cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethics, Moral Development, and Accountants-in-Training

This research investigates how ethical stages of development, locus of control, age, and gender separately and jointly affect ethical decision-making. Senior- and graduate-level university accounting students are used to examine the link between moral development and ethical responses. Four accounting-environment vignettes are used in the survey. Two of the vignettes are more closely linked to the Code of Professional Conduct; the other two vignettes describe ethical dilemmas that are less code-driven. The expectation is that moral development, as measured by the Defining Issues Test (DIT), will indicate a link to expected responses on the vignette items not specifically covered by the Code. Because an individual's locus of control (LOC) may also be expected to have an impact on ethical decision-making, a LOC variable is examined. Based on a review of the LOC and ethics studies, the expectation is that internal LOC respondents would respond more ethically. Much of the ethical research has also included an examination of gender and age differences. However, the results have indicated conflicting evidence. This research also examines the gender and age issues within the senior-graduate student accounting context. Results indicate that gender is insignificant in the analysis. The LOC variable is significant on one of the vignettes. Additionally, the DIT P score is significant in another of the vignette decisions. Possible reasons for the results are discussed.
Explicit Time Stepping Methods with High Stage Order and Monotonicity Properties

This paper introduces a three and a four order explicit time stepping method. These methods have high stage order and favorable monotonicity properties. The proposed methods are based on multistage-multistep (MM) schemes that belong to the broader class of general linear methods, which are generalizations of both Runge-Kutta and linear multistep methods. Methods with high stage order alleviate the order reduction occurring in explicit multistage methods due to non-homogeneous boundary/source terms. Furthermore, the MM schemes presented in this paper can be expressed as convex combinations of Euler steps. Consequently, they have the same monotonicity properties as the forward Euler method. This property makes these schemes well suited for problems with discontinuous solutions.
The Path Integral Approach to Financial Modeling and Options Pricing

In this paper we review some applications of the path integral methodology of quantum mechanics to financial modeling and options pricing. A path integral is defined as a limit of the sequence of finite-dimensional integrals, in a much the same way as the Riemannian integral is defined as a limit of the sequence of finite sums. The risk-neutral valuation formula for path-dependent options contingent upon multiple underlying assets admits an elegant representation in terms of path integrals (Feynman–Kac formula). The path integral representation of transition probability density (Green‘s function) explicitly satisfies the diffusion PDE. Gaussian path integrals admit a closed-form solution given by the Van Vleck formula. Analytical approximations are obtained by means of the semiclassical (moments) expansion. Difficult path integrals are computed by numerical procedures, such as Monte Carlo simulation or deterministic discretization schemes. Several examples of path-dependent options are treated to illustrate the theory (weighted Asian options, floating barrier options, and barrier options with ladder-like barriers).
On Using Twisted-Ring Counters for Test Set Embedding in BIST

We present a novel built-in self-test (BIST) architecture for high-performance circuits. The proposed approach is especially suitable for embedding precomputed test sets for core-based systems since it does not require a structural model of the circuit, either for fault simulation or for test generation. It utilizes a twisted-ring counter (TRC) for test-per-clock BIST and is appropriate for high-performance designs because it does not add any mapping logic to critical functional paths. Test patterns are generated on-chip by carefully reseeding the TRC. We show that a small number of seeds is adequate for generating test sequences that embed complete test sets for the ISCAS benchmark circuits. Instead of being stored on-chip, the seed patterns can also be scanned in using a low-cost, slower tester. The seeds can be viewed as an encoded version of the test set that is stored in tester memory. This requires almost 10X less memory than compacted test sets obtained from ATPG programs. This allows us to effectively combine high-quality BIST with external testing using slow testers. As the cost of high-speed testers increases, methodologies that facilitate testing using slow testers become especially important. The proposed approach is a step in that direction.
Shifts in mid- to late-Holocene anion composition in Elk Lake (Grant County, Minnesota): Comparison of diatom and ostracode inferences

Abstract The fossil diatom record from Elk Lake (Grant County, Minnesota) was used to reconstruct salinity and brine type between 2640 and 4645 14 C yr BP. This lake was selected for a brine-type reconstruction because a previous study using fossil-ostracode assemblages indicated a shift in anion composition during the mid-Holocene ( Smith et al., 1997 ). Salinity was reconstructed using a transfer function developed for the Northern Great Plains (NGP) of North America; the reconstruction revealed that salinity was higher (1.5–6.2 g l−1) between ∼4000 and 4645 14 C yr BP and dropped to 0.35–1.2 g l−1 after 4000 14 C yr BP. The anion composition of the system was investigated by passively plotting fossil diatom assemblages onto a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) biplot of the NGP modern samples to determine where core assemblages fell with respect to brine type. The biplot suggests that Elk Lake was mainly a bicarbonate system, but temporarily shifted to sulfate domination at 4080 14 C yr BP. Both the salinity and brine-type reconstructions essentially agree with results from Smith et al. (1997), but the diatom record provides less-definitive information on anion proportions as compared to anion concentrations. Because shifts in the relative abundances of anion-associated diatom taxa generally tracked the ostracode-inferred changes in brine type, we conclude that fossil diatom assemblages can reveal information on shifts in brine type over time and provide insight into brine evolution and groundwater behavior in a lake system.
Education and the Enclosure of Knowledge in the Global University

This article is based on a talk given by Silvia Federici at the University of Leeds in November 2007. In it the author addresses the crucial issue of how knowledge is being enclosed in the global university. Federici has decades of experience in universities systems spanning Africa, Europe and the USA and her experience of African universities has shown us how structural adjustment policies squeezed funding to African universities and restructured them in conformity with the interests of global business values. Federici points to two trends: the first is the growing commercialisation and corporatization of academic life, and in particular the penetration of business interests within the university, and the second is the development of educational institutions that are reshaping educational programs, in particular through the growth of standardised on-line courses taught in what David Noble has called “digital diploma mills”. Federici ends by looking at resistance on campus, drawing on the example of the Democratizing Education Network.
Identification of specific Y-chromosomes associated with increased prostate cancer risk

Background Evidence supports the possibility of a role of the Y chromosome in prostate cancer, but controversy exists.
Natural history of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review.

Background/Aims:There has been no systematic review of natural history studies of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We conducted a systematic review focused on understanding the long-term risks of growth failure, disease reclassification and extension, hospitalizations, cancer and de
BPR: Hype or Reality?

Examines the latest management fad, business process re‐engineering (BPR). Argues that while little is really new, the need for organizations to embrace process improvement is high. Discusses some key success factors for organizations taking the BPR route.
An approach to reliable parallel data processing

Abstract : Modern acquisition techniques produce high volume data sets that must be processed not only very quickly, but also reliably. The computational speed requirements can be achieved only through the use of either faster processing algorithms, or computational components with improved performance, or parallelism. The likelihood of further major advances in regard to the first two options is small. Therefore, the only realistic means for achieving high throughput is the use of parallelism.
Rapid catalytic template searching as an enzyme function prediction procedure.

We present an enzyme protein function identification algorithm, Catalytic Site Identification (CatSId), based on identification of catalytic residues. The method is optimized for highly accurate template identification across a diverse template library and is also very efficient in regards to time and scalability of comparisons. The algorithm matches three-dimensional residue arrangements in a query protein to a library of manually annotated, catalytic residues – The Catalytic Site Atlas (CSA). Two main processes are involved. The first process is a rapid protein-to-template matching algorithm that scales quadratically with target protein size and linearly with template size. The second process incorporates a number of physical descriptors, including binding site predictions, in a logistic scoring procedure to re-score matches found in Process 1. This approach shows very good performance overall, with a Receiver-Operator-Characteristic Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.971 for the training set evaluated. The procedure is able to process cofactors, ions, nonstandard residues, and point substitutions for residues and ions in a robust and integrated fashion. Sites with only two critical (catalytic) residues are challenging cases, resulting in AUCs of 0.9411 and 0.5413 for the training and test sets, respectively. The remaining sites show excellent performance with AUCs greater than 0.90 for both the training and test data on templates of size greater than two critical (catalytic) residues. The procedure has considerable promise for larger scale searches.
Morphological Origin of the Multistep Relaxation Behavior in Semicrystalline Ethylene/Methacrylic Acid Ionomers

Ethylene/methacrylic acid (E/MAA) ionomers contain polyethylene crystallites, amorphous polymer segments, and ionic aggregates. While the property changes observed upon neutralization of the MAA units are often attributed to the formation of ionic aggregates, no quantitative description currently exists for how these three structural motifsalone or in combinationcontrol any of these material properties. In this paper, we define such relationships for perhaps the most basic mechanical property of interest: the small-strain modulus. At temperatures just below the melting point of the primary crystallites, the ionomers can be satisfactorily described as two-phase composites of crystallites and ionically cross-linked rubber; however, at room temperature, the modulus is far higher than such a description predicts. We trace this effect to a synergy between the ionic aggregates and secondary crystallites, which together form percolated rigid pathways through the amorphous phase at room temperature. When the sec...
Localization of acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in the rat pituitary gland

Experiments were conducted to determine the presence of two cholinergic biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the rat pituitary. A histochemical procedure for AChE was used to provide visualization of structures containing this enzyme. Radiochemical methods provided a sensitive assay for measuring ChAT activity. Nerve fibres staining for AChE activity were observed in the neurointermediate lobe, with the greatest concentrations appearing at the junction region with the pituitary stalk. Cells staining for AChE were found in the pars distalis and pars intermedia. ChAT activity correlated well with AChE distribution in pars nervosa and pars intermedia but not in pars distalis. The greatest levels of ChAT activity were in pars intermedia and the region where the stalk joins the pituitary. Significant values were also found for the pars nervosa. The presence of AChE and ChAT in pars intermedia and pars nervosa is evidence for a cholinergic innervation to these regions. In pars distalis, where other investigators have found muscarinic receptors, intense staining for AChE and absence of ChAT activity may indicate non-innervated, acetylcholine-sensitive sites.
An experimental analysis of interlamellar tight junctions in amphibian and mammalian C.N.S. myelin.

The distribution of interlamellar tight junctions was examined in myelin sheaths ofXenopus tadpole optic nerve and rabbit epiretinal tissue fixed with aldehydes, postfixed with osmium ferrocyanide and embedded in a water-soluble medium, Durcupan. Intramyelinic zonulae occludentes were clearly formed by fusion of adjacent intraperipd lines which corresponded to the external leaflets of oligodendrocytes. These occurred in register with other tight junctions present within successive lamellae and appeared as a series of radial lines extending either partially or totally across the thickness of the myelin sheath. This distribution of zonulae occludentes corresponded with that of tight junctional particle strands observed in freeze-fracture replicas. Analysis of intramyelinic vacuolation induced by hexachlorophene (HCP) intoxication indicated that lamellar splitting was frequently limited by the tight junctions. The intramyelinic zonulae occludentes also restricted the diffusion of colloidal lanthanum which had penetrated the myelin intraperiod gap followingin vivo perineural injection. The results of this study provide evidence favouring a correspondence between interlamellar tight junctions and the ‘radial component’ of myelin described earlier by other investigators. Furthermore, observations of swollen myelin sheaths, resulting from HCP intoxication, suggest that these junctions may play a major role in maintaining myelin sheath integrity and limiting the extent of breakdown during certain pathological conditions.
Radiation Damage in ZnO Single Crystals

The radiation and additive coloration of Li-doped and "pure" ZnO crystals have been investigated. The radiation coloration is enhanced by the presence of Li impurity when the radiation temperature is in the range 80-330\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, but the additive coloration is suppressed in Li-doped specimens. The defect production rate, as measured by the increased optical absorption of the samples, is a linear function of electron irradiation intensity and decreases with irradiation energy. The energy dependence of the electron coloration suggests that the defect giving rise to the coloration is produced by the displacement of zinc ions. For a given dose of radiation, fast neutrons (g1 MeV) produce about 30 times as many defects as do energetic electrons. In irradiated crystals the coloration anneals out around 250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, whereas in additive colored samples the annealing-out temperature is about 900\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ irradiation during and after annealing indicates that in both cases annealing is complete and not due only to the loss of electrons or holes from the defect center. It is concluded from the study that radiation damage in ZnO occurs primarily as a result of elastic collisions, and that the photochemical processes prevalent in alkali halides contribute very little, if any, to the damage.
Perspective: Iconoclasm And Physician Workforce Research

S peciation or biological diversity has been held by Charles Darwin and his scientific followers to be the hallmark of evolutionary strength.Many species make formany genes, infinite evolutionary possibilities, and good insurance against the vicissitudes of the environment. The same is not usually said about biological science itself, which relies on reductionist principles, replication of findings, and standardization of concepts to enunciate scientific truths. What are we to think, then, of the papers by Gary Hart and colleagues and by Kevin Grumbach and colleagues that depart smartly from previously established positions in the catechism of physician workforce policy? Is this evidence of a field robust in the diversity of its ideas or one hobbled by the frailty of its science? There is something to be said for both interpretations. Hart and colleagues make the cogent case that a careful count of all physicians providing services under the aegis of two well-established staff-model healthmaintenance organizations (HMOs) produces a physician-topopulation ratio of 180 per 100,000 patients— a figure far higher than previous analyses and extrapolations have produced for other HMOs. This issue is of more than academic interest, of course, because the recent rapid increase in the percentage of Americans cared for in one or another form ofmanaged care has made the physician needs of these organizations central to the debate about the number of physicians we should be training. A number of studies reporting HMO staffing in the range of 120–150 physicians per 100,000 patients have added heft to the argument that we are on the way to a major physician surplus. The Hart figure of 180 is right at our current national practicing physician-topopulation ratio and is almost 50 percent higher than the previously reported HMO staffing requirements.What is going on here? There can be little argument that Hart and colleagues exercised a high level of specificity and thoroughness in their examination of the two HMOs, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound in Seattle andGroupHealth, Inc. (GHI) of HealthPartners in the Minneapolis area. They were vigilant in their efforts to count not only staff physicians in the HMOs but also all contract and consulting physicians. The authors identified and deleted administrative time and analyzed the impact of the demographics of the plans’ members as well as their out-of-plan use. No doctor stones were left unturned, and the result was the surprisingly high physician-to-population ratio reported. Does this mean that the previous studies were insufficiently thorough, or is the Hart team studying a different species? n An atypical model. The Hart team has established a gold standard in methodological thoroughness, but they have done it with a peculiar and increasingly rare species: the staff-model HMO. Many features of staff-
Measurement of Interferometric Secondary Wavelength Standards in the Near Infrared

High-precision absolute interferometric wavelength determinations in the lead sulfide region of the infrared are reported. Very thin silver films were used to coat the etalon plates. In this way sufficiently high reflectivity in the visible region for high precision measurements without prohibitively high absorption in the infrared was obtained. In addition the correction due to phase penetration in these films is relatively small. The “Stadia Method,” which was used for all measurements, made it possible to achieve a precision in wavelength measurements using energy integrating detectors comparable to that which may be obtained photographically in the visible using high-reflectivity films. In addition a technique was developed which made it possible to measure absorption lines interferometrically relative to an emission line.Three infrared wavelengths of mercury-198 were measured in emission and the wavelengths of P(16), P(10), P(1), R(7), R(14), and R(17) of the 002 band of HCN were measured in absorption relative to mercury-198 λ5460 A. The band origin ν0 of the 002 band was determined from these measurements using values of B′ and B″ previously reported from measurements on lines of high J number. The band constants were then recomputed using the new value of ν0. Final results are:Hg198 λ10 140 A9859.4342±0.002 cm−1Hg198 λ13 570 A7366.866±0.005 cm−1Hg198 λ15 295 A6535.8855±0.002 cm−1002 band of HCN ν0=6519.6148±0.003 cm-1B′=1.457063B″=1.478225.
The incorporation of ambipolar diffusion in deformation mechanism maps for ceramics

Ambipolar diffusion gives rise to four distinct types of diffusion creep in ceramic materials, depending on whether the processes of lattice and grain-boundary diffusion creep are controlled by the anions or cations, respectively. These four processes are incorporated in a deformation mechanism map for diffusion creep in pure Al2O3, using a new form of map which is independent of the selected stress level. This map may be used to determine the rate-controlling mechanism for diffusion creep under any selected experimental conditions. By superimposing dislocation creep on to the map, it is possible to estimate the highest permissible stress and the lowest feasible temperature for experimental observation of any of the diffusion creep processes.
Formation of the equatorial thermosphere anomaly trough: Local time and solar cycle variations

This paper evaluates the formation and behavior of the equatorial thermosphere anomaly (ETA) trough in neutral temperature and mass density using the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere-ionosphere electrodynamics general circulation model under quiet geomagnetic activity and March equinox conditions. The driving mechanism for the generation of the ETA trough in the model is field-aligned ion drag. In our simulations, during the daytime, field-aligned ion drag on the north-south flanks of the magnetic equator causes a divergence in meridional winds, leading to an upward change in vertical winds, adiabatic cooling, and a reduction in neutral temperature of about 30 K over the magnetic equator near 400 km. This response closely links ETA behavior to variations in the equatorial ionosphere anomaly (EIA) associated with local time and solar cycle. As the EIA begins to disappear in the evening, the processes in the ETA mechanism recede, causing the ETA trough to subside. The ETA trough is not completely eliminated until about after 23:00 LT. In our simulations, the trough becomes more prominent as the solar cycle progresses from low (F10.7=80) to high (F10.7=180), in agreement with observations. The neutral-ion collision frequency (proportional to variations in electron density) controls ETA day-to-night and solar cycle variations, while plasma scale height and gradients in electron number density and plasma temperature produce a secondary structure in ETA local time behavior that varies with solar cycle levels.
Unique file identification in the National Software Reference Library

The National Software Reference Library (NSRL) provides a repository of known software, file profiles, and file signatures for use by law enforcement and other organizations involved with computer forensic investigations. During a forensic investigation, hundreds of thousands of files may be encountered. The NSRL is used to identify known files. This can reduce the amount of time spent examining a computer. Matches for common operating systems and applications do not need to be searched, either manually or electronically, for evidence. Additionally, the NSRL is used to determine which software applications are present on a system. This may suggest how the computer was being used and provide information on how and where to search for evidence. This paper examines whether the techniques used to create file signatures in the NSRL produce unique results-a core characteristic that the NSRL depends on for the majority of its uses. The uniqueness of the file identification is analyzed via two methods: an empirical analysis of the file signatures within the NSRL and research into the recent attacks on the hash algorithms used to generate the file signatures within the NSRL.
Relaxin Stimulates Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Secretion from the Extraplacental Chorionic Cytotrophoblast

In the absence of infection, decidual relaxin (RLN) expression is increased in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) resulting in preterm birth, but it is not known whether inflammation stimulates RLN expression or vice versa. This study examined the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of RLN mRNA and secreted protein and whether RLN treatment influences secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from the fetal membranes. Explants of human fetal membranes in vitro and rhesus monkey fetal membranes in vivo were treated with LPS, which increased expression of IL-6 but had no effect on RLN. RLN treatment stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion from choriodecidual explants in a subset of patients, as well as from isolated chorionic cytotrophoblast cells but not decidual cells. In vivo results obtained in rhesus monkeys after intra-amniotic infusion of RLN demonstrated increased IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in amniotic fluid. Our results indicate that increased decidual RLN expression is independent of LPS but may induce a local sterile inflammatory process which potentially contributes to extracellular matrix degradation and weakening of the fetal membranes.
Defect theory: elusive state-of-the-art

Abstract Defects play essential roles in many materials, especially semiconductors. Today’s most advanced electronics involve defect engineering at the atomic level. The need to control the behavior of nearly every atom in the active area of a device implies a high degree of understanding of how defects behave and interact in a host crystal. This is achieved by a combination of microscopic experimental and theoretical methods. The theory of defects in silicon has evolved tremendously in the past half century and has become quantitative in many respects. This review gives an overview of the evolution of theory and a discussion of ongoing developments. Abraham Lincoln once said, “It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” His wit and wisdom apply equally well to defects in materials. By ‘defect’, I mean a native defect or an impurity. The words ‘defect’ and ‘impurity’ have an intrinsically negative connotation, but defects are often desirable. They affect or even control the optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of materials 1 . The color of diamond is determined by N or B impurities. Its thermal conductivity depends strongly upon its isotopic purity 2 , 3 . Less than 1% of C transforms Fe into hard steel. As for semiconductors, virtually all their electrical and optical properties are determined by the type and concentration of defects they contain. The story of Si (and other semiconductors) is the story of defect control and defect engineering. Defects are not annoying details that must be eliminated. Instead, some are critically useful, while others render a device inoperable 4 . Defect-free Si is pretty and shiny, but useless until the right defect is made to behave in the right way at the right place.
Tubular Transport by Human Kidney stored at 4°C

PRESERVATION of kidney tissue for transplantation involves the problems of preserving vascular integrity and glomerular filtration and the maintenance of renal tubular cell function. Current investigations have focused chiefly on the methods of hypothermic kidney storage which on subsequent transplantation achieve the best survival of function1–3. Cellular biochemical functions of stored renal tissue have not been extensively studied. Because of the importance of specific membrane processes in renal function we have examined the intrinsic transport properties of renal tubular cells in a simplified system—that of stored renal cortical slices in oxygenated buffer. We have used the system to examine the in vitro accumulation at 37° C of amino-acids and sugars by human renal cortical slices maintained at 4° C for up to 168 h.
Remnant of stripe order.

At a phenomenological level, the superconducting phase of the cuprate high Tc phase diagram shown in Fig. 1A can be characterized as a BCS (named for three theorists: Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer) superconductor with a d-wave gap. However, a suitable phenomenological description of the so-called “pseudogap” region indicated by the yellow shaded region in Fig. 1A has been missing. This region is characterized by the absence of low-energy single-particle states with momenta near the part of the Fermi surface, where a maximum d-wave gap opens in the superconducting phase, leading to it being called the pseudogap region. A variety of experiments show evidence of short-range unidirectional charge and in some cases spin order in this region. However, there remained questions of whether the boundary shown as the black T* curve in Fig. 1A marks a cross-over or an actual phase transition, and if the latter, what characterizes the pseudogap phase. In PNAS, Nie et al. (1) discuss a phenomenological Landau–Ginzburg–Wilson theory of an incommensurate unidirectional charge density wave (stripes) in the presence of weak quenched disorder. The authors find that although long-range stripe order, schematically illustrated in Fig. 1B, is destroyed by the disorder, a remnant nematic order, shown in Fig. 1C, can survive. As Nie et al. discuss, this theory provides a framework for interpreting a number of experiments, as well as the basis for experimental protocols that can provide further tests for nematic order.
Live-Load Distribution Factors for Prestressed Concrete, Spread Box-Girder Bridge

This study presents an evaluation of shear and moment live-load distribution factors for a new, prestressed concrete, spread box-girder bridge. The shear and moment distribution factors were measured under a live-load test using embedded fiber-optic sensors and used to verify a finite element model. The model was then loaded with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO) design truck. The resulting maximum girder distribution factors were compared to those calculated from both the AASHTO standard specifications and the AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications. The LRFD specifications predictions of girder distribution factors were accurate to conservative when compared to the finite element model for all distribution factors. The standard specifications predictions of girder distribution factors ranged from highly unconservative to highly conservative when compared to the finite element model. For the study bridge, the LRFD specifications would result in a safe design, though exterior girders would be overdesigned. The standard Specifications, however, would result in an unsafe design for interior girders and overdesigned exterior girders.
The cancer cell's "power plants" as promising therapeutic targets: an overview.

This introductory article to the review series entitled “The Cancer Cell’s Power Plants as Promising Therapeutic Targets” is written while more than 20 million people suffer from cancer. It summarizes strategies to destroy or prevent cancers by targeting their energy production factories, i.e., “power plants.” All nucleated animal/human cells have two types of power plants, i.e., systems that make the “high energy” compound ATP from ADP and P i . One type is “glycolysis,” the other the “mitochondria.” In contrast to most normal cells where the mitochondria are the major ATP producers (>90%) in fueling growth, human cancers detected via Positron Emission Tomography (PET) rely on both types of power plants. In such cancers, glycolysis may contribute nearly half the ATP even in the presence of oxygen (“Warburg effect”). Based solely on cell energetics, this presents a challenge to identify curative agents that destroy only cancer cells as they must destroy both of their power plants causing “necrotic cell death” and leave normal cells alone. One such agent, 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), a lactic acid analog, has been shown to inhibit both glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP production in rapidly growing cancers (Ko et al., Cancer Letts., 173, 83–91, 2001), leave normal cells alone, and eradicate advanced cancers (19 of 19) in a rodent model (Ko et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 324, 269–275, 2004). A second approach is to induce only cancer cells to undergo “apoptotic cell death.” Here, mitochondria release cell death inducing factors (e.g., cytochrome c). In a third approach, cancer cells are induced to die by both apoptotic and necrotic events. In summary, much effort is being focused on identifying agents that induce “necrotic,” “apoptotic” or apoptotic plus necrotic cell death only in cancer cells. Regardless how death is inflicted, every cancer cell must die, be it fast or slow.
Pressure-geometry scaling for chemical laser performance

The use of pressure-geometry scaling allows a tradeoff to be made between power flux and lasing mode length in chemical lasers, while the desired specific power is maintained. This significantly simplifies experimental and theoretical performance evaluation tasks, by reducing a three-parameter family of variables to a two-parameter one. The scaling analysis is conducted through the application of the flowfield aerokinetics-radiation conservation equations and constitutive relations; the results obtained are then verified by means of the numerical solution of the governing equations. 5 references.
Low-frequency noise of ion-implanted double-drift IMPATT diodes

The low-frequency open circuit noise spectral density S(f) of an ion-implanted 60-GHz double-drift-region IMPATT diode was measured as a function of the dc avalanche current I 0 . Over an intermediate current range the noise follows an S(f)=a2V B0 2/I 0 relationship where V B0 is the reverse breakdown voltage and a2≃4.5 × 10-20A/Hz.
Giant basal cell carcinoma (T3): Who is at risk?

Background. Giant basal cell carcinomas can cause extensive local invasion and disfigurement. This study determines in whom giant basal cell carcinomas develop. Methods. Fifty patients with giant basal cell carcinomas (over 5 cm, T3) were compared with other groups of patients with small (< 2 cm, T1) or intermediate-sized (2–5 cm, T2) basal cell carcinomas. The patients were treated at the Mayo Clinic between August 1986 and December 1990. Results. Characteristics that were more common in giant basal cell carcinomas than in smaller lesions were duration, patient neglect, recurrence after previous treatment, aggressive histologic pattern, and history of radiation exposure. Conclusions. Patients who have a basal cell carcinoma with an aggressive histologic subtype, a recurrence after previous treatment, a history of radiation exposure, or a history of neglect are at risk for giant basal cell carcinoma.
Improving turnover in public child welfare: Outcomes from an organizational intervention

Abstract This study examines the effects of an organizational intervention on intention to leave child welfare. Using a non-equivalent comparison group design, twelve child welfare agencies participated in either the Design Team intervention condition or a comparison condition. Organizational factors and intention to leave were assessed pre and post intervention. Findings from GLM Repeated Measures indicate significant group by wave interactions for three of the six organizational variables (professional resources, commitment, and burnout) and intention to leave. All of these interactions showed a greater positive improvement for the DT group than the comparison group. Structural equation modeling demonstrates good model fit with significant pathways leading from the intervention through intervening organizational variables to intention to leave. Intervening at the organizational level can help child welfare agencies improve organizational shortcomings, while also decreasing intention to leave. Evidence suggests that by improving organizational factors affecting the workforce, service quality will improve.
Structure-activity relationships for organotin compounds

The LC50 concentrations of a series of 15 structurally distinct diorganotins (R2SnX2) and triorganotins (R3SnX) were determined for zoeae of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii. Zoeae were exposed from hatching until metamorphosis, at ˜14 d. The LC50 values varied by almost 4 orders of magnitude, from the least toxic aquated species, dimethyltin (LC50 = 92,276 nM) to the most toxic, tricyclohexyltin (LC50 = 19.8 nM). Within a homologous series, the diorganotin was less toxic than the corresponding triorganotin, but the toxicity of the two classes overlapped, e.g., dicyclohexyltin was more toxic than trimethyltin and about as toxic as triethyltin. Correlations between the Hansch π parameter and the LC50, and between total surface area and the LC50, suggest that aqueous thermodynamic activity (hydrophobicity), a function of the organic ligand attached to tin, controls bioconcentration and thus the lethal dose. This conclusion is substantiated by the observation of a single linear relationship between a sum of Hansch fragment constants and the LC50 values for both the di- and triorganotins. The difference in toxicity between di- and trialkyltins results from a decrease in hydrophobic character when a hydroxyl group is substituted for an organic ligand in the former. Any electronic effect of the organic ligand is overwhelmed by the factors that control hydrophobic behavior, as evidenced by the observed poor correlations with χ.
Cellular and genetic control of antibody responses in vitro. I. Cellular requirements for the generation of genetically controlled primary IgM responses to soluble antigens.

Thrinitropheny1 (TNP)-specific primary IgM plaque-forming cell responses were generated in vitro by unprimed spleen cells to the soluble antigens TNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin, trinitrophenylated poly-L(Tyr-Glu)-poly-D,L-Ala–poly-L-Lys[T,G)-A–L] and poly-L(His,Glu)-poly-D,L-Ala–poly-L-Lys[(H,G)-A–L].The T cell dependence of these primary lgm responses was esablished by (a) abrogation of responses after pretreatment of cells with a T cell-specific rabbit anti-mouse brain serum (RaMB)and C-treated spleen cells (B cells); and (c) absence of significant responses by spleen cells from congenic nude mice. A requirement for macrophages in these same antibody responses was also demonstrated:(a) responses were abrogated or strongly diminished in spleen cell populations depleted of macrophages by passage over Sephadex G-10 columns; and (b) these responses were fully reconstituted by the addition of small numbers of adherent, radioresistant, anti-Thy-1.2-treated spleen cells (macrophages) to the Sephadex G-10-depleted populations. In addition, H-2-linked Ir gene control has been demonstrated for the primary IgM responses to TNP conjugates of (T,G)-A–L and (H,G)-A–L. A system has thus been characterized which permits in vitro analysis of the cellular and genetic requirements involved in primary IgM responses to soluble antigens, including those under Ir gene control.
Osteopontin: An intrinsic inhibitor of inflammation in cartilage

Objective To identify extracellular and intraarticular matrix components that are differentially expressed in normal and osteoarthritis (OA)–affected cartilage and to investigate their functions with respect to regulation of mediators of inflammation. Methods Differential-display reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of a pool of messenger RNA (mRNA) from 10 human OA cartilage samples and 5 normal cartilage samples was performed using arbitrary primers. Confirmatory analysis of the up-regulated transcripts of fibronectin (FN) and osteopontin (OPN) was performed by RT-PCR of individual RNA samples from a separate set of donors. The effect of recombinant OPN (or anti-OPN antiserum) on chondrocyte function was examined by analyzing the spontaneous or interleukin-1 (IL-1)–induced release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from human OA-affected cartilage under ex vivo conditions. Results Up-regulation (300–700%) of FN and OPN mRNA was observed in human OA-affected cartilage as compared with normal cartilage. Functional analysis of the role of OPN in OA cartilage showed that 1) Addition of 1 μg/ml (20 nM) of recombinant OPN to human OA-affected cartilage under ex vivo conditions inhibited spontaneous and IL-1β–induced NO and PGE2 production, and 2) neutralization of intraarticular OPN with anti-OPN antiserum augmented NO production. Conclusion The data indicate that one of the functions of intraarticular OPN, which is overexpressed in OA cartilage, is to act as an innate inhibitor of IL-1, NO, and PGE2 production. These findings suggest that the production of pleiotropic mediators of inflammation that influence cartilage homeostasis, such as NO and PGE2, is regulated by the interaction of chondrocytes with differentially expressed proteins within the extracellular matrix.
Interlaminar shear fracture of interleaved graphite/epoxy composites

Abstract Interlaminar shear fracture (Mode II) of interleaved composites has been experimentally examined by means of interleaved end-notched flexure specimens and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Thermoplastic and thermoset interleaves sandwiched between graphite/epoxy composite plies were investigated over a wide range of film thicknesses. The fracture process was initiated by the nucleation of microcracks ahead of the crack tip and continued with coalescence of microcracks that finally resulted in unstable fracture. Both types of interleaves enhanced the interlaminar fracture toughness to a great extent, although thermoplastic interleaves were more effective than the thermoset interleaves because of the larger energy-absorbing capability of the thermoplastic polymer. The fracture toughness increased steeply with film thickness at small interleaf thicknesses and leveled off to a relatively constant value at larger film thicknesses. Cohesive failures, microcracking, and plastic deformation in the thermoset interleaf were observed in an optical microscope. The thermoplastic interleaves displayed adhesive failures, a limited degree of microcracking, and material yield.
Studies on the treatment of molluscan schistosomiasis mansoni with antibiotics, non-antibiotic metabolic inhibitors, molluscicides and anti-schistosomal agents☆

Abstract 50% of 16 antibiotics, non-antibiotic metabolic inhibitors, molluscicides and antischistosomal agents suppressed molluscan schistosomiasis mansoni. In addition to chloramphenicol which had previously been shown to do so, 3 other antibiotic inhibitors of protein synthesis also suppressed the disease (puromycin, erythromycin and streptomycin) as did both non-antibiotic metabolic inhibitors (6 mercaptopurine and methotrexate) and all 3 antischistosomal agents (antimony potassium tartrate, stibophen and lucanthone hydrochloride). Methotrexate was the first drug found to eradicate the infection rather than merely suppress it, and lucanthone hydrochloride is the most potent drug thus far discovered. In addition to suppression of the disease at 0·4 ppm, it completely prevents snail growth and egg laying at a concentration of 0·3 ppm.
d-electron frustration and the large fcc versus hcp binding preference in O adsorption on Pt(111)

First-principles calculations show that at saturation on Pt(111) terraces, O adatoms favor {open_quotes}fcc{close_quotes} over {open_quotes}hcp{close_quotes} sites by roughly 0.5 eV. This preference is a consequence of d-electron depletion between first- and second-neighbor Pt atoms in the fcc binding geometry, which does not occur in the hcp case. The source of the different d-electron distributions is the electrostatic requirement that the d hole on each Pt atom adjacent to an O lie along the line connecting the two. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Passionate thought: Computation, thought and action in Hobbes

According to a computational view of mind, thinking is identified with the manipulation of internal mental representations and intelligent behavior is the output of these computations. Although Thomas Hobbes's philosophy of mind is taken by many to be a precursor of this brand of cognitivism, this is not the case. For Hobbes, not all thinking is the manipulation of language-like symbols, and intelligent behavior is partly constitutive of cognition. Cognition requires a 'passionate thought', and this Hobbsian synthesis of inner thought and outer behavior suggests a resolution to the contemporary conflict between cognitive theories of mind that make KNOWING THAT primary and pragmatic theories that make KNOWING HOW primary.
Orchestrating Semiotic Resources in Explicit Strategy Instruction.

Research and pedagogical information provided to teachers on implementing explicit strategy instruction has primarily focused on teachers’ speech, with limited attention to other modes of communication, such as gesture and artefacts. This interpretive case study investigates two teachers’ use of different semiotic resources when introducing second-grade readers to specific reading strategies. We analysed two teachers’ use of speech, gesture and artefacts in their introductory explanation of the declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge necessary to be strategic readers. The importance of this article lies in reconciling the narrow focus on what teachers say during explicit strategy instruction with the repertoire of semiotic resources that the teachers actually use to enact multimodal communication during their explanation of the strategy.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme in renal and cerebral tissue and implications for successful blood pressure management.

Abstract In addition to the classic circulating renin—angiotensin system, increasing evidence supports the existence of local tissue renin—angiotensin systems (vascular, cardiac, kidney, and brain) that appear to participate in cardiovascular homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders via multiple autocrine and paracrine functions. Components of local systems have been detected in cardiovascular tissues. Studies with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors provide further evidence of the existence and importance of tissue renin—angiotensin systems. The blood pressure-lowering effect of quinapril, for example, correlated better with inhibition of tissue ACE (aorta) than with inhibition of plasma ACE. The effects of ACE inhibitors on local tissue renin—angiotensin systems (vascular in particular) may be the crucial determinant of response to treatment. Newer ACE inhibitors, such as quinapril, have favorable side effect profiles as well as apparent tissue specificity for the vascular renin—angiotensin system (and possibly other relevant cardiovascular tissue). Differentiation among ACE inhibitors should play an even more important role in the future for individualization of therapy.