cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paying the Price for Heightened Ethics Scrutiny: Legal Defense Funds and Other Ways that Government Officials Pay Their Lawyers

This articles takes a comprehensive look at a problem of growing significance for government officials: how to pay the legal fees they incur when they or their colleagues are investigated for wrongdoing. Since Watergate, an increasing number of government officials have had to hire attorneys when called before grand juries and legislative committees or subjected to internal administrative investigations. Their legal fees often outstrip their government salaries or even their net worth. This article examines three mechanisms for government reimbursement of legal fees -- Justice Department regulations, the Independent Counsel statute, and private legislation -- and identifies the shortcomings of each. It then explores the legal status of legal defense funds, which top officials have used to raise millions of dollars to pay their legal fees. The article identifies several reforms that would treat government officials much more fairly and protect against corrupting influences. In addition, the article includes several charts containing otherwise difficult to find information, such as the amounts spent by all the Independent Counsels, amounts awarded in attorneys fees under the Independent Counsel statute, and the amounts raised by members of Congress for their legal defense funds.
Gewinnleistungs-Messung und Produktpreis-Gestaltung

Die Festlegung eines Gewinnzieles auf Grund der Budgets und Standards, die Delegation der Verantwortung an die mittleren und unteren Managementgruppen und schlieslich die Schaffung dezentralisierter, autonomer Abteilungen und Bereiche der Firma fuhren zur Notwendigkeit, die betrieblichen und Gewinnleistungen sowohl des Top- wie auch des untergeordneten Managements zu messen. Der Begriff des „Ertrags des investierten Kapitals“ hilft der Betriebsleitung, sowohl die Leistung des Gesamtunternehmens als auch die der Einzelgruppen und -teile zu bewerten. Dieses Thema wird zuerst behandelt; ihm folgt eine Abhandlung uber die verschiedenen Methoden der Preisgestaltung, die ein Management anwenden kann, um jene Produktpreise festzulegen, die nicht nur die Kosten decken, sondern auch einen Gewinn erzielen.
Predicting Temporal Patterns In The Environment: Toward Primitive Mechanisms Of Learning, Memory, And Generalization

Across a wide range of cognitive tasks, recent experience influences subsequent behavior. For example, when individuals repeatedly perform a speeded two-alternative choice task, response latencies vary dramatically based on the immediately preceding sequence. These sequential dependencies (SDs) have been interpreted as adaptation to the statistical structure of an uncertain, changing environment (e.g., Jones & Sieck, 2003; Mozer, Kinoshita, & Shettel, 2007; Yu & Cohen, 2009), and can shed light on how individuals learn and represent structure in binary stimulus sequences. Heretofore, theories have posited that SDs arise from rapidly (exponentially) decaying memory traces of various environmental statistics (e.g., Cho et al., 2002; Yu & Cohen, 2009).We present a series of experiments and a model that place SDs on a fundamentally different foundation. We show that: (1) decay of recent experience can follow a power function curve, not an exponential, linking the SD literature to a rich literature on human declarative memory; (2) the simple trace-based mechanism underlying existing accounts is inadequate, but incremental memory adjustments may be explained via error correction, linking the SD literature to the rich literature on human associative learning; and (3) distinct but interacting subsystems are found in the brain that jointly predict upcoming environmental events.We conducted three behavioral studies with EEG recordings of individuals performing discrimination of spatial location and motion coherence. Identifying the onset of the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) in an event-related EEG analysis, we are able to decompose the total response latency into two intervals—pre and post LRP onset—and to examine SDs in stimulus and response processing separately. We find evidence for two distinct mechanisms, one reflecting incremental learning of stimulus repetition rate (i.e., the probability that successive stimuli will match), and the other reflecting incremental learning of response baserates. The data cannot be explained by a model that assumes these rates are based on independent traces, and calls for an account in which the two rates jointly predict future stimuli via error-correction learning.By manipulating the autocorrelation structure of the sequences (from a positive to a negative autocorrelation, indicated on the graphs by blue and red lines, respectively), we obtained evidence for incremental learning occurring over hundreds of trials, which is parsimoniously explained by a memory with power function decay. Together, the results highlight a tension between the two broad and well established classes of trace-based memory models and learning models based on error correction. Two attempts at reconciling these approaches via modeling are discussed.
CHAPTER 43 – Other Local and Ectopic Hormone Syndromes Associated with Hypercalcemia

This chapter focuses on hypercalcemia associated with local osteolysis. Hypercalcemia occurs commonly in patients with metastatic bone disease caused by solid tumors, and particularly in patients who develop osteolytic lesions as a result. It is most commonly caused by lung and breast cancer. In the past, approximately 30% of patients with breast cancer developed hypercalcemia at some time during the course of the disease, and usually late in the disease. Hypercalcemia is almost always due primarily to an increase in bone resorption, which is caused in turn by the production of tumor cell factors that stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption. The major cellular mechanism for bone destruction in osteolytic bone disease is osteoclastic. Consequently, there is interest in determining the mediator that is responsible for this increase in osteoclast activity. The factor responsible for breast cancer is Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (PTHrP) the tumor peptide that has been associated with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. This is so even although many of these patients do not have increased plasma PTHrP or increased nephrogenous cyclic AMP. Thus, the absence of these latter parameters does not mean that PTHrP is unimportant in causing osteolysis and subsequent hypercalcemia.
Empirical assessment of the impact of sample number and read depth on RNA-Seq analysis workflow performance

RNA-Sequencing analysis methods are rapidly evolving, and the tool choice for each step of one common workflow, differential expression analysis, which includes read alignment, expression modeling, and differentially expressed gene identification, has a dramatic impact on performance characteristics. Although a number of workflows are emerging as high performers that are robust to diverse input types, the relative performance characteristics of these workflows when either read depth or sample number is limited–a common occurrence in real-world practice–remain unexplored. Here, we evaluate the impact of varying read depth and sample number on the performance of differential gene expression identification workflows, as measured by precision, or the fraction of genes correctly identified as differentially expressed, and by recall, or the fraction of differentially expressed genes identified. We focus our analysis on 30 high-performing workflows, systematically varying the read depth and number of biological replicates of patient monocyte samples provided as input. We find that, in general for most workflows, read depth has little effect on workflow performance when held above two million reads per sample, with reduced workflow performance below this threshold. The greatest impact of decreased sample number is seen below seven samples per group, when more heterogeneity in workflow performance is observed. The choice of differential expression identification tool, in particular, has a large impact on the response to limited inputs. Among the tested workflows, the recall/precision balance remains relatively stable at a range of read depths and sample numbers, although some workflows are more sensitive to input restriction. At ranges typically recommended for biological studies, performance is more greatly impacted by the number of biological replicates than by read depth. Caution should be used when selecting analysis workflows and interpreting results from low sample number experiments, as all workflows exhibit poorer performance at lower sample numbers near typically reported values, with variable impact on recall versus precision. These analyses highlight the performance characteristics of common differential gene expression workflows at varying read depths and sample numbers, and provide empirical guidance in experimental and analytical design.
Protein-Ligand Interaction by Ligand Titration, Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Proteins and Mass Spectrometry: LITPOMS.

We report a novel method named LITPOMS (ligand titration, fast photochemical oxidation of proteins and mass spectrometry) to characterize protein-ligand binding stoichiometry, binding sites, and site-specific binding constants. The system used to test the method is melittin–calmodulin, in which the peptide melittin binds to calcium-bound calmodulin. Global-level measurements reveal the binding stoichiometry of 1:1 whereas peptide-level data coupled with fitting reveal the binding sites and the site-specific binding affinity. Moreover, we extended the analysis to the residue level and identified six critical binding residues. The results show that melittin binds to the N-terminal, central linker, and C-terminal regions of holo-calmodulin with an affinity of 4.6 nM, in agreement with results of previous studies. LITPOMS, for the first time, brings high residue-level resolution to affinity measurements, providing simultaneously qualitative and quantitative understanding of protein-ligand binding. The approach can be expanded to other binding systems without tagging the protein to give high spatial resolution.
Student Evaluation of Interprofessional Experiences between Medical and Graduate Biomedical Students.

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) has fostered increased collaboration and appreciation for different disciplines among health professionals but has yet to be established in a translational research setting. Interprofessional experiences (IPEx) implemented early in student training could increase translational research productivity. Methods and findings: Ten students involved in an IPE curriculum wrote autoethnographic accounts that were coded and emergent themes were grouped through constant comparative analysis. IPE led to improvements in communication, trust, appreciation, and an increased desire to seek IPE in future careers. Challenges included administrative barriers and interpersonal conflicts. Conclusions: Participants found IPE beneficial to their careers and developed a respect for each other’s discipline. To implement IPE, institutions should consider possible administrative challenges and inclusion of conflict management training.
Differences in United States Insurance Payer Policies and American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) Model Policy on Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

Purpose Insurance payers in the United States vary in the indications for which they consider stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) “medically necessary.” We compared changes in policies after the last update to the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) SBRT model policy. Methods and Materials We identified 77 payers with SBRT policies in 2015 from a policy aggregator, as well as 4 national benefits managers (NBMs). Of these, 65 payers and 3 NBMs had publicly available updates since 2015. For each of the indications in ASTRO's model policy, we calculated the proportion of payers that considered SBRT medically necessary. We used Fisher's exact test to compare these proportions between 2015 and now, between policies updated in the past 12 months and those updated less often, and between national and regional payers currently. Results Payers consider SBRT medically necessary most often for primary lung cancer (97%), reirradiation to the spine (91%), prostate cancer (68%), primary liver cancer (66%), and spinal metastases with radioresistant histologies (66%). Policies have become more aligned with ASTRO's model policy over time. National payers and NBMs cover indications in higher proportions than regional payers. Conclusions Although there have been improvements over time, more work is needed to align payer policies with ASTRO's model SBRT policy, especially at the regional level.
Catalyst designs to enhance diffusivity and performance—I: Concepts and analysis

Abstract A catalytic material with high reactivity but low diffusivity can achieve higher performance from blending with an additive material with high diffusivity. The performance of such a composite catalyst depends both on the meso-structure of the continuous connectivity of the additive, and on the macro-structure of the gradient of additive in the catalyst pellet. Among the best meso-structures are the coated sphere and the penetration structures. The composite catalyst with a uniform distribution of additive can be designed to be many times more active than the starting catalytic material without additive. A gradient macro-structure, with more additives on the surface than in the interior of a pellet, can be designed to be much more reactive compared to the uniform structure with the same average loading of additives.
Association of behavioral activation system sensitivity to lower level facets of positive affect in daily life

Abstract The behavioral activation system (BAS), a putative neurobiological system guiding approach-related behavior and linked with increased risk for bipolar disorder, has long been associated with positive affect (PA). However, PA is multi-faceted, and little is known about BAS sensitivity's relationship to lower level PA facets, nor whether any such associations manifest prospectively in daily life or interact with environmental rewards. The present study mapped the relationship between BAS sensitivity and distinct facets of PA both cross-sectionally and across 7 days. Young adults (N = 265) completed measures of BAS sensitivity and affect at baseline, followed by one week of thrice daily surveys of daily affect and reward engagement. Exploratory factory analysis confirmed the multidimensional nature of PA (i.e., Serenity, Joviality, Attentiveness, Self-Assurance). Heightened BAS sensitivity predicted greater daily levels of Joviality and Self-Assurance, but not Serenity. BAS did not significantly moderate daily reactions to rewarding events, although there were trends in this direction. Findings support a multi-faceted structure of PA and suggest that only certain facets of PA may be related to BAS hypersensitivity. Findings point to potential clinical implications for discriminating among different types of positive affect.
In Memoriam: Shabbir Ahmed (1969–2019)

This article honors Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, one of the most beloved and deeply respected researchers in the operations research field, and summarizes some of his many contributions to the science and pr...
Reducing dietary protein concentrations and replacing fish meal with porcine meat and bone meal do not affect growth or feed conversion of pond‐raised fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

This study evaluated dietary protein concentrations and replacing fish meal with porcine meat and bone meal (PMB) for pond‐raised fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Three diets were formulated to have 28, 32, or 35% protein using soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and fish meal as the main protein sources, respectively. A fourth diet contained 32% protein with fish meal being replaced with PMB. Analyzed protein concentrations were 29.7, 31.9, 34.4, and 31.1% on 90% dry matter basis, respectively. Small fingerlings (average initial weight: 2.0 g/fish) were stocked in 20 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at 172,970 fish/ha and were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 98 days. There were no significant differences in total diet fed, gross yield, final weight, feed conversion ratio, survival, or condition factor among diets. There were also no significant differences in ammonia‐N, nitrite‐N, chlorophyll a, or desirable zooplankton concentrations in pond water of fish receiving different diets. Results show that a diet containing about 30% protein can support optimum growth of pond‐raised channel catfish fingerlings of 2 g and larger in fertilized ponds fed once daily to apparent satiation. PMB can completely replace fish meal in a 32% protein diet. Economic analysis suggests considerable cost savings by replacing fish meal with PMB and reducing protein concentrations in channel catfish fingerling diets.
Modulating inflammatory macrophages with an apoptotic body-inspired nanoparticle

Abstract Macrophages play a critical role in the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation because of their diverse and plastic phenotypic responses to extracellular stimuli. Inflammatory stimuli drive the recruitment and activation of inflammatory (M1) macrophages, capable of significant cytokine production that potentiates inflammation. Local environmental signals including apoptotic cell efferocytosis drive a phenotypic transition toward pro-reparative (M2) macrophages to facilitate the resolution of inflammation. However, prolonged or dysregulated inflammatory macrophage response contributes to many disease states and tissue damage. We have developed a nanoparticle to help resolve macrophage-mediated inflammation by mimicking the anti-inflammatory effect of apoptotic cell engulfment. The nanoparticle, comprised of a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) core, is coated in phosphatidylserine (PS)-supplemented cell plasma membrane to emulate key characteristics of the apoptotic cell surface. These apoptotic body-inspired PS/membrane-coated nanoparticles (PS-MNPs) reduce inflammatory cytokine expression to promote an anti-inflammatory, phenotypic shift in macrophages in vitro, without the use of small molecule inhibitors or other drugs. Specifically, PS-MNP treatment before lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory challenge resulted in a 2.5-fold reduction in secreted tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) at 24 h, with co-treatment of PS-MNPs and LPS demonstrating a 5-fold TNFα reduction compared to LPS alone. Reduced TNFα production, as well as gene expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, correlated with a reduction in NFκB activation from PS-MNP treatment. The development of a nanoparticle to reduce the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines and transition away from an inflammatory macrophage phenotype, through the use of a physiologic anti-inflammatory pathway, illustrates a new potential strategy in creating anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Statement of Significance Macrophages propagate inflammation as the major source of cytokine production in the body. In inflammatory diseases, pro-inflammatory macrophages persist in the site of inflammation and exacerbate tissue destruction. Current anti-inflammatory drugs have significant drawbacks, including variable response rates and off-target effects. Here, we have developed an apoptotic-body inspired nanoparticle to modulate inflammatory macrophage phenotype. This polymeric nanoparticle is coated with phosphatidylserine-supplemented cell plasma membrane to mimic the anti-inflammatory effect of apoptotic cell engulfment. Nanoparticle delivery reduces inflammatory cytokine production and promotes an anti-inflammatory phenotypic macrophage shift. The capacity of these nanoparticles to help resolve macrophage-mediated inflammation may be a useful tool to study macrophage-apoptotic cell interactions, the role of macrophages in inflammatory diseases, and in the design of anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Multiple Communication Topologies for PMU-Based Applications: Introduction, Analysis and Simulation

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are being widely installed in the transmission grid. Many power system applications based on PMUs have been developed or are under development in academia and industry. For those applications, data latency is often a critical factor that affects their performance thus making the topology of the communication network that exchanges real-time data between the control center (CC) and substations (SS) of vital importance. This paper introduces a method to conceptualize and analyze possible communication topologies by simulating them in Network Simulator 3 (NS3). Moreover, a new algorithm is developed to optimize the clustering of substations in such a way that the data latency performance of the decentralized communication topology can meet the requirements for PMU based applications. To validate the proposed methodology, the IEEE 118-bus system is used as the test case. A PMU based wide-area controller for transient stability is simulated in the MATLAB Simulink to validate the proposed communication topologies. It is concluded from the simulation results that the decentralized communication topology at a lower cost designed by optimizing the substation cluster boundaries can be an alternative choice and can help PMU based applications achieve good performance by limiting data latency to an acceptable level. Also, this paper can provide a technical guidance for power utilities choosing the most appropriate communication network for the PMU based real-time applications.
Anion-gap metabolic acidemia: case-based analyses.

Not all metabolic acidosis is associated with an elevated chloride replacing the low bicarbonate concentration. When other acids, usually non-Cl organic acids are introduced into the blood an “Anion Gap” metabolic acidosis exists. The serum anion gap is calculated as [Na+] – ([Cl−] + [HCO3−]) = Unmeasured anions − Unmeasured cations. The normal gap is mostly due to negatively charged albumin: (Normal range: 8–12 meq/l) as the unmeasured anions, since albumin is usually reported in grams per liter (not meq/l). For diagnostic purposes, calculating the serum anion gap allows determination of coexisting acid–base processes in a patient. Assuming a 1:1 fall in bicarbonate compared with rise in anion gap in a usual gap acidosis, one can compare the Δ anion Gap/ΔHCO3−: Δ gap = observed anion gap − normal anion gap and the Δ HCO3− = normal HCO3− − observed HCO3−. A ratio of 1 suggests a simple anion gap acidosis; if 1 a superimposed metabolic alkalosis is raising HCO3−. Comparing the anion gap and osmolar gap can narrow the differential diagnosis to include toxic alcohol ingestions with acidic metabolites such as ethylene glycol and methanol. Not all metabolic acidosis is associated with an elevated chloride replacing the low bicarbonate concentration. When other acids, usually non-Cl organic acids are introduced into the blood an “Anion Gap” metabolic acidosis exists. This review will consider the generation of anion-gap acidoses through case discussions.
Retardation of the oxidation of aluminum thin films in low-oxygen and cryogenic environments

Aluminum is the best choice of material for broadband mirrors. However, once an oxide layer forms on the surface of the mirrors the reflectance in the far ultraviolet range decreases. The study of Al mirrors is difficult because they oxidize so quickly in the air. This makes reproducibility and joint work between laboratories difficult because the mirrors will oxidize and make successive measurements inaccurate. We have found that storing aluminum thin-film mirrors in low oxygen environments (such as liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and hexane) retards mirror oxidation. We examined the retardation of the growth of aluminum oxide during storage in these environments. This oxidation retardation was most pronounced when mirrors were stored in liquid nitrogen. In comparing the growth rate of oxide out of storage to that while it was in storage, we found that the apparent growth of aluminum oxide, is 1/500 in liquid nitrogen, 1/200 in hexane and 1/40 in dry ice.
Implementation of peer learning conferences throughout a multi-site abdominal radiology practice

To initiate a peer learning conference for our abdominal radiology division across multiple geographically separated sites and different time zones, and to determine radiologist preference for peer learning versus traditional score-based peer review. We implemented a monthly peer learning videoconference for our abdominal radiology division. Surveys regarding radiologist opinion regarding traditional peer review and the new peer learning conferences were conducted before and after 6 months of conferences. Peer learning conferences were well attended across our multiple sites, with an average of 43 participants per conference. Radiologist opinion regarding peer review was poor, with survey radiologists responding positively to only 1 out of 12 process questions. Opinion regarding peer learning was extremely favorable, with radiologists responding positively to 12 out of the same 12 process questions. After 6 months of peer learning conferences, 87.9% of surveyed radiologists wished to continue them in some fashion, and no one preferred to return to score-based peer review alone. We successfully implemented a peer learning conference for our abdominal radiology division spread out over multiple geographic sites. Our radiologists strongly preferred peer learning conferences over our traditional peer review system for quality control.
Virtual Court: Privacy and Security of the Vulnerable

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world works. People are shopping, socializing, and working online, using technology to replace the in-person experiences of ordinary life. The court system is no exception. In most places, the entire judicial structure became remote at the end of March. However, without sufficient notice and adequate time to prepare, the switch to virtual courts was not a smooth transition. Among issues that went underexamined were the privacy rights of vulnerable members of society who appear in court. Using six states that chose different online platforms as case studies, this Article exposes the troubling consequences the use of virtual courts has had on the rights of minors, mentally ill and incapacitated persons. While this research reveals that privacy protections were often inadequate even before this switch to virtual court, it analyzes the further uneven outcomes after the switch to remote proceedings. Building on these findings, the Article supports the implementation of robust guidelines and specialized courts to protect the privacy interests of vulnerable members of society.
A Heuristic Evaluation Function for Hand Strength Estimation in Gin Rummy.

This paper describes a fast hand strength estimation mod-el for the game of Gin Rummy. The algorithm is computationally inexpensive, and it incorporates not only cards in the player’s hand but also cards known to be in the opponent’s hand, cards in the discard pile, and the current game stage. This algorithm is used in conjunction with counterfactual regret (CFR) minimization to develop a gin rummy bot. CFR strategies were developed for the knocking strategies. The hand strength estimation algorithm was used to select a discard that balances the goals of maximizing the utility of the player’s hand and minimizing the likelihood that a card will be useful to the opponent. A study of the parameterization of this estimation algorithm demonstrates the soundness of approach as well as good performance under a wide range of parameter values.
The Syntax of Temporal Interpretation in Embedded Clauses

In this thesis I argue that verbs in embedded clauses are temporally interpreted by being bound to the temporal arguments of AspP and VP in the matrix clause. I build up this claim by proposing that (i) Reichenbach’s relation of association can be expressed in terms of Binding Theory in the syntax, (ii) Tense is subject to different binding principles depending on its syntactic realization so that T in main clauses must be free (i.e., subject to Principle B) but in embedded clauses T must be bound (i.e., subject to Principle A), (iii) the Spanish present subjunctive is a tenseless form which behaves syntactically very similar to an infinitive and (iv) (non)-finiteness can be defined in terms of binding. This thesis aims to contribute to linguistic theory by presenting a solution to the problem of the Spanish subjunctive and the violation of the rule of concordantia temporum, by establishing another parallel across domains, namely between the nominal and the temporal domain, which are argued in this thesis to be subject to the same syntactic principles of Binding Theory, and by providing empirical evidence that natural language makes use of syntactic relations to arrive at semantic interpretations. Finally, the findings and proposals in this thesis predict that cross-linguistically languages should prefer to use syntactic configurations over morphological systems for semantic interpretation.
Chylothorax: Review of literature and report of case in newborn infant

Summary 1. A case of effusion of chyle into the right pleural cavity in a newborninfant is reported. 2. A complete survey of the literature reveals that 69 cases ofchylothorax have been reported. Ten of these cases occurred in children between the ages of 1 and 14 years, five in infants under 1 year of age and one in a newborn infant. 3. The etiology of the chylous effusion in the present case is postulatedas being due to the severe trauma at and immediately after birth.
A distributed signal processor incorporating VLSI and high order language programming

A distributed signal processor has been developed with the following objectives: \bullet Efficient execution of signal processing functions such as Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters, FFTs, beamforming \bullet Easily programmed by systems engineers using a High Order Language (HOL) \bullet Loose external coupling of the distributed signal processing elements to facilitate interconnection/synchronization \bullet Utilize VLSI. The distributed signal processor is comprised of bus interconnected signal processing elements which are programmed using a high order block diagram/processing graph oriented notation.
A New Measure of Quality of Work Life (QWL) Based on Need Satisfaction and Spillover Theories

A new measure of QWL was developed based on need satisfaction and spillover theories. The measure was designed to capture the extent to which the work environment, job requirements, supervisory behavior, and ancillary programs in an organization are perceived to meet the needs of an employee. We identified seven major needs, each having several dimensions. These are: (a) health and safety needs (protection from ill health and injury at work and outside of work, and enhancement of good health), (b) economic and family needs (pay, job security, and other family needs), (c) social needs (collegiality at work and leisure time off work), (d) esteem needs (recognition and appreciation of work within the organization and outside the organization), (e) actualization needs (realization of one's potential within the organization and as a professional), (f) knowledge needs (learning to enhance job and professional skills), and (g) aesthetic needs (creativity at work as well as personal creativity and general aesthetics). The measure's convergent and discriminant validities were tested and the data provided support to the construct validity of the QWL measure. Furthermore, the measure's nomological (predictive) validity was tested through hypotheses deduced from spillover theory. Three studies were conducted – two studies using university employees and the third using accounting firms. The results from the pooled sample provided support for the hypotheses and thus lent some support to the nomological validity to the new measure.
External control of electron energy distributions in a dual tandem inductively coupled plasma

The control of electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) in low pressure partially ionized plasmas is typically accomplished through the format of the applied power. For example, through the use of pulse power, the EEPF can be modulated to produce shapes not possible under continuous wave excitation. This technique uses internal control. In this paper, we discuss a method for external control of EEPFs by transport of electrons between separately powered inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs). The reactor incorporates dual ICP sources (main and auxiliary) in a tandem geometry whose plasma volumes are separated by a grid. The auxiliary ICP is continuously powered while the main ICP is pulsed. Langmuir probe measurements of the EEPFs during the afterglow of the main ICP suggests that transport of hot electrons from the auxiliary plasma provided what is effectively an external source of energetic electrons. The tail of the EEPF and bulk electron temperature were then elevated in the afterglow of the main ICP by this external source of power. Results from a computer simulation for the evolution of the EEPFs concur with measured trends.
Infectious Nucleic Acids, a New Dimension in Virology: Their release from infected tissues and resistance to antibodies may explain some anomalous conditions

Viral nucleic acids have been found to be infectious for tissues and animals, yet are nonantigenic and resistant to antibodies against whole virus. Other unique properties, such as their host range and their susceptibility to nuclease action, render them a wholly new dimension to be reckoned with in virology. These properties may explain a number of conditions which at present are considered anomalous. The release from infected tissues of even a small proportion of total virus as free nucleic acid could, in an otherwise immune individual, lead to a low level of infection which would, perhaps, explain permanent immunity. If the proportion of nucleic acid is higher, or if the nucleic acid is resistant to nucleases because of an inert envelope, such conditions as "carrier" states—that is, viremias with or without antibodies—are possible. Note added in proof: The recent article by J. D. Ebert and F. H. Wilt ( 54 ) came to my attention after the present article was written. Ebert and Wilt's excellent article indicates the impact of the newer knowledge of viral nucleic acids on the ideas developing in the field of embryology.
Enhancing effects of carbon dioxide on the primary isolation of acid-fast bacilli in a modified Lowenstein-Jensen medium.

Abstract Specimens inoculated on modified Lowenstein-Jensen medium were incubated aerobically and in an atmosphere of 8% CO2. Sixteen per cent of the positive specimens grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis only after incubation in CO2.
Effect of minCD on FtsZ ring position and polar septation in Bacillus subtilis

We examined the pattern of FtsZ localization in a Bacillus subtilis minCD mutant. When grown in minimal medium, the majority (approximately 89%) of the minCD mutant cells with an FtsZ ring had a single, medially positioned FtsZ ring. These results indicate that genes in addition to minCD function to restrict the number and position of FtsZ rings. When grown in rich medium, greater than 50% of the minCD mutant cells had multiple FtsZ rings, indicating significant differences in regulation of FtsZ ring formation based on growth medium.
Ergonomics Service Learning Project: Implementing an Alternative Educational Method in an Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Ergonomics Course

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET and the Engineer of 2020, an engineering education initiative, have recommended that engineering students be provided with opportunities to participate in real-world projects to supply them with the skills they will need in the workplace. Service learning is a pedagogical approach where students apply skills they learn in a classroom to a real-world problem identified by a community organization. In 2009, a service learning project was introduced in an undergraduate Ergonomics Industrial Engineering course composed of engineering and nonengineering students at Montana State University MSU. Its integration and development in the existing course required creating a detailed project description and finding a partner organization. Students worked with clients or staff at the partner organization to develop ergonomic solutions for workplace health and safety issues and manufacturing productivity. At the end-of-semester presentations, the community partners, instructor, and other students assessed each solution's effectiveness. These assessments found that students, compared to the partner's feedback, undervalued their prototypes with regard to how they improved worker and process efficiency, and they overvalued their solution's creativity, cost, and implementation feasibility. In addition, the service learning course's technical and professional skills ranked above the average ABET course outcomes of MSU's Industrial Engineering fall courses. This demonstrates how the service learning project and the intended goals from ABET and Engineer 2020 come together-service learning exposes students to real-world situations that better prepare and inform them of the skills that will be needed after graduation.
A preliminary study on identifying sensors from iris images

In this paper we explore the possibility of examining an iris image and identifying the sensor that was used to acquire it. This is accomplished based on a classical pixel non-uniformity (PNU) noise analysis of the iris sensor. For each iris sensor, a noise reference pattern is generated and subsequently correlated with noise residuals extracted from iris images. We conduct experiments using data from seven iris databases, viz., West Virginia University (WVU) non-ideal, WVU off-angle, Iris Challenge Evaluation (ICE) 1.0, CASIAv2-Device1, CASIAv2-Device2, CASIAv3 interval, and CASIAv3 lamp. Results indicate that iris sensor identification using PNU noise is very encouraging, with rank-1 identification rates ranging from 86%–99% for unit level testing (distinguishing sensors from the same vendor) and 81%–96% for the combination of brand (distinguishing sensors from different vendors) and unit level testing. Our analysis also suggests that in many cases, sensor identification can be performed even with a limited number of training images. We also observe that JPEG compression degrades identification performance, specifically at the sensor unit level.
Dynamical segmentation and rupture patterns in a "toy" slider-block model for earthquakes

Abstract. Lattice models for earthquakes have been shown to capture some of the dynamical properties possessed by natural fault systems. These properties include: 1) a scaling (power low) region in the curve representing event frequency as a function of magnitude and area; and 2) space-time clustering of events. To understand the physical origin of these and other effects, we examine the simplest kind of "toy" slider block model. We obtain results indicating that this model displays several additional kinds of phenomena seen in real earthquake faults, even though "realistic" physics is missing from the model. Asperity-like slip distributions in this model arise from strong elastic coupling, rather than the spatially heterogeneous frictional strength often inferred for real faults. Simulation results indicate that "characteristic" earthquakes can be produced as a consequence of the nonlinear dynamics. Thus segmentation on faults may be a result of the nonlinear dynamics as well as being due to geometric properties of fault systems. These conclusions may be modified when more "realistic" physics is added to the model, although the presence of dynamical effects in the toy model calculations similar to those observed in nature demonstrates alternative possibilities for the origin of these effects.
ON THE GROWTH OF DEFORMATIONS OF ALGEBRAS ASSOCIATED WITH COXETER GRAPHS

We investigate a class of algebras that are deformations of quotient algebras of group algebras of Coxeter groups. For algebras from this class, a linear basis is found by using the “diamond lemma.” A description of all finite-dimensional algebras of this class is given, and the growth of infinite-dimensional algebras is determined.
Metal ion determinants of conantokin dimerization as revealed in the X-ray crystallographic structure of the Cd2+/Mg2+–con-T[K7γ] complex

Predatory sea snails from the Conus family produce a variety of venomous small helical peptides called conantokins that are rich in γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues. As potent and selective antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, these peptides are potential therapeutic agents for a variety of neurological conditions. The two most studied members of this family of peptides are con-G and con-T. Con-G has Gla residues at sequence positions 3, 4, 7, 10, and 14, and requires divalent cation binding to adopt a helical conformation. Although both Ca2+ and Mg2+ can fulfill this role, Ca2+ induces dimerization of con-G, whereas the Mg2+-complexed peptide remains monomeric. A variant of con-T, con-T[K7γ] (γ is Gla), contains Gla residues at the same five positions as in con-G and behaves very similarly with respect to metal ion binding and dimerization; each peptide binds two Ca2+ ions and two Mg2+ ions per helix. To understand the difference in metal ion selectivity, affinity, and the dependence on Ca2+ for dimer formation, we report here the structure of the monomeric Cd2+/Mg2+–con-T[K7γ] complex, and, by comparison with the previously published con-T[K7γ]/Ca2+ dimer structure, we suggest explanations for both metal ion binding site specificity and metal-ion-dependent dimerization.
GABA-mimetic molecules from Porphyra (Rhodophyta) induce metamorphosis of Haliotis (Gastropoda) larvae

Recruitment of larvae of the gastropod mollusc, Haliotis rufescens, has been shown to be induced by algal molecules which are uniquely available at the surfaces of crustose red algae, including species of Lithothamnium, Lithophyllum and Hildenbrandia (Morse & Morse 1984). Molecules inducing settlement and metamorphosis of these abalone larvae can be solubilized and extracted from algal homogenates (Morse, et al l979b; Morse & Morse 1984). Similar inducers were also found in cell-free extracts of a number of red marine macroalgae, including crustose species from the Atlantic and Pacific, articulate coralline algae, and foliose red algae (Morse & Morse 1984). Preliminary analyses of the amino acid composition of hydrolysates of an active extract from crustose algae suggested the presence of amino acids structurally related to GABA (Morse, et al 1979a). It was found that GABA and several of its analogs are potent inducers of larval settlement and metamorphosis.
Multiwavelength monitoring of active galactic nuclei

Recent multiwavelength monitoring of active galactic nuclei (AGN), particularly with the IUE satellite, has produced extraordinay advances in our understanding of the energy-generation mechanism(s) in the central engine and of the structure of the surrounding material. Examples discussed here include both ordinary AGN and blazars (the collective name for highly variable, radio-loud AGN like BL Lac objects and Optically Violently Variable quasars). In the last decade, efforts to obtain single-epoch multiwavelength spectra led to fundamentally new models for the structure of AGN, involving accretion disks for AGN and relativistic jets for blazars. Recent extensions of multiwavelength spectroscopy into the temporal domain have shown that while these general pictures may be correct, the details were probably wrong. Campaigns to monitor Seyfert 1 galaxies like NGC 4151, NGC 5548 and Fairall 9 at infrared, optical, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths indicate that broad-emission line regions are stratified by ionization, density, and velocity; argue against a standard thin accretion disk model; and suggest that X-rays represent primary rather than reprocessed radiation. For blazars, years of radio monitoring indicated emission from an inhomogeneous synchrotron-emitting plasma, which could also produce at least some of the shorter-wavelength emission. The recent month-long campaign to observe the BL Lac object PKS 2155-304 has revealed remarkably rapid variability that extends from the infrared through the X-ray with similar amplitude and little or no discernible lag. This lends strong support to relativistic jet models and rules out the proposed accretion disk model for the ultraviolet-X-ray continuum.
The effect of oxygen on the sputtering of metastable atoms and ions from Ba metal

Abstract By means of the Doppler-Shift-Laser-Fluorescence technique we have measured the effect of oxygen coverage on the velocity distributions and relative yields of sputtered Ba atoms and ions in both the ground and metastable excited states. Our measurements show no evidence that the excitation probabilities are correlated with the magnitude of the electric-dipole-moment matrix element to the ground state. We also find that the excitation probability of the Ba(1 D) state from a clean metal surface depends strongly on the emission velocity υ and approaches the functional form exp ( −A av ) at higher velocities.
Is there an intrinsic dead layer effect at ferroelectric surfaces

Abstract We extend the Thomas theory of ferroelectricity to thin ferroelectric films, in the paraelectric regime above the transition temperature. We find that there is a ‘dead layer effect’ reducing the polarization at the surface below the bulk, and make specific predictions as to its behavior. The results are compared with recent data on thin films of strontium titanate (STO).
Accumulation and phytotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles to Cucurbita pepo.

The effect of bulk and engineered nanoparticle (NP) Ag, Au, Cu, Si, and C at 250 and 750 mg/L on zucchini biomass, transpiration, and element content was determined. The pH of bulk and NP solutions prior to plant growth frequently differed. Nanoparticle Cu solution pH was significantly higher than bulk Cu, whereas for Ag and C, the NPs had significantly lower pH. Plants were unaffected by Au, regardless of particle size or concentration. NP Ag reduced plant biomass and transpiration by 49–91% compared to equivalent bulk Ag. NP Si at 750 mg/L reduced plant growth and transpiration by 30–51% relative to bulk Si. Bulk and NP Cu were phytotoxic but much of the effect was alleviated by humic acid. The shoot Ag and Cu content did not differ based on particle size or concentration. The accumulation of bulk Au was greater than the NP, but humic acid increased the accumulation of NP and bulk Au by 5.6-fold and 80%, respectively. The uptake of NP Si was 5.6–6.5-fold greater than observed with the bulk element. Thes...
Financing and cost of standard and enhanced methadone treatment

Although some national surveys of drug-abuse treatment have examined cost and financing issues, our study is one of the first to rigorously analyze the costs and financing of methadone treatment at the program level. Our findings are similar to those found at the national level for treatment cost but deviate significantly from the National Drug and Alcoholism Treatment Unit Survey (NDATUS) findings on funding sources. In addition to examining financing and total cost, we grouped resources into particular categories and examined variations at the client, program, regimen, and setting levels. Our specific findings show that public funding sources overwhelmingly support the programs examined; the average annual cost per client for standard methadone treatment was between $3,750 and $4,400; the marginal cost of providing enhanced treatment was between 5% and 6% of the total annual cost of standard treatment; and the average annual cost at the freestanding community-based programs was significantly different from the average annual cost at the hospital-based treatment program. Our results provide a treatment cost methodology along with a financial profile of treatment operations at three clinics that can be compared across programs and settings.