cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermographic detection and quantitative characterization of corrosion by application of thermal line source

Recent advances in thermal imaging technology have spawned a number of new thermal nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that provide quantitative information about flaws in aircraft structures. Thermography has a number of advantages as an inspection technique for aircraft. It is a totally noncontacting, nondestructive, imaging technology capable of inspecting a large area in a mater of a few seconds. The development of fast, inexpensive image processors have aided in the attractiveness of thermography as an NDE technique. These image processors have increased the signal to noise ratio of thermography and facilitated significant advances in post-processing. The resulting digital images enable archival records for comparison with later inspections thus providing a means of monitoring the evolution of damage in a particular structure. NASA Langley Research Center has developed a thermal NDE technique designed to image and quantitatively characterize the thickness of thin aluminum sheets. The technique involves the movement of a thermal line source across the outer surface of a sample followed by an IR imager at a fixed distance behind the line source. Images of the material loss due to corrosion are reconstructed from measurements of the induced surface temperature variations. This paper will present a discussion of the development of the thermal imaging system as well as the techniques used to reconstruct images of flaws. The application of the thermal line source coupled with the analysis technique represents a significant improvement in the quantification of flaws over conventional thermal imaging. Results of laboratory experiments on specimens with fabricated material loss region swill be presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the technique. An integral part of the development of this technology is the use of analytic and computational modeling to optimize the technique and reduce the data. The experimental results will be compared with simulations to demonstrate the utility of such an approach.
Chondromyxoid Fibroma of Sphenoid Sinus with Unusual Calcifications: Case Report with Literature Review

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign primary tumor which usually affects the metaphyses of the long bone of the lower extremities in childhood and young adults. Rarely, CMF occurs in the skull base and parasinuses, which may be difficult to distinguish from chondrosarcoma or chordoma and other tumors in the head. It is composed of chondroid, myxoid, and fibrous tissue growth in a lobular pattern, infrequently with calcifications. We report one case of CMF involving the sphenoid sinus mimicking a chondrosarcoma. The tumor mass showed calcifications on images and histology.
Severe auditory processing disorder secondary to viral meningoencephalitis

AbstractObjective: To describe auditory function in an individual with bilateral damage to the temporal and parietal cortex. Design: Case report. Study sample: A previously healthy 17-year old male is described who sustained extensive cortical injury following an episode of viral meningoencephalitis. He developed status epilepticus and required intubation and multiple anticonvulsants. Results: Serial brain MRIs showed bilateral temporoparietal signal changes reflecting extensive damage to language areas and the first transverse gyrus of Heschl on both sides. The patient was referred for assessment of auditory processing but was so severely impaired in speech processing that he was unable to complete any formal tests of his speech processing abilities. Audiological assessment utilizing objective measures of auditory function established the presence of normal peripheral auditory function and illustrates the importance of the use of objective measures of auditory function in patients with injuries to the au...
Abrasive wear of Si3N4MoSi2 composites

Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) particles have been added to silicon nitride (Si3N4) to form ceramic matrix-intermetallic composites. Benefits associated with the addition of the MoSi2 to Si3N4 include higher strength, higher fracture toughness, no loss in oxidation resistance, and lower electrical resistivity. However, since the hardness of MoSi2 is approximately half that of Si3N4, a significant decrease in the specific wear rate of the Si3N4MoSi2 composites is expected to result from the incorporation of the MoSi2 in the Si3N4. In this study, it was found, however, that the wear resistance of Si3N4 improves slightly or is unaffected by additions of small volume fractions (≤20%) of MoSi2 particles, during two-body abrasion by SiC particles. At higher volume fractions, the Si3N4MoSi2 composites wear at rates no greater than 1.5 times that of monolithic Si3N4. The volume wear of the composites was dependent on composite hardness, fracture toughness and microstructural features (i.e. MoSi2 particle size). Given equivalent hardness and fracture toughness for a composite pair at the same volume fraction, however, the composite with the smaller MoSi2 particle exhibited the lower wear rate. The abrasive wear behavior of the Si3N4MoSi2 composites can be described in terms of the inverse rule of mixtures for composites.
Hemispheric differences in grammatical class.

Although a number of studies have examined lexical asymmetries in hemispheric processing, few have systematically investigated differences between nouns and verbs. Lateralization effects of grammatical class were examined by presenting nouns and verbs of both high and low frequency to either the right or left visual field. Results from both a noun/verb categorization and a lexical decision task revealed a significant visual field by grammatical class interaction. Further analyses revealed that verbs were processed faster in the left compared to the right hemisphere, while there was no hemispheric advantage for the processing of nouns. The present study provides new evidence for the role of grammatical class in lexical processing.
A microprocessor-based portable computer: The IBM 5100

The introduction of the IBM 5100 portable computer with its high-level APL and Basic languages presents yet another application for the Powerful versatile microprocessor. This paper presents the IBM 5100 from several aspects. The first section is an overview of the computer including a description of the machine's physical attributes, functional capabilities, languages, and features. A detailed description of the characteristics of the 5100's hardware and firmware architecture follows. Later sections discuss the logical and physical attributes of the computer's microprocessor and application areas for the 5100. Finally, a brief projection on the future of microprocessor-based portable computers is presented.
TISSUE ADHESIVE THERAPY FOR CORNEAL PERFORATIONS

The current indications for and method of application of tissue adhesive are described. A method for an expanded utilisation of tissue adhesive is discussed. To study the effect of the introduction of tissue adhesive to The Wilmer Institute in 1974, the records of 104 consecutive non-traumatic corneal perforations or descemetoceles admitted to The Wilmer Institute from 1960 to 1980 were assessed retrospectively with follow-up being obtained from records or from referral physicians for 87 of these perforations. Forty-nine percent of the cases were caused by bacterial corneal ulcers, 13% by exposure, 12% by chemical burns, 6% by fungal keratitis, 5% by herpes simplex keratitis, and 15% were undiagnosed. Since the introduction of tissue adhesive in 1974, there has been an apparent trend towards a lower enucleation rate (6%) in the tissue adhesive treated group compared with 19% in perforations treated by other therapies.
Purification and characterization of OTF-1, a transcription factor regulating cell cycle expression of a human histone H2b gene

An octamer-binding transcription factor, OTF-1, which stimulates transcription of a human histone H2b gene, has been purified from HeLa nuclear extracts. This purification was achieved through the use of DNA affinity chromatography, and the factor was unambiguously identified by renaturation of activity following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified factor retained the ability to efficiently stimulate H2b transcription in a reconstituted in vitro system. This effect was dependent upon an intact octamer element and was observed in the absence of the other H2b promoter elements (except the TATA motif). Furthermore, this activity was not detected in nuclear extracts prepared from cells synchronized in G2, in agreement with the in vivo data showing S-phase-specific utilization of the octamer element. From these data, we conclude that we have purified the bona fide H2b transcriptional regulatory factor.
A note on the asymptotic expansion of an integral occurring in the analysis of certain bi-media crack problems

Abstract An asymptotic analysis of an integral occurring in the study of the stress field near the rim of a penny shaped crack at the interface of two bonded dissimilar elastic media is carried out.
Nuclear protein synthesis and phosphorylation in Friend erythroleukemia cells stimulated with DMSO.

Abstract Patterns of nuclear protein synthesis and phosphorylation have been investigated in Friend erythroleukemia cells. The rate of incorporation of [ 3 H]leucine and [ 32 P]phosphate remains relatively constant during the first 48 h of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) stimulation, when more than 90% of the cells commit to erythroid differentiation, but falls to 20% by 120 h. Histone H2A phosphorylation is greatly increased during DMSO treatment, but no significant changes were found in the non-histone phosphoprotein patterns as determined by gel electrophoresis. There is also a small, but reproducible, change in the relative amounts of the two sub-fractions of histone H2A. There are no striking changes in the electrophoretic patterns of [ 14 C]leucine-labelled nuclear proteins during the first 48 h, but the amount and the synthesis of two proteins of 46 000 and 280 000 D are increased somewhat during this period. Another protein, of molecular weight 65 000, appears to be induced in low amounts.
Event-related potentials to faces : the effects of priming and recognition

Short-term visual memory, as in both implicit priming and explicit recognition tasks, can be demonstrated by decreased reaction times, the ability to preferentially select previously presented objects from lists and the ability to more readily complete previously exposed words from fragmented letters. The visual processing of faces occurs separately from the visual processing of non-face stimuli, within discrete areas of bilateral posterior inferotemporal cortices. While visual recognition and memory of faces are independent of those for non-faces, their processing appears to be similar. We have demonstrated an electrophysiologic correlate of short-term visual memory in a face-matching paradigm. We have observed a series of evoked potential components consisting predominantly of a C140, C180 and C240 with a posterior, bitemporal distribution. The priming effect is reflected by a diminution of C240 amplitude in the response to repeated pictures of faces compared to novel pictures of faces. These data reflect a previously unreported set of neurophysiological observations on short-term visual memory for faces.
In situ growth and mortality of mesozooplankton during the austral fall and winter in Marguerite Bay and its vicinity

Abstract Zooplankton play a critical role in the austral winter ecosystem of the Southern Ocean, transporting biomass from lower to higher trophic level organisms through their consumption and growth, and ultimately determining the survival of marine animals such as sea birds and mammals. Previous studies have provided evidence that krill utilize zooplankton through austral winter when the primary production is negligible. Though they are different, all survival strategies produce the same result, a decrease in total zooplankton biomass. It is difficult to examine the total zooplankton biomass balance and process rates from traditional net tow samples because of the spatial variation in zooplankton distribution and the lack of applicable mathematical methods to estimate population process rates. This study focuses on short-term (overnight) loss rates of mesozooplankton associated with adult krill grazing in austral fall and the long-term (winter) body growth and removal rates of mesozooplankton in austral winter based on measurements of zooplankton size structures obtained using an Optical Plankton Counter (OPC) mounted on a Multiple Opening and Closing Nets and Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS). In order to target an adult Euphausia superba aggregation for a short period, a 153 kHz Vessel-Mounted (VM) Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was used for the acoustic backscattering. The in situ process rates of growth and mortality are estimated based on the biomass balance and biomass spectrum theory. The overnight in situ grazing by adult E. superba on mesozooplankton is examined based on the in situ measurements of mesozooplankton biovolume within the water where an adult E. superba aggregation remained during a short study period in late April. The measurements show that approximately 16% of the existing mesozooplankton biovolume was removed in 4 h, which leads to an average specific daily grazing rate of 0.96 day - 1 assuming a daily feeding period of 16 h from dusk to dawn. From the amount of biovolume removed and the abundance of adult euphausiids of approximately 3 individuals m - 3 estimated from the volume backscattering strength and the size of adult euphausiids, the daily ration for an adult euphausiid is approximately equal to 7% body biovolume or biomass day - 1 . The total mesozooplankton biovolume decreased at a specific rate of 0.017 day - 1 over the austral winter 2002, while the specific individual body growth was approximately 0.045 day - 1 . The sum of these two rates leads to the specific mortality rate equal to approximately 0.07 day - 1 for the winter. These rates lead to a system efficiency of 67% for recycling the biomass during the winter. The measurements indicate that approximately 90% of biovolume (biomass) was removed in the period between the fall cruise in April–May and the winter cruise in August–September 2002.
Super Broensted Acid Catalysis

Review: design, development and application of strong Broensted acids to organic reactions; 63 refs.
Oxygen Isotope Fractionation in the System Dolomite-Calcite-Carbon Dioxide

Oxygen isotopes were equilibrated between carbon dioxide and calcite at four temperatures in the range 350° to 610°C and between carbon dioxide and dolomite at 350° and 400°C. Carbon of unusual isotopic composition was used as a tracer to demonstrate the nature and extent of the exchange process. Extrapolation of these data at lower temperatures indicates that at 25°C dolomite is enriched in oxygen-18 by 6.8 per mil with respect to calcite. This result indicates that those natural dolomite-calcite assemblages which show very small fractionations were not formed in isotopic equilibrium.
Evaluation of herbicide-coated larvae of Bactra verutana [Lep.: Tortricidae] to control nutsedges [Cyperus rotundus L. and C. esculentus L.]

Feeding by 10-day old mid-instar larvae of the native moth,Bactra verutana Zeller, coated with solutions of bentazon [3-isopropyl-1 H-3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] or glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine], reduced the dry weight of purple (Cyperus rotundus L.) or yellow nutsedge (C. esculentus L.) an average 25% more than did uncoated larvae. The herbicide-coated larvae reduced dry weight by 71% for 4-week yellow nutsedge and by 80% for 2-week purple nutsedge plants within 15 days after release. This integrated approach was apparently not pratical, however, because larvae randomly damaged the non-target crops, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and turnip (Brassica rapa L.). The more mature larvae killed about 3% of the cotton and 14% of the turnip plants. Newly-emerged larvae were highly sensitive to the herbicides. Mature larvae are less host-specific than are newly-emerged larvae. Therefore, the use of repeated broadcasts of newly-emergedB. verutana larvae is still the best method known for using insects to control nutsedge.
Agricultural Changes and Drinking among the Bolivian Camba: A Longitudinal View of the Aftermath of a Revolution

Alors que les Camba de Bolivie ont connu depuis les annees 1950 maints changements economiques, politiques et agricoles (systeme quasi-feodal, systeme democratique, dictature militaire puis anarchie politique, horticulture sur brulis puis agriculture mecanisee, canne a sucre pour une utilisation locale puis coton pour l'exportation, elevage et cocaine), tous continuent de boire comme ils en avaient l'habitude et aucun probleme ne serait lie a cette pratique
Fracture and dislocation properties : an ab-initio electronic structure approach

Abstract The mechanisms of that underline the mechanical behavior of the ductile/brittle behavior and anomalous mechanical response of materials with interfaces are still far from being well understood and remain a challenge to theoretical explanation. These problems can be extremely difficult, since for example, in transition metals, accurate, microscopic descriptions of the directional covalent chemical bonding are required for modeling mesoscale phenomena (e.g. dislocations, crack tips). We present examples of fundamental studies of several aspects related with mechanical properties on the basis of ab-initio calculations of the cleavage and generalized stacking fault (GSF or γ-surface) energetics, the effects of impurities and transition-metal additions on Fe grain boundary cohesion, and extended-point defect interaction characteristics needed for further Peierls–Nabarro, Rice–Thomson and Rice–Wang theoretical analyses. We emphasize the importance of accurate, ab-initio electronic structure determinations of the interatomic interactions, the effects of local atomic relaxation, the electronic states on dislocations, and the dislocation structure and mobility needed for understanding the mechanical response of solids on a fundamental level.
Mouse lymphoma cells destined to undergo apoptosis in response to thapsigargin treatment fail to generate a calcium-mediated grp78/grp94 stress response

grp78/grp94 induction is critical for maintaining the viability of epithelial cells and fibroblasts following treatment with thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast to these cell types, WEHI7.2 mouse lymphoma cells undergo apoptosis when treated with TG, prompting us to examine the grp78/grp94 stress response in WEHI7.2 cells. TG treatment failed to induce grp78/grp94 transcription in WEHI7.2 cells, measured by Northern hybridization and nuclear run-on assays, even if the cells were protected from apoptosis by overexpressing bcl-2. However, grp78/grp94 transcription was induced by the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin, suggesting that there are at least two grp78/grp94 signaling pathways, one in response to TG-induced endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pool depletion, which is inoperable in WEHI7.2 cells, and one in response to glycosylation inhibition, which is operable in WEHI7.2 cells. Studies of additional lymphoid lines, as well as several nonlymphoid lines, suggested a correlation between grp78/grp94 induction and resistance to apoptosis following TG treatment. In conclusion, the vulnerability of TG-treated WEHI7.2 cells to apoptosis may be due to failure to signal a grp78/grp94 stress response.
The Bi-Phasic Nature of Certain Alpha-Prime (?) Hemolytic Streptococci

SummaryA certain Group A hemolytic streptococcus has been observed to recapitulate a viridans phase capable of selection at pH 6, but not capable of stabilization as such. Temporarily stabilized strains have, however, been observed to occur naturally in clinical cases. The prompt response to sulfanilamide might become misleading, if their true nature as hemolytic streptococci was not recognized.
Radial Approach: A New Concept in Surgical Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation I. Concept, Anatomic and Physiologic Bases and Development of a Procedure

Abstract Background . The maze procedure cures atrial fibrillation; however, it isolates the pulmonary vein area and results in discordant activation in certain adjacent left atrial segments, which affects left atrial function. To preserve a more physiologic atrial transport function, we developed a new concept of surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation—the radial approach. The atrial incisions radiate from the sinus node toward the atrioventricular annular margins to allow a more physiologic atrial activation sequence and parallel the atrial coronary arteries to preserve blood supply to most atrial segments. Methods . We examined the atrial coronary arteries and the activation sequence during sinus rhythm in normal canine hearts to design the atrial incisions according to the concept of a radial approach. Results . The pattern of coronary artery distribution was centripetal, branching from the right coronary or left circumflex coronary artery at the right or left atrioventricular groove and spreading toward the sinus node. The endocardial mapping of the atria disclosed some important findings in designing the atrial incisions of the radial approach: the activation sequence at the left atrial septum and at the posterior left atrium between the pulmonary vein orifices. The atrial incisions were designed according to these findings. Conclusions . The radial approach may represent a more physiologic atrial transport function.
Preclinical characterization of the Spyglass peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy system for direct access, visualization, and biopsy

Background Current cholangioscopes are restricted to 2 deflection angles and require more than 1 operator. The newly developed Spyglass peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy system provides 4-way deflected steering by a single operator. Objective To evaluate access and biopsy in all simulated biliary-duct quadrants with the Spyglass system, high-level disinfection of the reusable Spyglass optical probe, and feasibility of in vivo biopsy. Design Laboratory simulations comparing biliary-duct access and biopsy with the Spyglass versus a conventional system, laboratory determination of high-level disinfection effectiveness, and observational investigation of biopsies in a porcine model. Setting Research laboratories. Main Outcome Measurements Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for successful access to all quadrants and simulated biopsy. Results Success rates for access in all quadrants were significantly higher with the Spyglass system than with the control system, both without (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.39-2.29) and with (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.56-2.78) biopsy forceps loaded. Higher success rates were also attained by using the Spyglass system to access biopsy targets (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.60-2.91) and to perform simulated biopsies (RR 2.94, 95% CI 2.05-4.52). Microbial species log reductions of 6.0 to 7.0 were achieved by high-level disinfection of Spyglass optical probes. In 31 in vivo porcine biopsies yielding adequate gross specimens, the quality for histologic examination was excellent to adequate for 90% of specimens. Limitations Study procedures were performed by a single nonblinded operator. All data were collected ex vivo or in animals, and clinical applicability remains to be determined. Conclusions The Spyglass system allows access and biopsy in all quadrants and merits clinical investigation.
Neuroendocrine actions of organohalogens: Thyroid hormones, arginine vasopressin, and neuroplasticity

Organohalogen compounds are global environmental pollutants. They are highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and cause adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Because of the widespread use of these organohalogens in household items and consumer products, indoor contamination may be a significant source of human exposure, especially for children. One significant concern with regard to health effects associated with exposure to organohalogens is endocrine disruption. This review focuses on PCBs and PBDEs as old and new organohalogens, respectively, and their effects on two neuroendocrine systems; thyroid hormones and the arginine vasopressin system (AVP). Regarding neuroendocrine effects of organohalogens, there is considerable information on the thyroid system as a target and evidence is now accumulating that the AVP system and associated functions are also susceptible to disruption. AVP-mediated functions such as osmoregulation, cardiovascular function as well as social behavior, sexual function and learning/memory are discussed. For both thyroid and AVP systems, the timing of exposure seems to play a major role in the outcome of adverse effects. The mechanism of organohalogen action is well understood for the thyroid system. In comparison, this aspect is understudied in the AVP system but some similarities in neural processes, shown to be targeted by these pollutants, serve as promising possibilities for study. One challenge in understanding modes of action within neuroendocrine systems is their complexity stemming, in part, from interdependent levels of organization. Further, because of the interplay between neuroendocrine and neural functions and behavior, further investigation into organohalogen-mediated effects is warranted and may yield insights with wider scope. Indeed, the current literature provides scattered evidence regarding the role of organohalogen-induced neuroendocrine disruption in the neuroplasticity related to both learning functions and brain structure but future studies are needed to establish the role of endocrine disruption in nervous system function and development.
Long-term outcome of revised lower-extremity bypass grafts.

Abstract Purpose: Reversed lower-extremity vein grafts (LEVGs) frequently require operative revisions to maintain patency. Identifying grafts that are at risk, however, requires an intensive duplex scanning-based surveillance program. Excellent 5-year graft patency and limb-salvage rates have previously been reported in patients undergoing graft revisions, but results beyond 5 years are essentially unknown, a factor that is of importance in an increasingly aging population. This study was performed to determine the results of surgical revisions of LEVGs after a follow-up as long as 10 years. Methods: All patients undergoing placement of a LEVG were observed in a program of duplex scanning-based surveillance as long as the patient remained a candidate for graft revision. Grafts were considered for revision on the basis of the presence of focal areas of increased velocity, a prestenotic to intrastenotic velocity ratio more than 3.0, or uniformly low velocities throughout the graft. All lesions were confirmed with preoperative arteriography before revision. Assisted primary patency, limb-salvage, and survival rates were determined by means of Kaplan-Meier analysis in all patients who underwent LEVG revision from January 1990 to December 2000. Results: A total of 1498 LEVG procedures were performed during the study period. A total of 330 surgical graft revisions were performed on 259 extremities in 245 patients. The median follow-up period was 38 months. The assisted primary patency rate of all grafts, the limb-salvage rate for patients undergoing surgery for limb-salvage indications, and the survival rate of all patients were 87.4%, 88.7%, and 72.4%, respectively, 5 years after the original bypass grafting procedure, 85.7%, 83.4%, and 67.8%, respectively, 7 years after the original bypass grafting procedure, and 80.4%, 75.4%, and 53.4%, respectively, 10 years after the original bypass grafting procedure. A total of 180 revisions (55%) were performed during the first year, 110 (33%) between the first year and the fifth year, and 40 revisions (12%) were performed on grafts older than 5 years. LEVGs revised within the first year after bypass grafting had lesions within the graft in 78%, in the native arterial inflow in 10%, and in the native arterial outflow in 12%. This differed significantly from the location of lesions in revisions performed between 1 and 5 years and after 5 years (graft, 63% and 62%; inflow, 20% and 19%; outflow, 17% and 19%; P >.05, Chi-square). Conclusion: Excellent assisted primary patency and limb-salvage rates can be achieved for as long as 10 years in LEVGs that require revision, with only a 7% drop in overall patency and limb-salvage rates between the fifth and 10th years. Although most revisions were required within the first year, 34% were performed between the first year and the fifth year, and 11% after 5 years. These data support the growing body of evidence that favors an aggressive regimen of duplex scanning surveillance of LEVGs for the life of the graft. Revised grafts have excellent patency through 10 years. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:56-63.)
What is Attractive about Magnet Schools

For purposes of integration, some magnet schools are more successful than others. Some features improve the likelihood of success.
Selective Activation and Disengagement of Moral Control

Moral conduct is motivated and regulated mainly by the ongoing exercise of self-reactive influence. But self-regulatory mechanisms do not operate unless they are activated, and there are different psychological mechanisms by which moral control can be selectively activated or disengaged from inhumane conduct. Self-sanctions can be disengaged by reconstruing detrimental conduct through moral justification, euphemistic labeling, and advantageous contrast with other inhumanities; by obscuring personal agency in detrimental activities through diffusion and displacement of responsibility; by disregarding or misrepresenting the harmful consequences of inhumane conduct; and by blaming and dehumanizing the victims. These mechanisms of moral disengagement operate not only in the perpetration of inhumanities under extraordinary circumstances, but in everyday situations where people routinely perform activities that bring personal benefits at injurious costs to others. Given the many psychological devices for disengagement of moral control, societies cannot rely solely on individuals, however honorable their standards, to provide safeguards against inhumanities. To function humanely, societies must establish effective social safeguards against moral disengagement practices that foster exploitive and destructive conduct.
Escherichia coli Unsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis: COMPLEX TRANSCRIPTION OF THE fabA GENE AND IN VIVO IDENTIFICATION OF THE ESSENTIAL REACTION CATALYZED BY FabB

Although the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) synthetic pathway of Escherichia coli is the prototype of such pathways, several unresolved issues have accumulated over the years. The key players are the fabA and fabB genes. Earlier studies of fabA transcription showed that the gene was transcribed from two promoters, with one being positively regulated by the FadR protein. The other weaker promoter (which could not be mapped with the technology then available) was considered constitutive because its function was independent of FadR. However, the FabR negative regulator was recently shown to represses fabA transcription. We report that the weak promoter overlaps the FadR-dependent promoter and is regulated by FabR. This promoter is strictly conserved in all E. coli and Salmonella enterica genomes sequenced to date and is thought to provide insurance against inappropriate regulation of fabA transcription by exogenous saturated fatty acids. Also, the fabAup promoter, a mutant promoter previously isolated by selection for increased FabA activity, was shown to be a promoter created de novo by a four-base deletion within the gene located immediately upstream of fabA. Demonstration of the key UFA synthetic reaction catalyzed by FabB has been elusive, although it was known to catalyze an elongation reaction. Strains lacking FabB are UFA auxotrophs indicating that the enzyme catalyzes an essential step in UFA synthesis. Using thioesterases specific for hydrolysis of short chain acyl-ACPs, the intermediates of the UFA synthetic pathway have been followed in vivo for the first time. These experiments showed that a fabB mutant strain accumulated less cis-5-dodecenoic acid than the parental wild-type strain. These data indicate that the key reaction in UFA synthesis catalyzed by FabB is elongation of the cis-3-decenoyl-ACP produced by FabA.
Statistical performance of the MVDR beamformer in the presence of diagonal loading

New results are derived that describe the statistical performance of the MVDR (minimum variance distortionless response) adaptive beamformer when the weights are computed utilizing the sample covariance matrix and diagonal loading. It is well known that undesirably high sidelobes are generated when the unaugmented sample covariance matrix is used as an estimate of the true covariance matrix in adaptive beamforming algorithms. In practice, diagonal loading is frequently employed to reduce this deleterious effect. However, surprisingly little information is available in the technical literature that enables the user to predict the statistical performance of the MVDR algorithm when the sample covariance matrix and diagonal loading are employed. We help fill this gap by generating an approximate probability density function for the adaptive beam response for the diagonally loaded MVDR algorithm. The approximations are valid for an important class of signal scenarios. The utility of the new analysis is demonstrated via simulation. In particular, the new results are used to estimate the probability density function of the range sidelobe level for a wideband radar system in which adaptive beamforming and pulse compression are implemented in subbands.
Effective and Ineffective Parenting Associations With Psychological Adjustment in Emerging Adults

The current study examined the impact of effective and ineffective parenting on emerging adult psychological adjustment as well as parenting characteristics associated with adjusted and maladjusted emerging adults. Participants were 175 male and 309 female emerging adults who completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of their parents’ parenting practices, discipline strategies, and psychopathology as well as their own psychological adjustment. Participants reporting effective parenting from two parents experienced the best adjustment, whereas participants reporting ineffective parenting from two parents experienced the worst adjustment, and participants reporting effective parenting from at least one parent appeared to be protected against the particularly harmful effects of ineffective parenting from two parents. Parental psychopathology, harsh discipline, involvement, and regard for parent and child all strongly differentiated adjusted and maladjusted participants.
Neandertal nasal structures and upper respiratory tract “specialization”

Abstract Schwartz and Tattersall [Schwartz, J. H. & Tattersall, I. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 10852–10854] have argued for a previously unrecognized suite of autapomorphies in the internal nasal region of Neandertals that make them unique, not only among hominids, but possibly among all other terrestrial mammals. These purported autapomorphies include (i) the development of an internal nasal margin bearing a well developed and vertically oriented medial projection; (ii) a pronounced medial swelling of the lateral nasal wall into the posterior nasal cavity; and (iii) the lack of an ossified roof over the lacrimal groove. In addition, Laitman et al. [Laitman, J. T., Reidenberg, J. S., Marquez, S. & Gannon, P. J. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 10543–10545] pointed to these features as evidence for upper respiratory tract specializations among the Neandertals, indicating potential differences in behavior compared with modern humans. Critically reviewing the anatomical basis for Schwartz and Tattersall’s contentions reveals several serious problems with their analysis, including (i) reliance on specimens with damaged, incomplete, or, in some cases, entirely absent relevant anatomy; (ii) failure to consider primary vs. secondary spatial consequences in nasal trait conceptualization; and (iii) failure to consider actual ranges of variation in these traits in both fossil and recent humans. Accordingly, the unique phylogenetic and adaptive “specializations” attributed to Neandertal internal nasal structures are unwarranted.
Hemolysin Production in the Development of Staphylococcal Lesions

The presence of hemolysin in staphylococcal lesions of the rabbit kidney was detected by overlaying sections of kidney with blood agar. Hemolytic activity against rabbit, human, sheep, calf, and guinea pig erythrocytes was present and was not abolished by heating the sections to 60°C for 30 minutes. In developing lesions, hemolytic activity appeared before necrosis or exudation.
Systematic Screening of Dams for Environmental Flow Assessment and Implementation

Environmental flow protections are crucial to the conservation of freshwater biodiversity in dam-regulated river systems. Nevertheless, the implementation of environmental flows has lagged far behind the pace of river ecosystem alteration. The vast number of dams now in operation and the substantial resources required to modify their operations suggest that a systematic approach is needed to identify rivers potentially benefiting from environmental flows. Here, we develop and apply a screening framework that is focused on the selection of dams that warrant environmental flows on the basis of evidence of hydrologic alteration and ecological impairment. Our approach is illustrated for California, where 181 (of an initial 1400+) dams are identified as high-priority candidates to improve environmental flows for native fish conservation. Given the rapid declines of freshwater biodiversity and pervasive alteration to rivers, this systematic screening approach should be useful for guiding the strategic implementation of environmental flows.
On the Estimation of Wave Slope-and Height-Varnance Spectra from SAR Imagery

A procedure is described for using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to estimate two-dimensional ocean wave slope-and height-variance spectra. The logic underpinning the procedure is based both on the results of the numerical simulation of SAR wave imagery and analytic descriptions of the SAR imaging process. The procedure, when applied to SAR imagery of waves acquired during the recent Shuttle Imaging Radar Mission (SIR-B), is shown to produce spectra that agree with independent measures of both the two-dimensional slope-and height-variance spectra. The implications of these results for future SAR missions aimed at measuring ocean waves are considered.
Genetic Algorithms for DNA Sequence Assembly

This paper describes a genetic algorithm application to the DNA sequence assembly problem. The genetic algorithm uses a sorted order representation for representing the orderings of fragments. Two different fitness functions, both based on pairwise overlap strengths between fragments, are tested. The paper concludes that the genetic algorithm is a promising method for fragment assembly problems, achieving usable solutions quickly, but that the current fitness functions are flawed and that other representations might be more appropriate.
Exponential split accumulator for high-speed reduced area low-power direct digital frequency synthesizers

A new split accumulator architecture to be used in direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFS) systems is presented. This new design eliminates the need of adders on the section of the accumulator that is not used to address the phase to amplitude mapping block thus reducing area, constraints in implementation, and up to 82% in power consumption compared to standard designs.
Materializing inferred and uncertain knowledge in RDF datasets

There is a growing need for efficient and scalable semantic web queries that handle inference. There is also a growing interest in representing uncertainty in semantic web knowledge bases. In this paper, we present a bit vector schema specifically designed for RDF (Resource Description Framework) datasets. We propose a system for materializing and storing inferred knowledge using this schema. We show experimental results that demonstrate that our solution drastically improves the performance of inference queries. We also propose a solution for materializing uncertain information and probabilities using multiple bit vectors and thresholds.
Is “Acceptable” Really Acceptable? Comparing Two Scales for Measuring Normative Evaluations in Outdoor Recreation

This research note compares the commonly used scale of “very unacceptable” to “very acceptable” with an alternative scale of “should definitely not allow” to “should definitely allow” for measuring normative evaluations. Data were obtained from 1,422 users at six sites in Hawaii, and norms were measured in questionnaires with photographs depicting increasing use densities. Responses differed statistically between scales with users feeling that there should be more people allowed than they thought were acceptable at each site. The “acceptance” scale also generated more crystallization or agreement, but lower intensity or importance of use levels than the scale based on “should.” Effect sizes, however, showed that the magnitude of these differences was small or minimal, suggesting that the “acceptance” scale may be appropriate.
Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Reconsidered.

A well-known nematologist once said (in public) that soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) was easy to control: “Don’t grow soybeans.” Shortly thereafter, following a barrage of good-natured criticism for this bit of unhelpful advice, he amended the statement to: “Don’t grow soybeans more than once every 5 years or so.” (He made a similar statement in print [22]). From a nematological standpoint, he was quite right in that rotation to a nonhost is the most effective way to reduce SCN population densities and thereby avoid the soybean yield losses associated with moderate to heavy infestations. However, reality often trumps theory, and the reality is that most soybean producers in the U.S. Soybean Belt states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, and adjacent states) have been unwilling to intersperse their soybean crops with more than a year or two of a nonhost, usually corn. In the South, soybean production has declined dramatically (9). For this reason, most of what follows will emphasize SCN in the Midwestern and North Central states, identified in the preceding sentence as the Soybean Belt. Information on a wide range of issues related to SCN management may be found in the recently published Biology and Management of the Soybean Cyst Nematode, Second Edition (29). As the bulk of soybean production in the United States has shifted northward and westward, so has the known distribution of SCN (Figs. 1 and 2). The most recent discovery of SCN was in North Dakota in 2004 (3). For about the past decade, SCN has been considered the most economically important pathogen of soybean in the United States (7,37,38). Since the last time a feature article appeared in Plant Disease about SCN (36), some changes have occurred in our thinking about this pathogen and in approaches to managing soybean in infested fields. These changes include recommendations for scouting, the meaning and use of damage thresholds, and the means of classifying field populations according to virulence phenotypes (“races”). Some of what is included in this article is still very much a matter of debate, and readers are invited to check with their favorite nematologists regarding varying opinions, or with recent reviews (21,29).
Direct Comparison of Three Methods For Predicting Digoxin Concentrations

Three methods of determining digoxin population pharmacokinetic parameters were compared for their abilities to predict 118 measured serum digoxin concentrations (SDCs) in 49 patients. NONMEM software (version IV) was used to generate a residual and a weighted residual for each measured-concentration-predicted-concentration pair. Prediction error analysis was done by a maximum likelihood technique that accounted for several within-patient measures. Data analysis also included graphic observation of weighted residuals (WRES) and calculation of the mean WRES and median absolute prediction error. A further parallel analysis was also carried out on subpopulations with and without concurrent quinidine and congestive heart failure (CHF). Method III was without bias in all subpopulations studied and had the smallest WRES in all populations. Method I was without bias in the overall population, however, it underpredicted SDCs in patients receiving quinidine and in those with CHF. Method II underpredicted SDCs in the overall population, those receiving quinidine, and in patients without CHF. There were no between-method differences in precision as assessed by absolute prediction error.
Current therapy for malignant mesothelioma

This review briefly summarizes the results of previous systemic (chemotherapy) and local (surgery and radiotherapy) treatment attempted to date for malignant mesothelioma. The prospects for newer modalities, ie molecular and biologic therapies, are also highlighted, including results of both preclinical and early clinical research.
The Geometry of Folding Paper Dolls

When a parent sees a little girl sitting on the floor cutting paper dolls, many thoughts may come to mind: ‘She’s keeping out of trouble’ or ‘She’s making a mess’ or even ‘There go my tax returns’. The thought that should have come to my parent’s mind, however, was ‘One day she’ll be a mathematician’. My grandmother, who worked as a dressmaker, often allowed my sister and me to use her razor sharp scissors on the strips of leftover tracing paper. This paper is inspired by a notebook that I kept in grade school when I ‘studied’ paper dolls, and the figures are based on dolls found pressed between the pages.
Sympathetic stimulation and norepinephrine infusion modulate extracellular potassium concentration during acute myocardial ischemia.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sympathetic stimulation modulated the rise in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) evoked by acute myocardial ischemia. In 35 alpha-chloralose-anesthetized dogs, we measured changes in [K+]o during acute myocardial ischemia in the presence and absence of sympathetic stimulation or norepinephrine infusion. A series of four 5-minute occlusions of the distal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was completed in 18 dogs. Thirty minutes of reperfusion separated each LAD occlusion. Four to five K(+)-sensitive electrodes were inserted into the left ventricular midmyocardium that was perfused by the distal LAD. Lead II of the electrocardiogram, arterial pressure, and [K+]o were recorded, and the right atrium was paced at a constant cycle length. The first, second, and fourth LAD occlusions were done in the absence of sympathetic stimulation or norepinephrine infusion. The changes in [K+]o evoked by the first LAD occlusion differed (p 0.2) and served as controls for the responses obtained during the third occlusion. Two minutes before the third LAD occlusion, sympathetic stimulation (4 Hz) or norepinephrine infusion (0.25-0.5 micrograms/kg per minute i.v.) was begun and was continued until 2 minutes after reperfusion. We found that sympathetic stimulation and norepinephrine infusion increased (p < 0.05) myocardial blood flow in both normal and ischemic tissue. The mean response recorded by 23 K(+)-sensitive electrodes in 11 dogs showed that sympathetic stimulation increased (p < 0.001) the [K+]o at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes after the onset of LAD occlusion compared with the second and fourth occlusions. In contrast, the mean response recorded by 20 K(+)-sensitive electrodes in seven dogs showed that norepinephrine infusion reduced (p < 0.02) the [K+]o at 4 and 5 minutes after the onset of LAD occlusion. These data show that sympathetic stimulation increased the [K+]o evoked by acute myocardial ischemia, an effect that was not mimicked by the intravenous administration of norepinephrine.