cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PD0084430: a non-nucleoside inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus replication in vitro.

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Current therapies target viral DNA replication and accumulate mutations that yield cross-resistance among the approved drugs. A novel, non-nucleoside inhibitor of HCMV replication, PD0084430, was identified in a screening assay using the HCMV β-galactosidase recombinant RC256. The EC50 for PD0084430 by inhibition of β-galactosidase production is 1±0.7 μM. This antiviral activity was confirmed by yield reduction and plaque reduction assays using HCMV strain AD169. The TC50 of PD0084430 as measured by 14C-thymidine incorporation is ∼30 μM and by XTT is ∼90 μM. The TC50 for inhibition of cellular proliferation is ∼20 μM. Time of addition experiments displayed a similar drop in efficacy for both PD0084430 and GCV when added after the onset of viral DNA replication. The transcomplementation assay for viral DNA replication, using a transfected oriLyt containing plasmid, confirmed that viral DNA synthesis was inhibited at the same concentrations that showed antiviral activity. Western blots showed no apparent block of immediate early or early gene expression. Two ganciclovir (GCV) resistant isolates of HCMV tested showed no cross-resistance to PD0084430. These data suggested a potentially promising novel compound that inhibited HCMV at or before viral DNA replication. However, in vivo testing in mice dosed either orally or intraperitoneally showed rapid glucuronidation on the –OH group. SAR studies on this backbone showed that the –OH group was essential for the antiviral activity in vitro.
Effects of erosion on ecto- and VA-mycorrhizal inoculum potential of soil following forest fire in southwest Oregon

The Longwood Complex wildfire in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon in August 1987 created an opportunity to study erosion and its effects on mycorrhizal fungus inoculum potential of a forest soil on steep slopes. As measured by the erosion-bridge method, most erosion occurred in a single, intense storm in December after the fire and amounted to an estimated 2 to 4 cm of surface soil. Captured eroded soil had a higher pH and P and Mg levels than residual soil. Seedlings ofLibocedrus decurrens andPseudotsuga menziesii were planted on eroded plots with additions of captured eroded soil (ET) or pasteurized eroded soil (PET) transferred to the planting holes. After one growing season,Libocedrus seedlings formed nearly 4 times the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae in ET treatments and more than twice as much in PET treatments than in controls. Survival and basal area growth were significantly better in ET than in the other treatments, and both ET and PET produced more seedling shoot growth than did controls.Pseudotsuga seedlings did not differ in measured characteristics between treatments; ectomycorrhiza formation was slight, evidently the result of reduced inoculum potential resulting from the fire.
The Neurobiology of Sex/Gender-Based Attraction

What causes same-sex attraction? Or, more broadly, what controls sex/gender-based attraction? Over the years there have been numerous theories, but more recently scientists have focused on the biology and, more specifically, the neurobiology of gender-based attraction. This article takes the reader through a critical review of the current literature related to sex/gender-based attraction. In examining this literature it is important to ask who is doing the studies, who has an interest in the results, and how the assumptions of the investigator and the audience affect the study design and conclusions.
Adult Language Learning Styles and Strategies in an Intensive Training Setting

cations of his language progress. He dislikes ambiguity and wants explicit explanations. Scott succeeds through hard work and self-discipline. In terms of the Myers-Briggs adaptation of Carl Jung's learning-styles model, psychological type (22; 32), he is a "Judger." Peter, Scott's FSI classmate, is more relaxed about language learning. He prefers the less structured parts of the course and accepts the ambiguities involved in learning the new language. In contrast to Scott, Peter could be described as playing his way through language learning. Psychological type theory calls him a "Perceiver." There are three more scales in addition to
The dynamics of a high-speed Jovian jet

New measurements of the velocity field in the neighborhood of the high-speed jet located at approximately 24 deg N latitude in the Jovian atmosphere are presented. The maximum zonal velocity is found to be 182 + or - 10 m/s, located at 23.7 + or - 0.2 deg N and representing the largest velocity measured on the planet. The distinctive cloud markings found close to this latitude are discussed and possible dynamical consequences presented.
Kidney function and cognitive impairment in US adults: the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

Background The association between kidney function and cognitive impairment has not been assessed in a national sample with a wide spectrum of kidney disease severity. Study Design Cross-sectional. Setting & Participants 23,405 participants (mean age, 64.9 ± 9.6 years) with baseline measurements of creatinine and cognitive function participating in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study, a study of stroke risk factors in a large national sample. Predictor Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Outcome Cognitive impairment. Measurements Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Kidney function was analyzed in 10-mL/min/1.73 m 2 increments in those with CKD, and in exploratory analyses, across the range of kidney function. Cognitive function was assessed using the 6-Item Screener, and participants with a score of 4 or less were considered to have cognitive impairment. Results CKD was associated with an increased prevalence of cognitive impairment independent of confounding factors (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.43). In patients with CKD, each 10-mL/min/1.73 m 2 decrease in eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 was associated with an 11% increased prevalence of impairment (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.19). Exploratory analyses showed a nonlinear association between eGFR and prevalence of cognitive impairment, with a significant increased prevalence of impairment in those with eGFR less than 50 and 100 mL/min/1.73 m 2 or greater. Limitations Longitudinal measures of cognitive function were not available. Conclusions In US adults, lower levels of kidney function are associated with an increased prevalence of cognitive impairment. The prevalence of impairment appears to increase early in the course of kidney disease; therefore, screening for impairment should be considered in all adults with CKD.
Application of nested arrays to databases for engineering design

A major problem facing the manufacturing industry in its quest for improved productivity is the integration of Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided-Manufacture (CAM) to form systems for "seamless design-to-manufacture" (SDTM). This article describes the use of APL2 to build such an integrated system, as opposed to trying to integrate existing systems which are commercially available. The main advantages offered by APL2 are due to the combination of extensive database services, provided by nested arrays in a large workspace, and the accessibility of such data to a rich set of sophisticated mathematical tools. An "Expert-System-Generator" (ESG[1]), built in APL2, makes it possible to build a customized SDTM system which circumvents many of the problems associated with the task of integration of separate commercial systems.
Three-dimensional skull models as a problem-solving tool in suspected child abuse

The value of 3-D skull models in evaluation of young children with suspected child abuse is not known. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of 3-D skull models as a problem-solving tool in children younger than 2 years. We performed a retrospective study on 73 children (ages 0–24 months) seen by a child protection team (CPT) who were undergoing head CT between August 2007 and July 2009. Of the 73 children, volume-rendered 3-D models were obtained in 26 (35.6%). Three-dimensional models changed initial CT interpretation in nine instances (34.6%). Findings thought to be fractures were confirmed as normal variants in four children. Depressed fractures were correctly shown to be ping-pong fractures in two cases. In one case, an uncertain finding was confirmed as a fracture, and an additional contralateral fracture was identified in one child. A fracture seen on skull radiographs but not seen on axial CT images was identified on the 3-D model in one case. Changes in interpretation led to modification in management in five children. Use of 3-D skull models can be a problem-solving tool when there is discordance among the CT reading, subsequent radiographic investigations and clinical evaluation.
Qualitative approximation methodology for modeling and simulation of large dynamic systems: Applications to a marine steam power plant

A qualitative approximation methodology used to design a training simulator is described. Qualitative approximation is based on a hierarchical description of dynamic systems, in which the primitives that approximate the functions of the components are at the lowest level. The primitives provide qualitative states that describe the evolution of the system. The details of the modeling methodology are discussed. The model definition is preceded by detailed discussions of qualitative modeling of dynamic systems and qualitative reasoning. A marine power plant simulator that has been developed using qualitative approximation is described. The simulator provides access to system states via an interactive graphical interface and is being used in training programs for marine engineers with varying amounts of expertise.
Effect of spin-orbit scattering on the spin glass temperature

Abstract It is commonly thought that non-magnetic impurities raise Tg by creating an anisotropic pair interaction between local moments. Here we show that in addition these spin-orbit scatterers directly affect the spin glass temperature by changing the isotropic coupling between spins. By considering the relative strengths of potential and spin-orbit scattering, we show why some impurities increase Tg while others lower it.
The Peruvian Hostage Crisis of 1996–1997: What Should the Government Do?

Abstract How should the Peruvian Government resolve the Japanese embassy takeover hostage crisis? As of this writing, MRTA operatives continue to hold 72 hostages and demand the release of their jailed comrades among other concessions. We have used the Analytic Hierarchy Process decision methodology to analyze possible government actions and their implications, as well as those of MRTA's. The results from our study are that storming the building to release the hostages would be the least desirable action for all parties involved, and that a rational approach to negotiate the differences is preferable. We provide a decision framework for that purpose, showing that the government's position needs to gradually evolve from the tough initial “no negotiation” stance to a more flexible “negotiation” approach in order to save the hostages‘ lives. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Diffraction of a Plane Wavefront in an Afocal System

It is generally assumed that when a plane wave enters an afocal system, the wave comes out plane from the system. For instruments, like high-precision interferometers using afocal combinations, the wavefront after the second lens has opposite curvature to that which would be produced by Fresnel diffraction, if only a stop is placed at the appropiate place near the first lens.
Vibrations of orthotropic sandwich conical shells with free edges

Abstract Experimental and analytical evaluations are presented for the vibrational characteristics of a truncated conical shell of sandwich construction. The shell consists of fiber glass-epoxy facings and aluminum honeycomb core. The shell is suspended by soft cords, to closely approximate free-free boundary conditions, and excited laterally by an electrodynamic shaker placed at various locations. The Kennedy-Pancu method of data reduction is used to accurately separate vibrational modes having closely spaced frequencies. The two lowest unsymmetric-mode frequencies, for various values of circumferential wave number, agree quite closely with those predicted by a Rayleigh-Ritz inextensional analysis which includes the orthotropic nature of the composite material facings.
Chronology of Lake Bonneville, 30,000 to 10,000 yr B.P.

Abstract 368 radiocarbon ages between 30 and 10 cal ka for samples collected from outcrops and shorelines from the Lake Bonneville basin have been compiled for this paper. Samples include 1. organic materials from sources outside the lake, such as wood, charcoal, plant fragments from emergent aquatics, and dispersed wetland organics, and 2. carbonate materials deposited in the lake, such as mollusk shells, tufa, charophyte debris, ooids, and marl. In general, organic materials provide rather than precise ages for lacustrine events, but their interpretation is less complicated than interpretation of results from carbonate samples. The data set shows evidence of contamination of different carbonate samples with both younger carbon and older carbon. For example, a radiocarbon reservoir at certain places within the lake during the middle transgressive phase accounts for ages of mollusk shells that are older than basal wood ages at similar altitudes. The large number of ages permits an accurate reconstruction of the lake chronology; conflicts between ages can be detected and reliable ages can be meaningfully integrated in interpretations. If fewer ages were available, the chronology might look simpler, but its accuracy would be unknown.
Expression analyses of the genes harbored by the type 2 diabetes and pediatric BMI associated locus on 10q23.

Background There is evidence that one of the key type 2 diabetes (T2D) loci identified by GWAS exerts its influence early on in life through its impact on pediatric BMI. This locus on 10q23 harbors three genes, encoding hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and kinesin family member 11 (KIF11), respectively.
Induction of DNase activity in monkey cell cultures infected by simian virus 40.

DNase activity following SV40 infection of CV1 cells has been followed. An increase in this activity late in infection is observed.
Asset Allocation Options for Wealth Accumulation

What is the best asset allocation scheme for retirement investing and wealth accumulation? The authors examine seven schemes, including the “110 minus age” rule of thumb and strategies employed by popular retirement mutual funds. Historically, the 100% equity portfolio has offered the highest returns with little extra risk. However, if the authors lower equity premiums or bootstrap historical results, then retirement mutual funds and the “110 minus age“ rule of thumb perform somewhat better than 100% equity portfolios in adverse circumstances. But overall, a 100% equity portfolio provides the highest wealth accumulation.
A Monte Carlo algorithm for single phase normal grain growth with improved accuracy and efficiency

A modified two-dimensional Monte Carlo algorithm for single phase normal grain growth is proposed, which was inspired by physical grain growth mechanisms and was designed using object-oriented techniques. It leads to improved agreement of the simulation results with theoretical grain growth models, exhibits a significantly higher computational efficiency and reduces the influence of the seed on the simulation results. It was previously believed that the numerical finite size effects, which cause a lower grain growth exponent in the small grain size regime, are likely to dominate in the early stages of Monte Carlo simulations. In contrast to this conclusion, the modified algorithm proposed here correctly reproduces the theoretical predictions even in the small grain size regime and thus strongly supports the theoretical work on the relationship between self-similarity and grain growth kinetics. It can therefore be concluded that the grain boundary movement mechanism as modeled using the Monte Carlo technique inherently results in parabolic grain growth kinetics.
Ecology and Effects of Intestinal Gas Accumulation in a Pupfish (Genus Cyprinodon)

(1967). Ecology and Effects of Intestinal Gas Accumulation in a Pupfish (Genus Cyprinodon) Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 96, No. 2, pp. 216-218.
Thermodynamics of binding interactions between divalent copper and chitin fragments by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)

Abstract Herein we report the degree of binding of chitin fragments to divalent copper cation using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In a previous study we have reported the kinetic and thermodynamic binding constants for chitin polymer interactions with a range of metal cations including copper (Camci-Unal & Pohl, 2009). In order to better determine the molecular basis for metal binding to these carbohydrate polymers, a series of chitin fragments were tested for their ability to bind to divalent copper. Based on ITC data, the binding strength of N -acetyl- d -glucosamine (GlcNAc) is weakest among the tested substrates with a binding constant of 3.8 × 10 3 M −1 . N , N ′-diacetylchitobiose (GlcNAc) 2 and N , N ′, N ′′-triacetylchitotriose (GlcNAc) 3 provided binding constants of 5.1 × 10 3 M −1 and 13.3 × 10 3 M −1 , respectively. Penta- N -acetylchitopentaose (GlcNAc) 5 demonstrated the strongest metal interactions with a binding constant of 22.1 × 10 3 M −1 . For comparison, a binding value of 24.8 × 10 3 M −1 was found for d -glucosamine, which is the deacetylated analog of GlcNAc, with the divalent copper. All experiments showed enthalpically driven interactions. Free energy of reaction values are all determined to be negative indicating spontaneous reactions. Our results indicate that increasing numbers of GlcNAc residues increase the binding strength towards divalent copper cation. However, the effect of adding sugars to the polymer chain only modestly increases the binding affinity, thereby ruling out any chelation multivalency effects.
Relation between myocardial thallium-201 kinetics during exercise and quantitative coronary angiography in patients with one vessel coronary artery disease.

Abstract This study examined the relation between the kinetics of thallium-201 and coronary stenosis in 30 patients with one vessel coronary artery disease; 25 patients had no visible collateral vessels. The myocardial thallium concentration in the postexercise images and percent washout were determined in the distribution of the diseased vessel and a normal vessel, and each was expressed as a ratio. Coronary stenosis was assessed as minimal diameter stenosis, minimal area stenosis and percent diameter stenosis. The correlations between the myocardial concentration ratio or washout ratio and the descriptors of coronary stenosis improved when the patients with collateral vessels were excluded. There were significant correlations between the myocardial thallium concentration ratio and minimal diameter stenosis (r = 0.73, p Thus, variation in thallium kinetics in relation to the severity of coronary stenosis can be demonstrated with conventional imaging in patients with one vessel disease. The myocardial thallium concentration and washout are physiologic expressions of the severity of perfusion deficit and are dependent on collateral flow. The myocardial thallium concentration ratio and washout ratio correlate better with minimal diameter and area stenosis than with percent diameter stenosis.
Review of Draft FDA Adaptive Design Guidance

Recent draft Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on adaptive clinical trial design and conduct provide a useful background for both academic and industry clinical research leaders. The guidelines help to define the scope of the term "adaptive design" and clarify how adaptive designs can be a critical component of a development program. Adaptive designs are appealing because they hold the promise of conducting trials that can answer the scientific questions of interest with savings of time and resources while exposing fewer subjects to potentially risky therapies. Adaptive designs have been successfully used in clinical trials in all phases of development for many years, enabled by a variety of increasingly flexible and powerful statistical tools. Recent developments that enable adaptations based on emerging treatment differences have demonstrated potential to streamline the research enterprise, but issues remain in their implementation. Proper implementation of adaptive designs requires an adequate understanding of the inherent trade-offs that accompany their use. In exchange for potential efficiencies in resource utilization, adaptive trials suffer from limitations in scientific conclusions, complications and inefficiencies in the statistical analysis, and logistical difficulties relative to fixed sample or fixed duration trials. While scarce resources and ethical imperatives motivate serious consideration of adaptive designs, researchers should be fully aware of the advantages and disadvantages of adaptive designs and adopt them cautiously.
Heat Shock Protein 90: The Cancer Chaperone

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone required for the stability and function of a number of conditionally activated and/or expressed signalling proteins, as well as multiple mutated, chimeric, and/or over-expressed signalling proteins, that promote cancer cell growth and/or survival. Hsp90 inhibitors are unique in that, although they are directed towards a specific molecular target, they simultaneously inhibit multiple cellular signalling pathways. By inhibiting nodal points in multiple overlapping survival pathways utilized by cancer cells, combination of an Hsp90 inhibitor with standard chemotherapeutic agents may dramatically increase the in vivo efficacy of the standard agent. Hsp90 inhibitors may circumvent the characteristic genetic plasticity that has allowed cancer cells to eventually evade the toxic effects of most molecularly targeted agents. The mechanism-based use of Hsp90 inhibitors, both alone and in combination with other drugs, should be effective toward multiple forms of cancer. Further, because Hsp90 inhibitors also induce Hsf-1-dependent expression of Hsp70, and because certain mutated Hsp90 client proteins are neurotoxic, these drugs display ameliorative properties in several neurodegenerative disease models, suggesting a novel role for Hsp90 inhibitors in treating multiple pathologies involving neurodegeneration.
Origin of Exponential Solution for Laminar Decay of Isolated Vortex

The origin of the exact, closed-form, self-similar exponential solution for the laminar decay of an isolated two-dimensional vortex in a viscous incompressible fluid is studied to find a proper name for the function. Two major contributions to the solution are the similarity parameter derived by Boltzmann and the derivation of the form of the solution by Carslaw for the diffusion of heat from a line source, that is, a spark or lightning stroke. Lamb adapted the heat transfer solution derived by Carslaw to the time-dependent diffusion of vorticity from a potential line vortex, and, after publication of his book, has provided a short, complete, and readily available derivation. Oseen's derivation followed about four years later and is not as complete. Various titles for the solution are believed to be appropriate, including a generic name such as exponential vortex solution, or the name of Lamb. The name of Lamb is probably the most appropriate because he was the first in existing literature to put the entire derivation together and because the presentation is compact, complete, and readily available.
Spatial Orientation by Salamanders Using Plane-Polarized Light

Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) can perceive the plane of polarization in linearly polarized light and can learn to use that e-vector direction for spatial orientation in indoor orientation tests.
An update on the Florida state twin registry

The Florida State Twin Registry began in 2002 through a pilot study of personality disorders and executive cognitive functioning in adult twins. Since 2006, the registry has grown substantially as part of the Learning Disability Research Center at Florida State University that recently began its second funding cycle through the National Institute of Child Health and Development. An update on the Florida State Twin Registry sample, focus, and measures is provided, as well as future directions.
A comparison of tetrahedron quality measures

Abstract One of the difficult requirements imposed on fully automatic tetrahedral mesh generators has been the ability to produce “good” quality graded elements. This note is concerned with the choice of a distortion quality measure used in post-meshing activities such as (i) quality evaluation, and (ii) quality improvement of a finite element mesh consisting of a disjoint collection of tetrahedra. In that light it provides (i) a comparison of the fidelity of various existing tetrahedron quality measures to a set of distortion sensitivity tests, and (ii) a comparison of the computational expense of such measures. The topics of mesh generation and mesh quality improvement are not discussed.
Substrate Specificity and Structural Characteristics of the Novel Rieske Nonheme Iron Aromatic Ring-Hydroxylating Oxygenases NidAB and NidA3B3 from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR-1

The Rieske nonheme iron aromatic ring-hydroxylating oxygenases (RHOs) NidAB and NidA3B3 from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR-1 have been implicated in the initial oxidation of high-molecular-weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), forming cis-dihydrodiols. To clarify how these two RHOs are functionally different with respect to the degradation of HMW PAHs, we investigated their substrate specificities to 13 representative aromatic substrates (toluene, m-xylene, phthalate, biphenyl, naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, carbazole, and dibenzothiophene) by enzyme reconstitution studies of Escherichia coli. Both Nid systems were identified to be compatible with type V electron transport chain (ETC) components, consisting of a [3Fe-4S]-type ferredoxin and a glutathione reductase (GR)-type reductase. Metabolite profiles indicated that the Nid systems oxidize a wide range of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, producing various isomeric dihydrodiol and phenolic compounds. NidAB and NidA3B3 showed the highest conversion rates for pyrene and fluoranthene, respectively, with high product regiospecificity, whereas other aromatic substrates were converted at relatively low regiospecificity. Structural characteristics of the active sites of the Nid systems were investigated and compared to those of other RHOs. The NidAB and NidA3B3 systems showed the largest substrate-binding pockets in the active sites, which satisfies spatial requirements for accepting HMW PAHs. Spatially conserved aromatic amino acids, Phe-Phe-Phe, in the substrate-binding pockets of the Nid systems appeared to play an important role in keeping aromatic substrates within the reactive distance from the iron atom, which allows each oxygen to attack the neighboring carbons.
Acyclic colorings of products of trees

We obtain bounds for the coloring numbers of products of trees for three closely related types of colorings: acyclic, distance 2, and L(2,1).
TB Lipidomics—The Final Frontier

Lipids play critical roles in the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a notorious pathogen of man, but a systems-level approach to study these molecules have lagged behind other "omics" approaches. In this issue, Layre et al. describe the development of a powerful lipidomics technique and creation of a comprehensive database that address this need.
Examining the relationship between computer cartoons and factors in information systems use, success, and failure: visual evidence of met and unmet expectations

Computer cartoons express the inevitable discrepancies in expectations among systems analysts, users, and managers regarding the systems development processes and information systems products. Computer cartoons also address gaps between ideal and actual information systems, or intended versus actual systems. No one sets out to design a system that fails, or a system that is seldom or incorrectly used. It is hypothesized here that the expectations of users, analysts, and managers are apparent in popular computer cartoons that are widely published, circulated, posted, and shared. Eight broad critical success factors were identified through the CSF literature, and cartoons from the world's largest computerized cartoon database were examined for their existence. Factors identified concerning the IS process include: 1. management support, 2. capable systems analysts, and 3. proper systems development methods. Critical success factors that concern the IS product include whether the information system: 4. works 5. is technically elegant, 6. is easy to use, 7. is a good fit with natural incentives found in the organization, and 8. is a good fit with motivations of users.Illustrative evidence of the eight factors was found in the computer cartoons reviewed and examples of each are presented in this paper. Since cartoons are emblematic expressions of an idea that can be shared, computer cartoons can help users and analysts express their feelings, attitudes, and opinions about information systems development and implementation. It is hoped that the contribution of this study is to bring together the knowledge of critical success factors with the use of computer cartoons to permit analysts and users access to a particularly revealing source of information which spotlights the gap existing between actual and intended information systems processes and products. Many researchers have commented on the desirability of using humor in the workplace; however, this paper is innovative in specifically recommending that using and interpreting computer cartoons can assist in assessing expectations surrounding critical success factors whose attainment shapes the design, implementation, and use of information systems in organizations.
Edge Structure Preserving 3D Image Denoising by Local Surface Approximation

In various applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI), 3D images are becoming increasingly popular. To improve the reliability of subsequent image analyses, 3D image denoising is often a necessary preprocessing step, which is the focus of the current paper. In the literature, most existing image denoising procedures are for 2D images. Their direct extensions to 3D cases generally cannot handle 3D images efficiently because the structure of a typical 3D image is substantially more complicated than that of a typical 2D image. For instance, edge locations are surfaces in 3D cases which would be much more challenging to handle compared to edge curves in 2D cases. We propose a novel 3D image denoising procedure in this paper, based on local approximation of the edge surfaces using a set of surface templates. An important property of this method is that it can preserve edges and major edge structures (e.g., intersections of two edge surfaces and pointed corners). Numerical studies show that it works well in various applications.
Protein tyrosine phosphorylations as an indicator of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin exposure in vivo and in vitro

Abstract A dose-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of five hepatic intracellular proteins with approximate molecular weights of 17, 21, 27, 29, and 34 kDa was seen 24 h after administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to C57BL/6J female mice. The ED 50 values for tyrosylphosphorylation of these five proteins, respectively, were 0.26, 0.21, 0.26, 0.31, and 0.38 μg TCDD/Kg. TCDD induction of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity (EROD) was characterized by an ED 50 of 2.5 μg/Kg. An eighteen h exposure of a human lymphoblastoma cell line (X3) to TCDD increased tyrosylphosphorylation status of ten proteins with approximate molecular weights of 16, 17, 24, 26, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 kDa in a dose-dependent manner. The EC 50 values for these TCDD-dependent tyrosylphosphorylation ranged from 0.01 to 0.07 nM TCDD. EROD induction by TCDD in X3 cells exhibited an EC 50 of 0.14 nM. These data indicate that TCDD alters intracellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation and these changes are more sensitive biological indicators of TCDD exposure than induction of EROD.
Statistical mechanics of classical particles with logarithmic interactions

The inhomogeneous mean-field thermodynamic limit is constructed and evaluated for both the canonical thermodynamic functions and the states of systems of classical point particles with logarithmic interactions in two space dimensions. The results apply to various physical models of translation invariant plasmas, gravitating systems, as well as to planar fluid vortex motion. For attractive interactions a critical behavior occurs which can be classified as an extreme case of a second-order phase transition. To include in particular attractive interactions a new inequality for configurational integrals is derived from the arithmetic-geometric mean inequality. The method developed in this paper is easily seen to apply as well to systems with fairly general interactions in all space dimensions. In addition, it also provides us with a new proof of the Trudinger-Moser inequality known from differential geometry – in its sharp form.
On modelling angular momentum and vorticity in compressible fluid flow

Abstract The conservation of angular momentum and the preservation of vorticity are examined in particle-in cell and finite difference solutions to the equations for viscous, compressible flow. Both methods are found to conserve angular momentum in the solution of the Lagrangian equations of motion to O(Δt2). In the modeling of convection, however, the finite difference method has computational diffusion that is absent in the particle-in-cell method. In numerical experiments, the effect of computational diffusion is shown to be greater as the number of grid points is decreased.
Reply to letter to the editor by Larsen and Ekblom

Larsen and Ekblom raise several important issues in their letter (Larsen and Ekblom 2012). However, most pertain to questions other than those central to my review (Wagner 2012). Nonetheless, they are addressed below. But first, it should be understood that the review was structured as a ‘‘Viewpoint’’ article, focusing on a remarkable observation of low intramyocyte PO2 during exercise, and proposing hypotheses for its possible significance—physiological, biochemical and genomic. It was not about determinants of maximal oxygen uptake ( _ VO2MAX) or details of mitochondrial respiration. Thus, I request Larsen and Ekblom to not lose sight of the primary goal of the article.
Temporal Changes in Activities of Enzymes Reducing Ring-A of Progesterone in the Fetus and Placenta of the Rat

The development of Δ4-5α-reductase and 3α- and β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in rat fetuses and placentas was detected by the production of specific metabolites duringin vitro incubation with progesterone. The metabolites, 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione, 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one, and β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one, were identified by isolation and purification by thin-layer chromatography and reverse isotope dilution, followed by recrystallization of the free compound and a derivative. The Δ4-5α-reductase and the β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are associated with the particulate fraction. However, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is a soluble enzyme present in the supernatant fraction of homogenized placentas and fetuses. The activities of these enzymes were greater in the placenta than in the fetus. As pregnancy progresses, the activities increase in the fetus, but diminish in the placenta. Although the placenta secretes only marginal amounts of progesterone, it has a notable capacity to metabolize progesteron...
Assessing Dispositions: Context and Questions

From a summary of aspects of epistemology and practice related to assessment in teacher education, I suggest four recurring problems affecting the credibility of assessment of teacher education candidates and beginning teachers—reductionism, disconnectedness of the aspects of the standards, superficiality in the design and implementation of assessments, and a culture of compliance. Then I examine issues with the assessment of dispositions and use the notions of epistemologies of “intelligence” and “mind” as well as the four problems to suggest competing answers.
Bariatric endoscopy: Keep it simple and smart

Abstract Although not yet fully elucidated, the science behind the mechanisms of energy homeostasis has advanced significantly in recent decades. Current treatment paradigms, however, have not taken advantage of this evolving body of knowledge. The use of the scalpel to treat obesity is historically rooted in society's perception of obesity as the result of inadequate willpower—and not a “disease.” It is an individual's choice to eat excessively that leads to obesity and not a disease state to which the individual has fallen victim. Hence, to lose weight, the patient's anatomy must be surgically altered to either restrict nutrient intake or absorption. Endoscopic treatments have been modeled after this surgical paradigm. It is time for a new paradigm and the development of endoscopic treatments that apply our current understanding of the physiological mechanisms that control energy homeostasis. The author reviews the relevant aspects of the new science and offers a new treatment paradigm that is both simple and smart. A duodenal insert that slows the passage of ingesta through the proximal small bowel is described. The device triggers both early satiation and a continuing sense of fullness to assist in the reduction of caloric intake.
Artificial rearing of rat pups using rat milk.

The contribution of diet and surgery to the brain weight deficits observed in artificially reared rats was investigated. Four day old Long Evans rat pups were assigned to an artificially reared (AR) or mother reared (MR) group. AR pups were encannulated and fed either rat milk (AR-MOM) or replacement formula (AR-MES). MR. pups received a sham encannulation (MR-SHAM) or no surgery (MR-CONT) before being returned to their dam for rearing. On day 7 all the animals were killed. Brain weights and visceral organ weights were obtained. There was no significant difference between the MR groups on any measure except stomach weights. AR-MOM pups had larger visceral organ weights than pups in the other groups. AR-MOM and AR-MES pups had similar whole brain weights, smaller than those of the MR pups. However, the cerebellar weights, and to a lesser extent, brainstem weights, showed improvements in the AR-MOM group, over the AR-MES group. Neither the effect of surgery nor of diet alone can account for the organ weight differences that have been described in AR rats. The possibility that normal growth may be primarily dependent on diet at one stage of development, with other factors gaining importance at later stages is discussed.
A note on the steady-state response of an elastic medium to a moving dislocation of finite width

Explicit expressions for the particle velocity in an unbounded elastic medium for strike-slip (gliding edge) and dip-slip (screw) steady-state dislocations are presented. The solution in front of the rupture area involves a two-dimensional pulse and pulses arising from the upper and lower edges of the fault. Beyond the rupture area the solution involves only terms emanating from the edges.
Hadrons and SU(3): a critical review

The spectroscopy of hadrons, both bosons and baryons, is critically examined with respect to the $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ classification scheme. This is done with respect to the Gell-Mann/Okubo mass formula and the partial decay rates of member states of individual $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ multiplet families. The agreement is exceedingly good. The baryons are catalogued into octets with ${J}^{P}=\frac{1}{{2}^{+}}, \frac{5}{{2}^{+}}, \mathrm{and} \frac{5}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$, nonets with ${J}^{P}=\frac{3}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}, \frac{7}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}, \mathrm{and} \frac{1}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and decimets with ${J}^{P}=\frac{3}{{2}^{+}} \mathrm{and} \frac{7}{{2}^{+}}$ Among the bosons, nonet structure is well established for ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}} \mathrm{multiplets}={0}^{\ensuremath{-}+}, {1}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}, \mathrm{and} {2}^{++}$, with less firm evidence existing for a host of other multiplets, ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={0}^{++}, {1}^{+\ensuremath{-}}, {1}^{\ensuremath{-}+}, {2}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}},{2}^{\ensuremath{-}+} \mathrm{and} {3}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}$.
Correlation of entrainment for annular flow in vertical pipes

Abstract A correlation for entrainment in vertical gas–liquid annular flows is presented. The experiments cover pipe diameters of 1.06–5.72 cm, superficial gas velocities of 20–119 m/s, superficial liquid velocities of 0.012–1.35 m/s, gas densities of 0.27–35 kg/m3 and surface tensions of 0.01–0.073 N/m. Entrainment is considered to result from a balance between the rate of atomization of the wall layer and the rate of deposition of drops. Both rates decrease with increasing liquid flow. A simplified approach which uses the rate equations for low liquid inputs is adopted. The basic idea is that decreases in the rates compensate one another. An approximate empirical equation is obtained by simply substituting the gas velocity for the ratio of the deposition constant and the slip coefficient of the drops. A theoretical approach which relates the deposition constant to particle turbulence is also explored.
Oral-Systemic Health During Pregnancy: Exploring Prenatal and Oral Health Providers’ Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills

Pregnancy is identified as a sensitive period of increased risk for poor oral health among mothers and offspring. Subsequently, both medical and dental associations have re-endorsed consolidated, inter-professional guidelines promoting oral health during pregnancy. The objective was to explore prenatal and oral health providers’ information, motivation and practice behaviors related to oral health during pregnancy. Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with prenatal and oral health providers based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method in NVivo 10. Providers held variable knowledge with regards to identified oral-systemic connections and implications. Most providers were unaware of the guidelines; however, some oral health providers reported avoiding specific treatment behaviors during this period. Motivation to address oral-systemic health during pregnancy included: prevention; healthy pregnancy/birth outcomes; patient’s complaint/question as cue to action; comprehensive, patient-centered, and family-centered care; ethical duty; and professional governing body. Oral health providers reported assessing, educating, and communicating with patients about oral health issues; whereas prenatal providers rarely addressed oral health but reported signing approval forms to receive such care. A few oral health providers highlighted lifecourse implications and the need for family-centered care when addressing poor oral health among pregnant patients. Findings suggest gaps in oral health prevention information and behaviors among prenatal and oral health providers. Future efforts should examine effective dissemination and implementation strategies that translate evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice, with the ultimate goal of improve oral-systemic health among women and their offspring across the lifecourse.
A survey of cleft team patient experience in obtaining dental care.

Abstract Objective: To assess patient experiences in obtaining dental care in a team setting without an affiliated dental school. Design and participants: Three hundred seventy-four patients in the cleft team database met inclusion criteria of diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate, and current age of 7 to 12 years. Demographic information and experiences in obtaining dental care were ascertained using a standardized series of questions. A callback protocol was employed to maximize response rate. Results were analyzed with t-tests using contingency tables. Outcome measures and results: One hundred seventy-one parents/caregivers were interviewed of a possible 374 (response rate 45.7%). Mean age was 9.87 years. The insurance distribution was as follows: 113 private insurance (66.1%), 35 Medicaid (20.5%), and 23 had no insurance (13.5%). The dental checkup distribution was as follows: 145 regular dental checkups (84.8%) and 26 no regular checkups (15.2%). Patients with private insurance were more likely to obt...
Detailed Ge(Li)-Ge(Li) coincidence studies of levels in 152 Sm and 152 Gd

The decay of 12.4 y152Eu to152Sm and152Gd was studied in a high resolution singles measurement and two 4096×2048 Ge(Li)-Ge(Li) coincidence studies. Forty-five gates were analyzed in order to confirm or establish the placement of the γ rays as well as to accurately determine the intensities of the 12 doublets, which included several not previously reported. A new γ-β interband transition, 4 γ + →2 β + (561.4 keV), a possible 3 γ + →2 β + (423.7 keV) transition, and a new 330.9 keV transition between the 4 γ + level and theI π K=3−0 octupole level were established from coincidence data. Levels at 1757.0 keV in152Sm and 1282.5, 1318.7, and 1692.2 keV in152Gd are now established on the basis of coincidence data. These data also establish for the first time the population in the152Eu decay levels at 1680.0 and 1047.9 keV in152Sm and152Gd, respectively, as well as a new level at 1700.8 keV in152Sm.
Jumping at the Chance: The Effects of Accountability Incentives on Student Achievement

Abstract Pay for performance plans are spreading across the country due to the Obama administration's $4 billion Race to the Top initiative, which places a high priority on merit pay. Through a program that involved public accountability and bonuses, the state of North Carolina awarded more than $1 billion in school-based performance bonuses for meeting test score growth targets between 1997 and 2009. Using statewide student-level data from North Carolina, I examine the effects of accountability consequences on test scores in 2008, a year in which math and reading scores were “high stakes” and science tests were “low stakes.” Results from nonparametric discontinuity models show that at the margin, accountability incentives cause higher reading gains and have no adverse effects on science scores or on low achieving students. Incentive effects on science are generally positive rather than negative. Effects on science are much stronger in low-poverty schools, however, which suggests that interventions implem...