cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzyme-catalyzed microreactions using capillary electrophoresis: A quantitative study

This work describes the quantitative analysis of incapillary enzyme-catalyzed microreactions using capillary electrophoresis. Migrating in a capillary under electrophoresis conditions, a plug of substrate and enzyme are injected separately, and allowed to react. Extent of reaction was subsequently determined by capillary electrophoresis. Two model systems were examined: the conversion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (NADH) in the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate (glc-6-p) to 6-phosphogluconate by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH, EC 1.1.1.49), and the conversion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by acid phosphatase (AP, EC 3.1.3.2.). These procedures illustrate the use of the capillary as a microreactor and the ease of quantitation of reaction products under conditions of electrophoresis. This technique offers a new and expeditious approach to analyzing enzymatic reactions on a microscale.
Three and four bond phosphorus-proton couplings in isomeric tolylphosphonates and tolylphosphine oxides

Abstract The preparation and PMR spectra of the isomeric dimethyl tolylphoshonates and tolyldiphenylphosphine oxides are reported. In the ortho-isomers, a four bond coupling (1–1·7 c/s) of the methyl protons with the phosphorus atom was observed; no evidence for a similar five or six bond coupling in the meta- and para-isomers was obtained. The aromatic proton resonances of dimethyl para-tolylphosphonate were analyzed as an ABX system; the proton ortho to phosphorus in the corresponding ortho-isomer had the peak multiplicity of the A portion of an ABCX spectrum.
The synthesis and biological activity of some known and putative metabolites of the atypical antipsychotic agent olanzapine (LY170053)

Abstract 4′-N-desmethyl olanzapine (2), olanzapine 4′-N-oxide (3) and 2-hydroxymethyl olanzapine (5), have been prepared and their pharmacology compared to that of the parent compound olanzapine (1). The 4′-N-quaternary glucuronide (8) has also been prepared.
Magnetoresistance of the 2-D impurity band in silicon inversion layers

Abstract The effect of a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface on the conductance of the two-dimensional (2D) Na+ induced impurity band in silicon inversion layers has been studied. The temperature dependence of the conductance at low fields (H σ = σ o exp-(T o /T) 1 3 , which is expected for variable range hopping in 2-D when the impurity wave functions are hydrogenic. At higher fields (H > 10T), σ = σ o 'exp-(T o '/T) 1 2 , which should result for Landau (Gaussian) impurity wave functions. In this high field regime we observe To' = aH, where a depends only on the density of states at the Fermi level and fundamental constants.
Effects of fluoride on the oxidative metabolism of human neutrophils.

Abstract Although 20 m m fluoride stimulates neutrophils to produce superoxide anion, the kinetics of production are dissimilar to those observed with other stimuli. Further, fluoride was shown to inhibit oxidation of [1- 14 C] glucose, and incubation of neutrophils with fluoride did not result in significant generation of chemiluminescence or iodination of cellular material, as did other soluble stimuli. These results indicate a discordance between the effect of fluoride on superoxide generation and other metabolic parameters associated with the respiratory burst. The data suggest that fluoride might not be a useful probe for investigating the molecular basis of the respiratory burst in human neutrophils.
Effect of pentobarbital on cyanide-induced tremors in mice and calcium accumulation in PC12 cells

Production de ciment alumineux a faible teneur en Fe 2 O 3 et SiO 2 mais contenant plus de 70% d'Al 2 O 3 , a partir d'une charge de matieres premieres briquetee
Luminescent Mo3+ centers in crystals of CsMgCl3 and CsCdBr3. Sharp line emissions from the 2T2 state

Abstract The luminescences from CsMgCl 3 and CsCdBr 3 crystals doped with Mo 3+ and Mo 3+ along with Li + were observed and analyzed. The nature of the Mo 3+ centers present in these crystals is already known from EPR experiments. All spectra show an intense sharp line emission between 700 and 740 nm assigned to the 2 T 2 → 4 A 2 transition of the Mo 3+ ion. This emission is unexpected since the 2 T 2 state lies at least 4000 cm −1 above 2 E state, which is the lowest excited state. At low temperatures the lifetime of the 700 to 740 nm emission ranges from 20 to 200 μs depending on sample. Emission decay curves from the 2 E→ 4 A 2 (R lines) transitions with lifetimes between 5 and 10 ms are also detected.
A Nomad faculty: English professors negotiate self-representation in university Web space

Abstract In this article, I call for increased awareness of the self-representation, gender, labor, and intellectual property issues that surround the faculty member’s homepage, arguing that faculty members construct identity online in context of the university as workplace. I examine the homepages of 18 faculty members within English programs and draw on research from composition, psychology, and technology theory to determine how faculty members can negotiate online spaces housed within the university web space and can revise how faculty members historically have been represented in spaced that were university constructed. Gail E. Hawisher and Patricia A. Sullivan (1999) argued that university-designed spaces often marginalize faculty members. This article extends Hawisher and Sullivan’s work by investigating how faculty-designed homepages situate identity in relation to the academy.
Heat transfer coefficients for melting about a vertical cylinder with or without subcooling and for open or closed containment

Experiments were undertaken to measure heat transfer coefficients for melting about a heated vertical cylinder embedded in a solid phase-change medium whose temperature was either at the melting point or was subcooled below the melting value. In the experiments, the upper surface of the phase-change medium was either closed by a cover which imposes a no-slip velocity boundary condition on the liquid melt or was bounded by an insulated air space which permits unrestrained motion of the liquid. The shape of the melt region was also measured. All the experiments were performed using 99% pure n-eicosane paraffin (melting temperature = 36.4° C) and encompassed both transient and steady-state periods. The cylinder height-to-diameter ratio was ten. It was found that the heat transfer coefficients are identical for the closed-top and open-top configurations. Subcooling tends to delay the onset of natural-convection dominance of the heat transfer process. The natural convection heat transfer coefficients in the presence of subcooling are about 10–15% lower than those for the non-subcooled case. In general, the steady-state natural convection heat transfer coefficients were well correlated in terms of the Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers and, in the absence of subcooling, the functional dependence was shown to be similar to that for natural convection in vertical, parallel walled enclosures without melting.
Polynomial morphological approach in pattern recognition

This paper presents a morphological polynomial approach to the presentation, shape decomposition, and object pattern recognition for machine vision. The polynomial morphological approach is a powerful method for image processing and pattern recognition. The algorithms of shape decomposition and pattern recognition are discussed. Polynomial approach can be implemented in a parallel processing machine and it can be used to develop a standard algebra-based programming language for image processing and pattern recognition.
Patterns and importance of self-other differences in college drinking norms.

College students overestimate other students' drinking behavior (descriptive norms) and attitudes (injunctive norms). This study explored the effects of demographics, norm type, and reference group on the magnitude of self- other differences (SODs). Participants (N = 1,611; 64% women) completed surveys assessing demographics, drinking patterns, and perceived norms. A subset of 122 students provided consumption data 1 month later to test predictors of changes in drinking. Overall, women and non-Greeks (Greek = member of fraternity or sorority) reported larger SODs for both norm types compared with men and Greeks. Heavier drinkers reported smaller SODs. Gender x Reference Group interactions revealed that women had larger SODs for reference groups increasingly distal to them; for men, the largest SODs occur for close friends versus more distal groups. Larger SODs for descriptive norms predicted increases in drinking, consistent with social norms theory. Language: en
Cloning and characterization of a Nicotiana tabacum methylputrescine oxidase transcript

The oxidative deamination of N-methylputrescine is an essential step in both pyridine and tropane alkaloid biosynthesis. Reverse genetic approaches have not resulted in the cloning of a methylputrescine oxidase gene (MPO). However, we have used a homology-based approach to clone a full-length tobacco MPO1 cDNA. The MPO1 gene is part of a small multigene family comprised of approximately six members. MPO1-like transcript levels increased in roots that were either deprived of auxin or treated with methyl jasmonic acid. Similar to other known nicotine biosynthetic genes in domesticated tobacco, MPO1-like mRNA levels were lower in roots with the mutant a and b alleles. The MPO1 protein was expressed in bacteria as a recombinant Thioredoxin-His(6)-MPO1 fusion protein. The recombinant MPO1 protein utilized N-methylputrescine more efficiently than other diamines. Therefore, the kinetic properties of the MPO1 enzyme may play an important role in determining the pyridine alkaloid profiles observed in tobacco roots.
Role of the pleiotropic effects of plasminogen deficiency in infection experiments with plasminogen-deficient mice.

Plasminogen-deficient mice hold great promise as tools for analyzing the contribution of plasminogen activators produced by infectious agents to pathogenesis. However, the pathology caused by congenital plasminogen deficiency complicates the interpretation of infection experiments conducted with these animals. This pathology, the most prominent features of which are poor weight gain, wasting after about 60 days of age, and shortened lifespan, results from the inability of the mice to clear small fibrin thrombi. This article describes strategies for distinguishing the contribution of this pathology from the direct effects of depriving infectious agents of plasminogen. These strategies depend on the use of mouse genotypes in which the correlation of plasminogen deficiency with fibrin-dependent pathology is broken. Mice with plasminogen activator deficiencies are unable to generate plasmin and develop pathologies identical to those seen in plasminogen-deficient mice. However, unlike plasminogen-deficient mice, they do make plasminogen available to the infectious agent. Fibrinogen-deficient mice also deficient for plasminogen do not develop the pathology typical of plasminogen deficiency. These mice allow examination of plasminogen deficiency in the absence of fibrin-dependent pathology. Use of fibrinogen-deficient mice is complicated by the possibility that fibrin may be the key substrate of plasmin generated by the infectious agent.
Neuronal polarity: microtubules strike back.

Specification of one neurite as the axon is the first milestone achieved as neuronal polarity is established. It is clear that regional changes in the cytoskeleton underlie axonal differentiation, but is one cytoskeletal element any more crucial than the others? Although early studies implicated microtubules, more recent studies have focused on the actin cytoskeleton as the potential hub for factors that influence axonal differentiation. Now, studies on a novel protein called CRMP-2 have shifted attention back to microtubules.
Measurement of asymmetries of inclusive pion production in proton--proton interactions at 6 and 11. 8 GeV/c

We have used the polarized proton beam at the Argonne zero-gradient synchrotron to measure left-right asymmetries in the processes ${p}_{\mathrm{pol}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}X$ at ${p}_{0}=6 \mathrm{and} 11.8$ Gev/c and $x\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{{{p}_{l}}^{*}}{{p}_{max}}=0.1 \mathrm{to} 0.9$. For both pion charges, the asymmetries show considerable but different structure in $u$, the square of the four-momentum transfer between the incident proton and the outgoing pion. The data suggest that pions produced at large $x$ in $\mathrm{pp}$ collisions result from a baryon-exchange process.
A kinetic theory of classical simple liquids

A dynamical equation for simple classical liquids is presented which is obtained by a systematic approximation for the memory function of the conventional, equilibrium-averaged, phase-space correlation function. This "kinetic" equation is non-Markovian and spatially nonlocal. It agrees with the known limiting behavior at high and low frequencies $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and wave vectors $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$ even for dense liquids. For intermediate $k$ and $\ensuremath{\omega}$, our equation represents an explicit interpolation model from which virtually all measurable dynamical properties of the simple one-component fluid can be obtained. This equation can be solved analytically. As an example, the dynamical structure factor ${S}_{\mathrm{nn}}(k, \ensuremath{\omega})$ for liquid argon near its triple point was calculated. Our results are in excellent agreement with both coherent-neutron-scattering experiments (for $k=1\ensuremath{-}4$ ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) and computer-dynamics results (for $kl1$ ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). We want to emphasize that no adjustable parameters are introduced. We believe that this is the first kinetic theory which gives satisfactory results for ${S}_{\mathrm{nn}}(k, \ensuremath{\omega})$ for the full range $k$, $\ensuremath{\omega}$ for which data are available.
An analysis of the tolerance to crosstalk noise of a pulse width modulation system

This paper reports the results of an investigation to determine the drive degradation caused by random noise in a pulse width modulation (PWM) system originally designed for communicating on coaxial cable but using instead twisted-pair cables. Presented are the analysis of the driver/receiver circuit, the theoretical modeling of the transmitted waveforms over the twisted-pair medium using ASTAP. and a methodology for trading oflrms noise for transmission capability. The analysis of the effect of noise on drive distance as a function of allowable error rate is derived, and an example is provided. Finally, a simplified analysis technique is proposed to allow rapid calculation of approximate (yet conservative) results.
Polyglutamine Domains Are Substrates of Tissue Transglutaminase: Does Transglutaminase Play a Role in Expanded CAG/Poly‐Q Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Abstract: Huntington's disease and six other neurodegenerative diseases are associated with abnormal gene products containing expanded polyglutamine (poly-Q; Qn) domains (n ≥ 40). In the present work, we show that glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins containing a small, physiological-length poly-Q domain (GSTQ10) or a large, pathological-length poly-Q domain (GSTQ62) are excellent substrates of guinea pig liver (tissue) transglutaminase and that both GSTQ10 and GSTQ62 are activators of tissue transglutaminase-catalyzed hydroxaminolysis of N-α-carbobenzoxyglutaminylglycine. The present findings have implications for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of expanded CAG/poly-Q domain diseases.
ABNORMAL SEX ANATOMY OF A GOAT1

THE STUDY described here was made on a goat which exhibited abnormal sexual I anatomy as well as behavior. The development is somewhat different from that described for other abnormally sexed goats but is similar to some pigs. The individual was not a true hermaphrodite, but rather a type of sex intergrade, with testes, male and female accessories (female predominating) and with a complete absence of ovarian tissue. Gross anatomy. A goat, outwardly a normal female at birth, was obtained at an age of approximately 6 months. When the animal was about 5 months of age it was noticed to be making attempts to mate with females in the herd, and at the same time it did not attract the herd buck. Upon field examination the animal was found to have developed a clitoris which protruded about ¾ inch through the vaginal orifice (fig. 1).
Short-term attentional perseveration associated with real-life creative achievement.

There are at least two competing hypotheses of how attention interacts with creative cognition, although they are not mutually exclusive. The first hypothesis is that highly creative people are particularly flexible at switching their attention – that is, they adaptively shift focus among different attentional levels using cognitive control. The second, less common, view is that creative people exhibit attentional persistence, or an ability for sustained attention. We suggest these two views need not be competing, as they may both operate, but on different time scales or on different components of creativity. In the present study we examined the role of attention in real-world creative achievement and in divergent thinking. In Experiment 1 participants with high and low real-world creative achievements identified whether the stimulus contained letters S or H within hierarchically constructed letters (e.g., large S made of small Es – global level; large E made up of small Ss – local level), which were presented in blocks of 8 trials per level. In Experiment 2 participants with high, medium, and low creative achievements identified the same stimulus letters, but in blocks of 5, 7, and 9 trials per level. Results from both studies indicated that people with high creative achievements made significantly more errors on trials in which they had to switch the level of attention, even after controlling for general intelligence. In Experiment 2, divergent thinking was also assessed, but it was not related to switching cost. Results from both experiments demonstrate that real-world creative acts relate to increased levels of attentional persistence, even if it comes with the cost of perseveration in certain circumstances.
Creative Endeavors: Inspiring Creativity in a First Grade Classroom.

With an emphasis on high-stakes testing and a focused curriculum, it would seem at times, the joy of creativity is missing from the classroom. This article describes a curricular approach the children named “Creative Endeavors”, as implemented by a first grade teacher. The approach is described in three phases. In the exploratory stage the children were presented with various media, made requests for additional materials, and explored different forms of expression. In the second phase the children made choices based on interests, and typically worked with others in a spirit of collaboration with an emphasis on the process of the project as well as affective responses. In the final phase of intentional planning, children began to independently design, construct, and take responsibility for their project working alone or with others. Phases are intended to provide a blueprint for other teachers to explore creative endeavors in the classroom. Children in this project communicated through various media including sewing, photography, and drama. Through collaborating with peer and choosing projects, the children became authentically engaged in the various classroom experiences. Although the curricular approach was intended to foster creativity, in each phase writing about their projects became a natural and critical element in the process. Children wrote about their experiences, the steps they took to take part in the process, why they chose it, and reflected upon the projects undertaken.
High-sensitivity polymer microring resonators for broadband ultrasound detection and imaging

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging traditionally uses piezoelectric transducers for transmission and reception of ultrasound pulses. As the elements in the imaging array are reduced in size, however, the sensitivity will inherently decrease. We have developed a new, optically-based ultrasound sensor using polymer microring resonators. The device consists of a 100μm-diameter polystyrene ring waveguide coupled to an input/output bus waveguide, and is fabricated by nanoimprint lithography. Acoustic pressure causes change in the waveguide cross-section dimension and strain in the polystyrene material, resulting in a change in the effective refractive index and a shift in resonant wavelength. The ultrasonic waveform can be recovered from this modulation of optical output. The dynamic range and sensitivity of each microring can be tuned appropriately by adjusting the Q during fabrication. Our experiments show a low noise-equivalent pressure on the order of 1 kPa. Sensitivity has been measured by the application of known static pressure and a calibrated 20 MHz ultrasound transducer. A simple 1D array is demonstrated using wavelength multiplexing. The angular response is determined by sensing the optoacoustic excitation of a 49μm polyester microsphere and shows wide-angle sensitivity, making the sensors useful for beamforming. The frequency response is relatively flat between DC and 40 MHz, and can be extended further by choice of substrate material, limited only by the electrical bandwidth of the photodetector. The high sensitivity, bandwidth, and angular response make it a potentially useful sensor platform for applications in ultrasound imaging, dosimetry, and non-destructive testing.
PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE- POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAY IN PREOPERATIVE STAGING OF PROSTATE CANCER

AbstractPurpose: Extracapsular extension of prostate cancer occurs in a significant number of men believed to have clinically localized disease. We report the ability of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to predict preoperatively the pathological stage of cases of clinically localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Since October 1994, 82 consecutive men with clinically localized prostate cancer had a venous blood RT-PCR assessment before radical retropubic prostatectomy. The extracted ribonucleic acid was reverse transcribed, amplified and the amplicon identity confirmed by prostate specific antigen (PSA) directed probe hybridization. An additional 31 patients were enrolled to provide appropriate positive (T+Nx/1M2) and negative (human female and benign prostatic hyperplasia) controls. Histological examination of the entire prostatectomy specimen was performed.Results: Positive RT-PCR assay results correlated significantly with skeletal metastases and elevated leve...
Collectionwise weak continuity duals

A function f: (X, τ) → (Y, σ) is weakly collectionwise continuous if for some C ⊆ 2X with τ ⊆ C we have f−1(V) ∈ C for each V ∈ σ. In this case, f is said to be C-continuous. If also τ ⊆ C* ⊆ 2X, C*-continuity is a dual to C-continuity if C⋂C* = τ and then the pair (C-continuity, C*-continuity) is a decomposition of continuity. In this paper, two natural topological methods are found for construction of a dual to any collectionwise weak continuity. Some known decompositions are improved.
Mechanism of action of non-cisplatin type DNA-targeted platinum anticancer agents: DNA interactions of novel acridinylthioureas and their platinum conjugates

Abstract The DNA binding of two novel acridinylthioureas, ACR-NH-(CH 2 ) 2 -C(S)-NHCH 3 ( 1 ) and ACR-N(CH 3 )-C(S)-NHCH 3 ( 3 ), and their platinum conjugates 4 and 5 —derived from [PtCl 2 (en)]—was studied in cell-free model systems using various physico-chemical and biophysical methods. These included: spectrophotometric drug–DNA titrations, ethidium−DNA fluorescence quenching, competitive drug displacement, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, and unwinding of plasmid DNA monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The acridinium cation of 1 showed strong binding to native DNA with K i =1.5×10 6 M −1 and an excluded site size ( n ) of 2 bp (McGhee–von Hippel fits of absorbance data). Compound 3 showed no measurable association with DNA. Binding of 1 was an order of magnitude stronger than that of simple 9-methylaminoacridine ( 2 ). In alternating copolymers, 1 exhibited slight AT preference. In poly(dA-dT) 2 , enhanced association was accompanied by an increased binding site (approximately 3 bp), while parameters in poly(dG-dC) 2 were consistent with classical intercalation. Displacement of 1 by distamycin from calf thymus DNA was suggestive of non-intercalating thiourea in 1 being located in the minor groove of the duplex. 1 H NMR data of d (GGAGCTCC) 2 modified with 1 indicated intercalative binding of planar acridine, based on upfield shifts of aromatic proton signals relative to those in unbound 1 (Δδ≈−0.5 to −1 ppm). Finally, 4 and 5 were found to unwind negatively supercoiled pUC19 plasmid by 21° and 7° per adduct, respectively (electrophoretic gel mobility assays). The difference in DNA binding modes of 4 and 5 is discussed as the ultimate source of the distinctly different biological activities of the conjugates.
An epidemiological study of anorectic and bulimic symptoms in adolescent girls: implications for pediatricians

Our findings suggest that most cases of anorexia nervosa among high school girls are eventually recognized and treated. However, it is worrisome that a large number of girls suffering from early anorexia nervosa and an even greater number suffering from bulimia do not seek treatment for their disorder. In addition, it is clear that girls who do not meet criteria for the full syndromes may nonetheless be engaging in the cardinal behaviors associated with these disorders. Therefore, the pediatrician must actively inquire about weight control practices and binge-purge behavior during the course of routine examinations. These behaviors are sufficiently common that such inquiry should be incorporated into the routine evaluation of every girl, even when there is no obvious reason to be concerned. The vast majority of girls will express dissatisfaction with their weight and report that they have attempted to control their weight in some manner, most often with dieting, in the past year. Normative data from a cross-sectional study such as the one described provide some guidelines as to when such behavior is likely to be associated with other types of problems, such as depressive symptoms or amenorrhea. For example, our data suggest that weight loss of 10 lbs or more in the past year and fasting are more likely to be associated with depressive symptoms and menstrual irregularity than less severe forms of caloric restriction. Our findings also suggest that purging behavior (self-induced vomiting and laxative use), particularly in combination with binge eating, is associated with very high rates of both depressive symptoms and menstrual irregularity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
THE U.S. FAILURE TO DEVELOP SYNTHETIC FUELS IN THE 1920S

(1990). The U.S. Failure to Develop Synthetic Fuels in the 1920s. The Historian: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 241-254.
Design and fabrication of a SU-8 based electrostatic microactuator

Comb-drive microactuator is widely used in MEMS devices and traditionally is made of silicon as structural material using silicon-based fabrication technology. Recent development in UV lithography of SU-8 has made it possible to fabricate the ultra high aspect ratio microstructures with excellent sidewall quality. In this paper, we report a low cost alternative to the silicon-based comb drive by using cured SU-8 polymer as structural material. The microactuator was designed to have a integrated structure without assembly or bonding. A unique integration fabrication process was successfully developed based on UV lithography of SU-8 and selectively metallizing SU-8 polymer structures. Preliminary experimental results have proved the feasibility of the microactuator and the fabrication technology.
Variational principles for softening gradient dependent plasticity

Abstract A gradient dependent plasticity model is analysed in which the yield function not only depends on the stress tensor and an invariant plastic strain measure, but also on the spatial derivatives of the latter quantity. A minimum variational principle is obtained by analysing the structure discretized into sufficiently small plastic elements and thus the uniqueness of FE solutions can be ensured for softening plasticity. The positive definiteness of the variational functional is determined only by the sign of the diffuse coefficient associated with the highest order derivative of the plastic multiplier in the yield function. In order to adopt mix/hybrid elements, several general variational principles are obtained by relaxing the associated constraints on the displacement–strain–stress and/or plastic multiplier-gradient-radiation fields.
Service decision-making processes at three New York state cooperative public library systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the organizational structure and service provisions of cooperative public library systems in New York State. The study also seeks to ask questions of how cooperative public library systems decide what services to provide. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied on New York State public library systems’ 2008 annual reports to generate quantitative profiles of public library systems and their service transactions. Three cooperative public library systems displaying different service features were purposefully selected for further study of their service decision-making processes. The face-to-face and phone interviews were adopted in the study. Findings – Research findings from this study provide information on specific service variations across cooperative public library systems. The findings also provide differences of service decision-making processes in addition to the factors that might cause...
Sigma–delta quantization errors and the traveling salesman problem

In transmission, storaging and coding of digital signals we frequently perform A/D conversion using quantization. In this paper we study the maximal and mean square errors as a result of quantization. We focus on the sigma–delta modulation quantization scheme in the finite frame expansion setting. We show that this problem is related to the classical Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) in the Euclidean space. It is known [Benedetto et al., Sigma–delta (\(\Sigma\Delta\)) quantization and finite frames, IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory 52, 1990–2005 (2006)] that the error bounds from the sigma–delta scheme depends on the ordering of the frame elements. By examining a priori bounds for the Euclidean TSP we show that error bounds in the sigma–delta scheme is superior to those from the pulse code modulation (PCM) scheme in general. We also give a recursive algorithm for finding an ordering of the frame elements that will lead to good maximal error and mean square error.
Synthesis of 4'-ester analogs of resveratrol and their evaluation in malignant melanoma and pancreatic cell lines

4'-Ester analogs of the disease preventative agent resveratrol were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as anti-melanoma and pancreatic cancer agents. A decarbonylative Heck coupling was used to assemble the protected stilbene core structure. The 4'-acetate and the palmitoate analogs demonstrated selective activity with DM443 and DM738 cells over normal NHDF cells.
Domain Specific Self-Efficacy Mediates the Impact of Pain Catastrophizing on Pain and Disability in Overweight and Obese Osteoarthritis Patients

This study examined whether self-efficacy mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain and disability. Participants were 192 individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees who were overweight or obese. Multiple mediator analyses were conducted to simultaneously test self-efficacy for pain control physical function and emotional symptoms as mediators while controlling for demographic and medical status variables. Higher pain catastrophizing was associated with lower self-efficacy in all three domains (ps< .05). Self-efficacy for pain control fully mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain (Beta=.08 Sobel test Z=1.97 p<.05). The relationship between pain catastrophizing and physical disability was fully mediated by self-efficacy for physical function (Beta=.06 Sobel test Z=1.95 p=.05). Self-efficacy for emotional symptoms partially mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and psychological disability (Beta=. 12 Sobel test Z=2.92 p<.05). These results indicate that higher pain catastrophizing contributed to greater pain and disability via lower domain-specific self-efficacy. Efforts to reduce pain and improve functioning in OA patients should consider addressing pain catastrophizing and domain specific selfefficacy. Pain catastrophizing may be addressed through cognitive therapy techniques and selfefficacy may be enhanced through practice of relevant skills and personal accomplishments. Perspective- This paper found that higher pain catastrophizing contributed to great pain and disability via domain specific self-efficacy. These results suggest that treatment efforts to reduce pain and improve functioning in OA patients who are overweight or obese should consider addressing both pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy. Originally published Journal of Pain Vol. 9 No. 10 Oct 2008
Hippocampus in autism: a Golgi analysis

Autism is a behaviorally defined syndrome in which neuropathological abnormalities have been identified in the limbic system and cerebellum. The morphology of hippocampal neurons in two cases of infantile autism was studied and compared to age-matched controls. CA4 neurons in autistic children were smaller in perikaryon area and dendritic branching of both CA4 and CA1 neurons was less than in controls. These findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest a curtailment in maturation in the pathogenesis of autism.
Salivary peroxidase activity and thiocyanate concentration in human subjects with genetic variants of salivary peroxidase.

There were no significant differences in the levels of peroxidase activity in salivas of the two common genetically-determined types, SAPX 1 and SAPX 2. It is postulated that the frequency distribution of SAPX 2 types may be bimodal whereas that for SAPX 1 may be unimodal. Smokers showed significantly higher levels of thiocyanate (p = < 0.0001), lower peroxidase activity (p = 0.005) and greater age (p = 0.0003), compared to non-smokers. Significant correlations were found between salivary flow-rate and thiocyanate concentration (r = −0.34, p = 0.05), salivary peroxidase activity and age (r = −0.38, p = 0.001), salivary peroxidase activity and protein concentration (r = 0.26, p = 0.02) and salivary thiocyanate concentration and age r = 0.23, p = 0.05).
Reactive ion etch studies of DUV resists

The morphology and degradation of the polymeric DUV resist of polyhydroxystyrene/t-butyl acrylate copolymers after CF 4 /O 2 /Ar/CHF 3 reactive ion etching (RIE) was studied. The surface pitting in the area of 10 nm with spikes as large as 85 nm were found. DUV resists with higher t-butylacrylate content in the main chain were susceptible to main chain scission and surface pitting. The entrapment of volatile fragments by the deposited amorphous fluorocarbon polymer during the RIE process leads to surface distortions. Pre-hardening of the resist by electron beam reduces the surface pitting by two fold. Negative resist based on polyhydroxystyrene homopolymer with minimum volatile produced very smooth films with a tenfold reduction in roughness factor. The future design of positive resist should include the RIE performance factor of minimal outgassing and minimum sidewall surface roughness.
Towards Automatic Scoring of Non-Native Spontaneous Speech

This paper investigates the feasibility of automated scoring of spoken English proficiency of non-native speakers. Unlike existing automated assessments of spoken English, our data consists of spontaneous spoken responses to complex test items. We perform both a quantitative and a qualitative analysis of these features using two different machine learning approaches. (1) We use support vector machines to produce a score and evaluate it with respect to a mode baseline and to human rater agreement. We find that scoring based on support vector machines yields accuracies approaching inter-rater agreement in some cases. (2) We use classification and regression trees to understand the role of different features and feature classes in the characterization of speaking proficiency by human scorers. Our analysis shows that across all the test items most or all the feature classes are used in the nodes of the trees suggesting that the scores are, appropriately, a combination of multiple components of speaking proficiency. Future research will concentrate on extending the set of features and introducing new feature classes to arrive at a scoring model that comprises additional relevant aspects of speaking proficiency.
Determinants of board directors' strategic involvement

Abstract The role of boards of directors in shaping corporate strategy has increased in importance in recent years. However, evidence suggests that boards differ significantly in their involvement in the strategic arena. In this study of 139 Fortune manufacturing and service corporations we identify sources of variations in level of board strategic involvement. Boards that have a majority of insiders, whose directors possess significant expertise in the firm's major industry, and whose internal operations are efficient are more involved in the strategic process.
Thermochemistry of carbonate-pyroxene equilibria

The enthalpies of drop solution of calcite, magnesite, dolomite, wollastonite and diopside have been measured in a lead borate solvent at 977 K in a Calvettype microcalorimeter. The carbonate calorimetry was done under flowing gas atmosphere. Both natural and synthetic samples were used. From these calorimetric data, the enthalpies of several reactions of carbonate with quartz were calculated. The enthalpies of these reactions (kJ/mol) at 298 K are: calcite+quartz→wollastonite+CO2, 92.3±1.0; magnesite+quartz→enstatite+CO2, 82.9±2.8; dolomite+quartz→diopside+CO2, 163.0±1.9. These values generally are in agreement with those calculated from Robie et al., Helgeson et al., Berman and Holland and Powell. The enthalpy of dolomite-quartz reaction overlaps marginally with those from Berman and Holland and Powell. The enthalpy of formation of dolomite from magnesite and calcite (-11.1±2.5 kJ/mol) was also derived from the measured enthalpies, and this value is consistent with that from acid solution calorimetric measurements as shown by Navrotsky and Capobianco, but different from values in the earlier literature. These results support the premise that drop-solution of carbonates into molten lead borate results in a well-defined final state consisting of dissolved oxide and evolved CO2. This was also confirmed by weight change experiments. Thus, oxide melt calorimetry is applicable to carbonates.
Impermeant potential-sensitive oxonol dyes: I. Evidence for an "on-off" mechanism.

This series of papers addresses the mechanism by which certain impermeant oxonol dyes respond to membranepotential changes, denoted ΔE m . Hemispherical oxidized cholesterol bilayer membranes provided a controlled model membrane system for determining the dependence of the light absorption signal from the dye on parameters such as the wavelength and polarization of the light illuminating the membrane, the structure of the dye, and ΔE m . This paper is concerned with the determination and analysis of absorption spectral changes of the dye RGA461 during trains of step changes ofE m . The wavelength dependence of the absorption signal is consistent with an “on-off” mechanism in which dye molecules are driven by potential changes between an aqueous region just off the membrane and a relatively nonpolar binding site on the membrane. Polarization data indicate that dye molecules in the membrane site tend to orient with the long axis of the chromophore perpendicular to the surface of the membrane. Experiments with hyperpolarized human red blood cells confirmed that the impermeant oxonols undergo a potential-dependent partition between the membrane and the bathing medium.
Histomorphometrical analysis of the bone-implant interface: comparison of microradiography and brightfield microscopy

Abstract Section thickness has been shown to affect the histomorphometrical measurement of bone-implant contact when analysed under brightfield microscopy. This study investigated whether microradiography of the bone-implant interface eliminated the errors associated with thick section analysis. Seven implant containing sections were utilized. Microradiographs of the thick (~100 μm) sections were taken and the sections were subsequently ground to thicknesses of 50 μm and 25 μm. Photomicrographs were taken of the microradiographs and of the sections at each thickness (100, 50 and 25 μm) under brightfield microscopy. The photomicrographs were analysed for direct bone-implant contact in the cortical passage region and along the total length of the implant. The effect of section thickness on multiple fluorochrome labelling in 10 rabbit femur specimens was also examined. Centre-to-centre interlabel distance was measured for each label pair at a thickness of 100 μm and then again after the sections were ground to 50 μm and 25 μm. The thick (100 μm) sections showed a significantly greater amount of bone-implant contact than either the thin sections or the microradiographs. There was no difference in direct bone-implant contact measured by microradiography or thin sections. However, the microradiographic analysis showed a much lower variability of the bone-implant contact than the sections evaluated under brightfield microscopy. In addition, they have the added benefit of providing information on bone mineral density. Centre-to-centre interlabel distance was not significantly different for any label pair owing to section thickness. Data from this study provides evidence that the use of microradiographs for histomorphometrical analysis of the bone-implant interface is superior to brightfield analysis of thin sections owing to the lower variability of microradiographical data and the ability to obtain bone mineral density measures. Additionally, given that interlabel distance was not significantly affected by section thickness, the use of 100 μm thick sections for analysis of fluorochrome labels in cortical bone is supported.
Evaluation of partially adaptive STAP algorithms on the Mountain Top data set

In this paper we introduce a common framework for evaluating the performance of multiple weight, partially adaptive space-time adaptive processing (STAP) algorithms in terms of composite weight vectors. We then evaluate the performance of these STAP algorithms using synthetic and Mountain Top (MT) data (for airborne early warning radar) and address some limitations of high dimensional STAP algorithms in a nonstationary clutter environment. As part of the evaluation, we also familiarize the reader with the MT database and address important issues in processing the data.
Strategies and Techniques to Maintain Sexual Desire

The new mantra in sex therapy is desire, pleasure, eroticism, and satisfaction. There is growing acceptance that the prime sexual factor influencing the couple’s relationship is sexual desire. This conceptual/clinical paper explores two core concepts for maintaining sexual desire in committed, long-term relationships: (1) Establishing a comfortable, functional couple sexual style which balances each person’s sexual autonomy with being an intimate, erotic team and (2) adopting the Good Enough Sex model which promotes a variable, flexible sexual repertoire and recognizes the value of both mutual (synchronous) and asynchronous sexual experiences.
A fundamental introduction to ion mobility mass spectrometry applied to the analysis of biomolecules

Chemists are constantly striving for techniques that add dimensions of orthogonality with increased throughput and sample complexity. Ion mobility spectrometry (IM) is a gas-phase separation method that adds new dimensions to mass spectrometry (MS). IM separates gas-phase ions based on their collision cross-section and can be coupled with time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry to yield a powerful tool used in the identification and characterization of proteins and peptides. A fundamental introduction to IM is presented with a focus on resolution, sensitivity, and orthogonality coupled with TOF-MS.
Chronic Ginseng Consumption Attenuates Age-Associated Oxidative Stress in Rats

The antioxidant properties of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) were investigated in young and old rats fed a ginseng-supplemented diet for 4 mo. Female Fischer 344 rats at 4 (Y, n = 38) or 22 (O, n = 25) mo of age were randomly divided into three groups and fed either a AIN-93G formula-based control diet (C) or a diet containing 0.5 g/kg (low dose, L) or 2.5 g/kg (high dose, H) dry ginseng power for 4 mo. Oxidant generation, measured with 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH), was significantly lowered with ginseng feeding in the homogenates of heart, soleus, and the deep portion of vastus lateralis muscle (DVL) (P < 0.05) in both Y and O rats, and the effects were dose dependent. Superoxide dismutase activity was elevated in heart and DVL of H rats, and in soleus of L rats (P < 0.05). H rats showed higher glutathione peroxidase activity in DVL and soleus muscle (P < 0.05), and elevated citrate synthase activity in the heart of both age groups and DVL of Y rats (P < 0.05). Neither the H nor L diet affected age-dependent lipid peroxidation in the heart or muscle, but protein carbonyl content was attenuated with the H diet in the heart (P < 0.05) and with both the L and H diets in DVL (P < 0.01). We conclude that ginseng supplementation can prevent age-associated increase in oxidant production and oxidative protein damage in rats. These protective effects are explained in part by elevated antioxidant enzyme activities in the various tissues.
Prosperity and Depression—and Beyond

Rare is the economist who has made great contributions to the literature in not one but two fields. Gottfried Haberler is a member of that select group of scholars. His pioneering work in international economics is surveyed by Baldwin and Willett; this essay reviews his writings in the area of business cycles and the domestic macroeconomy. The inherent greatness of Prosperity and Depression, Haberler's outstanding work on the business cycle,1 can perhaps best be indicated in tabular form. Table I provides a history of the publication of the work as well as a summary of its contents. Haberler's goal was, first, to present and analyze-and reconcile wherever possible-the existing theories of the business cycle and, second, to derive from these theories a synthetic2 explanation of fluctuations of economic activity. Table II, which presents a summary of the scholarly book reviews of Prosperity and Depression, shows that the greatness of the work was understood from the moment it appeared in print. Haberler subjects every existing explanation of the business cycle-the monetary theory, overinvestment theories, underconsumption theories, psychological and error theories, cost-of-production theories, and even agricultural theories-to a searching analysis under the following scheme: theoretical foundation, explanation of the different phases of the cycle-upswing (prosperity), downswing (depression), and upper and lower turning points (crisis and revival, respectively)-reasons for recurrence and periodicity, and international aspects. Often, the international implications of the theory were not considered by the originators; they are developed by Haberler himself. Haberler shows that many theories explain only part of the cycle (for example, the crisis and downswing) or provide only an exogenous