cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Korea, the United States, and the Global Marketplace

ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS ill the Republic of Korea (South Korea) that have occurred in recent decades have been profound and remarkable, making it one of the most vibrant and thriving democracies in Asia. At the same time, it has become a regional as well as global economic powerhouse. But although Korea is in the midst of perhaps its most fundamental economic adjustment in modern times, it is also taking on the key characteristics of the most advanced industrial economies. This process is inevitably raising the same sort of criticism faced by the United States. Korea's extraordinary economic development, especially over the past half-century, has been based heavily on the growth of manufacturing centered on the chaebol. However, Korea is now witnessing much of its traditional manufacturing activity moving to lower-cost areas, notably China. That development should be viewed as neither
A Simple Estimate for the Energies of Electrons Accelerated in Flare Current Sheets on the Sun

Abstract A major result from Yohkoh is the frequency with which hard X-ray sources occur above solar flare loops. Observations suggest that electron acceleration in flares occurs in the magnetic reconnection region above the loops. Unfortunately, models for particle acceleration in reconnecting current sheets predict electron energy gains in terms of the reconnection electric field and the thickness of the sheet, both of which are extremely difficult to measure. It can be shown, however, that application of Ohm's law in a turbulent current sheet, combined with energy and Maxwell's equations, leads to a formula for the electron energy gain in terms of the flare power output, the magnetic field strength, the plasma density and temperature in the sheet, and its area. Typical flare parameters correspond to electron energies between a few tens of keV and a few MeV.
Electric Microfield Distributions in Strongly Coupled Plasmas from Integral Equation Solutions

Ions radiating from a dense plasma reveal important information about plasma conditions through the detailed structure of their spectral lineshapes (Griem, 1974). This coupling of lineshape and plasma conditions is brought about by the local electric microfield distribution at the radiating ion due to all other charges in the plasma, a quantity first studied by Holtsmark (1919) by neglecting all correlations between plasma particles. More recently, Iglesias (1983) has shown that the calculation of the electric microfield distribution in a plasma is equivalent to the determination of the structure of a fictitious “fluid” whose intermolecular potential has both real and imaginary parts. This new formulation of the problem is the point of departure for the work presented below, which is based on the application of a straightforward generalization of the standard methods of liquid state theory coupled with a novel representation of the generalized bridge function.
Invited review: Transformation of strawberry: The basis for translational genomics in Rosaceae

Translational genomics is defined as the application of molecular-genetic principles derived from model systems to species of experimental or economic interest. The past 20 years of research in plant model systems such as Arabidopsis thaliana have relinquished vast amounts of information regarding gene function, the integration of genetic components into pathways, and the interrelationships between pathways to control form and function in plants and plant-products alike. At present, the challenge is to relate these paradigms to other species of economic or scientific interest. Apart from being an important and valuable crop, strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is a member of the Rosaceae, a plant family containing fruit, nut, ornamental and wood-bearing species. Strawberry is unique within the Rosaceae in that it is a rapidly growing herbaceous perennial with a small genome and the ability to thrive in a laboratory setting. Strawberry species may also be transformed and regenerated in a time scale of weeks or months instead of years. For these reasons, strawberry has been recognized as the translational genomics model for the Rosaceae family. This review summarizes and synthesizes the technical reports of strawberry regeneration and transformation, consolidating the large body of information regarding genetic modification of this important genus.
Effect of nickel coating on bending properties of stereolithography photo-polymer SL5195

Abstract The effect of nickel coating on the bending properties of Stereolithography (SL) parts was investigated. It was found that a thin layer of nickel coating significantly improves the flexural strength and modulus of the SL specimens. The strengthening effect of the coating is dependent on the ratio of the Young’s moduli of the coating and the substrate materials, as well as the thickness of the coating.
Phosphorus and Carbon Fraction Concentrations in a Cambisol Soil as Affected by Tillage

Abstract: Changes of soil phosphorus parameters (SPP) and soil organic matter (SOM) fractions were investigated in a Cambisol of medium‐heavy texture. Soil sequential samples were taken from a minimum (MT) and conventional (CT) tillage field in Sitzenhof (Germany). For the CT soil, concentrations of available forms phosphorus (P) were stable to ∼0.3‐m depth, below which they rapidly decreased to relatively low values. In contrast, the decrease in the MT soil profile was gradual from the surface layer; available forms of P concentrations were higher and sorption index values were lower than in the CT soil in corresponding depths. Concentrations of SOM fractions were higher in the MT than CT treatment soil along the whole soil profile, especially below the 0.3‐m depth. The correlations between SPP and SOM fraction concentrations were closer in the MT than in the CT, particularly below 0.3‐m depths.
Trans-2-Hexenal: Mating Stimulant for Polyphemus Moths

The volatile compound from oak leaves which stimulates the female polyphemus moth to release her sex pheromone has been isolated and identified as trans-2-hexenal. Although leaves of other food plants contain trans-2-hexenal, they also release masking odors which block the activity of the hexenal.
Nuclear Import and Export Signals in Control of the p53-related Protein p73 *

The p53-family of proteins, including p53, p63, and p73, shares a high degree of structural similarity and can carry out some redundant functions. However, mechanisms that regulate the localization and activity of these proteins have not been fully clarified. In this study, a nuclear localization signal (NLS) was identified in p73, which is required for p73 nuclear import and which could promote the nuclear import of a heterologous, cytoplasmic protein. Mutants lacking the NLS localized to the cytoplasm and displayed diminished transcriptional activity. A nuclear export signal (NES) was also recognized in p73s C terminus, the deletion of which caused p73 to display a more nuclear localization pattern. This NES was sensitive to leptomycin B and could function as an independent export signal when fused to a heterologous protein. Interestingly, p73 mutant proteins lacking the NLS or the NES were more stable than wild-type p73, suggesting that nuclear import and nuclear export are required for efficient p73 degradation. Our results indicate that p73 localization is controlled by both nuclear import and export and suggest that the overall distribution of p73 is likely to result from the balance between these two processes. Proper control of nuclear import and export is likely to be an important regulatory determinant of p73.
Tachykinin receptors mediating airway macromolecular secretion.

Abstract Three tachykini receptor types, termed NK1, NK2, and NK3, can be distinguished by the relative potency of various peptides in eliciting tissue reponses. Airway macromolecular secretion is stimulated by the tachykinin substance P (SP). The purposes of this study were to determine the tachykinin receptor subtype responsible for this stimulation, and to examine the possible involvement of other neurotransmitters in mediating this effect. Ferret tracheal explants maintained in organ culture were labeled with 3H-glucosamine, a precursor of high molecular weight glycoconjugates (HMWG) which are released by airway secretory cells. Secretion of labeled HMWG then was determined in the absence and presence the tachykinins SP, neurokinin A (NKA), neurokinin B (NKB), physalaemin (PHY), and eledoisin (ELE). All the tachykinins tested stimulated HMWG release to an approximately equal degree. Stimulation was concentration-related, with log concentrations giving half-maximal effects (EC50) as follows: SP −9.47, NKA −7.37, NKB −5.98, PHY −8.08, and ELE −7.68. This rank order of potency (SP > PHY ≥ ELE ≥ NKA > NKB) is most consistent with NK1 receptors. To evaluate the possible contribution of other mediators, tachykinin stimulation was examined in the presence of several receptor blockers. The potency of SP was not diminished by pretreatment with atropine, propranolol, or chlorpheniramine, and atropine actually increased the magnitude of the secretory response. The SP receptor antagonist [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-SP blocked SP-induced secretion. These findings indicate that SP is a potent stimulus of airway macromolecular secretion. This effect occurs through the action of NK1 receptors, and is not dependent upon cholinergic, β-adrenergic, or H-1 histamine receptors. The facilitation by atropine of SP stimulation suggests the existence of a mechanism of cholinergic inhibition of SP-induced stimulation.
Bean mild mosaic virus: genome and its translation products.

Viral RNA from purified preparations of bean mild mosaic virus (BMMV) was resolved into two RNAs of mol. wt 1.5×106 daltons (R1) and 0.76×106 daltons (R2). Complementary DNA hybridizations, infectivity tests, and in-vitro translation studies established that R2 is a subgenomic RNA derived from R1. In-vitro translation studies showed that the genomic RNA (R1) coded for two major proteins of mol. wt. 40.5 kD and 25.7 kD. Of these, the 40.5 kD protein was shown to be the capsid protein that is translated in vitro from both the R1 and R2 RNAs. Time-course studies on the appearance of in-vitro translation products showed that the 25.7 kD product is the earliest product made when the genomic R1 RNA is translated. This is not one of the products of R2 RNA. Several of the characteristics of BMMV described in this paper show similarities with turnip crinkle virus (TCV) and carnation mottle virus (CarMV).
Extraction-Dependent Effects of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) on Human Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Estrogen Receptor Activation:

Hypothesis: Ginseng root extracts and the biologically active ginsenosides have been shown to inhibit proliferation of human cancer cell lines, including breast cancer. However, there are conflicting data that suggest that ginseng extracts (GEs) may or may not have estrogenic action, which might be contraindicated in individuals with estrogen-dependent cancers. The current study was designed to address the hypothesis that the extraction method of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) root will dictate its ability to produce an estrogenic response using the estrogen receptor (ER)–positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell model. Methods: MCF-7 cells were treated with a wide concentration range of either methanol- (alc-GE) or water-extracted (w-GE) ginseng root for 6 days. Cells were grown in media containing either normal or charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum to limit exposure to exogenous estrogen. Thus, an increase in MCF-7 cell proliferation by GE indicated potential estrogenicity. This was confirmed by blocking GE-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation with ER antagonists ICI 182,780 (1 nM) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (0.1 µM). Furthermore, the ability of GE to bind ERα or ERβ and stimulate estrogen-responsive genes was examined. Results: Alc-GE, but not w-GE, was able to increase MCF-7 cell proliferation at low concentrations (5-100 µg/mL) when cells were maintained under low-estrogen conditions. The stimulatory effect of alc-GE on MCF-7 cell proliferation was blocked by the ER antagonists ICI 182,780 or 4-hydroxytamoxifen. At higher concentrations of GE, both extracts inhibited MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation regardless of media conditions. Binding assays demonstrated that alc-GE, but not w-GE, was able to bind ERα and ERβ. Alc-GE (50 µg/mL) also induced an approximate 2.5-fold increase in expression of the estrogenresponsive pS2 gene, as well as progesterone receptor (PgR) gene expression, whereas w-GE was without effect. Conclusion: These data indicate that low concentrations of alc-GE, but not w-GE, elicit estrogenic effects, as evidenced by increased MCF-7 cell proliferation, in a manner antagonized by ER antagonists, interactions of alc-GE with estrogen receptors, and increased expression of estrogenresponsive genes by alc-GE. Thus, discrepant results between different laboratories may be due to the type of GE being analyzed for estrogenic activity.
Defects in Irradiated Silicon: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance of the Aluminum-Vacancy Pair

An EPR spectrum produced in aluminum-doped silicon by 1.5-MeV electron irradiation is described. Labeled Si G9, it is identified as arising from an aluminum-vacancy pair, presumably formed when a mobile lattice vacancy is trapped by substitutional aluminum. The resonance is observed only upon illumination and is identified as a long-lived excited triplet ($S=1$) state of the defect. The observed hyperfine interactions with ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ and neighboring ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ nuclei, as well as the $g$ tensor and axial fine-structure term $D$, are discussed in terms of a simple model of the defect using a linear combination of atomic orbitals. No Jahn-Teller distortion is observed in this excited state, as is consistent with the predictions of the model. Preferential alignment of the aluminum-vacancy axis direction in the lattice is achieved by stressing the crystal at \ensuremath{\sim}200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The magnitude and sense of the alignment is consistent with the prediction of the model that the ground state is a Jahn-Teller distorted state similar to the phosphorus-vacancy pair previously studied. Abnormally strong $\ensuremath{\Delta}m\ensuremath{\ne}0$ nuclear hyperfine transitions are observed in the EPR spectrum, and the theory of this effect, found only in an even-spin system, is developed. Emission is observed for some of the lines in the spectrum similar to that reported by Tanimoto et al. for another photoexcited $S=1$ system. The origin of this effect is discussed in terms of the model.
Cyber-Ecstasy and the Visionary in American Politics

In the instant Karmic History of the 1970s, “dreamtime” shaped American culture, beginning with the ganja and acid subcultures, and ending in the dispropriation of crystal-meth, heroine, and myriad other death-cult chemical hybrids of pharmocapital and narcoterrorist invention. Throughout it all, from its erotic birth to its Thanic end, the drug culture was seen, is still seen—except for “legitimate” pharmo-industrial treatment regimens—as narcissistic self-absorption by both the junkies of Neo-conservative certainties and the wizened academic epigones of New Left politics. To many, especially in academia, the warning cries of the 1960s denim revolution against dominant culture’s co-optation and reformulation of the drug-culture as chic countercultural rebellion went unheeded and led to predictable ends—the demolition of sixties radicalism and the birth of Reaganism’s narcissistic consumerism. The result of all of this chemical tumult and turmoil was the rejection at virtually all levels of political and cultural life of the use of hallucinogenic substances toward claimed spiritual ends. Eventually New Ageism channeled its earlier hallucinogen-fueled shamanic impulses into the pale visage of a kind of libertarian transcendence, without danger to the newly chastened body/minds of alternative culture.
Intramolecular proton transfer and energy relaxation in ortho-hydroxybenzophenone

Abstract Picosecond laser studies of excited state energy relaxation in o -hydroxybenzophenone in hexane and ethanol are reported. The efects of intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding on the ultrafast decay channels to the ground and triplet states and photostability of the molecule are discussed.
Disproportionation of dimethylalane on aluminum surfaces. Part II. Quantum chemistry studies

A proposed surface disproportionation growth mechanism of dimethylaluminum hydride (DMAH) on aluminum surfaces has been investigated with quantum chemistry methods and found to be thermodynamically consistent. Plane-wave pseudopotential calculations of optimized adsorbate structures, heats of reaction, and activation barriers have been employed to construct a quantitative growth model. Results support a mechanism involving the decomposition of DMAH to dimethylaluminum, monomethylaluminum, and methyl fragments in the growth process. Rate simulations of the growth mechanism agree well with experiments and are able to reproduce the low apparent activation energies observed experimentally, while still including elementary reactions with activation barriers as high as 20 kcal/mol. Additionally, simulations provide insight into experimental observations via the prediction of a dominant surface methyl coverage under growth conditions. Where experiment and calculations overlap, a general accuracy of approximately 5 kcal/mol is observed.
National Patient Safety Agency: an introduction

The National Patient Safety Agency was set up after two reports concluded that the NHS needed to learn from and prevent patient safety incidents. Data suggest that, of the patients that have suffered patient safety incidents, half could have been prevented. A case study is included which outlines what went wrong with a patient's care, and what recommendations have been made to avoid such occurrences in the future.
Leslie matrix models as “stroboscopic snapshots” of McKendrick PDE models

High dimensional Leslie matrix models have long been viewed as discretizations of McKendrick PDE models. However, these two fundamental classes of models can be linked in a completely different way. For populations with periodic birth pulses, Leslie models of any dimension can be viewed as “stroboscopic snapshots” (in time) of an associated impulsive McKendrick model; that is, the solution of the discrete model matches the solution of the corresponding continuous model at every discrete time step. In application, McKendrick models of populations with birth pulses can be used to identify the state of the population between the discrete census times of the associated Leslie model. Furthermore, McKendrick models describing populations with near-synchronous birth pulses can be viewed as realistic perturbations of the associated Leslie model.
Racial Differences in Genetic and Environmental Risk to Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is more prevalent in African Americans than European Americans and contributes to 3.4 times more African American infant deaths. Models of social inequity do not appreciably account for this marked disparity and molecular genetic studies have yet to characterize whether allelic differences that exist between races contribute to this gap. In this study, biometrical genetic models are applied to a large mixed-race sample consisting of 733,339 births to measure the extent that heritable factors and environmental exposures predict the timing of birth and explain differences between racial groups. Although we expected significant differences in mean gestational age between racial groups, we did not anticipate the variance of gestational age in African Americans (sigma(2) = 7.097) to be nearly twice that of European Americans (sigma(2) = 3.764). Our results show that this difference in the variance of gestational age can largely be attributed to environmental sources; which were 3.1 times greater in African Americans. Specifically, environmental factors that change between pregnancies, versus exposures that influence all pregnancies within a family, are largely responsible for the increased reproductive heterogeneity observed in African American mothers. Although the contribution of both fetal and maternal genetic factors differed between race categories, genetic studies may best be directed to understanding the differences in the socio-cultural sources of this heterogeneity, and their possible interaction with genetic differences within and between races. This study provides a comprehensive description of the relative genetic and environmental contributions to racial differences in gestational age.
Pleural fluid glucose with special reference to its concentration in rheumatoid pleurisy with effusion.

The concentration of glucose in pleural fluids that are due to malignant lesions, congestive heart failure, pulmonary infarction, and miscellaneous inflammatory and traumatic conditions was found to be more than 60 mg. per 100 ml. of fluid in 54 of 57 fluids, and between 30 and 60 mg. per 100 ml. in the remaining three. In contrast, six patients having rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid pleurisy and effusion were found to have pleural-fluid glucose concentrations varying from less than 5 to 17 mg. per 100 ml. As tuberculosis also has been reported to cause very low concentrations of glucose in pleural fluid, we concluded that the measurement of the concentration of glucose in pleural fluid was of only slight value in the differential diagnosis of the diseases causing pleurisy with effusion.
Reinforcer isolation: An alternative to subject isolation in time-out from positive reinforcement

Abstract Time-out, through removal of a subject to an isolated setting, is widely used as a response suppression technique. There are, however, several practical and legal problems inherent in its use. The present case utilized an ABAB design and reports a modification of time-out, where reinforcing elements of the environment were removed from the individual, instead of vice-versa. Reinforcer isolation suppressed the target behavior rapidly and effectively. Follow-up of six months showed no recurrence of the problem.
Parallel in time approximation of the lattice Boltzmann method for laminar flows

Abstract Fluid dynamics simulations using grid-based methods, such as the lattice Boltzmann equation, can benefit from parallel-in-space computation. However, for a fixed-size simulation of this type, the efficiency of larger processor counts will saturate when the number of grid points per core becomes too small. To overcome this fundamental strong scaling limit in space-parallel approaches, we present a novel time-parallel version of the lattice Boltzmann method using the parareal algorithm. This method is based on a predictor–corrector scheme combined with mesh refinement to enable the simulation of larger number of time steps. We present results of up to a 32× increase in speed for a model system consisting of a cylinder with conditions for laminar flow. The parallel gain obtainable is predicted with strong accuracy, providing a quantitative understanding of the potential impact of this method.
Applied Coding and Information Theory for Engineers

1. Discrete Sources and Entropy. 2. Channels and Channel Capacity. 3. Run-Length-Limited Codes. 4. Linear Block Error-Correcting Codes. 5. Cyclic Codes. 6. Convolutional Codes. 7. Trellis-Coded Modulation. 8. Information Theory and Cryptography. 9. Shannon's Coding Theorems. Index.
Thermal calibrations of hypervelocity capture in aerogel using magnetic iron oxide particles

Abstract Due to its extremely high porosity and the nanoscale filaments that make up its structure, aerogel is an excellent material for the capture of hypervelocity, micron-sized particles. A great deal of the kinetic energy of a particle is converted to thermal energy during the capture process, altering or even destroying components of the particle. The studies described here were conducted using aggregate projectiles made up of magnetic sub-micron hematite particles in an attempt to directly measure the temperatures experienced by fine particles during hypervelocity capture in aerogels. When these particles are heated to a temperature above their Curie temperature (675 °C) during the capture, they lose their magnetization. Thus, by impact testing these particles in aerogels at different velocities, we were able to determine if individual components of these aggregate particles were heated to a temperature greater than their Curie temperature by observing their magnetization. After impact testing, the particles were extracted from the aerogel, thin sectioned, and observed using atomic and magnetic force microscopy, as well as, electron paramagnetic resonance. Terminal particles for impacts at or above 4.5 km/s were still magnetic, while those from the track walls were not. Even terminal particles captured at 6.6 km/s were still magnetic. Iron oxide particles coated with silica, to mimic extraterrestrial materials, from track walls captured at 5.47 km/s were still magnetic. The study also demonstrated that aggregate projectiles can survive the forces they are subjected to during hypervelocity launch in a light gas gun.
Principles of Cell Mechanics for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The critical importance of mechanical signals to the health and maintenance of articular cartilage has been well demonstrated. Tissue engineers have taken a cue from normal cartilage physiology and incorporated the use of mechanical stimulation into their attempts to engineer functional cartilage. However, the specific types of mechanical stimulation that are most beneficial, and the mechanisms that allow a chondrocyte to perceive and respond to those forces, have yet to be elucidated. To develop a better understanding of these processes, it is necessary to examine the mechanical behavior of the single chondrocyte. This paper reviews salient topics related to chondrocyte biomechanics and mechanotransduction, and attempts to put this information into a context both appropriate and useful to cartilage tissue engineering. It also describes the directions this exciting field is taking, and lays out a vision for future studies that could have a significant impact on our understanding of cartilage health and disease. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Competition equilibria of exchangeable substituents between methylsilicon and methylgermanium moieties

Abstract Equilibria resulting from the exchange between methylsilicon and methylgermanium moieties of halogens (Cl, Br, or I) with either methoxyl, methylthio, or dimenthylamino groups have been studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Each set of experimental data was evaluated in terms of five independent equilibrium constants. Two of these describe the scrambling of pairs of substituents on the methylsilicon moiety, two similar ones describe the same process on the methylgermanium moiety, while an intersystem equilibrium constant relates the distribution of pairs of substituents between the methylsilicon and methylgermanium moieties. For the various systems, the latter constant deviates over a wide range from the value corresponding to a random distribution.
Propeller-induced structure-borne noise - Laboratory-based test apparatus

A potentially important source of structure-borne interior noise transmission in advanced turboprop aircraft is the impingement of the propeller wake/vortex on downstream aerodynamic surfaces. The expected levels of propeller wake/vortex-induced structure-borne noise transmission are not known nor can they be determined with present-day technology. A test apparatus has been designed, built and calibrated for the purposes of studying propeller-induced, structure-borne noise transmission in prototypical aircraft structures. The principal approach to the test apparatus design was to provide a physical means of separating the airborne and structure-borne noise components so that the structure-borne noise transmission response could be studied directly without airborne noise contamination. This was accomplished by housing the receiving fuselage structure in an acoustic shield fitted with a wing-to-fuselage acoustic seal. Initial evaluation of the wing-to-fuselage acoustic seal indicates adequate airborne noise isolation to allow direct study of structure-borne noise transmission.
MONOCLONAL OR POLYCLONAL ANTIBODY-MEDIATED PROTECTION AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI IS MARKEDLY ENHANCED BY FIBRONECTIN

Fibronectin (FN) is reported to enhance particle attachment to macrophages and PMNs. Our previous studies showed that cord plasma FN levels are decreased compared with adult levels and that the opsonic activity against group B streptococci (GBS) of such plasma can be increased by the addition of purified FN. The present studies were designed to determine the role of FN alone and in combination with antibody preparations in providing protection against experimental neonatal GBS infection in a rat model. FN administration alone did not protect against type III GBS infection (untreated 33% survival, n=18; vs treated 29%, n=17). When FN was combined with a polyclonal human IgG preparation modified for intravenous use (IGIV), increased protection was observed (untreated 24% survival, n=17; IGIV 29%, n=17; IGIV+FN 48%, n=31). The enhanced protection observed with a combination of FN and antibody was more impressive when a murine monoclonal type III specific IgG antibody was employed (untreated 0%, n=31; FN 14%, n=29; IgG 17%, n=24; FN+IgG 62%, n=29). FN also enhanced protection by low dose monoclonal IgM antibody (untreated 5%; FN 26%; IgM 18%; FN+IgM 78%). Surprisingly, FN also significantly enhanced protection mediated by an IgA type III monoclonal (untreated 36%, IgA 42%, FN+IgA 65%). These studies indicate that FN interacts with antibody of IgG, IgM and even IgA isotype in host defence. Optimal immunotherapy of neonatal group B disease may involve the adminstration of both antibody and FN.
Comparison between multiple behavioral effects of peripheral ethanol administration in rats: Sedation, ataxia, and bradykinesia

Although low doses of systemic ethanol stimulate locomotion in mice, in rats the typical response to peripheral ethanol administration is a dose-dependent suppression of motor activity. In the present study, male rats received acute doses of ethanol IP (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg) and were tested on several behavioral tasks related to the motor suppressive or sedative effects of the drug. This research design allowed for comparisons between the effects of ethanol on different behavioral tasks in order to determine which tasks were most sensitive to the drug (i.e., which tasks would yield deficits that appear at lower doses). In the first two experiments, rats were evaluated on a sedation rating scale, and ataxia/motor incoordination was assessed using the rotarod apparatus. Administration of 2.0 g/kg ethanol produced sedation as measured by the sedation scale, and also impaired performance on the rotarod. In a third experiment, ethanol reduced locomotion in the stabilimeter at several doses and times after IP injection, with 0.25 g/kg being the lowest dose that produced a significant decrease in locomotion. Finally, experiment four studied the effects of ethanol on operant lever pressing reinforced on a fixed ratio 5 (FR5) schedule for food reinforcement. Data showed suppressive effects on lever pressing at doses of 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Analysis of the interresponse time distribution showed that ethanol produced a modest slowing of operant responding, as well as fragmentation of the temporal pattern of responding and increases in pausing. Taken together, these results indicate that rats can demonstrate reduced locomotion and slowing of operant responding at doses lower than those that result in sedation or ataxia as measured by the rotarod. The detection of subtle changes in different motor test across a broad range of ethanol doses is important for understanding ethanol effects in other cognitive, motivational or sensory processes.
Comparison of the interaction of Cl2 and Br2 with Cu(100)

Abstract The adsorption, reaction and etching of Cu(100) by Cl 2 was studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and the results were compared with recent results for Br 2 . Although the general etching mechanism was the same for both gases (adsorption rate limited Cu halide formation followed by halide sublimation), significant differences between the behavior of Cl 2 and Br 2 were observed. The desorption of CuCl was characterized by a single zero order sublimation peak, independent of CuCl coverage, while limiting the CuBr coverage resulted in a desorption peak at temperatures lower than a prediction based on vapor pressure data of all known phases of CuBr. In addition, Cl 2 was found to be at least an order of magnitude less reactive than Br 2 towards halide formation. For both Cl 2 and Br 2 , the halide formation rate reversibly decreased with increasing reaction temperature. However, for Br 2 , but not Cl 2 , annealing a chemisorbed halogen layer prior to further reaction irreversibly increased the halide formation rate. Structural differences between CuCl and CuBr on Cu(100) were also observed. For CuCl, LEED data suggested that highly faceted crystallites form at 325 K and remain stable until desorption, while LEED data for CuBr reveal a compressed epitaxial (111) layer that disorders below 400 K and then desorbs. The implications of these differences on etching and oxidation processes are discussed.
The generalized Sleeping Beauty problem: a challenge for thirders

Grim, P. 1984. There is no set of all truths. Analysis 44: 206-208. Grim, P. 1986. On sets and worlds: a reply to Menzel. Analysis 46: 186-91. Grim, P. 1991. The Incomplete Universe. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Hajek, P., J. Paris, and J. Shepherdson. 2000. The liar paradox and fuzzy logic. Journal of Symbolic Logic 65: 339-46. Kripke, S. 1975. Outline of a theory of truth. Journal of Philosophy 72: 690-716. Reprinted in Recent Essays on Truth and the Liar Paradox, ed. R. Martin. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Priest, G. 1979. The logic of paradox. Journal of Philosophical Logic 8: 219-41. Priest, G. 1987. In Contradiction. The Hague: Martinhus Niijhof. Reinhardt, W. 1986. Some remarks on extending and interpreting theories with a partial predicate for truth. Journal of Philosophical Logic 15: 219-51. Restall, G. 1992. Arithmetic and truth in Lukasiewicz's infinitely valued logic. Logique et Analyse 140: 303-12. van Fraassen, B. 1968. Presupposition, implication, and self-reference. Journal of Philosophy 65: 136-52. van Fraassen, B. 1970. Truth and paradoxical consequences. In The Paradox of the Liar, ed. R. Martin, 13-23. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Female preferences for spectral call properties in the western genetic lineage of Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Female frogs discriminate among potential mates based on individual variation in male advertisement calls. While considerable data have accumulated allowing comparisons of female preference functions among species, we still lack fundamental knowledge about how and why the shapes of preference functions for particular call properties vary among populations within all but a few species. Here, we report results from a study aimed at describing female preference functions for spectral call properties in Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). Widespread throughout the eastern half of North America, Cope's gray treefrog is the diploid member of the cryptic diploid–tetraploid Hyla versicolor species complex, and its populations are divided into two distinct genetic lineages (eastern and western). In this study of a western lineage population, we recorded and analyzed the spectral properties of 1,000 advertisement calls from 50 males and conducted two-stimulus phonotaxis experiments to estimate a population-level preference function. Females preferred calls with average frequencies over calls with frequencies that were 2 or 3 semitones (1.4 or 2.1 standard deviations, respectively) lower than the population mean. We observed no behavioral discrimination between calls with average and higher-than-average frequencies. Preferences discriminating against low-frequency calls were weak and were abolished by attenuating the preferred average call by 3 dB. We discuss these results in light of previous studies of eastern lineage populations, geographic variation in female preference functions, and the potential adaptive value of discriminating against calls with low frequencies.
Objective and subjective cultural relationships related to industrial modernization and social progress

Abstract This study examines the multidimensional relationships between objective cultural indices and subjective cultural meanings related to societal modernization across 20 nations. Conceptually, a theoretical model is proposed to describe a nation’s modernization in terms of four study domains—three process-related contents of scientific education, technological innovations , and industrial development , and the outcome of overall social progress . Empirically, the objective indicators of the four domains were derived from various national statistics, and the subjective meanings were from cross-cultural semantic differential ratings of representative concepts. A three-step procedure was adopted in data analyses: (1) the underlying components of each study domain were obtained separately for the objective and subjective cultures; (2) dimensional relationships between the subjective and objective cultures were identified for each study domain; (3) conjoint analyses were performed to identify the attributions of subjective means on all three contents to the objective social progress. In general, empirical results confirmed all theoretical predictions, especially about the relationships sequentially between the four domains of education, technology, industry and overall social progress. Finally, implications were discussed about the needs to balance objective and subjective cultural changes within each nation and also to meet external challenges from the global modernization.
Ultra energy efficient systems in biology, engineering, and medicine

Summary form only given. Nature is a great analog and digital circuit designer. She has innovated circuits in the biochemical, biomechanical, and bioelectronic domains that operate robustly with highly noisy and imprecise parts and with incredibly low levels of energy. Her impressive accomplishment is largely due to the fact that she uses both analog (graded) and digital (all-or-none) circuits within her cells to sense, actuate, compute, and communicate [1]. Analog and bio-inspired approaches that mimic nature can also create ultra-energy-efficient systems: For example, we show how neural prosthetics of the future such as brain-machine interfaces for the paralyzed can be made so energy efficient [1] that they can be powered from a novel glucose fuel cell that harvests energy from bodily fluids [2]. I also discuss how a positive-feedback loop between analog circuits and cell biology may enable similar synergistic improvements in synthetic and systems biology.
PNMT-containing catecholaminergic neurons are not necessarily adrenergic

The intermediolateral cell column (IML) in the spinal cord is densely innervated by the phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-containing neurons of the ventrolateral medulla (C1 cell group). The present study used a sensitive HPLC-EC assay for catecholamines to quantitate epinephrine levels in the region of the spinal cord containing the IML. In dissections of thoracic cord enriched in IML, as well as total thoracic cord, epinephrine levels were below the limit of sensitivity of the assay, indicating that epinephrine levels were less than 0.2 pg/mg tissue. In the region of the IML, epinephrine levels were less than 0.05% of the norepinephrine content. Thus, no epinephrine could be detected in the IML even though the IML contains a dense network of nerve terminals that stain immunohistochemically for PNMT and the other enzymes required for epinephrine biosynthesis. These results suggest that nerve terminals that contain all the enzymes required for epinephrine biosynthesis are not necessarily adrenergic.
On optimizing knot positions for multidimensional B-spline models

In this paper, we present a new method for optimizing knot positions for a multi-dimensional B-spline model. Using the results from from univariate polynomial approximation theory, spline approximation theory and multivariate tensor product theory, we develop the algorithm in three steps. First, we derive a local upper bound for the L∞ error in a multivariate B-spline tensor product approximation over a span. Second, we use this result to bound the approximation error for a multi-dimensional B-spline tensor product approximation. Third, we developed two knot position optimization methods based on the minimization of two global approximation errors: L∞ global error and L 2 global error. We test our method with 2D surface fitting experiments using B-spline models defined in both 2D Cartesian and polar coordinates. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimized knots can fit a surface more accurately than fixed uniformly spaced knots.
Aggressive catheter and surgical intervention for recoarctation after Norwood operation results in excellent long-term outcome

Background: Recurrent coarctation of aorta (reCoA) after Norwood operation might result in impaired cardiac function and the following poor prognosis in HLHS and its variants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial arch repair technique as well as the outcome of aggressive treatment for re-CoA. Patients and methods: Twenty-four (24) reCoA patients after 80 Norwood operations between 1993 and 2012 were evaluated (30.8%, classical HLHS: 20, variants: 4). Initial procedure was primary Norwood in 11 (BT: 4, RV-PA: 7) and bilateral PAB in 13 (modified Norwood: 8, Norwood+BDG: 5). Arch repair technique at Norwood operation was direct anastomosis in 14, patch augmentation in 10. Results: Interval from Norwood to reCoA was 7 - 538 day (median: 102 day), and age at operation was not related with reCoA. Balloon aortoplasty (PTA) was performed in 22 patients, totally 31 times, and initial PTA resulted in the significant decrease in pressure gradient (PG) between AAo and DAo from 14.7±13.5 mmHg to 6.6±10.9 mmHg (P=0.04). PTA non-effective cases underwent stent implantation (2) or surgical intervention (10; patch plasty in 9, SCF in 2). Timing of surgery was pre BDG in 1, at BDG in 5, after BDG in 4, and the material of patch plasty was Xenopatch in 2, Hemashield graft in 1 and ePTFE in 6. There was significant decrease in pressure gradient from 28.0±14.7 mmHg to 5.1±4.3 mmHg (P<0.01). Two patients underwent surgery without PTA and other 2 patients underwent additional PTA after surgical repair. At present, 16 patients reached TCPC and 4 are awaiting TCPC. There were 4 late deaths after BDG with CHF (3) or pneumonia (1), but reCoA was not related with late death (PG: 0-4 (2) mmHg). The surviving 20 patients revealed RVEDV of 145.7±50.7%ofN, RVEF of 55.8±10.3%, PG of 0-12 (1) mmHg and BNP of 5.8-144.8 (16.8) pg/ml. Regarding the initial arch repair technique, patch enlargement at lesser curvature and swing-back technique are related with less reCoA (P<0.05). Conclusions: Re-CoA after Norwood operation was often recognized. Patch enlargement at lesser curvature or swing-back technique might be useful for arch reconstruction. Aggressive intervention for re-CoA in combination of balloon plasty and surgical repair could result in good cardiac function and the following excellent long-term outcome.
The Potential Role of Roots and Rhizomes in Structuring Salt-Marsh Benthic Communities

The density of the Carolina marsh clam,Polymesoda caroliniana (Bosc), was determined in three adjacent tidal marsh communities which differed only in plant species composition. Clam density was inversely related to the density (biomass) of plant roots and rhizomes in sediments and directly related to density of plant stems (numbers). Clam abundance was not related to the basal area of plant stems. Each plant community contained clams of various ages from juvenile to adult indicating continued recruitment and survival. These data suggest thatP. caroliniana is most abundant inJuncus roemerianus marshes because there are fewer roots and rhizomes (mean of 2.5 kg m−2) to hamper burrwing as compared toSpartina alterniflora andcynosuroides (5.1 and 6.3 kg m−2, respectively) dominated marshes. Salinity, floding frequency, distance from flooding water, and sediment type were essentially constant among the three plant communities. Root/rhizome density should be collected along with other environmental parameters during studies of benthic organisms on marshes because it potentially limits the occurrence or abundance of some species.
Bi-level positive airway pressure support system use in acute congestive heart failure: preliminary case series.

Objective: To describe the use of a noninvasive bi-level positive airway pressure (PAP) support system for ED patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Retrospective case series analysis of ED patients presenting with acute CHF in imminent need of endotracheal intubation (ETI) managed with a bi-level PAP system. The bi-level PAP system was applied at the discretion of the treating emergency physician. Management of the bi-level PAP system, including setting of inspiratory PAP (IPAP) and expiratory PAP (EPAP), weaning, adjunct pharmacologic therapy, and failure of bi-level PAP support, was determined by the treating physician. Results: Only two (9%) of 22 patient presentations necessitated ETI. The mean duration of bi-level PAP therapy was 7.9 hours. The mean maximum IPAP and EPAP settings were 10.8 and 5.8 cm H2O, respectively. Mean intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was 2.4 days, with a median LOS of only 1 day. There were three deaths in the series; none were attributed to the bi-level PAP system. No technical difficulty with the bi-level PAP system was noted. Conclusion: Noninvasive pressure support ventilation with a bi-level PAP support system may avert ETI in acute CHF patients. This device can be effectively used by ED personnel.
New frontiers in female contraception (and male condoms): 2012

Introduction: Contraception made profound contributions to women's health in the twentieth century and has the potential to help achieve each of the eight millennium development goals in the twenty-first. However, contraception has not met its full potential, in large part due to inconsistent use. Choice is uniquely important to contraceptive success, so continued innovation in all aspects of birth control is needed. Areas covered: First, we will review recent advances in the introduction of new methods of birth control. Then we will report recent developments in areas that strongly influence contraceptive use, including non-contraceptive benefits, ways to minimize side effects and practice protocols designed to encourage ready access to various methods. In the second half of the paper we will discuss methods that are in development, but not yet available, as well as new research into non-contraceptive benefits, new approaches to reduce side effects and new ways to provide contraceptives so that users can...