cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An assessment of reading compliance decisions among undergraduate students

Research suggests that reading compliance among undergraduate students is low. This study assessed the factors that influence students’ decisions to comply with their assigned course readings using two theoretical underpinnings: students’ ability to self-ration time and construal effects on their decision process. Data collected through focus group discussions with undergraduate students and analyzed using qualitative methods suggested that both these behavioral economics theories may provide valuable insight into students’ decision-making behavior related to reading compliance. The study found that students’ decisions to read are influenced by both personal and external factors, several of which pertain to their instructors. Students also admitted that lack of time and their inability to self-ration time towards reading tasks negatively impact their reading compliance behavior. The study found evidence of construal effects in the students’ understanding of the potential benefits of reading compliance, given that several of these benefits would occur beyond their immediate future. The conceptual mapping of the results offers several propositions for future research.
Energy Requirements of Adult Female Beagles

The energy requirements of 19 intact adult female beagles were determined over a 60-wk period. The initial age of the dogs averaged 6.5 y (range 0.8-13.4) and the initial weight averaged 11.0 kg (range 8.7-13.7). Dogs were housed in groups of four in heated indoor-outdoor kennel runs. Dogs were fed daily a commercial dry dog food that contained 13.8 kJ/g. The amount offered was adjusted to maintain body weight. Daily energy intake ranged from 2227 to 3667 kJ/dog, with an average of 3061 kJ/dog. When adjusted for differences in body weight, average daily energy intake ranged from 482.6 to 803.1 kJ/kg body weight0.67 with a mean of 617.5 kJ/kg0.67. Energy intake (kJ/kg body weight0.67) declined with age and could be described by the nonlinear equation Y = 753 x age-0.1321; r = -0.802. When these data are combined with an earlier study, the energy intake (kJ/kg body weight0.67) of this group of 36 dogs could be described by the equation Y = 767 x age-0.1408; r = -0.777. These data demonstrate that canine energy requirements decline with age and that the National Research Council recommendations of 552 kJ/kg body weight0.75 overestimates the requirements of adult dogs 3 y of age and older.
The Rules of Law in the Reform of Legal Education: Teaching the Legal Mind in Japanese Law Schools

a. The Rule of Law is at the heart of the present legal reform.b. There is an international consensus about basic elements of the Rule of Law.c. Legal methods are central to the Rule of Law. But different legal methods are used to realize the Rule of Law.d. Teaching legal methods, i.e., teaching to think like a lawyer, is at the heart of that which is professional in legal education.e. The present legal reform invites Japanese law schools to teach legal methods.
Vote Buying and Social Desirability Bias: Experimental Evidence from Nicaragua

Qualitative studies of vote buying generally find the practice to be common in many countries, but quantitative studies using surveys often find little evidence of vote buying. We argue that social desirability bias accounts for this empirical discrepancy and employ a survey-based list experiment to minimize the problem. We conducted a nationally representative survey after the 2008 Nicaraguan municipal elections where we asked about vote buying behavior by campaigns using a list experiment and using the questions traditionally used by studies of vote buying. Our list experiment estimated that 24% of registered voters in Nicaragua were offered a gift or service in exchange for their vote, whereas only 2% reported the behavior when asked directly. We then demonstrate that the social desirability bias is non-random and that the analysis based on traditional obtrusive measures of vote buying is unreliable. We also provide systematic evidence that shows the importance of monitoring strategies by parties in determining who is targeted for vote buying.
Turbine‐scale wind field measurements using dual‐Doppler lidar

Spatially resolved measurements of micro-scale winds are retrieved using scanning dual-Doppler lidar, and validated against independent in situ wind measurements. Data for this study were obtained during a month-long field campaign conducted at a site in north-central Oklahoma in November of 2010. Observational platforms include one heavily instrumented 60-m meteorological tower and two scanning coherent Doppler lidars. The lidars were configured to perform coordinated dual-Doppler scans surrounding the 60-m tower, and the resulting radial velocity observations were processed to retrieve the 3-component velocity vector field on surfaces defined by the intersecting scan planes. Raw radial velocity measurements from the lidars were calibrated by direct comparison to a sonic anemometer located at the 60 m level on the tower. Wind retrievals were performed using both calibrated and uncalibrated measurements, and validated against the 60-m sonic anemometer observations. Retrievals using uncalibrated radial velocity data show a significant slow bias in the wind speed of about 14%; whereas the retrievals using the calibrated data show a much smaller slow bias of 1.2%. Retrievals using either the calibrated or uncalibrated data exhibit negligible bias in the wind direction ( 0.96).
The erbB-2 mitogenic signaling pathway: tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma and GTPase-activating protein does not correlate with erbB-2 mitogenic potency.

Abstract The erbB-2 gene product, gp185erbB-2, unlike the structurally related epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR), exhibits constitutive kinase and transforming activity. We used a chimeric EGFR/erbB-2 expression vector to compare the mitogenic signaling pathway of the erbB-2 kinase with that of the EGFR, at similar levels of expression, in response to EGF stimulation. The EGFR/erbB-2 chimera was significantly more active in inducing DNA synthesis than the EGFR when either was expressed in NIH 3T3 cells. Analysis of biochemical pathways implicated in signal transduction by growth factor receptors indicated that both phospholipase C type gamma (PLC-gamma) and the p21ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) are substrates for the erbB-2 kinase in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. However, under conditions in which activation of the erbB-2 kinase induced DNA synthesis at least fivefold more efficiently than the EGFR, the levels of erbB-2- or EGFR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma and GAP were comparable. In addition, the stoichiometry of tyrosine phosphorylation of these putative substrates by erbB-2 appeared to be at least an order of magnitude lower than that induced by platelet-derived growth factor receptors at comparable levels of mitogenic potency. Thus, our results indicate that differences in tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma and GAP do not account for the differences in mitogenic activity of the erbB-2 kinase compared with either the EGFR or platelet-derived growth factor receptor in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.
Delays in cancer detection using 2 and 4-year screening intervals for prostate cancer screening with initial prostate specific antigen less than 2 NG/ML

ABSTRACT Purpose: The American Urological Association and American Cancer Society advocate annual screening with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination starting at age 50 years in the general population and earlier in men at high risk. Some groups have suggested that screening at 2 or 4-year intervals may be sufficient in men with initial PSA 2 ng/ml or less. We reviewed the records of men enrolled in a PSA and digital rectal examination based prostate cancer screening study to determine the extent to which the diagnosis of cancer would have been delayed using a 2 or 4-year screening interval. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 18,140 volunteers in a prostate cancer screening study in whom PSA was less than 2 ng/ml at initial screening and who were screened at 6-month to 1-year intervals for up to 8 years. We evaluated the cancers detected in these intervals to determine the possible delay in cancer diagnosis that would occur using prolonged screening intervals. We report the overall cancer detection rate, clinical and pathological tumor stage, and Gleason grade of the cancers detected. Results: Excluding 70 men in whom prostate cancer was detected at initial evaluation 2.0% had prostate cancer detected during the next 8 years (mean 21.6 cancers per 6 months, median 20, range 12 to 33). Using a hypothetical 2-year screening interval cancer detection 62% would have been delayed by 4 to 20 months. Using a hypothetical 4-year screening interval cancer detection would have been delayed in 77% of men by 4 to 44 months. Of the tumors detected 100% were clinically localized, 77% were pathologically organ confined and 29% had a Gleason score of 7 or greater. Conclusions: The 2 or 4-year PSA screening interval in men with initial serum PSA less than 2 ng/ml would result in substantial delays in prostate cancer detection. To our knowledge the extent to which these delays would affect treatment outcomes is undetermined.
Monte Carlo study of liquid GaAs: Bulk and surface properties

We model the bulk and surface behavior of liquid GaAs, using a combination of two-body and three-body potentials of the form proposed by Stillinger and Weber. Following our recent work on CdTe, we fit the parameters of the potential to bulk and molecular atomization energies, lattice constants, and melting temperatures. The calculated pair radial distribution agrees very well with experiment. The elastic constants, surface tension, and heat of fusion also show reasonable agreement with reported experimental values.
Formation of nanopores in suspended lipid bilayers using quantum dots

In this work, nanopores are formed in lipid (DOPC:DOPE) membranes suspended across 150 micron apertures by oligomeric aggregation of 12 nm diameter CdSe quantum dots. The bilayer and quantum dot nanopores are simultaneously characterized by low noise electrical current monitoring and epifluorescence microscopy. Suspended lipid bilayers form high resistance gigaseals (>10 GOhm) that serve as barriers to the migration of charged ions and particles. Oligomeric aggregation of quantum dots is observed on the surface of the suspended lipid bilayer in the presence of charge stabilized quantum dot suspensions, The aggregate forms a nanometer scale pore (~2 nm in diameter) in the bilayer resulting in non-quantal ion current bursts. Migration of net neutral Rhodamine B dye (1.6 nm molecular diameter) across the bilayer is measured only in the presence of the aggregates. Potential applications for the non-lithographic fabrication of bilayer nanopores include biochemical detection, DNA sequencing, or cellular drug delivery.
A life course approach to preventing and treating oral disease.

Dr. Northridge is an associate professor of clinical sociomedical sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and an associated editor of this journal. Dr. Lamster is the dean of the School of Dental and Oral Surgery at Columbia University, where he recently inaugurated an interdisciplinary Oral Health for Older Americans Program, to which Dr. Northridge contributes public health expertise Editorial l Editorial Mary E. Northridge, Ira B. Lamster
On four poorly known harvestmen from New Zealand (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Eupnoi: Dyspnoi: Laniatores)

Despite the unique and interesting nature of New Zealand's Opiliones fauna, little work on these animals has been published since the studies of Forster, whose last harvestman publication appeared nearly half a century ago. Since then, most groups of New Zealand Opiliones have been neglected. Here we provide field observations and live photographs of four poorly known species, one for each of the four Opiliones suborders. We also redescribe Rakaia collaris Roewer, 1942, a species of Cyphophthalmi described on the basis of a single female specimen, and considered a nomen dubium in previous studies. The objective of this study is to highlight the incredible New Zealand opiliofauna and to raise interest in this group of terrestrial arthropods commonly used for biogeographical and evolutionary studies.
Fluoro olefins. Part V. The synthesis and cyclization of polyfluorinated diketones. The reaction of polyfluorinated α,β-unsaturated cyclic ketones with methylenetriphenylphosphoranes

Abstract An attempt to prepare terminal polyfluorinated dienes by the reaction of polyfluorinated diketones with difluoromethylenetriphenylphosphorane, generated in situ from sodium or lithium chlorodifluoroacetate and triphenylphosphine, was unsuccessful. Polyfluorinated diketones with α-hydrogens underwent a basecatalyzed intramolecular aldol-type condensation in the presence of difluoromethylenetriphenylphosphorane. The resulting α,β-unsaturated cyclic ketones could be more conveniently prepared by the reaction of the polyfluorinated diketone and triethylamine. The 2-cyclopentenones, but not the 2-cyclohexenones, reacted with difluoromethylenetriphenylphosphorane to produce the 3-difluoromethylene cycloalkenes. Both the 2-cyclohexenones and 2-cyclopentenones reacted with methylenetriphenylphosphorane.
Effect of the somatostatin analog octreotide acetate on circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 and related peptides in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Results of a phase II study

Abstract Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) mediated signaling has been implicated in the growth of many tumor types including prostate cancer, and it is hypothesized that lowering circulating IGF levels in men with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) will slow tumor growth. In this study, the efficacy of depot octreotide acetate was prospectively evaluated in patients with CRPC. Methods Eligible patients had progressive non-metastatic CRPC. Octreotide acetate 30 mg was administered intramuscularly every 28 days. Changes in PSA, IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), and IGFBP-3 were evaluated over time. Results Accrual was stopped early after a pre-planned interim analysis showed no prostate specific antigen (PSA) declines after 3 cycles of treatment among the first 13 patients enrolled. Median baseline PSA and IGF-1 measurements were 36.2 ng/ml and 162.6 ng/ml, respectively, and median time on treatment was 13 weeks. Radiographic progression occurred in 7 patients, PSA-only progression occurred in 5 patients, and 1 patient was taken off the study due to a grade 3 drug interaction. After 3 cycles of treatment IGF-1 significantly declined with a median −34.5% (P = 0.01) and IGFBP-1 significantly increased with a median 76.3% (P = 0.046). IGF-2 and IGFBP-3 were not significantly changed from baseline. Conclusions Octreotide acetate significantly lowers IGF-1 and raises IGFBP-1 levels in patients with non-metastatic CRPC, but does not result in sustained declines in PSA. While treatment with single-agent octreotide may not be warranted, its inclusion in combination regimens directly targeting the IGF-1 receptor on tumor cells may be of interest.
A multigrid method for the Euler equations

A multigrid algorithm has been developed for the numerical solution of the steady two-dimensional Euler equations. Flux vector splitting and one-sided differencing are employed to define the spatial discretization. Newton's method is used to solve the nonlinear equations, and a multigrid solver is used on each linear problem. The relaxation scheme for the linear problems is symmetric Gauss-Seidel. Standard restriction and interpolation operators are employed. Local mode analysis is used to predict the convergence rate of the multigrid process on the linear problems. Computed results for transonic flows over airfoils are presented.
Integrating Project Management, Product Design with Industry Sponsored Projects provides Stimulating Senior Capstone Experiences

Abstract ¾ Many students are uncomfortable with real world engineering problems where needs and requirements must be concretely defined and the selection of design solutions is not black and white. This paper describes a two semester, multi-disciplinary senior capstone project for students from three Engineering and Technology Department programs (electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering technology, and engineering technology) that brings together the tools of project management and the creative product development process into industry sponsored projects. The projects are fully integrated with the Center for Rapid Product Realization with its dual goals of economic development and enhanced learning. The stage/gate development process is used with six formal reviews covering the development of the proposal through to the fabrication and testing of the project’s output. Over the past four years thirty five (35) projects have been undertaken with students getting an exciting authentic life experience and introducing them to the real world of engineering.
Uptake and partitioning of copper and cadmium in the coral Pocillopora damicornis.

Abstract Coral-reef ecosystems are increasingly being impacted by a wide variety of anthropogenic inputs, including heavy metals, which could be contributing to coral reef stress and bleaching episodes. Fragments of Pocillopora damicornis were exposed in the laboratory to cadmium (Cd) or copper (Cu) chlorides (0, 5, 50 μg l−1) for 14 days and analyzed for metal content in the whole association, algal or animal fractions. Various physiological and biochemical parameters were also measured, such as, algal cell counts, mitotic index, chlorophyll content and levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Cd and Cu accumulation were observed at all time points and doses; there was no evidence of differential metal partitioning between the algal or animal fractions. No changes in algal cell density, mitotic index or chlorophyll content from the controls were observed in any of the metal treatments. GSH levels were significantly higher in the 5 μg l−1 Cd (Day 4) and Cu (Days 4 and 14) treatments compared with controls at the same time point. Although no evidence of a bleaching response occurred, corals in both 50 μg l−1 metal exposures sloughed off tissues and did not survive the duration of the exposure period. Our results demonstrate the accumulation of Cd and Cu in P. damicornis and mortality in the absence of a bleaching response.
Non-Static Effects in OPEP: PS (PV) Case

Applying a numerical method (P. Connors and P. Signell, Prog. Theoret. Phys. 26: 757(1961)), complete one-pion exchange potential (OPEP) shifts were computed for pseudovector coupling and compared with the static and the complete OPEP phases. Results are presented in tabular form.
Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus as an experimental model system to study the mechanism of blood–brain barrier disruption

Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus is a widely used model to study the initiation and progression of multiple sclerosis. Many researchers have used this model to investigate how the immune system and genetic factors contribute to the disease process. Current research has highlighted the importance of cytotoxic CD8 T cells and specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alleles. Our lab has adopted this concept to create a novel mouse model to study the mechanism of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, an integral feature of numerous neurological disorders. We have demonstrated that epitope-specific CD8 T cells cause disruption of the tight junction architecture and ensuing CNS vascular permeability in the absence of neutrophil support. This CD8 T cell-initiated BBB disruption is dependent on perforin expression. We have also elucidated a potential role for hematopoietic factors in this process. Despite having identical MHC class I molecules, similar inflammation in the CNS, and equivalent ability to utilize perforin, C57BL/6 mice are highly susceptible to this condition, while 129 SvIm mice are resistant. This susceptibility is transferable with the bone marrow compartment. These findings led us to conduct a comprehensive genetic analysis which has revealed a list of candidate genes implicated in regulating traits associated with BBB disruption. Future studies will continue to define the underlying molecular mechanism of CD8 T cell-initiated BBB disruption and may assist in the development of potential therapeutic approaches to ameliorate pathology associated with BBB disruption in neurological disorders.
Identification and Cloning of Plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid Coding for Abortive Phage Infection from Streptococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis KR2

Abstract The phage insensitivity mechanism of Streptococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis KR2 was investigated. This strain harbored seven detectable plasmids ranging in size from 2.9 to 32 Mdaltons. Transformation of KR2 plasmid DNA into plasmid-free Streptococcus lactis LM0230 yielded lactose-positive transformants that were either sensitive or exhibited a reduced sensitivity to c2 phage. The latter possessed plasmids of 23.6 and 29 Mdaltons, designated pKR223 and pKR229, respectively. Lactose-positive phage-sensitive transformants contained only pKR229. Transformants exhibiting reduced phage sensitivity were cured of lactose-fermenting ability. Lactose-negative derivatives retained reduced phage sensitivity and possessed only pKR223, thus linking this phenotype to the 23.6-Mdalton plasmid of KR2. The gene or genes responsible for the reduced phage sensitivity phenotype were cloned on a 17-kb Hpa II fragment of pKR223 into the single Hpa II sire on the streptococcal cloning vector, pGB301. The phage defense mechanism(s) encoded by pKR223 and the 17-kb fragment of pKR223 involved a reduction in plaque size, which appeared to be due to reduced phage burst size and abortive phage infection. The data provided evidence that the phage insensitivity phenotype exhibited by Strep. lactis ssp. diacetylactis KR2 is, in part, linked to a 23.6-Mdalton plasmid coding for a reduced sensitivity to prolate phage.
High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of transfer RNA bases for isotopic abundance

Abstract We present a quantitative analysis of the incorporation of stable isotopes into nucleic acids for verification of the site and determination of the abundance of the label. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of nucleic acid bases were used for quantitation of isotopic enrichment, with only μg amounts of available RNA. Conditions for acid hydrolysis of tRNA were optimized for quantitative yield of bases without destruction, and optimum conditions for the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the bases were determined. Three tRNA preparations, 13 C-enriched in vivo by incorporation of [ 13 C 2 ]adenine, [ 13 C 2 ]uracil and [ 13 C]methyl groups from methionine, were subjected to these procedures, followed by mass spectrometry of the bases. In natural abundance, 13 C is 1.08 atom%; in these tRNA preparations we found: 27% of all adenine was labeled at position 2 with 13 C atoms; 43 atom% 13 C at position 2 of uracil and 45 atom% 13 C at position 2 of cytosine; and 56.9 atom% 13 C at the methyl of thymine, respectively. The techniques described are important to the study of nucleic acid biosynthesis, modification and structure by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
SU‐GG‐T‐362: Is Distance‐Dependent Energy Correction Needed for Dosimetric Measurements Surrounding Brachytherapy Sources?

Purpose: The answer depends on both the dosimeter's energy response and energy spectrum at distance (point of measurement) from the source. The latter is object of this study. Method and Materials: The spectra in water were calculated with Monte Carlo code MCNP5. The source point was centered within a spherical water medium, divided into concentric spherical shells of various thickness. The f4 fluence tally of MCNP, with fine energy bins, was used to register photon energy spectrum in thin shells (0.01 cm thick) centered at radii 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, …9 and 10 cm. One million particles were used for each MCNP run, to achieve good statistical uncertainty. Seven commonly used brachytherapysources were studied: 60Co (Eavg;=1.25 MeV), 137Cs (.615 MeV), 198Au (.406 MeV), 192Ir (.372 MeV), 131Cs (.0304 MeV), 125I (.0274 MeV), and 103Pd (.0207 MeV). Results: For high energy sources:60Co, 137Cs, 198Au, and 192Ir, the average energy has all decreased by about 50% at radius 10 cm. For low energy sources:31Cs, 125I, and 103Pd, the average energy does not decrease with radius. For 103Pd, the average energy increases from 21 keV at radius 0.2 cm to 30 keV at 10 cm. The beam hardening effect with 21Pd is due to its two high energy photons: 39.8 keV and 42.5 keV, whose intensity increases substantially at 10 cm relative to that of the dominant 20.1 and 22.7 keV photons. Due to space limit, other spectral details will not be discussed in this abstract. Conclusions: Within10 cm range, the three low energy sources have demonstrated hardening of energy spectrum. For the four high energy sources, the energy spectrum all softens but the average energy is still higher than 100 keV, which may often justify a distance‐independent energy dependence correction for the whole measurement range.
QUANTUM GEOMETRY AND THE BIG BANG

Loop quantum cosmology provides a new paradigm on the genesis of our universe in which the classical expanding branch is joined via a quantum geometric bridge to a classical contracting branch. The evolution between two phases of our universe is non-singular and deterministic, which is a direct manifestation of incorporating non-perturbative quantum geometric features of loop quantum gravity. Using analytical and numerical techniques, details of the quantum nature of big bang can be quantified and reliable physical predictions can be made. The quantum description can also be well approximated by an effective theory which leads to ρ2 modifications to the Friedmann equation in the Planck regime.
Immunosuppression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

After hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV DNA persists in minute amounts in hepatocyte nuclei even in individuals with “resolved” infection. Viral replication and development of liver disease depend on the balance between viral mechanisms promoting persistence and host immune control. Patients with active or inactive disease or resolved HBV infection are at risk for reactivation with immunosuppressive therapy use. HBV reactivation varies from a clinically asymptomatic condition to one associated with acute liver failure and death. We review recent studies on HBV reactivation during immunomodulatory therapies for oncologic, gastroenterological, rheumatic, and dermatologic disorders. Risk calculation should be determined through HBV screening and assessment of immunosuppressive therapy potency. We also discuss monitoring for reactivation, prophylactic antiviral therapy, and treatment of reactivation. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is needed for all HBsAg carriers and selected patients who have anti-HBc without HBsAg and is critical for preventing viral reactivation and improving outcomes.
Insights into the Nature of DNA Binding of AbrB-like Transcription Factors

Understanding the DNA recognition and binding by the AbrB-like family of transcriptional regulators is of significant interest since these proteins enable bacteria to elicit the appropriate response to diverse environmental stimuli. Although these "transition-state regulator" proteins have been well characterized at the genetic level, the general and specific mechanisms of DNA binding remain elusive. We present RDC-refined NMR solution structures and dynamic properties of the DNA-binding domains of three Bacillus subtilis transition-state regulators: AbrB, Abh, and SpoVT. We combined previously investigated DNase I footprinting, DNA methylation, gel-shift assays, and mutagenic and NMR studies to generate a structural model of the complex between AbrBN(55) and its cognate promoter, abrB8. These investigations have enabled us to generate a model for the specific nature of the transition-state regulator-DNA interaction, a structure that has remained elusive thus far.
Fundamentalism Against the Patchwork Theory of Laws

This paper offers an analysis of the arguments between fundamentalists and the claims made by Nancy Cartwright in The Dappled World. I start by introducing the arguments of fundamentalists through the work of Carl Hoefer, and go on to discuss Cartwright’s patchwork theory of laws, which is opposed to fundamentalism. Cartwright argues that the fundamentalists cannot claim that laws can be generalized, while the fundamentalists insist that they can make such claims. I will argue that this conflict between both sides places each side in the same epistemological boat. Once we recognize that both views are in the same boat, it is easier to distinguish which view is better, instead of attempting to prove that one view is superior to the other outright. I will argue that fundamentalism has the upper had in this debate, because this view allows for both theoretical and practical advances to be made in science and technology, while Cartwright’s view only advances the practical applications of current science. Cartwright’s arguments against fundamentalism will also be shown to ask too much of Hoefer and the fundamentalists, specifically with her F=ma example. Finally, I will show that fundamentalism can accomplish everything Cartwright’s patchwork theory can and more.
Matching method to paradigm in strategy research: limitations of cross‐sectional analysis and some methodological alternatives

A central focus of empirical research in strategic management has been to understand the relationships associated with the structure–strategy–performance paradigm. To examine these relationships, investigators have relied extensively on cross-sectional methods that embody the implicit assumption that model parameters are stable across firms and over time. Yet, many of the theoretical constructs used in strategic management have clear firm- and time-specific components. Hence, it might be expected that the parameters of the relationships investigated empirically will vary across firms and over time. Whereas recent research has raised concerns about the use of cross-sectional analysis when parameters vary over time, little attention has been given to the issue of parameter variability across firms. Given the focus of strategy researchers on firm-level effects and the predominant reliance on cross-sectional analysis, accounting for across-firm variability is a significant methodological issue. Failure to account for such variability can lead to biased parameter estimates and incorrect inferences. This paper argues for the adoption of alternative methods that can overcome the limitations of a cross-sectional analysis and it offers guidance on how researchers can proceed to use these alternative methods to explicitly incorporate or test for variation in model parameters across firms or over time. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On partial identity of cause and effect

IT appears to be an essential feature of most views of efficient causation that a causative event both begins sooner than its effect does and ends after the effect begins. And from such a standpoint, it would obviously be inconsistent to regard all of some causative event as part of its immediate effect. On the other hand, descriptions of certain common biological processes appear susceptible to an interpretation allowing for cases in which most of a cause is construed as part of its effect. The aim of this essay is to explore such an interpretation, as well as an alternative view which accommodates the same descnptive subject matter, but which rules out calling one event the cause of another immediately resulting from it whenever the two have even a single space-time part in common.' An example from the physiology of animal motion will illustrate a causal process which might be construed according to either of these interpretations. On the contemporary view, the physiological cause of a response or vital action by a higher animal is the rapid breakdown of an energy-releasing phosphorus compound, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which has been formed and stored earlier m the animal's muscle tissue. After the orgamsm has been stimulated appropriately, each muscle to be used m the response is excited in such a way that some of its own store of ATP is broken down chemically, liberating energy for the contraction of the muscle. More generally, a certain chemical change inside the muscle tissue causes, or results in, its contraction. Now this latter statement deserves close attention.
Synthesis of mesoporous alumina from boehmite in the presence of triblock copolymer.

Mesoporous alumina was synthesized using commercial boehmite in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer Pluronic P123. Its calcination at 400°C yielded γ-alumina, in contrast to the ordered mesoporous alumina (OMA) obtained by hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxide in the presence of the same triblock copolymer. This synthesis afforded boehmite-based mesoporous alumina (BMA) with better adsorption properties and higher thermal stability in comparison to the alkoxide-based OMA, which remained amorphous after calcination below 900°C. The BMA materials also exhibited higher amount of acidic and basic sites as evidenced by ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) temperature programmed desorption (TPD), respectively. Dispersion of commercial boehmite precursor under microwave irradiation afforded BMA materials with similar surface characteristics as those of the corresponding BMA samples obtained under conventional conditions, but showing slightly lower acidit...
Effect of grain boundary chemistry on the intergranular fracture of iron at cathodic potentials

The percent intergranular fracture and tensile ductility of iron tested at cathodic potentials in IN H2SO4 was found to depend primarily on the grain boundary sulfur concentration. Zone refined and vacuum melted iron with different bulk sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen but similar carbon concentrations were evaluated. The grain boundary chemistry was measured by Auger Electron Spectroscopy and the fracture mode and ductility by uniaxial straining electrode tests at potentials of -0.60 to -2.0 V (SCE) in IN H2SO4. The tensile ductility, as measured by the total strain and reduction of area, of both irons decreased with increasing cathodic potentials. The fracture mode and ductility at a potential of - 0.6 V (SCE) was related to the grain boundary sulfur concentration with increasing sulfur resulting in an increasing percent intergranular fracture and a decreasing ductility. The fracture mode and ductility was not related to the grain boundary oxygen, nitrogen or carbon concentrations but large bulk nitrogen concentrations did promote cleavage and quasicleavage fracture.
Association between microarray gene expression signature and extravascular matrix patterns in primary uveal melanomas.

Purpose To determine whether there is an association between gene expression profile and looping extravascular matrix patterns in primary uveal melanomas. Design Laboratory investigation. Methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 22 primary uveal melanomas that previously were analyzed by microarray gene expression profiling were stained for periodic acid-Schiff and scored in a masked fashion for the presence of looping extravascular matrix patterns. Results A strong association was observed between looping patterns and the unfavorable class 2 molecular prognostic signature ( P Conclusions Looping extravascular matrix patterns occur almost exclusively in class 2 uveal melanomas. This finding may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and management of uveal melanoma.
Potato aucuba mosaic virus in Potato in New York State.

Solanum tuberosum cv. Elmer's Blue is one of a number of heritage potato accessions maintained at Cornell University that exhibit virus-like symptoms of stunting and a leaf yellowing or a mottle mosaic. Testing of this cultivar by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA revealed that it was infected with Potato virus S (PVS) but none of the other common potato viruses screened for in North American potato certification programs (3). Mechanical inoculation of sap from potato cv. Elmer's Blue onto Nicotiana debneyii, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, and N. tabacum produced a range of yellowing and mosaic symptoms (symptomless on N. tabacum), indicating the presence of a transmissible agent, but all these hosts tested negative for PVS. To identify possible viruses, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays involving generic primers for different groups of viruses were performed on the potato and the Nicotiana spp. Degenerate primers specific to members of the genus Potexvirus (4) amplified a 600-bp region from the...
Attitudes justifying domestic violence predict endorsement of corporal punishment and physical and psychological aggression towards children: A study in 25 low- and middle-income countries

Objective The Convention on the Rights of the Child has prompted countries to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Exposure to domestic violence and corporal punishment are risk factors in children's development. This study investigated how women's attitudes about domestic violence are related to attitudes about corporal punishment and harsh behaviors toward children, and whether country-wide norms regarding domestic violence and corporal punishment are related to psychological aggression and physical violence toward children. Study design Data were drawn from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, a nationally representative and internationally comparable household survey developed by the United Nations Children's Fund. Measures of domestic violence and discipline were completed by 85 999 female caregivers of children between the ages of 2 and 14 years from families in 25 low- and middle-income countries. Results Mothers who believed that husbands were justified in hitting their wives were more likely to believe that corporal punishment is necessary to rear children. Mothers who believed that husbands were justified in hitting their wives and that corporal punishment is necessary to rear children were more likely to report that their child had experienced psychological aggression and physical violence. Countrywide norms regarding the acceptability of husbands hitting wives and advisability of corporal punishment moderated the links between mothers' attitudes and their behaviors toward children. Conclusions Pediatricians can address parents' psychological aggression and physical violence toward children by discussing parents' attitudes and behaviors within a framework that incorporates social norms regarding the acceptability of domestic violence and corporal punishment.
A collective core-valence electron model of real atoms

Abstract A simple model for the atom, which divides the electrons into loosely-bound valence particles and a collective core, is examined. Results for form factors, energies, photoabsorption, and other atomic properties are presented and compared with experiment.
The gas‐phase reaction of chlorine nitrate with water vapor

The kinetics of the reaction of chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) with water vapor have been investigated in large-volume (2500-L and 5800-L) Teflon or Teflon-coated environmental chambers to assess the importance of this reaction as a loss process for odd nitrogen in the stratosphere. These data show that the upper limit rate constant for the homogeneous gas phase reaction between ClONO2 and H2O is <2 × 10−21 cm³ molecule−1 s−1 at 298 ± 1 K. With this rate constant, the homogeneous reaction of ClONO2 with water vapor will be of negligible importance under stratospheric conditions.
Depth-independent Velocity Estimation

.Llost interval-velocity estimation methods are formulated as an it,era.tive optimization scheme which requires an initial model to start the inversion. In addition, ray-tracing or approximate equations are used to relate the model to the objective function. For the horizontally-layered earth, it. is possible to directly relate the interval velocity between two interfaces to the difference in shapes of the two reflected wavefronts corresponding to those interfaces. I have devised a velocity estimation method based on this relation, using beam-stacks to define a probability density function for the horizontal slowness, and an automatic picking algorithm to define the reflection events. The results show that good resolution is achieved when the rnethod is applied to synthetic and real data.
Correlation of Relative X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Shake-up Intensity with CuO Particle Size

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of four Cu/SiO{sub 2} catalyst systems of different particle sizes of CuO on the surface showed variation in the relative peak area intensities of the shake-up lines to main core levels of the Cu 2p orbitals. These differences were attributed to various degrees of XPS-induced reduction of CuO initially formed on the surface by spin coating copper(II) acetate {l_brace}Cu-(CH{sub 3}CO{sub 2}){sub 2}{center_dot}H{sub 2}O, Cu(ac){sub 2}{r_brace} solutions of varying concentration. Changes in CuL{sub 3}M{sub 4,5}M{sub 4,5}X-ray excited Auger (XAES) line shapes under time-dependent exposure to the soft Mg K{alpha} X-rays revealed that smaller particle sizes were more susceptible to reduction to Cu(+1) than larger ones. The degree of reduction of Cu(+2) to Cu(+1) correlated with measured atomic force microscopic (AFM) particle heights of CuO on these substrates prior to XPS.
Structural and biophysical coupling of heparin and activin binding to follistatin isoform functions.

Follistatin (FS) regulates transforming growth factor-β superfamily ligands and is necessary for normal embryonic and ovarian follicle development. Follistatin is expressed as two splice variants (FS288 and FS315). Previous studies indicated differences in heparin binding between FS288 and FS315, potentially influencing the physiological functions and locations of these isoforms. We have determined the structure of the FS315-activin A complex and quantitatively compared heparin binding by the two isoforms. The FS315 complex structure shows that both isoforms inhibit activin similarly, but FS315 exhibits movements within follistatin domain 3 (FSD3) apparently linked to binding of the C-terminal extension. Surprisingly, the binding affinities of FS288 and FS315 for heparin are similar at lower ionic strengths with FS315 binding decreasing more sharply as a function of salt concentration. When bound to activin, FS315 binds heparin similarly to the FS288 isoform, consistent with the structure of the complex, in which the acidic residues of the C-terminal extension cannot interact with the heparin-binding site. Activin-induced binding of heparin is unique to the FS315 isoform and may stimulate clearance of FS315 complexes.
Reconfigurable mode of vibration in AlN MEMS resonators using phase change materials

This paper presents the first demonstration of a new approach to dynamic reconfiguration of the mode of vibration in AlN piezoelectric MEMS resonators using phase change material (PCM) based switchable electrodes. This innovative design solution enables effective ON/OFF switching of the acoustic resonance (∼4.75X impedance variation at resonance), and reconfiguration of the device electromechanical coupling (kt 1 2: 0 – 0.553 %), capacitance (C: 309 – 937 fF), and operating frequency (f 1 ∼257 MHz, f 2 ∼378 MHz). Such unique reconfiguration capabilities can potentially lead to the implementation of filter architectures (exclusively based on AlN/PCM high performance resonators and capacitors) whose frequency, order, bandwidth, and roll-off can be dynamically reconfigured.
5-Oxoprolinuria in an adolescent with chronic metabolic acidosis, mental retardation, and psychosis

5-Oxoprolinuria (pyroglutamic aciduria) is an inborn error of g luta thione metabol ism resulting from ei ther a generalized deficiency of g luta thione synthetase or a deficiency of 5-oxoprolinase; 5-oxoproline accumulates in body fluids. 5Oxoprol inuria was first reported in a 19-year-old Norwegian man with metabolic acidosis, re tardat ion, and spastic quadriparesis. 1 Metabol ic acidosis is a prominent feature when the deficient enzyme is g luta thione synthetase, but not 5-oxoprolinase. We report the clinical and biochemical data from a 12-year-old pat ient with 5-oxoprolinuria caused by gluta th ione synthetase deficiency. Her clinical history demonstrates the necessity of a complete diagnostic evaluation in pat ients with acidosis and in those with psychiatr ic symptoms.
A method for calculating dynamic mechanical properties using fourier transforms of pulse deformation experiments

A general method for determining the dynamic mechanical properties of a material is presented. It involves Fourier transforms of the stress and strain responses of a material subject to arbitrary deformation. As an example, uniaxial pulse-strain deformations were used to calculate the dynamic properties of a cured epoxy. A comparison of the properties calculated from uniaxial sinusoidal deformations and those obtained by Fourier transform analysis of the uniaxial pulse-strain indicate excellent agreement over a wide range in mechanical behavior. These results suggest that dynamic mechanical properties may be obtained when deformations other than that of a sine wave are used.
A study of the 28Si(p, d)27Si reaction

Abstract Angular distributions have been obtained for the 28 Si(p, d) 27 Si reaction and the elastic scattering of protons on 28 Si at a proton bombarding energy of 27.6 MeV. An optical-model analysis has been performed of the elastic scattering results to obtain parameters for a DWBA analysis. Distorted wave calculations for the direct transitions leading to single-particle states in 27 Si have been used to extract spectroscopic factors. The spectroscopic factors obtained are compared with the results of 28 Si( 3 He, 4 He) 27 Si calculations.
Faster seafloor spreading and lithosphere production during the mid-Cenozoic

Concurrent changes in seawater chemistry, sea level, and climate since the mid-Cretaceous are thought to result from an ongoing decrease in the global rate of lithosphere production at ridges. The present-day area distribution of seafloor ages, however, is most easily explained if lithosphere production rates were nearly constant during the past 180 m.y. We examined spatial gradients of present-day seafloor ages and inferred ages for the subducted Farallon plate to construct a history of spreading rates in each major ocean basin since ca. 140 Ma, revealing dramatic Cenozoic events. Globally, seafloor spreading rates increased by similar to 20% during the early Cenozoic due to an increase in plate speeds in the Pacific basin. Since then, subduction of the fast-spreading Pacific-Farallon ridge system has led to a 12% decrease in average global spreading rate and an 18% or more decrease in the total rate of lithosphere production by the most conservative estimates. These rapid changes during the Cenozoic defy models of steady-state seafloor formation, and demonstrate the time-dependent and evolving nature of plate tectonics on Earth.
A diode mixer with harmonic-distortion suppression

It is shown that terminating the second and third LO harmonics and associated mixing frequencies in a short circuit results in substantial reduction in a diode mixer's harmonic distortion. It was found experimentally that the second-harmonic distortion level dropped a maximum of 28.7 dBm, and the third-harmonic distortion level also dropped a maximum of 16 dBm. The practical possibility of improving IM distortion levels is established. This technique should prove valuable in the lowering of IM distortion levels of diode mixers. >