cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Just Like Paradise? Reflections on Idealized Governance and Other Funhouse Mirrors

Research on psychology and philosophy, particularly discussions of lived experiences, can inform contemporary reflection on utopia in public administration. Deconstructing religious, historical, and literary perspectives on utopia can illuminate discussions and illustrate the relativistic nature of utopia and the consequences for the administrative state. Using the cases of constitutionalism and neomanagerialism as examples, this article deconstructs contemporary views of administrative “paradise” while opening a dialogue for more detailed critique of contemporary theory and praxis in public administration.
Systems Thinking Evidence From Colleges Of Business And Their Universities

This study investigated instances of the term systems thinking among the websites of the Top 25 business schools as ranked by U. S. News and World Report in 2010. Since a greater number of instances of the term and its variants in a universitys web documents may indicate an increased interest of the institution in the concept of systems thinking, the universities in this study were rated according to their decreasing instances, counts, or website hits. Results indicated that while many schools had little to no mention of the term in any form, some schools used it prolifically on their websites, even when searching and hit counting was adjusted to remove duplicates and isolate inaccurate results. Nevertheless, appearance and discussion of the term was limited in official university information displayed by most schools. The authors assert that an increasing importance should be placed on teaching systems thinking at the graduate level and on providing evidence of this work to prospective business students and their prospective employers through university and business school websites.
Eddy diffusion coefficients and their upper limits based on application of the similarity theory

Abstract. The equation for the diffusion velocity in the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere (MLT) includes the terms for molecular and eddy diffusion. These terms are very similar. For the first time, we show that, by using the similarity theory, the same formula can be obtained for the eddy diffusion coefficient as the commonly used formula derived by Weinstock (1981). The latter was obtained by taking, as a basis, the integral function for diffusion derived by Taylor (1921) and the three-dimensional Kolmogorov kinetic energy spectrum. The exact identity of both formulas means that the eddy diffusion and heat transport coefficients used in the equations, both for diffusion and thermal conductivity, must meet a criterion that restricts the outer eddy scale to being much less than the scale height of the atmosphere. This requirement is the same as the requirement that the free path of molecules must be much smaller than the scale height of the atmosphere. A further result of this criterion is that the eddy diffusion coefficients Ked, inferred from measurements of energy dissipation rates, cannot exceed the maximum value of 3.2 × 106 cm2 s−1 for the maximum value of the energy dissipation rate of 2 W kg−1 measured in the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere (MLT). This means that eddy diffusion coefficients larger than the maximum value correspond to eddies with outer scales so large that it is impossible to use these coefficients in eddy diffusion and eddy heat transport equations. The application of this criterion to the different experimental data shows that some reported eddy diffusion coefficients do not meet this criterion. For example, the large values of these coefficients (1 × 107 cm2 s−1) estimated in the Turbulent Oxygen Mixing Experiment (TOMEX) do not correspond to this criterion. The Ked values inferred at high latitudes by Lubken (1997) meet this criterion for summer and winter polar data, but the Ked values for summer at low latitudes are larger than the Ked maximum value corresponding to the criterion. Analysis of the experimental data on meteor train observations shows that energy dissipation with a small rate of about 0.2 W kg−1 sometimes can induce turbulence with eddy scales very close to the scale height of the atmosphere. Our results also explain the discrepancy between the large cooling rates calculated by Vlasov and Kelley (2014) and the temperatures given by the MSIS-E-90 model because, in these cases, the measured eddy diffusion coefficients used in calculating the cooling rates are larger than the maximum value presented above.
Absence of ``condensed matter effects'' in the solar neutrino problem

It has been suggested by Kim, Rabinowitz, and Yoon that the solar neutrino problem can be explained by taking account of so-called “condensed matter effects.” We show with the aid of Liouville's theorem that the effects in question are already included in the standard treatment.
Should intranasal splints be used after nasal septal surgery

BACKGROUND Intranasal splints are widely used after nasal septal surgery for prevention of intranasal adhesions and support of septal position. However, they have been shown to cause significant discomfort to patients. Here we examine the evidence regarding the utility of using intranasal splints after septal surgery and address the question of whether the benefits of their use outweigh the risks.
Municipal residency laws: Effects on police employment, compensation, and productivity

This paper offers an alternative model of the effects of residency laws in municipal labor markets. Unlike previous studies, the model assumes that public employee labor markets are characterized by conditions of excess supply and that public services are produced under noncompetitive conditions. The model also implies that productivity improvements increase rather than reduce labor demand, yielding different results with respect to the wage and employment effects of residency requirements. The non-clearing market model is tested using data on municipal police officers. The results are more compatible with the disequilibrium model than with models based on a competitive equilibrium.
When Is Research Good Evidence? Issues in Reading Research

Although using published research is only one part of the evidence-based practice process, clinical social workers more often doubt their abilities in this area than in client assessment or in the individualizing of treatment approaches to fit client preferences, values and resources. This article reviews the nature of research and the reason it is often a preferred source of information; common flaws to watch for in published research; types of research studies and how different kinds of studies are viewed by those interested in treatment outcome research; and the elements of a published research report that must be considered when deciding on its usefulness for decision-making about practice. It will also include discussion of the controversies that surround these topics, which are significant. While readers will have been introduced to these topics in their professional education, when knowledge is not used it is often not well-remembered. Few clinicians find that reading, assessing, or conducting research is part of their daily work, which is one reason why the discussion of evidence-based practice and other approaches to the use of research in clinical practice can be anxiety-provoking. This “refresher” emphasizes that critical thinking skills, which clinicians often have in abundance, are the single most important element in using research to inform practice.
Disability, facilitated sex and the role of the nurse

Aim. The aim of this paper is to explore the role that nurses can play in acknowledging and facilitating the sexual needs of disabled patients within an holistic framework of nursing care. Background. Contemporary nursing claims to offer patient care within an holistic framework; this framework should encompass the biopsychosocial needs of patients, as defined by patients themselves. In spite of the importance of sexuality and sexual expression to the psychosocial welfare of patients, sexuality is often excluded from nursing practice. Method. Literature is reviewed from nursing, disability studies, and a variety of social science disciplines. Findings. The paper begins with a discussion of the concept of 'holistic care' and the ways in which this has been interpreted in the nursing literature. The biopsychosocial approach and the notion of 'whole person' holism seem particularly significant, although the lack of attention to patient sexuality is identified. Literature from the social sciences is used to explore the significance of sexuality to individual self-identity and psychosocial welfare. This literature also highlights the way in which the denial of sexual identity is a significant feature of power relations. The disability studies literature catalogues the way in which disabled people are generally infantilised by society and perceived as asexual. This literature also highlights the professional neglect of disabled sexual identities. Using a variety of literature, the concept of facilitated sex is explored as a continuum of activities and the role of nursing, within a holistic framework, is examined.
How Can We Help? From “Sociology in” to “Sociology of” Bioethics

Sociology and bioethics have an uneasy relationship. Bioethicists find sociology helpful for describing and analyzing ethical issues, but they are less enthusiastic when bioethics becomes the subject of sociological scrutiny. After review of different sociological approaches to bioethical topics -- descriptive, evaluative, and analytical -- I explain how bioethics will benefit by using the tools of sociology to answer its questions ("sociology in bioethics") and by allowing sociology to use bioethics to answer sociological questions ("sociology of bioethics").
Water monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by laser-excited time-resolved Shpol'skii spectrometry with fiber optic probes

We present a unique method for routine monitoring of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples. Significant innovations include a rapid solid-liquid extraction procedure, a cryogenic fiber optic probe for fluorescence measurements in frozen matrices at liquid helium temperature (4.2 K) and an instrumental system for laser-excited time-resolved Shpol'skii spectrometry. The potential of this methodology is illustrated with the direct trace analysis of fifteen Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutants in less than 5 minutes.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variability of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B

Evidence suggests that the double nature of the quasar 0957 + 561 A, B results from the influence of an intervening gravitational lens on the light from a more distant, single quasar. The nearly identical spectral characteristics of the two objects have been established1–3 and have been the incentive for interpreting the two apparent objects as images of a single one. We report here spectroscopic and photometric observations which show that the images of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B are variable. Brightness changes were observed to be accompanied by corresponding spectral variations. These data suggest that the quasar itself is an intrinsically variable object.
Reaction time for voiced and whispered /a/ in stutterers and nonstutterers

Abstract Recent research reviewed in this article suggests that stutterers' inability to initiate phonation promptly could be a significant factor in the occurence of stuttering. Since stuttering is either completely absent or markedly reduced in frequency during whisper, the present study tested the hypothesis that stutterers do not significantly differ from nonstutterers in reaction time (RT) for the initiation of whispered/a/, whereas the two groups differ significantly in RT for the initiation of voiced /a/. Ten adult stutterers and an equal number of comparable nonstutterers produced prolonged versions of the vowel /a/ using voice and whisper in response to tone stimuli. The results showed that stutteres and nonstutterers did not differ in RT for either voiced or whispered /a/. The stutterers, however, exhibited significantly longer RT to produce voiced /a/ than whispered /a/.
Effects of levorphanol on phospholipid metabolism and composition in Escherichia coli

1. 1. The effects of growth inhibitory concentrations of the morphine analogue levorphanol on the metabolism and composition of membrane phospholipids were investigated in Escherichia coli. 2. 2. Incorporation of radioactive precursors into the total lipid fraction is reduced. 3. 3. During incubation with levorphanol there is a gradual rise in the proportion of radioactivity incorporated into cardiolipin, from 5% (untreated) to 55–70% after 60 min. In addition to the more rapid labeling of cardiolipin there is evidence for reduced breakdown of cardiolipin in the presence of levorphanol. 4. 4. The incorporation of precursors into phosphatidyl ethanolamine is markedly reduced. The turnover of phosphatidyl glycerol is accelerated and phosphatidyl ethanolamine, normally stable, exhibits turnover in the presence of levorphanol. 5. 5. After 1 h incubation with levorphanol the relative amounts of individual phospholipids, determined as phospholipid phosphorus, are 45% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, 10% phosphatidyl glycerol and 45% cardiolipin, as compared to 68% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, 25% phosphatidyl glycerol and 7% cardiolipin in untreated bacteria. 6. 6. In drug-free medium the phospholipid labeling pattern of cells labeled in the presence of levorphanol slowly reverts towards normal. 7. 7. Possible relationships between the observed alterations in phospholipid metabolism and composition and the effects of levorphanol on transport and on ribosomal RNA synthesis are discussed.
A Mixed Analog/Digital VLSI Design and Simulation of An Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) Neural Network Architecture:

This paper presents a mixed analog/digital circuit design and simulation for an architecture called the augmented adaptive resonance theory-1 neural network (AART1-NN). The circuit is implemented based on the transconductance-mode approach and mixed analog/digital components, in which analog circuits are used to fully incorporate the parallel mechanism of the neural network, whereas digital circuits are used to provide a reduced circuit size as well as more precise multiplication operation. The AART1-NN circuit implemented is simulated using Pspice, and the results are in good agreement with those calculated numerically from the coupled nonlinear differential equations governing the AART1-NN.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Staphylococcal Infections in Different Age Groups 926

The most common nosocomial Gram-positive species isolated in catheter-related bloodstream infections is Staphylococcus. Regional differences in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MR-CoNS) infections have been partly attributed to variation in antibiotic usage. Widespread use of vancomycin has also contributed to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Since antibiotic exposure and use vary among neonates(NICU), children (PICU), and adults (AdICU) in intensive care units, we determined whether differences in Staphylococcal infection rates and susceptibilities of MRSA and MR-CoNS infections exist.
Configurational crossover for Eu systems: a simple model

Abstract An ionic-4f-configuration based theory for configurational crossover in Eu systems is presented. A formalism for evaluating the full thermodynamics of the model including specific description of the valence variation and magnetic susceptibility is discussed. Intersite valence fluctuation and magnetic exchange interactions can be treated in a phenomenological mean field way. This yields predictions for the potential valence transition and magnetic ordering transition portions of the Eu-configurational-crossover phase diagram.
Control of mucosal virus infection by influenza nucleoprotein-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

MHC class I-restricted CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are thought to play a major role in clearing virus and promoting recovery from influenza infection and disease. This has been demonstrated for clearance of influenza virus from the lungs of infected mice. However, human influenza infection is primarily a respiratory mucosal infection involving the nasopharynx and tracheobronchial tree. The role of CD8+ CTL directed toward the influenza nucleoprotein (NP) in defense against influenza virus infection at the respiratory mucosa was evaluated in two separate adoptive transfer experiments. Influenza nucleoprotein (NP)-specific CD8+ CTL were generated from splenocytes obtained from Balb/c mice previously primed with influenza A/Taiwan/1/86 (H1N1) infection or with influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1)-derived NP plasmid DNA vaccine followed by infection with A/Hong Kong/68 (H3N2) virus. After in vitro expansion by exposure to an influenza NP-vaccinia recombinant, highly purified CD8+ T cells exhibited significant lysis in vitro of P815 target cells infected with A/Hong Kong/68 (H3N2) virus while the CD8- fraction (CD4+ T cells, B cells and macrophages) had no CTL activity. Purified CD8+ and CD8- T cells (1 × 107) were injected intravenously or interperitoneally into naive mice four hours prior to intranasal challenge with A/HK/68 (H3N2) virus. The adoptively transferred NP-vaccinia-induced CD8+ T cells caused significant reduction of virus titers in both the lungs and nasal passages when compared to CD8- cells. Neither CD8+ nor CD8- T cells from cultures stimulated with HIV gp120-vaccinia recombinant reduced virus titers. The present data demonstrate that influenza NP-specific CD8+ CTL can play a direct role in clearance of influenza virus from the upper respiratory mucosal surfaces.
Energy recovery from mass burning of refuse in waterwalled incinerators

Abstract There are currently ten waterwalled incinerators in the U.S. which recover energy from the mass burning of municipal waste. The plants range in size from a 160 ton (145 t) per day (metric units are shown parenthetically; metric tons are denoted by the symbol t) system at Portsmouth, Virginia to a 2000 ton (1820 t) per day plant at Pinellas County, Florida. Some of the refuse-to-energy plants are reliable and performing well. The performance of several plants, however, is poor, and two were closed in the 1982–1983 period; one of these is back in operation. The operation of the ten plants is described, with emphasis on recent and projected performance.
The impact of ethnic population dynamics on neonatal ECMO outcomes: a single urban institutional study

Abstract Introduction Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ECMO has been clinically used for the last 25 y. It has been an effective tool for both cardiac and non cardiac conditions. The impact of ethno-demographic changes on ECMO outcomes however remains unknown. We evaluated a single institution's experience with non cardiac neonatal ECMO over a 28-y period. Methods A retrospective review of all neonates undergoing noncardiac ECMO between the y 1984 and 2011 was conducted and stratified into year groups I, II, III (≤1990, 1991–2000, and ≥2001). Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected. The patient specifics, ECMO type, ECMO length, blood use, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were then performed. Results Data was available for 827 patients. The number of African-American and Hispanic patients increased over the last 27 y (27.5% versus 45.0% and 3.3% versus 21.5%, year group I versus year group III, respectively). The proportion of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients by ethnicity also increased for African-Americans and Hispanics between the two year groups (22.0% to 33.0% and 4.9% to 33.0%, respectively). Similar pattern was noted for non-CDH diagnoses. Low birth weight, low APGAR scores, CDH, primary pulmonary hypertension, central nervous system hemorrhage, and ECMO were independent predictors of mortality. Ethnicity, in itself however, was not associated with mortality on adjusted analysis. Conclusion More African-Americans and Hispanics have required ECMO over the years with a concurrent decrease in the number of Caucasians. While ethnicity was not an independent predictor of mortality, it appears to be a surrogate for fatal but sometime preventable diagnoses among minorities. Further investigations are needed to better delineate the reason behind this disparity.
Subcellular localized chemical imaging of benthic algal nutritional content via HgCdTe array FT-IR

Abstract Algae respond rapidly and uniquely to changes in nutrient availability by adjusting pigment, storage product, and organelle content and quality. Cellular and subcellular variability of the relative abundance of macromolecular pools (e.g. protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and phosphodiesters) within the benthic (bottom dwelling) alga Cladophora glomerata (a common nuisance species in fresh and saline waters) was revealed by FT-IR microspectroscopic imaging. Nutrient heterogeneity was compared at the filament, cellular, and subcellular level, and localized nutrient uptake kinetics were studied by detecting the gradual incorporation of isotopically labeled nitrogen (N) (as K 15 NO 3 ) from surrounding water into cellular proteins. Nutritional content differed substantially among filament cells, with differences driven by protein and lipid abundance. Whole cell imaging showed high subcellular macromolecular variability in all cells, including adjacent cells on a filament that developed clonally. N uptake was also very heterogeneous, both within and among cells, and did not appear to coincide with subcellular protein distribution. Despite high intercellular variability, some patterns emerged. Cells acquired more 15 N the further they were away from the filament attachment point, and 15 N incorporation was more closely correlated with phosphodiester content than protein, lipid, or carbohydrate content. Benthic algae are subject to substantial environmental heterogeneity induced by microscale hydrodynamic factors and spatial variability in nutrient availability. Species specific responses to nutrient heterogeneity are central to understanding this key component of aquatic ecosystems. FT-IR microspectroscopy, modified for benthic algae, allows determination of algal physiological responses at scales not available using current techniques.
Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER)--can C-reactive protein be used to target statin therapy in primary prevention?

The most important action of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) is their ability to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Statins have proved highly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention studies. However, the magnitude of risk reduction associated with statins is greater than that predicted on the basis of LDL cholesterol lowering alone. A likely explanation for this effect is the anti-inflammatory action of statins. Following the observation that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, investigators in the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) and Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS) trials demonstrated that the magnitude of risk reduction associated with statin therapy was higher among those with elevated hs-CRP levels. In addition, there is accumulating evidence that statins lower plasma levels of hs-CRP in a manner largely independent of LDL cholesterol lowering. In contrast, little benefit has been demonstrated for statin therapy in the absence of both hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) is a large multinational, long-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial designed to assess directly whether statin therapy (rosuvastatin 20 mg/day) should be given to apparently healthy individuals with low LDL cholesterol levels but elevated hs-CRP levels—a critical issue for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Support for the concept behind the JUPITER trial is also now available from several recent trials comparing different intensities of statin therapy on disease progression as well as clinical end points. These studies indicate that the hs-CRP level achieved after initiation of statin therapy may be as important as the LDL cholesterol level achieved. All of these data raise the possibility that hs-CRP could be used to target high-risk patients who may benefit from early statin use. Ongoing work will determine whether hs-CRP reduction, independent of LDL cholesterol reduction, results in a net clinical benefit.
Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy: a case series and review.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To review the clinical significance of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy including the maternal, fetal, and neonatal sequelae. Additionally, to discuss treatment options and describe three cases where surgical parathyroidectomy was successful for treatment of hyperparathyroidism refractory to medical management during pregnancy. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: We reviewed three cases of hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy and reviewed the literature. Results: Three women underwent surgical parathyroidectomy during their second and third trimester of pregnancy without any maternal, fetal, or neonatal complications. Conclusions: Hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy may be safely treated with surgical parathyroidectomy if refractory to medical management with low operative risk when performed during the second trimester. This surgical option should be considered in light of the known maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks because of the hypercalcemic state in pregnancy.
ROUSSEAU'S IMAGINARY FRIEND: CHILDHOOD, PLAY, AND SUSPICION OF THE IMAGINATION IN EMILE

In this essay Amy Shuffelton considers Jean-Jacques Rousseau's suspicion of imagination, which is, paradoxically, offered in the context of an imaginative construction of a child's upbringing. First, Shuffelton articulates Rousseau's reasons for opposing children's development of imagination and their engagement in the sort of imaginative play that is nowadays considered a hallmark of early and middle childhood. Second, she weighs the merits of Rousseau's opposition, which runs against the consensus of contemporary social science research on childhood imaginative play. Ultimately, Shuffelton argues that Rousseau's work offers an important cautionary note to enthusiasts of children's imaginative play, due to the potentially disruptive influence of consumer capitalism, though she also notes that imagination may play a more redemptive role than Rousseau granted it.
Pathogenic prion protein is degraded by a manganese oxide mineral found in soils

Prions, the aetiological agents of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, exhibit extreme resistance to degradation. Soil can retain prion infectivity in the environment for years. Reactive soil components may, however, contribute to the inactivation of prions in soil. Members of the birnessite family of manganese oxides (MnO2) rank among the strongest natural oxidants in soils. Here, we report the abiotic degradation of pathogenic prion protein (PrPTSE) by a synthetic analogue of naturally occurring birnessite minerals. Aqueous MnO2 suspensions degraded the PrPTSE as evidenced by decreased immunoreactivity and diminished ability to seed protein misfolding cyclic amplification reactions. Birnessite-mediated PrPTSE degradation increased as a solution's pH decreased, consistent with the pH-dependence of the redox potential of MnO2. Exposure to 5.6 mg MnO2 ml−1 (PrPTSE : MnO2=1 : 110) decreased PrPTSE levels by ≥4 orders of magnitude. Manganese oxides may contribute to prion degradation in soil environments rich in these minerals.
E-windshield: a study of using

The E-Windshield is a study in augmenting information with external knowledge as well as automobile relevant information. A prototype projection windshield is used to demonstrate 4 scenarios for using imagery on automobile windshields. Scenarios are subdivided into two conditions: Driving and Non-driving. In the first condition it demonstrates the use of annotation to draw drivers attention to objects. In the second condition the system presents an interface the size of the windshield providing a multimedia experience to the user. When a car is not occupied, it can be used as a public information board, showing information concerning time, things that are around it or simply presenting advertising. This display can also be used in collaboration with other displays to form a large screen array.
Initial performance, learning and observer variability for hyperacuity tasks.

Abstract Psychophysically-experienced and -inexperienced human observers were tested on 34 different non-stereo and 49 stereo hyperacuity stimuli. Performance reached hyperacuity levels within the first five trials for the non-stereo stimuli. For stereoacuity tasks the results were very different. Even extremely experienced observers with very low thresholds for certain stereo tasks required considerable practice to achieve their best performance for slightly different stereo tasks. Performance on both types of tasks showed considerable observer variability. These results suggest that adults do not synthesize new visual modules for hyperacuity tasks early in the visual pathway on a task-driven basis. We also interpret these results to suggest that there can be many equally general models of hyperacuity performance that show only the qualitative general trends of a “standard” observer. Incorporating individual variability might provide sufficient constraints on such models to provide clues about physiological mechanisms.
Voltage-Current Characteristics of Tungsten Electrodes in Cesium Vapor

Experimental data is presented on the voltage-current relationship for tungs ten electrodes in pure ces ium vapor at pressures in the range of 10 "* to 10 ~~ m of mercury. Anode and cathode temperatures ranging from room temperature to over 1500 C are employed. Current-volt age characteristics are presented to i l lustrate the effect of varying the ces ium pressure and the anode temperature. Disruptive breakdown is not observed at the low ces ium pressures employed. The voltagecurrent relationship is smooth u p to the point where heat ing of the electrodes becomes excessive. At the low pressures employed t h e conduct ion m e c h a n i s m is governed entirely by electrode surface phenomena , such as secondary electron emission and contact ionization. Since the m e a n free path for e lectron-atom collisions is m a n y gap lengths current carriers can originate only at the electrodes. It is shown that in t h e pressure range studied the current increases steeply wi th ces ium vapor pressure at all electrode temperatures , regardless of which electrode is heated. When the ces ium vapor pressure exceeds 3 t o 5 m /z, corresponding to a ces ium reservoir temperature of 60 to 65 C, a gap between tungs ten electrodes will not support potentials in the kilovolt range wi thout excessive power loss
Carbide synthesis by metal explosions in acetylene

Abstract Thermally stable metal carbides can be synthesized readily by electrical explosion of metals into acetylene. Reasonably high degrees of purity can be obtained under appropriate reaction conditions. An important factor governing the purity of the carbide product is the necessity for dilution of the acetylene reactant with an inert gas; this minimizes the rate of self-pyrolysis of acetylene to graphite and hydrogen. It has been shown that complete vaporization of the metal is not necessary for carbide formation. Liquid droplets of the metal react readily with gaseous species derived from acetylene during the rapid trajectory of the metal droplet to the reactor wall. Using this technique, we have prepared LaC 2 , TiC, ZrC, NbC, Ta 2 C, MoC, Mo 2 C and W 2 C from the respective metals. Of the metals studied, only cobalt failed to form a carbide. Factors involved in the synthesis of specific carbides when the metal forms more than one stable carbide are discussed.
How viruses shape the tree of life

Consideration of virus evolution only from a disease perspective has provided a limited view of virus–host evolution. Such views assume all viruses fit predator/prey models for replication, but fail to explain the origin of disease or how viruses might make significant contributions to host evolution. On a long evolutionary time scale, the ability of a virus to persist in an individual host is a much more prevalent life strategy. Persistence can explain both origins of most viral disease and virus–host evolutionary stability. However, persistence (both genomic and epigenomic) is a much more complex and demanding virus–host relationship that is difficult to study. We must change our attitudes towards persistence if we are to understand how viruses shape the tree of life. Readers of virus evolution literature are most likely to be interested in understanding viral disease and its origins. How can we understand the seemingly endless reports of new or re-emerging viral threats to human and animal health? How do these agents evolve, where do they come from, and how does this affect host evolution? Serious disease demands serious attention, so we have focused our efforts to understand the relevant relationships. Progress has been good and, although Darwinian concepts clearly apply to viruses, additional concepts such as clonal generation of quasispecies and error catastrophe, have expanded our understanding of virus evolution and led us to believe that no virus genomes exist as a single nucleotide sequence as they spread rapidly into a mutant spectra. Population selection, population memory, mutant clouds, Shannon entropy and Hamming distance are all concepts that appear to be consistent with the experimental study of viral
Absence of lines in Raman spectra of living cells

Abstract A previous paper reporting the absence of biologically related lines in Raman spectra of Bacillus megaterium has been criticized. A reply to these criticisms is presented.
Proteome-Wide Fluctuation Analysis Of S.cerevisiae

We measured over 40.000 single live yeast S. cerevisiae cells to determine the concentration and diffusion constants of more than 4100 proteins. These proteins account for more than 75% of the yeast proteome. We used Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Photon Counting Histograms (PCH), and Brightness & Number analysis (B&N) to analyze the intensity fluctuations of single molecules fused to GFP. The data was collected using a commercial FCS setup attached to a confocal microscope (ConfoCor3 and LSM 510 META, Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH, Germany) controlled by custom software.The cells were imaged in transmitted light. We acquired fluorescence images, using the avalanche photo diodes of the FCS setup. This allows us to determine the localization of proteins, the cell cycle as well as cell health.We developed a software package to automate the measurements and data analysis. We use the Open Microscopy Environment (OME) to organize our images, fluctuation measurements, and analysis results.We calculated the protein copy number per cell, and compare the noise in concentration levels between different proteins in respect to localization and biochemical pathway.We find that the diffusion coefficient for GFP is identical in nucleus and cytosol. But interestingly, most of the proteins localized in the nucleus diffuse slower than proteins localized in the cytoplasm.We will present our data and compare them to information gathered with different methods like flow-cytometry and mass-spectroscopy. We will discuss conclusions derived by complementing our data with information collected in public databases like Saccharomyces Geneome Database (www.yeastgenome.org), Yeast GFP Fusion Localization Database (yeastgfp.ucsf.edu), and the General Repository for Interaction Datasets (www.thebiogrid.org).
Mechanistic details for dimethylcadmium decomposition and CdS production by MOCVD

The MOCVD production of CdS from dimethylcadmium and hydrogen sulfide is shown to be consistent with a homogeneous reaction mechanism, in contrast to the surface catalyzed decomposition of the dimethylcadmium precursor also described in this report. Molecular orbital calculations, including electron correlation, are used to explore the reaction potential energy surface and the results lend additional support to the proposed homogeneous reaction mechanism.
Linear filtering technique for computing Mersenne and fermat number transforms

In this paper, the implementation of pseudo-Mersenne and Fermat Number Transforms is discussed. It is shown that some pseudo-Mersenne Transforms can be computed efficiently by a linear filtering approach. This approach is extended to cover the case of Fermat and pseudo-Fermat Number Transforms by using a special coding scheme for implementing arithmetic operations in a Fermat number system.
Calcium-dependent proteins in platelets: response of calcium-activated protease in normal and thrombasthenic platelets to aggregating agents.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested a role for Ca 2+ -dependent proteolysis in the regulation of microfilament disassembly by high molecular weight actin-binding protein. A Ca 2+ -activated protease similar to myofibrillar Ca 2+ -activated protease has been described in platelets. To explore the role of Ca 2+ -activated proteolysis of actin-binding protein in platelet function, we have examined the effects of platelet aggregating agents on platelet Ca 2+ -activated protease-like activity. The hydrolysis of actin-binding protein by Ca 2+ -activated protease was determined electrophoretically. The calcium ionophore, A23187, produced a dose-dependent stimulation of Ca 2+ -activated protease-like activity in the presence of exogenous calcium but had no effect in the absence of external calcium. Both normal and thrombasthenic platelets generated Ca 2+ -activated protease-like activity in response to A23187. Ionophore-induced stimulation of Ca 2+ -activated protease-like activity was not affected by prior incubation of platelets with 8-bromo cyclic GMP, 8-bromo cyclic AMP, prostaglandin E 1 , prostaglandin I 2 , indomethacin or tetracaine, but was inhibited by the sulfhydryl inhibitor N -ethylmaleimide. These results confirm the presence of Ca 2+ -activated protease in platelets and indicate that the source of calcium important in Ca 2+ -activated protease stimulation is in part extracellular. Other aggregating agents, thrombin, epinephrine, and ADP, were not accompanied by hydrolysis of actin-binding protein, indicating that the alteration in ionic calcium that occurs during aggregation by these other agents is insufficient to generate Ca 2+ -activated protease-like activity as measured by the present analytical technique.
A Restriction Fragment Analysis of the T7 Left-Early Region

Abstract T7 DNA has been subjected to complete digestion with restriction endonucleases Hind II, Hpa I, and Hpa II, and a catalogue of restriction fragment molecular weights has been prepared based upon relative electrophoretic mobilities. End-labeling techniques and T7 deletion mutant DNA's have been employed to construct a restriction fragment map of the left end of the T7 genome. From this information the lengths of several T7 deletions have been determined and the length of the T7 terminal redundancy has been measured.
Rigidifying Fluorescent Linkers by Metal–Organic Framework Formation for Fluorescence Blue Shift and Quantum Yield Enhancement

We demonstrate that rigidifying the structure of fluorescent linkers by structurally constraining them in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to control their conformation effectively tunes the fluorescence energy and enhances the quantum yield. Thus, a new tetraphenylethylene-based zirconium MOF exhibits a deep-blue fluorescent emission at 470 nm with a unity quantum yield (99.9 ± 0.5%) under Ar, representing ca. 3600 cm–1 blue shift and doubled radiative decay efficiency vs the linker precursor. An anomalous increase in the fluorescence lifetime and relative intensity takes place upon heating the solid MOF from cryogenic to ambient temperatures. The origin of these unusual photoluminescence properties is attributed to twisted linker conformation, intramolecular hindrance, and framework rigidity.
Location, location, location: the Davis-Hinich model of electoral competition

The Davis-Hinich multidimensional model of electoral competition is the foundation for a very broad set of models in economics, political science, public choice and political economy. This essay reviews some of these models and how they build on and extend the original Davis-Hinich model. It also presents a new extension that makes individual preferences endogenous to the electoral process. The essay concludes with a discussion of the positive and normative implications of endogenous preferences and then returns to the basic theme of the central importance of the early Davis-Hinich papers.
Selective feeding by three native North American freshwater mussels implies food competition with zebra mussels

We examined the ability of three species of native North American freshwater mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera, Amblema plicata, and Pyganodon cataracta) to preferentially ingest or reject various phytoplankton species and nonliving particles. Our objective was to: (1) determine the particle preferences of the native mussels, (2) determine whether native mussels are able to differentiate between nutritious and less nutritious particles, and (3) compare sorting abilities and particle preferences to those of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Native mussels selected and preferentially ingested the unicellular cyanobacteria Microcystis over most other phytoplankton species. However, despite their ability to select between phytoplankton, they did not select against cattail (Typha) detritus. Our results suggest that native mussels (1) prefer particles (Microcystis) that may no longer be abundant in some systems, such as the Hudson River, (2) must compete with zebra mussels for the same preferred food types (Microcystis), and (3) are unable to differentiate between nutritious (phytoplankton) and less nutritious (Typha detritus) particles. We suggest that native mussels must compete with zebra mussels for many of the same food types and are less efficient than zebra mussels at differentiating between nutritious and less nutritious particles. This indicates that there is an additional mechanism, other than direct physical interference, contributing to native mussel mortalities following zebra mussel invasions.
Telemanufacturing: A flexible manufacturing solution☆

This article proposes a structure whereby a company can outsource several of its production and design activities, particularly via information superhighways. We coin this structural concept; Telemanufacturing, and show that it could be a viable option to increase the flexibility of manufacturing enterprises especially those of medium and small sizes. A model is developed to analytically capture the impact of Telemanufacturing on flexibility and aid in a firm's design quest for flexible solutions. An example is provided illustrating the application of this model.
Predicting change in life satisfaction as a function of group counseling.

Clients' characteristics associated with outcome of group counseling were identified in a sample of physically disabled persons using standardized self-report inventories. 60 subjects were tested before and after an 8-wk. treatment interval for signs of emotional disorder, inactivity, and social problems related to being severely disabled. Treatment consisted of group conference phone calls using self-determined task assignments as a focus for discussion. Loneliness accounted for 68% of the variance in post-treatment life-satisfaction scores. Signs of depression and available social support were also significant predictors. Remarkably lonely persons showed significant decreases in signs of loneliness after treatment. Using regression analysis, persons with adjustment problems could be identified and prognosis for treatment predicted with acceptable reliability.
The defined combination of growth factors controls generation of long-term-replicating islet progenitor-like cells from cultures of adult mouse pancreas.

Application of pancreatic islet transplantation to treatment of diabetes is severely hampered by the inadequate islet supply. This problem could in principle be overcome by generating islet cells from adult pancreas in vitro. Although it is possible to obtain replicating cells from cultures of adult pancreas, these cells, when significantly expanded in vitro, progressively lose pancreatic-specific gene expression, including that of a “master” homeobox transcription factor Pdx1. Here we show for the first time that long-term proliferating islet progenitor-like cells (IPLCs) stably expressing high levels of Pdx1 and other genes that control early pancreatic development can be derived from cultures of adult mouse pancreas under serum-free defined culture conditions. Moreover, we show that cells derived thus can be maintained in continuous culture for at least 6 months without any substantial loss of early pancreatic phenotype. Upon growth factor withdrawal, the IPLCs organize into cell clusters and undergo endocrine differentiation of various degrees in a line-dependent manner. We propose that our experimental strategy will provide a framework for developing efficient approaches for ex vivo expansion of islet cell mass.
Structural analysis of the transitional state of Arp2/3 complex activation by two actin-bound WCAs

Actin filament nucleation and branching by Arp2/3 complex is activated by nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs), whose C-terminal WCA region contains binding sites for actin (W) and Arp2/3 complex (CA). It is debated whether one or two NPFs are required for activation. Here we present evidence in support of the two-NPF model and show that actin plays a crucial role in the interactions of two mammalian NPFs, N-WASP and WAVE2, with Arp2/3 complex. Competition between actin-WCA and glia maturation factor (GMF) for binding to Arp2/3 complex suggests that during activation the first actin monomer binds at the barbed end of Arp2. Based on distance constraints obtained by time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we define the relative position of the two actin-WCAs on Arp2/3 complex and propose an atomic model of the 11-subunit transitional complex.
Radiology order entry with decision support: initial clinical experience.

been scored. The highest number of low utility examinations were imaging of the spine, either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The percentage of low utility examinations declined from 6% to 2% overall. The amount of the decline was greatest for primary care physicians and for those who interacted with the computer themselves rather than through office staff members. Conclusions: Computerized order entry with decision support can be widely accepted by clinicians and can have an impact on ordering practices.
An infrastructure for application-specific customization

As application requirements diverge, it is becoming increasingly clear that the one size fits all operating system design strategy is obsolete. Customizable system services would allow application-specific optimizations, and various customization strategies have been proposed. These vary widely and, depending on the required level of application-developer involvement, can be categorized as parametric variation, interposition or synthesis methods. We present a common architectural infrastructure for operating system components which allows customization by any of these approaches. Our ongoing implementation based on this framework is beginning to show that support for application-specific customization can be incorporated into existing commercial operating systems.