cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Search for Biosignatures in Martian Meteorite Allan Hills 84001

Proposed biosignatures in the ancient Allan Hills 84001 martian meteorite are most plausibly explained as abiotic features. The purported evidence of biological activity on Mars included biogenic minerals (magnetite and sulphide formed by magnetotactic and sulphate-respiring microorganisms), organic matter resulting from the decay of such organisms, microfossils, and biofilms, all physically associated with biologically mediated carbonates. The zoned carbonate globules formed by inorganic precipitation from an aqueous fluid or evaporative brine circulating within fractures in this igneous rock. A subsequent shock event partially volatilized Fe-carbonate, and its decomposition produced nanophase magnetite crystals with unusual morphologies, structures, and compositions consistent with vapour condensation. Sulphur isotopes in sulphide are unlike those in terrestrial biogenic sulphides. The organic compounds identified in ALH 84001 include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, complex macromolecules, graphite, and amino acids, most of which are terrestrial, based on their carbon isotopes and stereochemistry. A small amount of the organic matter may be martian, but even that likely had an exogenic (chondritic) source. The putative microfossils were identified only by morphology, without any other supporting observations. These forms are apparently too small to represent viable organisms, which has engendered controversy about the plausibility of nanobacteria. Observations of possible fossilized biofilms are compromised by infiltration of the meteorite by terrestrial microorganisms in the Antarctic environment from which the meteorite was recovered. The controversial hypothesis that ALH 84001 contains evidence of extraterrestrial biology has mostly subsided, but it has fuelled a Mars exploration program focused on the search for life and has helped refine the criteria for the recognition of biosignatures.
An Empirical Study of Alternate Formats for Nutritional Information Disclosure in Advertising

The effects of three alternative formats for providing nutritional information in food advertisements in television and print media were examined experimentally in this study. The results indicated...
In good times and bad there is only one mother

Carol Thayer Cox has served as a faculty member of art therapy graduate programs at George Washington University, Vermont College of Norwich University, and Pratt Institute’s School of Art and Desi...
Diabetes causal attributions among affected and unaffected individuals.

Objective The present study aims to describe and compare causal attributions for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among affected and unaffected individuals and to investigate the relationships among attributions, attitudes, and beliefs. Research design and methods Adults with no diabetes (N=458), T1D (N=192), or T2D (N=207) completed an online survey. Measures assessed diabetes conceptual knowledge, causal attributions for T1D and T2D, perceived control over diabetes onset, and favorability judgements of individuals affected by each type. Results Results indicate general agreement on causal attributions for T1D and T2D among all respondent groups, with some divergences by disease status. All respondents attributed both T1D and T2D to genetics, and genetic attributions were positively associated with favorability judgements of individuals with T2D, but not those with T1D. Conclusions This report sets the stage for investigations into how and why attributions for T1D and T2D differ and the implications of these differences including stigmatization of individuals with diabetes and diabetes-related self-concept. Additionally, this work can inform efforts towards clinical and public health education to prevent and optimize treatment of T1D and T2D.
Expanded role of the Cu-sensing transcription factor Mac1p in Candida albicans

As part of the innate immune response, the host withholds metal micronutrients such as Cu from invading pathogens, and microbes respond through metal starvation stress responses. With the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the Cu sensing transcription factor Mac1p governs the cellular response to Cu starvation by controlling Cu import. Mac1p additionally controls reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis by repressing a Cu-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and inducing Mn-containing SOD3 as a non-Cu alternative. We show here that C. albicans Mac1p is essential for virulence in a mouse model for disseminated candidiasis and that the cellular functions of Mac1p extend beyond Cu uptake and ROS homeostasis. Specifically, mac1∆/∆ mutants are profoundly deficient in mitochondrial respiration and Fe accumulation, both Cu-dependent processes. Surprisingly, these deficiencies are not simply the product of impaired Cu uptake; rather mac1∆/∆ mutants appear defective in Cu allocation. The respiratory defect of mac1∆/∆ mutants was greatly improved by a sod1∆/∆ mutation, demonstrating a role for SOD1 repression by Mac1p in preserving respiration. Mac1p down-regulates the major Cu consumer SOD1 to spare Cu for respiration that is essential for virulence of this fungal pathogen. The implications for such Cu homeostasis control in other pathogenic fungi are discussed.
قواعد أصول الحديث في رسالة الإمام الشافعي محمد بن إدريس رحمه الله تعالى: Fundamentals of the Science of Hadith in Ar-Risālah (the Epistle) by Imam Al-Shāfi’ī

This research is an inductive analytical study on the fundamentals of the science of Hadith extrapolated by Imam Al-Shāfi’ī (May Allah have mercy on him) in his book Ar-Risālah (The Epistle) along with the discussion of later scholars. In this research, I identified all these principles and theories that are related to the science of Hadith that were discussed in the book. In addition, I made a thorough study on the scholars’ position with their views, opinions and understandings to them. In the end, I came across some findings, most important among them is that, Imam Al-Shāfi’ī was the first to establish the fundamentals theories of the science of Hadith, as he was the first to coined its terminologies, and discussed the theories in such a way never preceded by any scholar. These were later, the subsequent scholars relied upon them in their writings.
Neuromuscular disease: 2021 update

This review highlights ten important advances in the neuromuscular disease field that were first reported in 2020. The overarching topics include (i) advances in understanding of fundamental neuromuscular biology; (ii) new / emerging diseases; (iii) advances in understanding of disease etiology and pathogenesis; (iv) diagnostic advances; and (v) therapeutic advances. Within this broad framework, the individual disease entities that are discussed in more detail include neuromuscular complications of COVID-19, supervillin-deficient myopathy, 19p13.3-linked distal myopathy, vasculitic neuropathy due to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, spinal muscular atrophy, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and transthyretin neuropathy/myopathy. In addition, the review highlights several other advances (such as the revised view of the myofibrillar architecture, new insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms of muscle regeneration, and development of new electron microscopy tools) that will likely have a significant impact on the overall neuromuscular disease field going forward.
Online Appendix for Black, Lalkiya, and Lerner, The Trouble with Coarsened Exact Matching

This Appendix provides additional results for Black, Lalkiya, and Lerner, The Trouble with Coarsened Exact Matching (working paper 2020), at http://ssrn.com/abstract=3694749.
Macroalgal detrital systems: an overlooked ecological niche for heterotrophic nitrogen fixation.

Diazotrophic macroalgal associations (DMAs) can contribute fixed nitrogen (N) to the host macroalgae. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) rates investigated using acetylene reduction assays with living macroalgae surrounding Santa Catalina Island were low (maximum: 36 nmol N × g-1 (dw) × h-1 ) and probably insufficient towards helping meet macroalgal N demand. However, DMAs were observed during periods of low nitrate availability in Southern California coastal waters, highlighting the potential importance of diazotrophs during N depleted conditions. Eleven long-term (16-32 days) litter bag decomposition experiments with various macroalgae, especially those with high (> 10) C:N ratios, resulted in much higher BNF rates (maximum: 693 nmol N × g-1 (dw) × h-1 ) than observed with living macroalgae. BNF rates were lower at the beginning of macroalgal decomposition but rapidly increased during the second phase before declining towards the end of decomposition. Labile carbon availability is likely influencing BNF rates throughout macroalgal degradation and limits BNF in the final decomposition stage. Comparable dark and light BNF rates with most macroalgae surveyed suggest macroalgal detrital systems are an overlooked, potentially global, niche for heterotrophic N2 fixation. Lastly, suppressed BNF rates with sodium molybdate additions highlight the prevalence of sulfate reducing diazotrophs.
A generic framework for physical light transport

Physically accurate rendering often calls for taking the wave nature of light into consideration. In computer graphics, this is done almost exclusively locally, i.e. on a micrometre scale where the diffractive phenomena arise. However, the statistical properties of light, that dictate its coherence characteristics and its capacity to give rise to wave interference effects, evolve globally: these properties change on, e.g., interaction with a surface, diffusion by participating media and simply by propagation. In this paper, we derive the first global light transport framework that is able to account for these properties of light and, therefore, is fully consistent with Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. We show that our framework is a generalization of the classical, radiometry-based light transport---prominent in computer graphics---and retains some of its attractive properties. Finally, as a proof of concept, we apply the presented framework to a few practical problems in rendering and validate against well-studied methods in optics.
Aspis: A Robust Detection System for Distributed Learning.

State of the art machine learning models are routinely trained on large scale distributed clusters. Crucially, such systems can be compromised when some of the computing devices exhibit abnormal (Byzantine) behavior and return arbitrary results to the parameter server (PS). This behavior may be attributed to a plethora of reasons including system failures and orchestrated attacks. Existing work suggests robust aggregation and/or computational redundancy to alleviate the effect of distorted gradients. However, most of these schemes are ineffective when an adversary knows the task assignment and can judiciously choose the attacked workers to induce maximal damage. Our proposed method Aspis assigns gradient computations to worker nodes using a subset-based assignment which allows for multiple consistency checks on the behavior of a worker node. Examination of the calculated gradients and post-processing (clique-finding in an appropriately constructed graph) by the central node allows for efficient detection and subsequent exclusion of adversaries from the training process. We prove the Byzantine resilience and detection guarantees of Aspis under weak and strong attacks and extensively evaluate the system on various large-scale training scenarios. The main metric for our experiments is the test accuracy for which we demonstrate significant improvement of about 30% compared to many state-of-the-art approaches on the CIFAR-10 dataset. The corresponding reduction of the fraction of corrupted gradients ranges from 16% to 98%.
Precautionary Policy? The Wakashio Oil Spill in Mauritius: A Hard Lesson About Coastal and Marine Management

Mauritius – a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean – has faced its first major ecological disaster in 2020 with an oil spill catastrophe. In 2019, another similar disaster occurred in Rennell Island in the Pacific. In this policy brief, we document the oil disaster in Mauritius and discuss the lessons learnt for SIDS.
The association between healthcare resource allocation and health status: an empirical insight with visual analytics

Healthcare resource allocation varies worldwide. It is integral that countries identify optimal allocation methods to distribute healthcare resources to ensure and sustain good population heath. This study examines the association between healthcare resource allocation and perception of health status across countries. Data from OECD Health Statistics and OECD Health Care Resources is analyzed with visual analytics methodology. Findings show that the relationship between factors that influence resource allocation and health status differ based on the development status and geographic location of countries. In developing countries, there is a significant relationship between the number of hospitals and absence from work due to perceived poor health. Medical resource allocation is positively associated with health status perception in countries where the allocation is proportional to incidence of diseases. Among the various medical resources, medical personnel are the most important factor in both developing and developed countries in influencing the positive perceived health status of the population. With more healthcare resources people’s life expectancy should increase, and overall mortality should decline. This study offers several implications for the future. Governments can take differential actions based on their citizens’ needs to improve their perceived health status. In general, there should be an emphasis on allocation of human medical resources, rather than medical equipment. Businesses should invest more in healthcare education to be able to implement and administer government health policies. Strategic investments in key healthcare resources can boost revenue and offer sufficient incentives for development of innovative medical technology.
Why is Ottawa so scared of the stem cell

In March, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) sparked outrage on Parliament Hill when it published guidelines on embryonic stem cell research (see accompanying article, page 1077). ![Figure][1] Figure. As debate over stem cell research heats up, applications of that research
Legal Issues in Integrated, Multi-Pollutant Planning for Energy and Air Quality

In the face of persistent air quality problems, as well as emerging concerns such as greenhouse gases and state budgetary constraints, states are looking to new ways to maximize air quality while minimizing costs. The non-profit Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) assists states in air quality management, and has recently proposed a new methodology for states to use in order to take a proactive, forward thinking approach to optimize air quality. RAP’s proposed Integrated, Multi-Pollutant Planning for Energy and Air Quality (IMPEAQ) fosters long-range planning, multi-pollutant analysis and cost optimization modeling to enable state air quality districts to achieve efficient gains in air quality.At RAP’s request, the Center for Climate Change Law has undertaken an analysis of potential legal issues that might arise during the use of IMPEAQ. This white paper assesses the general statutory and regulatory framework applicable to IMPEAQ as a voluntary program for states to adopt for their air quality planning. It first addresses threshold issues: state authority under the Clean Air Act to voluntarily implement integrated planning using IMPEAQ and the permissibility of using a multi-pollutant approach to air quality planning. It then examines two key issues concerning emerging control measures: how states can use energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) programs in their State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and to what extent states may allow novel measures to satisfy the Act’s source-specific control technology requirements.
Adaptive and linear prediction channel tracking algorithms for mobile OFDM-MIMO applications

This paper presents low overhead channel tracking algorithms for mobile orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. In this paper we explore the use of period training for channel estimation used in conjunction with adaptive decision-feedback LMS, RLS and Kalman filter with linear prediction. In this paper, we show that the linear prediction algorithm can substantially improve the performance of adaptive tracking methods. MIMO communication systems typically require knowledge of the channel state information, however, mobile communication systems exhibit a time and frequency-varying channel matrix. Consequently, channel tracking methods are required to accurately estimate the channel. This paper presents results of V-BLAST (Vertical Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time) MIMO simulations using the geometric wide-band time-varying channel model (GWTCM) with Rayleigh faded environments. Flat fading is assumed for each OFDM subcarrier. Results indicate that robust channel tracking for OFDM-MIMO applications can be improved by using adaptive methods with linear prediction techniques. OFDM-MIMO architectures such as OFDM coupled with V-BLAST can be easily implemented by exploiting the built-in and flexible multi-channel architectures of advanced software defined radios (SDR)
Secure remote control of field-programmable network devices

A circuit and an associated lightweight protocol have been developed to secure communication between a control console and remote programmable network devices. The circuit provides encryption, data integrity checking and sequence number verification to ensure confidentiality, integrity and authentication of control messages sent over the public Internet. All of these functions are performed directly in FPGA hardware to provide high throughput and near-zero latency. The circuit has been used to control and configure remote firewalls and intrusion detection systems. The circuit could also be used to control and configure other distributed network applications.
Sex differences in the brain: a whole body perspective

Most writing on sexual differentiation of the mammalian brain (including our own) considers just two organs: the gonads and the brain. This perspective, which leaves out all other body parts, misleads us in several ways. First, there is accumulating evidence that all organs are sexually differentiated, and that sex differences in peripheral organs affect the brain. We demonstrate this by reviewing examples involving sex differences in muscles, adipose tissue, the liver, immune system, gut, kidneys, bladder, and placenta that affect the nervous system and behavior. The second consequence of ignoring other organs when considering neural sex differences is that we are likely to miss the fact that some brain sex differences develop to compensate for differences in the internal environment (i.e., because male and female brains operate in different bodies, sex differences are required to make output/function more similar in the two sexes). We also consider evidence that sex differences in sensory systems cause male and female brains to perceive different information about the world; the two sexes are also perceived by the world differently and therefore exposed to differences in experience via treatment by others. Although the topic of sex differences in the brain is often seen as much more emotionally charged than studies of sex differences in other organs, the dichotomy is largely false. By putting the brain firmly back in the body, sex differences in the brain are predictable and can be more completely understood.
Fabrication of SiC:Ge: waveguide wavelength selector using ion implantation and laser deposition techniques

A waveguid-wavelength selector was fabricated using ion implanted SiC substrate and Ga/Ge thin film using laser ablation techniques. The device was used as a CO 2 laser lines selector. The theory of the operation is based on visibility of the CO 2 laser to produce a thermal grating which drives the optical selector with maximum efficiency of 46 MHz of laser offset between 10P20 and 10P18 CO 2 laser lines. The threshold of the thermal damage of the device was overcomed using a miniature heat exchanger, which is triggered by the excess of the thermal heat during the operation. The different potential use of the device will be presented as well.
Livelihood Diversification and Sustainability of Rural Non-Farm Enterprises in Ghana

This paper is set within a framework of re-conceptualising sustainable livelihoods and enterprises by identifying the multidimensionality of rural livelihood diversification within small farm households in Southern Ghana. Contributing to and providing links between the different rural livelihood strategies and household well-being, this paper investigates the nature and extent to which livelihood diversification impacts of households strategies towards wealth accumulation, survival and resilience to impoverishment. The study undertakes a critical evaluation of the impact and relationship between poverty reduction projects implemented through District Assemblies and those initiated by community organisations and households. Empirical research involving questionnaire surveys, interviews and focus group meetings was used in studying rural farm households in Akuapem North and Dangme West Districts in Southern Ghana. The paper points to the existence of significant divergence in outcomes of livelihood diversification. Also, the overall impact of diversification and formal intervention strategies towards alleviating poverty within small farm household’s economy is limited and not sustainable with survival being the more probable outcome of diversification.
Preovulatory determinants of human corpus luteum function

Abstract Granulosa cells recovered from large antral follicles in pig ovaries luteinized spontaneously; bound more 125I-labeled HCG, produced more cyclic AMP and secreted more progesterone in response to LH than cells from small and medium-sized follicles which failed to undergo morphological luteinization. Secretion of progesterone by cultures of granulosa cells, isolated from human ovarian antral follicles was found to be related to the hormonal composition of the antral fluid in follicles from which these cells were removed. Results of these in vitro studies suggest that both extent of follicular maturation and the hormonal milieu within individual follicles are determinants of the capacity of granulosa cells to luteinize and secrete progesterone. In the context of relevance of these in vitro observations to corpus luteum function in vivo, short luteal phases and inadequate progesterone secretion have been found to be associated with cycles in which mean follicular phase serum FSH levels are lower than those characteristic of cycles in which corpus luteum function is normal in women and rhesus monkeys. Collectively, these in vitro and in vivo studies are interpreted to indicate that preovulatory hormonal stimulation is a determinant of postovulatory corpus luteum function.
I’m Number One! Does Narcissism Impair Ethical Judgment Even for the Highly Religious?

Can an assessment of individuals’ narcissism help explain the quality of a respondent’s ethical judgment? How is the relationship between religiosity and ethical judgment moderated by the effects of narcissism? With a sample of 385 undergraduate business majors, this study uses a taxonomic approach to examine the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity as well as orthodox Christian beliefs on ethical judgment. Three distinct clusters were identified: Skeptics, Nominals, and Devouts. Surprisingly, of the three clusters, Nominals and Devouts were the only groups impacted by narcissism, although Skeptics overall demonstrate the worst ethical judgment.
Modeling sprite streamer initiation from an unstable sprite halo front

High-speed videos have shown that sprite streamers either form out of dark background in the lower ionosphere or appear to be initiated from inhomogeneities at the bottom of a sprite halo [e.g., Cummer et al., GRL, 33, L04104, 2006; McHarg et al., GRL, 34, L06804, 2007; Stenbaek-Nielsen et al., GRL, 34, L11105, 2007]. On the other hand, modeling studies have concluded that inhomogeneities in the lower ionosphere are required for sprite streamer initiation at both overbreakdown [e.g., Qin et al., JGR, 116, A06305, 2011] and subbreakdown conditions [e.g., Liu et al., PRL, 109, 025002, 2012; Kosar et al., JGR, 117, A08328, 2012].
Uptake of α-ketoisocaproic acid in lymphoblast line WI-L2

Abstract The uptake of α-ketoisocaproate by the cultured human lymphoblast line WI-L2 appears to be mediated by a transport system which has an apparent Km of 125 μM. The rate of uptake of α-ketoisocaproate decreases with increasing pH values, i.e., pH 6 > 7 > 8 and is stimulated by sodium at all pH values. Closely related branched chain α-ketoacids, α-keto-β-methylvaleric and α-ketoisovaleric exhibited the greatest inhibition of α-ketoisocaproate transport. Straight chain α-keto acids inhibited α-ketoisocaproic acid uptake to a lesser degree as did the α-hydroxy analogs of the branched chain α-keto acids. Inhibitors of the general anion transport system of erythrocytes, 1-anilino-8-napthalene sulfonic acid and 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene-2-1′-disulfonic acid did not affect α-ketoisocaproate transport. A reduced sulfhydryl group is critical for α-ketoisocaproate acid uptake; transport is partially or completely inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents such as dithio-bis-nitrobenzoate, iodoacetamide, and p-chloromercuribenzoate. Inhibition by the sulfhydryl reagents is reversed with β-mercaptoethanol or partially with dithiothreitol.
Semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations on the interaction between singlet oxygen and amines : modeling charge transfer quenching

Abstract Semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations were performed using MINDO/3 to examine the mechanism of quenching of singlet (excited) molecular oxygen by amines. Amines with reported ionization potentials and singlet oxygen quenching rate constants were modeled with singlet oxygen at various distances from the amine nitrogen, and the enthalpies of formation of the resultant supramolecules were graphed vs. the nitrogen-oxygen separation. Primary amines gave a distinct energy minimum at a nitrogen-oxygen separation of about 1.54 A and a nitrogen-oxygen-oxygen “bond” angle of about 119°. The electron density at nitrogen and the distal oxygen in the minimum energy complex, relative to that in the individual molecules, indicated a substantial (approximately 0.3 esu) transfer of charge from nitrogen to oxygen, consistent with a charge transfer complex. Secondary amines showed a less distinct energy minimum at the same nitrogen-oxygen separation, whereas tertiary amines gave only an inflection point. Because a charge transfer quenching mechanism requires intersystem crossing (singlet to triplet) during complexation, the upper limit of the energy of the charge transfer complex was also calculated by specifying a triplet state. This was substantially higher in energy than the singlet complex in the case of primary and secondary amines, but slightly lower in energy for tertiary amines. This calculated upper limit for the enthalpy of activation of intersystem crossing (quenching) via a charge transfer complex correlated well ( r = −0.97) with the logarithm of the quenching rate constant for a series of amines. The close proximity (1.54 A) required between nitrogen and oxygen in the charge transfer complex explains the sensitivity to steric hindrance in the vicinity of nitrogen observed for singlet oxygen quenching rates by aliphatic amines. These data are consistent with a charge transfer mechanism of quenching of singlet oxygen by amines.
Mechanically Durable Carbon Nanotube−Composite Hierarchical Structures with Superhydrophobicity, Self-Cleaning, and Low-Drag

Superhydrophobic surfaces with high contact angle and low contact angle hysteresis exhibit a self-cleaning effect and low drag for fluid flow. The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf is one of the examples found in nature for superhydrophobic surfaces. For the development of superhydrophobic surfaces, which is important for various applications such as glass windows, solar panels, and microchannels, materials and fabrication methods need to be explored to provide mechanically durable surfaces. It is necessary to perform durability studies on these surfaces. Carbon nanotube (CNT), composite structures which would lead to superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and low-drag, were prepared using a spray method. As a benchmark, structured surfaces with lotus wax were also prepared to compare with the durability of CNT composite structures. To compare the durability of the various fabricated surfaces, waterfall/jet tests were conducted to determine the loss of superhydrophobicity by changing the flow time and pressure c...
Integer goal programming for multistage lot sizing: Experimentation and implementation

Abstract This article considers the issues involved in implementing a large-scale multistage lot sizing model in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, and reports on a series of sensitivity experiments that subsequently examined the critical impacts of system capacity and inventory policy on the specification of a multistage schedule. The model was initially developed as an aggregate scheduling aid for a class of tablet pharmaceuticals. The manufacture of tablet products is a serial-type process characterized by batch flow. The model placed multiple resource capacity restrictions on various stages of the multistage system to ensure the feasibility of the resultant schedules. Difficulties in estimating penalty costs for shortages were circumvented by employing a multi-objective formulation of the lot-sizing problem. Various obstacles encountered during the implementation process are discussed. Model implementation encompassed the development of an approximation algorithm for efficiently solving the large-scale problem. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by examining the closeness to optimality of the solutions obtained using the procedure. Performance statistics are presented for the sensitivity experiments discussed herein. Another essential aspect of implementation involved the timely revision of model input parameters. This facet of implementation proved to be at least as important to management as the efficient provision of a “good” solution. Model experimentation centered on variations in the capacities of bottleneck resources and changes in target inventory parameters whose values are predetermined by company policy. The first set of experiments was designed to demonstrate the importance of system capacity to the lot-sizing process and to illustrate that the location of a system bottleneck can vary over time as a function of both internal and external factors. The results indicated that lot-sizing procedures that fail to incorporate capacity information or that focus on a single bottleneck production stage in order to schedule production are severely limited with respect to practical and/or long-term applicability. The final set of inventory-related experiments indicated that the specification of target ending inventory levels was a crucial factor in the lot-sizing process. The determination of appropriate target levels must reflect the inherent trade-off between the objective of minimizing shortages and the desire to avoid excessive inventory accumulations. The generation of usable model information was found to be contingent upon the realistic definition of target level parameters.
Interleukin 13 and the β-adrenergic blockade theory of asthma revisited 40 years later

Background β 2 -Adrenergic agonists are the most potent agents clinically used in inhibiting and preventing the immediate response to bronchoconstricting agents and in inhibiting mast cell mediator release. This raises the possibility that an abnormality in β-adrenergic receptor function or circulating catecholamine levels could contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. Objective To link interleukin 13 (IL-13) to the pathogenesis of asthma. Methods Almost 4 decades ago, Andor Szentivanyi published a β-adrenergic theory of atopic abnormality in bronchial asthma. He proposed 9 characteristics to define bronchial asthma. Because he published these 9 tenets of the β-adrenergic blockade theory of asthma in 1968, it is appropriate and important to evaluate their relevance in light of advances in pharmacology, inflammation, and immunology. Results We describe the effects of the allergic reaction on β-adrenergic responses and airway responsiveness. Both IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor α have been detected in increased amounts in bronchial lavage fluids in allergic airway inflammation. Both IL-13 and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor α have been demonstrated in airway smooth muscle to cause a decreased relaxation response to β-adrenergic agonist. However, IL-13 has been shown to be necessary and sufficient to produce the characteristics of asthma. Conclusion The decreased adrenergic bronchodilator activity and associated hypersensitivity to mediators put forth by Szentivanyi can be elicited with IL-13 and support its role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Parents’ knowledge of and opinions about healthcare laws and technology in primary care

Purpose Historically, parents have demonstrated poor understanding of adolescent healthcare laws. This study assessed US parents’ current knowledge and opinions about technology facilitated physician–adolescent communication and applicable laws to enhance transition to adult health care. Methods A brief survey in two low-income academic paediatric clinics asked parents about their knowledge of health care and laws, and their opinions about technology facilitated contact between physicians and adolescents. Results Almost all parents (96.7%) have internet access at home, work or via a mobile device. Only 44.1% approved of having a physician directly contact their child about annual examinations, immunisations or to discuss issues of sexuality. Half (55.4%) were aware that adolescents could receive confidential sexuality information and treatment without parents’ permission. Only one-third (32.2%) approved of a specific technology for direct communication. Conclusions Parents are divided about direct physician–adolescent contact. Future plans to engage adolescents to understand their health will require parental education and involvement on the value of physician–adolescent communication.
The breaking strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers

Abstract Ultimate mechanical properties of polyethylene fibers were measured. Results are in close agreement with the stress-induced melting theory of fracture (for finite molecular weight polymers). The perfect fiber work of rupture W c , modulus K c , strength σ c , and strain e c are found to be W c =0.084±0.003 GPa; σ c =7.5 GPa; K c =335±12 GPa; e c =0.0225±0.0005. The activation energy of fracture is measured as ≈108 kJ/mol—the activation energy of polyethylene fusion and one-third the activation energy of bond scission. Non-uniformity of fibers necessitates averaging properties over several test lengths. Actual stress-strain curves are decomposed into thermodynamic and irreversible components. Fusion theory applies to the thermodynamic component..
The structure of MgO films on NaCl-type alkali halides

Abstract MgO films were deposited on LiF, NaCl and KCl at 25–300°C in residual gas pressures of 10 -5 and 10 -7 Torr and in oxygen at 10 -4 –10 -5 Torr. The film's structure was examined by reflection high energy electron diffraction. The impurities in the films were determined by infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that MgO initially formed three-dimensional islands in parallel orientation. The deposition temperature at which parallel orientation occurred depended on the nature of the substrate. The mode of MgO growth and the parallel orientation were not influenced by the pressure of residual gases or by the presence of oxygen. The parallel orientation persisted up to a film thickness that was influenced by the nature of the substrate and also by the incorporation of defects and impurities into the growing films.
Social capital, value, and measure: Antonio Negri's challenge to capitalism

This article engages one of the most important concepts in Knowledge Management, namely, the concept of "social capital," focusing upon the problem of measure and value in capitalism, specifically within the period and conditions of post-Fordist production. The article engages work that has emerged from out of the Italian Workerist and Autonomist Marxist movements (as well as French post-structuralist theory) since the 1960s, and it particularly focuses upon the work of the contemporary Italian philosopher and political activist, Antonio Negri.1 In doing so, it presents a more politically "Left" development of the concept of social capital than is often possible within the largely Management-defined discourses common to Knowledge Management. At the same time, however, the article points to the importance of Knowledge Management as a symptom of a turn in political economy, even though Knowledge Management, because of its provenance, has been unable to fully explore social capital as a shift in capitalist notions of value.
Comparative media research: The world according to America

Comparative and international communication research in the United States reflects an institutional proximity to communication and media theory and research and acts upon a problematic that is largely defined by the economic and political interests of the United States government. Such an ideological position dominates the development of the field and defines its theoretical and methodological parameters. The emergence of a cultural studies perspective provides opportunities for a critique of the prevailing practice and offers a comprehensive, contextualized approach to the study of societies.
Glioma occurrence after sellar irradiation: case report and review.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor neogenesis is an uncommon but known consequence after therapeutic irradiation of the central nervous system. Causative agents for glioma induction remain unknown, but laboratory and clinical data suggest a possible role for radiation as a promotor. In the treatment of both pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas, adjunctive conventional radiation therapy has long played a role. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: This report details two cases in which patients received standard sellar irradiation for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas and later were diagnosed with gliomas, after a latency period of 11 and 18 years, respectively. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature with 30 reports of gliomas developing after conventional radiation for treatment of pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas is presented. The mean dose for craniopharyngiomas (n = 8) was 5800 cGy, with a mean latency of 11.5 years from initial diagnosis to the eventual discovery of the gliomas. The mean dose for the treatment of pituitary adenomas (n = 24) was 5300 cGy, with a mean latency of 10.4 years. CONCLUSION: Typical features of the resulting gliomas included presentation in young patients, histologically high grades, and occurrence within the temporal lobe. A large proportion of gliomas were associated with growth hormone-secreting adenomas. This review assesses the implication of doses of conventional radiotherapy that were previously thought to be benign and concludes that although radiation-associated gliomas are uncommon, they represent a potentially devastating long-term risk. Based on this analysis, treatment of sellar tumors with conventional fractionated radiotherapy should be carefully considered and perhaps used primarily in those cases for which radiosurgery is not appropriate.
The Theory of Plasticity: A Survey of Recent Achievements

After a brief historical introduction, recent achievements in the theory of plasticity are surveyed with emphasis on applications in mechanical engineering.Kinematic models are presented that indicate the complexities of mechanical behaviour in the plastic range. The fundamental theorems of limit analysis are discussed, and their application to two- and three-dimensional problems is illustrated by examples. Shakedown analysis and limit design are defined. Problems involving large plastic deformations are discussed with special reference to metal forming processes. Applications of the theory of plasticity to impact testing and blast damage are reviewed. Recent changes in the theory of structural stability in the plastic range are mentioned. Throughout the lecture, impending developments of the theory of plasticity are indicated.
Theory of Inelastic Scattering of Electrons from Solids

The general properties of the single electron wave functions for a crystal are discussed, and an expression derived for the probability of excitation by electron bombardment as a function of the two electronic levels involved in the transition. When the excitation energy is small compared with the energy of the bombarding electron, the relative transitions probabilities approach those for excitation by radiation. A detailed calculation has been carried out for the case of solid copper, for which the energy levels are now known from other work. Approximate wave functions \char22{}of the atomic type for the lower state, free-electron-like for the upper state\char22{}were used to evaluate the transition integrals. The calculated distribution curve for the inelastically scattered electrons is in fair agreement with the experimental curve in the region of small energy losses: the rapid rise from small values and the following two maxima exhibited by the experimental curve are all reproduced in their proper positions. The departures for higher losses are attributed to the fact that the free-electron-like wave functions used are not a proper approximation to the actual functions in this region.
Adenosine Kinase Inhibitors. 6. Synthesis, Water Solubility, and Antinociceptive Activity of 5-Phenyl-7-(5-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines Substituted at C4 with Glycinamides and Related Compounds

4-(Phenylamino)-5-phenyl-7-(5-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1) and related compounds known as “diaryltubercidin” analogues are potent inhibitors of adenosine kinase (AK) and are orally active in animal models of pain such as the rat formalin paw model (GP3269 ED50 = 6.4 mg/kg). However, the utility of this compound class is limited by poor water solubility that can be attributed to the high energy of crystallization caused by stacking of the parallel C4 and C5 aryl rings in the solid state (compound 1 and GP3269 each with pH 7.4 solubility <0.05 μg/mL). To increase water solubility, the hydrophobic C4-phenylamino substituent was replaced with a more hydrophilic group, glycinamide. This modification resulted in improved water solubility while retaining AK inhibition potency. Analogues were studied where changes in the glycinamide moiety were combined with changes to the base and sugar. A lead compound, 4-N-(N-cyclopropylcarbamoylmethyl)amino-5-phenyl-7-(5-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo...
412 HEMODYNAMIC AND PHARMACODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF HIGH-DOSE FENTANYL ON NEWBORN PIGLETS

High-dose fentanyl is used for intra- and postoperative newborn cardiac anesthesia, yet its pharmacodynamic effects on the major determinants of cardiac output in the newborn are unknown. We studied 25 acutely-instrumented healthy piglets < 2 wks old; 5 received 50 μg/kg IV fentanyl (F), 5 controls received only 0.01-0.03 mg/kg IV atropine (A) to fix HR, and 9 received both (F/A). F pharmacokinetics were studied in 6 others. Mean plasma F concentrations were 25.4, 12.7, and 7.9 ng/ml at 5, 15, and 30 min, respectively, T½(α)=2.1 min and T½(β)= 35.8 min. Piglets given only F had their maximum hemodynamic changes from baseline at 5 min: MAP +42%, CI -42% (thermodilution), HR -36%, LVEDP +81%, and TPRI +93% (p<.05 vs baseline for each variable). The degree of change correlated well with the log F concentration (r=.98, p<.05). In F pigs, contractility (LV peak dP/dT and echo shortening fraction) did not change. However, piglets given F/A had no significant hemodynamic changes from baseline, other than a 14% increase in MAP, and were statistically similar to the control group given A alone. Fentanyl, when given alone, had adverse effects on newborn piglets, but fentanyl with atropine did not alter normal hemodynamics during the first elimination half-life. The use of fentanyl is recommended for newborns provided a vagolytic agent is used concomitantly.
Condensed-matter physics: plasmas put in order.

Plasmas are usually a hot soup of dissociated electrons and ions. There are, however, techniques for cooling plasmas, and simulations show that an ultracold plasma could be made to crystallize.
Comparison of Methods for Determining Intrinsic Viscosities from Non-Newtonian Viscosities

Absolute flow curves for solutions of two samples of cotton cellulose at concentra tions of 0.1. 0.2. and 0.3 g. 100 ml. in 0.5 M cupriethylenediamine were determined over a shear stress range of 0.01-1000 dynes sq. cm. Both rotational and capillary viscome ters were employed. All three solutions behaved as Newtonian fluids below a shear stress of 1.0 dyne sq. cm.Various methods of calculating intrinsic viscosities were investigated. Values based on zero shear rate viscosities are required to avoid dependence on the viscometric proce dure. Where determination of intrinsic viscosities is not the primary objective, the best method for precise differentiation among closely similar samples appears to be compari son of apparent viscosities using a single high concentration and as low a standard shear stress as practicable. Intrinsic viscosity determinations, based on non-Newtonian vis cosities, are less satisfactory.
Multi-time scale stream flow predictions: The support vector machines approach

Effective lead-time stream flow forecast is one of the key aspects of successful water resources management in arid regions. In this research, we present new data-driven models based on Statistical Learning Theory that were used to forecast flows at two time scales: seasonal flow volumes and hourly stream flows. The models, known as Support Vector Machines, are learning systems that use a hypothesis space of linear functions in a Kernel induced higher dimensional feature space, and are trained with a learning algorithm from optimization theory. They are based on a principle that aims at minimizing the generalized model error (risk), rather than just the mean square error over a training set. Due to Mercer's condition on the kernels the corresponding optimization problems are convex and hence have no local minima. Empirical results from these models showed a promising performance in solving site-specific, real-time water resources management problems. Stream flow was forecasted using local-climatological data and requiring far less input than physical models. In addition, seasonal flow volume predictions were improved by incorporating atmospheric circulation indicators. Specifically, use of the North-Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies (SSTA) improved flow volume predictions.