cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autonomic fault mitigation in embedded systems

Autonomy, particularly from a maintenance and fault-management perspective, is an increasingly desirable feature in embedded (and non-embedded) computer systems. The driving factors are several-including increasing pervasiveness of computer systems, cost of failures which could potentially be catastrophic in a wide variety of critical systems, and increasing cost and strain on resources in maintaining systems. A trigger system employed in real-time filtering of particle-collision data is a particularly challenging example of a class of large-scale real-time embedded systems that demand a high degree of fault resilience, due to the large cost of operating the facilities and the potential for loss of irreplaceable data. Traditional redundancy-based approaches are not available due to the limited fault-tolerance budget above the system cost. This paper presents an approach based on model integrated computing that provides a set of tools for the system developer to specify, simulate, and synthesize autonomous fault-mitigative behaviors. A hierarchical, role-based organization of fault managers cleanly delineates the data-processing interactions in the system from the fault-mitigative control interactions. The fault-mitigative behaviors, analogous to autonomous biological systems, are characterized as (1) reflex actions-highly autonomous, localized, and uncoordinated response emanating from a single fault manager at any level of hierarchy, and (2) healing actions-highly coordinated behavior implemented with a sequence of interactions between multiple fault managers. The strength of the approach lies in the specification of these behaviors as coordinated interacting hierarchical concurrent finite-state machines, which makes these behaviors formally analyzable.
Critical Assessment of the Head and Neck Clinical Skills of General Surgery Residents

p < 0.0001), but overall scores were poor (mean score 55%). Important deficits in skills were identified at all levels of training. It is concluded that more attention should be focused on specific outcome assessments of surgical training programs and on strategies for upgrading the clinical skills of surgical residents.
Using minced horseradish roots and peroxides for the deodorization of swine manure: A pilot scale study

Abstract Enzymes that have proven to be capable of removing toxic compounds from water and soil may also be useful in the deodorization of animal manures. Considering that pork production in the US is a $40-billion industry with over half a million workers, odor control to protect air quality in the neighboring communities must be considered an essential part of managing livestock facilities. This pilot scale (20–120 L) study tested the use of minced horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana L.) roots (1:10 roots to swine slurry ratio), with calcium peroxide (CaO 2 at 34 mM) or hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 at 68 mM), to deodorize swine slurry taken from a 40,000-gallon storage pit at the Pennsylvania State University’s Swine Center. Horseradish is known to contain large amounts of peroxidase, an enzyme that, in the presence of peroxides, can polymerize phenolic odorants and thus reduce the malodor. Twelve compounds commonly associated with malodor (seven volatile fatty acids or VFAs, three phenolic compounds and two indolic compounds) were used as odor indicators. Their concentration in swine slurry before and after treatment was determined by gas chromatography (GC) to assess the deodorization effect. The pilot scale testing demonstrated a complete removal of phenolic odorants (with a detection limit of 0.5 mg L −1 ) from the swine slurry, which was consistent with our previous laboratory experiments using 30-mL swine slurry samples. Horseradish could be recycled (reused) five times while retaining significant reduction in the concentration of phenolic odorants. In view of these findings, inexpensive plant materials, such as horseradish, represent a promising tool for eliminating phenolic odorants from swine slurry.
Preparation of single-celled marine dinoflagellates for electron microscopy

Electron microscopy has been used successfully to study and identify single-celled marine dinoflagellates including parasitic ones and others, such as those that cause red tide. Delicate cells can be preserved for scanning electron microscopy with a combined glutaraldehydeosmium tetroxide mixture that is adjusted for the osmolality of the medium. The protocol allows resolution of fine morphological features. Preservation for transmission electron microscopy can be accomplished with a standard glutaraldehyde fixation and osmium-tetroxide post-fixation in a suitable buffer, but again, the osmolality of the mixture must be adjusted. The protocol allows ultrastructural resolution of vesiculated cells and has been modified for small sample sizes.
Optimization of solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of domoic acid in seawater, phytoplankton, and mammalian fluids and tissues.

Abstract We previously reported a solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for determination of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) in both seawater and phytoplankton by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) with the purpose of sample desalting without DA pre-concentration. In the present study, we optimized the SPE procedure with seawater and phytoplankton samples directly acidified with aqueous formic acid without addition of organic solvents, which allowed sample desalting and also 20-fold pre-concentration of DA in seawater and phytoplankton samples. In order to reduce MS contamination, a diverter valve was installed between LC and MS to send the LC eluant to waste, except for the 6-min elution window bracketing the DA retention time, which was sent to the MS. Reduction of the MS turbo gas temperature also helped to maintain the long-term stability of MS signal. Recoveries exceeded 90% for the DA-negative seawater and the DA-positive cultured phytoplankton samples spiked with DA. The SPE method for DA extraction and sample clean-up in seawater was extended to mammalian fluids and tissues with modification in order to accommodate the fluid samples with limited available volumes and the tissue extracts in aqueous methanol. Recoveries of DA from DA-exposed laboratory mammalian samples (amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, placenta, and brain) were above 85%. Recoveries of DA from samples (urine, feces, intestinal contents, and gastric contents) collected from field stranded marine mammals showed large variations and were affected by the sample status. The optimized SPE–LC–MS method allows determination of DA at trace levels (low pg mL−1) in seawater with/without the presence of phytoplankton. The application of SPE clean-up to mammalian fluids and tissue extracts greatly reduced the LC column degradation and MS contamination, which allowed routine screening of marine mammalian samples for confirmation of DA exposure and determination of fluid and tissue DA concentrations in experimental laboratory animals.
An extracranial varix of the sigmoid sinus

Summary The successful surgical repair of an extracranial varix of the sigmoid sinus in an infant is reported. The potential danger of air embolism during surgical removal of these varicosities is stressed. The two previously reported cases are reviewed, and possible etiologies are discussed.
Does the salesperson like customers? A conceptual and empirical examination of the persuasive effect of perceptions of the salesperson's affect toward customers

The influence of salespeople's characteristics on their performance has been an area of extensive research interest. This article examines an unexplored but potentially important area—the influence of customers' perceptions of a salesperson's affect toward customers on persuasion. The results of the research suggest that if customers perceive salespeople to have a positive affect toward their customers, message processing and persuasion are enhanced. In contrast, if customers perceive salespeople to have a negative affect toward customers, lower levels of persuasion and heuristic processing are observed. Managerial implications of the research are suggested and directions for future research proposed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Use of Double-Loaded Suture Anchors for Labral Repair and Capsular Repair During Hip Arthroscopy

With the development of hip joint preservation procedures, the use of hip arthroscopy has grown dramatically over the past decade. However, recent articles have reported cases of hip instability after hip arthroscopy. Little is known about the role of static and dynamic stabilizers on hip joint stability, but there are concerns that an extensile capsulotomy or capsulectomy, osteoplasty of the acetabulum and proximal femur, and labral detachment or debridement during hip arthroscopy could potentially compromise hip stability. The safety parameters for arthroscopic hip surgery have not yet been fully established, and techniques are being developed for labral refixation and capsular repair after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in an attempt to decrease the chance of iatrogenic hip instability or microinstability. The surgical technique presented in this article may provide anatomic repair of both the labrum and capsule using a double-loaded suture anchor technique. We believe that this technique increases both operative efficiency and the strength of the overall repair, which may minimize the risk of iatrogenic hip instability after hip arthroscopy.
A spectral technique for coloring random 3-colorable graphs (preliminary version)

Let G(3n, p, 3) be a random 3-colorable graph on a set of 3n vertices generated as follows. First, split the vertices arbitrarily into three equal color classes and then choose every pair of vertices of distinct color classes, randomly and independently, to be an edge with probability p. We describe a polynomial time algorithm that finds a proper 3coloring of G(3n, p, 3) with high probability, whenever p ≥ c/n, where c is a sufficiently large absolute constant. This settles a problem of Blum and Spencer, who asked if one can design an algorithm that works almost surely for p ≥ polylog(n)/n. The algorithm can be extended to produce optimal kcolorings of random k-colorable graphs in a similar model, as well as in various related models.
GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE F PROTEIN OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS STRAINS ISOLATED IN THE BEIJING, CHINA, AREA

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral pathogen for lower respiratory tract infection among young children. However, pathogenic mechanisms and molecular characteristics of RSV are still not completely understood, so the development of an effective vaccine has been hindered. F protein has been shown to be a potential RSV subunit vaccine candidate, so the study on genetic characteristics of F protein may be important for further investigation. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine the genetic characteristics of the F protein. METHODS: Seventy-six strains of human RSV were isolated from 2001 to 2004 in Beijing, China, of which 6 representative strains were chosen. RESULTS: Among the 6 Beijing isolates, 4 belonged to subgroup A. The F gene of the isolates shared 97.0% to 97.4% nucleotide sequence identity and 92.1% to 93.0% amino acid sequence identity. They were highly homologous with GenBank Nos. AY198175, AY198176, and AY198177 (China Hebei). The other 2 isolates belonged to subgroup B, and 97.3% and 98.2% sequence identity was seen at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of subgroup B showed the highest identities with GenBank Nos. NC001781 and AF013254. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences revealed that those 4 within group A were monophyletic and closely related to each other, but those 2 within group B were distributed in 2 distinct clusters. AA200-225 and AA259-278 on the F gene are conservative between subgroups A and B. CONCLUSIONS: Subgroup A and B strains cocirculated, which indicates that there were different transmission chains in Beijing from 2001 to 2004. AA200-225 and AA259-278 are potential segments to develop an effective vaccine in Beijing or even in China.
Using an evolutionary algorithm for catalog design

This paper describes an evolutionary algorithm that was developed for catalog design. This algorithm is based on genetic algorithms, but uses an object-oriented coding scheme to represent a design, and introduces unique crossover and mutation operators. To account for the dependence of system performance on both system configuration and component selection, the evolutionary algorithm allows for simultaneous alterations of configurations and components. This new approach allows the consideration of alternate configurations and allows the configurations to evolve to make the best use of the available components. Using this evolutionary algorithm, a piping system was designed in which cooling fluid was delivered to three machines on a manufacturing floor at specified pressures and flow rates. The algorithm was able to find good designs that satisfied the given design specifications.
Visualization and Analysis Tools for Ultrascale Climate Data

Increasingly large climate model simulations are enhancing our understanding of the processes and causes of anthropogenic climate change, thanks to very large public investments in high-performance computing at national and international institutions. Various climate models implement mathematical approximations of nature in different ways, which are often based on differing computational grids. These complex, parallelized coupled system codes combine numerous complex submodels (ocean, atmosphere, land, biosphere, sea ice, land ice, etc.) that represent components of the larger complex climate system.
Transient Viscous Flow During the Evolution of a Ceramic (Silicon Carbonitride) from a Polymer (Polysilazane)

The conversion of silicon-based polymers into a ceramic occurs by the release of small organic molecules at intermediate temperatures, and hydrogen at the higher temperatures. The conversion is accompanied by significant densification. In order for the body to emerge without fracture damage, the shrinkage must be accommodated by viscous flow. In this paper we show that the viscosity changes during the conversion, going through a sharp minimum near 600°C. In the regime of hydrogen evolution, which begins near 700°C, fairly steady viscous flow leads to large shrinkage. The viscosity increases rapidly as 1000°C is approached, pointing to the exhaustion of hydrogen. The results presented here may be used to optimize the time–temperature protocol for achieving damage-free specimens: heating quickly up to ∼700°C and then slowly at higher temperatures to allow time for viscous relaxation.
Synoptic cryosphere - atmosphere interactions in the Northern Hemisphere from DMSP image analysis

A climatology of Northern Hemisphere cyclonic cloud vortices is developed from high-resolution Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) infrared imagery for mid-season months. The technique which is described involves pattern recognition using a detailed vortex classification system. Variations in hemispheric frequencies of successive vortex types are dominantly seasonal rather than latitudinal and imply a close association with surface (mainly cryosphere) variations. More extensive sea ice or snow cover in April and January is associated with increased cyclogenesis, indicating enhanced surface-atmosphere feedback. A significant relationship exists between cloud-vortex variations and the sea ice boundary, but not with the continental snowline.
Characterization of extremity wounds in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Objectives:Extremity wounds and fractures traditionally comprise the majority of traumatic injuries in US armed conflicts. Little has been published regarding the extremity wounding patterns and fracture distribution in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The intent of this study was to d
Interferometric Sensors For Dc Measurands -A New Class Of Fiber Sensors

Fiber optic interferometric sensors are typically susceptible to environmentally induced thermo/mechanical perturbations at low frequencies, which preclude their use as dc sensors. However, by using a fiber/transducer configuration in which strain in a linear transducing element is converted nonlinearly into strain in the fiber, the measurement frequency can be up-converted from dc to a frequency where near shot noise limited performance can be obtained. This technique is applicable to the dc or low frequency measurement of any field variable for which a suitable non-linear displacement to strain configuration can be constructed. In this paper the operation of a dc displacement, acceleration and pressure sensor is described, as well as the multiplexing of these sensors.
Determination of H Adsorption Sites on Pt/C Electrodes in HClO4 from Pt L23 X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

The adsorption of atomic hydrogen on a platinum electrode in 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte was studied in situ with Pt L2,3 X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The Pt electrode was formed of highly dispersed 1.5−2.0-nm particles supported on carbon, and the Pt X-ray absorption fine structure data were collected at room temperature in transmission mode. A novel difference procedure utilizing the L3 spectra at different applied voltages was used to isolate the effects of H adsorption on the Pt electrode in the XAS spectra. The results obtained in this work are compared with similar results recently reported for H/Pt in the gas phase and with results obtained from real-space full-multiple-scattering calculations utilizing the FEFF8 code on model clusters. The data reveal a number of important points that are similar to those found in the gas phase: (1) at low coverage the H is highly mobile and possibly delocalized on the surface, (2) at higher coverage it localizes into fcc sites, and (3) at very high coverage ...
Victim restitution: A review of the literature

Victim restitution programs have become a major component of the American criminal justice system. As such, such programming follows the approach to justice that is restorative in nature, taking the country back to a time in its early history when the victim played a major role in bringing offenders to justice and when the offender was required to compensate both the victim and the community. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on both adult and juvenile restitution, the purpose of which is to better illuminate some of the key issues associated with successful programs, primarily from the criminal justice perspective. To that end, the issues explored in the paper include: (1) the history of victim restitution in the United States; (2) problems that are associated with victim restitution programming; and (3) components of successful restitution programs. Conclusions are reached about whether victim restitution is meeting the goals it was intended to meet from the system perspective...
On Learning and Energy-Entropy Dependence in Recurrent and Nonrecurrent Signed Networks

Learning of patterns by neural networks obeying general rules of sensory transduction and of converting membrane potentials to spiking frequencies is considered. Any finite number of cellsA can sample a pattern playing on any finite number of cells ∇ without causing irrevocable sampling bias ifA = ℬ orA ∩ ℬ = . Total energy transfer from inputs ofA to outputs of ℬ depends on the entropy of the input distribution. Pattern completion on recall trials can occur without destroying perfect memory even ifA = ℬ by choosing the signal thresholds sufficiently large. The mathematical results are global limit and oscillation theorems for a class of nonlinear functional-differential systems.
L-histidine attenuates the effects of pentazocine on rewarding brain-stimulation

Abstract Previous research has indicated that the antihistamine tripelennamine potentiates the threshold lowering effects of pentazocine on brain stimulation reward, a model of drug-induced euphoria. To determine the importance of histamine in this interaction, we studied the effects of co-administration of L-histidine and pentazocine on the threshold for brain stimulation reward. Pentazocine (2.5–10.0 mg/kg) lowered the threshold for rewarding stimulation to the medial forebrain bundle-lateral hypothalamus in male F344 rats. L-histidine (500 and 750 mg/kg) by itself had no significant effects, yet antagonized the threshold lowering effects of pentazocine. These doses of L-histidine are known to significantly raise brain histamine concentrations. Our results suggest that histamine may play a tonic inhibitory role, at least in part, on the neural systems responsible for the reinforcing properties of pentazocine.
Design of Nanostructured Heterojunction Polymer Photovoltaic Devices

Solar cells made from blends of conjugated polymers and nanostructured inorganic materials are an important class of organic photovoltaic devices. However, there has been no systematic theoretical analysis of their operation and performance. In this paper, we develop a theoretical model to analyze the performance of two classes of heterojunction solar cells composed of ordered nanostructures. Based on the simulations, we conclude that in order to obtain reasonable efficiencies, the size and spacing of the nanostructures must be on the order of the exciton diffusion length scale. Possible quantum and other confinement effects are qualitatively discussed.
Beyond the clinic: improving child health through evidence-based community development

Promoting child wellbeing necessarily goes beyond the clinic as risks to child health and development are embedded in the social and physical environmental conditions in which children live. Pediatricians play a vital role in promoting the health of children in the communities they serve and can maximize their impact by advocating for and supporting efficacious, evidence-based strategies in their communities. To provide a succinct guide for community pediatric efforts to advance the wellbeing of all children and particularly disadvantaged children in a community, we conducted a theory-driven and structured narrative review to synthesize published systematic and meta-analytic reviews of policy-relevant, local-level strategies addressing potent and malleable influences on child health and development. An exhaustive list of policy-relevant, local-level strategies for improving child health was used to conduct a comprehensive search of recent (1990–2012), English language peer-reviewed published meta-analyses and systematic reviews in the 10 core databases of scientific literature. Our review of the literature encompassed six key conceptual domains of intervention foci, including distal influences of child health (i.e., income and resources, social cohesion, and physical environment) and proximal influences (i.e., family, school and peer). We examined intervention effects on four key domains of child health and development: cognitive development, social and emotional competence, psychological and behavioral wellbeing, and physical health. Published reviews were identified for 98 distinct policy-relevant community interventions, evaluated across 288 outcomes. We classified 46 strategies as meeting scientific criteria for efficacy by having consistent, positive outcomes from high-quality trials (e.g., tenant-based rental assistance, neighborhood watch programs, urban design and land use policies, access to quality childcare services, class size reductions, after-school programs that promote personal/social skills). Another 21 strategies were classified as having consistent evidence of positive outcomes from high-quality observational studies only, while 28 strategies had insufficient evidence available to assess their effectiveness based on published reviews. We did not limit the review to studies conducted in the United States, but the vast majority of them were U.S.-based, and the results therefore are most applicable to the U.S. context. Based on our synthesis of published literature on community development strategies, we provide an illustration combining a comprehensive set of evidence-based strategies to promote child health and development across a wide-range of child health outcomes.
Exploring Biosignatures Associated with Thenardite by Geomatrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (GALDI-FTICR-MS)

Geomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (GALDI) in conjunction with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS) has been employed to determine how effectively bio/organic molecules associated with the mineral thenardite (Na 2 SO 4 ) can be detected. GALDI is based on the ability of the mineral host to assist desorption and ionization of bio/organic molecules without additional sample preparation. When glycine was mixed with thenardite, glycine was deprotonated to produce C 2 H 4 NO 2 − at m/z 74.025. The combination of stearic acid with thenardite produced a complex cluster ion at m/z 390.258 in the negative mode, which was assigned a composition of C 18 H 39 O 7 Na−. A natural sample of thenardite from Searles Lake in California also produced a peak at m/z 390.260. The bio/organic signatures in both the laboratory-based and natural samples were heterogeneously dispersed as revealed by chemical imaging. The detection limits for the stearic acid and thenardite combinatio...
A motif-based analysis of glycan array data to determine the specificities of glycan-binding proteins

Glycan arrays have enabled detailed studies of the specificities of glycan-binding proteins. A challenge in the interpretation of glycan array data is to determine the specific features of glycan structures that are critical for binding. To address this challenge, we have developed a systematic method to interpret glycan array data using a motif-based analysis. Each glycan on a glycan array is classified according to its component sub-structures, or motifs. We analyze the binding of a given lectin to each glycan in terms of the motifs in order to identify the motifs that are selectively present in the glycans that are bound by the lectin. We compared two different methods to calculate the identification, termed intensity segregation and motif segregation, for the analysis of three well-characterized lectins with highly divergent behaviors. Both methods accurately identified the primary specificities as well as the weaker, secondary specificities of all three lectins. The complex binding behavior of wheat germ agglutinin was reduced to its simplified, independent specificities. We compiled the motif specificities of a wide variety of plant lectins, human lectins, and glycan-binding antibodies to uncover the relationships among the glycan-binding proteins and to provide a means to search for lectins with particular binding specificities. This approach should be valuable for rapidly analyzing and using glycan array data, for better describing and understanding glycan-binding specificities, and as a means to systematize and compare data from glycan arrays.
Right ventricular ejection fraction measurement: Contrast ventriculography versus gated blood pool and gated first-pass radionuclide methods

Abstract Radionuclide methods of measuring the right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) provide noninvaslve means of evaluating right-sided cardiac function at rest and exercise. This study compared 2 radionuclide methods with a cast-validated contrast anglographic method of RVEF analysis in 21 consecutive patients who underwent RV contrast ventriculography and gated equilibrium blood pool radionuclide ventriculography. Eleven subjects had gated first-pass radionuclide studies that were technically adequate for EF analysis. RVEF was calculated by different operators for the contrast and radionuclide methods. The close correlation of the contrast angiographic method with both equilibrium blood pool and first-pass radionuclide methods supports the use of the radionuclide techniques.
Channel coding strategies for cellular radio

To improve re-use of time/frequency slots in a cellular radio system, it is desirable for the average interference levels seen by all users to be made approximately equal. The authors provide constructions based on orthogonal latin squares that guarantee different sets of users will interfere in successive slots. When signal to interference ratios are independent from successive symbols, channel codes can provide a large diversity gain which is far in excess of the gain against additive noise. Consequently, coding with interleaving fits together very naturally with this construction. The authors illustrate how to achieve large performance improvement using convolutional codes with low decoding delay in a slow hopped system. >
Limonoid Glucosides in Commercial Citrus Juices

Commercial citrus juices were found to contain very high concentrations of limonoid glucosides. TLC analyses showed the presence of these compounds averaging 320, 190 and 82 ppm in orange, grapefruit and lemon juices, respectively. The major glucoside in citrus juices was limonin 17-O-β-D-glucopyianoside, which constituted over 50% of the total limonoid glucosides in the juices.
Association of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity with all-cause mortality: fact or fiction?

We read the article by Chen et al with great interest and would like to congratulate them on their findings. Their analysis of the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) have shown a lack of association between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and all-cause mortality in patients more than 40 years of age.1 As there is an existing controversy2–4 in this area, evaluation of other large databases is clinically relevant, particularly if the analyses provides congruent data as in this instance, replicating findings that help consolidate the evidence base in the literature. The …
How Teachers and Parents Can Work Together to Teach Daily Living Skills to Children With Autism

Many individuals With autism have deficits in their ability to function independently and need extensive instruction to master daily living skills. Further, federal laW requires that schools and families Work together When planning transitions. This article explains three techniques (videotaped modeling, photographic or pictorial schedules, and peer/ sibling tutoring) that can be used both at home and in school to teach functional daily living skills to students With autism. Examples of appropriate skills to teach With each technique are given.
Detection of circular permutations within protein structures using CE-CP

Motivation: Circular permutation is an important type of protein rearrangement. Natural circular permutations have implications for protein function, stability, and evolution. Artificial circular permutations have also been used for protein studies. However, such relationships are difficult to detect for many sequence and structure comparison algorithms and require special consideration. Results: We developed a new algorithm, called Combinatorial Extension for Circular Permutations (CE-CP), which allows the structural comparison of circularly permuted proteins. CE-CP was designed to be user friendly and is integrated into the RCSB Protein Data Bank. It was tested on two collections of circularly permuted proteins. Pairwise alignments can be visualized both in a desktop application or on the web using Jmol and exported to other programs in a variety of
Enhancing Entrepreneurial Orientation Research: Operationalizing and Measuring a Key Strategic Decision Making Process

As a means to enhance prescriptive theory on a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation, this paper addresses the strengths and weaknesses of three approaches to measurement: managerial perceptions, firm behaviors, and resource allocations. We examine a set of recent studies employing these approaches, propose important contingencies regarding their use, and suggest that measurement accuracy can be improved by using a triangulation of methods. The paper concludes with a discussion of theoretical, resource availability, and interpretability considerations in measurement selection.
The LabelHash Server and Tools for substructure-based functional annotation

Summary: The LabelHash server and tools are designed for large-scale substructure comparison. The main use is to predict the function of unknown proteins. Given a set of (putative) functional residues, LabelHash finds all occurrences of matching substructures in the entire Protein Data Bank, along with a statistical significance estimate and known functional annotations for each match. The results can be downloaded for further analysis in any molecular viewer. For Chimera, there is a plugin to facilitate this process. Availability: The web site is free and open to all users with no login requirements at http://labelhash.kavrakilab.org Contact: mmoll@rice.edu Supplementary Information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging data: current and future directions

Meta-analysis is an increasingly popular and valuable tool for summarizing results across many neuroimaging studies. It can be used to establish consensus on the locations of functional regions, test hypotheses developed from patient and animal studies and develop new hypotheses on structure–function correspondence. It is particularly valuable in neuroimaging because most studies do not adequately correct for multiple comparisons; based on statistical thresholds used, we estimate that roughly 10–20% of reported activations in published studies are false positives. In this article, we briefly summarize some of the most popular meta-analytic approaches and their limitations, and we outline a revised multilevel approach with increased validity for establishing consistency across studies. We also discuss multivariate methods by which meta-analysis can be used to develop and test hypotheses about co-activity of brain regions. Finally, we argue that meta-analyses can make a uniquely valuable contribution to predicting psychological states from patterns of brain activity, and we briefly discuss some methods for making such predictions.
The impact of curriculum-based external examinations on school priorities and student learning

Excerpt] The first major prediction of the theory is that an increase in the extrinsic rewards for learning will cause student effort and achievement to increase. The primary extrinsic reward for achievement in high school is a higher probability of completing college. Thus the extrinsic rewards for learning in high school depend on the size of the payoff to college and on how contingent college admissions decisions are on achievement in high school. Time series data suggests that changes in college selectivity and payoff may have contributed to the ups and downs of student achievement during the postwar period. The college payoff and test scores rose during the 1950s and peaked during the 1960s. Both series then declined during the 1970s, bottomed out around 1980, and then rose during the 1980s. The doubling of the payoff to college during the 1980s appears to have contributed to more homework being assigned and done and a big increase in the proportion of students taking rigorous mathematics and science courses. Analysis of cross section data also supports a causal link. High school students living in communities where the payoff to college is large tend to take a heavier academic course load and are more likely to go to college.
Both maternal over- and undernutrition during gestation increase the adiposity of young adult progeny in rats.

Abstract FIOROTTO, MARTA L, TERESA A DAVIS, PATRICIA SCHOKNECHT, HARRY J MERSMANN AND WILSON G POND. Both mater- nal over- and undernutrition during gestation increase the adiposity of young adult progeny in rats. Obes Res. 1995;3:131-141. We examined the influence of maternal diet during gestation on the growth and body composition of the progeny. On day 1 of gestation, rat dams were assigned to one of four feeding regimens: free access to standard rodent chow throughout gestation (AL); 20 g feedday (prebreeding intake) throughout gesta- tion (PB); 10 g feedday from day 1 to day 14, then ad libitum from day 15 to parturition (RAL); 10 g feedlday from day 1 to 14, then 20 gfday to parturi- tion (RPB). Progeny were fed ad libitum on stan- dard chow diet from 3 to 12 weeks of age; food intake and weight gain were measured over this time. Body composition was measured at 12 weeks. The PB regimen restricted maternal food intake dur- ing the third trimester only; the RAL regimen restricted intake by 50% for two trimesters and pro- duced hyperphagia in the third; the RPB regimen restricted intake by
Effectiveness of a Visual Comparative Advance Organizer in Teaching Biology

Abstract This study investigated the effects of a visual advance organizer on a biology concept learning task among fifth graders. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) a visual advance organizer will facilitate the acquisition of concepts, especially when the material to be learned has visual components; (2) the organizer will be more effective in enhancing transfer than facilitating acquisition of verbal information; and (3) the organizer will produce greater benefits over long‐term retention of content. Three treatments were administered to 48 fifth graders, ranging from 10 to 11 years. In two of the treatments, subjects were exposed to a visual organizer either before or after the completion of a self‐instructional unit on ‘Fungi’. In the third treatment (control group), students were not given any organizer. Two parallel‐form post‐tests‐‐immediate and delayed‐‐were administered, consisting of three levels of learning outcomes: knowledge, comprehension and application. Results of MANCOVA on perfor...
Relationship Quality as a Moderator of Anxiety in Siblings of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Down Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to examine typically-developing adolescents’ perceived relationship quality with their developmentally-disabled sibling, specifically siblings diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Down syndrome (DS). The 119 eleven through seventeen-year-old adolescent participants (M = 13.32, SD = 1.90) completed an online survey that assessed demographics, sibling relationship quality, and anxiety. Results showed that siblings of children with DS have a greater overall sibling relationship quality than do siblings of children with an ASD. Results further indicated that reporting more negative interchanges within the sibling relationship was related to higher levels of anxiety regardless of sibling disability type. Lastly, sibling relationship quality moderated the relation between sibling disability type and anxiety. These findings promote greater understanding of the sibling dynamic in families with children with developmental disabilities and suggest the need for establishing more research and greater clinical evaluation in this area. Furthermore, the current study suggests that therapeutic intervention to address the sibling relationship quality within children diagnosed with ASDs and their typically-developing siblings would be beneficial in order to increase social support within the relationship as well as decrease the amount of negative interchanges within the sibling relationship. Results also suggested that decreasing the amount of negative interchanges within the sibling relationship may decrease the level of anxiety the typically-developing sibling reports.
Rate of growth and extent of differentiation reflected by cytoplasmic proteins and antigens of human colon tumor cell lines

The cytosolic proteins and antigens of 11 human colon tumor cell lines were examined with respect to their rate of growth and state of differentiation. Coomassie blue-stained protein analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing polyacrylamide gels revealed protein bands at Mr 30,000, 31,000, and 58,000, which were characteristic of slower growing and more differentiated cell lines. More rapidly dividing and disdifferentiated colon cell lines lacked the Mr 30,000 and Mr 58,000 bands; instead, they produced a single protein band that ran between the Mr 30,000 and Mr 31,000 positions on the gel. Western transfer analysis of cytoplasmic antigens further subdivided the 11 cell lines into 3 separate categories. Slowly growing and more differentiated lines produced a Mr 52,000 antigen. Intermediate lines, with respect to growth rate and state of differentiation, produced a Mr 38,000 antigen. The rapidly growing and highly disdifferentiated cell lines contained three cytosolic antigens with molecular weights of 37,000, 39,000, and 48,000. These criteria made it possible to classify these 11 human colon tumor tissue culture cell lines into 3 groups which reflect their state of growth activity and degree of differentiation.
Polypropylene Crystallization on Maleated Polypropylene-Treated Wood Surfaces: Effects on Interfacial Adhesion in Wood Polypropylene Composites

Polypropylene (PP)-wood veneer laminates were used as a model system to investigate adhesion in wood-polypropylene composites. Wood veneers were treated with maleated polypropylene waxes (MA-PP). PP films were then compression molded to the wood surfaces and peel forces were measured. p]Low MA-PP treatment levels increased the peel adhesion over that for untreated surfaces. High MA-PP treatment levels decreased the peel adhesion and intermediate MA-PP levels had no effect on the peel adhesion. Microscopy of the fracture surfaces indicated PP penetration into lumens in both treated and untreated wood veneer. Untreated surfaces also exhibited PP penetration into pits and intercellular spaces, while treated surfaces exhibited only hindered penetration on this scale. The penetrated PP formed tendrils during fracture. DSC of PP on wood and cellulose surfaces showed higher PP crystallization temperatures on untreated surfaces than on treated surfaces.
Resource mobilization in entrepreneurial firms

Abstract We test the relative influence of power and social embeddedness in mobilizing resources between newly-formed businesses and other organizations by re-examining longitudinal data from the Van de Ven and Walker (1984) study of interorganizational relations. We find that resource flows to entrepreneurial ventures are predicted by the total dependence between parties engaged in the creation of value; they are not predicted by dependence advantage (or disadvantage) between the parties. We discuss the implications and propose that a theory of joint resource mobilization may be more useful than a theory of unilateral resource acquisition for understanding how new ventures access external resources.
Development of a MEMS gyroscope for northfinding applications

We report progress toward a MEMS gyroscope suitable for northfinding in pointing and targeting applications. In-run bias stability of 0.03 deg/hr and ARW of 0.002 deg/rt(hr) have been achieved. Gyro performance was measured on tuning-fork type MEMS gyroscopes using DSP-based breadboard electronics. These bias stability and ARW results are within about 6X and 2X, respectively, of meeting the typical gyrocompass requirements for pointing and targeting applications (1 milliradian azimuth precision at 65 degrees latitude with 5 minute integration time). A MEMS gyrocompass meeting these requirements would substantially reduce the size, weight and power of pointing and targeting instruments. The test methodology will be presented, as well as test data on carouseling the sensor to reduce the effects of long-term bias drift.
Implementation Problems in Inertial Road-Profiling: An Overview

This paper provides a brief overview of profilometry based on inertial-frame-based profilers, and enumerates some of the problems and research areas addressable by the instrumentation-and-measurement community. Recommendations are directed toward efforts that will lead to (1) determining effective guidelines for collecting and processing road profiles; (2) determining, insofar as possible, the specific causes of the poor repeatability in the data obtained by currently available systems; and (3) development of effective, useful, and universally acceptable standards for certification of inertial profilers.
Valproic Acid Limits Pancreatic Recovery after Pancreatitis by Inhibiting Histone Deacetylases and Preventing Acinar Redifferentiation Programs.

The mechanisms by which drugs induce pancreatitis are unknown. A definite cause of pancreatitis is due to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA). On the basis of three crucial observations—that VPA inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), HDACs mediate pancreas development, and aspects of pancreas development are recapitulated during recovery of the pancreas after injury—we hypothesized that VPA does not cause injury on its own, but it predisposes patients to pancreatitis by inhibiting HDACs and provoking an imbalance in pancreatic recovery. In an experimental model of pancreatic injury, we found that VPA delayed recovery of the pancreas and reduced acinar cell proliferation. In addition, pancreatic expression of class I HDACs (which are the primary VPA targets) increased in the midphase of pancreatic recovery. VPA administration inhibited pancreatic HDAC activity and led to the persistence of acinar-to-ductal metaplastic complexes, with prolonged Sox9 expression and sustained β-catenin nuclear activation, findings that characterize a delay in regenerative reprogramming. These effects were not observed with valpromide, an analog of VPA that lacks HDAC inhibition. This is the first report, to our knowledge, that VPA shifts the balance toward pancreatic injury and pancreatitis through HDAC inhibition. The work also identifies a new paradigm for therapies that could exploit epigenetic reprogramming to enhance pancreatic recovery and disorders of pancreatic injury.
Morphological and immuno-cytochemical characterization of a hetero-spheroid composed of fibroblasts and hepatocytes.

A novel method for the preparation of spheroids containing two types of cells (hetero-spheroid) has been successfully developed by utilizing a collagen-conjugated thermo-responsive polymer, poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAAm), as a cell substratum. PNIPAAm solidifies above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST, about 30 degrees C), and instantly dissolves into the culture medium below its LCST. We firstly seeded and cultured human dermal fibroblasts on the substratum up to a confluent state and then seeded rat primary hepatocytes onto the fibroblast monolayer. The heterospheroid was prepared by detaching the hepatocyte-attached fibroblast monolayer at a temperature below LCST and culturing it on the non-adhesive substratum. The surface area of the substratum and the seeding population ratio of each cell precisely and reproducibly regulated the size and the cell composition of the resulting hetero-spheroid, respectively. Histological and immuno-cytochemical observations of spheroids revealed characteristic organizations of fibroblasts and hepatocytes within a spheroid because the latter cells expressed albumin for up to at least 3 weeks. TEM study of the hetero-spheroid showed the presence of structures morphologically similar to the Disse's space and the bile canaliculus, which are features characteristic of liver. These findings suggest that the method described above is useful for making a hetero-spheroid that morphologically and functionally resembles tissues or organs in vivo, i.e. an organoid.