cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Extraordinary Restrictions on the Constitutional Rights of Central Intelligence Agency Employees: How National Security Concerns Legally Trump Individual Rights

Employees of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA or “the Agency”) engage in activities designed to protect the nation’s security and, at heart, its Constitution. Ironically, however, CIA employees, by dint of their employment with the Agency, are required to forego many of the very constitutional protections they fight so hard to protect. U.S. law and Agency regulations restrict the ability of CIA employees to engage in political activity, take outside employment, or travel internationally. The CIA significantly invades the privacy of its employees by requiring extensive and intrusive background checks of its employees including blood tests and polygraph examinations. The Agency even goes so far as to limit who its employees can befriend, date, and marry. To top it all off, CIA employees are greatly precluded from contesting these limitations as Congress has prohibited them from forming unions or going on strike, and the Judiciary has greatly limited the ability of Agency employees to bring claims in U.S. courts. Failure to comply with any of the above restrictions can result in disciplinary action and even termination of employment. CIA employees recognize, upon voluntarily joining the Agency, that their constitutional freedoms will be restricted to protect national security; yet few Americans realize the breadth and depth of those restrictions. This article examines the legality of the various restrictions imposed on CIA employees. It concludes that virtually all pass constitutional muster but that one – prohibiting employees from maintaining a substantial and personal relationship with any citizen from certain designated nations – could raise legal concerns.
Measurements of Space Curvature by Solar Mass

Unlike Newtonian mechanics, Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity predicts that the Sun causes the space around it to curve. As a result, a light ray passing near the solar limb will be deflected by twice the amount predicted by Newtonian theory. As John Archibald Wheeler put it, “space-time geometry tells mass-energy how to move and mass-energy tells space-time geometry how to curve.” This chapter reviews the experimental verification of light deflection, from an early eclipse expedition in 1919 to more recent measurements using interplanetary spacecraft and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). It turns out that the Einstein prediction is correct to within a realistic standard error of about 26 parts per million.
Enzymatic Inhibition of Diphosphonate: A Proposed Mechanism of Tissue Uptake

Enzymes have been proposed as tissue receptors that bind 99mTc-stannous diphosphonate and its analogs. Incubation of diphosphonate with several enzymes demonstrated inhibition of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity but showed no effect on glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Complete reversal of the diphosphonate-induced inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity occurred when calcium ion was added to the reaction. The specificity of calcium to induce reversal was dispelled when magnesium ion gave identical results. Diphosphonate-induced inhibition of acid phosphatase, however, was not reversed by calcium or magnesium.
Automated Flame Photometry of Serum Sodium and Potassium

A simple, rapid, automated procedure for flame photometry is described for use with the IL flame photometer and on-line dilutor and Technicon Sampler II.
RELIABILITY OF T-HELP IN PREVENTING AUTOIMMUNE ATTACK: PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION

An estimation is given for the probability of autoimmune attack as a failure of the T-help mechanism which requires, for immune attack, recognition of the antigen by both of a TH-clone and a B or T-killer-clone. With approximative numerical estimates for number of self epitopes, number of TH, B and T-killer-clones and for the probability, p that a self epitope is recognized by such a clone, an upper limit of 0.5 for the probability of autoimmune attack (per human lifetime) is estimated. The probability p is calculated with the assumption of randomness in primary structures of self epitopes and B and T-cell receptors. Although of low reliability, due to the simplifying approximations, our estimate suggests that T-help could play the central role in preventing autoimmune attack.
Growth factor targeted and conventional therapy of breast cancer

Sustained breast cancer growth and metastasis requires paracrine signals between the tumor cells and the normal surrounding host tissue. One crucial function of these signals is to recruit endothelial cells and thus new blood vessels for the nourishment of the expanding tumor mass. This proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in the vicinity of progressing tumors contrasts with the extremely low turn-over rate of endothelial cells in the healthy adult. A blockade of tumor-induced endothelial cell proliferation should inhibit tumor growth and potentially metastasis with only few adverse effects. Different therapeutic approaches that take advantage of this situation are discussed with respect to their interaction with conventional therapies of breast cancer.
Regression Facts and Artifacts.

Abstract Mohr's ( Evaluation and Program Planning 23(4) (2000)) provocative comments are examined. I agree wholeheartedly with Mohr's admonition that researchers not be too quick to assume that measurement error is random. However, I remain unconvinced by Mohr's arguments that the notion of regression toward the mean “has been a costly distraction,” that measurements of “artificial constructs” be treated as if they are free from measurement error, and that change-scores analysis generally be avoided in favor of regression analysis.
Body image and eating disturbance in obligatory runners, obligatory weightlifters, and sedentary individuals

The current study evaluated body image and eating disturbance in obligatory runners, obligatory weightlifters, and sedentary controls. Thirty subjects comprised each group, evenly proportioned by gender. The results indicated that weightlifters were significantly more accurate in estimating body size than runners and controls, although the latter two groups did not differ from one another. All subjects overestimated waist and hips to a greater degree than thighs; this finding was also true for their estimates of the size of a department store mannequin. Females were more dissatisfied with their body than males, with the exception that male and female weightlifters were equivalent on body dissatisfaction indices. Runners and weightlifters had greater eating disturbance than controls; females evidenced greater eating psychopathology than males. These findings indicate that type of physical activity may be related to size estimation accuracy and body satisfaction. The results are discussed with regard to the need to further refine subtypes of both obligatory runners and weightlifters for future investigations.
Simulating Influence of Channel Kinetics and Temperature on Hodgkin-Huxley Threshold Dynamics☆

Abstract Information processing in the brain results from the spread and interaction of electrical and chemical signals among neurons. The Hodgkin-Huxley model, describes the spiking and refractory properties of real neurons and serves as a paradigm based on nonlinear conductance of ion channels. Activation of various ion channels establish the spiking behavior of a neuron which determines the communication and coding in nervous system. Firing rates, timing of spikes, and spiking threshold properties are major firing properties of neuronal sparking activities. The temperature influence on neuron spiking threshold regulates the neuronal activities as electrophysiological experiments on neural spiking actions are rarely conducted outside of room temperature in vitro or body temperature in vivo. Temperature changes affect the spiking dynamics of excitable neurons via maximum ion channel conductances and ion channel gating kinetics. The latter has a major impact on changing the shape and amplitude of action potential as well as the generation and propagation of spikes. The purpose of this research is to study, simulate and analyze how the temperature change influence spiking properties of a neuron, channel kinetics as well as activation and inactivation variables of the potassium and sodium channels which determine the dynamics of Hodgkin-Huxley model.
The effect of temperature upon the development of x-irradiated ear grafts in amblystoma.

A previous study indicated that the eventual development of x-irradiated ear grafts in Amblystoma is less abnormal when the host embryos are kept at 8 deg C for the first 4 days following irradiation than when maintained continuously at 20 deg . Additional experiments dealing with effect of postirradiation temperature upon the development of irradiated ear vesicles in Amblystoma are reported. Embryos were x irradiated at stages 25 and 29 with 1000 r, and the right ear rudiment of irradiated embryos was transplanted orthotopically to nonirradiated embryos of the same stage 10 to 70 min following irradiation. Immediately after healing of the graft the host embryos were kept at 8 deg for 7 days and subsequently maintained at 20 deg , kept at 14 deg for 7 days and subsequently maintained at 20 deg , or maintained continuously at 20 deg . When grafts were examined 35 days after transplantation, development of the mature ear grafts irradiated at stage 25 was deficient in all three series. Mature grafts irradiated at stage 29 differed in no essential way from those irradiated at the earlier stage except that development in all the series was more uniformly poor. However, when examined at 7more » days, the time temperature differentials were terminated, the ear grafts irradiated at either stage 25 or 29 manifested definite signs of radiation damage in all 3 series. Size, differentiation, and mitotic activity were all adversely affected in all 3 series. Exposure to 1000 r is lethal to embryos irradiated at either stage 25 or 29. This was true of the 8 deg and 14 deg series as well as the 20 deg series. However, within the temperature ranges used, length of survival was progressively greater at lower temperatures in both groups. Regardless of temperature after exposure, embryos irradiated at stage 29 lived approximates 3 days longer than those irradiated at stage 25. Thus, contrary to earlier studies, these experiments afford no evidence that temporary hypothermia following exposure to x rays protects developing ear grafts in Amblystoma from radiation damage, although survival of irradiated embryos is prolonged for several days by keeping them temporarily at lower temperatures following irradiation. It is concluded that the negative results of postirradiation hypothermia obtained in irradiated ears do not necessarily conflict with the positive effects upon survival obtained by lower temperatures, since the 2 sets of data derive from different standards of measurement and cannot be compared with each other directly. (H.H.D.)« less
Prevalence and genetic profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from buffaloes, cattle, and goats in central Vietnam

Abstract We investigated the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in 568 healthy domestic animals (buffaloes, cattle, and goats) from 98 farms in the central region of Vietnam. The aims of this study were to determine if the prevalence of STEC in South East Asia is similar to that in other parts of the world, to characterize the virulence gene profiles from the recovered STEC and to determine if the recovered STEC belong to serotypes commonly associated with human disease. STEC and intimin-positive strains were recovered from 27% of buffaloes, 23% of cattle, and 38.5% of goats. Seventy percent of buffalo farms, 60% of cattle farms and 100% goat farms were positive for STEC. Of 170 STEC strains, 99 carried both stx1 and stx2 genes, 36 carried the stx2 gene, and 35 carried the stx1 gene. The eae gene was found in six caprine isolates, but not in buffalo or bovine isolates. Among 173 E. coli strains (170 STEC and 3 intimin-positive), 110 carried the ehxA gene, 106 possessed the saa gene. Further characterization of stx subtypes demonstrated that among 134 stx1-containing isolates, 107 belonged to the stx1c subtype and 27 were the stx1 subtype. Of the 132 stx2-containing isolates, 36 were stx2, 34 were stx2c, 43 were stx2d subtype, 3 belonged to stx2g, and 16 strains were stx2dact. The stx2c variant was dominant in strains isolated from buffalo while the stx2d variant occurred more frequently in caprine isolates. Only 9 (5%) STEC strains contained genes encoding for serotypes O26, O91, O121, O145, and O157 LPS, which are more frequently associated with human infections. The results of this study provide data for understanding of epidemiology of STEC among domestic animals in Vietnam and indicate that buffaloes are also an important reservoir of STEC.
Influence of the prior distribution on the risk of the Bayes rule

The risk influence function is defined as the directional derivative of the risk of the Bayes rule. The properties of this function are studied and the relationship between unimodal prior distribution and the shape of the frequentist risk of the corresponding Bayes procedure is examined.
Humanness: A Therapeutic Variable

Since attempts by adherents to various psychotherapeutic orientations have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of any one of them, this paper tries to explicate the single variable—humanness—that seems to underlie all therapeutic approaches, and may account for the positive results obtained by all approaches. Many investigators have emphasized the importance of a positive relationship as a factor in counseling; but an influential force, behavior modification therapy, has attempted to once again place the role of technique in the spotlight. Their results have not been striking. A second aim, therefore, of this paper is to offer a critique of this position in the light of humanistic and research considerations. The implications of a technique-oriented therapeutic approach are also discussed. A plea is entered for emphasis being placed on, and an investigation of, the role of humanness as the most important variable in the counseling process.
How experience and training influence mammography expertise

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated the influence of perceptual and cognitive skills in mammography detection and interpretation by testing three groups representing different levels of mammography expertise in terms of experience, training, and talent with a mammography screening-diagnostic task. Materials and Methods. One hundred fifty mammograms, composed of unilateral cranial-caudal and mediolateral oblique views, were displayed in pairs on a digital workstation to 19 radiology residents, three experienced mammographers, and nine mammography technologists. One-third of the mammograms showed malignant lesions; two-thirds were malignancy-free. Observers interacted with the display to indicate whether each image contained no malignant lesions or suspicious lesions indicating malignancy. Decision time was measured as the lesions were localized, classified, and rated for decision confidence. Results. Compared with performance of experts, alternative free response operating characteristic performance for residents was significantly lower and equivalent to that of technologists. Analysis of overall performance showed that, as level of expertise decreased, false-positive results exerted a greater effect on overall decision accuracy over the time course of image perception. This defines the decision speed-accuracy relationship that characterizes mammography expertise. Conclusion. Differences in resident performance resulted primarily from lack of perceptual-learning experience during mammography training, which limited object recognition skills and made it difficult to determine differences between malignant lesions, benign lesions, and normal image perturbations. A proposed solution is systematic mentor-guided training that links image perception to feedback about the reasons underlying decision making.
Challenges in implementing CD4 testing in resource-limited settings†‡§

The scale-up of HIV antiretroviral therapy in recent years has led to a rapid increase in CD4 and CD4% count capacity to meet the diagnostic needs of staging and monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in adults and infants. The speed of implementation of this technology has been unrivalled in recent years and has met challenges with technology selection, laboratory infrastructure development, human resource limitations, cost-effectiveness, instrument maintenance, and ensuring testing access and quality. The lessons learned from dealing with these challenges have helped strengthen existing laboratory systems for other diagnostics. They may also facilitate the implementation of new diagnostics in future.
Spatio-temporal interactions that promote the smoothness constraint for binocular matches

Early in his career, Bela Julesz introduced the stereo matching problem while working at Bell Labs on an encryption project. The common belief at that time was based on Wheatstone’s proposal that 2-D space perception of form preceded coding of disparity for 3-D space perception. However, with the random-dot stereogram, Julesz demonstrated that stereoscopic depth could be perceived in the absence of any identifiable objects or perspective cues available to either eye alone. This work inspired many algorithms for binocular matching including the smoothness constraint. Wheatstone’s and Julesz’s proposals as to whether binocular matches are solved at a low level, prior to form perception, or after form is perceived are still debated. We have examined spatio-temporal interactions that promote binocular matches and yield percepts of smooth surfaces in depth. We identified low-level processes for estimating depth differences between surface patches that require their proximity in both time and space, and a high level process that minimizes their depth differences when surface texture of adjacent patches appears to belong to the same surface. This suggests that the stereo-matching solution is influenced by a priori assumptions about the surface configuration of the scene and by monocular and binocular spatial cues.
Postnatal development of hypothalamic inputs to the dorsal vagal complex in rats

The hypothalamus is critically involved in energy homeostasis and is an appropriate focus for research investigating the central neural underpinnings of obesity, anorexia and normal food intake. However, little is known regarding pathways and mechanisms that convey relevant hypothalamic signals to the brainstem circuits that ultimately control ingestive behavior. This brief review highlights work investigating the postnatal development of hypothalamic inputs to the hindbrain dorsal vagal complex (DVC). Research findings indicate that these inputs are both structurally and functionally immature in newborn rats. The progressive postnatal maturation of descending projections to the DVC occurs in concert with newly emerging physiological and behavioral responses to osmotic dehydration, which inhibits gastric emptying and food intake in adult animals but not in neonates. The postnatal emergence of other intake controls might also reflect progressive engagement of DVC neural circuits, whose intrinsic components and output pathways are envisioned as being critical for initiating and terminating ingestive behavior.
Evolution of buried UXO classification using broadband fully polarimetric GPR

The OSU/ESL GPR systems have been applied to the detection and classification of buried unexploded ordnance (UXO) for years. It has evolved from an impulse and single-polarization (cross-polarization) system utilizing complex natural resonance (CNR) feature to the recent step-frequency and fully polarimetric system utilizing CNR, polarization and scattering features. Significant progresses in measurement techniques, feature extraction algorithms and classification rules have been made during the past three years under the support US DoD ESTCP program. These important progresses were motivated by field data collected at government test sites such as Tyndall AFB (1999), Blossom Point (2000) and Jefferson Proving Ground (2001). This paper briefly describes these progresses and the motivations behind them.
MEMS-based microfluidic system for chromatographic analysis of liquid samples

A complete micro-chromatographic system has been designed on a (110) silicon chip and the column-detector sub-system has been demonstrated. This micro-configuration allows the active surface-to-cross sectional area to be maximized, consistent with fabrication and pressure drop issues. A separation column was designed as an array of parallel channels anisotropically etched in (110) silicon to reduce pressure drop and to provide a necessary large surface area at a short length. Sensing was done by use of integrated impedance electrodes, with the detector cell volume less than 1 nl, although integrated optical detection has also been initiated. The response time is improved by about two orders of magnitude (relative to traditional systems) and simultaneous multiple analysis capability is realized with this design. Fabrication of multiple impedance detectors at different locations along the length of a micro-channel will enable monitoring of the separation in progress. Although the present work supports only a linear column configuration, a serpentine version would consume only about one square millimeter of a chip area, thus further minimizing the device.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Consumer behavior in later life: Multidisciplinary contributions and implications for research

The recent focus on the aging population has created increasing interest in studying older consumers. Numerous theories, models, and frameworks available in various disciplines have been or could be used to study the behavior of older adults in the marketplace. This article presents many of these approaches and assesses their current status and relevance to consumer research. Contributions of various approaches to the study of consumer behavior in later life are discussed in the form of propositions and implications for consumer research and marketing practice, methodological issues related to some of these approaches are highlighted, and a research agenda is recommended to help investigators in future research.
THE INFLUENCE OF SALT AND HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN ON THE SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF GROUND COW BEEF PATTIES

Ground cow beef was formulated to contain NaCl (0%, 1% or 2%) and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (0%, 0.25%, 0.50% or 0.75%) and was made into patties. Cow beef and steer beef patties without salt or HVP were utilized as controls. Patties were evaluated for fat and moisture content and sensory attributes. Meat source had no significant effect on fat and moisture content or on sensory attributes. The addition of NaCl resulted in patties that were more juicy, more tender and more desirable in flavor and texture than the control patties. Sensory ratings increased as the level of added salt increased. Patties containing 0.25% hydrolyzed vegetable protein were more tender, more juicy and received higher texture and flavor desirability ratings than patties containing 0%, 0.50% or 0.75% hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
THE FIELD EMISSION INITIATED VACUUM ARC. I. EXPERIMENTS ON ARC INITIATION

It is known that electrical breakdown between metal electrodes can be initiated by field emission. The present work concerns a further study of that initiation process under conditions of excellent vacuum and a clean cathode surface.As the field current density from the single crystal tungsten emitter is continuously increased, the normal emission is terminated by an explosive vacuum arc. Since this breakdown occurs in less than a microsecond, the experimental observations were obtained by use of pulse electronic techniques. The magnitude of the electric field, current density, and work function at the cathode were simultaneously determined prior to breakdown. From this investigation it has been established that: (1) the vacuum arc was initiated at a critical value of the field current density of the order of ${10}^{8}$ amperes/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$;(2) breakdown was predictable and not random; in fact easily recognizable conditions preceding arc formation have been established; at current densities just below the critical value, an electron emission process was observed, which apparently involved both high electric fields and high temperatures;(3) arc formation did not require cathode bombardment by material from the anode or from residual gases;(4) breakdown was independent of the applied microsecond voltage in the range $5lVl60$ kv, provided the critical current density was not exceeded;(5) the current during arc exceeded the initiating field current by a factor of at least 100.
Collective behavior of many Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions

An approximate expression for the collective behavior of many Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions is derived. The derivation is based on the assumption that all the reactants not only have comparable reactivities but also comparable adsorptivities. Comparison with exact results shows excellent agreement over a reasonably broad range of kinetic parameters. The expression can be used for data analysis and correlation.
Imaging Calcium Activity Patterns in the Drosophila Pupal Ecdysis Neural Circuit

Insects execute a behavioral program, called an ecdysis sequence, to shed their cuticle at each developmental molt. The neural circuit controlling the ecdysis sequence consists of approximately 300 peptidergic neurons that express the Ecdysis Triggering Hormone receptor (ETHR) and are activated by peripheral release of Ecdysis Triggering Hormone (ETH). While several groups of neurons within the network play known roles in the ecdysis sequence, such as those expressing the hormones CCAP and bursicon, the timing of their activity is poorly understood and likely involves regulation by as yet unidentified inhibitory neurons. In general, the patterns of activity within the ecdysis network and how they give rise to motor output remains enigmatic. Using the genetically tractable Drosophila model system, and focusing on the ecdysis sequence executed at the pupal molt, we have investigated the evolution of network activity using Gal4 driver lines to express UAS-RCaMP or UAS-GCaMP6 Ca2+ biosensors in subsets of neurons in the ETHR network or its downstream motor neurons. We are able to elicit the ecdysis sequence in an excised pupal brain by application of exogenous ETH and visualize the neural activity underlying the ecdysis-specific motor patterns in targeted neurons. The quantitative temporal information provided by Ca2+ biosensors, when combined with anatomical data derived from structured illumination and diffraction-limited fluorescence microscopy techniques, provides insights into how the activity patterns of the ETHR circuit are generated.
Sol–gel-derived fluorinated stationary phase for open tubular electrochromatography

We report on the preparation of a sol–gel-derived fluorinated stationary phase using a 13 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary for open tubular electrochromatography (OTEC). The sol–gel-derived fluorinated column is prepared by hydrolyzing a mixture of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl-1-triethoxysilane (F13-TEOS) followed by coating a thin film onto the inner walls of a fused-silica capillary. The retention characteristics of the sol–gel-derived fluorinated column are compared with a sol–gel-derived octylhydrocarbonaceous (C8) column. Using the sol–gel-derived fluorinated column, we report on the successful separation of six model fluorinated organic compounds which cannot be separated using the C8 column prepared either via sol–gel method or by conventional methods. We achieved high efficiencies of 100 000–300 000 plates/m for the various model fluorinated compounds using the sol–gel-derived fluorinated column. We have also investigated the separation performance of the sol–gel-derived fluorinated column using different TEOS:F13-TEOS ratios and the optimum reaction time before column coating. Optimum selectivity was obtained with a TEOS:F13-TEOS molar ratio of 1:2 reacted for 24 h prior to column coating.
Modern interpretation of the average-potential-model theory of solutions

Abstract In this paper we examine the possibility of developing a statistical-mechanical version of the Prigogine-Bellemans-Mathot average-potential-model theory of solutions. In our approach, we calculate the properties of the pure components using a modern theory of fluids, and then determine the mixture properties by using these theoretical data in conjunction with a suitably defined average potential and the theorem of corresponding states. Calculations of the compressibility factor are performed on the systems Xe, N 2 and CH 4 to identify an acceptable representation for pseudo Lennard-Jones systems, and then the method noted above is used to calculate the excess free energies of the six simple mixtures Ar-N 2 , O 2 -N 2 , Ar-O 2 , CO-N 2 , Ar-CO and Ar-Kr. When correlated with recent work of Bellemans, Mathot and Simon, our approach can lead to quantitative agreement between theory and experiment.
Curricular and instructional adaptations: Views of special and general education student teachers and their cooperating teachers

Abstract The study examined perceptions of general and special education student teachers and their cooperating teachers regarding the importance and use of various instructional strategies needed in diverse and inclusive classrooms. Participants responded to a 45‐item questionnaire. Major findings revealed similar rankings regarding the importance and frequency of use of many strategies. Ranked high on importance and use were strategies that focused on direct teacher interventions, practices that fostered an enabling classroom environment for teaching and learning, and positive behavior management interventions. Low‐ranked items included strategies that represented negative or punitive responses to students. Of the remaining strategies, differential rankings among groups were noted. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Success of spruce beetle attacks in pruned and unpruned boles of Lutz spruce in south-central Alaska

Abstract Pruning live branches from different heights and sides on the boles of long-crowned Lutz spruce (Picea × lutzii Little) baited with frontalin reduced successful spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kby) attacks in pruned sections of most trees. The benefits of pruning seemed to be primarily from increased temperature and light intensity resulting from greater exposure and insolation on pruned boles, but physiological changes in the host such as improved moisture status, although not measured, should not be disregarded. Pruning had little protective effect on rapidly growing bole sections because those sections were already resistant to successful spruce beetle attack. The effect of pruning on successful beetle attack was presumably conservative because baited trees were used. Removing the lower live branches from Lutz spruce reduced successful spruce beetle attacks on warm sites in south-central Alaska, and this method should be tested on cold sites.
Pricing in the nuclear power industry: Public or private interest?*

This paper tests empirically the Ramsey version of the public-interest theory of regulation by examining the pricing practices in the nuclear power industry, using a 1985 cross-sectional sample of 40 electric utilities. Other researchers have avoided this segment of the industry because of difficulties with nuclear fuel data, or perceived differences in the underlying production function. We show that regulators respond to political influences according to the Stigler-Peltzman version of regulation and that Ramsey pricing cannot be validated, at least for the nuclear segment of the electric power industry.
Characterization of Lipid Fatty Acids in Whole-Cell Microorganisms Using in Situ Supercritical Fluid Derivatization/Extraction and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

In situ supercritical fluid derivatization and extraction was used as a sample preparation technique for the classification of bacteria using fatty acid profiling. Addition of a quaternary ammonium salt such as phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide under static supercritical conditions directly to lyophilized, whole-cell bacteria in an extraction vessel resulted in the saponification of the bacterial lipids and derivatization of their fatty acids. The derivatized fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were then extracted with supercritical CO2 and analyzed without additional treatment using GC/MS. Iso and anteiso C15:0 and C17:0 along with C18:0 were predominant in Gram-positive bacteria, while C16:1, C16:0, C18:1, and cyclopropyl cyC17:0 and cyC19:0 were significant in Gram-negative bacteria. Application of principal components analysis to the FAME GC/MS data resulted in the differentiation between Gram-positive and Gram-negative type bacteria. Differentiation between species among the same genera was also observed.
Low-dose methotrexate for the Sézary syndrome

Seventeen patients with Sezary syndrome were treated with low-dose methotrexate for periods of up to 5 years (median follow-up 22 months). Seven patients (41%) achieved a complete response, and six patients (35%) achieved a partial response (more than 50% improvement). As of their latest evaluation, 10 of 17 (59%) were in a state of either complete or partial response. The estimated 5-year survival rate was 71% (standard error 13%). Toxicity was minor and self-limiting in only one patient. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a decrease in the circulating Sezary cell count.
Comparative study of direct-contact and air-gap membrane distillation processes

Direct-contact and air-gap membrane distillation (DCMD and AGMD, respectively) processes have been modeled as a two-dimensional conjugate problem in which a simultaneous numerical solution of the m...
Equilibrium and kinetic folding pathways of a TIM barrel with a funneled energy landscape.

The role of native contact topology in the folding of a TIM barrel model based on the α-subunit of tryptophan synthase (αTS) from Salmonella typhimurium (Protein Data Bank structure 1BKS) was studied using both equilibrium and kinetic simulations. Equilibrium simulations of αTS reveal the population of two intermediate ensembles, I1 and I2, during unfolding/refolding at the folding temperature, Tf = 335 K. Equilibrium intermediate I1 demonstrates discrete structure in regions α0-β6 whereas intermediate I2 is a loose ensemble of states with N-terminal structure varying from at least β1-β3 (denoted I2A) to α0-β4 at most (denoted I2B). The structures of I1 and I2 match well with the two intermediate states detected in equilibrium folding experiments of Escherichia coli αTS. Kinetic folding simulations of αTS reveal the sequential population of four intermediate ensembles, I120Q, I200Q, I300Q, and I360Q, during refolding. Kinetic intermediates I120Q, I200Q, and I300Q are highly similar to equilibrium αTS intermediates I2A, I2B, and I1, respectively, consistent with kinetic experiments on αTS from E. coli. A small population (∼10%) of kinetic trajectories are trapped in the I120Q intermediate ensemble and require a slow and complete unfolding step to properly refold. Both the on-pathway and off-pathway I120Q intermediates show structure in β1-β3, which is also strikingly consistent with kinetic folding experiments of αTS. In the off-pathway intermediate I120Q, helix α2 is wrapped in a nonnative chiral arrangement around strand β3, sterically preventing the subsequent folding step between β3 and β4. These results demonstrate the success of combining kinetic and equilibrium simulations of minimalist protein models to explore TIM barrel folding and the folding of other large proteins.
Selective cerebral perfusion for thoracic aortic surgery: association with neurocognitive outcome.

Objectives Optimal brain protection for aortic arch surgery remains unclear. This prospective study examined neurocognitive outcomes in cardiac and thoracic aortic surgical patients, including a small cohort who underwent selective cerebral perfusion. Methods Fifty-seven adult cardiac and thoracic aortic surgical patients underwent preoperative and postoperative neurocognitive testing. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patients underwent procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass alone (n = 24), group 2 patients with cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest (n = 23), and group 3 patients with cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic circulatory arrest, and anterograde selective cerebral perfusion (n = 10). Changes in 14 neurocognitive test scores and 6 neurocognitive domain scores (Attention, Speed, Language, Memory, Executive Function, and Motor Function) were evaluated. Results Multiple regression analyses examining the relationships of cardiopulmonary bypass time, hypothermic circulatory arrest time, and selective cerebral perfusion time with change in cognitive test performance revealed that selective cerebral perfusion time (range, 39–83 minutes) was a significant predictor of decline in performance on memory and language tests. Hypothermic circulatory arrest (range, 14–40 minutes) and cardiopulmonary bypass (range, 70–369 minutes) times were unrelated to decline. Conclusions Complex thoracic aortic repairs requiring prolonged selective cerebral perfusion were associated with decline in neurocognitive function. It is unclear whether the complexity of the repair necessitating prolonged selective cerebral perfusion or the perfusion technique itself contributed to neurocognitive decline. Prospective multicenter neurocognitive evaluations are necessary to assess the relative merits of current brain protection strategies in thoracic aortic surgery.
SDBD plasma enhanced aerodynamics: concepts, optimization and applications

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the physics and design of single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators for enhanced aerodynamics in a variety of applications. The actuators consist of two electrodes, one exposed to the air and the other covered by a dielectric material. The electrodes are supplied with an ac voltage that at high enough levels, causes the air over the covered electrode to ionize. The ionization of the air is a dynamic process within the ac cycle. The ionized air, in the presence of the electric field produced by the electrode geometry, results in a body force vector that acts on the ambient air. The body force is the mechanism for active aerodynamic control. The body force per unit volume of plasma has been derived from first principles and implemented in numerical flow simulations. This utilizes models for the time and space dependence of the air ionization on the input voltage amplitude, frequency, electrode geometry and dielectric properties that have been developed and bench-marked with experiments. The experiments and model suggest approaches that can maximize the performance of the plasma actuators. A sample implementation of an actuator model in a numerical flow simulation consisting of leading-edge separation control on an airfoil along with an experimental benchmark is then presented.
Statistical structure of the fluctuating wall pressure and its in-plane gradients at high Reynolds number

The fluctuating wall pressure and its gradients in the plane of the surface were measured beneath the turbulent boundary layer that forms over the salt playa of Utah's west desert. Measurements were acquired under the condition of near-neutral thermal stability to best mimic the canonical zero-pressure-gradient boundary-layer flow. The Reynolds number (based on surface-layer thickness, δ, and the friction velocity, uτ) was estimated to be 1 × 106 ± 2 × 105. The equivalent sandgrain surface roughness was estimated to be in the range 15≤ks+≤85. Pressure measurements acquired simultaneously from an array of up to ten microphones were analysed. A compact array of four microphones was used to estimate the instantaneous streamwise and spanwise gradients of the surface pressure. Owing to the large length scales and low flow speeds, attaining accurate pressure statistics in the present flow required sensors capable of measuring unusually low frequencies. The effects of imperfect spatial and temporal resolution on the present measurements were also explored. Relative to pressure, pressure gradients exhibit an enhanced sensitivity to spatial resolution. Their accurate measurement does not, however, require fully capturing the low frequencies that are inherent and significant in the pressure itself. The present pressure spectra convincingly exhibit over three decades of approximately −1 slope. Comparisons with low-Reynolds-number data support previous predictions that the inner normalized wall pressure variance increases logarithmically with Reynolds number. The wall pressure autocorrelation exhibits its first zero-crossing at an advected length that is between one tenth and one fifth of the surface-layer thickness. Under any of the normalizations investigated, the present surface vorticity flux intensity values are difficult to reconcile with low-Reynolds-number data trends. Inner variables, however, do yield normalized flux intensity values that are of the same order of magnitude at low and high Reynolds number. Spectra reveal that even at high Reynolds number, the primary contributions to the pressure gradient intensities occur over a relatively narrow frequency range. This frequency range is shown to be consistent with the scale of the sublayer pocket motions. In accord with low-Reynolds-number data, the streamwise pressure gradient signals at high Reynolds number are also characterized by statistically significant pairings of opposing sign fluctuations.
Acute sensory neuronopathy as the presenting symptom of Sjögren's syndrome.

Sensory neuronopathy associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) usually has a subacute or chronic onset. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with an unusual hyperacute form of SS ganglionopathy. She initially developed paresthesias of her fingertips and rapidly became severely ataxic. Nerve conduction studies revealed abnormal sensory but normal motor functions. Lip biopsy showed findings consistent with SS. Sural nerve biopsy showed severe axonal loss. The patient showed modest improvement with immunosuppressive therapies.
Eigenvalues and Stable Time Steps for the Uniform Strain Hexahedron and Quadrilateral

On obtient des formules simples pour limiter les valeurs limites maximums ou pour les calculer exactement pour les elements de deformation hexaedrique a 8 nœuds et en quadrilatere a 4 nœuds. L'analyse de valeurs propres est limitee aux materiaux lineaires isotropes
Observations on axoplasmic transport in rabbits with aluminum-induced neurofibrillary tangles.

Abstract We have studied axoplasmic transport in rabbits as it is affected by aluminum-induced neurofibrillary degeneration. The analyses were performed 8–15 days after AlCl3 administration except for one animal in which 30 days elapsed. Morphological changes were examined parallel to transport measurement. The anterograde fast axoplasmic component in the appropriate nerve was measured using [3H]leucine injected in the anterior horn of the L-7 level of the spinal cord and/or spinal ganglion at the same level. In both aluminum-treated and control animals, the rate of axoplasmic transport was similar at about 440 mm/day, and there was no correlation between this rate and the intensity of morphologic alteration. The effect of aluminum-induced neurofibrillary degeneration on retrograde axon transport was studied using Evans blue-albumin injected into the tongue. In all the controls and in one-half of the aluminum-treated rabbits, there was an accumulation of fluorescent granules in the perikarya of the XII cranial nucleus. In the rest of the experimental animals, fluorescent granules did not appear in the relevant perikarya.
Bias in strategic initiative continuance decisions: framing interactions and HRD practices

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a model of how cognitive biases and framing effects influence managerial decision‐making about strategic initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – Because the author was interested in understanding real‐world practices about strategic decisions, he chose to conduct a quasi‐experimental field study over a three‐year period with managers in a multinational corporation. He developed a questionnaire and a series of vignettes for the independent measures, and examined database records of decisions for the dependent measures.Findings – After validating the instrument items, the author conducted a confirmatory factor analysis for model fit, and then tested the model's predictive ability and interactions. The model indicated that risk aversion, overconfidence, anchoring, and expected utility affected commitment decisions, and these factors interacted with framing effects.Originality/value – Decision‐makers often fall victim to biases and make sub‐opti...
Insulin-like growth factor II increases the rate of sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.

Abstract A slow rate of nerve regeneration conspires together with atrophy and degeneration of denervated organs to increase the risk of permanent disability following injury to the mammalian peripheral nervous system. Therefore, it is of both practical and theoretical interest to identify those endogenous factors that determine the spontaneous velocity of nerve regeneration, and to discover exogenous factors which hold promise for augmenting the rate. We report that locally infused insulin-like growth factor II significantly increases the speed of sensory axon regeneration in rat sciatic nerves. It appeared that 1 μg/ml insulin-like growth factor II acted through insulin-like growth factor receptors, because a comparable concentration of insulin had little effect. Furthermore, there was a sustained reduction in regeneration rate when an anti-insulin-like growth factor II antiserum was continuously infused near a window in the epineurium located just below a site of nerve crush, indicating that the spontaneous regeneration rate was continuously dependent on endogenous insulin-like growth factor activity. These results show that exogenously administered insulin-like growth factor II can increase the rate of peripheral nerve regeneration, and that the endogenous insulin-like growth factors in nerves are required to maintain the normal rate of regeneration. These in vivo data complement previous observations showing that insulin-like growth factors can increase neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons, and that insulin-like growth factor II gene expression is correlated with synapse development. They further support the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factors play a role in nerve regeneration.