cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strong association of a functional polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 promoter gene with lupus nephritis.

Objective Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is evidence that polymorphisms in the genes of inflammatory mediators may predispose to the development of LN in patients with SLE. In this study, we examined the role of a functional monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) polymorphism in SLE and LN. Methods DNA and paired urine and serum samples were obtained from 134 SLE patients (≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE; 49 with and 85 without LN) and 118 controls. MCP-1 genomic variants were detected by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme–fragment analysis. Urinary and serum MCP-1 levels and MCP-1 production by peripheral blood macrophages were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The A/A genotype was more common in controls than in SLE patients (P = 0.0002), whereas both the A/G (P = 0.009) and G/G (P = 0.0212) genotypes were more frequent in SLE patients. The A/A genotype was observed in only 23% of the patients with LN compared with 58% of those without LN (P < 0.0001). MCP-1 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with the A/G and G/G phenotypes was markedly higher than the production by cells from patients with the A/A genotype. Urinary levels of MCP-1 were significantly higher in patients with LN. Conclusion These results suggest that an A/G or G/G genotype may predispose to the development of SLE and further indicate that SLE patients with these genotypes may be at higher risk of developing LN. Moreover, measurement of urinary levels of MCP-1 may be a useful tool for the detection and management of LN.
Inhibition of parathyroid hormone release from dispersed bovine cells by ouabain

Abstract Ouabain, at concentrations of 3 × 10 −4 –10 −3 M, inhibited secretion of PTH ∼50% in a freshly dispersed bovine parathyroid cell preparation. This inhibition was found with both unstimulated and secretagogue-stimulated PTH release. Reductions in PTH secretion were found at all concentrations of Ca ++ tested between 0.3 mM and 2.0 mM and in the presence of the divalent cation chelators EDTA and EGTA, indicating that extracellular Ca ++ is not an absolute requirement for the inhibition. The ouabain inhibition did not appear to be mediated through changes in either adenylate cyclase activity or total cellular cAMP, implying a locus distal to the generation of this cyclic nucleotide. The data suggest that transmembrane potential and/or distribution of monovalent cations across the plasma membrane is important in the maintenance of PTH secretion. The mechanisms involved in this control do not appear to involve extracellular Ca ++ directly.
Band selection for recognition using moment invariants

We use moment invariants for the recognition of regions in hyperspectral images under different illumination conditions. These moment invariants can be computed efficiently from the spectral histograms of the image regions. We propose methods for improving the recognition rate by choosing bands that improve the accuracy of the model underlying the invariants. These bands are also optimized to distinguish different materials. We demonstrate the use of multiple subsets of bands for invariant recognition. Experiments on DIRSIG images are presented to demonstrate the use of these methods.
Age and sleep disturbances among American men and women: data from the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Explore the prevalence of sleep-related complaints across age groups, examining effects of sex, general health, and depressed mood. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). SETTING Epidemiologic. PARTICIPANTS Complete-case analysis included 155,877 participants who responded to questions related to Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance (SLEEPDIST) and Self-Reported Tiredness/Lack of Energy (TIREDNESS). INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Outcomes were self-reported complaints in response to survey questions assessing SLEEPDIST and TIREDNESS, dichotomized as reporting a complaint < 6 versus ≥ 6 nights or days, respectively, in a 2-wk period. Predictors were age, general health, and depressed mood. All analyses were adjusted for race/ethnicity, income, education, and time since last medical checkup. Across all age groups, women reported more SLEEPDIST and TIREDNESS. Poor general health, mild depressed mood, and moderate/severe depressed mood were associated with SLEEPDIST and TIREDNESS. Both SLEEPDIST and TIREDNESS generally declined across the life span, with fewest endorsements in respondents older than 80 yr. For SLEEPDIST, odds ratios (ORs, reference = 80+) declined from age 18-54 yr, rose slightly, and then declined again after age 59 yr in men. The pattern was similar for women, except a more marked rise was noted from age 40-59 yr. The pattern was similar for TIREDNESS. CONCLUSIONS Advancing age was not associated with increased Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance or Self-Reported Tiredness/Lack of Energy. These results suggest that the often-reported increase in sleep problems with age is a nonlinear phenomenon, mediated by factors other than physiologic aging.
Stability of high-beta tokamaks to ballooning modes

Fixed-boundary ballooning modes are found to possess a second globally stable regime for high-beta flux-conserving equilibria. This confirms a conjecture of several authors based on local analysis of the instability in the vicinity of the magnetic axis. The range of unstable beta values depends on the details of the equilibrium and, in particular, on shear. Very high shear can decrease the width of the unstable region.
Exogenous gangliosides increase the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Abstract Gangliosides are lipophilic compounds found in cell plasma membranes throughout the brain that play a role in neuronal plasticity and regeneration. Indeed, absence or abnormal accumulation of gangliosides has been shown to lead to neurological disorders. Experimental data have shown that exogenous gangliosides exhibit properties similar to the neurotrophins, a family of neurotrophic factors that are important in the survival and maintenance of neurons and prevention of neurological diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant of the neurotrophins. This work was done to reveal the neurotrophic mechanism of exogenous gangliosides. In particular, we examined whether gangliosides promote the release of BDNF. Rat hippocampal neurons or human neuroblastoma cells were transduced with a recombinant adenovirus expressing BDNF-flag to facilitate detection of BDNF. Release of BDNF was then determined by Western blot analysis and a two-site immunoassay of culture medium. The depolarizing agent KCl was used as a comparison. In hippocampal neurons, both GM1 ganglioside and KCl evoked within minutes the release of mature BDNF. In human cells, GM1 and other gangliosides released both mature BDNF and pro-BDNF. The effect of gangliosides was structure-dependent. In fact, GT1b preferentially released mature BDNF whereas GM1 released both mature and pro-BDNF. Ceramide and sphingosine did not modify the release of BDNF. This work provides additional experimental evidence that exogenous gangliosides can be used to enhance the neurotrophic factor environment and promote neuronal survival in neurological diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Trends in Neuropharmacology: In Memory of Erminio Costa’.
MET/HGF signaling pathway in ovarian carcinoma: Clinical implications and future direction

The HGF/MET signaling pathway is abnormal in numerous cancers including ovarian cancer. MET is expressed in 70% of human cancer and it is overexpressed in 30% of ovarian cases and cancer cell lines. The HGF/MET pathway plays a role in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer through the most distinctive biologic program known as “invasive growth” which is accomplished through a coordinated activation of cell motility, invasiveness, degradation of extracellular matrix, survival, and proliferation. Because of its ubiquitous role in cancer, the MET axis seems to be an attractive target for cancer therapy. Numerous HGF/MET pathway inhibitor compounds are already in use in clinical trials in various solid tumors. In this paper, we will discuss the HGF/MET pathway in ovarian cancer, its clinical significance, and its potential use as a target therapy in the future.
JT Dispersion in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome: Effect of Eccentric Ventricular Depolarization on the Dispersion of Repolarization

There is much interest in QT dispersion for noninvasive risk stratification of patients at risk of arrhythmias. However, little is known about the genesis of abnormal QT dispersion. In particular, whether eccentric ventricular depolarization, as seen in preexcitation, can lead to abnormal dispersion of repolarization is unknown. We studied 24 children aged 1-19 years (mean +/- SD, 11 +/- 5 years) with manifest preexcitation due to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who had successful catheter ablation. Standard ECGs done preablation, early postablation ( 1 week, 2 months) were reviewed. The QRS duration prior to ablation ranged from 90-160 ms (mean +/- SD, 123 +/- 21 ms). On the preablation ECG, the JT and JTc dispersions showed no relationship to the QRS duration (r = 0.04 and 0.07, respectively). There was no change in JT dispersion when the preablation (42 +/- 15 ms) ECG was compared to early (43 +/- 15 ms), mid (44 +/- 13 ms), and late postablation (48 +/- 19 ms) ECGs. There was no significant change in JTc dispersion as well. Thus, JT dispersion is unrelated to QRS duration and unaffected by catheter ablation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Eccentric ventricular depolarization does not lead to abnormal dispersion of repolarization.
The influence of surface chemistry on the development of minor species profiles in the premixed boundary layer combustion of an H2/air mixture

Abstract The combustion of premixed hydrogen/air mixtures flowing over a hot catalytic and non-catalytic surface has been modelled using a modified Newton's method and an adaptive gridding algorithm for the solution of the governing boundary layer equations. Detailed transport, including thermophoretic effects, and gas phase chemical kinetics were included in the model. The surface boundary conditions in the catalytic case include a mass transport limited surface reaction of H2 and O2 to form H2Oand OH. The relative amounts of H,0 and OH were taken from available experimental data and were varied to test the effect of the amount of desorbed OH on radical profile shapes. Heat release and O-atom profiles exhibit a double peak as a result of OH desorption. The heat release in the catalytic case is significantly lower near the leading edge of the plate resulting in slower flame propagation into the boundary layer. Recombination reactions of the unstable species (O, OH, H, HO2, H2O2) on the wall were included ...
Spatial inequality of rural industrial development in China, 1989–1994

Abstract Rural industry, having benefited from market oriented reforms, has surpassed state owned industry and become the largest industrial sector in China since 1993. Using multiple indicators, this study reveals a highly unbalanced spatial distribution and an increase in inequality of rural industrial development. It also classifies the level of development at the provincial level from 1989 to 1994. The relationship between rural industrial development and internal and regional characteristics is analyzed by multiple regression analysis. A very high correlation between rural industrial development and regional market indicators resulted in the conclusion that rural industry is a market economic sector and its development is driven by market forces in China's dual economy. The spatial patterns of rural industrial development reflect the viable, even optimum, location patterns created by the experience of the market economy. Although government policies attempted to reduce the inequality of rural industrial development among regions, the widened gap between rich and poor in the period 1989–1994 demonstrated the strong impacts of the concentrating effects of market forces.
Darkwater’s Democratic Vision:

This essay considers W. E. B. Du Bois’s Darkwater (1920) as a window onto Du Bois’s political theory at an underexamined stage of his career and onto a challenge at the heart of black political tho...
Florida Citrus Freezes and Polar Anticyclones in the Great Plains

Abstract Severe Florida citrus freezes since 1880 are identified and described in terms of the horticultural damage, overall frequency of occurrence, and association with polar anticyclone outbreaks in the plains of southern Canada and the United States. The most severe “advective” freezes are associated with strong cold anticyclones having tracks southward across the plains to Texas with subsequent northeastward movement. Other anticyclones move in a track somewhat east of this and ultimately pass over Florida or the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Over 80% of the worst Florida citrus freezes are associated with anticyclones with central pressures in excess of 1045 mb moving along these paths. However, anticyclones of similar intensity with more zonally oriented paths across higher latitudes are associated with minor citrus damage. The major freezes tend to be clustered in time in the 1890s and since 1977. On interdecadal time scales, the recent freezes are not linked to higher winter mean pressure in the northe...
Utilization of a root pressure chamber for nutrient uptake studies

A root pressure-chamber is described for use with decapitated plant-root systems growing in culture solution or soil to collect sap exudates for nutrient analyses. Preliminary data show rapid nitrate-to-ammonium conversions to occur, and suggest considerable internal cycling of potassium.
Counterflow centrifugal elutriation as a method of T cell depletion may cause loss of immature CD34 + cells

Counterflow centrifugal elutriation as a method of T cell depletion may cause loss of immature CD34 + cells
Protein content and volume of early porcine blastocysts

Mean protein and volume of 222 blastocysts collected on 6 to 9 days of pregnancy were measured. Embryo protein differed (P < 0.05) for each day of development studied. Protein content of embryos doubled between days 6 and 7 and days 7 and 8 (1.2 ± 0.04, 2.0 ± 0.14, and 3.7 ± 0.2 μg, respectively). A dramatic increase from 3.7 ± 0.2 to 56.0 ± 3.4 μg was observed between days 8 and 9. Blastocyst volume increased (P < 0.05) from 0.56 ± 0.03 × 10−2mm3 to 1.11 ± 0.04 × 10−2mm3 between days 6 and 7, and then increased 10-fold on day 8 and five-fold on day 9. Blastocyst volume was not correlated with protein for days of development and females studied. Approximately 20% of all blastocysts within a single female contained less protein than the average protein content of all embryos from the same uterus. The results indicate that day 6 of development marks the onset of an exponential increase in embryo protein. Also, blastocyst volume is not correlated with blastocyst protein, suggesting that embryo viability is difficult to estimate by size alone. Further, approximately 20% of the blastocysts collected from a single female may exhibit reduced viability, based on reduced protein content, as early as day 6 of development.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMMUNOLOGY OF GRAVES' OPHTHALMOPATHY:Is it an Autoimmune Disease?

The notion that Graves' ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune disease has been based primarily on the clinical associations between it and Graves' hyperthyroidism, and on the frequently beneficial response of the disease to immunosuppressive therapy. Recent advances in molecular biology have led to new insights into the pathogenesis that support an autoimmune basis for this condition. In particular, there is now compelling--although not definitive--evidence that, if verified, would represent disease transfer by thyroid-secreting hormone receptor-sensitized T cells. Future studies using animal models and in vitro systems will allow definitive identification of the immune cell types, autoantigens, and autoantibodies involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Effect of Fluorination on Membrane Interactions of an Antimicrobial Peptoid Macrocycle

The need for new antibiotics is of increasing importance as bacteria continue to develop resistance to conventional antibacterial agents in clinical use. A promising source of potential anti-infective agents have been reported for a family of antimicrobial peptide mimics known as peptoids. However, bioavailability, and target binding affinity are key factors in determining if a bioactive compound will establish effective therapeutic efficacy in vivo. A widely used strategy in drug design is to increase metabolic stability and lipophilicity by compound fluorination. In this investigation we compare the mechanism of action of the cyclic peptoid C(3-15) and its fluorinated analog C(3-2) on model bacteria membrane systems using a high brilliance synchrotron radiation source. We have employed X-ray reflectivity (XR) on two different Langmuir monolayers mimicking the outer membrane of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho (DPPG) and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) LipidA-Kdo2 respectively. XR reveals that although both compounds insert readily into DPPG and LPS monolayers, the fluorinated peptoid shows a greater activity than its nonfluorinated analog.
A model for the ‘shuttling ligand’ of cytochrome c oxidase. The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of allyl-Fe(TPP) and CpFe(TPP)☆

Cytochrome c oxidase catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water and has been the subject of many studies. The focus of previous studies has been the characterization of intermediates that occur in the reduction of dioxygen to water. Cytochrome a3, one of the hemes in cytochrome c oxidase, contains a farnesyl tail which is though to ‘shuttle’ in and out of the binuclear site during the course of the catalytic reaction. While in the binuclear site, the tail is though to be coordinated to the heme iron center in a π-allyl fashion. With this though in mind, the synthesis and characterization of two model complexes for this π-allyl intermediate are reported here.
Revisiting the Guilty Mind: The Neutralization of White-Collar Crime

Since Sutherland first addressed the topic, it has been well known that white-collar offenders do not regard themselves or their actions as criminal. Almost without exception white-collar offenders...
Mantled feldspars from the Golden Horn batholith, Washington

Abstract Mantled feldspars that formed by resorption, development of skeletal plagioclase crystals, and filling with alkali feldspar are common in the Golden Horn batholith, Washington. Subhedral plagioclase mantles have weak normal zoning from An 17 to An 10 . Plagioclase zoning and twinning are crosscut by resorption channels. Resorption cavities and channels are coated with albite (An 10 ). Anhedral, perthitic orthoclase within the plagioclase is optically continuous with orthoclase in channels and on the mantle exterior. This texture resulted from resorption of calcic cores of plagioclase as pressure decreased when water-undersaturated granite magma intruded to a shallow crustal level. At shallow level, only alkali feldspar and quartz crystallized and were available to fill the skeletal plagioclase.
Outcome following epineurotomy in carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective, randomized clinical trial

To assess the efficacy of an adjunctive epineurotomy in carpal tunnel syndrome, 36 wrists in 33 patients were prospectively randomized into epineurotomy and non-epineurotomy treatment groups. The operating surgeons and evaluating therapist were double-blinded. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at either 6 or 12 months postoperatively, with 15 patients examined at both postoperative time points. Evaluation consisted of five sensory and four motor tests: static and moving two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, vibratory (30 and 256 cps) sensibility, and dynamometer testing of grip strength and lateral, three-jaw, and tip pinch strengths. Sensory testing showed overall improvement within both groups postoperatively, but there was no difference between the two groups at either 6 or 12 months postoperatively. Motor testing revealed no improvement in the grip strength or lateral, three-jaw, or tip pinch of either group at 12 months when compared to preoperative levels. Twenty-four of 26 epineurotomy patients and all 10 control patients were satisfied with their clinical outcome 30 months after surgery. The addition of an adjunctive epineurotomy, although safe, offered no clinical benefit in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in this series.
Spin and charge dynamics for the one-dimensional t-J model

The dynamic spin and charge correlation functions are computed for the one-dimensional t-J model with use of world-line quantum Monte Carlo and the maximum-entropy method. By comparing our results with exactly known limits, we are able to discern the power and limitations of this method. The spin excitation spectrum shows gapless spin excitations for q=2k F when J≤2t and for q=π when J>3.25t where phase separation occurs
The effects of causal relations and hierarchical position on the importance of story statements

Abstract The role that structural properties of a narrative text play in determining the importance of its statements was investigated. The level of goals and outcomes was varied over two episodic structures: hierarchical and sequential. Hierarchical structure is defined in terms of an embedded goal structure in which failure to attain a goal creates a lower-level goal. The lower-level goal must then be achieved in order to satisfy the higher-level goal. The hierarchical stories have three levels of such goals. In contrast, in the sequential structure the same goals are satisfied in a sequential manner. Causal connectivity of goal statements was varied orthogonally to their level. This was accomplished by increasing or decreasing the number of actions motivated by goals over the three episodic levels in the hierarchical stories. Judges rated the importance of identical statements in the resulting structures. The judged importance of a goal statement increased strongly as its number of causal relations increased, independent of its hierarchical level. Hierarchical level, however, did not affect the judged importance of goal statements. In contrast, outcome statements were affected by both factors. The importance of the lower-level outcome was determined by the number of connections of its associated goal. In addition, the importance of the outcomes increased as they ascended in the hierarchy. Lastly, failed outcomes were judged more important when they caused the establishment of new goals than when they did not, indicating another contribution of causal connectivity. These results implicate causal as well as hierarchical factors in determining the role that a statement plays in a narrative text. The findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to models of story representation.
Supramolecular equilibria in microemulsions

Abstract Several supramolecular structures in single phase microemulsions of oil and water are relatively ‘well known’ and include swollen water-in-oil micelles, swollen oil-in-water micelles, and irregular bicontinuous microstuctures with interpenetrating oil and water domains separated by a monolayer of surfactant. These supramolecular structures are as yet not sufficiently well understood to admit predictability with respect to predicting transformations from one such microstructure to another, and this omission is put before theorists as a challenge. Qualitative and quantitative experimental characterizations of such transformations are described. Breakpoints in conductivity, molecular self-diffuison coefficients, and viscosity serve as transition markers of such transformations. Order parameters derived from detailed self-diffusion analyses provide means for quantifying these transformations and illustrate the existence of competing equilibria among such supramolecular microstructures. The order parameter calculations reveal that the transition markers correspond to continuous transition points for microstructural change.
MCC and gull flight behavior

Wintertime observations of mesoscale cellular convection (MCC) over the East China Sea have resulted in criteria that have a remarkable similarity to those reported by Woodcock (1975) in the study of thermals and gull flight behavior. It has been determined that the surface wind speed (V) and the air-sea temperature difference (δT) prescribe unique and compatible conditons for both the occurrence of MCC and soaring by sea gulls. Specifically, the onset of MCC when V is between 5 and 9 m s−1 is inversely proportional to δT in the range 5 to 7 °C. Elsewhere, the onset of MCC occurs under conditions of direct proportionality between V and δT. Necessary conditions for the occurrence of MCC due to heating from below are δT ⩾ 5 °C and V ⩾ 5 m s−1. The boundaries of the convective regime for MCC are discussed and interpreted in accordance with the regime for sea-gull soaring and similarity concepts.
Brain-machine interface for eye movements.

A number of studies in tetraplegic humans and healthy nonhuman primates (NHPs) have shown that neuronal activity from reach-related cortical areas can be used to predict reach intentions using brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) and therefore assist tetraplegic patients by controlling external devices (e.g., robotic limbs and computer cursors). However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies that have applied BMIs to eye movement areas to decode intended eye movements. In this study, we recorded the activity from populations of neurons from the lateral intraparietal area (LIP), a cortical node in the NHP saccade system. Eye movement plans were predicted in real time using Bayesian inference from small ensembles of LIP neurons without the animal making an eye movement. Learning, defined as an increase in the prediction accuracy, occurred at the level of neuronal ensembles, particularly for difficult predictions. Population learning had two components: an update of the parameters of the BMI based on its history and a change in the responses of individual neurons. These results provide strong evidence that the responses of neuronal ensembles can be shaped with respect to a cost function, here the prediction accuracy of the BMI. Furthermore, eye movement plans could be decoded without the animals emitting any actual eye movements and could be used to control the position of a cursor on a computer screen. These findings show that BMIs for eye movements are promising aids for assisting paralyzed patients.
On the Interpretation of Lattice Diffusion in Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide single crystals of greatly improved quality have recently become available, and techniques which permit preparation of diffusion specimens to temperatures as high as 2500°C have been developed. Data are available for cation and anion self-diffusion and tracer diffusion of 14 different impurity cations. Very different interpretations have been given these data.
Generation-X: mission and technology studies for an x-ray observatory vision mission

The new frontier in astrophysics is the study of the very first stars, galaxies and black holes in the early Universe. These objects are beyond the grasp of the current generation of X-ray telescopes such as Chandra, and so the Generation-X Vision Mission has been proposed as an X-ray observatory which will be capable of detecting these earliest objects. Xray imaging and spectroscopy of such distant objects will require an X-ray telescope with large collecting area and high angular resolution. The Generation-X concept has 100 m2 collecting area at 1 keV (1000 times larger than Chandra) and 0.1 arcsecond angular resolution (several times better than Chandra and 50 times better than the resolution goal for Constellation-X). The baseline mission involves four 8 m diameter telescopes operating at Sun-Earth L2. Such large telescopes will require either robotic or human-assisted in-flight assembly. To achieve the required effective area with launchable mass, very lightweight grazing incidence X-ray optics must be developed, having an areal density 100 times lower than in Chandra, with perhaps 0.1 mm thick mirrors requiring on-orbit figure control. The suite of available detectors for Generation-X should include a large-area high resolution imager, a cryogenic imaging spectrometer and a grating spectrometer.
Some inequalities related to the classification error for composite classes

Abstract An investigation has been made of the relation between the optimal classification error for two composite classes and the optimal classification error for certain pairs of subclasses (one from each composite class). Two kinds of inequalities have been derived: 1. (1) an inequality involving the classification error for the two composite classes and the classification error for a pair of subclasses averaged in an appropriate way on all possible pairs and 2. (2) a second inequality that differs from the first by replacing the average on all possible pairs by an average on a subset of pairs put into one-to-one correspondence. The relations between the two kinds of inequalities are investigated.
L'application de la Qualité Totale du Management aux métiers du nucléaire

Lancee par Deming au Japon, la Qualite Totale du Management s'est repandue depuis dans de multiples industries et administrations du monde.Le nucleaire a ete particulierement en pointe si l'on remarque que des utilites et operateurs americains comme Florida Power, Westinghouse, ont ete laureats du prix Baldridge dans les annees 1980, que de grands groupes internationaux comme ABB, Siemens, l'ont mise en œuvre dans les annees 1990 et qu'en France Framatome et Cogema en ont favorise l'essor dans beaucoup de leurs divisions, sites ou filiales.Pourquoi cette convergence du metier nucleaire et des methodes de "Qualite Totale"?
The role of employee attractiveness and positive emotion in upscale restaurants

This study explored the role of gratitude, employees’ physical attractiveness, employees’ displayed positive emotion, favourable reciprocal behaviour, commitment in the upscale restaurant segment. Structural equation modelling yielded good fit for the comprehensive model. Results of 398 surveys revealed significant positive correlations between employee physical attractiveness, customer gratitude, and favourable reciprocal behaviours. Congruently, employees’ displayed positive emotion was found to significantly activate customer trust and gratitude. This study provides theoretical and practical strategies for generating customer gratitude, employees’ physical attractiveness, and employees’ display of positive emotions.
Two-Phase Pressure Drop in the Intermittent Flow Regime for Noncircular Microchannels

This paper reports the development of an experimentally validated model for pressure drop during intermittent flow of condensing refrigerant R134a in horizontal, noncircular microchannels. Two-phase pressure drops were measured in six noncircular channels ranging in hydraulic diameter from 0.42 mm to 0.84 mm. The tube shapes included square, rectangular, triangular, barrel-shaped, and others. For each tube under consideration, pressure drop measurements were taken over the entire range of qualities from vapor to liquid at five different refrigerant mass fluxes between 150 kg/m2 s and 750 kg/m2 s. Results from previous work by the authors were used to select the data that correspond to the intermittent flow regime; generally, these points had qualities less than 25%. The pressure drop model previously developed by the authors for circular microchannels was used as the basis for the model presented in this paper. The model includes the contributions of the liquid slug, the vapor bubble, and the transitions between the bubbles and slugs. Slug frequency was estimated using a simple correlation for non-dimensional unit-cell length. The model predicts the experimentally measured pressure drops for the noncircular tube shapes under consideration with 90% of the predictions within ±28% of the measurements (average error 16.5%), which is shown to be much better than the predictions of other models in the literature. The effects of tube shape on condensation pressure drop are also illustrated in the paper.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Crystal Structure and Elastic Properties of Hypothesized MAX Phase-Like Compound (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3

The term “MAX phase” refers to a very interesting and important class of layered ternary transition-metal carbides and nitrides with a novel combination of both metal and ceramic-like properties that have made these materials highly regarded candidates for numerous technological and engineering applications. Using (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 as an example, we demonstrate the possibility of incorporating more types of elements into a MAX phase while maintaining the crystallinity, instead of creating solid solution phases. The crystal structure and elastic properties of MAX phase-like (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 are studied using the Vienna ab initio Simulation Package. Unlike MAX phases with a hexagonal symmetry (P63/mmc, #194), (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group of P21/m (#11) with lattice parameters of a = 5.1739 A, b = 5.1974 A, c = 12.8019 A; α = β = 90°, γ = 119.8509°. Its structure is found to be energetically much more favorable with an energy (per formula unit) of −102.11 eV, significantly lower than those of the allotropic segregation (−100.05 eV) and solid solution (−100.13 eV) phases. Calculations using a stress versus strain approach and the VRH approximation for polycrystals also show that (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 has outstanding elastic moduli.
Neural networks for extraction of weak targets in high clutter environments

It is shown that feed-forward and graded response Hopfield neural networks can implement an optimum postdetection target track receiver. For the Hopfield net the spurious states correspond to the important case of multiple track detection. Simulations are presented that show that substantial signal-to-noise gain can be achieved. The advantage of the Hopfield network is that the desired final output cells are just time-evolved input cells, so that no additional cells are required for output display. Although a feed-forward network may relegate display to an external device and compute only cells corresponding to the presence of particular patterns, additional cells are still required, over and above the input cells, for the detection of each pattern. If a large number of patterns is required, then the advantage of the Hopfield network, which needs only the input cells, becomes evident. >
Excitement in shame: the price we pay.

This paper explores the role of excitement in shame, extending the theoretical underpinnings of my work (Aledort, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009) on narcissism and the omnipotent child syndrome. Shame, exc...
Scale effects in fluvial sediment-associated chemical data

Assessment of man's impact on fluvial systems frequently involves extrapolation in time and space from data collected as part of a water quality network. Extrapolation represents information transfer and is used for scenario building and risk assessment. Transfer functions for non-conservative quality variables are poorly understood. Metals, phosphorus, and organic contaminants, which are preferentially transported in association with suspended sediment, are especially susceptible to extrapolation errors. Information loss, which is inherent in extrapolation procedures, is characterized for sediment-associated substances by examining the assumptions and limitations of the sediment delivery ratio. A practical demonstration of scale effects and interpretive difficulties is provided using data from the Bow River, Alberta. Guidelines for data assessment and extrapolation are summarized for temporal effects and for three different spatial scales.
The EUV performance of an ion-etched blazed diffraction grating

Abstract A spherical holographic ion-etched diffraction grating with low-blaze angle has been purchased for the purpose of vendor evaluation. We present the results of surface measurements made on the bare grating substrate using an atomic force microscope. The efficiency of the grating at grazing incidence and at EUV wavelengths was measured using a synchrotron light source. After coating the grating with a multilayer, the normal incidence efficiency was measured. The results of these measurements are compared to those obtained from samples from other vendors.
μ-Cyanido-κ2C:N-dicyanido-κ2C-bis­(N-ethyl­ethylenedi­amine-κ2N,N′)copper(II)copper(I)

In the title complex, [CuICuII(CN)3(C4H12N2)2], the CuI and CuII ions and a bridging cyanide group lie on a twofold rotation axis. The CuII ion is in a slightly-distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment, with the N atoms of the two symmetry-related N-ethyl­ethylenedi­amine ligands occupying the basal positions and an N-bonded cyanide group in the apical position. The CuI ion is in a trigonal-planar coordination environment, bonded to the C atom of the bridging cyanide group and to two terminal cyanide groups. In the crystal, N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds involving two of the symmetry-unique N—H groups of the N-ethyl­ethylenedi­amine ligands and the N atoms of the terminal cyanide ligands link the mol­ecules into strands along [010].
Imaging Tumor Oxyhemoglobin and Deoxyhemoglobin Concentrations with Ultrasound-Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography

We present an ultrasound (US)-guided diffuse optical tomography for mapping tumor deoxyhemoglobin (deoxyHb) and oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) concentrations in blood phantoms and in in-vivo patients. Because oxyHb and deoxyHb respond differently at different wavelengths, four laser diodes of wavelengths 740 nm, 780 nm, 808 nm and 830 nm were used in the study. Tumor model experiments were performed using phantoms of different hemoglobin oxygen saturations (14%–89%) representing hemoglobin oxygenation in tissue. Targets of different sizes and located at different depths were used to validate the accuracy of oxygen saturation estimation. The absolute deviations between the estimated hemoglobin oxygen saturations obtained from reconstructed absorption maps and oxygen measurements obtained using a pO2 electrode were less than 8% over the measured range of oxygen saturation. An inhomogeneous concentric blood phantom of deoxygenated center core and oxygenated outer shell was imaged and deoxyHb and oxyHb maps revealed c...
Childrens' perceptions of parental expressiveness

While the literature suggests that males are less emotionally expressive than females, the issue has been informed by little systematic research. This article investigates the differences between sons' and daughters' perceptions of their mothers' and fathers' expressiveness of several emotions, both verbally and nonverbally. Using a sample of 1,245 students the dependent variable, perceived expressiveness of parents, was determined from responses to a 16-item Likert-type Perceived Parental Expressiveness Scale (PPES). It was hypothesized that fathers would be perceived to be less expressive than mothers. T tests were used to determine whether the mean differences are significant. The data indicate that fathers are perceived as less expressive of all emotions except physical anger. The ramifications of these findings for sex-role learning are discussed.
Dimanganese phosphide, Mn2P: heat capacity from 5 to 350 K, magnetic entropy, and thermodynamic functions to 1300 K

Abstract The heat capacity of a sample of Mn2P was determined in the temperature range 5 to 350 K by aneroid adiabatic calorimetry. A small peak in the heat capacity correlated with the antiferromagnetic ordering of the compound was found at (102.5 ± 0.5) K. The associated magnetic entropy was calculated to be (9.43 ± 0.52) J K−1 mol−1. The heat capacity at constant pressure Cpo(298,15 K), the entropy So(298.15 K), the enthalpy {Ho(298.15 K) − Ho(0)}, and the function {G o (298.15 K) − H o (0)} 298.15 K were found to be (73.54 ± 0.22) J K−1 mol−1, (91.01 ± 0.27) J K−1 mol−1, (14037 ± 42) J mol−1, and −(43.93 ± 0.13) J K−1 mol−1, respectively. Values of these functions at selected temperatures up to 1300 K are presented in tabular form. The coefficient γ for the contribution of the conduction electrons to the heat capacity (γT) was found to be (23.7 ± 1.6) mJ K−2 mol−1.
α-Synuclein Overexpression Represses 14-3-3θ Transcription

Previous gene microarray studies have shown that expression of 14-3-3θ is significantly decreased in an α-synuclein transgenic mouse model. In this study, we tested whether α-synuclein can regulate 14-3-3θ transcription. We demonstrate that the 14-3-3θ mRNA level is decreased in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing α-synuclein. Luciferase activity under the control of the 14-3-3θ promoter is reduced both in stable SH-SY5Y cells constitutively overexpressing α-synuclein and in doxycycline-inducible SH-SY5Y cells upon α-synuclein induction, suggesting that the regulation of 14-3-3θ by α-synuclein occurs at the transcriptional level. Knockdown of α-synuclein by RNA interference does not increase the 14-3-3θ mRNA level. These findings suggest that α-synuclein represses 14-3-3θ transcription under pathologic conditions, but that regulation of 14-3-3θ expression is not a function of endogenous α-synuclein at baseline.
Artificial intelligence application in medical appointment scheduling

Abstract This paper examines the use of an expert system to assist untrained personnel with medical appointment scheduling. This includes the correct type of office or lab visit and urgency.
Systems for evaluating nonpoint source pollution: An overview

Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service initiated a national project to develop a hierarchy of systems for evaluating nonpoint source pollution to meet the planning needs of PL 92-500, Section 208. In 1978, approximately 45 scientists and engineers concentrated their efforts on developing and assembling physically-based state-of-the-art models to simulate water, erosion, plant nutrient, and pesticide runoff from field-size areas. This paper presents the major components that were assembled for simulation to evaluate nonpoint source pollution from existing management practices, and from alternate recommended practices.
Regulation of cyclo-oxygenase-2.

Over the past three decades studies have been conducted to determine the role of prostaglandins in normal physiology and in certain diseases. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) or prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (Pghs) is required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two isoforms of this enzyme have been identified which are referred to as COX-1 and COX-2. Under most circumstances, COX-1 is produced constitutively, whereas COX-2 can be induced by several physiological stimuli and is expressed at sites of inflammation. Although these isozymes catalyze identical reactions, they are often regulated by different signalling systems. The goal of this chapter is to provide a review of the role of cyclo-oxygenase in biology and disease, and to summarize the current understanding of mechanisms for the regulation of COX-2 expression.
Biology and pathogenesis of lentiviruses.

Lentiviruses are a family of retroviruses linked by similarities in genetic composition, molecular mechanisms of replication and in biological interactions with their hosts. They are best known as agents of slow disease syndromes that begin insidiously after prolonged periods of subclinical infection and progress slowly leading to the degeneration of multiple organ systems, cachexia and death. The viruses are species-specific in host range and several have been recognized as pathogens of domestic animals, non-human primates and humans. The prototypes of the family are the agents causing maedi-visna in sheep and infectious anaemia in horses. These diseases have been known for several decades and studies on the biology of the viruses have provided a fund of information that predicted most of the properties of their human counterpart which was identified only 6 years ago as the aetiological agent of AIDS. Lentiviruses persist indefinitely in their hosts and replicate continuously at variable rates during the course of the lifelong infection.
A study of teacher-pupil interaction in high school biology classes. Part II. Description and analysis

Are the interactions reported typical for all biology classes and for other laboratory disciplines?
Agricultural constituencies and agricultural institutions in the United States: Implications and obstacles for a needed reform

Agricultural institutions, such as the Land Grant System of the United States, are under increasing pressure to accommodate to changing economic and political realities. Unfortunately, many institutions are using most of their energies in tactics to preserve the status quo rather than to induce innovations into the system. The author contends, as do V. W. Ruttan and Y. Hayami (1984), that institutions, like technology, must change if development and progress are to be assured. Administrators of agricultural institutions in the United States are open to criticism for internalizing the process of resource allocation and for relying too much on traditional clients, whose economic and political powers are on the wane. Copyright 1989 by Oxford University Press.
Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency and nucleic acid content of tissues from infant rats.

SummaryOffspring of vit. B12 deficient rats usually died within a period of 2 to 3 days, but before death they had a high blood urea and low liver glycogen. At an age of about 1 day, the deoxypentose nucleic acid concentration per gram of brain tissue was higher than normal and this was associated with an increased number of nuclei so that the DNA concentration per nucleus was unchanged. The pentose nucleic acid concentration per cell was lower in brain tissue from deficient offspring, but there was little change in liver tissue.
Workshop - streamlining the assessment process with the faculty course assessment report

The faculty course assessment report (FCAR) presents a methodology that allows instructors to write assessment reports in a standardized format for use in both course and program outcomes assessment. The FCAR document is structured as a sequence of reporting categories that include course modifications, outcomes assessment information, reflection, and suggestions for improvement; the instructor thereby documents critical portions of the "closing the loop" process while being guided through a systematic review of the course. The methodology also facilitates program-level assessment through use of a "components" category containing collected evidence in support of the set of metrics used with the program outcomes. Each component provides a vector categorizing aggregate student performance on a set of assignments along with related details. The vectors from submitted reports are organized into tables for each metric; an inspection of the tables allows for easy evaluation. If there is evidence of non-compliance, an action plan can be generated through examination of the relevant sections of the associated FCAR documents.