cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping of attenuating sequences of an avirulent poliovirus type 2 strain.

Abstract A mouse model for poliomyelitis was used to identify genomic sequences that attenuate neurovirulence of poliovirus strain P2/P712. This type 2 strain is avirulent in primates and mice yet grows as well as virulent strains in cell culture. The approach used was to exchange portions of the genome of the mouse-virulent P2/Lansing strain with the corresponding region from P2/P712 to identify sequences that could attenuate Lansing neurovirulence in mice. A full-length infectious cDNA of P2/P712 was assembled and used to construct recombinants between P2/P712 and P2/Lansing. The results of neurovirulence testing of 11 recombinants indicated that strong attenuating determinants are located in the 5' noncoding region of P2/P712 and a region encoding capsid protein VP1 and 2Apro, 2B, and part of 2C. An attenuating determinant was further localized to between nucleotides 456 and 628 of P2/P712. A third sequence from P2/P712, nucleotides 752 to 2268, encoding VP4, VP2, and part of VP3, was weakly attenuating. The sequence from nucleotide 4454, approximately halfway through the 2C-coding region, to the end of the P2/P712 genome did not contain attenuating determinants. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that P2/P712 differs from the type 2 Sabin vaccine strain by only 22 nucleotides. Six differences lead to amino acid changes in the coding region, and four differences are in the 5' noncoding region. These studies show that, like the type 1 and type 3 Sabin vaccine strains, the attenuated type 2 strain P712 contains multiple attenuating sequences, including strongly attenuating sequences in the 5' noncoding region of the genome.
Cognitive Science: Philosophical Issues

Numerous philosophical questions can be raised about cognitive science, including what cognitive science is, what counts as representation, computation, and explanation in cognitive science, and what the limits of cognitive science are. Keywords: cognitive science; computation; connectionism; content determination; mental representation
The Role of Context in Risk for Pediatric Injury: Influences from the Home and Child Care Environments

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of pediatric mortality among American children, but the role of environmental context remains poorly understood as a risk for child injury. Couched in Bronfenbrenner's (1977) ecological theory, this study analyzed data from a sample of almost 900 children to identify relations between the home and out-of-home child care environments and subsequent risk for injury. Results suggest that both child- and supervisor-oriented factors, as measured at 36 months, predicted children's injuries over the subsequent three years. The role of the mesosystem was supported: parent-related factors predicted children's subsequent injuries in child care and school settings, and child care provider experience predicted children's subsequent injuries at home. Results are discussed from the perspectives of ecological theory and implications for injury prevention.
Enzyme systems in the mycobacteria. 14. Fatty acid synthesis in cell-free extracts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract Cell-free extracts of the H37Ra strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis incorporate acetate and malonate into long-chain fatty acids. ATP, CoA, Mn ++ (or Mg ++ ), and NADP with isocitrate (or NADPH 2 ) are required for this incorporation. KHCO 3 is required for acetate incorporation. Acetyl CoA and malonyl CoA are also incorporated into fatty acids. The incorporation of acetate and acetyl CoA into fatty acids is inhibited by avidin; this inhibition is prevented by biotin. The enzyme system is not sedimented by centrifugation at 100,000 × g . The radioactivity (from acetate-1-C 14 , etc.) is incorporated into the normal, saturated fatty acids of even carbon number from 16 to 32. Hexacosanoic acid (C-26) is the major product of the system. Malonate (or malonyl CoA) is implicated in this biosynthesis.
Is There a Nonrecursive Decidable Equational Theory

The Church-Turing Thesis (CTT) is often paraphrased as ``every computable function is computable by means of a Turing machine.'' The author has constructed a family of equational theories that are not Turing-decidable, that is, given one of the theories, no Turing machine can recognize whether an arbitrary equation is in the theory or not. But the theory is called pseudorecursive because it has the additional property that when attention is limited to equations with a bounded number of variables, one obtains, for each number of variables, a fragment of the theory that is indeed Turing-decidable. In a 1982 conversation, Alfred Tarski announced that he believed the theory to be decidable, despite this contradicting CTT. The article gives the background for this proclamation, considers alternate interpretations, and sets the stage for further research.
Oscar Klein and Gauge Theory

In this talk, delivered at the Oscar Klein Centenary Symposium in Stockholm, I review the 1938 conference held in Warsaw devoted to \lq \lq New Theories in Physics". I review all of the talks presented at this meeting and discuss in detail Klein's paper where he proposed a unified model of electromagnetism and the nuclear force that foreshadowed the later developments of non-Abelian gauge theories.
Effects of progesterone or neuroactive steroid

Smith et al.1 reported some interesting results about the effects of progesterone treatment and withdrawal on the gene encoding the GABAAreceptor α4 subunit, a constituent of receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). However, we disagree with their conclusion that the effects of progesterone withdrawal are mediated by reduced levels in the brain of the GABAAreceptor active neurosteroid 3α-OH-5α-pregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP, or allopregnanalone). The ability of indomethacin to reverse the effects of progesterone was interpreted as evidence that the effects of progesterone were mediated by 3α,5α-THP. Smith et al.1 did not provide direct evidence that levels of 3α,5α-THP were reduced by indomethacin (which reversed the effects of progesterone), or that progesterone levels were not altered by indomethacin. In some cases, indomethacin can increase progesterone levels directly2, which may explain why indomethacin can reverse the effects of progesterone withdrawal.
Deformations of Nonholonomic Two-plane Fields in Four Dimensions

An Engel structure is a maximally non-integrable field of two-planes tangent to a four-manifold. Any two Engel structures are locally diffeomorphic. We investigate the deformation space of Engel structures obtained by deforming certain canonical Engel structures on four-manifolds with boundary. When the manifold is RP 3 × I where I is a closed interval, we show that this deformation space contains a subspace corresponding to Zoll metrics on the two-sphere (metrics all of whose geodesics are closed) modulo 'projective' equiv- alence. The main tool is a construction of an Engel manifold from a three-dimensional contact manifold and a method of reversing this construction. These are special instances of Cartan's method of pro- longation and deprolongation. The double prolongation of a surface X is an Engel manifold of the form SX ×S 1 where SX denotes the unit tangent bundle to X. The RP 3 × I example occurs in this way, since the unit tangent bundle of the two-sphere is RP 3 . Besides proving these new results, the article has the flavour of a review.
RNA aptamer inhibitors of a restriction endonuclease

Restriction endonucleases (REases) recognize and cleave short palindromic DNA sequences, protecting bacterial cells against bacteriophage infection by attacking foreign DNA. We are interested in the potential of folded RNA to mimic DNA, a concept that might be applied to inhibition of DNA-binding proteins. As a model system, we sought RNA aptamers against the REases BamHI, PacI and KpnI using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). After 20 rounds of selection under different stringent conditions, we identified the 10 most enriched RNA aptamers for each REase. Aptamers were screened for binding and specificity, and assayed for REase inhibition. We obtained eight high-affinity (Kd ∼12-30 nM) selective competitive inhibitors (IC50 ∼20-150 nM) for KpnI. Predicted RNA secondary structures were confirmed by in-line attack assay and a 38-nt derivative of the best anti-KpnI aptamer was sufficient for inhibition. These competitive inhibitors presumably act as KpnI binding site analogs, but lack the primary consensus KpnI cleavage sequence and are not cleaved by KpnI, making their potential mode of DNA mimicry fascinating. Anti-REase RNA aptamers could have value in studies of REase mechanism and may give clues to a code for designing RNAs that competitively inhibit DNA binding proteins including transcription factors.
Protracted Mononucleosis-like Illness Associated with Acquired Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Previously Healthy Child: Transient Cellular Immune Defects and Chronic Hepatopathy

Ordinarily, severe disease due to acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection does not occur in immunocompetent children. We describe a previously healthy boy who acquired primary CMV infection at approximately 2 years of age and experienced a 2-year-long debilitating multisystem illness from which he ultimately recovered. Clinical features of this illness included fatigue, poor weight gain, pallor, unexplained fever, musculoskeletal complaints, drenching night sweats, lymphadenopathy, and massive hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lymphocytosis, and elevated immune complex levels. Cellular immune function was impaired during the illness but was demonstrably normal during convalescence, and there was no other evidence for a known immunodeficiency state. Immunoblot analysis showed enhanced antibody response to a 66-kd infected cell protein after symptomatic recovery. Despite consistently normal indices of hepatic function, liver enlargement persisted after other symptoms had resolved. Liver biopsy demonstrated a mononuclear cell portal tract infiltrate with fibrosis, but CMV could not be demonstrated directly in this tissue. Primary CMV infection has not been reported previously to cause the persistent symptoms seen in this child.
The effect of trypsinization on the plasma membrane binding and action of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in rat thymocytes.

We have previously demonstrated that in the rat thymocyte T3 produces a prompt, extranuclear effect to increase cellular cAMP concentration and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake. We have also demonstrated the presence of specific receptors for T3 in the rat thymocyte plasma membrane. From these and other observations we have suggested that T3 initiates these actions by binding to its receptors on the surface of this cell. To test this hypothesis further we have now examined whether a decrease in the binding of T3 to the thymocyte plasma membrane, induced by mild trypsinization, attenuates the effect of T3 on thymocyte cAMP concentration and 2-DG uptake. Mild trypsin treatment of rat thymocytes in cell suspension did not cause appreciable nonspecific damage to the cells, since it did not change the ability of the cells to exclude either trypan blue or mannitol, a marker of extracellular water. Further, treatment with trypsin did not alter the ability of thymocytes to bind concanavalin A. It did produce, however...
The effect of iontophoresis on the cutaneous vasculature : evidence for current-induced hyperemia

Abstract Combining laser-Doppler blood flux measurements of the skin microcirculation with iontophoresis of vasoactive agents is a promising noninvasive tool for pharmacological studies. However, preliminary observations in our laboratories suggested significant current-associated vasodilation when an expected vasoconstrictor ( N G -monomethyl-L-arginine acetate) was iontophoresed. The present study was designed to define nonspecific current-related versus specific pharmacological effects of iontophoretically administered ions on the cutaneous vasculature. Dose-response studies to a series of anions (nitrite, chloride, acetate, and bicarbonate) and cations (sodium, lithium, and acetylcholine) were carried out in six healthy volunteers (three male) by iontophoresis to the forearm skin on separate days. Laser-Doppler flux was measured at the same sites. All ions caused dose-dependent vasodilation. There was no difference in the response between chloride bicarbonate or acetate and nitrite, thee, the nitric oxide donor, The acetylcholine dose response was shifted rightward after atropine pretreatment. Cutaneous vascular responses to iontophoresis comprise nonspecific, current-induced hyperemia and specific effects of the administered agent. Acetylcholine appears to cause muscarinic and current-induced dilatation. Nitrite may cause current-induced hyperemia alone. Current-induced hyperemia should be considered in interpreting the acute cutaneous vascular responses to iontophoretically administered agents in humans.
In situ optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) for VCSEL-based communication systems

Optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) is an effective technique for locating faults in fiber communication links. The fact that most OTDR measurements are performed manually is a significant drawback, because it makes them too costly for use in many short-distance networks and too slow for use in military avionic platforms. Here we describe and demonstrate an automated, low-cost, real-time approach to fault monitoring that can be achieved by integrating OTDR functionality directly into VCSEL-based transceivers. This built-in test capability is straightforward to implement and relevant to both multimode and single mode networks. In-situ OTDR uses the transmitter VCSEL already present in data transceivers. Fault monitoring is performed by emitting a brief optical pulse into the fiber and then turning the VCSEL off. If a fault exists, a portion of the optical pulse returns to the transceiver after a time equal to the round-trip delay through the fiber. In multimode OTDR, the signal is detected by an integrated photodetector, while in single mode OTDR the VCSEL itself can be used as a detector. Modified driver electronics perform the measurement and analysis. We demonstrate that VCSEL-based OTDR has sufficient sensitivity to determine the location of most faults commonly seen in short-haul networks (i.e., the Fresnel reflections from improperly terminated fibers and scattering from raggedly-broken fibers). Results are described for single mode and multimode experiments, at both 850 nm and 1.3 μm. We discuss the resolution and sensitivity that have been achieved, as well as expected limitations for this novel approach to network monitoring.
Self-Recognition Deficits in Autism: Syndrome-Specific or General Developmental Delay?.

Many reports can be found in the theoretical literature that refer to a lack of self-awareness or a failure to distinguish self from nonself as a characteristic of autistic children. The empirical literature also contains reports of behaviors in autistic children that have often been taken as reflective of a failure to differentiate self, i.e., pronominal reversal, gaze aversion. The present study investigated the development of self-recognition in 15 autistic children in an effort to determine whether failures of self-recognition were of possible diagnostic significance for the syndrome or rather were reducible to general indices of developmental function, i.e., mental age. Fifty-three percent of the sample showed clear self-recognition. On the basis of a developmental assessment and data from a teacher questionnaire, these children were found to be functioning at mental ages akin to developmental norms for self-recognition. Those who failed to show self-recognition had mental ages below the developmental level at which many children recognize themselves and significantly lower than those autistic children who showed self-recognition. The results suggest that even when autistic children fail to recognize their self-images, this failure can be taken not as evidence for a syndrome-specific deficit but as a reflection of a general developmental delay.
DNA microsatellite analysis using ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Genotyping based on short tandem repeat (STR) regions is used in human identification and parentage testing, gene mapping studies, cancer diagnostics, and diagnosis of hereditary diseases. Analysis of STR systems using slab gel electrophoresis requires lengthy and labor-intensive procedures. Therefore, alternative methods such as capillary electrophoresis or ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (IPRP HPLC) have been used to analyze DNA. IPRP HPLC offers an attractive substitute to gel electrophoresis for STR analysis because of the reduced analysis time, and there is no need for the waste disposal associated with radioisotopic, enzyme-linked, or fluorescence detection systems. We evaluated the use of IPRP HPLC for the sizing and typing of STR alleles from the HUMTHO1 locus. The IPRP HPLC conditions (column temperature, flow rate, percent organic modifier per minute) were optimized for the separation of PCR products. Using the optimized separation conditions, the alleles of the HUMTHO 1 system were sized in their native state (double stranded) with the use of internal markers. The typing results correlated 100% to accepted methods of DNA typing. The analysis time for the HUMTHO1 locus was less than 14 min, and the alleles could be peak captured for further examination following such as sequencing.
Hemodialysis vascular access: The Achilles' heel remains

Maintaining vascular access for hemodialysis remains a leading cause of patient morbidity. Surveillance and other technologies continue to improve, but the goal of dramatically improved AV access patency remains elusive.
The functions of the executive and the republic: Exploring the platonic roots of chester barnard

This essay examines the similarities between Plato's Republic and Barnard's Functions of the Executive.The essay argues that comparisons between Barnard and Plato are not overstated in form or substance. Three major areas of each work are compared: the ethical foundations, the political foundations, and the role of education in achieving those political means. Implications arising from the comparison are discussed and the essay concludes by linking the Barnard-Plato dialogue with current issues in management theory and practice.
Process modeling for advanced device technologies

Front end process simulation is an invaluable tool in assessing current and future process options. This review describes the application of process simulation in modeling geometry, doping and stress effects in advanced logic processes. Continuum and atomistic approaches, both necessary to capture the physics involved with the most advanced options, are discussed. Also detailed are advancements in numerical techniques which enable the efficient and robust simulation necessary to keep pace with technology development.
A simulated “cocktail party” with up to three sound sources

Listeners identified spoken words, letters, and numbers and the spatial location of these utterances in three listening conditions as a function of the number of simultaneously presented utterances. The three listening conditions were a normal listening condition, in which the sounds were presented over seven possible loudspeakers to a listener seated in a sound-deadened listening room; a one-headphone listening condition, in which a single microphone that was placed in the listening room delivered the sounds to a single headphone worn by the listener in a remote room; and a stationary KEMAR listening condition, in which binaural recordings from an acoustic manikin placed in the listening room were delivered to a listener in the remote room. The listeners were presented one, two, or three simultaneous utterances. The results show that utterance identification was better in the normal listening condition than in the one-headphone condition, with the KEMAR listening condition yielding intermediate levels of performance. However, the differences between listening in the normal and in the one-headphone conditions were much smaller when two, rather than three, utterances were presented at a time. Localization performance was good for both the normal and the KEMAR listening conditions and at chance for the one-headphone condition. The results suggest that binaural processing is probably more important for solving the “cocktail party” problem when there are more than two concurrent sound sources.
Generalised signed-rank estimation for nonlinear models with multidimensional indices

We consider a nonlinear regression model when the index variable is multidimensional. Such models are useful in signal processing, texture modelling, and spatio-temporal data analysis. A generalised form of the signed-rank estimator of the nonlinear regression coefficients is proposed. This general form of the signed-rank (SR) estimator includes estimators and hybrid variants. Sufficient conditions for strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are given. It is shown that the rate of convergence to normality can be different from . The sufficient conditions are weak in the sense that they are satisfied by harmonic-type functions for which results in the current literature may not apply. A simulation study shows that certain generalised SR estimators (e.g. signed rank) perform better in recovering signals than others (e.g. least squares) when the error distribution is contaminated or is heavy-tailed.
Fourier collision detection

We investigate a new approach to narrowphase collision detection for rigid objects based on a Fourier series expansion. This new collision test scales with respect to accuracy (in the Hausdorff sense), which we show rigorously in the case of translational motions. Because our new form of the collision test is also a smooth inequality, it can be used as a holonomic unilateral constraint in many applications, such as path planning, rigid body dynamics, nesting or tool placement, replacing the need for more ad-hoc normal/contact-based constraint solvers. Moreover, we also show how this constraint can be directly differentiated via Fourier multipliers with only a constant factor overhead, which leads to a simple method for constructing a Jacobian for both normal forces and rotational torques.
Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use among emergency department patients

Background The prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among emergency department (ED) patients is high and many of these patients have unrecognized and unmet substance use treatment needs. Identification of patients in the ED with problem substance use is not routine at this time.
A Critical Role for cAMP Response Element-binding Protein (CREB) as a Co-activator in Sterol-regulated Transcription of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Synthase Promoter

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, a key regulatory enzyme in the pathway for endogenous cholesterol synthesis, is a target for negative feedback regulation by cholesterol. When cellular sterol levels are low, the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are released from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, allowing them to translocate to the nucleus and activate SREBP target genes. However, in all SREBP-regulated promoters studied to date, additional co-regulatory transcription factors are required for sterol-regulated activation of transcription. We have previously shown that, in addition to SREBPs, NF-Y/CBF is required for sterol-regulated transcription of HMG-CoA synthase. This heterotrimeric transcription factor has recently been shown to function as a co-regulator in several other SREBP-regulated promoters, as well. In addition to cis-acting sites for both SREBP and NF-Y/CBF, the sterol regulatory region of the synthase promoter also contains a consensus cAMP response element (CRE), an element that binds members of the CREB/ATF family of transcription factors. Here, we show that this consensus CRE is essential for sterol-regulated transcription of the synthase promoter. Using in vitro binding assays, we also demonstrate that CREB binds to this CRE, and mutations within the CRE that result in a loss of CREB binding also result in a loss of sterol-regulated transcription. We further show that efficient activation of the synthase promoter in Drosophila SL2 cells requires the simultaneous expression of all three factors: SREBPs, NF-Y/CBF, and CREB. To date this is the first promoter shown to require CREB for efficient sterol-regulated transcription, and to require two different co-regulatory factors in addition to SREBPs for maximal activation.
Rule based artificial intelligence expert system for determination of upper extremity impairment rating

Abstract Quantitative evaluation of upper extremity impairment, a percentage rating most often determined using a rule based procedure, has been implemented on a personal computer using an artificial intelligence, rule-based expert system (AI sytem). In this study, the rules given in Chapter 3 of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (Third Edition) were used to developed such an AI system for the Apple Macintosh. The program applies the rules from the Guides in a consistent and systematic fashion. It is faster and less error-prone than the manual method, and the results have a higher degree of precission, since intermediate values are not truncated.
Enhanced Ca2+-induced calcium release by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from malignant hyperthermia susceptible pig muscle

Abstract To further define the possible involvement of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium accumulation and release in the skeletal muscle disorder malignant hyperthermia (MH), we have examined various properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions isolated from normal and MH-susceptible pig muscle. A sarcoplasmic reticulum preparation enriched in vesicles derived from the terminal cisternae, was further fractionated on discontinuous sucrose density gradients (Meissner, G. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 2365–2374). The resultant MH-susceptible and normal sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, designated F 0  F 4 , did not differ in yield, cholesterol and phospholipid content, or nitrendipine binding capacity. Calcium accumulation (0.27 μmol Ca/mg per min at 22°C), Ca 2+ -ATPase activity (0.98 μmol P i /mg per min at 22°C), and calsequestrin content were also similar for MH-susceptible and normal sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction F 3 . To examine sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release, fraction F 3 vesicles were passively loaded with 45 Ca (approx. 40 nmol Ca/mg), and rapidly diluted into a medium of defined Ca 2+ concentration. Upon dilution into 1 μM Ca 2+ , the extent of Ca 2+ -dependent calcium release measured after 5 s was significantly greater for MH-susceptible than for normal sarcoplasmic reticulum, 65.9 ± 2.8% vs. 47.7 ± 3.9% of the loaded calcium, respectively. The C 1 2 for Ca 2+ stimulation of this calcium release (5 s value) from MH-susceptible sarcoplasmic reticulum also appeared to be shifted towards a higher Ca 2+ -sensitivity when compared to normal sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dantrolene had no effect on calcium release from fraction F 3 , however, halothane (0.1–0.5 mM) increased the extent of calcium release (5 s) similarly in both MH-susceptible and normal sarcoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, Mg 2+ was less effective at inhibiting, while ATP and caffeine were more effective in stimulating, this Ca 2+ -dependent release of calcium from MH-susceptible, when compared to normal sarcoplasmic reticulum. Our results demonstrate that while sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-accumulation appears unaffected in MH, aspect(s) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -induced calcium release mechanism are altered. Although the role of the Ca 2+ -induced calcium release mechanism of sarcoplasmic reticulum in situ is not yet clear, our results suggest that an abnormality in the regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release may play an important role in the MH syndrome.
Remarks on possible meson symmetries based on outer product groups

A previously discussed model of meson symmetries based on the group SU(3) x SU(3) is updated by (1) giving rigorous proof of a first-order mass formula obtained previously, (2) deriving a second-order mass formula, and (3) extending the whole treatment to SU(4) x SU(4). Tentative assignments are made for the new mesons psi(3100), psi(3700), and psi(4100) in this scheme. (AIP)
Material selection for nuclear waste processing facility

Construction has started on a facility to immobilize high level radioactive waste in borosilicate glass at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Plant. Type 304L stainless steels is generally sufficient for supply tankage and service lines. It is used as the reference material in chemical reprocessing of reactor target and fuel tubes. Type 304L, however, has unacceptable stress corrosion cracking resistance in solutions containing formic acid and chloride. Scouting tests were performed on twelve commercial nickelbased alloys in simulated process solutions containing halides, sulfates, nitrates, mercury, and formic acid. Mercuric ions and halides interact in acidic environments to increase pitting and crevice attack. Alloys with combined chromium plus molybdenum contents greater than 30 pct, that also contain greater than 9 pct molybdenum, were most resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion. Based on this testing, Alloy C-276 has been selected as the reference process equipment material, with INCONEL 690 and ALLCORR selected for specialty areas.
High-resolution photoemission study of the interfacial reaction of Cr with polyimide and model polymers

The chemical nature of the adhesive interface between Cr and three polymers has been investigated using synchrotron-radiation-excited photoemission from the polymer carbon and oxygen 1s core levels. Pyromellitic dianhydride--oxydianiline (PMDA-ODA) polyimide, an important polymer in the electronics industry, was studied along with two simple polymers. Poly(methylphenylene oxide) and poly(vinylmethyl ketone) contain structural fragments of the complicated PMDA-ODA polyimide protomer. The core-level spectra were decomposed into distinct peaks which were assigned to specific chemical species and monitored as a function of Cr coverage. Our results confirm that the carbonyl groups on these polymer surfaces are targets for reactive metals during the initial stages of metal deposition. This initial reaction stage was followed by gradual formation of an electron-rich, carbidelike, carbon species.
Studies on Toxic Fat in the Rations of Laying Hens and Pullets

Abstract AN APPARENTLY new syndrome of broiler chickens characterized by droopiness, ruffled feathers, labored breathing and increasing morbidity and mortality was reported by Schmittle et al. (1958). Necropsy of chickens dying as a result of this disease revealed a hydropericardium, hydroperitoneum, swollen liver, swollen and pale kidneys, with a subcutaneous edema often present in the ventral portions of the body. Similar clinical signs and lesions were reported by Sanger et al. (1958). The disease was found to be caused by feeding certain fats in the ration. Preliminary results on feeding toxic fat to hens were presented at the 47th Annual Poultry Science Meeting by Edgar et al. (1958) and Naber et al. (1958). They found that toxic fat decreased egg production and hatchability in hens. The studies reported in this paper were carried out to determine what effect feeding fat that was toxic to broilers would have on laying hens and …
Optimal prefetching and caching for parallel I/O sytems

We address the problem of prefetching and caching in a parallel I/O system and present a new algorithm for optimal parallel-disk scheduling. Traditional buffer management algorithms that minimize the number of I/O disk accesses, are substantially suboptimal in a parallel I/O system where multiple I/Os can proceed simultaneously.We present a new algorithm SUPERVISOR for parallel-disk I/O scheduling. We show that in the off-line case, where apriori knowledge of all the requests is available, SUPERVISOR performs the minimum number of I/Os to service the given I/O requests. This is the first parallel I/O scheduling algorithm that is provably offline optimal. In the on-line case, we study SUPERVISOR in the context of global L-block lookahead, which gives the buffer management algorithm a lookahead consisting of L distinct requests. We show that the competitive ratio of SUPERVISOR, with global L-block lookahead, is T(M - L + D), when L ≤ M, and T(MD/L), when L > M, where the number of disks is D and buffer size is M.
Activation and Reactivity of (NHC)Pd(allyl)Cl (NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Complexes in Cross-Coupling Reactions

Mononuclear palladium-allyl complexes bearing one N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand have been synthesized. These complexes offer a straightforward entryway into a number of catalytic cycles by simple action of a base.
Lack of Association of Higher Insulin Levels With Diffuse Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease in Nondiabetics

Since there is experimental evidence that insulin promotes atherosclerosis, we tested the hypothesis that insulin levels are higher in patients with diffuse atherosclerotic coronary artery disease by measuring insulin levels in 46 nondiabetic patients with angiographically defined diffuse coronary artery disease and 46 normal controls with angiographically normal coronary arteries. Fasting insulin levels were similar in both groups of patients: 7.70±5.77 µU/mL in those with diffuse coronary disease versus 7.39±5.01 µU/mL in controls. Also, insulin levels drawn 1 and 2 h after oral glucose challenge were not significantly different in patients with diffuse disease (48.78±32.46 µU/mL and 42.26±32.38 µU/mL, respectively) compared with patients with normal coronary arteries (51.03±28.01 µU/mL and 43.79±31.62 µU/mL, respectively). We conclude that insulin probably does not promote clinical atherosclerosis in nondiabetics.
African American Educators’ Perspectives on the Advanced Placement Opportunity Gap

This study examines perspectives of educators on the advanced placement opportunity gap for African American students. Using interviews with 11 educators from 10 high schools, we explored their perceptions regarding the impact of a local academic achievement program on the enrollment of African American students in honors and advanced placement courses. Results of the analysis suggest that there is a perceived and real gap in the participation of African American students in AP courses. Findings also revealed that educators were concerned about the lack of access for African American students to AP courses. Further, issues of belonging and operational citizenship within the school environment were raised. Recommendations for pedagogical techniques are presented as well as suggestions for future research.
Allosteric modulation of dextromethorphan binding sites

Abstract The nonopioid antitussives dextromethorphan (DM), carbetapentane and caramiphen are efficacious anticonvulsant agents in the rat MES test. The findings presented strongly suggest the existence of a novel allosteric mechanism by which drugs acting at two different but interacting sites, exert their effects. This mechanism has marked similarities with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-benzodiazepine interactions, even though their binding sites are different. The allosteric interactions of dextromethorphan and phenytoin in the binding assay and the potentiation of the anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin by dextromethorphan suggest that drugs that bind to the dextromethorphan sites could be used to reduce the effective dose of phenytoin and reduce its side effects, at least those which are not an extension of its specific pharmacological actions. It is evident that the investigation of the molecular mechanisms described may help to open new approaches to understand and treat convulsive disorders, to find novel anticonvulsant drugs and to further explain some of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal excitability.
Preliminary Investigation of Computer Stress and the Big Five Personality Factors

This study investigated correlates of personality factors, measured with the Big Five Inventory, with computer users' stress, measured with the Computer Hassles Scale. Based on an analysis of the responses of 95 college students using computers, there was a significant correlation between the computer users' stress and Openness, one of the Big Five personality factors. There was a significant correlation between the Computer Hassles Scale and the somatic complaints and anxiety reactions, typical responses to stress. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that Neuroticism and Extraversion had a "buffering effect" between computer stressors and typical stress responses. The significant correlation between scores on the Computer Hassles Scale and on Openness was a surprising finding and suggested that additional research was needed to clarify the nature of this relationship.
Genetic constraint on the evolution of courtship behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster.

A quantitative genetic analysis of male courtship behavior in Drosphila melanogaster was carried out. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were calculated from data collected from 330 father–son combinations. Only copulation duration had a heritability significantly different from zero. Copulation duration and fertility were related by a significant positive genetic correlation. A highly significant negative genetic correlation of copulation duration with courtship vigor (towards a virgin female) is possibly responsible for constraining further evolution of copulation duration in this population. It is noteworthy that genetic correlations between traits with low heritabilities were not detectable; practical and theoretical considerations concerning genetic correlations between traits with low heritabilities are discussed.
The Historical Dimension: Jewish Associations in Palestine and Israel 1880s–1950s

Israeli historiography tends to stress the collectivist dimension in the processes that led to the establishment of the State of Israel. This was demonstrated both in the national ideology and in the formation of a political centre which later became a sovereign centralized government. This article turns away from existing historiography and focuses on institutions that functioned alongside or outside the political centre and provided social services and settings for social, cultural, and professional identification. The spectrum of institutions at issue, I argue, was part and parcel of the growing Jewish community in pre-Israel Palestine from the late nineteenth century to the 1950s. The study proposes to observe the historical evolution of these institutions in order to draw inferences about contemporary patterns. The Israeli case allows us to observe the role that such organizations play in nation- and state-building processes, during the transitional periods when political rules are being established,...
The efficacy of mechanical abrasion and talc slurry as methods of pleurodesis in normal dogs.

Objective—To determine the efficacy of mechanical abrasion and talc slurry as methods for pleurodesis in normal dogs. Study Design—Experimental study. Animals or Sample Population— Ten normal beagle dogs. Methods—Group I dogs had mechanical abrasion (MA) of the pulmonary and costal pleurae performed in one hemithorax with a dry gauze sponge with a median sternotomy approach. Group II dogs had 100 mL of a1g talc slurry (TS) administered into one hemithorax through a tube thoracostomy. Administration of the TS was visualized by using video thoracoscopy. All dogs were evaluated at 2, 10, 20, and 30 days postoperatively by means of thoracic radiography and ultrasonographic thoracic wall measurement. The dogs were euthanatized 30 days postoperatively and a gross necropsy was performed. Hemithoraces were assigned a pleurodesis score (0-4) and an obliteration grade (0-6). Tissues were collected for histopathologic examination of pulmonary pleura, costal pleura, and pleural adhesions. Pulmonary and costal pleurae were graded for the degree of fibrosis (0-4). Results—Obliteration grade and costal pleural fibrosis score were significantly higher for the treated sides in the MA dogs compared with the TS dogs. MA Dogs: Mechanical abrasion dogs had pleurodesis, obliteration, and pleural fibrosis scores that were greater on the treated side than the untreated side, however, the differences were not statistically significant. Only two MA dogs had firm adhesion of the pulmonary pleura to the costal pleura in portions of the cranial and middle lung lobes in the treated hemithorax. Thoracic wall surface area covered with adhesions was 15% and 21% in each of these two dogs. The median pulmonary pleural fibrosis score of all MA dogs for the treated hemithorax was 3 compared to 0 on the untreated side. TS Dogs: There was no statistical difference for pleurodesis scores and obliteration grades between the treated and untreated sides. No dogs showed evidence of pulmonary to costal pleural adhesions. Histopathology showed talc crossover into the untreated side in all five dogs. Median pulmonary fibrosis score of the treated hemithorax was 1 compared with 0 on the untreated side. Conclusions—Neither method of pleurodesis produced sufficient pleural adhesions to obliterate the pleural space. It is possible that the degree of pulmonary pleural fibrosis present in MA dogs may be sufficient to limit air leakage from pulmonary blebs and bullae resulting in successful treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. ©Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Firm Characteristics, Industry Context, and Investor Reactions to Environmental CSR: A Stakeholder Theory Approach

We use an event study to capture the investor reaction to the first Newsweek Green Rankings in September 2009, a notable, multi-dimensional recent development in the rating of corporate environmental CSR performance. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we develop hypotheses about (a) market investor reaction to the disclosure of new, relevant corporate environmental performance in both the short and longer (6–12-month) term, (b) whether market investors’ reaction reflects industry context, and (c) whether firm-level contextual variables representing firm size, and market legitimacy significantly impacts the investor reaction. We find that, for the sample of the largest 500 US firms ranked by Newsweek, investors react positively both to the raw and within-industry rankings of green performance in terms of both short-term and longer-term (up to 12 months) returns. Moreover, the investor reaction is significantly influenced by contextual variables such as firm size and firm market legitimacy. Our results are compatible with the inference that rating agencies like Newsweek serve a valuable information dissemination function such that investors in better ranked firms anticipate larger future cash flows due to more positive reactions from key stakeholders such as environmentally-conscious customers, employees, NGOs, regulators, and thus reward these firms with stock price increases. Finally, larger, more visible firms benefit more, while firms which have more market legitimacy (represented by past financial performance) benefit less. We believe these findings will be of considerable interest to scholars of environmental corporate social responsibility.
Magnetic shielding with a superconducting solenoid

A shorted Supercondncting solenoid will have no change in its net flux linkage in the presence of an applied magnetic field. To compensate for some field penetration into the solenoid, its central region will have an opposite proportional field. The effect is called "overshielding."
Cognitive Functions in Brain Tumor Patients

As effective treatment interventions have increased survival rates, there has been greater awareness that many brain tumor patients experience cognitive dysfunction despite adequate disease control. Cognitive difficulties often have an impact on quality of life and interfere with the patient's ability to function at premorbid levels; however, the incidence of cognitive dysfunction in brain tumor patients is unknown, because it has not been investigated systematically. Future prospective clinical trials in neuro-oncology should include cognitive outcome measures to increase understanding of the contribution of the tumor and the delayed effects of treatment to cognitive dysfunction. Language: en
The care and feeding of small-group leaders of sex discussion groups

Abstract This paper will focus on the selection, training, and monitoring of the small-group leaders in an extensive program of sex education. While not explicitly therapeutic, the leadership role in the six small-group sessions held during a 2-day period, covering highly emotional material, demands the skills and sensitivities of the traditional group therapist. In addition, group leaders must be aware of the limits of this experience and the subtle effect of a leader's role modeling during group discussion. The paper will discuss the SAR model, its academic history, and our experience with over 200 leaders drawn from both professional and paraprofessional ranks. We have data on participant evaluation of leaders and have developed a series of concepts regarding group process which is fed into our training program. Qualitative assessment of characteristics of the effective sex group leader is now possible as are basic group and member issues that most leaders must handle. The paper will discuss leadership...
The anatomy of the T5 bacteriophage DNA molecule

The T5 bacteriophage DNA molecule, unlike the molecules from T2, P1, λ and T7 bacteriophage, contains interruptions at specific locations in both of its polynucleotide chains. When the molecule is denatured, it gives rise to polynucleotide chains which sediment in at least four different zones. By contrast, denatured T2, P1, λ and T7 DNA sediment as unimodal zones. The lengths of the polynucleotide chains -which comprise these zones were calculated through use of a relationship established for determining the relative lengths of polynucleotide chains from their rate of sedimentation in alkaline sucrose gradients. The positions of the interruptions along the molecule are under the genetic control of the phage and apparently are not a property of the host. The phenomenon is seen in another phage, PB, which is closely related to T5. The interruptions in the molecule are probably gaps in the polynucleotide chains. This conclusion was reached because the chains are not intact when the molecule is denatured in formamide, a mild organic denaturing agent. A number of models were proposed for ways in which the six polynucleotide chains could be arranged to form the intact duplex molecule. Two reannealing experiments were performed which confirmed some general features which all of the models had in common. The existence of gaps in the T5 DNA molecule helps to explain some earlier observations on the structure of the molecule and suggests interpretations for other results concerning its biological function.
Constraints on the gravitational constant at large distances

D. R. Long (1976) and others have speculated that the gravitational force between point masses in the Newtonian regime might not be exactly proportional to 1/r squared. Distance-dependent deviations from the 1/r squared law can be represented by a distance-dependent gravitational 'constant', G(r). Long has summarized the experimental evidence which constrains G(r) to be very nearly constant for 5 cm less than r less than 1 m. This paper presents observational evidence for constancy in the range 1000 km less than r less than 10 to the eighth km, and points out that the value of G(r) identical to Gc in this range has not been experimentally determined. Constraints on G(r) in the intermediate distance range 10 m less than r less than 1 km are so poor that one cannot rule out the possibility that Gc differs greatly from the laboratory value Go. Models of the earth and sun are used to argue that Gc differs from Go by not more than approximately 40%. Methods of improving the determination of Gc are suggested.