cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic investigation of 9-bromoanthracene photodimers as initiators in atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract Mechanistic pathways accounting for the lack of control in polymerizations employing photodimers of 9-bromoanthracene as alkyl halide initiators in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reactions are presented. Converting the aryl bromide on the anthracene moiety into an alkyl bromide via a [4+4] cycloaddition reaction effectively generated the photodimer with two alkyl halide sites, which were investigated as potential initiating sites for the ATRP of styrene and n-butyl acrylate. Polymers synthesized using these photodimers as initiators possessed relatively broad polydispersity index (PDI) values and displayed a non-linear relationship between their number average molecular weights (Mn) and monomer consumption, consistent with slow initiation from the bridgehead alkyl halide. Reactions performed at 80 °C in bulk or THF generated polystyrene with Mn values 3–5 times higher than calculated based on monomer-to-initiator ratios. UV–vis spectrometry of the products demonstrated absorbance bands indicative of polymer-bound anthracene, caused by thermal degradation of the photodimer during the polymerization. When the initiator was introduced last into the reaction mixture in an attempt to suppress photodimer cleavage prior to initiation, PDI values and Mn values were generally lowered with the resulting polymers showing similarly high anthracene content. Composition of polystyrene and poly(n-butyl acrylate) products was also studied as a function of reaction temperature, with decreased anthracene labeling observed at lower temperatures (40 and 60 °C), further validating a model of heat-induced cleavage of the photodimer.
Effect of inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway on mouse myoblast fusion.

Abstract In this study we examined the effects of inhibitors of the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways on mouse myoblast fusion. The fusion of cloned mouse myoblasts was markedly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, when cells were cultured in medium supplemented with either phenidone (1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidione) or BW755c (3-amino-1-(3-tri-fluoromethylphenyl)-2-pyrazoline), drugs which have been reported to inhibit lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase activities. Fusion was also inhibited when these cells were cultured in medium supplemented with esculetin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin) which has been reported to inhibit lipoxygenase activity. Removal of the above inhibitors resulted in a return to control levels of fusion. Fusion was not demonstrably inhibited with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and only inhibited to a minor extent with indomethacin (1-( p -chlorobenzoyl)-5-ethoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid); both of these drugs are inhibitors of cyclo-exygenase activity.
The Role of Communication in Global Civil Society: Forces, Processes, Prospects

The author examines the concept of global civil society (GCS) through the use of theoretical tools and empirical evidence related to the study of International Communication. He demonstrates that scholarship on GCS tends to simplify the process through which information becomes knowledge and that the state system–GCS relationship often is presented in terms of an ahistorical power dichotomy. In relation to these problems, what the author calls “GCS progressives” tend to underplay political-economic factors shaping GCS, including the implications of structural power; they tend to emphasize the importance of spatial integration while neglecting related changes in temporal norms; and, more essentially, they often under-theorize the importance of socialization processes and relatively unmediated relationships in the ongoing construction of “reality.” The author concludes that through a more focused analysis—concentrating on how new technologies can be used to organize nationally and locally, and on lifestyle changes associated with communications developments—more precise analyses and fruitful strategies for GCS progressives may emerge.
An Optimal Control Algorithm for Suppression of Harmonic Base Excitation in Nonlinear Magnetic Bearings

The paper deals with rotor systems that suffer harmonic base excitation when supported on magnetic bearings. Magnetic bearings using conventional control techniques perform poorly in such situations mainly due to their highly nonlinear characteristics. The compensation method presented here is a novel optimal control procedure with a combination of conventional, proportional and differential feedback control. A four degree of freedom model is used for the rotor system, and the bearings are modeled by nonlinear expressions. Each disturbance frequency is exprcted to produce a multi-harmonic system response, a characteristic of nonlinear systems. We apply optimal control choosing to minimize a performance index, which leads to the optimization of the trigonometric coefficients in the correction current function. Results show that the control technique suppresses rotor vibration to amplitudes that were significantly smaller than the disturbance amplitudes for the entire range of disturbance frequencies applied. The control technique explored in this paper is a promising step towards the successful application of magnetic bearings to systems mounted on moving platforms.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Severe Contact Dermatitis from Chemical Mace Containing 1-Chloroacetophenone

AbstractAerosolized lacrimating agents are widely employed as “safe” criminal deterrents. The most common active ingredient in these products is 1-chloroacetophenone (CN). Although mild and brief skin and eye irritation is frequently seen following exposure to these compounds, severe reactions can occur. We report a patient who sustained a severe contact dermatitis after being sprayed with chemical mace and required hospitalization and aggressive treatment.
Perceived Reliability Of Selected Nutrition Information Sources and the Utilization of Those Sources by College Students.

Abstract Perceived reliability and the extent to which various sources of nutrition information are utilized have not been examined. Students enrolled in introductory nutrition courses at a large urban university (n=161), land-grant university (n=238), and private university (n=326) in Texas were asked to participate. Subjects (n=725) completed a questionnaire which assessed the perceived reliability of 27 nutrition information sources using a 5-point Likert scale (1=very reliable to 5=very unreliable). The extent to which those sources had been consulted for nutrition advice within the previous three-month period also was investigated. Comparisons between male and female subjects and among subjects by university were investigated using Student's T-test and ANOVA, respectively with SPSS. Subjects rated the registered dietitian (RD), physician, nurse, personal trainer, pharmacist, and food labels as "reliable" sources of nutrition information. Massage therapists, home economists, acupuncturists, and television programs were rated, on average, as "unreliable". However, females identified home economist, the Internet, nurses, pharmacists, and religious/spiritual groups as being a more reliable compared to their male counterparts (P
Comparing the magnitudes of second-order conditioning and sensory preconditioning effects

Water-deprived rats served in a conditioned lick-suppression experiment designed to test the hypothesis that second-order conditioning is more robust than sensory preconditioning with equivalent parameters. The second-order and sensory preconditioning paradigms are identical except for the ordering of Phase 1 and Phase 2. In second-order conditioning, S1 immediately precedes the US during Phase 1 (i.e., S1→US), and S2 immediately precedes S1 during Phase 2 (i.e., S2→S1). In sensory preconditioning, these phases are reversed, such that S2 precedes S1 during Phase 1 (i.e., S2→SI) and S1 precedes the US during Phase 2 (i.e., SI→US). Thus, in second-order conditioning, S1 becomes excitatory prior to S2-S1 pairings. This would suggest a positive bias toward attending to S1 during S2-S1 pairings in second-order conditioning but not in sensory preconditioning, a condition that might render second-order conditioning more effective. The results indicated the presence of both second-order conditioning and sensory preconditioning effects, but they did not support the hypothesis that second-order conditioning is a more robust conditioning phenomenon than sensory preconditioning.
Pseudo-monotone operators and nonlinear elliptic boundary value problems on unbounded domains.

Abstract A general boundary value problem of variational type is considered for a general quasi-linear elliptic partial differential operator of order 2m in generalized divergence form. Such problems are considered on an arbitrary domain in a Euclidean space without hypotheses of boundedness on the domain or smoothness on its boundary. Contrary to the prevailing doctrine in the literature, it is shown that the corresponding operator between Banach spaces is pseudo-monotone, and that a wide variety of existence results can be derived from this fact.
THE EFFECTS OF X RAYS AND THERMAL NEUTRONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRAILING INDIGO (INDIGOFERA ENDECAPHYLLA) PLANTS

DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS, mostly variations in size, were observed among young plants of trailing indigo (Indigofera endecaphylla Jacq.) arising from seed which had been subjected to various dosages of X rays and thermal neutrons in an attempt to induce beneficial, particularly agronomic, mutations. This study of radiation effects resulted from these observations and the desirability of analyzing the differential growth responses apparently induced by X radiation and thermal neutron flux in dormant seeds of trailing indigo. The existence of a greater quantitative factor, or relative biological efficiency (RBE), for thermal neutrons as compared with X rays is generally recognized. On the basis of equivalent total ionizations, thermal neutrons have about 11 or 12 times the effectivity of X radiation in causing cytogenetic change (Conger and Giles, 1950). In addition to the greater RBE for thermal neutrons as compared with X rays, qualitative differences, different biological effects, have been observed by some workers (Caldecott et al., 1952, 1954; Spencer and Blakeslee, 1955), and denied by others (Snider, 1948; Frolik and Morris, 1950; Schmidt, 1952). Of primary concern in comparative studies of mutagenic agents is whether or not the biological effects of these agents differ in any fundamental way. The initial purpose of this investigation was to study the nature of the different effects noted in trailing indigo plants arising from seed exposed to X radiation and to thermal neutrons. A second purpose was to find if any apparent difference is related to growth substance activity and/or to protein metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-In order to obtain comparative data concerning the responses of trailing indigo plants to dosages of X rays and thermal neutrons, a series of experiments was designed to analyze effects on germination, survival, development, relative growth substance activity, protein metabolism, and pollen production. Seeds of trailing indigo produced at this station were dried to a moisture content of four per cent (+0.5 per cent), and used throughout these tests. The self-fertility of this legume assured a high degree of homozygosity (manifest by the uniformity of juvenile and adult characters). Separate lots were treated as follows: 0, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, 120,000, 160,000, and 200,000 r;
Is the church-Turing thesis true?

The Church-Turing thesis makes a bold claim about the theoretical limits to computation. It is based upon independent analyses of the general notion of an effective procedure proposed by Alan Turing and Alonzo Church in the 1930's. As originally construed, the thesis applied only to the number theoretic functions; it amounted to the claim that there were no number theoretic functions which couldn't be computed by a Turing machine but could be computed by means of some other kind of effective procedure. Since that time, however, other interpretations of the thesis have appeared in the literature. In this paper I identify three domains of application which have been claimed for the thesis: (1) the number theoretic functions; (2) all functions; (3) mental and/or physical phenomena. Subsequently, I provide an analysis of our intuitive concept of a procedure which, unlike Turing's, is based upon ordinary, everyday procedures such as recipes, directions and methods; I call them “mundane procedures.” I argue that mundane procedures can be said to be effective in the same sense in which Turing machine procedures can be said to be effective. I also argue that mundane procedures differ from Turing machine procedures in a fundamental way, viz., the former, but not the latter, generate causal processes. I apply my analysis to all three of the above mentioned interpretations of the Church-Turing thesis, arguing that the thesis is (i) clearly false under interpretation (3), (ii) false in at least some possible worlds (perhaps even in the actual world) under interpretation (2), and (iii) very much open to question under interpretation (1).
FAIR ACTUARIAL VALUES FOR DEDUCTIBLE INSURANCE POLICIES IN THE PRESENCE OF PARAMETER UNCERTAINTY

This paper derives the multi-period fair actuarial values for six deductible insurance policies offered in today's insurance markets. The loss in any given period is generated by the Weibull distribution with a known shape parameter but an unknown scale parameter. The insurer is assumed to be a Bayesian decision maker, in the sense that he/she learns sequentially about the unknown scale parameter by observing the realizations of the filed claims. It is shown that the insurer's underlying predictive loss distributions belong to the Burr family, and the multi-period actuarially fair policy value can be derived. With a proper loading, an insurance premium can be quoted. Our major contribution is the analytical derivations of the fair actuarial values for deductible insurance policies in the presence of parameter uncertainty and Bayesian learning.
Development and validation of the Specific Loss of Interest and Pleasure Scale (SLIPS).

Abstract Background Anhedonia, or loss of pleasure and/or interest in people or things, is a key component of many forms of psychopathology. Extant anhedonia measures only assess current state or longstanding trait anhedonia, which risks discounting recent changes. Thus, we created the Specific Loss of Interest and Pleasure Scale (SLIPS), to assess recent changes in anhedonia. Methods Four studies assessed the reliability and validity of the SLIPS through factor and internal consistency analyses, convergent and divergent validity analyses, and incremental validity analyses in individuals reporting non-clinical and clinical levels of psychopathology. Results The SLIPS was internally consistent, converged with existing state measures of anhedonia and depression, and diverged from general measures of affect and trait anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Furthermore, the SLIPS predicted recent changes in anhedonia independent of existing measures. Moreover, in respondents reporting moderate or severe symptoms of depression, only the SLIPS was associated with recent changes in anhedonia. Limitations Prospective limitations included a resulting one factor solution and the potential that the method of scaling influenced results. However, these limitations were offset by empirical verification and the unique strength of the scaling of the SLIPS. Conclusions The SLIPS is the first validated measure that allows for the assessment of recent changes in anhedonia in non-clinical and clinical samples. Results suggest that the SLIPS offers unique clinical utility by discriminating changes in anhedonia within at-risk and clinically depressed groups.
Processing the facial image: a brief history.

The study of the neural basis of face perception is a major research interest today. This review traces its roots in monkey neuropsychology and neurophysiology beginning with the Kluver-Bucy syndrome and its fractionation and then continuing with lesion and single neuron recording studies of inferior temporal cortex. The context and consequence of the discovery of inferior temporal neurons selective for faces is described and current lines of research on inferior temporal cortex and face processing in both monkeys and humans are outlined.
Magnetic and Thermodynamic Properties of the Three-Dimensional Periodic Anderson Hamiltonian

The three-dimensional periodic Anderson model is studied with the quantum Monte Carlo method. We find that the crossover to the Kondo singlet regime is remarkably sharp at low temperatures, and that the behavior of magnetic correlations is consistently reflected in both the thermodynamics and the density of states. The abruptness of the transition suggests that energy changes associated with the screening of local moments by conduction electrons might be sufficient to drive large volume changes in systems where applied pressure tunes the ratio of interband hybridization to correlation energy. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Inhibition binding studies of glycodendrimer-lectin interactions using surface plasmon resonance

Understanding protein-carbohydrate interactions is essential for elucidating biological pathways and cellular mechanisms but is often difficult due to the prevalence of multivalent interactions. Here, we evaluate the multivalent glycodendrimer framework as a means to describe the inhibition potency of multivalent mannose-functionalized dendrimers using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Using highly robust, mannose-functionalized dithiol self-assembled monolayers on gold surfaces, we found that glycodendrimers were efficient inhibitors of protein-carbohydrate interactions. IC50 values ranging from 260 nM to 13 nM were obtained for mannose-functionalized dendrimers with Concanavalin A.
Thermoregulatory behavior in the small island flying fox, Pteropus hypomelanus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Abstract We investigated the thermal responses and thermoregulatory behavior of five small island flying foxes, Pteropus hypomelanus exposed to ambient temperatures ranging from 13.5 to 38.9°C. Bats tended to increase body temperature during the heat of the day. With increasing ambient and body temperatures, bats increased their exposed wing surface and the frequency of wing-fanning behavior. When ambient temperature approached body temperature, bats exposed less wing area and decreased wing-fanning.
Ecological subsidies alter the structure of marine communities

Subsidies are usually the subject of purely economic debates. They represent flow of resources from one economic sector to another and can be fundamental to competitive ability of industries in different nations. Subsidies are not restricted to economics, however, and are a pervasive factor in the ecological commerce between ecosystems. In this issue of PNAS, Menge et al. (1) show the influence of subsidies on the pace of ecological interactions in an intertidal community in New Zealand. Subsidies come in the form of nutrients, organic particles, and larvae wafting in from oceanic water masses. Their impact is to dramatically alter the abundances of key animal species and ignite rates of ecological processes such as competition and predation. All ecosystems receive subsidies. Photons flood every leaf. Estuaries are fueled by nutrient flow from rivers. Amazonian forest soils are enriched by African desert dust that blows relentlessly across the Atlantic Ocean (2, 3). These additional inputs can greatly augment the supply of critical nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen needed for plant growth, and, in so doing, they top up ecosystem fuel supplies. Subsidies like these represent a crucial link among ecosystems because the subsidies that flow into one ecosystem derive ultimately from another. Menge et al. (1) asked whether marine intertidal communities receive different subsidies on opposite coasts of the South Island of New Zealand. The west coast of this large, mountain-backed island is washed by currents that generate an intermittent oceanographic condition called upwelling. Surface currents that flow along coasts and bend out to sea tend to pull deeper waters up behind them. These upwelling waters, with origins in the deep sea, are colder and richer in nutrients than the surface waters they replace. Along the west coast, frequent periods of upwelling generate plumes of nutrient-rich seawater near the …
A NULL MODEL FOR DETECTING NONRANDOM PATTERNS OF SPECIES RICHNESS ALONG SPATIAL GRADIENTS

I present a null model that can be used for detecting nonrandom patterns of species richness along spatial gradients, such as latitude and elevation. Because estimates of species richness along a single spatial gradient are nonindependent, tests of statistical inference should not be applied. The null model described here circumvents this problem of nonindependence by randomly placing the actual range width of each species along the gradient. The simulated richness curve generated in this way can be compared to an “average” random curve composed of many such simulations. The comparison involves measuring the mean displacement (D) of the simulated curve from the average random curve. By repeating these steps a specified number of times, one can obtain a distribution of D values. The displacement of the actual species richness curve from the average random curve can also be determined and compared to the distribution of D values of the simulated random curves. This comparison allows one to determine whether...
Retrospective Assessment of Initial Stroke Severity With the NIH Stroke Scale

Background and Purpose —It is important to adjust stroke outcomes for differences in initial stroke severity. The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a commonly used stroke severity measure but has been validated for retrospective scoring only in a subset of stroke clinical trial participants. The purpose of this research was to assess the validity and reliability of an algorithm for retrospective NIHSS scoring in a setting with usual chart documentation. Methods —An algorithm for retrospective NIHSS scoring was developed with written history and physical admission notes. Missing physical examination data were scored as normal. One investigator prospectively scored the admission NIHSS in 32 consecutive stroke patients. Two raters retrospectively scored the NIHSS by applying the algorithm to photocopied admission notes. Linear regression was used to assess interrater reliability and agreement between prospective and retrospective NIHSS scores. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess systematic scoring bias. Weighted kappa statistics were calculated to assess the level of agreement of individual NIHSS items. Results —Only 1 admission note was complete for all NIHSS elements. Interrater reliability was near perfect ( r 2=0.98, P <0.001). Agreement between prospective and retrospective NIHSS score was also excellent ( r 2=0.94, P <0.001) and there was no systematic bias in retrospective scores. Agreement for individual items was moderate to high for all items except level of consciousness. Conclusions —Retrospective NIHSS scoring with the algorithm is reliable and unbiased even when physical examination elements are missing from the written record. Stroke research using retrospective review of charts or of administrative databases should adjust for differences in stroke severity using such an algorithm.
Effective-potential study of symmetry breaking in scalarless SU(2) x U(1)

We derive the effective potential as a functional of composite operators for massless, scalarless SU(2) x U(1); and we obtain conditions under which this effective potential is the vacuum energy density for the case of composite operators which are nonlocal in time. General considerations of the number of Goldstone bosons prevent the construction of a realistic model, but we are able to study dynamical symmetry breaking for various unrealistic spectra of physical particles. We first use the standard linearized approximation (LA) to solve the equations obtained for the propagators from the effective potential, and we compare these results to the most-attractive-channel hypothesis. These LA solutions reproduce the standard vector-boson mixing and in addition yield a (reasonable) relation between the vector masses and those of the fermions. However, the linearized equations are also satisfied by the symmetric (massless) solution. In order to determine which solution corresponds to the true vacuum, we use the effective potential in a variational calculation. The linearized-approximation solutions are used to determine the functional forms of the propagators, and the physical masses are treated as variational parameters in minimizing the effective potential. In an Abelian approximation, in which the effects of the vector self-couplings are absent, themore » mass relations of the LA survive the inclusion of nonlinear effects. On the other hand, if a Hartree-Fock approximation is used for the vector self-couplings, all the desirable features of the LA are lost: The breaking is no longer I = (1/2), and the relation between vector and fermion masses requires fermions much heavier than the vectors (or very large numbers of lighter fermions). In either approximation, whether spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs depends on the number and quantum numbers of the fermions. Significance of the results and possible future directions are discussed.« less
Effects of instructions for visual imagery on Rorschach responses.

The Rorschach was administered to two groups of 12 subjects under two conditions. The first group was classified as imagery Reactors based upon their prior responsivity to imagery instructions duri...
Further characterization of procollagen: The identification of a pro-α2 chain

Abstract Procollagen, the biosynthetic precursor of collagen, has been found to contain a pro-α2 chain with properties similar to those of pro-α1. The molecular weight of pro-α2 is approximately 112,000 and the ratio of hydroxyproline to proline is 0.68, indicating that the additional sequence in pro-α2 contains little or no hydroxyproline. Pulse-chase experiments were consistent with the transformation of molecules containing pro-α2 chains to those containing α2. Cross-linking of solutions of procollagen with formaldehyde yielded a molecule with properties consistent with the structure (pro-α1)2pro-α2. The conversion of procollagen to collagen therefore involves limited proteolysis of all 3 chains of the precursor.
In situ adenoviral interleukin 12 gene transfer confers potent and long-lasting cytotoxic immunity in glioma

In situ adenoviral interleukin 12 gene transfer confers potent and long-lasting cytotoxic immunity in glioma
Differential expression of porcine sperm microRNAs and their association with sperm morphology and motility

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in nearly every biological process examined to date, but little is known of the identity or function of miRNA in sperm cells or their potential involvement in spermatogenesis. The objective was to identify differences in miRNA expression between normal porcine sperm samples and those exhibiting high percentages of morphological abnormalities or low motility. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed on sperm RNA to compare expression levels of 10 specific miRNAs that are predicted to target genes that code for proteins involved in spermatogenesis, sperm structure, motility, or metabolism. There were increases in the expression of four miRNAs, let-7a, -7d, -7e, and miR-22, in the abnormal group (P < 0.05), whereas miR-15b was decreased compared to controls (P < 0.05). Two miRNAs, let-7d and let-7e, were increased in the low motility group when compared to controls (P < 0.05). Bioinformatic analyses revealed that messenger RNA targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs encode proteins previously described to play roles in sperm function. Although the precise role of miRNA in sperm remains to be determined, their changes as associated with morphology and motility signify a critical biological function. Perhaps they are remnants of spermatogenesis, stored for a later role in fertilization, or are delivered to the oocyte to influence early embryonic development. Although there is no single cause of male infertility, the identification of miRNAs associated with sperm motility, structural integrity, or metabolism could lead to the development of a microarray or real time-based diagnostic assay to provide an assessment of male fertility status.
Care of the Dying: The Limits of Law, the Limits of Ethics

The problems of death and dying were brought to the attention of Americans in the early 1970s. The work of physicians such as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and social scientists such as Anselm Strauss pointed out that the growing technology of medical care in the decade of the '60s had amplified the denial of the death in American institutions of medicine and among medical professionals themselves. Physicians and hospitals are made up of the constituents of that very same society and cannot be expected, one would suppose, to be any different. There are few aspects of medical training in which physicians become clinically experienced in abiding with and witnessing the deaths of their patients. The priestly function must be regained without the paternalistic and overbearing arrogance that we fear will go along with it.
Product diversification in international joint ventures: performance implications in an emerging market

This study extends product diversification research to a new organizational form (IJV) and a new environmental context (emerging market). It explores the extent to which product relatedness with both foreign and local parents affects IJV performance as perceived by venture managers. After controlling for relevant variables, analysis of the data containing 134 IJVs in China validates our major premise: the relatedness of an IJV's products with that of its foreign and local parents is positively associated with its performance. An IJV maintaining bilateral related diversification (i.e., with both parents) performs better than a venture maintaining a unilateral related linkage (i.e., with one parent), which in turn outperforms an IJV which is unrelated to either parent. When resource complementarity or goal congruity between parents is higher, there is a stronger positive relationship between product relatedness and IJV performance. When structural opportunities are fewer or institutional deterrence is higher, there is a weaker positive relationship between product relatedness and IJV performance. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualifying suppliers using ANSI/ESD S20.20

With the diversity in the industry on implementation details for ESD control programs, conflicts can arise from companies insisting on doing things their way. When common standards are used as the basis for a control program, this can be overcome and an assessment to standards can determine if the required elements for an ESD control program exist. Using the standard ANSI/ESD S20.20 - 1999 as the basis for an ESD control process, assessments can solve the problems of conflict while still assuring that all the elements of an ESD control program are in place.
Managerial considerations in evaluating the role of licensing in technological development strategies

Increasing managerial efforts to minimize the heavy costs and risks of pioneering the development of major technological advances have increased interest in licensing foreign advances. After reviewing the commonly hoped-for benefits of such licensing, attention is given to some of the less widely recognized limitations of relying on such expedients as well as to some of the necessary foundations for achieving effective utilizations of such licensed innovations. Attention is also given to the likelihood that a variety of newly emerging major innovations in manufacturing technologies may be less amenable to effective transfer than has been true of many past advances, thereby counseling a reduced role for licensing in the technological development strategies of numerous industries and firms.
Embryonal carcinoma cells express Qa and Tla class I genes of the major histocompatibility complex.

Abstract The murine major histocompatibility complex encodes H-2K and H-2D transplantation antigens and other class I-like proteins called Qa and Tla molecules; the functions of the Qa/Tla molecules are not known. That they may participate in embryonic cell-cell interactions and/or play a role in immune responses against tumors has been speculated. We have studied two murine embryonal carcinoma tumors, 402AX and PCC4, that are rejected in vivo immunologically, although they do not express H-2K or H-2D antigens. Transplantation studies with these cells suggest that rejection is mediated by class-I-like major histocompatibility complex antigens. As a first step in evaluating Qa/Tla function(s), we have characterized expression of class I-like genes and proteins in 402AX and PCC4 cells. Northern (RNA) blot hybridizations, polymerase chain reaction studies, and cDNA cloning experiments demonstrate that EC lines transcribe genes allelic to the Tla region gene "37", Qa-2 region gene "Q7", and another, previously uncharacterized, class I-like gene. Immunoprecipitation studies show that the embryonal carcinoma tumor cells contain low levels of beta 2-microglobulin expressed in association with non-H-2K, non-H-2D class I-like proteins.
Synthetic news radio

This paper describes a system that uses speech recognition and clustered text news stories to automatically find story boundaries in an audio news broadcast and provides a semantic representation that can match audio news stories of similar content. This system creates a personal, synthetic newscast by extracting stories, based on user interests, from multiple hourly newscasts and then reassembling them into a single recording at the end of the day. Interaction is via graphical and telephone-based interfaces, with newscasts delivered over a local area network or to wireless audio pagers.
Pediatric tracheal surgery.

Abstract Background . Pediatric tracheal procedures are uncommon. We reviewed our experience to clarify management and results. Methods . Retrospective single-institution review of pediatric tracheal operations, 1978 to 2001. Results . One hundred sixteen children were evaluated, mean age 10.4 years (10 days to 18 years). Tracheal pathology was postintubation stenosis (n = 72; 62%), congenital stenosis (n = 23; 20%), neoplasm (n = 8; 7%), tracheomalacia (n = 7; 6%), and trauma (n = 6; 5%). Twenty-nine patients had previous tracheal operations. Thirty-six patients received only a minor procedure. Eighty patients had major operations: tracheal resection (n = 46; 58%), laryngotracheal resection (n = 22; 28%), slide tracheoplasty (n = 7; 9%), and carinal resection (n = 5; 6%). The mean length of airway resected was 3.3 cm (1.5 to 6 cm), which represented 30% of the entire trachea. Twenty-eight patients (35%) had complications. These included tracheomalacia (n = 3), recurrent nerve injury (n = 3), laryngeal edema requiring intubation (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), esophageal leak (n = 1), and lobar collapse (n = 1). Nineteen patients had anastomotic failure: severe restenosis (n = 6), mild restenosis (n = 9), dehiscence (n = 2), dehiscence with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 1), and tracheoinnominate fistula (n = 1). Two children died (2.5%). Complications were more frequent in children less than 7 years of age ( p = 0.05) and after previous operations ( p = 0.02). Longer fractions of tracheal resection (> 30%) were more likely to result in anastomotic failure ( p = 0.0005). Sixty-four (80%) patients achieved a stable airway free of any airway appliance. All patients with neoplasms are alive. Conclusions . The principles of adult tracheal operations are directly applicable to children and usually lead to a stable, satisfactory airway. Children tolerate anastomotic tension less well than adults; resections more than 30% have a substantial failure rate.
Photo‐galvano‐voltaic cell: A new approach to the use of solar energy

A novel photo-electrochemical cell based on a combined principle of photogalvanic and photovoltaic effects is proposed and tested. the principal element of the cell consists of a pigmented membrane separating two aqueous solutions, one of which contains thionine dye and ferrous ions. the photo-e.m.f. generated across the cell is equal to the sum of the voltages derived from the photogalvanic and photovoltaic processes. the feasibility of such a photo-galvano-voltaic device for light transduction has been demonstrated.
Opiate-independent effects of naloxone on the central nervous system--neurophysiological approach.

Abstract Electrophysiological studies of the effects of morphine and naloxone on the sensory input to the caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, hypothalamus, and pineal body in freely behaving rats were performed. The averaged sensory evoked responses were recorded simultaneously in the four structures with permanent semimicroelectrodes (60-μm diameter) implanted stereotaxically 6 to 8 days before experiments were begun. After control rcordings were taken, a group of animals was injected intraperitoneally with 10 or 50 mg/kg of morphine and recordings were resumed for 45 min. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) was then administered, and recordings were again resumed for a period of 45 min. A separate group of animals was injected only with naloxone (1 mg/kg). Three consistent components of the averaged sensory evoked potentials were evaluated. Some evoked response amplitudes were increased, some were decreased, and, in several cases, morphine induced no alteration. Each structure responded differently to morphine treatment. Naloxone partially reversed the morphine effects, but, when given alone, often itself produced alterations of the evoked potentials. The predominant alteration was a decrease in response amplitudes. The duration of morphine effects was considerably longer than the duration of naloxone. Each structure examined in the present study responded differently to naloxone. The possible mechanisms of naloxone actions could include blockade of an endogenous morphine-like substance.
The relationship of learning and memory with organizational performance: The moderating role of turbulence

Extensive research has documented how firms’ learning orientation and memory are related to organizational performance. The objective of this study is to examine the moderating role of turbulence on the relationships between firms’ learning orientation and memory and their organizational performance and innovativeness. The study also provides insight into the differential relationships of firms’ learning orientation and memory to their performance and innovativeness. Using survey data collected from 200 supply management professionals, the results suggest that the extent to which learning and memory are associated with organizational performance is contingent on the level of environmental turbulence. Specifically, under low environmental turbulence, learning orientation and organizational memory appear to be related to performance and innovativeness; however, under high environmental turbulence, only learning orientation is a useful predictor.
Demyelination and remyelination after spinal cord injury

Since the discovery in the 1960s that remyelination can occur in the damaged central nervous system (CNS) (Bunge et al. 1961), there has been much progress in understanding the cellular and molecular biology of oligodendroglia and the factors that regulate their propagation, migration, differentiation, maturation, and ability to myelinate nerve axons. More recently, greater understanding of disease states and the role of oligodendrocytes in remyelination have sparked tremendous interest in this once obscure field. Although the explosion of information is being hampered by adherence to commonly held beliefs based on empirical evidence, novel molecular and cellular tools are allowing scientists to address age-old assumptions. It is now recognized that, as well as promoting salutatory conduction along axons, oligodendroglia are important near-term clinical targets for restoring function after CNS injury, particularly spinal cord injury. Thus, remyelination appears to be one of the most feasible restoration s...
Energy-efficient polymeric gas separation membranes for a sustainable future: A review

Abstract Over the past three decades, polymeric gas separation membranes have become widely used for a variety of industrial gas separations applications. This review presents the fundamental scientific principles underpinning the operation of polymers for gas separations, including the solution-diffusion model and various structure/property relations, describes membrane fabrication technology, describes polymers believed to be used commercially for gas separations, and discusses some challenges associated with membrane materials development. A description of new classes of polymers being considered for gas separations, largely to overcome existing challenges or access applications that are not yet practiced commercially, is also provided. Some classes of polymers discussed in this review that have been the focus of much recent work include thermally rearranged (TR) polymers, polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), perfluoropolymers, and high-performance polyimides.
Split-set data weighted averaging

A modified dynamic element matching algorithm, based on splitting the unit element set into subsets, is proposed. Simulations show that it can improve the spur-free dynamic range of data-weighted averaging significantly, without degrading its signal-to-noise ratio.
Lessons Learned from Three Projects Linking Social Work, the Arts, and Humanities

The aims of this paper are to illustrate how social workers can collaborate with designers and artists in addressing social issues facing communities and to identify the implications of such collaboration for social work education. The authors examine three projects linking social work, the arts, and humanities [Arts in Recovery (AIR), the Leaving Homelessness Intervention Research Project (LHIRP), and Interdisciplinary Research on Environmental Design (IRED)] for the lessons they offer social work education. They pay particular attention to the art exhibit and its catalog as products that educate the public on various social issues, as well as the exhibit visitation experience that parallels key components of traditional group work and community development. Implications for social work include teaching interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating the arts into social work methods, emphasizing the importance of participatory action research, and creating settings that promote community engagement. The au...
Trickle irrigation water quality and preventive maintenance

The most serious problem in trickle irrigation is clogging of emitters or applicators. Recommendations and guidelines are presented for preventive maintenance which include water filtration, chemical treatment, pipeline flushing, and field inspection. A suitable type, size, and capacity of a filtration unit is required. Chemical treatment should be considered in terms of theory and field research on the reclamation and prevention of emitter clogging. Proper procedures for the flushing and field inspection of trickle irrigation systems are also essential. Because water quality is of primary importance in the design and operation of this maintenance program, a tentative water-classification system was developed to establish criteria by evaluating the clogging potential of a trickle irrigation water source.
The product complex of M. tuberculosis malate synthase revisited.

Enzymes of the glyoxylate shunt have been implicated as virulence factors in several pathogenic organisms, notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. Malate synthase has thus emerged as a promising target for design of anti-microbial agents. For this effort, it is essential to have reliable models for enzyme:substrate complexes. A 2.7 A resolution crystal structure for M. tuberculosis malate synthase in the ternary complex with magnesium, malate, and coenzyme A has been previously described. However, some unusual aspects of malate and Mg++ binding prompted an independent determination of the structure at 2.3 A resolution, in the presence of saturating concentrations of malate. The electron density map of the complex reveals the position and conformation of coenzyme A to be unchanged from that found in the previous study. However, the coordination of Mg++ and orientation of bound malate within the active site are different. The revised position of bound malate is consistent with a reaction mechanism that does not require reorientation of the electrophilic substrate during the catalytic cycle, while the revised Mg++ coordination is octahedral, as expected. The results should be useful in the design of malate synthase inhibitors.
Aspergillosis in the ‘Nonimmunocompromised’ Host

Invasive aspergillosis has been classically associated with certain risk factors: cytotoxic chemotherapy, prolonged neutropenia, corticosteroids, transplantation, AIDS. However, the literature is growing that this mycosis, particularly pulmonary aspergillosis, can be seen in patients lacking these factors. Many of the latter patients are in the intensive care unit. Other associated conditions include influenza, nonfungal pneumonia, chronic obstructive lung disease, immaturity, sepsis, liver failure, alcoholism, chronic granulomatous disease and surgery. Certain focal sites, such as sinusitis or cerebral aspergillosis, have additional risk factors. This emphasizes the potential importance of a positive culture for Aspergillus in the critically ill, the need for awareness about possible aspergillosis in patients lacking the classical risk factors, and readiness to proceed with appropriate diagnostic maneuvers.