cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophane in ganglia of Busycon canaliculatum (L.) treated with reserpine

1. 1. Isolated ganglia were incubated with C14 5-hydroxtryptamine (5-HTP). 2. 2. The activity of the 5-HTP decarboxylase (localized in the ganglionic mass proper) is lowered to 50 per cent of the value found in the control group when the animals are pretreated with reserpine. 3. 3. The effect is evident only in the first week after the injection.
Selective dehydrogenation (oxidation) of 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol by a non-heme iron lignin-peroxidase reaction mimic

In pyridine, bis(2,2'-bipyridine)iron(II) (Fe(bpy)2+(2)) activates hydrogen peroxide for the efficient and selective catalytic dehydrogenation (oxidation) of veratryl alcohol (model-substrate monomer for lignin; 3,4-(MeO)2PhCH2OH). Several other complexes (FeII(OPPh3)2+(4), FeII(O2bpy)2+(2), FeII(MeCN)2+(4), FeII(PA)2, FeIIICl3) are effective catalysts for the dehydrogenation of veratryl alcohol and benzyl alcohol, but their selectivity (relative reactivity with 3,4-(MeO)2PhCH2OH vs. PhCH2OH) is less than the 6.1 ratio that is observed for the optimized FeII(bpy)2+(2)/H2O2/pyridine (py) system. The reactivities have been determined for several other methoxybenzyl alcohols that are model substrates for lignin (e.g., 4-MeOPhCH2OH and (MeO)3PhCH2OH).
Automated processing of coral reef benthic images

We describe an automated computer algorithm for the classification of coral reef benthic organisms and substrates sampled using a typical photographic quadrat survey. The technique compares subsections of a quadrat sample image (blocks) to a library of identified species blocks and computes a distance or probability of identification in a multidimensional hypervolume of discrimination metrics. The discrimination metrics include texture (calculated from a radial sampling of a two-dimensional discrete cosine transform) and three channels of a normalized color space. A standard multivariate classification technique based on the Mahalanobis distance was unsuccessful in discriminating substrata because of the large morphological variation inherent in reef organisms. An alternative classification scheme based on an exhaustive search through an organism reference library yielded classification maps comparable to those obtained by manual analysis.
Effects of sucrose polyester on cholesterol metabolism in man.

Abstract Sucrose polyester (SPE) is a nonabsorbable, fat-like material that has been shown to lower plasma cholesterol levels in man and that has a high degree of patient acceptability. This study was carried out to examine further its effects on lipid metabolism. We have investigated the action of feeding SPE on plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatsoluble vitamins, on cholesterol absorption, excretion and synthesis, and on biliary lipid composition. Eleven normolipidemic, overweight subjects were studied on the metabolic ward. The design consisted of a 6-wk control period (weight loss at 1000 cal/day) and a 6-wk period of SPE supplementation (also with 1000 cal/day). SPE was tolerated well by all patients; although each patient experienced some degree of increased frequency of stools during the test period, none averaged more than one stool per day during SPE treatment. SPE feeding caused an overall mean reduction in plasma cholesterol of 6.8% beyond the 20% reduction caused by weight loss and low-cholesterol diet alone. Of the 11 patients, 6 had a mean decrease in plasma cholesterol of 12.5%, while 5 did not show a reduction on SPE. Plasma triglyceride levels were reduced initially by 13% during weight loss, and the addition of SPE caused no further reduction. There was no consistent effect on plasma levels of Vitamin A; Vitamin E levels were reduced by 24%. SPE diminished percent cholesterol absorption in every patient tested (control = 38%; SPE feeding = 17%), and there was an overall net increase in neutral sterol excretion (control = 506 mg/day, SPE feeding = 724 mg/day). Bile acid excretion similarly increased (control = 225 mg/day, SPE feeding = 376 mg/day). Percent saturation of gallbladder bile was not adversely affected by sucrose polyester feeding during weight loss.
Survival and integration of neural retinal transplants in rd mice

To examine the ultrastructure of the rd retina after transplantation of small micro-aggregates of neural retina in order to determine their survival and integration with the host retina and for sites of communication between transplant and host neurons. Neonatal micro-aggregates from transgenic mice expressing a LacZ gene reporter gene in their rods were transplanted into the subretinal space of transgenic rd mice expressing a LacZ reporter gene in their rod bipolar cells. The mice were killed at various times after transplantation surgery and studied by light and electron microscopy. Retinal transplants survived well, as long as 8 months, without signs of rejection and were well integrated into the host retina. Cell bodies of transplanted rods made membrane-to-membrane contacts with rod bipolar cells of the host at areas where there were gaps in the host external plexiform layer. One synaptic process of a transplanted rod was found on the vitreal side of the host's external limiting membrane. In two cases, a postsynaptic process in a transplanted rod spherule contained an Xgal label, implying that it belonged to a host rod bipolar. There was evidence of extension of processes between host and transplant retinas involving astrocytic rather than neural structures. Retinal allografts to the subretinal space of rd mice survive indefinitely. Close but non-synaptic contacts occur between transplant and host neurons that could allow ephaptic communication between these two retinas. Evidence of synaptic contacts between transplant and host was difficult to find.
Image database to constrain the acquisition and reconstruction of MR images of the human head

A training set of MR images of normal and abnormal heads was used to derive a complete set of orthonormal basis functions which converged to headlike images more rapidly than Fourier basis functions. The new image representation was used to reconstruct MR images of other heads from a relatively small number of phase- encoded signal measurements. The training images also determined exactly which phase-encoded signals should be measured to minimize image reconstruction error. These signals were nonuniformly scattered throughout k-space. Experiments showed that head images reconstructed with the new method had less truncation artifacts than conventional Fourier images, reconstructed from the same number of signals.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ACCULTURATION, PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT, SELF-ESTEEM, AND PREGNANCY STATUS AMONG DOMINICAN ADOLESCENTS

In this study I explore whether pregnancy status and mainland acculturation can be used to predict perceived social support or self-esteem in 49 nulligravida and 41 primigravida adolescents of Dominican background. Self-administered questionnaires containing the Dominican American version of the Acculturation Rating Scale (DARS), the Personal Resource Questionnaire-85 (PRQ85), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES),and a pregnancy-specific demographic sheet were completed in the participant's choice of Spanish or English. Neither perceived social support or self-esteem could be predicted from pregnancy status and mainland acculturation. However, mainland acculturation was found to be significantly higher among nulligravida adolescents, while no significant differences were found between the groups in relation to perceived social support or self-esteem.
Dynamic analysis of integrated signaling, metabolic, and regulatory networks.

Extracellular cues affect signaling, metabolic, and regulatory processes to elicit cellular responses. Although intracellular signaling, metabolic, and regulatory networks are highly integrated, previous analyses have largely focused on independent processes (e.g., metabolism) without considering the interplay that exists among them. However, there is evidence that many diseases arise from multifunctional components with roles throughout signaling, metabolic, and regulatory networks. Therefore, in this study, we propose a flux balance analysis (FBA)–based strategy, referred to as integrated dynamic FBA (idFBA), that dynamically simulates cellular phenotypes arising from integrated networks. The idFBA framework requires an integrated stoichiometric reconstruction of signaling, metabolic, and regulatory processes. It assumes quasi-steady-state conditions for “fast” reactions and incorporates “slow” reactions into the stoichiometric formalism in a time-delayed manner. To assess the efficacy of idFBA, we developed a prototypic integrated system comprising signaling, metabolic, and regulatory processes with network features characteristic of actual systems and incorporating kinetic parameters based on typical time scales observed in literature. idFBA was applied to the prototypic system, which was evaluated for different environments and gene regulatory rules. In addition, we applied the idFBA framework in a similar manner to a representative module of the single-cell eukaryotic organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ultimately, idFBA facilitated quantitative, dynamic analysis of systemic effects of extracellular cues on cellular phenotypes and generated comparable time-course predictions when contrasted with an equivalent kinetic model. Since idFBA solves a linear programming problem and does not require an exhaustive list of detailed kinetic parameters, it may be efficiently scaled to integrated intracellular systems that incorporate signaling, metabolic, and regulatory processes at the genome scale, such as the S. cerevisiae system presented here.
Volitional consumption of flavored ethanol solution by rats: The effects of pCPA, and the absence of tolerance

Abstract Following the administration of an anesthetic dose of ethanol (7 g/kg) by the intragastric route, rats were tested repeatedly for their preference for water or an ethanol solution which was increased over 10 days in concentrations from 3–30 per cent. Two groups of rats were offered ethanol solutions which had been flavored with a 5% grape concentrate. During the third preference sequence, the rats in one group offered the grape-flavored ethanol received 300 mg/kg of p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, which was given daily by the intragastric route. Following the third preference sequence, a second anesthetic dose of ethanol was given, again intragastrically. A comparison of post-intragastric ethanol sleeping times revealed no differences between the groups either before or after the three preference sequences. However, the rats exposed to the grape-flavored ethanol, which had consumed significantly greater quantities than rats offered unflavored ethanol, reduced their intake of ethanol significantly during pCPA treatment in terms of proportion of ethanol to total fluid intake. Following pCPA, the ethanol preference declined to a level even below that of the rats which were not offered grape-flavored ethanol.
Reactive extraction of lignin from wood using supercritical ammonia-water mixtures

Supercritical Fluid (SCF) extraction was used to selectively remove lignin from yellow poplar wood (Liriodendron tulipifera L). The process may serve as an alternative to conventional delignification techniques practiced by the pulp and paper industry. Extraction experiments were performed by flowing supercritical ammonia-water mixtures through a fixed bed of poplar wood. Extraction of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin was determined as a function of time (0–3 h), solvent composition (0–20 wt % water), temperature (160–200 °C), and pressure (136–272 atm). The percentage of water in the solvent and temperature were found to be the most important variables in determining extraction efficiency. A simple model involving these variables was developed. The most effective extraction was obtained using 20 wt % water in ammonia at 272 atm and 200 °C, at these conditions about 70% of the lignin, 50% of hemicellulose, and 15% of the cellulose initially present in the wood were extracted in one hour.
Screwball Fantasia: Classical Music in Unfaithfully Yours

Unfaithfully Yours , released in 1948, was the last major film to be written, produced, and directed by Preston Sturges. It ranks high in importance as a late example of “screwball” comedy from the genre's golden age, and as one of the funniest features about classical music ever made. The story centers on Sir Alfred de Carter, an idiosyncratic British conductor (modeled on Sir Thomas Beecham, as played by Rex Harrison), who suddenly becomes suspicious of his wife's infidelity. Jealous to the point of madness, he conducts a concert of three nineteenth-century works: Rossini's Overture to Semiramide (1823), Wagner's Overture to Tannhauser (1845), and Tchaikovsky's tone poem Francesca da Rimini (1877), and while doing so the film shows us his imagined fantasy scenarios as inspired by the music. Placed within a soundtrack richly filled with voices and effects (often hilariously distorted), the film takes each concert work from objective foreground to ambiguous background status and back again, then deconstructs the three in more cartoonish ways during the final half hour. With reference to studio source materials, to the original significance of each concert work, and to earlier and later films using classical music, the article presents a reading of the film's meanings and shows how it took up the argument about the role of classical music within America's democratic culture.
Dosimetry of 137Cs sources with the Fletcher-Suit gynecological applicator.

Measurements were made in water about the tandem and ovoid structures of the Fletcher--Suit applicator loaded with a $sup 137$Cs source. The dose rate was found to vary as much as 25% as a result of differential absorption in the ovoid. Empirically based trigonometric expressions are suggested which provide the absorption correction as a function of the two angles of a spherical coordinate system. Computer-calculate dose rates, with and without the absorption corrections, are compared. (AIP)
Differences in Imagined Interactions as a Consequence of Marital Ideology and Attachment

This study examined the relationship between attachment theory and Fitzpatrick's [1] marital typology based on traditional, independent, and separate ideologies in terms of imagined interactions or covert dialogues that individuals have with relational partners. According to attachment theory, individuals have internal schemata of themselves and their relationships which provide expectancies for adult relationships. These expectancies are reflected in secure, anxious/ambivalent, and avoidant attachment based on the typology derived by Hazan and Shaver [2]. A series of five hypotheses were tested exploring the relationship between attachment styles, marital types, and the prediction of attachment as a function of having imagined interactions with a relational partner in which individuals imagine talking with significant others about important relationship issues. The data revealed that sharing as a marital ideology was associated with a secure attachment and negatively associated with an anxious/ambivalent...
Reduction of pancreatic acinar cell tumor multiplicity in Dnmt1 hypomorphic mice.

In human pancreatic cancers, promoter CpG island hypermethylation is observed in both benign and malignant tumors. It is thought that silencing of key growth-controlling genes by promoter hypermethylation may play a role in pancreatic oncogenesis. We have shown previously that sufficient levels of DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) 1 expression are required for the development of murine intestinal tumors. Here, we report the results of a large-scale triple cross (progeny n = 761) between ApcMin/+, Trp53−/− and Dnmt1 hypomorphic mice to investigate the role of Dnmt levels in the ApcMin/+, Trp53−/− mouse models of acinar cell pancreatic cancer. Mutations of both APC and TP53 are observed in human pancreatic cancer. We found that tumor burden, but not tumor size, is significantly reduced with decreasing Dnmt1 levels, suggesting that DNA methylation is involved in pancreatic tumorigenesis in this mouse model. Detailed analyses showed that the reduction in tumor burden is the result of a decrease in both early- and late-stage lesions. We observed decreased levels of DNA methylation at candidate genes in the normal pancreas of Dnmt1 hypomorphic mice. Some of these genes showed increased methylation associated with tumorigenesis, suggesting that the tumor-suppressive effects of Dnmt1 hypomorphic alleles may be mediated in part through reduced promoter hypermethylation. Our work is the first in vivo study to show the effects of reduced Dnmt levels on pancreatic tumor development.
Repeatable female preferences, mating order and mating success in the poeciliid fish, Heterandria formosa

Sexual selection via female choice can afford preferred males comparably higher mating success than those males that lack preferred traits. In addition, many models of sexual selection assume that both male traits and female preferences are heritable. In this study we test whether females of the poeciliid fish, Heterandria formosa, have repeatable pre-copulatory preferences for larger males. We also test whether female pre-copulatory preferences are always reliable indicators of male mating success. When given a choice between a large and a small male, females prefer larger males, and the repeatability of this preference is high. Although there are no overall differences in male mating success between large and small males, large males have a higher mating success when they are the first to mate than when they are the second to mate. Likewise, preferred males also have higher mating success when they are the first to mate than when they mate second. Therefore, the repeatable female preferences observed in this study only predict male mating success when the preferred male mates first. These results illustrate that even significantly repeatable female preferences do not translate into male mating success, which is an assumption of many examinations of the importance of female choice in sexual selection.
Reproductive Refractoriness in the Western Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Adult Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae), major crop pests of the south-western United States, can mate repeatedly during their lives, potentially enhancing the lifetime fitness of both sexes. However, the periodicity of mating and its regulation in this species is poorly understood. In this study the postmating refractory period for both sexes is described. Males were found to have a median delay of 24 h, which seems to be the minimum time needed to refill the accessory glands and produce another viably sized spermatophore. The median refractory period in mated females was 5 d, but sometimes lasted longer than 2 wk. The loss of sexual receptivity in mated females, at least for the first 24 h, seems to be induced by males; spermatophore homogenates injected directly into the abdomen of virgin females reduced their sexual receptivity. The total duration of female refractoriness may be dictated by the starting size of a spermatophore and the rate at which it degrades.
Spatial and temporal properties of the illusory motion-induced position shift for drifting stimuli.

The perceived position of a stationary Gaussian window of a Gabor target shifts in the direction of motion of the Gabor’s carrier stimulus, implying the presence of interactions between the specialized visual areas that encode form, position, and motion. The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal and spatial properties of this illusory motion-induced position shift (MIPS). We measured the magnitude of the MIPS for a pair of horizontally separated (2 or 8 deg) truncated-Gabor stimuli (carrier = 1 or 4 cpd sinusoidal grating, Gaussian envelope SD = 18 arc min, 50% contrast) or a pair of Gaussian-windowed random-texture patterns that drifted vertically in opposite directions. The magnitude of the MIPS was measured for drift speeds up to 16 deg/s and for stimulus durations up to 453 ms. The temporal properties of the MIPS depended on the drift speed. At low velocities, the magnitude of the MIPS increased monotonically with the stimulus duration. At higher velocities, the magnitude of the MIPS increased with duration initially, then decreased between approximately 45 and 75 ms before rising to reach a steady-state value at longer durations. In general, the magnitude of the MIPS was larger when the truncated-Gabor or random-texture stimuli were more spatially separated, but was similar for the different types of carrier stimuli. Our results are consistent with a framework that suggests that perceived form is modulated dynamically during stimulus motion. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Step-by-Step Evolution of Vertebrate Blood Coagulation

The availability of whole-genome sequences for a variety of vertebrates is making it possible to reconstruct the step-by-step evolution of complex phenomena such as blood coagulation, an event that in mammals involves the interplay of more than two dozen genetically encoded factors. Gene inventories for different organisms are revealing when during vertebrate evolution certain factors first made their appearance in or, on occasion, disappeared from some lineages. The whole-genome sequence databases of two protochordates and seven nonmammalian vertebrates were examined in search of approximately 20 genes known to be associated with blood clotting in mammals. No genuine orthologs were found in the protochordate genomes (sea squirt and amphioxus). As for vertebrates, although the jawless fish have genes for generating the thrombin-catalyzed conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, they lack several clotting factors, including two thought to be essential for the activation of thrombin in mammals. Fish in general lack genes for the "contact factor" proteases, the predecessor forms of which make their first appearance in tetrapods. The full complement of factors known to be operating in humans does not occur until pouched marsupials (opossum), at least one key factor still absent in egg-laying mammals such as platypus.
Dynamics Of Viral Encephalitis Transmission By Mosquitoes

Presented is a model describing the dynamics of the uansmission of western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) by mosquitoes. With current data collection techniques, traditional point estimates of parameters are not possible. lnstcad, parameter values are described by statistical distributions. Using these distributions, Monte Carlo simulations are performed to classify outputs as either a typical or non-typical seasonal response. Statistical analysis is used to quantify the importance of given parameter sets in eliciting this seasonal response.
Parenting Behaviour: Babbling Bird Teachers?

One of humankind's most distinctive characteristics is our extended and complex period of child dependency. New research on a noisy African bird may help to shed light on how our unusual parenting behavior evolved.
Staffing Call Centers with Uncertain Demand Forecasts: A Chance-Constrained Optimization Approach

We consider the problem of staffing call centers with multiple customer classes and agent types operating under quality-of-service (QoS) constraints and demand rate uncertainty. We introduce a formulation of the staffing problem that requires that the QoS constraints are met with high probability with respect to the uncertainty in the demand rate. We contrast this chance-constrained formulation with the average-performance constraints that have been used so far in the literature. We then propose a two-step solution for the staffing problem under chance constraints. In the first step, we introduce a random static planning problem (RSPP) and discuss how it can be solved using two different methods. The RSPP provides us with a first-order (or fluid) approximation for the true optimal staffing levels and a staffing frontier. In the second step, we solve a finite number of staffing problems with known arrival rates---the arrival rates on the optimal staffing frontier. Hence, our formulation and solution approach has the important property that it translates the problem with uncertain demand rates to one with known arrival rates. The output of our procedure is a solution that is feasible with respect to the chance constraint and nearly optimal for large call centers.
Performance of an incoherent temporal-spreading OCDMA system with broadband light sources

The effect of the coherence time of light sources on the performance of an incoherent temporal-spreading optical-code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) system is studied in this paper. Broadband noise-like light sources, such as amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) sources, are used by the transmitters. Three different kinds of receiver structures are examined and compared. Results show the impact of the nonideal light sources on the system performances relative to the ideal case. Analysis shows that to achieve the best performance when the available optical bandwidth and data rate are fixed, there is an optimal range for the spreading code length.
Alcoholism and Identity Development

Abstract In the field of human development and psychology, the process of developing one's identity is generally associated with adolescence and young adulthood. Alcohol use and abuse is greatest and is related to the most frequent causes of death during this period of life. The identity crisis has been conceptualized as four statuses that reflect levels of exploration and commitment. Individuals choosing not to engage in either have been characterized as identity diffused. Empirical evidence has demonstrated that those with a diffuse identity status have the most problematic outcomes in a variety of areas (e.g., work-related behaviors, criminal and problem behaviors, substance abuse, risky sexual practices). Although this status may be developmentally appropriate during early adolescence, some people remain diffused for prolonged periods of time and for a variety of reasons. Efforts to understand these different reasons have led to the development of diffusion subcategories that may be useful in explaini...
Dose-dependent pharmacokinetics (PK) of short IV infusions of selodenoson (DTI-0009), a novel adenosine (A1-) receptor agonist, in healthy subjects

Purpose To study the PK of DTI-0009, a selective A1-receptor agonist currently in phase II clinical testing for ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation. Methods Ten healthy young volunteers (age: 21-35) received a 30–minute infusion of 1 ig/kg, 5 ig/kg of DTI-0009 or saline on three different occasions. The subjects were hydrated by a saline infusion (200 ml/min) for one hour prior to and five hours after the start of study drug. Serial plasma and urine samples were taken over 24 hours to measure DTI-0009 concentrations (as well as glucuronide, in urine only) by validated LC-MS assays (LOQ: 100 pg/ml). Noncompartmental PK analysis was performed, and instantaneous renal clearance (CLreninst) was estimated as function of urine flow (UF), and creatinine clearance (CLCrea). Results About 42% of DTI-0009 was eliminated unchanged in urine, and 3.7% as glucuronide. CLtot and CLren were reduced with increasing dose by 25% and 29%, respectively; CLnonren appeared unchanged. CLreninst paralleled DTI-0009-induced, transient reductions in UF and CLCrea. Vdss approached body weight. Conclusions DTI-0009 is largely eliminated by renal tubular secretion, which is temporarily reduced by DTI-0009-induced renal A1-receptor activation. This leads to dose- and time-dependent PK. Population variability is moderate. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P28–P28; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.107
Rational Choice Theory and the Evaluation of Public Policy

The dominance of rational choice-inspired models of policy development, implementation, and evaluation has grown dramatically over the years as a challenge to traditional, pluralist politics. In this article, we analyze the theoretical foundations of the rational choice perspective and its criticism of pluralist politics. We explore the values inherent in the rational choice perspective and suggest that they feed into growing public cynicism about government and lead to a conservative policy agenda of less government. We then develop an unusual argument that the very tools of rational choice analysis and its values actually produce far more government involvement than expected. by examining school voucher programs. We conclude by making a case for pluralist politics as a more appropriate means for addressing the concerns of classical liberals and others about excessive government intrusion.
Stress‐Induced Transformation During Subcritical Crack Growth in Partially Stabilized Zirconia

Fracture surfaces of a commercial partially stabilized ZrO2 that had undergone subcritical crack growth in H20 were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. At high stress intensities (≥4.6 MPa·m−1/2), fracture was primarily trans granular, and coherent tetragonal ZrO2 precipitates had undergone a martensitic transformation to monoclinic symmetry. At lower stress intensities, where power-law crack growth occurred, fracture suflaces were primarily inter-granular, and the tetragonal ZrO2 had transformed to a new ZrO2 polymorph with orthorhombic symmetry.
The impact of network medicine in gastroenterology and hepatology.

In the footsteps of groundbreaking achievements made by biomedical research, another scientific revolution is unfolding. Systems biology draws from the chaos and complexity theory and applies computational models to predict emerging behavior of the interactions between genes, gene products, and environmental factors. Adaptation of systems biology to translational and clinical sciences has been termed network medicine, and is likely to change the way we think about preventing, predicting, diagnosing, and treating complex human diseases. Network medicine finds gene-disease associations by analyzing the unparalleled digital information discovered and created by high-throughput technologies (dubbed as "omics" science) and links genetic variance to clinical disease phenotypes through intermediate organizational levels of life such as the epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. Supported by large reference databases, unprecedented data storage capacity, and innovative computational analysis, network medicine is poised to find links between conditions that were thought to be distinct, uncover shared disease mechanisms and key drivers of the pathogenesis, predict individual disease outcomes and trajectories, identify novel therapeutic applications, and help avoid off-target and undesirable drug effects. Recent advances indicate that these perspectives are increasingly within our reach for understanding and managing complex diseases of the digestive system.
Wetting of the (0001) α-Al2O3 Sapphire Surface by Molten Aluminum: Effect of Surface Roughness

The wetting of molten aluminum on the “c”-plane (0001) of single-crystal α-Al2O3 (sapphire) was studied by the sessile drop technique from 800 °C (1073 K) to 1200 °C (1473 K). Systematically increasing the (0001) surface roughness by SiC abrasion increased the wetting contact angle, resulting in reduced wetting. The surface roughness factor R originally defined by Wenzel, was determined as a function of the abrasion, temperature, and time. The wetting decreases as the surface roughness increases. Rough surfaces also create time and temperature effects on wetting, changing those for a smoothly polished surface. The existence of a high-temperature surface structural transition for (0001) of α-Al2O3, which has been previously suggested, was confirmed. Increased roughness R accents the effect of the surface structural transition, increasing the wetting contact angle changes during the transition.
Characterization of the alternative respiratory pathway in soybean

Capacity for the alternative respiratory pathway was assessed in leaf and root tissue of male-sterile and fertile soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) plants and in leaf, embryonic axis, and epicotyl tissue as well as isolated mitochondria of pea fPisum sativum L.) by measurement of oxygen uptake in the presence and absence of KCN and salicylhydroxamic acid. Male-sterile and fertile soybean tissues showed similar responses to the inhibitors, and both possessed a capacity for alternative respiration. We also found that tissue and isolated mitochondria from 'Progress No. 9' pea possessed alternative respiratory capacity similar to that of 'Alaska' pea.
An Investigation of the Raudenbush (1988) Test for Studying Variance Heterogeneity.

Abstract The meta-analytic method proposed by Raudenbush (1988) for studying variance heterogeneity was investigated. This method uses the difference in two weighted log-standard deviations (e.g., treatment vs. control group) as an effect size and provides a test of the homogeneity of effect sizes. The relationship between study characteristics and effect sizes can also be investigated. Although appealing, the performance of this procedure for realistic data sets characterized by nonnormal data and small study sample sizes is unknown. The results of a Monte Carlo study indicated that the Type I error rate of the test was sensitive to even modestly platykurtic score distributions and to the ratio of study sample size to the number of studies, even if the data were normally distributed. On the whole, this test cannot be recommended to meta-analysts.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS CURRICULA: STATE‐OF‐THE‐ART*

Business and business/management schools were surveyed to determine the characteristics of management information systems (MIS) curricula. All academic degree levels–Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate–were investigated. An encouraging 82% response from 260 academic institutions queried lends credibility to findings reported. These survey results should provide insights for the development of new and/or revised MIS curricula. They also indicate opportunities for expanding enrollments. The MIS field, still in its infancy, has not yet stabilized. This is causing difficulties in planning curricula for this newly-evolving discipline. The MIS area within both the academic and business communities is undergoing constant and rapid change due to environmental and technological advancements. In order to insure curriculum relevance and properly trained personnel in this field, these areas must respond to these changes. Suggestions as to where and how this discipline should proceed must be based upon the currently existing situation.
On a tiling conjecture of Komlós for 3-chromatic graphs

Given two graphs G and H, an H-matching of G (or a tiling of G with H) is a subgraph of G consisting of vertex-disjoint copies of H. For an r-chromatic graph H on h vertices, we write u=u(H) for the smallest possible color-class size in any r-coloring of H. The critical chromatic number of H is the number ?cr(H)=(r-1)h/(h-u). A conjecture of Komlos states that for every graph H, there is a constant K such that if G is any n-vertex graph of minimum degree at least (1-(1/?cr(H)))n, then G contains an H-matching that covers all but at most K vertices of G. In this paper we prove that the conjecture holds for all sufficiently large values of n when H is a 3-chromatic graph.
Light-Weight, Quiet Automotive D.I. Diesel Engine Oriented Design Method

Methode de conception de moteurs diesel a injection directe legers et silencieux pour automobiles
Strategic Priorities, Relational Contracting Clarity and the Use of Subjectivity in Incentive Contracts

This paper examines a potential problem associated with the use of subjectivity in incentive contracts: Relational contracting clarity. Clarity refers to the extent to which the terms of a relational contract, or subjective assessment can be communicated and an employee and his superior are able to build a shared understanding on which behavior is desirable and how it translates into rewards (Gibbons and Henderson 2012a, 2012b). If the terms of a subjective assessment are difficult to communicate, contracting clarity and hence the incentive effect of subjectivity diminish. Accordingly, firms should reduce their reliance on subjectivity. It has been argued that this is the case in complex and multidimensional settings, which arise, for instance, when firms pursue a joint strategy (i.e. follow a differentiation and a low- cost strategy simultaneously). Following a joint strategy has been associated with increased complexity and multidimensionality in the decision making process due to potentially conflicting strategic goals (Dekker et al. 2013; Lillis 2002; Lillis and van Veen-Dirks 2008). My results based on the analysis of survey data of 153 firms are consistent with my expectations. That is, pursuing a joint strategy is associated with a reduced use of subjectivity. However, this relation is not prevalent for all forms of subjectivity. In particular, following a joint strategy is associated with a reduced reliance on subjective formulas, while there is no relation to the use of subjective performance measures.
Differential transcriptional expression of Ca2+ BP superfamilies in murine gastrointestinal smooth muscles.

Calmodulin (Cal) plays important roles for contractile activity in smooth muscles. Recently, two distinct Ca2+-binding protein superfamilies with sequence similarities to Cal have been identified i...
Stability of graphite/epoxy structures with arbitrary symmetrical laminates

This paper is concerned with compression testing of thin-walled graphite/epoxy structures and the development of empirical stability methods of analysis. The laminates of the structures tested were T-300/5208 graphite/epoxy with arbitrary, symmetrical stacking sequences. Crippling tests were performed on flat plates to generate no-edge-free and one-edge-free empirical crippling curves for use in buckling analysis of thin-walled graphite/epoxy short columns. Crippling tests of square tubes confirmed correlation with flat plates. Short-column tests of similar square tubes and tests of lsection members substantiated use of the Johnson short-column method. Ultimate compression tests were performed for most laminates, and nonlinear stress-strain curves were recorded in all cases.
Modeling of Thermal Stresses in Composite Diamond Coatings and Mechanisms of Improvement of Adhesion

Thermal stress influences adhesion of many coatings applied on tool substrates. Management of thermal stresses is important for improvement of coatings and tool life. We have shown that stresses can be controlled by developing a composite layer of diamond with carbides and nitrides such as TiC or TiN. We have modeled the thermal stresses in these composite diamond coatings using finite element analysis. The composite diamond coatings consist of a discontinuous layer of diamond with an embedded layer of TiC or TiN, and a top layer of continuous diamond. For comparison, a single layer of diamond coating has also been used. The thermal stresses in these coatings on WC(Co) and Si3N4 tool substrates were calculated. Results show that the thermal stresses at the interface between the coatings and the substrate are relaxed after introducing the composite layers. This stress relaxation is responsible for the improvement of the adhesion of composite coatings.
A decision support system for real-time order management in a heterogeneous production environment

We proposed a system for order management in heterogeneous production environments.The proposed system is supported by a case study form high-end server manufacturing.We presented an order prioritization tool to assess and prioritize customer orders.We used a risk mitigation approach to account for business risks.We developed a real-time dashboard to visualize order related information. In today's competitive market, many companies are morphing from the traditional new build, single brand, and silo environments to facilities accommodating diverse business missions. The later are called heterogeneous production environments in which the different business channels share their final production stage (shipping) to enable competitive advantages. In these production environments, at the operational level, the critical success factors are customer satisfaction, on-time delivery, product complexities, supply allocation, and resource utilization. At the strategic level, the success factors are revenue, customer urgency, and sales impact. This study proposes an End-to-End Customer Order Management System (E2E COMS) focusing on effective utilization of individual and shared resources to support real-time order management and mitigate risk of managing diverse missions. The proposed system consists of three integrated tools: Order Prioritization Tool (OPT) to assess and prioritize customer orders for each business channel, Order Fulfillment Progress Projection Tool (OFPPT) to predict the expected remaining order completion time considering inventory and resource capacity constraints, and risk mitigation tool to assess the risk of missing an order shipment due to shipping constraints. A real-time dashboard is developed to visualize the prioritized customer orders, expected time to arrive at the shipping area, shipping instructions, and two-dimensional risk assessment charts. The proposed system can effectively be used for shipping capacity management as well as prompt decision making.
Autologous Stem Cell Mobilization in the Age of Plerixafor.

Abstract Background Autologous stem cell transplantation remains important in the treatment of myeloma and relapsed lymphoma. Plerixafor has been shown to significantly enhance stem cell mobilization but is very expensive. Patients and Methods We evaluated plerixafor use in the 3-year period after its approval in December 2008. Results A total of 277 patients with myeloma and lymphoma had stem cell mobilization; 97.5% were successfully mobilized, including 41.5% who received plerixafor. Plerixafor was generally used for rescue after suboptimal granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization ("just in time") or for remobilization after an unsuccessful attempt with chemotherapy plus G-CSF. In addition, 10% of patients received planned G-CSF plus plerixafor because of high risk factors for inadequate collection. Rescue plerixafor was more effective in patients with myeloma than lymphoma as after 1 dose of plerixafor; 85% versus 55% collected a minimum number of stem cells (2 × 10E6 CD34 cells/kg) for 1 transplant and 51% versus 15% collected > 5 × 10E6 CD34 cells/kg. After transplantation, there were no significant differences in engraftment as a consequence of plerixafor use. Among all patients, there were less platelet transfusions in patients provided ≥ 3.5 × 10E6 CD34 + cells/kg. Conclusion With the judicious use of plerixafor, nearly all patients can collect enough stem cells to proceed to transplantation. Further studies, including hematologic tolerance to posttransplantation therapy, are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of using plerixafor to convert adequate to more optimal mobilizers.
Prospect and Development Direction of SF_6 Recovery

To realize energy conservation and emission reduction,the research on recycling of SF6 is vigorously launched in the world.The status quo and development plan of SF6recovery in power sectors of the U.S.,Japan,EU and China are described.It is indicated that the main measures for recycling of SF6are building regional SF6 recycling center,improving the gas supervision pattern,and enhancing the gas analyzing ability.The plan for SF6 gas recycling is proposed.It is also expounded that SF6 recycling is promising due to its considerable economic and social benefits.
The arterial system of the pond-turtle,Lissemys punctata (Bonnaterre)

The author gives a detailed description of the arterial system of the Pond-TurtleLissemys punctata. The following are the more important new features discovered by him: (1) The left carotid and subclavian arteries are much longer than the right ones, the asymmetry being probably due to the position of the heart to the right of the base of the neck. (2) TheRamus anastomoticus (Arteria spinalis) of the common carotid artery enters the spinal canal through two inter-vertebral foramina, and not through one, as described in other turtles. (3) The muscles of the pectoral arch are supplied by a branch of theaxillary artery, and not of the brachial artery. (4) Thecœliac artery is represented by three separate branches of the left systemic trunk. (5) Theaortic union is not formed by a transverse anastomosis, but by the actual coming together of the two systemics. It is situated very much posteriorly, the dorsal aorta being, consequently, extremely abbreviated. (6) Thedorsal aorta is not prolonged behind to form the caudal artery. (7) Thedorsal aorta gives rise to a pair ofrenal arteries, a pair ofvertebral arteries, and a pair ofplastral arteries. (8) TheArteria mammaria recurrens interna does not open posteriorly into the iliac artery.
Food security and comparative sociology: Research, theories, and concepts

This article examines the role of comparative sociological perspectives for explaining food security. Because food security is an interdisciplinary concept with numerous economic, political, and so...
Treatment of uncertainty for next generation power systems: State-of-the-art in stochastic optimization

Abstract The optimal-power-flow-based problems, such as economic dispatch, unit commitment, optimal power flow, market clearing, and power system expansion planning, are subject to various uncertainties which include, but are not limited to, demand fluctuation, generation/transmission outages, adverse weather conditions, and electricity pricing. The large integration of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, has further caused additional uncertainties due to the variable and unpredictable nature of these resources. However, the next generation smart power systems are also equipped with enabling technologies such as control, communication, and powerful computing capabilities that could be utilized to better deal with these uncertainties and operate the power system at a stable, reliable, and economic operating point. Stochastic optimization is a powerful tool that enables power system operators to deal with such uncertainties. This paper provides a technical overview of recent advancements in this area and further provides an insight on the treatment of next-generation power systems considering the involved high level of uncertainty.
Smart grid power scheduling via bottom left decreasing height packing

We consider the scheduling of flexible electric power loads so as to minimize the peak load. We settle a conjecture of Alamdari et al.[1] regarding the performance of the bottom left decreasing height heuristic to schedule preemptable loads with known power requirement and duration and having the same earliest start time and the same deadline. Specifically, we show a tight bound of 4/3 − 1/(3D) relative to the minimum peak power load, where D is the duration of the scheduling interval. On benchmark strip packing data, the bottom left decreasing height heuristic generated schedules that required up to 45% less peak power than required by schedules generated using the next fit decreasing height heuristic. On electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles data, these two heuristics are very competitive.