cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chaos and the Abuse of Power: Workplace Bullying in Organizational and Interactional Context

Bullying is a significant workplace problem—a fact highlighted by a growing body of social science literature. Its causes, however, have received little systematic attention beyond analyses of the personality attributes of bullies. This article explores the roles of relational power and organizational chaos in the emergence of workplace bullying. The analysis of content-coded organizational ethnographies integrates quantitative and qualitative techniques and draws heavily from the ethnographies themselves. Results suggest that the interplay of relational powerlessness and organizational chaos gives rise to bullying. In contrast, where there is a disjuncture between organizational and relational factors, the extent of bullying is determined by underlying, context-specific aspects of power. These results suggest a need for organizations not only to protect the weak, but also to eliminate chaos—chaos that creates openings for the abuse of power.
Risk factors for 30-day readmission in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.

Background Ventral hernia repair (VHR), an increasingly common procedure, may have a greater impact on health care costs than is currently appreciated. Readmissions have the potential to further increase these costs and negatively impact patient outcomes. New national registry data allows for an in-depth look at the predictors and rates of readmission after VHR. Methods The American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent only an incisional or VHR in 2011. Patients who had any concomitant procedure were excluded. Using readmission as the dependent variable, a multivariate logistic regression model was created to identify independent predictors of readmission. Results VHR had a 4.9% 30-day readmission rate in 2011. Deep/incisional (12.6%) and superficial site infections (10.5%) were the most common wound complications seen in readmitted patients (both P Conclusion There is room for improvement in VHR readmission rates. Although complications are the main driver of readmission, surgeons must be aware of comorbidities that independently increase the odds of readmission, even when a complication does not occur.
Role of lipids in the transmission of the infective stage (L3) of Strongylus vulgaris (Nematoda: Strongylida).

Infective larvae (L3) of Strongylus vulgaris have limited energy stores for host finding and for infection. For transmission to occur, the larvae must have sufficient energy to (a) migrate onto grass, where they are ingested by their equine host (host finding), and (b) penetrate into the host gut. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that L3 larvae of S. vulgaris partition their energy stores between locomotory activity (used in host finding) and infection activity (penetration). Chronic locomotory activity was stimulated by incubating S. vulgaris L3 larvae at a constant temperature (38 C). After 8 days of treatment, locomotory activity ceased (exhaustion). Exhausted L3 larvae had significantly decreased total lipid when compared to controls (P < 0.05), but there was no decrease in levels of protein or carbohydrate. Lipids of S. vulgaris L3 larvae are comprised of 9 fatty acids, some of which are depleted in exhausted worms (14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, 18:2), whereas others (18:0, 20:4, 24: 0) remain unchanged. These data suggest that specific fatty acids provide the energy source for locomotory activity in S. vulgaris. Exhausted L3 larvae were also less able to penetrate host cecal tissue in in vitro penetration assays when compared to controls (P < 0.05), suggesting that the depletion of individual fatty acids during locomotory activity also reduced infectivity. These data do not support the hypothesis that S. vulgaris L3 larvae partition their energy stores between host-finding and infection activities. A comparison of lipid storage profiles in the L3 larvae of 4 nematode species with similar transmission strategies (S. vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, Strongylus equinus, and Haemonchus contortus) revealed similarities in the fatty acid composition of these species. These data suggest a relationship between transmission patterns and energy storage strategies in the L3 larvae of nematode parasites of vertebrates.
Estrogen receptor binding tolerance of 16α-substituted estradiol derivatives

Abstract In order to examine the tolerance of the estrogen receptor for 16α-substituents in estradiol, we have synthesized various 16α-substituted estrogens and determined their binding affinity for receptor by a competitive radiometric binding assay. The substituents ranged from small, single-atom substituents (halogens), two-atom substituents (halomethyl groups), to larger alkyl groups and ultimately alkyl groups bearing various functionality, including fluorescent (nitrobenzoxadiazole, NBD) and photoreactive (nitroazidophenyl, NAP) groups. The estrogen receptor seems to have a moderate tolerance for bulky substituents: All of the halogen and halomethyl substituents bind with an affinity at least 50% that of estradiol; in the three atom alkyl series, the affinity declined markedly from propargyl (44%) and allyl (38%) to propyl (5%), suggestive of detailed steric constraints or a preference for unsaturation. The larger, more highly functionalized derivatives ranged in affinity from 0.1 - 7%,with the highest affinity binders being benzyl (5%) and 4-phenoxy-2(E)-butenyl (7%); most of the lowest affinity ones were the bulky fluorescent and photoreactive derivatives. Thus, the estrogen receptor has good tolerance for estradiol derivatives substituted at the 16α-position with nonpolar groups of moderate bulk; however, with groups of larger bulk, affinity is much lower and becomes highly dependent upon the polarity and detailed structure of the substituents.
Highly efficient generation of human hepatocyte-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells.

There exists a worldwide shortage of donor livers available for orthotropic liver transplantation and hepatocyte transplantation therapies. In addition to their therapeutic potential, primary human hepatocytes facilitate the study of molecular and genetic aspects of human hepatic disease and development and provide a platform for drug toxicity screens and identification of novel pharmaceuticals with potential to treat a wide array of metabolic diseases. The demand for human hepatocytes, therefore, heavily outweighs their availability. As an alternative to using donor livers as a source of primary hepatocytes, we explored the possibility of generating patient-specific human hepatocytes from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Conclusion: We demonstrate that mouse iPS cells retain full potential for fetal liver development and describe a procedure that facilitates the efficient generation of highly differentiated human hepatocyte-like cells from iPS cells that display key liver functions and can integrate into the hepatic parenchyma in vivo. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.)
Radiographically Severe but Clinically Mild Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema following Decompression of a Spontaneous Pneumothorax

The case is a 48-year-old female who presented with mild dyspnea on exertion and cough with unremarkable vital signs and was found to have a large right sided pneumothorax. She underwent small bore chest tube decompression with immediate reexpansion of the collapsed lung. However, she rapidly developed moderate hypoxemia and radiographic evidence of reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) on both the treated and contralateral sides. Within a week, she had a normal chest X-ray and was asymptomatic. This case describes a rare complication of spontaneous pneumothorax and highlights the lack of correlation between symptoms, sequelae, and radiographic severity of pneumothorax and reexpansion pulmonary edema. Proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms include increased production of reactive oxygen species with subsequent loss of surfactant and increased vascular permeability, and loss of vasoregulatory tone.
Low-temperature long-range oxygen order in YBa 2 Cu 3 O z

OXYGEN ordering in YBa2Cu3Oz, is responsible for the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition at high temperature, and gives rise to additional ordered superstructures at low temperature1–3. We suggest here that such ordered superstructures are intimately related to the 'plateaus' in the plot of transition temperature versus oxygen content that have been observed by various investigators4,5. We present a consistent theoretical model for oxygen ordering in YBa2Cu3Oz, featuring a parameter-free phase diagram for this system and an algorithm for determining further ordered phases, the predicted structures and diffraction patterns of which agree closely with recent experimental findings2,3.
Calibrating Confidence Coefficients

Abstract Two approaches for dealing with the problem of poor coverage probabilities of certain standard confidence intervals are proposed. The first is a recommendation that the actual coverage be estimated directly from the data and its value reported in addition to the nominal level. This is achieved through a combination of computer simulation and density estimation. The asymptotic validity of the procedure is proved for a number of common situations. A classical example is the nonparametric estimation of the variance of a population using the normal-theory interval. Here it is shown that the estimated coverage probability consistently estimates the true coverage probability if the population distribution possesses a finite sixth moment. The second approach is more traditional. It is a procedure for modifying an interval to yield improved coverage properties. Given a confidence interval, its estimated coverage probability obtained in the first approach is used to alter the nominal level of the interval...
Enhancing the Grain Size and {110} Texture of Polycrystalline Si Films By Seed Selection Through Ion Channeling: Implant-Dose Dependence

This work outlines an optimized seed selection through ion channeling (SSIC) process for enhancing the grain size and {110} texture of polycrystalline Si films grown by LPCVD on SiO 2 . These films, 0.44 μm thick, were self-implanted at normal incidence to various doses (1×10 14 - 20×l0 14 cm -2 ) and then recrystallized at 600°C. An enhanced average grain diameter resulted after implantation and annealing, ranging from 0.10 to 2.0 μm (vs. the as-deposited 0.080 μm) and increasing with the implant dose. The grain size vs. implant dose behavior may be explained by a previously proposed stochastic model. An enhanced {110} texture was also observed after processing for implant doscs in the range 6×10 14 - 14×10 14 cm -2 . The optimal dose was 11×10 14 cm -2 , for which the directions were confined to within ±4° (vs. the as-deposited ±20°) of the surface normal. The overall results suggest a strong potential of SSIC in growing large-grain, restricted fibertextured polycrystalline Si thin films on amorphous insulators.
Motives for Metaphor in Scientific and Technical Communication. Timothy D. Giles. Amityville, NY: Baywood Publishing, 2008. 178 pp

In this interesting argument for the reintroduction of metaphor as a rhetorical strategy for technical communicators, Timothy Giles emphasizes the importance of the metaphor to convey complex conce...
Akt-Mediated Transactivation of the S1P1 Receptor in Caveolin-Enriched Microdomains Regulates Endothelial Barrier Enhancement by Oxidized Phospholipids

Endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction results in increased vascular permeability, leading to increased mass transport across the vessel wall and leukocyte extravasation, the key mechanisms in pathogenesis of tissue inflammation and edema. We have previously demonstrated that OxPAPC (oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) significantly enhances vascular endothelial barrier properties in vitro and in vivo and attenuates endothelial hyperpermeability induced by inflammatory and edemagenic agents via Rac and Cdc42 GTPase dependent mechanisms. These findings suggested potential important therapeutic value of barrier-protective oxidized phospholipids. In this study, we examined involvement of signaling complexes associated with caveolin-enriched microdomains (CEMs) in barrier-protective responses of human pulmonary ECs to OxPAPC. Immunoblotting from OxPAPC-treated ECs revealed OxPAPC-mediated rapid recruitment (5 minutes) to CEMs of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1P1), the ...
African American Activists in the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, 1920s–1950s

When the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) decided to open its membership to African American women in 1915, it entered a new era. Just as women changed the agenda and direction of the peace movement when they became increasingly involved in what had been an all-male club, so too did African American women alter the path of a cause that had previously lacked racial diversity. Black women brought to the movement historical experiences shaped by multidimensional pressures and societal racism. Their experiences influenced their definition of peace and freedom, which sometimes led to intense debate between them and their white colleagues over related issues. Nevertheless, the two groups of women were able to put aside their differences long enough to move forward on certain goals. Along the way, black and white dissidents had a tremendous impact upon each other. This study examines one side of that process: specifically, how African American women's increased presence in WILPF, coupled with their heightened desire to eradicate racial injustice, compelled the white leadership to revisit its own conceptions of peace and freedom.
Spatial and temporal expression patterns of Xenopus Nkx-2.3 gene in skin epidermis during metamorphosis

Abstract Using PCR cloning, the mRNA of XNkx-2.3 gene, a Xenopus tinman homologue, was identified in a cDNA library prepared from thyroid hormone (T3)-treated tadpole skin. Quantitative RT-PCR and RNase Protection Assay confirmed the expression of XNkx-2.3 in adult frog skin and its amount was similar to the amount found in heart. In situ hybridization indicated that XNkx-2.3 was expressed in the frog epidermis. Further analysis of XNkx-2.3 expression patterns demonstrates that it shares great similarities with a 63 kDa keratin, a well-characterized marker for skin maturation, in the following aspects. First, XNkx-2.3 was expressed in tadpole skin during metamorphosis (stages 55–59), but not in pre-metamorphic (stage 54) skin. Secondly, XNkx-2.3 expression in skin responded to T3 stimulation because it could be precociously induced by T3 at pre-metamorphic stage, both in tadpoles and in cultures of skin explants. Finally, the T3-induced appearance of XNkx-2.3 in head skin occurred earlier and at higher level than that in tail skin. These data suggest that XNkx-2.3 may be an important factor for skin maturation and may also serve as a good marker to indicate the maturation of Xenopus epidermis.
The Return to Advertising Expenditure

Every year companies spend billions of dollars on advertising in an effort to induce consumers to purchase their goods. Yet, unlike almost any other investment that a company makes, management's advertising allocation decision is made with little, if any, substantive information on the return received from that investment. This research presents a methodology for determining the monetary gains from advertising and provides an estimate of the return to advertising investment for a sample of firms. Substantial gains exist for firms from advertising. This effect is seen to vary by type of industry and is strongly related to other positive strategic decisions of the firm.
Relationship of Role Preference to Teaching Effectiveness During Student Teaching

This study was designed to provide information regarding the relationship be tween role preference and teaching effectiveness of home economics student teachers. Usable data was obtained from 45 home economics student teachers, cooperating classroom teachers, and university supervisors at nine universities in Texas. Before and after the student teaching experience, student teachers com pleted an instrument designed to measure role preferences. Cooperating teachers completed the instrument once during the semester. At the end of the student teaching experience, cooperating teachers and university supervisors rated the student teachers on teaching effectiveness and on overall teaching performance. A significant relationship existed between preference for the Advice-Information Giver role and teaching effectiveness ratings given by cooper ating teachers. The more a student showed a preference for this role, the higher she was rated by her cooperating teacher. During student teaching, student teachers became significantly more oriented to the roles of Disciplinarian and Referred although in order of preference these were the two least preferred roles. By the end of student teaching, student teachers were also significantly more oriented toward the role of Disciplinarian than were their cooperating teachers.
Study of 13C–19F and 1H–19F couplings in some fluorinated aromatic compounds using two-dimensional 13C–1H chemical shift correlation spectroscopy with proton homonuclear decoupling

The magnitudes and relative signs of 13C–19F and 1H–19F coupling constants in 6-F-indole, 5- and 6-F-tryptamine, 5-F-indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 2- and 4-F-biphenyl, droperidol, flusperilene, 1-F-naphthalene and 3-F-fluroanthene (F = fluoro) have been determined using two-dimensional 13C–1H chemical shift correlation spectroscopy with proton homonuclear decoupling. Except for one long-range 1H–19F coupling constant, all the other observed 1H–19F couplings in these compounds were found to be of the same sign as the corresponding 13C–19F coupling constants. The variation of the magnitude of tlfe coupling constants due to substitution is relatively insignificant.
Cognitive Modeling of Iteration in Conceptual Design

Design is an iterative process. This process involves mental activities and mental iterations. Research to date has shown that mental iterations can have significant impact on design performance. While its important role is recognized, our current understanding of mental iteration in conceptual design is still very limited. This limitation has prevented us from providing effective training and technological support to improve current practice of conceptual design. In this paper, we develop a cognitive activity model of conceptual design to capture mental activities in conceptual design and their relationships so that various loops of iteration can be identified. The model illustrates three major iteration loops embedded in the design process, namely, problem redefinition loop, idea stimulation loop and concept reuse loop. A cognitive experiment is conducted to validate the model and investigate iteration behavior in both creative design and routine design situations. The result of the experiment indicates that 1) iteration occurs more in creative design than in routine design, 2) the percentages of both problem redefinition and idea stimulation loops are much larger in creative design than in routine design, and 3) the proportion of concept reuse looping in routine design is larger than that in creative design.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
On the problem of identifying the engines of economic growth

This article investigates the empirical relationship between sectoral growth and income growth and in so doing casts doubt on previous studies which have argued that either export or agricultural growth enhances total income growth. It is shown that the evidence from the correlation and regression models used to date is inconclusive and that much of the measured impact of sectoral growth on overall income growth may be spurious in the sense that it can be explained by growth in the underlying inputs.
Modeling and analysis of active flap using coiled bender piezoelectric actuators

The applicability and effectiveness of three novel piezoelectric coiled bender actuators to deflect a plain trailing edge flap on a straight wing in the presence of incompressible flow airloads is investigated in this paper through analytical modeling. This work builds upon previous research in which the three actuator configurations, the linear spiral type, the helicoidal type, and the hybrid type, have been proposed and analytically modeled, and the first two configurations have been experimentally validated. A simple analytical model for the piezoelectrically actuated flap is developed and used for this investigation. Results show that the use of coiled piezoelectric actuators for flap deflection is an effective approach. The variation of flap deflection angles with applied actuation voltage and wing angle of attack is also shown, together with performance envelopes.
Interaction between the Ferromagnetic Dots and Vortices: Numerical Calculation and Experimental Results

Enhancing the pinning force in high-Tc superconductors can be achieved by externally introduced periodic magnetic dots. We numerically calculate the interaction between ferromagnetic dots and vortices in high-Tc superconductors. The London equation is used to generate two-dimensional vortex lattice. In the matching condition, we calculate the attraction force between magnetic dots and vortices. It is found that in an ideal condition, the pinning force of the magnetic dot reaches 2.5×10−11 N that is more than one order magnitude stronger than the intrinsic pinning force in YBa2Cu3O7 thin films. In the experimental side, we use a novel nano-technique to deposit periodic submicron Ni dots on YBa2Cu3O7 thin films. The current versus voltage characteristics of an YBa2Cu3O7 thin film strip with uniform Ni dots are measured at various temperatures and magnetic fields. They are compared with the current versus voltage characteristics of a bare YBa2Cu3O7 thin film strip without magnetic dots. It is found the critical current value of the strip with Ni dots reduces with a much slower pace as the magnetic field strength increases in comparison with the value of the bare sample.
The Virtuous Polity, The Accountable Polity: Liberty and Responsibility in The Federalist

The Federalist claims to present a republican response to the typical political problems faced by republics. That solution required a departure from all models of republics known at that time, and in particular a break with Anti-Federalist models that posited heavy reliance on responsibility, understood as either political accountability or as moral and political virtue. The Federalist challenges the AntiFederalist notion that a "no-gap polity" is the means to safe and effective republicanism. It also challenges those who believe that virtue of people or rulers is the precondition of a republican polity. Publius does require quasi-virtues of certain sorts-and thus does not rely entirely on calculating selfinterest-but these are significantly differentfrom the virtues posited by earlier republican theorists or certain contemporary interpreters of The Federalist.
Polar flux, cross-equatorial flux, and dynamo-generated tachocline toroidal flux as predictors of solar cycles

We evaluate the skill of three solar cycle predictors, namely, polar magnetic flux, flux crossing the equator, and tachocline toroidal flux, using both observations and a calibrated dynamo model. Polar flux measurements are available only for the past three sunspot cycles, implying poor statistics. However, the correlation between observed north and south polar flux peaks, and peaks of the next sunspot cycle is r = 0.785. We find that the correlation between the observed cross-equatorial flux and the observed peak of the next solar cycle is also high, close to that of Cameron & Schussler, and the statistics are more reliable. Thus, the cross-equatorial flux is a better predictor of the next cycle than is the polar flux. From the dynamo model, the correlations with observed cycle peaks for polar flux, cross-equatorial flux, and toroidal flux are 0.48, 0.76, and 0.96, respectively. All these correlations decline when the northern and southern hemispheres are simulated separately, as well as with shortening of the averaging length in input data. A very high correlation between the model polar flux at the end of a cycle and the observed peak of that cycle implies that, within a calibrated flux transport dynamo, the polar flux follows the sunspot cycle, rather than being a precursor to it. With short-term averaging of input data, the polar and cross-equatorial fluxes retain much more short-term variability than does the toroidal flux. This is because the long traversal time of the input poloidal fields to the bottom of the convection zone in a mean-field model smooths out the short-term variability in the toroidal flux. The observed slowdown in meridional flow during 1996-2004 leads to a weaker polar flux, but a stronger cross-equatorial flux compared to the case with steady meridional flow. We infer that it is unlikely that both the cross-equatorial and the polar fluxes can be good predictors of solar cycle peaks.
Organizational Culture and E-Government Performance: An Empirical Study

Government organizations differ significantly from private sector organizations in terms of their processes, culture, and ways of working. Plagued with phlegmatic and often lackadaisical work systems, government organizations tend to resist dramatic changes usually associated with technology based interventions. This study examines the effect of one dominant factor, organizational culture, on the success of e-government initiatives. To test the research model, survey data was collected from 315 respondents in 13 government organizations in India. The results indicate that a government organization which performs well on e-government projects exhibits specific cultural traits. Results also indicate that bureaucratic dimension, which emerges as the dominant cultural dimension in government organizations, is both positively and negatively related to e-government performance dimensions. The supportive and innovative dimensions of organizational culture are positively related to work process improvement and the job satisfaction of the user associated with e-government projects. Implications for practice and research are provided by interpreting the results in the context of the process paradox. The results show that while government and public sector organizations can use culture to positively impact efficiency dimensions of e-government performance, the dominant bureaucratic culture will tend to hinder systemic and enterprise-wide e-government performance.
Photon Splitting in a Nuclear Electrostatic Field

The cross section for the splitting of a photon into two photons in a nuclear electrostatic field has been calculated from the vacuum polarization. Hamiltonian of Euler and others to first order in $\frac{{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}c}$ for low-energy incident photons ($pl\mathrm{mc}$). For a favorable experimental case, photons of energy 840 kev incident on lead with antiparallel product photons each emitted at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to the incident photon, the cross section is 2.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}33}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/${\mathrm{sterad}}^{2}$.
Absorption of iron after experimental overdose of chewable vitamins.

Abstract Even though ingestion of chewable iron preparations is much more common, treatment recommendations for iron overdose are usually based on experience with nonchewable preparations. To determine the optimal time to measure serum iron concentrations, five volunteers were given chewable iron in 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses and their serum iron concentrations monitored. Peak levels occurred at 4.2 and 4.5 hours, respectively, after ingestion, and levels drawn at 3 hours were within 90% of the peak. Naussa and headache were experienced by all volunteers, and serum iron exceeded baseline total iron binding capacity in two subjects at the 10mg/kg dose. In minor iron overdose resulting from the ingestion of chewable vitamins, serum iron concentrations measured between 3 and 7 hours (95% confidence level of peak concentrations) may be adequate in assessing the peak serum iron concentration.
Origin of Saturn's E Ring: Self-Sustained, Naturally

Saturn's diffuse E ring spans the region between 3 and 8 saturnian radii (R(s)), has its peak brightness near the orbit of the satellite Enceladus (3.95 R(s)), and is thought to be composed primarily of icy particles 1.0 +/- 0.3 micrometers in radius. Such particles are shown to move periodically along highly elliptical paths that cross the orbits of several saturnian satellites; the resulting energetic collisions of E ring particles with embedded satellites are capable of sustaining the E ring at its current optical depth. With several reasonable assumptions, this model naturally selects Enceladus as the primary source of ring material and may also provide mechanisms that explain the generation of the unusual amount of submicrometer dust in the neighboring F and G rings, the excess of OH molecules observed within the E ring, and the orbital brightness variations of nearby satellites.
Mutations within the rplD Gene of Linezolid-Nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains Isolated in the United States

ABSTRACT Three invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae strains nonsusceptible to linezolid were isolated in the United States between 2001 and 2012 from the CDC9s Active Bacterial Core surveillance. Linezolid binds ribosomal proteins where structural changes within its target site may confer resistance. Our study identified mutations and deletions near the linezolid binding pocket of two of these strains within the rplD gene, which encodes ribosomal protein L4. Mutations in the 23S rRNA alleles or the rplV gene were not detected.
An Objective Approach for Burkholderia pseudomallei Strain Selection as Challenge Material for Medical Countermeasures Efficacy Testing

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a rare disease of biodefense concern with high mortality and extreme difficulty in treatment. No human vaccines are available that protect against B. pseudomallei infection, and with the current limitations of antibiotic treatment, the development of new preventative and therapeutic interventions is crucial. Although clinical trials could be used to test the efficacy of new medical countermeasures (MCMs), the high mortality rates associated with melioidosis raises significant ethical issues concerning treating individuals with new compounds with unknown efficacies. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formulated a set of guidelines for the licensure of new MCMs to treat diseases in which it would be unethical to test the efficacy of these drugs in humans. The FDA “Animal Rule” 21 CFR 314 calls for consistent, well-characterized B. pseudomallei strains to be used as challenge material in animal models. In order to facilitate the efficacy testing of new MCMs for melioidosis using animal models, we intend to develop a well-characterized panel of strains for use. This panel will comprise of strains that were isolated from human cases, have a low passage history, are virulent in animal models, and are well characterized phenotypically and genotypically. We have reviewed published and unpublished data on various B. pseudomallei strains to establish an objective method for selecting the strains to be included in the panel of B. pseudomallei strains with attention to five categories: animal infection models, genetic characterization, clinical and passage history, and availability of the strain to the research community. We identified 109 strains with data in at least one of the five categories, scored each strain based on the gathered data and identified 6 strains as candidate for a B. pseudomallei strain panel.
Improved analysis of heat pulse signals for soil water flux determination

Soil water fl ux ( J ) can be estimated from the velocity (V ) of a pulse of heat introduced into the soil. Here we consider a method in which V is measured with a three-probe sensor. The center probe heats the soil, and the outer probes measure temperature increases downstream (T d ) and upstream (T u ) from the heater. An equation was recently proposed for approximating J from the ratio T d /T u . In this note we show that the accuracy of this equation can be improved by adding a term to correct for the time dependence of T d /T u . This term is simple to evaluate and requires no additional measurements. Example calculations (three cases) are used to evaluate improvement in accuracy. When T d /T u is measured at a time of 45 s, relative errors in fl ux estimates are reduced from 10.5, 2.6, and −10.5% to 0.23, 0.06, and −0.23%, respectively, by using the correction term.
A piece-wise harmonic Langevin model of EEG dynamics: Theory and application to EEG seizure detection

Electroencephalogram (EEG) dynamics results from the motion of charged particles in the brain. By invoking the laws of classical physics, we show that EEG dynamics obeys, at short enough times, a piece-wise quadratic Langevin equation characterized by an effective mass matrix, a piece-wise quadratic potential energy surface, a friction and random force matrix. In analyzing a sample seizure, we find with seizure onset a marked increase in the frequency of encounters with inflection points on the potential energy surface.
Supersymmetry at finite temperatures

Abstract The effects of finite temperature on supersymmetric models are examined. Associated with the breaking of the supersymemtry, a zero-mass pole (like a Nambu-Goldstone fermion) is found to contribute to correlation functions.
Contributions of dynamic heterogeneity to non-exponential electrical relaxation in ionically conducting glasses and melts

Abstract The dynamic heterogeneity model for structural relaxation in glassforming liquids assumes that the non-exponential structural relaxation kinetics are due to a distribution of independently relaxing nanoregions which relax at different rates. A simple expression based on this model for the kinetics of the structural relaxation process has been extended to give an estimate of the contribution of microscopic heterogeneity to the non-exponentiality of the electric field relaxation in ionically conducting glasses and melts. Analysis of data near the glass transition temperature Tg indicates that for the majority of inorganic glasses, which have very large values of the logarithm of the decoupling index log R τ (T g ) near Tg, microscopic heterogeneity makes at best a very minor contribution to the non-exponentiality of the electrical relaxation and, hence, that the source of this non-exponentiality is primarily correlations among the diffusive motions of mobile ions. The opposite result is obtained, however, for glasses such as 0.4Ca(NO3)2–0.6KNO3 with smaller values of log R τ (T g ) . The model also indicates that microscopic heterogeneity should make increasing contributions to non-exponential electrical relaxation in melts as the temperature is increased above Tg. This is in accord with the decrease with increasing temperature of the KWW non-exponentiality parameter βσ for electrical relaxation observed for melts above Tg.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG reduces frequency and severity of abdominal pain compared with placebo in children with irritable bowel syndrome

Commentary on: R Francavilla, V Miniello, AM Magista, et al.. A randomized controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG in children with functional abdominal pain. Pediatrics2010;126:e1445–52.
Gödel and Set Theory

Kurt Godel (1906–1978) with his work on the constructible universe L established the relative consistency of the Axiom of Choice (AC) and the Continuum Hypothesis (CH). More broadly, he ensured the ascendancy of first-order logic as the framework and a matter of method for set theory and secured the cumulative hierarchy view of the universe of sets. Godel thereby transformed set theory and launched it with structured subject matter and specific methods of proof. In later years Godel worked on a variety of set theoretic constructions and speculated about how problems might be settled with new axioms. We here chronicle this development from the point of view of the evolution of set theory as a field of mathematics. Much has been written, of course, about Godel's work in set theory, from textbook expositions to the introductory notes to his collected papers. The present account presents an integrated view of the historical and mathematical development as supported by his recently published lectures and correspondence. Beyond the surface of things we delve deeper into the mathematics. What emerges are the roots and anticipations in work of Russell and Hilbert, and most prominently the sustained motif of truth as formalizable in the “next higher system”. We especially work at bringing out how transforming Godel's work was for set theory. It is difficult now to see what conceptual and technical distance Godel had to cover and how dramatic his re-orientation of set theory was.
Dance, gender, and popular music in Malawi: the case of rap and ragga

Rap and ragga musics have found a place on the musical landscape of Malawi over the last decade, exemplified in a nation-wide scene characterised by competitions. Recordings and associated materials of rap and ragga that inform Malawian youth interpretations tend to emphasise male participation and masculine symbols. Competitions are male-dominated in their organisational structure and participatory roles. Though the articulated focus of these events is the musical component, movement practices are at the core of the scene, comprising part of contestants' performances and the more informal activities of spectators. Female involvement as dancers is much greater than as music-makers, making attention to dance crucial for understanding gender dynamics. Our exploration of intersections between dance, music, gender and class provides insight into the reasons for and implications of male dominance in this popular music/dance scene.
Analytical models of sandwich plates with piezoelectric strip-stiffeners

Abstract A theory of sandwich plates with composite-material facings and piezoelectric strip-stiffeners bonded to the surface or embedded in the facings is developed. The stiffeners bonded to the surfaces are modeled using either the plane stress assumption or a first-order shear deformable theory. The former approach is appropriate if the stiffeners represent thin strips, while the latter method can be used in the case where the stiffeners are relatively deep. The stiffeners embedded in the facings in the form of piezoelectric strips are considered using the plane stress assumption.
A New Approach for Scattering by Even‐Power Potentials

The radial SCHRODINGER equation is considered in a more general form and is then transformed into another equation to permit straightforward application of the perturbation formalism used previously by the author. The potential considered is assumed to be expandable in ascending even powers of r. The potential (sinh r)−2 emerges as a special case and is considered separately. For the general case, expansions are obtained for the eigenenergies and eigenfunctions valid in regions of small angular momenta and coupling constants. A simple analytic expression for the S-matrix is obtained. Finally several consequences are discussed.
Response gene to complement 32 deficiency causes impaired placental angiogenesis in mice.

Aims The objectives of this study are to determine the role of response gene to complement 32 (RGC-32) in the placental angiogenesis during pregnancy and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods and results RGC-32-deficient (RGC32−/−) mice were generated from C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells with deletion of exon 2 and 3 of the RGC-32 gene. Most of the RGC32−/− mice can survive. However, their body sizes were much smaller compared with their wild-type littermates when they were born. By examining the embryo development and placentas at 16.5 days post-coitum, we found that RGC32−/− embryos and foetal placentas were significantly smaller than the wild-type. Further analysis showed that the labyrinth zone of RGC32−/− placenta was smaller with defective angiogenesis. Mechanistically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were significantly down-regulated in RGC32−/− placentas, suggesting that VEGFR2 and PlGF may mediate RGC-32 function in placental angiogenesis. Indeed, knockdown of RGC-32 by shRNA inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation while blocking VEGFR2 expression. RGC-32 appeared to regulate VEGFR2 expression via activation of NF-kB. Moreover, RGC-32 regulated trophoblasts proliferation via control of PlGF expression. Conclusion Absence of RGC-32 caused foetal growth restriction through interrupting the placental angiogenesis, which was due to the decrease in VEGFR2 expression through the NF-kB-dependent pathway in endothelial cells and PlGF expression in trophoblasts.
Acute psychiatric hospitalization for patients with irreversible dementia

The charts of 121 patients who suffered from an irreversible dementing illness and were admitted to an acute psychiatric unit were retrospectively reviewed. Agitated behavior was the most common reason for admission but a variety of other behavioral and mood symptoms were also cited as leading to admission. Nursing care needs were greater for patients who were agitated, delirious or suffered from Alzheimer'disease. Agitated patients were more likely to be discharged to a nursing home.
COSATU’s Contested Legacy: South African Trade Unions in the Second Decade of Democracy

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), that country's foremost union federation, was a major force in bringing down the racially oppressive apartheid system and ushering in a new stat...
Relationships Between the Booklet Category Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

This study compares total errors on the Booklet Form of the Category Test (DeFilippis, McCampbell & Rogers, 1979) with several scores of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Heaton, 1981). In a heterogeneous sample of 30 neurologically impaired patients and 31 normal individuals the two tests exhibited a maximum correlation of 0.52 when partialing out the effects of age and education. In addition, this study suggests that the two exhibit similar overall diagnostic hit rates; however, they differ in false negatives and false positives. These results bring into question the assumption that these two neuropsychological tests are interchangeable. A need to recognize the nature of the differences between the tests in their clinical applications and in future research is discussed.
High quality Fe films on semiconductor (001) germanium (Ge) substrate

Pure Fe films were grown on Ge substrate by using DC magnetron sputtering. The microstructure of the Fe films was investigated with XRD and AFM. Magnetic properties of the films were studied with vibrating sample magnetometer and field-sweep FMR spectrometer.
Impedance specifications for stable DC distributed power systems

In a DC distributed power system, the interaction between individually designed power modules/subsystems may cause the instability of the whole system. In a small-signal sense, system level stability is determined by the impedance ratio Z/sub o//Z/sub i/. Here, Z/sub o/ is the output impedance of the source module/subsystem, and Z/sub i/ is the input impedance of the load module/subsystem. As a result, an effective way to prevent system instability is defining impedance specifications for modules/subsystems. This paper briefly summarizes existing works and introduces the authors' contribution in defining impedance specifications. A new forbidden region for impedance ratio Z/sub o//Z/sub i/ on the S-plane is proposed as the system stability margin requirement. Based on this proposed forbidden region, the impedance specifications of individual loads are established. Further, a very practical measurement approach is developed to examine whether or not the system stability margin requirement of the forbidden region is satisfied.
A NUMERICAL SOLUTION FOR THE ANOMALOUS SEDIMENTATION OF A SMALL BROWNIAN SPHERE IN A VERTICAL CYLINDER OF PERIODICALLY VARYING RADIUS

We consider the long-time asymptotic transport of a small Brownian sphere that is sedimenting through a viscous fluid within an infinite vertical cylinder whose radius changes periodically and abruptly between two values. Use of generalized Taylor dispersion theory gives rise to a set of steady-state differential equations that govern the long-time mean velocity. We prove that these equations possess a unique solution. Finite difference discretization of all governing equations and boundary conditions, except for the normalization condition, leads to a homogeneous system of equations that possesses an infinite number of solutions. Application of the normalization condition selects the particular solution of the set that satisfies all conditions. Despite the absence of classical wall effects, the long-time mean velocity of the particle through the pore is generally less than the Stokes sedimentation velocity that applies at every point within the fluid. This anomalous behavior could be used to enhance forc...
Overview of Key Nutrients: Micronutrient Aspects

Micronutrients are the key to optimal macronutrient metabolism because of their essential role in metabolism. Invariably, metabolic steps require the concomitant involvement of one or more vitamins and minerals. Chronic degenerative disease etiology and rate of pathogenesis are intimately associated with micronutrient imbalances. Although precise mechanisms remain to be identified, antioxidant status is critical in atherosclerosis and cancer pathogenesis. While elucidating estimates and establishing "singular" values by sex and age for parameters such as estimated average requirements, RDA, and RDI, it is imperative to arrive at these estimates in the light of their interdependent role in metabolism.
Influence of mesh materials on the expression of mediators involved in wound healing.

ABSTRACTThe use of synthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair is widely accepted, but mesh-induced inflammatory responses may lead to postoperative complications. Molecular mechanisms that direct the extent of the foreign body reaction to implanted materials are poorly understood. This study compares the influence of three macroporous meshes on the expression of genes critical for wound healing and extracellular matrix remodeling in a rat model. Full thickness abdominal wall defects were corrected with polypropylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or suture repair with no mesh. Explants were harvested 7 or 90 days after repair and were divided for histological, immunohistochemical, and mRNA analyses. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to profile the expression of 84 genes involved in angiogenesis at the tissue–mesh interface. Evaluation of gene expression profiles and histologic specimens revealed that polypropylene and polyester induced a greater and more persiste...
Decision Technologies for Agribusiness Problems: A Brief Review of Selected Literature and a Call for Research

The supply chain in the food and agribusiness sector is characterized by long supply lead times combined with significant supply and demand uncertainties, and relatively thin margins. These challenges generate a need for management efficiency and the use of modern decision technology tools. We review some of the literature on applications of decision technology tools for a selected set of agribusiness problems and conclude by outlining what we see as some of the significant new problems facing the industry. It is our hope that we will stimulate interest in these problems and encourage researchers to work on solving them.