exhibit DIF. A comparable analysis is conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel with similar results. It is argued that by simultaneously conditioning on two relevant ability estimates, more accurate matching of examinees in the reference and focal groups is obtained, and thus multidimensional item impact is not mistakenly identified as DIF.
WALL AND PARTICLE-SHAPE EFFECTS ON HEAT TRANSFER IN PACKED BEDS

The effective radial thermal conductivity and apparent heat transfer coefficient for a packed bed were experimentally determined for beds of spheres, full cylinders and hollow cylinders, for flow rates giving particle Reynolds numbers in the range 100-1000, and for tube to particle diameter ratios of 5-12. Over these ranges the radial Peclet number Per showed significant dependence on solid conductivity, gas flow rate and particle shape, while the wall Biot number Bi showed significant dependence on tube to particle diameter ratio, gas flow rate and particle shape. These dependencies were predicted well by equations incorporating the effects of these variables into individual gas and solid phase parameters, which were then combined to give the effective or lumped parameters
A novel diaphragm micropump actuated by conjugated polymer petals: Fabrication, modeling, and experimental results

Abstract Micropumps have promising applications in biomedical devices and micro total analysis systems. Conjugated polymer actuators provide an important potential mechanism for realizing micropumps because of their amenability to miniaturization and low actuation voltages. In this paper we present a novel, conjugated polymer petal-actuated diaphragm micropump, which is in contrast to the typical diaphragm design of using a single piece of soft actuation material clamped at all edges. We show through analysis and experiments that the new design, by alleviating the edge constrains, can provide significantly larger diaphragm deformation and consequently higher flow rate. A physics-based, control-oriented model is developed to predict the diaphragm deformation and the flow rate given the actuation voltage input. Experiments conducted on a polypyrrole (PPy)-actuated micropump, fabricated through PDMS-based MEMS processes, have validated the dynamic model. A maximum flow rate of 1260 μ L / min is achieved for the petal-actuated diaphragm pump under an actuation voltage of 4 V, while in comparison, the pump with traditional diaphragm design generates no observable flow under the same voltage.
Measurements of despin and yawing moments produced by a viscous liquid

The behavior indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 suggests that a small shape change would occur with each pitch oscillation of the vehicle, so that the resulting trim moments would tend to cancel out. If the net trim remained sufficiently small, then the epicyclic motion would persist until it damped out from inherent pitch and normal force damping. Because successive points of minimum ! I and presumed shape change occur on essentially opposite meridians (from the point of view of an observer fixed in space), the lift nonaveraging dispersion associated with equal increments of shape change should be minimal.' It is emphasized that these conclusions are based on the assumption that very small "incipient" ablation or erosion asymmetries exist which do not influence the motion. A more rigorous treatment of the problem should include the effects of these shape asymmetries on the coupling between the angle of attack and windward-meridian rotation rate.
Variability of SCUBA diver's Acoustic Emission

Knowledge of the variability of the acoustic emission characteristics from SCUBA divers is critically important for designing and operating a passive acoustic SCUBA characterization system. Using modeling and experimental measurements in a controlled environment, we identified key source factors influencing the variability of the acoustic emission parameters including Source Band Level (SBL), Spectral Power Density (SPD), and breathing periodicity or emission modulation frequency. The key factors are: equipment, specifically, the design of the first stage (high pressure) regulator and its service life; diver's experience and training; and, finally, operating conditions of the equipment and diver, i.e. tank air pressure and the diver's motion activity. We found, for example, that the SBL could vary as much as 16 dB depending on the equipment used and up to 15 dB depending on the diver's intensity of motion.
Inflammatory cell stimulation and wound healing in Sphaeridiotrema globulus experimentally infected mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Thirty laboratory-reared mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were experimentally infected with Sphaeridiotrema globulus. Host cell-mediated immunity and wound healing in S. globulus infected ducks were evaluated by gross and histological examination. Establishment, location, and life span of S. globulus differed from previous reports of sphaeridiotremiasis in both naturally and experimentally infected waterfowl. No worms were recovered from the ceca, and worm migration occurred anterior to the ileo-cecal valve with greater dispersion (less worm crowding) at higher rates of infectivity. Parasite death and host lesion resolution were evident at days 8 to 10 postinfection (PI) in ducks fed a moderate dose (200 metacercariae, group A) with a 5% mean parasite recovery rate. Host death occurred at days 3 to 6 in ducks fed a high dose (550 metacercariae, group B) with a 16% mean parasite recovery rate. Mast cells increased significantly (P < 0.005) in group A ducks from days 4 to 10 PI. Eosinophil proliferation w...
Using stories in an introductory college biology course

A number of case studies were examined to discover how introductory college biology instructors and their students use stories to make sense of biology concepts. Methods involved observing and transcribing stories told by four instructors over two semesters. Three instructors and 31 students were interviewed. Four story types were identified from the study: personal experience stories, historical anecdotes, extended examples, and ‘you’ stories. Four story purposes were also identified: relating, engaging, illustrating change, and cautionary tale. Students found stories useful if they related to real life and were engaging or humorous. Applications for teaching teachers how to use stories effectively are discussed.
THE APPLICATION OF EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: A CRITICAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

Although factor analysis has been a major contributing factor in advancing psychological research, a systematic assessment of how it has been applied is lacking. For this review we examined the Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, and Personnel Psychology over a ten-year period (1975–1984) and located 152 studies that employed factor analysis. We then analyzed the choices made by the researchers concerning factor model, retention criteria, rotation, interpretation of factors and other issues relevant to factor analysis. The results indicate that choices made by researchers have generally been poor and that reporting practices have not allowed for informed review, cumulation of results, or replicability. A comparison of results by time interval (1975–1979; 1980–1984) revealed minimal differences in choices made or the quality of reporting practices. Suggestions for improving the use of factor analysis and the reporting of results are presented.
Modeling and simulation of medium-access-protocols in local area networks

Local Area Networks are becoming the most common way of connecting a series of workstations to allow them to communicate with each other and share common resources. It is therefore becoming more and more important for network designers and installers to evaluate the ability of local area networks that use different communication protocols to handle the desired message loads. An issue in LAN performance is related to the properties of the medium access protocol, i.e., its throughput-delay characteristics. By medium access protocol we refer to the MAC (Medium Access Control) sublayer as defined by the IEEE-802 and the ISOOSI protocols. This paper focuses on two general classes of protocols: the first is known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) and the second is known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) or Bit-Mapped protocol. Two variations of each class are examined, and comparisons are made between the classes and the variants of each class.
The Effects of a Study-Group Process on the Implementation of Reform in Mathematics Education

In each of three consecutive years, 16 teachers were admitted to a program in which they participated in a study group to reform their teaching practices in mathematics. The 48 (total) elementary school teachers in this program were selected to ensure diversity of setting— urban and suburban, as well as public and parochial. Teachers routinely met with the study group for 1 year, engaging in follow-up activities after that year. Surveys, interviews, and site visits showed that teachers underwent significant changes in their knowledge, beliefs, and teaching practices and were attempting to implement reform consistent with current standards. Teachers with 11 to 25 years of experience demonstrated the greatest changes. Long-term effects of the program and its impact on colleagues within the building and district have yet to be studied.
Direct evidence of cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss in amphibious mudskipper (family Gobiidae) and rockskipper (family Blenniidae) fishes from Pulau Hoga, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract Rockskippers (family Blenniidae) and mudskippers (family Gobiidae) are amphibious fishes common to tropical intertidal zones. While their emergence patterns differ, both groups spend considerable time on land where they are subject to desiccation. Using a gravimetric wind tunnel method we determined total and cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss of lined, Istiblennius lineatus (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1836 ), and Ambon, Paralticus amboinensis (Bleeker, 1857), rockskippers as well as barred, Periophthalmus argentilineatus Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1837 , and common, Periophthalmus kalolo Lesson, 1831, mudskippers from Hoga Island, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. These fishes exhibited mean total resistance values ranging between 0.82 and 0.61 s/cm; values significantly higher than their agar replicas. Mean cutaneous resistance estimates ranged from 0.38 to 0.25 s/cm. Total and cutaneous resistances were statistically similar between species (p = 0.125 and 0.480, respectively). Water loss resistance, while marginal, likely plays an important role in extending fish emergence times. Having greater resistance values may not be compatible with cutaneous respiration or necessary for fishes that frequently return to pools to eliminate nitrogenous wastes. This is the first direct evidence of evaporative water loss resistance in fishes.
Influence of oxygen concentration and storage factors on susceptibility of potato tubers to bacterial soft rot (Erwinia carotovora)

Potato tubers were injected with 10 μl of each of six inoculum levels (from 1 · 106 to 5 · 109 cells ml) ofErwinia carotovora var.atroseptica (van Hall) Dye. Analysis of the Weibull plot indicated that the bacteria acted independently and that all tubers were equally susceptible to decay. The amount of decay was significantly higher at 2% than at 6 and 10% oxygen. Under aerobic conditions at 22°C the bacteria multiplied quickly for no longer than 24 h but in a nitrogen atmosphere populations increased rapidly for 72 h at which time decay symptoms appeared.
Numerical modeling of particle dynamics in a rotating disk chemical vapor deposition reactor

Abstract Particle contamination is considered to be one of the major problem areas in the processing of semiconductors via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Thus it is very important to acquire an understanding of particle transport processes in CVD reactors. This paper addresses this issue by presenting the results of a numerical simulation of particle dynamics in a rotating disk CVD reactor. The background flowfield calculation employs the full axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations, while individual particle trajectories are computed by accounting for inertial, thermophoretic and gravitational effects. The results of this simulation are analyzed to determine under what conditions particles greater than 1 μm in diameter impact and thus contaminate the deposition substrate. It is shown that particle size and injection location as well as flow direction (with or against gravity) and disk characteristics (temperature and rotation rate) all play important roles here. The results for various parameter combinations are presented and discussed, as is the concept of a global type of particle contamination parameter.
Design of a novel coaxial wiggler

Summary form only given, as follows. The Naval Research Laboratory is investigating innovative wiggler designs in order to reduce the beam energy requirements for short wavelength FEL operation and to enhance the gain, efficiency, and total output power. Recent work has focused on coaxial wiggler designs. The advantages of this are twofold. Firstly, it is advantageous to employ annular configurations in propagating high current electron beams. The hollow beam geometry permits the use of a central structure which can be used to enhance the wiggler field. This latter feature represents the second advantage; specifically, the enhanced wiggler field allows us to use shorter wiggler periods without sacrificing field strength. We will discuss a wiggler design that uses both outer and inner bifilar helical current windings. This wiggler design results in substantial enhancements in the periodic wiggler field experienced by the electron beam as compared with the fields in the absence of the central structure. Steady-state orbits are derived analytically which indicate that substantial enhancements in the transverse beam velocity can be obtained. Integration of single-particle orbits yields results which are consistent with the steady-state orbits, but only axis-encircling orbits appear to be stable. Nonlinear device simulations will also be discussed.
Metal impacts on microbial biomass in the anoxic sediments of a contaminated lake

[1] Little is known about the long-term impacts of metal contamination on the microbiota of anoxic lake sediments. In this study, we examined microbial biomass and metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc) in the sediments of Lake DePue, a backwater lake located near a former zinc smelter. Sediment core samples were examined using two independent measures for microbial biomass (total microscopic counts and total phospholipid phosphate concentrations) and for various fractions of each metal (pore water extracts, sequential extractions, and total extracts of all studied metals and zinc speciation by X-ray absorption fine structure). Zinc concentrations were up to 1000 times higher than reported for sediments in the adjacent Illinois River and ranged from 21,400 mg/kg near the source to 1,680 mg/kg near the river. However, solid metal fractions were not well correlated with pore water concentrations and were not good predictors of biomass concentrations. Instead, biomass, which varied among sites by as much as 2 times, was inversely correlated with concentrations of pore water zinc and arsenic as established by multiple linear regression. Monitoring of other parameters known to naturally influence biomass in sediments (e.g., organic carbon concentrations, nitrogen concentrations, pH, sediment texture, and macrophytes) revealed no differences that could explain observed biomass trends. This study provides strong support for control of microbial abundance by pore water metal concentrations in contaminated freshwater sediments.
Substance P–Neurokinin-1 receptor interaction upregulates monocyte tissue factor

Monocytes play an important role in hemostasis. In this study, the prothrombotic effects of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) on human monocytes through neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) were characterized. SP upregulated monocyte tissue factor (TF), the major coagulation cascade stimulator, in a concentration and time dependent manner. Specific inhibition of NK1-R completely blocked TF expression. Monocytes stimulated by SP released cytokines and chemokines. When monocytes were stimulated with cytokines or chemokines, TF was expressed by the cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α). Cytokines may play a major role in the mechanism of SP induced monocyte TF expression. NK1-R antagonists (NK1-RA) may have a role in developing novel therapeutic approaches to patients vulnerable to vaso-occlusive disorders.
Size-related shifts in herbivory: specialization in the sea hare Aplysia californica Cooper

Abstract Conceptual models suggest that small herbivores should be more specialized than large ones. This paper examines how dietary preferences change during the growth of a single herbivore, the sea hare Aplysia californica Cooper (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia). Postmetamorphic sea hares grow from 0.05 to ≈ 30 cm in length, increasing in mass by several orders of magnitude. Adult (10–30 cm) A. californica are known to be able to grow on the algae Plocamium, Ulva and Codium , whereas juveniles (1–3 cm) can grow only on Plocamium and Ulva , and recruits (0.05–0.15 cm) only on Plocamium . Laboratory preferences for different algal species by recruit, juvenile and adult A. californica correlated with their ability to grow on these algae. Individuals in all three size classes highly preferred Plocamium , but juveniles ranked both Ulva and Codium higher than did recruits. In the field, small (≤ 2 cm) A. californica are found almost exclusively on Plocamium , and almost never on Codium ; adults feed on Plocamium, Laurencia and Codium disproportionately compared to their abundance. Limited experimental evidence suggests that greater generalization in small A. californica may be prevented by their relatively small, weak mouthparts. Because A, californica have extremely specific habitat requirements when recently settled, they would be expected to be very selective settlers. However, in the laboratory, larvae settled on a wide variety of algal species. Individuals metamorphosing in the presence of Plocamium tended to be found on this alga; individuals metamorphosing in the presence of other algae tended to be found on container walls. Sea hares may be able to settle nonspecifically with respect to algae and then move to preferred algae following metamorphosis; however, this has not been shown in the field. Field manipulations of the abundance of Plocamium , the only moderately common alga that is highly preferred, influenced the local abundance of both small ( A. californica , but through different mechanisms: the abundance of small A. californica was determined primarily by settlement, that of adult A. californica by movement.
Osmoregulation in the newly hatched domestic chick

Abstract Two-day-old naive chicks rapidly restored their serum sodium concentrations to normal levels, both by water ingestion, after dehydration, and by diuresis, after overhydration. Thus, the osmoregulatory mechanisms which influence fluid intake and output in the chicken are probably innate rather than dependent upon learning or repeated sensory experience.
Partition Functions of the Superconformal Ghost Thirring Model

The one-loop partition functions of the superconformal Thirring model for first order b − c and β − γ ghost fields are studied for both closed and open string boundary conditions. Bosonized partition functions are given by formal series which usually diverge because the energy spectrum of the theory is unbounded below as a correlate of nonunitarity. However, the same partition functions are then calculated by path integral methods directly in the fermionic formulation, and well-defined (convergent) integral representations are obtained. A formal series expansion of those integrals reproduces the bosonized partition functions.
Multi-instrument observations of storm-enhanced density during geomagnetic storms

Ionospheric electron density and the total electron content (TEC) are representative and highly variable electromagnetic parameters in the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere system. Because our modern society increasingly relies on ground-to-ground and ground-to-space communications and navigation, understanding the sources of the ionospheric density variability and monitoring its dynamics during space weather events have great practical importance. During geomagnetically disturbed times, ground-based instruments, such as incoherent scatter radars (ISRs) and GPS receivers, have observed great electron density and TEC enhancements and depressions over a wide range of magnetic latitudes and local times. We present observations of Storm-Enhanced Density (SED) [1] from the Poker Flat Advanced Modular ISR and GPS TEC during multiple geomagnetic storms. In particular, we show in detail the temporal evolution of SED observed during the Oct. 24–25, 2011 geomagnetic storm and discuss the mechanisms for the formation of SED [2]. Other key ionospheric properties, such as the convection flows and plasma temperature, within and surrounding these density structures are also presented and their relationship to the electron density and TEC changes are discussed.
The sol-gel glass transformation of silica

Abstract Large monolithic xerogel silica glasses were successfully made from tetramethyl-orthosilicate and distilled water using the combination of an acidic drying control chemical additive (DCCA) and a specially designed drying chamber. The acidic DCCA increases the gel strength by formation of a fibrillar ultrastructure, and the drying chamber reduces the catastrophic capillary forces inside the wet gel body. Partially densified monolithic gels up to 850°C were routinely made for physical property tests and compared to commercial fused silicas. Although the mechanical properties of the porous gel-silica monoliths such as microhardness, Young's modulus, toughness, flexural strength, density are relatively lower than fused silica, the optically transparent porous gel silica has a UV cut-off ranging from 250–300 nm. Such a porous gel with excellent optical transmission and a highly uniform pore radius of 10–50 A offers a unique, chemically stable matrix for impregnation with a second phase of optically ac...
Optimizing Router Nodes Placement for Designing Distributed Sensor Networks

Designing a distributed wireless sensor network can be a difficult effort without using simulation tools. These tools should provide a robust and efficient solution for the problem with quick response time. However, available simulation tools for designing wireless sensor networks are very limited. Authors in [1] proposed an interactive design tool based on Dijkstra's algorithm which can assist rapid design of sensor network. However, it has a very high execution time when the network size is relatively large, i.e. n 50. Moreover, it produces a suboptimal solution with large number of router nodes. In this paper, we present efficient and robust synthesis algorithms which exclusively reduce run time for large networks as much as 1000% and also produce a synthesized network with a reduced number of router nodes as much as 150% in comparison to similar previous works.
An anisocoria produces a small relative afferent pupillary defect in the eye with the smaller pupil.

Objectives To determine whether an anisocoria can produce a relative afferent pupillary defect of clinical importance. Material and methods Anisocoria and relative afferent pupillary defect were measured with infrared videography in three clinical experiments: 1) every few minutes in eight normal subjects who remained in darkness as one pupil was dilating from mydriatic drops; 2) every 2 hours, for 8 hours in six normal subjects who remained in room light after one pupil was dilated with mydriatic drops; and 3) before and after dilation of one pupil in 24 patients with known afferent defects from optic nerve disease and who remained in room light. Results In the presence of an anisocoria, the relative afferent pupillary defect was almost always in the eye with the smaller pupil. The results of the three experiments were: 1) In darkness, the induced pupillary defect was found to be related to the ratio of the areas of the two pupils (R = 0.942), and 0.14 log unit of pupillary defect was produced in the eye with the smaller pupil for every millimeter of anisocoria. 2) In room light, the induced pupillary defect was in the eye with the smaller pupil but was less than in Experiment 1 and persisted throughout the 8 hours. This was presumably because the eye with the larger pupil had become more light adapted in the clinic light than the eye with the smaller pupil. 3) In room light, inducing an anisocoria in patients with preexisting afferent pupillary defect tended to shift the pupillary defect toward the eye with the smaller pupil (R = 0.68). Conclusions Clinically, approximately 0.1 log unit of relative afferent pupillary defect is produced in the eye with the smaller pupil for every millimeter of anisocoria. Therefore, the anisocoria must be larger than 2 mm in diameter difference to induce a clinically significant relative afferent pupillary defect.