cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hunting for Fossils in International Relations

After all of the ink that has been spilled comparing international relations (IR) to either physics or economics, it is somewhat refreshing to see Douglas Van Belle (2006) turning to a novel source: paleontology, and specifically the study of the dinosaurs and their extinction. 1 Van Belle argues that there is much to be learned from how paleontologists deal with problems such as fragmentary data and the impracticality of experimental techniques, as these issues are equally characteristic of IR (ibid: 288). Since paleontologists have been relatively successful—as long as we define “successful” as the establishment of broad consensuses that then provoke further controversies—in generating knowledge about ancient life, Van Belle suggests that IR scholars might profitably adopt some of the scientific practices of paleontologists. But on his excursion through the wilds of the philosophy of (social) science, Van Belle ends up like the hypothetical prospector that he describes as walking “right over” a fossil and failing to spot it (ibid: 290). 2 Van Belle spends a lot of time discussing issues like the use of particular data sets and the need for researchers to pose additional observable implications of hypothesized relationships—that is, he spends almost all of his time on questions of method . However, the really important issues at stake in a comparison between IR and paleontology are ontological , and not merely questions of technique. Excavating those more conceptually profound issues and placing them on public display seems a necessary prerequisite to any serious consideration of whether IR should be more like paleontology in its research practices. Van Belle's discussion of the parallels between IR and paleontology makes several important philosophical assumptions about the character of “science”—assumptions that need to be foregrounded and discussed rather than simply taken for granted. This is especially the case with the assumptions …
Computing Klee's Measure of Grounded Boxes

A well-known problem in computational geometry is Klee's measure problem, which asks for the volume of a union of axis-aligned boxes in d-space. In this paper, we consider Klee's measure problem for the special case where a 2-dimensional orthogonal projection of all the boxes has a common corner. We call such a set of boxes 2-grounded and, more generally, a set of boxes is k-grounded if in a k-dimensional orthogonal projection they share a common corner. Our main result is an O(n (d?1)/2log2 n) time algorithm for computing Klee's measure for a set of n 2-grounded boxes. This is an improvement of roughly $O(\sqrt{n})$ compared to the fastest solution of the general problem. The algorithm works for k-grounded boxes, for any k?2, and in the special case of k=d, also called the hypervolume indicator problem, the time bound can be improved further by a logn factor. The key idea of our technique is to reduce the d-dimensional problem to a semi-dynamic weighted volume problem in dimension d?2. The weighted volume problem requires solving a combinatorial problem of maintaining the sum of ordered products, which may be of independent interest.
Cloud and ice nuclei from human activities

Abstract Aerosol characteristics (i.e. light scattering, Aitken nuclei (AN), cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), ice nuclei (IN), and chemical composition of individual particles) were measured during the “Brown Cloud” experiment near Denver, Colorado, during November 1973. Our measurements show that 1. (1) light scattering and the atmospheric concentration of CCN are directly and positively correlated with pollution intensity; 2. (2) formation of CCN and light scattering particles is accelerated by sunlight; 3. (3) natural production of IN during windy periods greatly exceeds man-made production during pollution episodes; 4. (4) the fraction of aerosol particles containing lead increases during a pollution episode; 5. (5) lead, chlorine and bromine are found mostly in particles dia., which may coagulate with larger, predominantly siliceous particles.
CA 125 production in desmoplastic small round cell tumor: Report of a case with elevated serum levels and prominent signet ring morphology

Serum assays for CA 125 are often used in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with gynecologic neoplasms. A case of a 34-year-old woman with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) having an unusual morphology, including the presence of a signet ring cell component, and high serum CA 125 levels that was initially diagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma of the ovary is herein reported. Ultrastructurally, the signet ring appearance was shown to be the result of either the presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles or dilatation of the intercellular space. Immunoperoxidase staining showed strong reactivity for desmin, keratin, vimentin, and CA 125. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on six additional DSRCTs but only two showed focal staining for CA 125. Because the patient's CA 125 serum level decreased after she received chemotherapy and her tumor was removed, and it became elevated again when the disease recurred, it is possible that CA 125 could be used as a marker of persistent and recurrent disease in those uncommon cases of DSRCT in which there are elevated serum levels of this marker at the onset of treatment.
Politics still in play

Taken together, three articles in the 20 March issue present a jarring contrast. In the Editorial “The Enlightenment returns” (p. [1538][1]), K. Gottfried and H. Varmus rejoice in the fact that the White House has rejoined the community of scientific integrity and is “listening to what [
A nonparametric test to compare survival distributions with covariate adjustment

Summary. The analysis of covariance is a technique that is used to improve the power of a k-sample test by adjusting for concomitant variables. If the end point is the time of survival, and some observations are right censored, the score statistic from the Cox proportional hazards model is the method that is most commonly used to test the equality of conditional hazard functions. In many situations, however, the proportional hazards model assumptions are not satisfied. Specifically, the relative risk function is not time invariant or represented as a log-linear function of the covariates. We propose an asymptotically valid k-sample test statistic to compare conditional hazard functions which does not require the assumption of proportional hazards, a parametric specification of the relative risk function or randomization of group assignment. Simulation results indicate that the performance of this statistic is satisfactory. The methodology is demonstrated on a data set in prostate cancer.
Microplasticity in HCF of Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract Previous research has shown that Ti–6Al–4V exhibits pronounced stress ratio effects under high cycle fatigue (HCF) loading. At high stress ratios ( R >0.7), a transition of failure mode occurs from traditional surface fatigue crack initiation and growth to bulk-dominated damage initiation and coalescence of multiple microcracks consistent with a ductile tensile test. At these high stress ratios, ratchetting was shown to occur (Int. J. Fatigue 21 (1999) 679; Mech. Time-Dependent Mater. 2 (1999) 195), leading to progressive strain accumulation until final failure. This study explores the microstructural origins of this stress ratio transition in HCF using computational micromechanics. The material being studied is a two-phase Ti–6Al–4V plate forging, consisting of a duplex microstructure with a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) α-phase and lamellar grains with layers of body-centered cubic (bcc) β-phase and secondary hcp α-phase. Crystallographic slip is the dominant mode of plastic deformation in this material. A 2-D crystal plasticity model that incorporates nonlinear kinematic and isotropic hardening at the slip system level is implemented into the finite element method to simulate the cyclic plasticity behavior. The finite element model is used to qualitatively understand the distribution of microplasticity in this alloy under various loading conditions. For typical HCF stress amplitudes, it is shown that microstructure scale ratchetting becomes dominant at R =0.8, but is insignificant at R =0.1 and 0.5. Reversed cyclic microplasticity is insignificant at all three stress ratios. The effects of phase morphology and orientation distribution are shown to affect the microscale plastic strain distribution in terms of the location and magnitudes of the plastic shear bands that form within clusters or chains of primary α grains. The results of the finite element modeling are also considered in light of previous experimental results.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of extremity masses

Radiographic examination of soft tissue extremity masses is frequently inconclusive. In 18 patients with normal or nonspecifically abnormal radiographs, gray scale ultrasonography provided useful additional information. It was possible to distinguish fluid collections from solid masses, and recurrent venous thrombosis from hematoma in anticoagulated patients. Occasionally, specific diagnoses were suggested on the basis of ultrasonic morphologic characteristics. Diagnoses included soft tissue neoplasms, hematomas, aneurysms, synovial cysts, abscesses, and a lymphocele. Ultrasonically guided percutaneous needle aspiration was diagnostic to two cases. Features of differential diagnostic value relative to extremity solid masses and fluid collections are discussed. Ultrasonography is useful in evaluating these soft tissue masses.
Automation of diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital measurements using the ABA-100 with emit reagents

1. The EMIT-AED procedures for phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin have been adapted for use on the ABA-100. 2. A basic language computer program has been developed for data reduction and quality control. 3. Within-run and run-to-run coefficients of variation were, in general, less than 8% across the concentration range tested. 4. Performance data on agreement of duplicates and recovery from “spiked” samples were acceptable. 5. The automated procedure provides a two-thirds savings in reagents.
Morphological characterization of selected balloon films and its effects on balloon performances

Morphological characterization of several polyethylene balloon films have been studied using various techniques. The objective is to determine, if any, differentiating structural or morphological features that can be related to the performance of these balloon film materials. The results of the study indicate that the films are composed of either linear low denstiy polyethylene (LLDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE). A selective examination of these data imply that films limited degree of branching and larger crystallites size (same % crystallinity) showed good mechanical properties that appear to correlate with their high level of success in balloon flights.
Using the oracle database as a declarative RSS hub

The interaction with the Web has historically evolved from static bookmarks to dynamic searches to the current usage of active notification mechanisms based on popular protocols like RSS or Atom. In the same time a large volume of important source data is still contained in relational databases. The talk will analyze the way the Oracle database participates to the activation of the data and opening the state changes in a standard and secure way for easy integrating with the rest of the push based Web protocols. We will study the declarative specification of RSS feeds generated based on the state changes detected in the data stored in the Oracle database. On the opposite, external RSS feeds can be injected to the database and processed declaratively in conjunction with the rest of the data. Most of the technical pieces required for such a solution are already supported by the database engine (e.g. declarative XML processing, state change notifications, queues, crawlers, continuous queries), effectively turning the database into a declarative XML hub. The advantages of using database solutions for such problems in an enterprise context are security, scalability and reliability.
The draw a story game: An aid in understanding and working with children

Abstract Children are commonly encountered who are reluctant or unable to directly discuss their emotional or behavioral problems with a therapist. Numerous techniques have been employed in the attempt to learn more about the attitudes, traits, and characteristics that are part of these children's personalities, but about which they, themselves, may be unaware. These techniques include the use of drawings, storytelling, puppets and doll play. Described and illustrated is a technique (the Draw a Story game) adapted from D. W. Winnicott's Squiggle game, R. Gardner's storytelling techniques, and commonly accepted use of children's drawings that has proved helpful in the evaluation and treatment of children with emotional problems.
Abstract C241: Phase I trial of EUS-guided intratumoral vaccination with recombinant Panvac-F and systemic Panvac-V in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Preclinical studies in our laboratory were the first to demonstrate the superiority of intratumoral poxvirus vaccines in overcoming immune escape and effectively treating murine solid tumor models. We present here the translation of these findings to a Phase I trial in six patients with locally advanced inoperable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (NCT00669734). The first dose cohort of patients were treated using a combination of EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)-guided intrapancreatic tumor injection of recombinant Panvac-F (Fowlpox encoding MUC-1, CEA, TRICOM, 108 PFU) in addition to systemic Panvac-V (vaccinia, 2 × 108 PFU) and Panvac-F (109 PFU) boosts (accompanied by subcutaneous rH-GM-CSF, 100 mcg × 4 days). Patients received a total of 2 intrapancreatic injections of Panvac-F (2 weeks apart) with systemic Panvac-V and Panvac-F boosts given with GMCSF extending to day 71 (total of 2 intrapancreatic Panvac-F, 1 sc Panvac-V, 4 sc Panvac-F). Patients were allowed to transition to standard care at day 31. Patients were evaluated for toxicity, tumor progression, and serum CA 19–9 and CEA levels. Two of six patients were removed from study after approximately two weeks due to rapid disease progression and died one and six months after trial initiation. Of the remaining four, one had received prior treatment with gemcitabine followed by capecitabine and radiation and received no further treatment after vaccination; three received post-vaccination standard treatment with gemcitabine. Of the 4 patients with followup of greater than 6 mos, all have clinically stable disease (15 mos, 13 mos, 12 mos, 9 mos). One pt had a DLT (pancreatitis) that resolved allowing completion of protocol therapy. Results demonstrate that the “first in human” intrapancreatic administration of the full recombinant poxvirus regimen was well tolerated with encouraging stable disease duration. The trial is currently accruing patients at intrapancreatic dose level 2 (109 PFU). This study is supported by the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and by NCI U01-CA07031 and P30-CA72720. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C241.
Tip Based Nano Manipulation Through Successive Directional Push

Nano manipulation refers to the process of transporting nanoscale components. It has found applications in nano device prototyping and biomolecular and cellular investigation. In this paper, we present an atomic force microscope (AFM) based approach for automated manipulation of nano particles to form designed patterns. The automated manipulation is based on a novel method, successive directional push. This method keeps pushing along a fixed forward direction until the particle reaches the baseline of the target position, and it then repeats the pushing process along the base line direction. This process is iterated until the particle reaches its target position. By examining the topography of several local parallel scan lines, this method can determine the lateral coordinate of the particle. The novelty of this method lies in the fact that further pushing along the same pushing direction can be conducted without precise information about the forward position. The successive directional push method has been successfully implemented into an AFM system. We demonstrate that complex designed patterns including over one hundred latex particles of 50 nm diameter can be fabricated with this method.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Psychometric properties of a Children's Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist

The psychometric properties of the Children's Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist, developed for this study, were examined. When administered to 196 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students who ranged in age from 11 to 14 years (M=12.1, SD=.94), the scale items demonstrated a good internal consistency. Item-total correlations were generally significant and exceeded .60, and a coefficient alpha of .83 was obtained. Results of a factor analysis indicated that 70% of the total variance was accounted for by the first factor, best interpreted as general psychosomatic distress. Divergent validity was additionally demonstrated through only modest correlations with measures of anxiety and depression. Use of the checklist is discussed.
Detached and antagonistic: Pathological personality features and mate retention behaviors

Abstract Basic personality features have been found to be associated with a variety of romantic relationship outcomes including the strategies that individuals employ to retain their romantic partners. In the current studies, we were interested in determining whether pathological personality features were associated with mate retention behaviors. We examined the associations between the pathological personality features captured by the PID-5 and mate retention behaviors across two samples (i.e., an undergraduate sample and a community sample). Pathological personality features reflecting negative affect, detachment, and antagonism were associated with mate retention behaviors such that individuals who possessed these features were less likely to provide benefits to their partner and more likely to inflict costs on them. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings and how they can influence the tactics that individuals employ to maintain their romantic relationships.
Limitations of fractal dimension estimation algorithms with implications for cloud studies

Abstract Four fractal dimension estimation algorithms are applied to three different simulated fractal functions over the entire range of fractal dimensions to demonstrate the effect of resolution, fractal type, and algorithm choice on the estimation of fractal dimension. Box counting, horizontal structuring element, variation, and power spectrum algorithms are reviewed and applied to 1-D Takagi, Weierstrass–Mandelbrot, and fractional Brownian motion curves to show that none of them perform consistently with each other or accurately when the correct fractal dimension is known. A better understanding of their limitations is achieved through a sliding window analysis, a procedure that calculates local slopes for linear curve fits. A synergistic approach involving knowledge of algorithm limitations is suggested to make progress toward more reliable estimates of fractal dimension. Implications for cloud studies are considered in lieu of these results. Scale breaks in clouds are investigated to see how well each estimator detects changes from one scaling regime to another. Results are presented to illustrate the importance of correcting errors in the fractal dimension estimation process when modeling cloud radiance fields.
A general solution for multichannel queueing systems with ordered entry

Abstract This paper presents a general solution of multichannel ordered entry queueing systems with heterogeneous servers and storage. It is assumed that the arrivals follow a Poisson distribution and the service times are exponentially distributed (M/M/n queueing system). A computer program was developed to solve this queueing system numerically. Measures of the system's performance as well as the steady-state probabilities are evaluated.
Two-dimensional protein crystallization via metal-ion coordination by naturally occurring surface histidines

A powerful and potentially general approach to the targeting and crystallization of proteins on lipid interfaces through coordination of surface histidine residues to lipid-chelated divalent metal ions is presented. This approach, which should be applicable to the crystallization of a wide range of naturally occurring or engineered proteins, is illustrated here by the crystallization of streptavidin on a monolayer of an iminodiacetate-Cu(II) lipid spread at the air-water interface. This method allows control of the protein orientation at interfaces, which is significant for the facile production of highly ordered protein arrays and for electron density mapping in structural analysis of two-dimensional crystals. Binding of native streptavidin to the iminodiacetate-Cu lipids occurs via His-87, located on the protein surface near the biotin binding pocket. The two-dimensional streptavidin crystals show a previously undescribed microscopic shape that differs from that of crystals formed beneath biotinylated lipids.
A bivalent influenza VLP vaccine confers complete inhibition of virus replication in lungs.

The conventional egg-grown influenza vaccines are trivalent. To test the feasibility of using multivalent influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) as an alternative influenza vaccine, we developed cell-derived influenza VLPs containing the hemagglutinin (HA) of the H1 subtype virus A/PR/8/34 or the H3 subtype virus A/Aichi/2/68 (X31). Mice immunized intramuscularly with bivalent influenza VLPs containing H1 and H3 HAs induced neutralizing activities against the homologous and closely related H1N1 strains A/PR/8/34 and A/WSN/33 as well as the H3N2 strains A/Aichi/2/68 (X31) and A/Hong Kong/68, but not the A/Philippines/2/82 strain isolated 14 years later. HA sequence and structure analysis indicated that antigenic distance could be a major factor in predicting cross-protection by VLP vaccines. The bivalent influenza VLP vaccine demonstrated advantages in broadening the protective immunity after lethal challenge infections when compared to a monovalent influenza VLP vaccine. High levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were observed in naive or unprotected immunized mice but not in protected mice upon lethal challenge. These results indicate that multivalent influenza VLP vaccines can be an effective antigen for developing safe and alternative vaccine to control the spread of influenza viruses.
Is Ultra-Low Friction Needed to Prevent Wear of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC)? An Alcohol Vapor Lubrication Study for Stainless Steel/DLC Interface

The effects of n-pentanol vapor on friction and wear of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) films during sliding against a 440C stainless steel (SS) ball were investigated with a reciprocating pin-on-disc tribometer. Under dry sliding conditions, the friction coefficient is initially high (>0.2) for a so-called run-in period and then gradually subsequently decreases to an ultra-low value (<0.025). During the run-in period, a carbon transfer film is formed on the SS ball side, which seems to be the key for the ultra-low friction behavior. In n-pentanol vapor environments, the friction coefficient remained nearly constant at ~0.15 throughout the entire test cycles without any noticeable run-in period. Although the friction coefficient is high, there is no visible wear on rubbing surfaces when examined by optical microscopy, and the transfer film forming tendency on the SS ball side was much reduced. In humid environments, the wear prevention effect is not observed and transfer films do form on the ball side. These results imply that the n-pentanol layer adsorbed on DLC film from the vapor phase provides a molecularly thin lubrication layer which can prevent the substrate from wear.
Enhanced Coagulation with Chitosan-Modified Clays in Treatment of Micro-Polluted Water

Using chitosan-modified diatomaceous earth (DE) to treat micro-polluted water by coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (C/F/S), the results indicated that the modified DE could apparently increase the removal rates of turbidity and UV254 in comparison with adding DE alone, and the optimal ratio between chitosan and DE was 1:40. With the compounding of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) and modified DE, the treatment effect was obviously improved by coagulation aid of modified DE under adding the same PAC dosage. The best removal rates of turbidity and UV254 reached 96.2% and 47.9% respectively with the PAC dosage of 35 mg/L and the modified DE dosage of 45 mg/L. The results indicated that the treatment effect of micro-polluted water improved with the enhanced coagulation of chitosan-modified DE.
Neural correlates of stimulus response and reinforcement.

Abstract The electrical activity of visual and motor cortex of monkeys making a visual differential discrimination was recorded from bipolar, chronically implanted electrodes. Averaging was then performed from the stimulus forward in time and from the response of the monkey backward and forward in time with the purpose of identifying differential activity induced by the stimuli and preceding and following the response. In some visual cortex locations wave forms showing stimulus specificity can be recorded; moreover wave forms indicating which panel the monkey is about to press and whether the response was rewarded or not are present. Inferotemporal cortex ablation eliminates or greatly reduces specificity of wave forms to the stimuli, and intention and reinforcement related wave forms in visual cortex. In motor cortex, before surgery, a long lasting depolarization follows the stimuli without specificity. The activity which precedes the response, in turn, is related to which panel the monkey will press, and shows striking similarities with that which is recorded from one of the visual cortex electrodes, possibly indicating that at the time of response a functional connection is effected between visual and motor cortex. After inferotemporal cortex ablation the stimulus induced depolarization is much reduced; furthermore the panel specificity of the preresponse wave and its similarities to its visual cortex counterpart disappear.
Prediction of Post-High School Destination Choice from Curriculum, Financial Need, and Students’ Rating of Parents’ Wishes for Post-High School Occupation

Data from a survey of 2,431 students attending high schools in Hawaii indicated that students agreed with their parents’ wishes for post-high school occupation. Females tended to choose more academic post-high school destinations than males. An inverse relationship between academic high school curricula and post-high school academic goals was found, probably due to the fact that females were academically upwardly mobile. The need for financial assistance tended to decrease academic aspirations. It was concluded that knowledge of parental values, differences in academic aspirations between males and females, financial need, and a student’s high school curriculum would be valuable in helping students select post-high school destinations.
Mass spectrometry‐based targeted quantitative proteomics: Achieving sensitive and reproducible detection of proteins

Traditional shotgun proteomics used to detect a mixture of hundreds to thousands of proteins through mass spectrometric analysis, has been the standard approach in research to profile protein content in a biological sample which could lead to the discovery of new (and all) protein candidates with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic values. In practice, this approach requires significant resources and time, and does not necessarily represent the goal of the researcher who would rather study a subset of such discovered proteins (including their variations or posttranslational modifications) under different biological conditions. In this context, targeted proteomics is playing an increasingly important role in the accurate measurement of protein targets in biological samples in the hope of elucidating the molecular mechanism of cellular function via the understanding of intricate protein networks and pathways. One such (targeted) approach, selected reaction monitoring (or multiple reaction monitoring) mass spectrometry (MRM-MS), offers the capability of measuring multiple proteins with higher sensitivity and throughput than shotgun proteomics. Developing and validating MRM-MS-based assays, however, is an extensive and iterative process, requiring a coordinated and collaborative effort by the scientific community through the sharing of publicly accessible data and datasets, bioinformatic tools, standard operating procedures, and well characterized reagents.
Convergence Study of a Self-Consistent Orthogonalized-Plane-Wave Band Calculation for Hexagonal CdS

The electronic band structure of hexagonal CdS is calculated by means of a self-consistent orthogonalized-plane-wave model, using Slater's approximation for the exchange term. In order to determine the number of plane waves to be used in the Fourier expansion of the valence states, a convergence study is discussed for the starting model and for the final self-consistent model. It is concluded that the starting model is unsatisfactory from a convergence standpoint, while the self-consistent model has sufficiently well converged for 245 plane waves. The resulting band structure is presented for the high-symmetry points of the Brillouin zone. The spin-orbit splitting of the top valence band and the effective mass along the $c$ axis of the zone are calculated from this band structure. The results are then compared with experiment.
Bayes Rule as a Descriptive Model: The Representativeness Heuristic

Results of experiments designed to test the claim of psychologists that expected utility theory does not provide a good descriptive model are reported. The deviation from tested theory is that, in revising beliefs, individuals ignore prior or base-rate information contrary to Bayes rule. Flaws in the evidence in the psychological literature are noted, an experiment avoiding these difficulties is designed and carried out, and the psychologists' predictions are stated in terms of a more general model. The psychologists' predictions are confirmed for inexperienced or financially unmotivated subjects, but for others the evidence is less clear.
Accident under-reporting among employees: Testing the moderating influence of psychological safety climate and supervisor enforcement of safety practices

We examined accident under-reporting with data from 425 employees employed in 5 industries with above average risk for employee injuries. We expected that rates for unreported accidents would be higher than rates for reported accidents; and that organizational safety climate and perceptions of supervisor enforcement of safety policies would moderate the relationship between unreported accidents and reported accidents. Results showed that the number of unreported accidents was significantly higher than the number of reported accidents. There was an average of 2.48 unreported accidents for every accident reported to the organization. Further, under-reporting was higher in working environments with poorer organizational safety climate or where supervisor safety enforcement was inconsistent. We discuss the implications of these findings for improving accident under-reporting and occupational safety in the workplace.
Comparative effects of glucocorticoids and prostaglandins on small intestine of infant rats.

ABSTRACT. Previous studies have suggested similarities between the effects of exogenously administered glucocorticoids and prostaglandins in the developing rat small intestine. In this study the effects of exogenously administered glucocorticoids and prostaglandins were compared. In addition, the effects of prostaglandins in adrenalectomized rats were evaluated. Members of both classes of compounds stimulate small intestinal disaccharidase activities, and increase RNA to DNA ratio and brush border membrane protein synthesis. Hydrocortisone accelerates enterocyte turnover, whereas prostacyclin does not. Enteral administration of 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandinE2 stimulates disaccharidase activities in intact as well as shamoperated and adrenalectomized animals. The data suggest that certain prostaglandins may play a role in small intestinal metabolism which is similar to that of the glucocorticoids but is independent of the adrenal-intestinal axis.
Expression and phosphorylation of NHE1 in wild-type and transformed human and rodent fibroblasts.

Activation and phosphorylation of the Na+/H+ exchanger occurs with a diverse group of mitogens such as phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), thrombin and serum (Sardet et al., 1990, Science, 247:723-726). Some of these growth factors have been shown to differentially activate the Na+/H+ exchanger in various fibroblasts (Etscheid et al., 1990, Am. J. Physiol., 259:C549-C556; Muldoon, L.L., et al., 1987, Am. J. Physiol., 253:C219-C229). However, alterations in the expression and phosphorylation of NHE1 in various fibroblasts has not been examined with respect to a potential mechanism of differential activation of the exchanger. To pursue this question, a novel antibody, anti-XB17, directed to the cytoplasmic tail of NHE1 was characterized and then utilized to examine the expression of NHE1 protein and the level of phosphorylation of the serum stimulated exchanger in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (WI-38), SV40-transformed WI-38, and nontransformed human foreskin fibroblasts (HSWP) cells. The level of mRNA expressed in these cells was also examined. Results indicate that the parental cell lines and other nontransformed fibroblasts express NHE1. Although the transformed cell lines express NHE1 mRNA in approximately similar abundance to the parental lines, they contain decreased quantity of NHE1 exchanger/mg membrane protein as recognized by anti-XB17 Ab. The mechanism that results in the apparent decrease in NHE1 protein levels in the transformed cells is not known. Also, the SV40-transformed cells express an exchanger with a higher apparent molecular weight. The WI-38 cells demonstrate phosphorylation of NHE1 in response to mitogenic stimulation. ALthough the nontransformed HSWP cells have a high level of Na+/H+ exchanger protein, they do not show a significant increase in phosphorylation following serum stimulation, when examined by immunoprecipitation, and analysis on 1-D gels. However, subsequent studies of tryptic phosphopeptides from the immunoprecipitated exchanger reveal that serum-stimulated phosphorylation of one tryptic peptide does occur but may be masked in the first dimension by differential phosphorylation of other tryptic peptides that are more heavily phosphorylated in unstimulated cells.
A fast recursive algorithm for molecular dynamics simulation

In this paper, we develop a recursive algorithm for solving the dynamical equations of motion for molecular systems. We make use of internal variable models which have been shown to reduce the computation times of molecular dynamics simulations by an order of magnitude when compared with Cartesian models. The O(N) algorithm described in this paper for solving the equations of motion provides additional significant improvements in computational speed. We make extensive use of the spatial operator methods which have been developed recently for the analysis and simulation of the dynamics of multibody systems. The spatial operators are used to derive the equations of motion and obtain an operator expression for the system mass matrix. An alternative square factorization of the mass matrix leads to a closed form expression for its inverse. From this follows the recursive algorithm for computing the generalized accelerations. The computational cost of this algorithm grows only linearly with the number of degrees of freedom. This is in contrast to conventional constrained dynamics algorithms whose cost is a cubic function of the number of degrees of freedom. For the case of a polypeptide molecule with 400 residues, the O(N) algorithm provides computational speedup by a factor of 450 over the conventional O(N^3) algorithm. We also describe a simplified method for computing and handling the potential function gradients within the dynamics computations.
Toward the automated synthesis of cooperative mobile robot teams

A current limitation in the real-world use of cooperating mobiIe robots is the difficulty in determining the proper team composition for a given robotic application. Present technology restricts the design and implementation of cooperative robot teams to the expertise of a robotics researcher, who has to develop robot teams on an application-specific basis. The objective of our research is to reduce the complexity of cooperative robotic systems through the development of a methodology that enables the automated synthesis of cooperative robot teams. We propose an approach to this problem that uses a combination of the theories of sensori-computational systems and information invariants, building on the earlier work of Donald, Rus, et al. We describe the notion of defining equivalence classes that serve as fundamental building blocks of more complex cooperative mobile robot behaviors. We postulate a methodology for framing mission requirements in terms of the goals and constraints of the problem, incorporating issues such as multi-robot interference, communication, control strategy, robot complexity, and so forth, into the mechanism. Our initial work restricts the robot application and design space to three multi-robot application domains we have previously studied and implemented: keeping formation, "mock" hazardous waste cleanup, and cooperative observation. This paper presents the foundational ideas upon which our approach to cooperative team design is based. Keywords: Cooperative behaviors, behavior synthesis, multi-robot learning
Effects of high electrical conductivity of nutrient solution and its application timing on lycopene, chlorophyll and sugar concentrations of hydroponic tomatoes during ripening

Abstract Tomato (cv. Durinta) plants were grown hydroponically under two electrical conductivities (EC, 2.3 and 4.5 dS m −1 ) of nutrient solution inside a greenhouse. The high EC treatment was initiated either immediately after anthesis (high EC treatment) or 4 weeks after anthesis (delayed high EC treatment). Fruits were harvested weekly beginning 2 weeks after anthesis, until all fruits reached the red stage (8 weeks after anthesis). Lycopene, chlorophyll, sugar and total soluble solid (TSS) concentrations of fruits were measured every week for all harvested tomatoes from the different ripeness stages. The results showed that lycopene concentration, fructose and glucose concentrations and TSS of red ripe tomato fruits were enhanced by both high EC and delayed high EC treatments compared to those in the low EC treatment. The lycopene concentration of red ripe tomato fruits in the high EC and the delayed high EC treatments showed an increase of 30–40% (1.29–1.39 mg g −1 dry matter) compared to those in the low EC treatment (0.99 mg g −1 ); however, there was no significant difference in the lycopene concentration between the high EC and delayed high EC treatments. TSS of red ripe tomato fruits grown in the high EC treatment was 6.1%, significantly greater than those grown in the delayed high EC treatment (5.7%). Weekly change in lycopene concentration indicated that lycopene synthesis was enhanced by the high EC treatment, regardless of the application timing. Regardless of EC treatment, chlorophyll concentration in fruit declined linearly during fruit development and ripening and reached non-detectable levels 7 weeks after anthesis. Our results indicated that: (1) accumulation of sugars and TSS in fruit was due to reduced water flux to the fruit under high EC as previously reported, and (2) lycopene synthesis was promoted by, but chlorophyll degradation was independent from, the osmotic and/or salt stress caused by the high EC.
Review of Licensing Digital Content: A Practical Guide for Librarians, 2d.ed.

Chicago, Illinois: American Library Association, 2009, 176 pp., $57.00, softcover, ISBN 978-0-8389-0992-8. If as author Lesley Harris states, “licensing becomes the leading way for libraries to acq...
Environmental humidity influence on a topcoat/Mg-rich primer system with embedded electrodes

Abstract Organic coatings are widely used to protect metal/alloy substrates from corrosion. They act by providing barrier to the transport of corrosive species such as water, ions and oxygen from the environment to the substrate. They are also sometimes dispersed with corrosion inhibitors which passivate the substrate, or metallic pigments that provide galvanic protection to the underlying substrate. Conventional coating evaluation procedure includes the use of accelerated standard tests such as ASTM B117, ASTM G85 (Prohesion), SAE J2334, QUV, QUV/Prohesion™, and other customized tests designed to simulate certain weather conditions. These methods rely on visual inspection for ranking and evaluating the protection performance of coating. The coating can, however, fail earlier than is predicted by these conventional test methods. Therefore, the use of embedded sensors in coating is a very appropriate approach to monitor and verify the state of protection offered by coating in situ. In this work, sensors embedded in coating were used to monitor the performance of coating in situ under changing humidity conditions, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical noise monitoring (ENM) methods. The ability of this unique technique to locate defects in coatings was also tested.
Comparison of responses to air, water, and closed-loop caloric irrigators.

Three types of commercially available caloric irrigation units—air, water, and closed-loop—were evaluated for nystagmus response patterns and comfort. Electronystagmographic recordings were analyze...
Fixing a failed vaccine

A trial of a childhood vaccine against a common respiratory virus went terribly wrong in the early 1960s. Instead of protecting children, the vaccine exacerbated disease in response to infection. We now have a better understanding as to why ( pages 34–41 ).
Influence of traces of heavy metals on the reaction velocity and turnover of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase.

Vallee and Hoch reported in 1955 that yeast alcohol dehydrogenase is a zinc-containing enzyme and that o-phenanthroline inhibits its activity by formation of an inactive o-phenanthroline–zinc-protein complex1,2.
Scheduling random flexible manufacturing systems with dynamic environments

Abstract American designers are designing more flexibility into flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). However, there has been little research on the scheduling of these more flexible systems. This study adds insights into how these systems should be scheduled and increases our understanding of the influences of routing flexibility. A few American FMSs use off-line schemes for scheduling but most use real-time schemes. This research compares seven real-time and two off-line scheduling schemes for a random flexible manufacturing system. The results indicate that full advantage can be taken of these more flexible systems if off-line schemes are used. The scheme that takes the greatest advantage of increased flexibility is an off-line scheme that decomposes the scheduling problem. As flexibility increases this scheme is able to schedule more output and reduce the average flow time of parts, and it accomplishes this with little additional computational effort.
Prognostic factors for survival of 194 patients with low infiltrate leukemia

Prognostic factors were identified from the histories of 194 patients diagnosed as having low infiltrate leukemia (LIL) between 1973 and 1981, when the policy was to delay treatment until there was evidence of progressive disease or life-threatening morbidity. Their median age was 59 yr; 63% were male; 30 had had a malignant disease previously. Presenting symptoms included anemia, 82%; infections, 15%; and hemorrhage, 16%. The group's median survival was 42 weeks, with high marrow cellularity and percentage of blasts, impairment of bone marrow, liver or renal function, age over 65 yr and performance status less than 80% associated with poorer survival. Cytogenetic changes associated with poor survival included loss of chromosome 5 or 7, additional chromosome 8, karyotypic instability, and presence of 100% abnormal metaphases. A regression model including terms for blood and bone marrow features, and age at hospital admission was able to stratify patients into prognostic groups in the same population and in an independent population admitted prior to 1973. Further prospective testing of the model is required. Twenty-six of the 78 patients who were eventually treated with combination chemotherapy achieved complete remission. The presence of Auer rods, diagnosis of acute leukemia or refractory anemia with excess blasts, rapid increase in marrow infiltrate and favorable cytogenetic karyotype were associated with response. Delaying treatment in all patients was found to have improved only modestly the survival of patients with LIL.
High-temperature stability and selective thermal emission of polycrystalline tantalum photonic crystals

We present the results of extensive characterization of selective emitters at high temperatures, including thermal emission measurements and thermal stability testing at 1000°C for 1h and 900°C for up to 144h. The selective emitters were fabricated as 2D photonic crystals (PhCs) on polycrystalline tantalum (Ta), targeting large-area applications in solid-state heat-to-electricity conversion. We characterized spectral emission as a function of temperature, observing very good selectivity of the emission as compared to flat Ta, with the emission of the PhC approaching the blackbody limit below the target cut-off wavelength of 2 μm, and a steep cut-off to low emission at longer wavelengths. In addition, we study the use of a thin, conformal layer (20 nm) of HfO2 deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a surface protective coating, and confirm experimentally that it acts as a diffusion inhibitor and thermal barrier coating, and prevents the formation of Ta carbide on the surface. Furthermore, we tested the thermal stability of the nanostructured emitters and their optical properties before and after annealing, observing no degradation even after 144h (6 days) at 900°C, which demonstrates the suitability of these selective emitters for high-temperature applications.
N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl-chloromethylketone reduces hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in rat pups.

N-tosyl-l-phenylalanyl-chloromethylketone (TPCK) in vitro blocks apoptotic pathways leading to cell death. We wished to see if TPCK would reduce brain injury in vivo. Seven-day-old rat pups had the right carotid artery ligated and then received either vehicle or TPCK (5 to100 mg/kg i.p.). They were then given 8% oxygen for 2.25 h. Twenty-two days later, the cerebral hemispheres were weighed to determine the reduction in size in the right hemisphere. TPCK decreased the reduction in right hemisphere weight from 15±3% (vehicle, n=20), to 4±2% (10 mg/kg, n=19, P<0.01). TPCK reduced the number of cells staining for DNA breaks 3 days after injury from 1729±275 mm−2 (vehicle, n=8) to 550±236 mm−2 (10 mg/kg TPCK, n=9, P<0.01), decreased the amount of DNA fragmentation 3 days after injury by gel electrophoreses (20 mg/kg, n=16, P<0.01) and eliminated the increase in nitric oxide metabolites 6 h after injury (vehicle 1.5±0.4, n=10; and 20 mg/kg TPCK 0.0±0.1 nM/mg protein, n=10, P<0.001). TPCK pretreatment in the newborn rat model of hypoxic–ischemic brain injury reduces DNA fragmentation, nitric oxide production and brain injury.