cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What's the Point of a Business Ethics Course?*

A6stract: The paper argues that the point of a business ethics course is to improve behavior in business, and that an essential ingredient in that improved behavior is knowing what's right or wrong. To make that claim, the paper attempts to dispose of three arguments which support the contrary claim, that business ethics courses are useless. First, it is argued that morals can't be taught, since they only result from training. Second, it is argued that such courses are unnecessary because business executives already know right from wrong. Third, it is argued that ethical knowledge is impossible, so there is nothing to teach. The first two arguments are dealt with briefly, and the third is addressed extensively. The paper argues that the scepticism about ethical knowledge is part of a penzasive 'relativism" in our society, but shows that such a relativism/scepticism is untenable and indicates how ethical knowledge is possible. If, then, knowledge of right and wrong is an essential ingredient for improving business behavior, and such knowledge can be imparted in an ethics
A synthetic channel-forming peptide induces Cl(-) secretion: modulation by Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels.

Abstract A synthetic Cl − channel-forming peptide, C-K4-M2GlyR, applied to the apical membrane of human epithelial cell monolayers induces transepithelial Cl − and fluid secretion. The sequence of the core peptide, M2GlyR, corresponds to the second membrane-spanning region of the glycine receptor, a domain thought to line the pore of the ligand-gated Cl − channel. Using a pharmacological approach, we show that the flux of Cl − through the artificial Cl − channel can be regulated by modulating basolateral K + efflux through Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels. Application of C-K4-M2GlyR to the apical surface of monolayers composed of human colonic cells of the T84 cell line generated a sustained increase in short-circuit current ( I SC ) and caused net fluid secretion. The current was inhibited by the application of clotrimazole, a non-specific inhibitor of K + channels, and charybdotoxin, a potent inhibitor of Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels. Direct activation of these channels with 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) greatly amplified the Cl − secretory current induced by C-K4-M2GlyR. The effect of the combination of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I SC was significantly greater than the sum of the individual effects of the two compounds and was independent of cAMP. Treatment with 1-EBIO also increased the magnitude of fluid secretion induced by the peptide. The cooperative action of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I SC was attenuated by Cl − transport inhibitors, by removing Cl − from the bathing solution and by basolateral treatment with K + channel blockers. These results indicate that apical membrane insertion of Cl − channel-forming peptides such as C-K4-M2GlyR and direct activation of basolateral K + channels with benzimidazolones may coordinate the apical Cl − conductance and the basolateral K + conductance, thereby providing a pharmacological approach to modulating Cl − and fluid secretion by human epithelia deficient in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl − channels.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Protects Intestinal Epithelial Cells from Apoptosis Through the Akt Signaling Pathway

Objective The regulation of apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells is important in maintenance of normal intestinal physiology. Summary Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to play a critical role in cellular protection to otherwise lethal stimuli in several nonintestinal tissues. Methods The current study determines whether S1P protected normal intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) from apoptosis and whether Akt activation was the central pathway for this effect. Results S1P demonstrated significantly reduced levels of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/cycloheximide (CHX). S1P induced increased levels of phosphorylated Akt and increased Akt activity, but did not affect total amounts of Akt. This activation of Akt was associated with decreased levels of both caspase-3 protein levels and of caspase-3 activity. Inactivation of Akt by treatment with the PI3K chemical inhibitor LY294002 or by overexpression of the dominant negative mutant of Akt (DNMAkt) prevented the protective effect of S1P on apoptosis. Additionally, silencing of the S1P-1 receptor by specific siRNA demonstrated a lesser decrease in apoptosis to S1P exposure. Conclusion These results indicate that S1P protects intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis via an Akt-dependent pathway.
Rapid thermal annealing of ion-implanted InP, InGaAs, and InSb

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) yields improved electrical activation and carrier mobility compared to conventional furnace annealing (FA) in III-V compounds. This paper reviews the results of our RTA work on indium based compounds. Studies on InP, InGaAs, and InSb implanted with various species at room and elevated temperatures are presented. The RTAs were performed using a halogen lamp station for InP and InGaAs, and a metal strip heater for InSb, using dielectric and proximity caps. Donor electrical activations close to 100 % were obtained for 875°C/10 s RTA on Si implanted InP:Fe for ion energies up to 20 MeV and for doses which do not make the material amorphous. RBS measurements on the annealed material indicated an effective removal of the implant damage. The RTA on Be/P and Be/ Ar coimplanted InP:Fe yielded acceptor Be electrical activations of 80 % without Be in-diffusion. The RTA on Ge implanted InP:Fe gave a maximum donor activation of 50 %. For low-energy Si and Be/P implantations into In0.53 Ga0.47 As, the results are similar to those of InP. The RTA performed on transition metal (Fe, Cr, and V) implanted InGaAs has resulted in the diffusion of the dopant and formation of multiple peaks in the implant profile. Only Fe implantation gave highly resistive regions in n-type InGaAs. Light ion (H, He, B) bombardment on p-type InGaAs gave resistivities close to the intrinsic limit which are stable up to a maximum processing temperature of 350 °C. RTA on Be implanted InSb grown on GaAs gave p-type activation as high as 89 %. Sulphur implantation in InSb yielded a maximum of only 16 % donor activation even for anneals at 510 °C, which is close to the melting point temperature of InSb. Silicon implant showed amphoteric behavior in InSb.
Patterns of development and acquisitions for silicon valley startups

Abstract The patterns of development of 250 high-technology firms, are examined. As of 1980, 36.8% of these firms had discontinued, 30.8% were surviving and independent, and a remarkably high 32.4% had been acquired. The characteristics of both the acquired and acquiring firms are examined and reveal distinctive patterns of acquisition.
The Low-Resolution CCSM3

The low-resolution fully coupled configuration of the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) is described and evaluated. In this most economical configuration, an ocean at nominal 3° resolution is coupled to an atmosphere model at T31 resolution. There are climate biases associated with the relatively coarse grids, yet the coupled solution remains comparable to higher-resolution CCSM3 results. There are marked improvements in the new solution compared to the low-resolution configuration of CCSM2. In particular, the CCSM3 simulation maintains a robust meridional overturning circulation in the ocean, and it generates more realistic El Nino variability. The improved ocean solution was achieved with no increase in computational cost by redistributing deep ocean and midlatitude resolution into the upper ocean and the key water formation regions of the North Atlantic, respectively. Given its significantly lower resource demands compared to higher resolutions, this configuration shows promise for studies of paleoclimate and other applications requiring long, equilibrated solutions.
Treatment of Ocular Toxoplasmosis with Clindamycin and Sulfadiazine

Seventeen patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were treated for four weeks, seven with clindamycin alone and ten with a combination of clindamycin and sulfadiazine. The follow-up period ranged from six months to four years. Results of the Sabin-Feldman dye test were positive in all patients. Five of the seven patients treated with clindamycin alone showed improvement two weeks after treatment was begun, while eight of the ten patients treated with combined clindamycin and sulfadiazine showed both subjective and objective improvement within ten days and signs of healing within three weeks. Since clindamycin and sulfadiazine operate on unrelated metabolic pathways of Toxoplasma, they may act synergistically. A regimen consisting of this combination may be appropriate for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.
A study of fault tolerance techniques for associative processors

Associative processing techniques have been suggested for numerous application areas and have been proven to be superior to more conventional procedures for a number of specialized applications. Recent advances in computer technology and development of new architectural concepts for associative devices have made the design of larger and more flexible systems possible. Such systems are extremely complex and must be adequately protected against failures. This paper reports on the results of a study which has indicated the techniques that are applicable and difficulties that may be encountered in the design of fault-tolerant associative processors.
Biomass Transfer Subsidizes Nitrogen to Offshore Food Webs

We evaluated the potential contribution of allochthonous biomass subsidies to the upper trophic levels of offshore food webs in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We made this evaluation considering nitrogen, an essential and often limiting nutrient in coastal ecosystems, to estimate the potential production of within-ecosystem biomass relative to the known import of biomass from an adjacent seagrass-dominated ecosystem. When adjusted for trophic transfer efficiency, we found the biomass subsidy from a single species (pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides) from nearshore seagrass habitat to the offshore GOM to be greater than the amount of nitrogen exported by two major rivers and local submarine ground water discharge. Our calculations show that seagrass-derived biomass accounts for approximately 25% of the total potential production in the northeastern GOM. This estimate is in agreement with a previous study that found 18.5–25% of the biomass in a predatory reef fish was derived from seagrass biomass inputs. These results indicate that all of the sources we consider account for the majority of the nitrogen available to the food web in the northeastern GOM. Our approach could be adapted to other coupled ecosystems to determine the relative importance of biomass subsidies to coastal ocean food webs.
Transvaginal mobilization and removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes after vaginal hysterectomy.

Objective To describe a technique of transvaginal mobilization and removal of ovaries and tubes, and to assess its use in older women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. Methods Charts of 151 women age 50 and older who underwent vaginal hysterectomy by one senior gynecologic surgeon during 1991–1993 were reviewed. Results Ninety of 138 women (65%) who chose ovarian removal had their ovaries successfully removed vaginally. In 48 women, one or both ovaries were examined and noted to be normal, and they were not removed or could not be removed vaginally. Operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and rates of intraoperative complications and postoperative morbidity did not differ significantly in the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and ovarian conservation groups. Conclusion Transvaginal removal of ovaries and tubes can be achieved in about two-thirds of women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with minimal or no increases in operating time and surgical morbidity.
Phosphorylation of linker histones by cAMP-dependent protein kinase in mitotic micronuclei of Tetrahymena.

Linker histones (LHs) in transcriptionally inretive, mitotically dividing micronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila, α, β, γ and δ, are highly phosphorylated in vivo. Analysis of the derived sequences of these LHs suggests that none of these polypeptides contain sites of phosphorylation by p34cdc2, the kinase thought to play an essential role governing the entry of all cells into mitosis. Suprisingly α, β, γ and δ each contain sites for phosphorylation by cyclic AMP-dependent kinase (PKA). p34cdc2 kinase phosphorylases H1 in vitro but fails to phosphorylate α, β, γ and δ. Conversely, PKA phosphorylates each of the micronuclear LHs but is unable to phosphorylate macronuclear H1. Micronuclear LHs labeled in vivo with [32P]phosphate were purified by reverse phase HPLC. Phosphoamino acid analysis showed that all four micronuclear LHs are phosphorylated exclusively on serine residues in vitro. Cyanogen bromide mapping of α, β, γ and δ labeled in vivo or in vitro by PKA indicates that each LH is phosphorylated only on peptides that contain either optimum (RR/KXS) or less optimum (RXXS) PKA sequences. This study suggests that PKA or a PKA-like activity(ies), but not p34cdc2 kinase, is(are) responsible for the in vivo phosphorylation of LHs in the mitotic micronucleus of Tetrahymena. We suggest that, at least in Tetrahymena, PKA-driven phosphorylation or dephosphorylation plays a significant role in the control of mitotic processes such as chromosome condensation.
Environmental Control for Growth Suppression and Quality Preservation of Transplants

For the past decade, intensive research has been done for low temperature storage of transplants to suppress their growth while preserving their“quality”as transplants, in an attempt to accommodate the concomitant rapid growth of transplant production industries. Research has focused on optimization of light environment (photosynthetic photon flux, photoperiod, and light quality) and gaseous environment (CO2and O2concentrations), which if coupled with adequate storage temperature, have improved storability of transplants without causing quality deterioration. Principles of illumination and controlled atmosphere, and design of lighting systems for storing transplants are discussed with an introduction of recent advances in these research areas. Controlled environment is a recognized effective method to improve long-distance transportation of high quality transplants. Concepts and background of the optimization of environmental conditions during transportation of transplants are introduced. Both low temperature storage and long distance transportation will become key technologies for successful transplant production to provide large amounts of transplants in horticulture, agriculture and forestry.
Corticotropin releasing hormone mRNA is elevated on the afternoon of proestrus in the parvocellular paraventricular nuclei of the female rat.

We investigated changes during the estrous cycle in cellular levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA in parvocellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, using in situ hybridization. Intact female rats with 4 day cycles were sacrificed at 11 different times during the cycle at 09.00 h and 16.00 h on each day, with additional collection times at 14.00 h, 18.00 h, and 20.00 h on the day of proestrus. Twelve μm coronal sections of fresh-frozen brains were made through the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) and placed on gelatin-coated slides. A 48 base oligodeoxynucleotide probe complementary to the coding region for rat CRH was used to measure CRH mRNA. There was a sharp increase (P < 0.01) in CRH mRNA in the ventral PVN between 14.00 and 16.00 h on the day of proestrus, at the approximate time of the ovulatory surge. Following this rise, there was an even larger decline (P < 0.01) between P 16.00 h and P 20.00 h. Levels of CRH mRNA did not change greatly on other days of the cycle, nor were there significant changes in the dorsal PVN. Given the known effects of CRH on GnRH secretion, these changes occur at a time when they could serve to modulate the midcycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.
A comparative analysis of iron, manganese, silica, phosphorus, and sulfur in the hypolimnia of calcareous lakes

Abstract The chemistry of the hypolimnion was studied in late summer in 23 individual basins of 19 calcareous lakes situated in the Midwestern U.S.A. The basins represented a broad range in morphometry, and drainage basin influences. All but two of the basins were anoxic by early September. The concentrations of Fe were low in the anoxic basins because of precipitation of FeS. Excess sulfide accumulated in the hypolimnion (up to 7 mg 1−1) making these basins sulfuretums. The concentrations of total-P ranged widely—from 0.03 mg 1−1 in several seepage lakes to > 0.5 mg 1−1 in drainage lakes with very short τw, or influenced by agricultural or urban drainage, or municipal waste. Neither apatite nor vivianite limited the hypolimnetic build-up of this key nutrient. Hypolimnetic Mn was almost entirely soluble if the basin was anoxic. The concentrations indirectly reflected external inputs, not the thermodynamics of rhodochrosite. Concentrations of dissolved silica were generally much lower than in inflowing waters. The hypolimnetic Si/P ratio was low unless the lake lacked surface inflows and also experienced high rates of groundwater inflow rich in silica and very low in P. Because of the very low hypolimnetic Fe/P and Fe/Si ratios, phosphate and silica are liberated from significant chemical interactions with Fe accompanying their eddy diffusion transport upward within the hypolimnion, and across the metalimnetic oxycline. Because of external P inputs and the efficiency of internal P recycling, Si is potentially a limiting nutrient for diatoms in calcareous lakes.
African Intellectuals and Decolonization

This book of essays has as one of its objectives the ‘decolonization of the academy and its production of knowledge of Africa’ (p. 2). Pulling together the patterns in institutional processes throu...
The Effect of Outcome Information on the Evaluation and Recall of Individuals' Own Decisions

In this paper, we address two questions about the possible effects of information concerning a decision's outcome. First, we examine whether outcome information influences individuals' evaluations of their own decisions. Second, we examine whether outcome information affects people's recall of their own decision making processes. In four experiments, participants chose between two scholarship applicants. Afterwards, the same individuals received either good, bad, or no outcome information relevant to their decisions. They also answered a series of questions concerning their evaluation and recall of their decision making processes. Results show that outcome information does influence participants' evaluations of their decision making processes. However, it has much less of an effect on their memory for those processes, particularly when memory is assessed using specific questions about the processes used in making the decision. Implications for research relying on retrospective self-reports of people's decision processes are discussed.
Conformation and luminescence of isolated molecular semiconductor molecules.

In this article, we describe, for the first time, direct comparisons of the detailed structures of two small molecule organic semiconductors, oligo(phenylenvinylene) (OPV) molecules with chains of five and six phenyl rings (5R-OC8H17 and 6R-OC8H17), respectively, and their luminescence properties on a single molecule level. Our data originate from a combination of two powerful diagnostic tools in physical chemistry: ion mobility and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. These techniques enable us to precisely determine the shapes of isolated molecules in the gas phase and to correlate these structures to the emission from single molecules supported on bare glass substrates. The principal structural uncertainty in OPVs is the (possible) presence and location of cis-vinylene linkages (cis-defects) in the oligomer. The results show that the structures observed in the gas phase are strongly correlated to the categories of molecules observed in the single molecule polarization anisotropy measurements wit...
Toward Fully Automatic Geo-Location and Geo-Orientation of Static Outdoor Cameras

Automating tools for geo-locating and geo-orienting static cameras is a key step in creating a useful global imaging network from cameras attached to the Internet. We present algorithms for partial camera calibration that rely on access to accurately time-stamped images captured over time from cameras that do not move. To support these algorithms we also offer a method of camera viewpoint change detection, or "tamper detection", which determines if a camera has moved in the challenging case when images are only captured every half hour. These algorithms are tested on a subset of the AMOS (Archive of Many Outdoor Scenes) database, and we present preliminary results that highlight the promise of these approaches.
Chemical composition of coexisting columbite-group minerals and cassiterite from the Black Mountain pegmatite, Maine

Detailed examination of hand samples and backscatter electron images of Nb-,Ta-,Sn-oxide minerals from the Black Mountain pegmatite has revealed the presence of discrete crystals, as well as cassiterite-hosted micrograins of columbite-group minerals (CGM). Micrograins and discrete grains of CGM show a wide range of Mn/(Mn + Fe) values, but only the micrograins have limited Ta/(Ta + Nb) values. Trace amounts of Ti, Sc, Fe3+ and Sn are common in both generations of CGM, but their total rarely exceeds 1.0 oxide wt%. The chemistry of the host cassiterite is relatively homogeneous and pure; the total concentration of FeO, MnO, Nb2O5, Ta2O5 and TiO2 rarely exceeds 2.0 wt%. While discrete CGM grains show weak progressive zonation and minor replacement, micrograins display complex oscillatory zonation, resorption and/or replacement textures. Textural evidence suggests that the micrograins crystallized after the formation of discrete grains of columbite and cassiterite. On the whole, both discrete crystals and micrograins of CGM show increasing Mn/(Mn + Fe) with fractionation as commonly observed in F-enriched granitic pegmatites. Micrograins of CGM typically show higher Ta/(Ta + Nb) values compared to their discrete crystal counterparts. Textural characteristics of CGM micrograins are inconsistent with an origin by exsolution, and instead, indicate primary precipitation.
Numerical study of blowing and suction control mechanism on NACA0012 airfoil

A jet with a width of 2.5% the chord length is placed on a NACA0012 airfoil’s upper surface simulating the blowing and suction control under Re =5 × 10 5 and angle-of-attack 18-deg conditions. Nearly 300 numerical simulations are conducted over a range of parameters (jet location, amplitude, and angle). The physical mechanisms that govern suction and blowing flow control are determined and analyzed, and the critical values of suction and blowing locations, amplitudes, and angles are discussed. The current successful large-scale numerical studies create a useful knowledge base for further exploration of multijet control system.
Impact of the end-system and affinities on the throughput of high-speed flows

Network throughput is scaling-up to higher data rates while processors are scaling-out to multiple cores. In order to optimize high speed data transfer into multicore end-systems, network adapter offloads and performance tuning have received a great deal of attention. However, much of this attention is focused on how to set the tuning parameters and which offloads to select for higher performance and not why they do (or do not) work. In this study we have attempted to address two issues that impact the data transfer performance. First is the impact of the processor core affinity (or core binding) which determines the choice of which processor core or cores handle certain tasks in a network-or I/O-heavy application running on a multicore end-system. Second issue is the impact of Ethernet pause frames which provides a link layer flow control in addition to the end-to-end flow control provided by TCP. The goal of our research is to delve deeper into why these tuning suggestions and this offload exist, and how they affect the end-to-end performance and efficiency of a single, large TCP flow.
Effects of thermal photon scattering on relativistic electrons near pulsars

WE assume that pulsar radiation is generated close to the surface of a neutron star. The production of this radiation clearly involves some sort of coherent motion of relativistic electrons, which are presumed to have been accelerated off the stellar surface by large electric fields along magnetic field lines of force. Rengarajan1 has pointed out that these electrons may scatter against black body photons emitted by the hot neutron star. The hotter the star, the greater is the density of these photons, and the greater the probability that electrons will scatter against them. Our purpose here is to examine the consequences of such collisions and the conditions required for them to take place.
Synthetic Shutter Speed Imaging

Hand held long exposures often result in blurred photographs due to camera shake. Long exposures are desirable both for artistic effect and in low-light situations. We propose a novel method for digitally reducing imaging artifacts, which does not require additional hardware such as tripods or optical image stabilization lenses. A series of photographs is acquired with short shutter times, stabilized using image alignment, and then composited. Our method is capable of reducing noise and blurring due to camera shake, while simultaneously preserving the desirable effects of motion blur. The resulting images are very similar to those obtained using a tripod and a true extended exposure.
White matter astrocytes in health and disease

Abstract Myelination by oligodendrocytes is a highly specialized process that relies on intimate interactions between the axon and the oligodendrocytes. Astrocytes have an important part in facilitating myelination in the CNS, however, comparatively less is known about how they affect myelination. This review therefore summarizes the literature and explores lingering questions surrounding differences between white matter and gray matter astrocytes, how astrocytes support myelination, how their dysfunction in pathological states contributes to myelin pathologies and how astrocytes may facilitate remyelination. We discuss how astrocytes in the white matter are specialized to promote myelination and myelin maintenance by clearance of extracellular ions and neurotransmitters and by secretion of pro-myelinating factors. Additionally, astrocyte–oligodendrocyte coupling via gap junctions is crucial for both myelin formation and maintenance, due to K + buffering and possibly metabolic support for oligodendrocytes via the panglial syncytium. Dysfunctional astrocytes aberrantly affect oligodendrocytes, as exemplified by a number of leukodystrophies in which astrocytic pathology is known as the direct cause of myelin pathology. Conversely, in primary demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, astrocytes may facilitate remyelination. We suggest that specific manipulation of astrocytes could help prevent myelin pathologies and successfully restore myelin sheaths after demyelination.
Kepone: cellular sites of action.

Abstract Kepone produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation, stimulation of respiration, and a bimodal alteration (enhancement preceding depression) of phagocytic activity in the P388D1 “macrophage-like” cell in tissue culture. Dinitrophenol, an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, similarly inhibited cellular proliferation and stimulated respiration. Kepone (IC50 = 3.5 × 10−6 M ) was 77 times more potent than dinitrophenol (IC50 = 2.7 × 10−4 M ) by the method of Litchfield and Wilcoxon. The dose-response curves did not deviate significantly from parallelism, suggesting that the mechanisms of toxicity may be similar. The binding of 14C-Kepone to the cells in culture was determined. After 60 min of preincubation, 1% of the Kepone was bound to the cells. Since it has been postulated that the clinical syndrome of Kepone toxicity in humans may be due to an alteration in calcium metabolism, the effect of Kepone on the kinetics of free radiocalcium distribution was determined. Kepone decreased the size of the mitochondrial exchangeable calcium pool while increasing the efflux rate constant of that organelle. The effects of Kepone on energy metabolism and cellular calcium distribution may be cellular events related to the observed in vivo toxicity.
A Model for the Loss of Oxidative Stability of Engine Oil During Long-Trip Service, Part II: Vehicle Measurements

Using equations developed in Part I, predicted values for the remaining oxidative stability of engine oil were compared to oil analysis results (oxidation induction time by differential scanning calorimetry) of engine oil from vehicle tests. In driving tests, the loss of oxidative stability of the engine oil followed logarithmic decay curves as predicted by the model. In addition, the model compensated for the loss of oxidative stability due to pulling a 900-kg trailer. Presented at the 46th Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada April 29–May 2, 1991
The extent of electron‐impact‐induced ring contraction in the formation of [M − CH3] fragments from N‐acetylpiperidine

In N-acetylpiperidine, α-carbon atoms (C-2 or C-6) of the ring have been recently identified as a source of loss of CH3 radicals from the molecular ion in addition to β-carbon atoms (C-3 or C-5) and the acyl substituent (C-8). Skeletal rearrangement by ring contraction to a five-membered cyclic intermediate was invoked to be responsible for the expulsion of C-2 or C-6. Deuterium labelling suggested major and approximately equal contributions from the two losses of ring atoms as compared to an only minor contribution from loss of C-8. 13C-labelling of the latter now establishes the correctness of this inference, demonstrating that only 17% of the total loss of methyl arise from this position. Together with results of previous deuterium labelling this figure indicates that ring contraction contributes to the formation of [M − CH3] fragments to an extent of approximately 40%.
Ureteroscopic cytologic diagnosis of upper tract lesions.

The definitive diagnosis of upper urinary tract lesions often relies on providing adequate tissue samples for cytopathologic review. Ureteropyeloscopy allows direct examination of these lesions and...
Beliefs About Classroom Practices and Teachers' Education Level: An Examination of Developmentally Appropriate and Inappropriate Beliefs in Early Childhood Classrooms

The researchers conducting this study investigated the relationship between early childhood teachers' educational levels and their beliefs about appropriate and inappropriate practices by examining the differences between lead teachers and teacher assistants in publicly funded prekindergarten classrooms. For this purpose, the researchers analyzed self-reported teachers' beliefs using analysis of variance and examined 26 individual items. Findings of this study suggest that lead teachers endorsed developmentally appropriate practices more strongly than did teacher assistants. Teacher assistants were more likely than lead teachers to agree with developmentally inappropriate practices. Despite the significant differences between the two groups of teachers, it is important to note that there was a general tendency for both lead teachers and teacher assistants to endorse developmentally appropriate practices. Thus, although there appears to be a link between teachers' educational levels and teacher beliefs, te...
Reactive turbulent flow in low-dimensional, disordered media

We analyze the reactions $A+A \to \emptyset$ and $A + B \to \emptyset$ occurring in a model of turbulent flow in two dimensions. We find the reactant concentrations at long times, using a field-theoretic renormalization group analysis. We find a variety of interesting behavior, including, in the presence of potential disorder, decay rates faster than that for well-mixed reactions.
Immune privilege in the retina

As new Ag-specific and non-Ag-specific mechanisms contributing to ocular immune privilege are revealed, the relevance of old paradigms properly comes into question. My lab has a particular interest in the immune privilege of the retina. While the presence of active mechanisms of tolerance, such as immune deviation, is now well-established, we propose that sequestration provides the first line of immune privilege in the retina. When it fails, active, inducible mechanisms provide backup to protect the integrity of the retina and vision. Some of the observations that led to our hypotheses and their supporting experiments are discussed below.
Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein: a rare manifestation of the hypercoagulability of malignancy.

(1998). Thrombosis of the Internal Jugular Vein: A Rare Manifestation of the Hypercoagulability of Malignancy. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 319-321.
Growth of a Molecular Base for Feeding: The Mind Body Dualism

It is often difficult to identify the ‘who, when, and where’ of advances in medicine and surgery because it's a rare advance indeed (such as the use of digitalis by William Withering) that can be clearly related to the astuteness of one person at one time and place.
Edovum puttleri (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an exotic egg parasitoid of the Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): responses to temperate zone conditions and resistant potato plants.

Between 18.3 and 29.4°C, preimaginal developmental rates of the exotic egg parasitoid Edovum puttleri were linearly related to temperature. Survival was very low at 15.6°, and there was no survival at 12.8°C. In the laboratory, development required 217 ± 6 degree-days above a lower threshold of t = 9.9°C; in three field tests during the summers of 1982 and 1983, emergence occurred within 1 to 3 days of the predicted dates. Development was only slightly affected by photoperiods between LD 16:8 and 10:14; no dormancy was observed in our laboratory or in field experiments. This strain of E. puttleri , originally from Colombia, South America, appears to be poorly adapted to the climate of the northeastern United States. Furthermore, laboratory studies suggest that it is not especially welladapted to insect resistant Solanum plants bred for high densities of glandular pubescence. Our results indicate the need for further research with E. puttleri in two areas: the development of methods of inundative releases, and searches for biotypes that develop and overwinter at low temperatures and that can tolerate Solanum species bearing glandular trichomes.
CD36, a Scavenger Receptor Involved in Immunity, Metabolism, Angiogenesis, and Behavior

CD36 is a multifunctional cell-surface receptor present on many cell types, including platelets, mononuclear phagocytes, and muscle, fat, and gut cells. It is conserved in mammals, and there are many invertebrate orthologs. CD36 binds to several major classes of ligands, including the matrix protein thrombospondin, long-chain fatty acids, and oxidized phospholipids and lipoproteins; in different contexts, it serves to regulate angiogenesis, innate immune responses, fatty acid metabolism, and sensory responses to fatty acids. CD36 signaling is mediated by activation of specific intracellular pathways that may include kinases of the Src family and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Because of the importance of CD36 signaling in human diseases, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer, these signaling pathways are under intense scrutiny. This Review includes two figures and 123 citations.
A high-speed 8*8-bit CMOS parallel array processor

The authors present an architecture for an 8-b*8-b real-time parallel array processor that can be used for high-speed digital signal processing applications. The processor generates 18-b outputs from a stream of 8-b input data and a set of 8-b predetermined coefficients. The processor has been designed in 1.5- mu m CMOS technology, analyzed for its timing, and functionally simulated by a hardware description language and a schematic simulator. The processor includes a pipelined array of multiplier-accumulators which provides parallel operation to the processor. The processor does not use parallel operation for an input rate lower than 28.5 Msamples/s, but the degree of parallelism was increased up to three for an input rate higher than 57.0 Msamples/s. This increase of the degree of parallelism resulted in a maximum throughput of 60.2 Msamples/s. >
Demonstration of the exoplanet detection process using four-beam nulling interferometry

The Planet Detection Testbed has been developed to simulate and test the detection process for an infrared nulling interferometer observing an earthlike planet orbiting a nearby star within about 15 pc of the solar system. The testbed combines eight beams of infrared light, four from the star and four from the planet, simulating an ‘Xa-rray’ telescope spacecraft formation. The detection process involves stable nulling of the starlight, rotation of the spacecraft formation, averaging over a few hours and testing of the signal against predicted exoplanet signatures. The testbed simulates all parts of the detection process except operation in broadband light, which is a planned upgrade for the future. This paper describes the latest results and plans for exoplanet signal simulation, deep starlight nulling and planet detection at star to planet contrast ratios of one million to one. These results are planned to demonstrate the feasibility of exoplanet detection using nulling interferometry at near-flightlike contrast ratios.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Decreases Vascular Superoxide and Atherosclerotic Lesions in Apolipoprotein E −/− Mice

Objective— Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway that is a major source of cellular NADPH. The purpose of this study was to examine whether G6PD deficiency affects vascular oxidants and atherosclerosis in high-fat fed apolipoprotein (apo) E −/− mice. Methods and Results— G6PD-mutant mice whose G6PD activity was 20% of normal were crossbred with apoE −/− mice. Among male apoE −/− mice that were fed a western-type diet for 11 weeks, G6PD wild-type (E-WT), and G6PD hemizygous (E-Hemi) mice were compared. Basal blood pressure was significantly higher in E-Hemi. However, superoxide anion release, nitrotyrosine, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemical staining were less in E-Hemi compared with E-WT aorta. Serum cholesterol level was lower in E-Hemi, but aortic lesion area was decreased in E-Hemi even after adjusting for serum cholesterol. Conclusions— Lower NADPH production in G6PD deficiency may result in lower NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion, and thus lower aortic lesion growth. The association of higher blood pressure with lower serum cholesterol levels in this mouse model is indicative of the complex effects that G6PD deficiency may have on vascular disease.
CONCORD: a consensus method for protein secondary structure prediction via mixed integer linear optimization

Most of the protein structure prediction methods use a multi-step process, which often includes secondary structure prediction, contact prediction, fragment generation, clustering, etc. For many years, secondary structure prediction has been the workhorse for numerous methods aimed at predicting protein structure and function. This paper presents a new mixed integer linear optimization (MILP)-based consensus method: a Consensus scheme based On a mixed integer liNear optimization method for seCOndary stRucture preDiction (CONCORD). Based on seven secondary structure prediction methods, SSpro, DSC, PROF, PROFphd, PSIPRED, Predator and GorIV, the MILPbased consensus method combines the strengths of different methods, maximizes the number of correctly predicted amino acids and achieves a better prediction accuracy. The method is shown to perform well compared with the seven individual methods when tested on the PDBselect25 training protein set using sixfold cross validation. It also performs well compared with another set of 10 online secondary structure prediction servers (including several recent ones) when tested on the CASP9 targets (http://predictioncenter.org/casp9/). The average Q3 prediction accuracy is 83.04 per cent for the sixfold cross validation of the PDBselect25 set and 82.3 per cent for the CASP9 targets. We have developed a MILP-based consensus method for protein secondary structure prediction. A web server, CONCORD, is available to the scientific community at http://helios.princeton.edu/CONCORD.
Written corrective feedback in second language acquisition and writing studies

Written corrective feedback, referred to hereafter as ‘written CF’ and also known as ‘grammar correction’ or ‘error correction’, has been a controversial topic in second language studies over the past fifteen years. Inspired by John Truscott's thought-provoking 1996 essay in Language Learning, many different researchers have undertaken new programs of investigation, while others have engaged in scholarly synthesis and argumentation around the topic.
Contaminants in Sediments - Remediation and Management

Metals and organic contaminants are common in many marine and fresh water environments as a result of industrial and military activities. Traditional remediation/risk management options for sediments contaminated with these materials include no action, monitored natural recovery, institutional controls (land use restrictions, etc.), in situ treatment and management, and ex situ treatment and management. Active capping is a newer approach for treating contaminated sediments that involves applying chemically reactive amendments to the sediment surface. The mobile, soluble forms of contaminants are generally considered toxic. Induced chemical precipitation of these metals can shift toxic metals from the aqueous phase to a solid, precipitated phase which is often less bioavailable. This can be achieved through the application of sequestering agents such as rock phosphates, organoclays, zeolites, clay minerals, and biopolymers (e.g., chitosan) in active caps. Active caps can stabilize contaminants in contaminated sediments, lower the bioavailable pool of contaminants, and reduce the release of contaminants to the water column thereby providing an economical and effective alternative to traditional treatments.
Detection of breast cancer using independent component analysis

Screening mammograms remain the best method to protect women from breast cancer. To increase the value of this modality and reduce the strain on the radiologists; automation of detection is a necessity. In this paper we investigate combining principal component analysis (PCA) with independent component analysis (ICA) to identify regions of suspicious (ROS) from digitized mammographic films. The experimental results show that this combination has an accuracy of 79% in detecting abnormalities and 71.2% accuracy in the case of diagnosing the abnormality as benign or malignant.
Copper-specific Transcriptional Repression of Yeast Genes Encoding Critical Components in the Copper Transport Pathway

Copper is an essential micronutrient that is toxic in excess. To maintain an adequate yet non-toxic concentration of copper, cells possess several modes of control. One involves copper uptake mediated by genes encoding proteins that play key roles in high affinity copper transport. These include the FRE1-encoded Cu2+/Fe3+ reductase and the CTR1 and CTR3-encoded membrane-associated copper transport proteins. Each of these genes is transcriptionally regulated as a function of copper availability: repressed when cells are grown in the presence of copper and highly activated during copper starvation. Our data demonstrate that repression of CTR3 transcription is exquisitely copper-sensitive and specific. Although copper represses CTR3 gene expression at picomolar metal concentrations, cadmium and mercury down-regulate CTR3 expression only at concentrations 3 orders magnitude greater. Furthermore, copper-starvation rapidly and potently induces CTR3 gene expression. We demonstrate that the CTR1, CTR3, and FRE1 genes involved in high affinity copper uptake share a common promoter element, TTTGCTC, which is necessary for both copper repression and copper-starvation activation of gene expression. Furthermore, the Mac1p is essential for down- or up-regulation of the copper-transport genes. In vivo footprinting studies reveal that the cis-acting element, termed CuRE (copper-response element), is occupied under copper-starvation and accessible to DNA modifying agents in response to copper repression, and that this regulated occupancy requires a functional MAC1 gene. Therefore, yeast cells coordinately express genes involved in high affinity copper transport through the action of a common signaling pathway.
If you've got an effect, test its significance; if you've got a weak effect, do a meta-analysis

Statistical significance testing has its problems, but so do the alternatives that are proposed; and the alternatives may be both more cumbersome and less informative. Significance tests remain legitimate aspects of the rhetoric of scientific persuasion.
Characterizing the Microstructure and Strengthening Mechanisms in Cryomilled Al 5083

Cryomilling is a method of producing nanostructured morphologies from a range of starting metals and alloys. This process substantially increases the strength of lightweight alloys. In this work, we characterize the microstructure of Al alloy 5083 following cryomilling, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), and extrusion. The yield strength of the cryomilled 5083 Al is approximately twice that of conventional wrought 5083 Al and the room temperature microhardness essentially is unchanged following annealing at temperatures that approach 0.8 Tm. Using complementary transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques such as energy filtered (EFTEM) and weak beam imaging we investigate the mechanisms responsible for the mechanical properties. A survey of the microstructure identifies several sources of strengthening. These include: submicron grain sizes in the as-extruded material, precipitates, and metal-oxide phases. Also, the Mg in the alloy is expected to contribute some solid solution strengthening. TEM images show that lattice dislocations frequently are pinned at the precipitate interfaces. Continued precipitation and grain boundary pinning by oxide particles at elevated temperatures may account for the persistence of hardness following annealing.
Prevention of Perinatal HIV Infection: What Do We Know? Where Should Future Research Go?

: Major progress has been made in reduction of perinatal HIV transmission in the United States and Europe following the PACTG 076 results using zidovudine (ZDV) for prevention of mother-to-infant HIV transmission. Internationally in the past two years, short-course antiretroviral trials have shown efficacy for both antenatal or intrapartum and postnatal interventions. Trials in Bankok, Thailand, and Cote d'Ivoire demonstrated that antenatal ZDV started at 36 weeks could reduce transmission by 50% among non-breastfeeding women and about 37% among breastfeeding women. Uganda trial results with one dose of nevirapine given to the mother at the onset of labor and to the newborn resulted in a 47% reduction in transmission when compared to a regimen of ZDV given intrapartum and for 1 week to the newborn. These recent international research findings provide evidence that both short-course antenatal/intrapartum and intrapartum/neonatal prophylaxis can effectively reduce perinatal HIV transmission in resource-poor settings. In order to avert the 1600 new infant HIV infections occurring daily, the world community must act to rapidly implement these international perinatal trial results.