cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parental Refusal of Beneficial Treatments for Children: Ethical Considerations and the Clinician’s Response

When parents refuse beneficial treatments for their children, it creates a unique set of ethical considerations for the clinician. This dilemma pits respect for parental authority and recognition of the parent–child relationship as an important childhood interest against the clinician’s obligations to promote and protect the health-related interests and wellbeing of the child. This chapter examines the ethical considerations central to this dilemma and provides practical guidance for responding to parental refusals of treatment.
Accounting Controls and Budgeting

Accounting controls and budgeting are among the most potent measures used to direct the operations of entire organizations and individual programs. Often, the accounting mentality focuses on “making the numbers” rather than achieving long-term goals of the organization. Understanding the nature of such controls is vital for interpreting successfully the value of security operations for the entire organization. The office of the chief financial officer (CFO) maintains accounting and financial records that are audited by an outside auditing firm of certified public accountants (CPAs). These accounting records, usually maintained electronically, are the basis for financial reports issued to various parties including management, stockholders, and creditors (banks and other lenders). Measures should be identified so that security can be judged according to important organizational goals and values. In some situations, security programs can create fresh revenues for an organization. However, such measures should not divert security management from its principal tasks for its own organization. Security activities require budgets to operate. Budgeting is inextricably involved with good planning because it seeks to coordinate resources and expenditures.
Institutions Matter: Can New Jersey Reverse Course?

New Jersey entered the 2008 recession in a weakened fiscal and economic condition. With the state’s economy and revenues closely linked to Wall Street, the collapse of the financial sector and its aftershocks - rising unemployment and falling income leaves New Jersey facing “a historic revenue collapse, and the most significant downturn in its modern history,” according to the state’s Treasurer. The recession is severe, but, this fiscal dilemma is not new. The state has experienced structural deficits regularly over the past 20 years.This paper presents a series of reforms based on the successful experience of other governments. We begin with a background discussion of the challenges New Jersey will face in implementing these reforms, by reviewing the state of the state and the loss of the “Old-Time Fiscal Religion,” the foundation of public finance until the Keynesian revolution of the 1940s. We explain the limits of public policy and government intervention. We explore the importance of inter-jurisdictional competition and direct democracy and conclude with recommendations for institutional and policy reforms.
A Meloidogyne incognita effector is imported into the nucleus and exhibits transcriptional activation activity in planta.

Root-knot nematodes are sedentary biotrophic endoparasites that maintain a complex interaction with their host plants. Nematode effector proteins are synthesized in the oesophageal glands of nematodes and secreted into plant tissue through a needle-like stylet. Effectors characterized to date have been shown to mediate processes essential for nematode pathogenesis. To gain an insight into their site of action and putative function, the subcellular localization of 13 previously isolated Meloidogyne incognita effectors was determined. Translational fusions were created between effectors and EGFP-GUS (enhanced green fluorescent protein-β-glucuronidase) reporter genes, which were transiently expressed in tobacco leaf cells. The majority of effectors localized to the cytoplasm, with one effector, 7H08, imported into the nuclei of plant cells. Deletion analysis revealed that the nuclear localization of 7H08 was mediated by two novel independent nuclear localization domains. As a result of the nuclear localization of the effector, 7H08 was tested for the ability to activate gene transcription. 7H08 was found to activate the expression of reporter genes in both yeast and plant systems. This is the first report of a plant-parasitic nematode effector with transcriptional activation activity.
Effective medical resources searching using an ontology‐driven medical information retrieval system: H1N1 case study

Purpose – As international users increase rapidly, multilingual systems have become a very important service for global users. The purpose of this paper is to design and implement an ontology‐driven medical information retrieval (OMIR) system by building a medical ontology based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) medical records.Design/methodology/approach – A traditional cataloging scheme is used as a navigation menu in the CDC system. This traditional cataloging scheme is transformed to a unique medical ontology for global users in the OMIR system. An experimental study was conducted on both an ontology‐driven medical information system (OMIR) and the CDC system.Findings – The medical ontology can be used to filter out unsuitable resources based on semantic relationships. In addition, the recommended resources can be categorized and provide the patron with different languages to access resources. The OMIR system provides better relevancy and shorter search times compared with alte...
Iodine complexes in inert solvents: Part XII. Spectrophotometric studies of the I4 complex in inert solvents

Abstract Molar extinction coefficients at 22.0°C and 45.1°C are reported for the I 4 complex and for I 2 in carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, c -hexane, n -hexane, and n -heptane. Solvent effects are discussed.
Mid-wave infrared lasers employing GaInSb/InAs superlattice active regions

Summary form only given. We report significant improvements in the performance of laser diodes based on semiconductor superlattices, arising from improved extrinsic materials properties and better laser design. Active layers are multiple quantum wells consisting of thin GaInSb-InAs superlattice quantum wells interleaved between GaInAsSb barrier layers. This design was chosen to remove the constraint of lattice match between the GaInSb-InAs superlattices and the substrate, allowing structures with superior intrinsic characteristics to be employed.
Application of Feedback Linearization to Bioreactor Control

This paper presents the procedures and results of Using the input-output linearization technique in the design of a controller for a generic nonlinear continuous bioreactor. Of special interest is the existence of singular points which renders direct application of the input-output linearization theory infeasible. In this paper, we present a modified scheme which allows us to approximately extend the input-output linearization technique across the singular points. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated through computer simulation. This modified method provides a more intuitive insight into the nonlinear system control.
Code contracts for .NET: runtime verification and so much more

The project Code Contracts for .NET [1] comes from the Research in Software Engineering (RiSE) group [5] at Microsoft Research. We took the lessons we learned from the Spec# project [3,4] and have applied them in a setting available to all .NET programmers without the need for them to adopt an experimental programming language or the Spec# programming methodology. It has been available since early 2009 with a commercial use license on the DevLabs [7] web site. Since then there have been about 20,000 downloads, with an active forum of users.
Planar Hybrid Systems

The design of nonlinear dynamical systems to realize the desired behavior of devices and processes is a fundamental problem that is often approached from the perspective of control theory. Control provides a large set of tools for tackling these design problems, but some classes of problems have remained resistant to these methods. This paper discusses a theory of hyb r id sys t ems that extends the concept of a smooth dynamical system to a context in which there is a mixture of continuous time and discrete time elements. This is particularly appropriate for the description of "switching systems" in which digital control is applied to change continuous control laws on a time scale much faster than the dynamical evolution of the device being controlled. Digital control makes it (relatively) easy to build devices in which the applied control is any computable function of system measurements. This enormously widens the scope for the system designs that can be implemented, but the additional design freedom brings with it many more design parameters. Consequently, we seek better theory to provide guiding principles that can help us cope with this new found freedom. This paper is a step in this direction. We consider hybrid systems with two dimensional phase spaces subject only to mild genericity requirements, and describe the types of long term dynamical phenomena displayed by these systems.
Primitive variable implicit approach for compressible chemical vapor deposition

A solution strategy for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations applied to supersonic internal flows has been presented. The implicit time-integration scheme consists of line relaxation written in terms of primitive variables. The linearized terms are a simple approximation of the flux splitting used to discretize the spatial conservation laws. The linearized implicit terms are constructed from central differencing with artificial dissipation. A matrix scaling term is introduced for the implementation of the artificial dissipation in the convective terms. The implicit scheme is effective in propagating shocks and handling interactions with the internal viscous flow features found in an arc-heated plasma jet reactor. Futur efforts are directed toward investigating time preconditioning to enhance convergence in the large regions of low Mach number flow
Multi-Scale Kernels Using Random Walks

We introduce novel multi-scale kernels using the random walk framework and derive corresponding embeddings and pairwise distances. The fractional moments of the rate of continuous time random walk equivalently diffusion rate are used to discover higher order kernels or similarities between pair of points. The formulated kernels are isometry, scale and tessellation invariant, can be made globally or locally shape aware and are insensitive to partial objects and noise based on the moment and influence parameters. In addition, the corresponding kernel distances and embeddings are convergent and efficiently computable. We introduce dual Green's mean signatures based on the kernels and discuss the applicability of the multi-scale distance and embedding. Collectively, we present a unified view of popular embeddings and distance metrics while recovering intuitive probabilistic interpretations on discrete surface meshes.
Organization of the lateral line system in embryonic zebrafish.

We describe the organization of lateral line nerves and ganglia in the embryonic zebrafish, Danio rerio. Two lateral line nerves are found anterior to the otic vesicle: the anterodorsal nerve innervates neuromasts of the supraorbital, infraorbital, and otic lines, whereas the anteroventral nerve innervates the mandibular and opercular lines. An additional two lateral line nerves are found posterior to the otic vesicle: the middle lateral line nerve innervates the middle line, whereas the posterior nerve innervates the occipital dorsal and posterior trunk lines. Preotic nerves converge on a single entry zone into the central nervous system at the facial motor root (mVII), as do axons of the octaval nerve. Postotic nerves converge to a posterior entry zone at the glossopharyngeal root. Both lateral line ganglia and neuromasts develop on a stereotypical schedule. To examine the segmental relationships among cranial ganglia, neural crest, and hindbrain, lateral line organization was analyzed in valentino mutants, which have disruptions in the development of rhombomeres 5-7 and in the third arch neural crest, and are missing glossopharyngeal motor neurons. The proposed corresponding lateral line nerve for this head segment, the middle lateral line, appears to develop normally. However, the middle and posterior nerves do not form a posterior entry zone in the absence of a glossopharyngeal root in val mutants, but instead course anteriorly to join the preotic nerves.
THE EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION OF THE OVIDUCT ON EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY IN THE FOWL

Abstract IONIZING radiations have long been known to affect biological systems, and a great many radiation effects have been described (Duggar, 1936; Hollaender, 1954). Biological processes are generally inhibited by ionizing radiations, except at low levels, and the biological response to the irradiations is proportional to the dose (i.e., the quantity of radiant energy absorbed by the tissue or organism). Although the mechanism of action of ionizing radiations is not completely understood, they can be used to great advantage in the study of biological processes. Functional alteration of tissues, resulting from irradiation, may be used to interpret the normal process of the tissue. In a study of the physiological processes that lead to the formation of the egg shell and albumen, the surgically exposed oviduct was irradiated with graded doses of X-rays, and the nature of the post-irradiation eggs determined. This procedure resulted in some changes of egg production rate and …
Genotyping of Bacillus cereus strains by microarray-based resequencing.

The ability to distinguish microbial pathogens from closely related but nonpathogenic strains is key to understanding the population biology of these organisms. In this regard, Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes inhalational anthrax, is of interest because it is closely related and often difficult to distinguish from other members of the B. cereus group that can cause diverse diseases. We employed custom-designed resequencing arrays (RAs) based on the genome sequence of Bacillus anthracis to generate 422 kb of genomic sequence from a panel of 41 Bacillus cereus sensu lato strains. Here we show that RAs represent a “one reaction” genotyping technology with the ability to discriminate between highly similar B. anthracis isolates and more divergent strains of the B. cereus s.l. Clade 1. Our data show that RAs can be an efficient genotyping technology for pre-screening the genetic diversity of large strain collections to selected the best candidates for whole genome sequencing.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses PTH synthesis and secretion by bovine parathyroid cells

Active vitamin D compounds repress parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene transcription and block chief cell hyperplasia, making them integral tools in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. Recently, human parathyroid glands have been shown to express 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1alpha-hydroxylase (1alphaOHase), but documentation of the 1alphaOHase activity in parathyroid cells and its potential role in activating 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25(OH)D(3)) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)2D3) have not been reported. The relative potencies of 25(OH)D(3) and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in reducing PTH secretion and mRNA were determined in primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells (bPTC). The effects of blocking 1alphaOHase activity on suppression of PTH mRNA and induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA were examined. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) affinities were estimated by intact cell competitive binding assay. Metabolism of 25(OH)D(3) by bPTC was assessed using a radioimmunoassay that measures all 1-hydroxylated metabolites of vitamin D. 25(OH)D(3) suppressed PTH secretion and mRNA (ED(50)=2 nM), but was several hundred times less potent than 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). The lower potency of 25(OH)D(3) correlated with its lower VDR affinity. bPTCs converted 25(OH)D(3) to 1-hydroxylated metabolites, but the rate of conversion was low. Inhibition of 1alphaOHase with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor clotrimazole did not block 25(OH)D(3)-mediated suppression of PTH. Clotrimazole enhanced 24-hydroxylase mRNA induction, presumably by inhibiting catabolism of 25(OH)D(3). In conclusion, 25(OH)D(3) suppresses PTH synthesis by parathyroid cells, possibly by direct activation of the VDR.
Secular change in the `164-day' period of SS 433

In this paper we present evidence that the ‘164-day’ period in the wavelengths of the ‘moving’ lines in SS 433 has been decreasing at the surprisingly rapid rate of P = −0.010±0.002. An ephemeris of the moving lines for the 1981 observing season is provided for the case P = −0.010.
Partisan and ideological belief systems: Do they differ?

In this paper a direct comparison is made between the cognitive content of ideological and partisan belief systems. A quasi-experimental design was used in a two-part study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a partisan or ideological condition and asked to categorize and then scale contemporary leaders, groups, and issues as either Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. Results indicate that the meanings of partisan and ideological belief systems are quite similar — their cognitive attributes (issues, groups, and leaders) are interchangeable at the categorical level and highly correlated (r=0.86) in their degree of typicality. Political sophistication is determined to contribute significantly to the degree to which partisan and ideological belief systems are related. For politically sophisticated subjects (Ss) the two belief systems are highly related (r=0.90), whereas for low sophisticates, the belief systems are only moderately related (r=0.50). Sophistication also plays an important role in structuring Ss' own issue preferences. High sophisticates in both the liberal-conservative and Democratic-Republican conditions exhibit a greater level of issue constraint, which can be interpreted as either ideological or partisan constraint.
Effects of altitude on selected blood parameters in populations of the salamander Ambystoma macrodactylum

Abstract 1. 1. Adult long-toed salamanders were collected from three sites ranging in elevation from 420 to 2470 m and acclimated at 800 and 2400 m. 2. 2. Variations in hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) among populations were analyzed. 3. 3. Differences among populations were significant in the 800 m acclimation group but not those acclimated at 2400 m. 4. 4. Significant increases in Hct were associated with acclimation at a higher elevation but concurrent increases in Hb were not observed.
Treatment of cigarette smoking in couples by reciprocal aversion

When both members of a dyad smoke, each serves as a discriminative stimulus for the other's smoking. Reciprocal aversion formally acknowledges this naturally occurring relationship by requiring spouses to smoke a cigarette (aversive consequence) each time the other smoked one. Six couples contracted for such treatment whose effects were evaluated in a multiple baseline design. One couple also received training in relaxation as an active coping skill. Smoking decrements occurred when treatment was introduced, resulting in a 74% and 61% smoking reduction during treatment and at 6-months follow-up, respectively.
High-Throughput Quantification of the Impact of Different Osmolytes on the Thermal Stability of DNA

Small molecules (osmolytes) are known to either stabilize or destabilize proteins/nucleotides depending on the concentrations and/or solvent conditions. The presence of different molecules and ions in the surrounding medium affects the stability of DNA in solution. In this work, we have developed a High-Throughput method for quantifying the energetic impact of addition of various osmolytes on short DNA duplexes. Six 19-base pair, non-self-complementary duplex DNA oligomers along with a 16-base pair control duplex DNA, having varied GC-content (ranging from 16% to 79%), nearest neighbors and end sequences were used. We sampled thirteen different osmolytes that are common in humans and throughout nature by covering different chemical classes including, sugars, polyols, amino acids, and methylamines. Varying concentrations of these osmolytes (from 0.5 M up to 3.0 M) were examined for their effects on these duplexes. Experiments were performed in 384-well plates that were prepared using a robotic device, which was calibrated for the correct dispense volume for different components of the plate. Temperature-induced melting transitions monitored by fluorescence were measured for these duplexes and the Tm values along with the m-values and melting transition enthalpies were determined. Conventional approaches, including Circular Dichroism (CD) were used to verify the thermodynamic parameters. Osmolytes had varied effects on DNA stability, and the (de)stabilizing effect does not necessarily correlate with their effects on proteins. The m-values can drastically depend on the GC-content.
Polarization effects in the front end of the neutrino factory

Abstract We summarize the methods used for simulation of polarization effects in the front end of a possible neutrino factory. We first discuss the helicity of muons in the pion decay process. We find that, neglecting acceptance considerations, the average helicity asymptotically approaches a magnitude of 0.185 at large pion momenta. Next, we describe the methods used for tracking the spin through complicated electromagnetic field configurations in the front end of the neutrino factory, including RF phase rotation and ionization cooling channels. Various depolarizing effects in matter are then considered, including multiple Coulomb scattering and elastic scattering from atomic electrons. Finally, we include all these effects in a simulation of a 480 m long, double phase rotation front end scenario.
Treating Unresolvable Flame Physics in Simulations of Thermonuclear Supernovae

Thermonuclear supernovae are powered by the explosive nuclear fusion of stellar-processed elements (generally carbon and oxygen) to radioactive nickel, which is ejected along with other burning products to form an expanding remnant and whose radioactive decay powers the observed transient's extraordinary brightness. The most remarkable class of these events is the supernovae of Type Ia (SN Ia), which are noted for their lack of hydrogen spectral lines, silicon spectral features indicative of strongly outflowing gas, and their remarkable homogeneity as a class. After introducing SN Ia explosions, I discuss the physical scales that are important for understanding the challenges faced in simulating flames in thermonuclear supernovae. I then review the techniques applied to this problem in simulations of supernovae and give some descriptions of what the future might hold for improvements to these techniques.
Coding with Linear Systems

Message transmission over a noisy channel is considered. Two linear networks are to be designed: one being used to treat the message before transmission and the second to filter the treated message plus channel noise at the receiving end. The mean-square error between the actual transmission circuit output and the delayed message is minimized for a given allowable average signal power by proper network design. Numerical examples are given and discussed.
Electric birefringence of native DNA in an alternating field.

The relaxation of the birefringence of native DNA in solution was investigated in a pulsed sine-wave electric field. Relaxation times were calculated from the degree of damping of the birefringence signal and were studied as a function of the strength and frequency of the applied field, the molecular weight of the DNA, and the viscosity and ionic strength of the solvent. Relaxation times decrease with increasing field strength. For high-molecular weight DNA (>106 daltons), the relaxation times decreased with frequency and increased less than linearly with viscosity. For low-molecular-weight DNA (<6 × 105 daltons), the relaxation times were independent of frequency, increased linearly with viscosity, and varied with the 1.65 ± 0.1 power of the molecular weight. The average birefringence of high-molecular-weight DNA decreased with frequency in 0.001M Na2 EDTA plus NaOH, pH 7.0, but is much less frequency-dependent if the EDTA concentration is reduced tenfold, while the average birefringence of sonicated DNA increases in both solvents with increasing frequency.
Maternal and perinatal brain aromatase: effects of dietary soy phytoestrogens.

Abstract Phytoestrogens are extensively investigated for their potential to prevent many hormone-dependent cancers and age-related diseases, however little is known about their effects in brain. Brain aromatase and plasma phytoestrogen levels were determined in Sprague–Dawley rats fed a phytoestrogen-rich diet during pregnancy/lactation. Ingested phytoestrogens cross the placenta and become concentrated in maternal milk as evident from high infantile plasma concentrations. Dietary phytoestrogens, however, do not alter brain aromatase during pregnancy/lactation or perinatal development.
Encountering the Epistemological Challenge or, beyond Humanism: Contemporary Greek Criticism and the Languages of Theory

AbstractIt has been a common assumption that the great number of existing Histories of Modern Greek Literature reflects the growing maturity and sophistication of Greek literary studies. Specialists in the field argue that the variety of approaches and perspectives used in these surveys, while establishing a sense of tradition and achievement, has also stimulated both significant research and major reappraisals. If one adds to this scholarly labour the anthologies, the dictionaries, the encyclopaedias, as well as the studies on particular periods and schools, the picture of a thriving critical industry emerges clearly. It is then very difficult to try and reconcile these promising signs with the pervasive scarcity of meta-theoretical work, beginning with the embarrassing absence of a History of Modern Greek Criticism itself. For how can a field develop without introspection? How can a discipline refine its methods or advance its causes without undergoing vigilant self-examination? The lack of theoretical ...
Impact of fetal cardiac intervention on congenital heart surgery

Fetal cardiac interventions performed by interventional cardiologists are currently in a clinical experimental phase. The 3 most frequent interventions are: 1) aortic balloon valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis with a small left ventricle or with a normal size left ventricle but poor function; 2) atrial septostomy for highly restrictive or intact atrial septum in hypoplastic left heart syndrome; and 3) pulmonary valvuloplasty for pulmonary atresia and hypoplastic right ventricle. Current impact on everyday congenital heart surgery practice is small, but may increase in the future.
Extent of skin involvement as a prognostic indicator of disease free and overall survival of patients with T3 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treated with total skin electron beam radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND. The goal of this study was to define the prognostic significance of the extent of skin involvement (ESI) with respect to disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with T3 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT). METHODS. Between 1974 and 1993, TSEBT (36 Gray [Gy], 1 Gy/day for 9 weeks, 6 MeV electrons) was administered to a total of 213 patients. Forty-six of the 213 patients were classified as having T3 CTCL based on the presence of tumor nodules on the skin at diagnosis. Patient records were evaluated retrospectively, and the percentage of total skin surface involved was calculated. Patients were analyzed with respect to response to therapy, disease free and overall survival. The median follow-up was 37.5 months (range, 1.6-93 months). RESULTS. Thirty-six of 46 patients achieved complete clinical response (CCR) by the completion of TSEBT. DFS was 12% at 36 months with approximately 28% OS. When stratified by extent of skin involvement, 100% of patients with 9% or less ESI were disease free at 18 months compared with patients with 10% or greater ESI, all of whom had relapsed by 18 months (78% achieved CCR). Fifty percent of those with 9% or less ESI remained disease free at 36 months ; median DFS and OS were not reached at 63 and 65 months, respectively. The median DFS and OS for the 10% or greater ESI group were 4 and 24 months, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.005). Toxicity of therapy was minimal. CONCLUSIONS. The extent of skin involvement of patients with T3 CTCL is a prognostic indicator of disease free and overall survival for those who have been treated definitively with TSEBT.
Should cost be considered in the overall evaluation of phase II clinical trials of new antineoplastic therapies? A response.

The recent essay by Markman (1) raises the question of cost in the conduct of phase II clinical trials and appears to imply that cost should be a limiting factor in the development of novel therapies. The specific example of substantial cost discussed was that of dose-intense paclitaxel with G-CSF support. Whereas the basic question is valid, it may be worthwhile to examine in greater detail the specific example cited by Markman. Through such an examination, it might be possible to identify what costs should be considered, what level of improved efficacy may justify such increased costs, and what magnitude of increased cost is acceptable for a given level of improved efficacy. Such a discussion, using this specific example, might form the basis for a standardized approach to clinical treatment strategies in the future. As suggested by Markman, cost considerations should be discussed in the context of clinical efficacy.
Comment on “Populism, Paranoia, and the Politics of Free Silver”

Let me begin with the bottom line: Samuel DeCanio has addressed a very important topic, skillfully crafted an argument, and marshaled an impressive body of evidence behind his thesis. The result is a significant addition to the literature on American political development on several different levels. And that is so despite the fact that I believe his interpretation extends beyond the evidence in some respects. This comment addresses both these extensions and, as a collateral objective, suggests that the way in which we reconstruct political situations and causal relationships is inevitably an art, not a science.
Corrosion protection of cold-rolled steel by low temperature plasma interface engineering I. Enhancement of E-coat adhesion

Abstract An anode magnetron enhanced d.c. cathodic plasma treatment of a cold-rolled steel (CRS) plate and cathodic (plasma) polymerization were used to create interface engineered systems of cathodic E-coat/plasma polymer/plasma treated CRS. The adhesion of the E-coat and the corrosion protection characteristics of the systems were compared with the control, E-coat/Zn phosphate-chromate/alectro-galvanized steel (EGS). The adhesion of the E-coat to the plasma polymer coaled CRS was found to be excellent; the E-coat could not be removed by N -methyl pyrrolidone (60 °C) in 5 days, while the same E-coat applied on the control was removed in a few minutes. The plasma polymer of trimethylsilane (TMS) was found to yield excellent corrosion protection as used in the interface engineered systems, of which the corrosion (GM scab) test was found to be better than that for the control. The plasma pretreatment of the CRS surface prior to the cathodic polymerization of TMS was found to be a critically important factor. The corrosion-induced delamination of the first paint layer seems to play a key role in the corrosion of painted steel. It was demonstrated that good adhesion and durability of the entire interface system can produce a highly corrosion resistant painted CRS.
The revealed comparative advantage of the east asian NICs

The spectacular export performance of the East Asian NICs is clearly indicated by their increasing shares of manufactured exports in the world markets. However, the conventional wisdom that the comparative advantage of industrialized countries such as Japan has systematically shifted to the NICs is challenged by the results from this study. A detailed analysis of the threedigit SITC product categories for manufactures indicates that NIC exports have not replaced Japan's in the U.S. market. The growth of manufactured exports from the NICs is moving along with the growth of Japan's exports in similar product categories but at different stages of the product cycle or of technology sophistication. Hence, the NICs, rather than replacing the exports from Japan, are merely supplying some complementary manufactured products to the industrialized market.
Biochemistry: How two amino acids become one

Twenty amino acids form the basis of all proteins, but another two genetically encoded amino acids have also been discovered. The biosynthesis of one of these, pyrrolysine, has now been elucidated.
Comment on the Wilson-loop formula

We suggest a modification of the usual formula for the energy of a quark-antiquark pair in terms of the Wilson-loop functional.
Type Conversion in Electron-Irradiated GaAs

The unambiguous type conversion of GaAs by electron irradiation is reported here for the first time. Several high‐quality n‐type vapor‐phase epitaxial layers (ρ?3 Ω cm and μ?7000 cm2/V sec at 300 K) were converted by 1‐MeV electrons to high‐quality p‐type layers (ρ?30 Ω cm and μ?400 cm2/V sec). Temperature‐dependent Hall‐effect data show energy levels at 0.5, 0.3, and about 0.1 eV above the valence band. Evidence is presented to indicate that the failure of some of our samples (and, perhaps, other samples reported in the literature) to convert to low‐resistivity p type is due to a rather high concentration of as‐grown deep levels which pin the Fermi level near midgap.
Equilibrium temperatures of interstellar iron grains

Because of the relatively low number densities found in typical interstellar clouds, molecules observed there must be produced by a combination of both two-body gas-phase reactions and surface reactions. The latter type includes various catalytic reactions, such as the formation of H2 on transition metal grains. These reactions are very temperature dependent, the grain temperature appearing in the exponential of the rate equations. Because of the small heat capacities of the grains due to their small sizes, they may be subject to considerable fluctuations in temperature. This problem is examined for iron grains and found to be minimal for sizes greater than 100 A. Steady-state equilibrium temperatures are then calculated for a size distribution of iron particles ranging from 103 to 109 atoms per grain by a refined method of an earlier work by one of us (RGT). The results are that iron grain temperatures are significantly greater than those of dielectric grains of comparable size in the same radiation field.
Comparison of concanavalin A-reactive determinants on hemocytes of two Biomphalaria glabrata snail stocks: receptor binding and redistribution.

Fluorescein-labeled concanavalin A (F-Con A) was employed as a membrane probe to compare the surface glycosyl components associated with glass-adherent circulating hemocytes from a schistosome-susceptible (PR albino) and schistosome-refractory (10-R2) stock of snails Biomphalaria glabrata. Under hemolymph-free conditions, granular hemocytes (granulocytes), composed of two morphologically-distinct cell populations (rounded and spread hemocytes) bound F-Con A via specific carbohydrate surface receptors. Con A-binding induced in rounded hemocytes a redistribution (patching and capping) of lectin-receptor complexes. Receptor redistribution in both snail stocks was characterized by a high capping frequency (80–90% of adherent rounded cells) and temperature dependency. Differences in the response of albino and 10-R2 snail hemocytes to differing F-Con A concentrations, however, suggest that cells may possess subtle differences in physiology or function.
Theoretical studies of the M2 transmembrane segment of the glycine receptor: models of the open pore structure and current-voltage characteristics.

The pentameric glycine receptor (GlyR), a member of the nicotinicoid superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels, is an inhibitory Cl− channel that is gated by glycine. Using recently published NMR data of the second transmembrane segment (M2) of the human α1 GlyR, structural models of pentameric assemblies embedded in a lipid bilayer were constructed using a combination of experimentally determined constraints coupled with all-atom energy minimization. Based on this structure of the pentameric M2 “pore”, Brownian dynamics simulations of ion permeation through this putative conducting open state of the channel were carried out. Simulated I-V curves were in good agreement with published experimental current-voltage curves and the anion/cation permeability ratio, suggesting that our open-state model may be representative of the conducting channel of the full-length receptor. These studies also predicted regions of chloride occupancy and suggested residues critical to anion permeation. Calculations of the conductance of the cation-selective mutant A251E channel are also consistent with experimental data. In addition, both rotation and untilting of the pore helices of our model were found to be broadly consistent with closing of the channel, albeit at distinct regions that may reflect alternate gates of the receptor.
Logic, probability, and coherence

How does deductive logic constrain probability? This question is difficult for subjectivistic approaches, according to which probability is just strength of (prudent) partial belief, for this presumes logical omniscience. This paper proposes that the way in which probability lies always between possibility and necessity can be made precise by exploiting a minor theorem of de Finetti: In any finite set of propositions the expected number of truths is the sum of the probabilities over the set. This is generalized to apply to denumerable languages. It entails that the sum of probabilities can neither exceed nor be exceeded by the cardinalities of all consistent and closed (within the set) subsets. In general any numerical function on sentences is said to be logically coherent if it satisfies this condition. Logical coherence allows the relativization of necessity: A function p on a language is coherent with respect to the concept T of necessity iff there is no set of sentences on which the sum of p exceeds o...
Enhanced Raman scattering on metal surfaces

Abstract We present a theory which describes enhanced Raman scattering from molecules adsorbed on metals. The enhancement is due to the screening fields induced by the optically polarized adsorbate in the presence of the substrate. These fields interact coherently with the applied optical field and the vibrational motion of the adsorbed molecule. The enhancement is shown to be coverage dependent and also rather sensitive to the optical dielectric function of the substrate. Predicted enhancements compare well with experiment.
The Influence of Team Knowledge and Formal Plans on Episodic Team Process-Performance Relationships

We advance a time-based theory of how team attributes, in terms of formal plans and knowledge, influence episodic transition and interpersonal processes and their relationships with team performance. Data were collected from 29 student teams that competed in a business simulation over four episodes (i.e., performance periods). We found mixed support for the notion that episodic processes partially mediate the relationships between team attributes and performance. Some unexpected yet informative interactive relationships were found.
Behavioral slowing and neuropsychological signs in a sample of active older men.

Abstract The neuropsychological test profiles of older men (62 +) enrolled in a continuing education program differed from those of a comparison group of younger men, but fell well within the normal range. These findings ran counter to the assumption that characteristic and easily observed signs of brain dysfunction are a necessary accompaniment of old age. The further finding that the older men also were slower on digit symbol coding, a standard task used to measure behavioral slowing, was contrary to the hypothesis that slowing in the elderly reflects a developmental sequence of central nervous impairment, at least insofar as such impairment can be measured by neuropsychological tests. The good health and active lifestyles of the older sample may have played a role in forestalling neuropsychological signs otherwise seen among individuals their ages.
Discovery of Antibacterial Biotin Carboxylase Inhibitors by Virtual Screening and Fragment-Based Approaches.

As part of our effort to inhibit bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis through the recently validated target biotin carboxylase, we employed a unique combination of two emergent lead discovery strategies. We used both de novo fragment-based drug discovery and virtual screening, which employs 3D shape and electrostatic property similarity searching. We screened a collection of unbiased low-molecular-weight molecules and identified a structurally diverse collection of weak-binding but ligand-efficient fragments as potential building blocks for biotin carboxylase ATP-competitive inhibitors. Through iterative cycles of structure-based drug design relying on successive fragment costructures, we improved the potency of the initial hits by up to 3000-fold while maintaining their ligand-efficiency and desirable physicochemical properties. In one example, hit-expansion efforts resulted in a series of amino-oxazoles with antibacterial activity. These results successfully demonstrate that virtual screening approaches ca...
Permeability prediction and its impact on reservoir modeling at Postle Field, Oklahoma

A permeability model was developed for a thin valley-fill reservoir at Postle Field, Oklahoma, with the objective of increasing the accuracy of flow simulation. The presence of high-permeability zones that are below seismic resolution represented the greatest challenge to overcome. This challenge is common as the average reservoir thickness in North America is 17 ft (5 m). Enhanced oil recovery is underway at Postle Field to increase production and to revitalize the field. The process involves carbon dioxide flooding which is fast becoming the dominant mechanism of Tertiary recovery. To optimize the recovery efficiency of this process, it is important to understand the influence of permeability heterogeneity and its role on fluid flow. High-permeability zones have the potential to cause early breakthrough and poor sweep efficiency.
Does the Precision of a Biological Clock Depend upon Its Period? Effects of the Duper and tau Mutations in Syrian Hamsters

Mutations which alter the feedback loops that generate circadian rhythms may provide insight into their insensitivity to perturbation robustness) and their consistency of period (precision). I examined relationships between endogenous period, activity and rest (τDD, α and ρ) in Syrian hamsters using two different mutations, duper and tau, both of which speed up the circadian clock. I generated 8 strains of hamsters that are homozygous or heterozygous for the tau, duper, and wild type alleles in all combinations. The endogenous period of activity onsets among these strains ranged from 17.94+0.04 to 24.13±0.04 h. Contrary to predictions, the variability of period was unrelated to its absolute value: all strains showed similar variability of τDD when activity onsets and acrophase were used as phase markers. The τDD of activity offsets was more variable than onsets but also differed little between genotypes. Cycle variation and precision were not correlated with τDD within any strain, and only weakly correlated when all strains are considered together. Only in animals homozygous for both mutations (super duper hamsters) were cycle variation and precision reduced. Rhythm amplitude differed between strains and was positively correlated with τDD and precision. All genotypes showed negative correlations between α and ρ. This confirms the expectation that deviations in the duration of subjective day and night should offset one another in order to conserve circadian period, even though homeostatic maintenance of energy reserves predicts that longer intervals of activity or rest would be followed by longer durations of rest or activity. Females consistently showed greater variability of the period of activity onset and acrophase, and of α, but variability of the period of offset differed between sexes only in super duper hamsters. Despite the differences between genotypes in τDD, ρ was consistently more strongly correlated with the preceding than the succeeding α.
The timing of juvenile hormone release for ovarian maturation in Manduca sexta

Abstract The ovaries and fat body of Manduca sexta were analysed at various times after adult ecdysis. The critical period for substrate increase in the ovary was 13 to 21 hr post-emergence while correlative decreases were found in the fat body at an earlier period. In particular, it appears that there is a shift in lipid from the fat body to the ovary. Utilizing actinomycin D as a probe, it was found that this inhibitor of transcription blocked vitellogenesis when administered up to 5 ± 1 hr post-ecdysis but was ineffective thereafter. Although allatectomized moths (corpora allata extirpated in pupal stage) could be induced to undergo normal vitellogenesis by application of a juvenile hormone mimetic agent, injection of actinomycin D within 5 to 8 hr of hormone therapy prevented ovarian maturation. The data reveal that juvenile hormone is released by the corpora allata just prior to adult ecdysis and acts for a period of about 7 hr.
Diethylstilbestrol in beef production: What is the risk to consumers?

Abstract Estrogens are carcinogens. This has long been known, and has been emphasized recently because of the reported association of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the genital tract, appearing in the daughters of women who were treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. As hormones, estrogens are also normal biochemical constituents of the body. Estrogens increase the production of lean tissue and the conversion of feed into meat in beef cattle. Residues of DES used for this purpose were estimated as 120 parts per 1012 in livers of implanted cattle, and 100,000 tons of such liver would therefore supply 12 g of DES, the amount administered per pregnant woman in one series. The total annual U.S. production of beef liver is 140,000 tons. The proposed ban on DES is estimated by the FDA to cost consumers $503 million annually. A ban would cause a substantial increase in the amount of cattle feed needed for beef production. If the residues in beef were DES, the cancer risk from beef production from implanted cattle is calculated to be less than one case per 133 years in the U.S. population. However, recent studies indicate that at least 99% of the residues consist of conjugated forms of DES that may not be carcinogenic.
High dynamic range imaging with PERIODIC

This paper presents an approach for improving the effective dynamic range of a novel array imaging systems by using multiple images of the same scene taken with different exposure times and gain values. In this approach, multiple images are fused into a single high dynamic range radiance map whose intensities are proportional to the true radiance values in the scene. We show that our approach can produce improved high dynamic range recovery performance.