cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphine induced cyclopentadienyl ring slippage catalyzes CO insertion into a methyl rhenium compound to produce an acetyl rhenium compound

Abstract The carbonylation of (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Re(NO)(PMe 3 )(CH 3 ) ( 1 ) to form (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Re(NO)-(PMe 3 )(COCH 3 ) ( 4 ) under 4.95 atm CO at 90°C is accelerated by a factor of > 25 in the presence of 0.28 M PMe 3 . Kinetic studies established a third order rate law: Rate = k 3 [ 1 ] [PMe 3 ][ p (CO)] where k 3 = (7.52±0.36) × 10 −5 M −1 atm −1 s −1 at 90°C. Kinetic and phosphine exchange studies are in agreement with a mechanism initiated by phosphine induced ring slippage.
Asymptotic coefficients of hermite function series

Abstract By using complex variable methods (steepest descent and residues) to asymptotically evaluate the coefficient integrals, the numerical analysis of Hermite function series is discussed. There are striking similarities and differences with the author's earlier work on Chebyshev polynomial methods (J. Comp. Phys.45 (1982), 45–49) for infinite or semi-infinite domains. Like Chebyshev series, the Hermite coefficients are asymptotically given by the sum of two types of terms: (i) stationary point (steepest descent) contributions and (ii) residues at the poles of f(z), the function being expanded as a Hermite series. The stationary point term is determined solely by the asymptotic behavior of f(z), i.e., how rapidly f(z) decays as z → ∞ along the real axis. Unlike Chebyshev series, however, it is necessary to perform a separate analysis for functions which decay faster or slower than the Gaussian function exp[-Az2]. Singular functions, too, fall into two categories. Those that decay rapidly with z have asymptotic Hermite coefficients which are dominated by the singularity, but functions which decay as slowly as sech(z) or slower have Hermite coefficients dominated by the stationary point terms, and the singularity is irrelevant. The end product of the analysis is the same as in the earlier work: simple, explicit formulas to optimize the efficiency of Hermite methods and estimate a priori how many degrees of freedom are needed, provided one knowns at least crudely: (i) the asymptotic behavior of f(z) and (ii) its singularity nearest the real axis. Rather surprisingly, one finds Hermite functions superior to Chebyshev polynomials for some classes of functions when the computational domain is infinite.
Electrical and optical studies of GaMnAs/GaAs(0 0 1) thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract GaMnAs/GaAs films were grown via molecular beam epitaxy using both low and high substrate temperatures. The films were investigated using Hall effect and photoluminescence (PL) measurements from 8 to 300 K. The carrier concentrations in the samples grown at a low substrate temperature are greater than those in the samples grown at a high substrate temperature. The PL spectra show a GaAs exciton peak, a peak involving a carbon acceptor, a substitutional Mn acceptor-related peak and an optical phonon-related peak.
Effects of actinomycin D and puromycin on induction of gulonolactone hydrolase by somatotrophic hormone.

Abstract Daily administration of somatotrophic hormone (STH) to hypophysectomized rats resulted in an abrupt and significant increase in gulonolactone hydrolase activity within a single 24-hour period between the second and third day. Actinomycin D given simultaneously with STH for 5 days failed to inhibit induction of enzymic activity, but puromycin given on the third day of three daily injections of STH effectively blocked induction. It is suggested that STH may act at the level of translation (synthesis of enzyme protein) rather than at the level of transcription (synthesis of RNA).
Synthesis and Characterization of DNA Minor Groove Binding Alkylating Agents

Derivatives of methyl 3-(1-methyl-5-(1-methyl-5-(propylcarbamoyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-ylcarbamoyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-ylamino)-3-oxopropane-1-sulfonate (1), a peptide-based DNA minor groove binding methylating agent, were synthesized and characterized. In all cases, the N-terminus was appended with an O-methyl sulfonate ester, while the C-terminus group was varied with nonpolar and polar side chains. In addition, the number of pyrrole rings was varied from 2 (dipeptide) to 3 (tripeptide). The ability of the different analogues to efficiently generate N3-methyladenine was demonstrated as was their selectivity for minor groove (N3-methyladenine) versus major groove (N7-methylguanine) methylation. Induced circular dichroism studies were used to measure the DNA equilibrium binding properties of the stable sulfone analogues; the tripeptide binds with affinity that is >10-fold higher than that of the dipeptide. The toxicities of the compounds were evaluated in alkA/tag glycosylase mutant E. coli and in human WT glioma cells and in cells overexpressing and under-expressing N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase, which excises N3-methyladenine from DNA. The results show that equilibrium binding correlates with the levels of N3-methyladenine produced and cellular toxicity. The toxicity of 1 was inversely related to the expression of MPG in both the bacterial and mammalian cell lines. The enhanced toxicity parallels the reduced activation of PARP and the diminished rate of formation of aldehyde reactive sites observed in the MPG knockdown cells. It is proposed that unrepaired N3-methyladenine is toxic due to its ability to directly block DNA polymerization.
Rogue Trader: How I Brought Down Barings Bank and Shook the Financial World

The article reviews the book “Rogue Trader: How I Brought Down Barings Bank and Shook the Financial World,” by Nick Leeson.
Unauthorized Immigration, Securitization and the Making of Operation Wetback

This paper integrates Agamben's concept of “bare life” with the Copenhagen School's concept of “securitization” to develop a framework for analyzing the elevation of immigration out of the realm of ordinary politics and into the realm of security during the 1950s. I argue that immigrants’ extreme invisibility in daily life and visibility in security-obsessed media venues made them an easy outlet for fears about subversive activity. The success with which state and civil society actors deployed securitizing rhetoric constituted a key precondition for the implementation of Operation Wetback. This paper emphasizes the role of unions and Hispanic civic organizations in legitimating this rhetoric. In the concluding section, current developments brought about by the “War on Terror” are compared with those that took place during the years preceding Operation Wetback.
Kinetics of Methylene Blue Reduction by Ascorbic Acid

The redox reactions of methylene blue (MB+) often occur on a time scale of a few seconds to minutes. They may be followed visually for qualitative interpretations and spectrophotometrically for quantitative determinations. The experimental simplicity of MB+ reaction systems has also occasionally led to erroneous conclusions based upon oversimplified data treatment and assumptions. This paper compares spectrophotometric studies of MB+ reduction by ascorbic acid at low pH with previous conclusions based upon visual determinations of color loss. Spectrophotometric studies of the temporal decay of MB+ absorbance at 665 nm show that the reaction is first order in MB+, ascorbic acid, and HCl. A slower reaction occurs with only MB+ and ascorbic acid present. Regeneration of MB+ color by reaction with dissolved oxygen, the "blue bottle" reaction, is particularly significant when the reaction with ascorbic acid is slow. Methylene blue chemistry continues to provide a wealth of examples suitable for undergraduate k...
Stochastic electrodynamics. III. Statistics of the perturbed harmonic oscillator-zero-point field system

In this third paper in a series on stochastic electrodynamics (SED), the nonrelativistic dipole approximation harmonic oscillator-zero-point field system is subjected to an arbitrary classical electromagnetic radiation field. The ensemble-averaged phase-space distribution and the two independent ensemble-averaged Liouville or Fokker-Planck equations that it satisfies are derived in closed form without furtner approximation. One of these Liouville equations is shown to be exactly equivalent to the usual Schrodinger equation supplemented by small radiative corrections and an explicit radiation reaction (RR) vector potential that is similar to the Crisp-Jaynes semiclassical theory (SCT) RR potential. The wave function in this SED Schrodinger equation is shown to have thea priori significance of position probability amplitude. The other Liouville equation has no counterpart in ordinary quantum mechanics, and is shown to restrict initial conditions such that (i) The Wigner-type phase-space distribution is always positive, (ii) in the absence of an applied field, the only allowed solution of both equations is the quantum ground state, and (iii) if a previously applied field is suddenly turned off, then spontaneous transitions occur, with no need for a triggering perturbation as in SCT, until the system is in the ground state. It is also shown that the oscillator energy is a fluctuating quantity that must take on a continuum of values, with average value equal to the quantum ground-state energy plus a contribution due to the applied classical field.
Thermal aspects of galling of dry metallic surfaces in sliding contact

Abstract The phenomenon of galling or seizing of metals is believed to be, in general, a function of the thermal and mechanical conditions under which the metallic surfaces are rubbed together. For polished surfaces, under ideal dynamic conditions, i.e., conditions where the surfaces are devoid of appreciable oscillations in the direction normal to the surfaces, thermal aspects of galling predominate. Galling due to thermal conditions is viewed as that condition where the tips of surface asperities weld together and are then sheared apart according to the weld-junction or adhesion theories. Welding may be achieved when the melting temperature is reached; also when surface asperities, which are under a high degree of strain, are in sliding contact. Welding may be achieved by recrystallization recovery. The latter process is taken as the governing condition for thermal galling since the recrystallization temperature is only a fraction of the melting temperature. The galling criterion, relating normal load, velocity, and time of rubbing, is established theoretically. The result compares favorably with experience.
When email was good

In the future, we will look back fondly on the days when email still worked. For now, social, political, and technological solutions to spam each have their promise and weaknesses.
4-Hydroxy-3-nitrophenylglyoxal. A chromophoric reagent for arginyl residues in proteins.

Abstract The chromophoric reagent, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylglyoxal, is highly selective for the modification of arginine in aqueous solution at pH 7–9. The reagent also inactivates creatine kinase (ATP:creatine N- phosphotransferase , EC 2.7.3.2) in a manner analogous to that reported with phenylglyoxal.
Friction loss through a uniform snow layer

Abstract An experimental study covering a mass flow rate of air ranging from 1.62×10−3 to 6.75×10−2 kg m−2 m−1 and for snow density varying from 377 to 472 kg m−3 has been conducted. Pressure drops of 1.176 to 281.1 N m-2 were recorded. A plot of friction factor fp and Rep (defined analogously as the friction factor f and the classical Reynolds number Re for fluid flow through conduits) showed a good representation of all the experimental data. A least-squares analysis resulted in an expression of f p = 118 Re 1.10 p in comparison with the expression f p = 64 Re p developed for fluid flow through porous media of randomly packed metallic and nonmetallic materials of spherical and nonspherical shapes.
Structure and dielectric characterization of a chemically vapor deposited diamond thick film

Abstract The dielectric constant (e) and the loss tangent (tan δ) of a chemically vapor deposited diamond thick film (435 μm), determined by the a.c. impedance measurement technique, at temperatures ( T ) between 298 and 473 K and at frequencies ( f ) between 1 and 1000 kHz are reported. The film had a well-faceted crystalline morphology, single phase crystalline structure and minimal non-diamond carbon. In the temperature and the frequency range of study, the dielectric constant and the loss tangent can be expressed by the following equations. ln e = 0.476 ln (T) − 0.0389 ln (f) − 0.101 tan δ = 2.73 × 10 −4 (T) + 5 × 10 −6 (f) − 0.0443 The dielectric constant increases with temperature and decreases with frequency, while the loss tangent increases slightly with both temperature and frequency. The values measured are much larger than the corresponding values for natural diamond because of the polycrystalline nature and the presence of impurities in the film.
The complexity of institutional niches:: Credentials and organizational differentiation in a field of U.S. higher education

Abstract This paper examines the emergence and differentiation of institutional categories – distinctions of kind that are salient to specific arenas of social life – as an organizationally and historically embedded process. We employ the concept of the institutional niche to describe how multiple orderings of key institutional categories come together to form relationally meaningful regimes within organizational fields. Using social network methods for inducing relational macro-structures, we ground this approach in an analysis of institutional differentiation within a single organizational field, exploring one theoretically salient case. Drawing upon archival data sources we model and interpret the differentiation of institutional categories of credentials within U.S. higher education in agriculture – a field with a putatively egalitarian mission – up to World War II. Findings from this analysis suggest that historical exigencies and organizational dynamics constitute a driving force behind the differentiation of institutional categories, and that this process is tied to the maintenance of symbolic boundaries at multiple levels.
Dijet rapidity gaps in photoproduction from perturbative QCD

By defining dijet rapidity gap events according to interjet energy flow, we treat the photoproduction cross section of two high transverse momentum jets with a large intermediate rapidity region as a factorizable quantity in perturbative QCD. We show that logarithms of soft gluon energy in the interjet region can be resummed to all orders in perturbation theory. The resummed cross section depends on the eigenvalues of a set of soft anomalous dimension matrices, specific to each underlying partonic process, and on the decomposition of the scattering according to the possible patterns of hard color flow. We present a detailed discussion of both. Finally, we evaluate numerically the gap cross section and gap fraction and compare the results with ZEUS data. In the limit of low gap energy, reasonable agreement with experiment is obtained.
The total synthesis of (±)-bulnesol and related studies

Abstract A stereoselective route to 1,7-dimethylbicyclo[4.3.1]decan-10-ols 16e, 19e, and 79 and the subsequent rearrangement of their methanesulfonate derivatives to the corresponding hydroazulenes 22, 27, and 81 is described. The synthesis of the bicyclo[4.3.1]decane intermediates begins with 2-carbethoxycycloheptanones and proceeds via condensation with methyl vinyl ketone and cyclization of the resulting 2-carbethoxy-2-(3-oxobutyl)-cycloheptanones in sulfuric acid. Selective reduction of the derived bicycio[4.3.1]decenone carboxylic acids 34 and 69 thereby obtained yields the aforementioned hydroazulene precursors. The 7-methylol-substituted hydroazulene derivative 82 was converted to (±)-bulnesol (87) via oxidation to the corresponding acid 83, esterification with diazomethane and basic isomerization of the resulting ester 84 to the epimer 85. Treatment of ester 84 with methyllithium afforded 7-epibulnesol (86) whereas ester 85 yielded (±)-bulnesol (87). In the initial stages of this synthetic scheme p-chlorophenyl ether was employed as a protecting group for the methylol function which was ultimately converted to the C-7 isopropylol grouping of bulnesol. This protecting group was easily removed through reduction to an acid-labile enol ether with lithium in ammonia.
Toxicity of solutions of cocaine hydrochloride of various ages.

SummaryThe toxicity of solutions of cocaine hydrochloride of various ages (less than one hour, one week, one month and 31/2 months) was studied in rabbits, the drug being given intravenously in the dosage of 10 mg per kilo of body weight. The mortality rates following injections of solutions of cocaine of various ages showed no significant differences.
The complex role of PPARγ in renal dysfunction in obesity: Managing a Janus-faced receptor

Obesity is frequently accompanied by insulin resistance, type II diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis, a cluster of pathologies that are the major components of the metabolic syndrome. Obesity is a known cause for renal dysfunction that leads to two major renal pathologies: hypertension and glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury. Peroxizome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily with important functions in the regulation of metabolism. The role of PPARγ isoforms in adipogenesis and vascular inflammation associated to obesity has been vastly studied and is well recognized, albeit not completely mechanistically understood. Also, the effect of various PPARγ agonists on blood pressure reduction in different forms of hypertension, including obesity related hypertension has been reported, but the mechanisms involved are only beginning to be studied. Even less clear is the concurrent beneficial effect of PPARγ agonists thiazolinendiones (TZD) on blood pressure reduction in different forms of hypertension and, at the same time, in some cases, the significant water retention leading to edema and heart failure. The occurrence of both these apparently opposite effects on the renal water and sodium handling suggests a complex role of PPARγ in the kidney that is likely related to the metabolic state. Also, PPARγ activation leads to a reduction in mesangial cell proliferation while stimulating apoptosis. TZD treatment reduces albuminuria in obese and diabetic humans and rodent models suggesting protective effects against renal tubuloglomerular injury. The focus of this review is to present and critically discuss the recent findings on the roles of PPARγ in the kidney in direct relation to renal function and renal injury in obesity and obesity-initiated diabetes.
Management of Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

Our approach to the management of the patient with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) takes several factors into consideration. First, is the dysfunction of the valve due to aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR), or a combination of stenosis and regurgitation, and what is the severity? Next, is there aortic dilation in any of the regions (sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, tubular ascending aorta, or transverse arch) discussed in this article. In general, we follow patients with a BAV and moderate valve dysfunction (AS or AR) with yearly surveillance transthoracic echocardiography for left ventricular function, jet velocity, gradient, and valve area with AS, whereas left ventricular (LV) function and LV dimensions are monitored for patients with AR. In addition, yearly clinical evaluation for change in symptom status or functional capacity is critical. More recently, we have utilized NT-pro BNP levels to help assess patients, particularly those in whom the anatomic severity does not match the clinical symptoms (ie, the valve severity appears mild but the patient is complaining of symptoms or the valve severity seems significant but no symptoms are noted). All patients with a bicuspid valve should have evaluation of the aorta with a MRI or CT angiography at some point, as 50% of BAV patients have aortic root involvement. At our institution, cardiac MRI is preferred unless there is a contraindication, particularly in younger patients, given the cumulative radiation exposure from surveillance CT scans. Cardiac MRI also provides the added benefit of information regarding LV function, LV dimensions, and assessment of valve stenosis/regurgitation severity, thus obviating the need for echocardiographic data in those being followed with serial cardiac MRI. For those with no aortic dilatation, we tend to use only echocardiography for follow-up. For patients with mild aortic dilation, surveillance aortic imaging is usually performed every 3–5 years. However, for those with greater degrees of aortic dilation (aortic diameters >4.0 cm) or notable interval change in dimensions, then aortic imaging every year is conducted. For young adult patients with isolated aortic stenosis, balloon aortic valvuloplasty is often an effective and temporizing treatment option. In older patients with aortic stenosis or those with AR, aortic valve replacement, with or without a surgery on the aorta depending on whether concomitant dilation (aortic diameter >4.5 cm) of the aorta is present, is the preferred management strategy. In a few patients, surgery on the aortic alone may be indicated if the maximal diameter exceeds 5.0 cm.
Comparative potencies of botulinum toxin for infant and adult mice

Culture fluids of 4 type A, 6 type B, and 1 type EClostridium botulinum strains were compared for their toxicities in 9–11-day-old (infant) and adult mice. In intraperitoneal challenges, most toxins were about equally potent for infants and adults; the exceptions were 4 type B preparations, which were 500 to 5,000 times more lethal for infants. In orogastric challenges, samples were 10 to >15,000 times more toxic for infants, and the previously mentioned type B toxins constituted a group having the highest relative toxicity for infants.
Mean-spherical model for soft potentials: The hard core revealed as a perturbation

The mean spherical approximation for fluids is extended to treat the case of dense systems interacting via soft-potentials. The extension takes the form of a generalized statement concerning the behavior of the direct correlation function c(r) and radial distribution g(r). From a detailed analysis that views the hard core portion of a potential as a perturbation on the whole, a specific model is proposed which possesses analytic solutions for both Coulomb and Yukawa potentials, in addition to certain other remarkable properties. A variational principle for the model leads to a relatively simple method for obtaining numerical solutions.
Cervical Spine Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Incidence, Manifestations, and Therapy

Cervical spine involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory arthropathies is common. While the radiographic features can be dramatic in untreated disease, patients may remain asymptomatic making treatment decisions challenging. Further, subtle clinical presentations can belie serious myelopathy because peripheral joint involvement can make interpreting the physical exam difficult. While new pharmacologic therapies have drastically reduced the morbidity of the widespread joint destruction that occurs in RA, patients remain at risk for symptomatic occipitocervical, atlantoaxial, or subaxial instability causing myelopathy, deformity, and premature death. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation of RA patients with cervical spine disease as well as the indications and outcomes of surgical treatment.
The possibility of supersonic plasma flow in a collapsing post-sunset ionosphere

As a result of the rapidly decreasing pressure in the topside ionosphere during twilight hours, a rapid downward flow of hydrogen plasma from the protonosphere takes place. In the case of steady state, isothermal, frictionless flow, the criterion for the existence of a critical point (transition to supersonic flow) above 1000 km is that the plasma temperature be lower than a certain limiting temperature which is a function of the field line considered. In the latitude region between 40 and 70 deg, this upper temperature limit varies from 963 to 1066 K. Since these temperatures are considerably lower than the observed temperatures, it follows that in the case of steady state, isothermal flow the velocities will always remain subsonic. When the effect of the neglected terms is examined, the temperature gradient is shown to exert the strongest influence on the nature of the flow. It is concluded that there is a definite possibility that supersonic downward flows in a post-sunset topside ionosphere may occur.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and mucosal injury with emphasis on short-segment Barrett's esophagus and duodenogastroesophageal reflux.

Gastroeosphageal reflux disease has been associated with long segments of Barrett’s esophagus (≥3 cm), but little is known about its association with shorter segments. The aim of this study was to evaluate anatomic and physiologic alterations of the cardia and esophageal exposure to gastric and duodenal juice in patients with short and long segments of Barrett’s esophagus. Furthermore, these patients were compared to each other and to patients with erosive esophagitis and those with no mucosal injury. Two hundred sixty-two consecutive patients with foregut symptoms were divided into the following four groups based on endoscopic and histologic findings: group 1, no mucosal injury; group 2, erosive esophagitis; group 3, short-segment Barrett’s esophagus; and group 4, long-segment Barrett’s esophagus. Esophageal exposure time to acid and bilirubin, lower esophageal sphincter characteristics, and endoscopie anatomy of the cardia were compared between the groups. Patients with short-segment Barrett’s esophagus had elevated esophageal acid and bilirubin exposure, decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length, and a high incidence of hiatal hernia. These abnormalities were similar to those in patients with esophagitis and in general less profound than those found in patients with long-segment Barrett’s esophagus. The length of intestinal metaplasia was higher in patients with a defective lower esophageal sphincter. Short-segment Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease and is associated with the reflux of both gastric and duodenal juice similar to that seen in patients with long-segment Barrett’s esophagus.
The Sisyphus database retrieval software performance antipattern

In this paper we propose the Sisyphus database retrieval software performance antipattern. The antipattern occurs in application designs that process large, frequently accessed lists stored in a relational database, but display only a small subset to the user. Software Performance Engineering (SPE) techniques are used to analyze the antipattern. Four solutions are evaluated: rownum and index, upper/lower bound, sequence numbering, and caching. We discuss the real world challenges of correcting this antipattern early in the application life cycle.
Negative symptoms and concomitant attention deficits in schizophrenia: Associations with prospective assessments of anxiety, social dysfunction, and avoidant coping

Background: Negative symptoms are a significant barrier to function and may have a range of etiological roots and links to outcome. A previous study identified a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia who had both higher levels of negative symptoms and relatively poorer attentional function who had uniquely lower self-esteem and greater internalized stigma.Aims: To determine whether participants previously classified as having High Negative/Poorer Attention would continue to have lower self-esteem, higher self-stigma, and also higher levels of anxiety and avoidant coping 5 months later.Method: Participants were 77 (77.8%) of the original 99 participants who completed follow-up procedures.Results: The High Negative/Poorer Attention group had significantly poorer social functioning, lower appraisal of their competence, higher levels of anxiety, and a higher preference for ignoring stressors five months after classification.Conclusions: Negative symptoms with concomitant attention deficits may lead to more ...
An analysis of two-phase flow stability in a thermosyphon with tube separator

A dynamic mathematical model is proposed to investigate the hydrodynamic stability of natural circulation two-phase flow in a high performance thermosyphon with tube separator. A typical instability map for different tube separator diameters is made using the numerical solution of governing equations. The simulation results show that the operating temperature, the heat rate and thermosyphon inclination angle have significant influence on the flow instability. The analysis approach can be extended to wider parameter ranges as well as various tube separator lengths and thermosyphon geometries.
Unifying voting theory from Nakamura’s to Greenberg’s theorems

Abstract Cycles, empty cores, intransitivities, and other complexities affect group decision and voting rules. Approaches that prevent these difficulties include the Nakamura number, Greenberg’s theorem, and single peaked preferences. The results derived here subsume and significantly extend these assertions while providing a common explanation for these seemingly dissimilar conclusions.
Incidence and Tracking of Clostridium perfringens Through an Integrated Broiler Chicken Operation

Abstract Clostridium perfringens has been shown to be widespread in the broiler chicken hatchery, grow-out, and processing operations. In a previous study, ribotypes of certain strains of C. perfringens isolated from processed chicken carcasses were shown to match ribotypes isolated from paper pad lining trays used to transport commercial chicks from the hatchery to the grow-out facility on the farm. These results suggest that C. perfringens contaminating the processed product could originate from facilities in the integrated poultry operation prior to grow out. In this study, samples were collected from the breeder farm, hatchery, previous grow-out flock, during grow out and after processing. In the first trial, C. perfringens was recovered from the breeder farms, the hatchery, previous grow-out flock, grow-out flock at 3 weeks of age, grow-out flock at 5 weeks of age, from processed carcasses, and from the breeder farm after processing in 4%, 30%, 4%, 0%, 2% and 16%, and 4% of the samples, respectively....
Thermal Properties of (Zr, TM)B2 Solid Solutions with TM = Ta, Mo, Re, V, and Cr

The thermal properties were investigated for hot-pressed zirconium diboride containing solid solution additions of tantalum, molybdenum, rhenium, vanadium, and chromium. The nominal additions were equivalent to 3 at.% of each metal with respect to zirconium. Using 0.5 wt% carbon as a sintering aid, powders were hot-pressed to near full density at 2150°C. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data was used to measure lattice parameters and to ensure that the additives formed solid solutions. Thermal conductivities were calculated from measured thermal diffusivities and temperature-dependent values for density and heat capacity. Thermal conductivities at 25°C ranged from 88 W·(m·K)−1 for nominally pure ZrB2 down to 28 W·(m·K)−1 for (Zr,Cr)B2. Electron contributions to thermal conductivity were calculated from electrical resistivity measurements using the Wiedemann–Franz law. Decreases in phonon and electron conduction correlated with the size of the metallic additive, indicating that changes in atom size in the Zr lattice positions reduced thermal transport.
Epistemology As Hermeneutics

Recent discussion has seen an increase in the interest in hermeneutics. The increased interest in hermeneutics goes back at least until the ap pearance of Being and Time in 1927, more than sixty years ago. This book is characterized by the unresolved tension between two clearly incompatible theses: the Husserlian form of absolute truth, and a post-Husserlian view of truth arising from the hermeneutical circle. More recently, the interest in hermeneutics has been strengthened by the appearance of Truth and Method in 1960, in which Gadamer, Heidegger's most important student, developed the hermeneutical thesis of the latter's Fundamentalontologie in a way which has influenced numerous other thinkers, notably Ricoeur and Habermas, in a wide-ranging and often confused discussion. The latter's theory of communicative action can be seen as carrying further the Gadamerian view that knowledge results from interpretation. In Habermas's version of the linguistic turn, which is further influenced by Kant's view of Vernunftinteresse and Habermas's own, peculiar reading of Peirce, speech is intrinsically aimed at potential agreement through the development of consensus. The aim of the present paper is to contribute to an understanding of the relationship between epistemology and hermeneutics. The partisans of hermeneutics, specifically including Gadamer, often present it as a new, un precedented approach, even as a way to overcome the problem of epistemology. Like the early Heidegger's claims to recover the supposedly authentic problem of metaphysics, so as a result of his hermeneutical turn Gadamer claims to overcome the problem of knowledge through phenomenological research. But the irony is clear if we recall that a main theme in Gadamer's thought lies in the renewed attention to tradition as a source of knowledge, in marked contrast to Heidegger, upon whose concep tion of hermeneutics he is strongly dependent. Now the novelty of the hermeneutic approach obviously does not lie merely in a concern with preceding forms of thought. Indeed, philosophy, even in the positions of those who refuse the tradition, has always been traditional since the discus sion, at least in the West, can only take place against the Platonic
An application of the spread relation to differential equations

If a differential equation with meromorphic coefficients has a certain form where the growth of one of the coefficients dominates the growth of the other coefficients in a finite union of angles, then we show that this puts restrictions on the deficiencies of any meromorphic solution of the equation. We use the spread relation in the proofs. Examples are given which show that our results are sharp in several ways. Most of these examples are constructed from the quotients of solutions of w ″ + G ( z ) w = 0 for certain polynomials G ( z ) and from meromorphic functions which are extremal for the spread relation.
Consumer movement through differentially subsidized habitats creates a spatial food web with unexpected results

Energy and nutrient flow between habitats, or allochthonous input, can have a significant impact on food web dynamics. Previous theory demonstrated that resource abundance decreases in habitats where consumers are subsidized. Here we examine the effect of subsidies that are available in localized parts of a habitat (such as near the shore in a marine-subsidized terrestrial ecosystem) with a two-patch model in which consumers move between patches, resources are stationary, and consumers receive the subsidy in only one of the two patches. In contrast to previous theory, our results show that subsidized consumers can increase resource abundance, though only in the subsidized patch. Furthermore, the total resource population responds positively to increasing consumer movement. These results demonstrate the importance of spatial heterogeneity in food web dynamics and the need for further examination of the role of space in multispecies trophic webs.
Timed CSP = Closed Timed Automata1

Abstract We study the expressive power of an augmented version of Timed CSP and show that it is precisely equal to that of closed timed automatatimed automata with closed invariant and enabling clock constraints. We also show that this new version of Timed CSP is expressive enough to capture the most widely used specifications on timed systems as refinements between processes, and moreover that refinement checking is amenable to digitisation analysis. As a result, we are able to verify some of the most important timed specifications, including branching-time liveness properties such as timestop-freedom and constant availability, using the model checker FDR (a commercial product of Formal Systems (Europe) Ltd.).
Bioinformatics and systems biology

Delivering personalized therapeutic options to cancer patients based on the genetic and molecular aberrations of the tumor offers great promise to improve the outcomes of cancer therapy. Significant progress in biotechnology has allowed the measurement of tens of thousands of "omic" data points across multiple levels (DNA, RNA protein, metabolomics) from a single tumor biopsy sample in a reasonable time frame for making clinical decisions. With this data in hand, the challenge from the bioinformatics and systems biology point of view is how does one convert data into information and knowledge that can improve the delivery of personalized therapy to the patient.
Active Inductor Current Balancing for Interleaving Multi-Phase Buck-Boost Converter

In this paper, active inductor current balancing method for multi-phase four-switch buck-boost converter is presented. The multi-phase four-switch buck-boost converter is proposed for battery powered applications, such as automotive/truck applications, where high power dc-dc converters capable of stepping up and stepping down voltages are required. Inductor current balancing circuit based on the average current sharing bus approach is used to ensure that the inductor currents are evenly distributed. A prototype of 4-phase buck-boost converter was implemented to verify the concept. Experimental results are included to show the inductor current balancing during steady state and load transient.
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF A CIRCULAR CYLINDER WAKE IN EXPERIMENT AND SIMULATION (INVITED)

The effect of feedback flow control on the wake of a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 is investigated in both water tunnel experiment and direct numerical simulation. Our control approach uses a low dimensional model based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The controller applies linear proportional and differential feedback to the estimate of the first POD mode. The range of validity of the POD model is explored in detail. Actuation is implemented as displacement of the cylinder normal to the flow. We demonstrate that the threshold peak amplitude below which the control actuation ceases to be effective is in the order of 5% of the cylinder diameter. The closed loop feedback simulations explore the effect of both fixed phase and variable phase feedback on the wake. While fixed phase feedback is effective in reducing drag and unsteady lift, it fails to stabilize this state once the low drag state has been reached. Variable phase feedback, however, achieves the same drag and unsteady lift reductions while being able to stabilize the flow in the low drag state. In the low drag state, the near wake is entirely steady, while the far wake exhibits vortex shedding at a reduced intensity. We achieved a drag reduction of close to 90% of the vortex-induced drag, and lowered the unsteady lift force by the same amount.
Passively Controllable Smart Antennas

We recently introduced passively controllable smart (PCS) antenna systems for efficient wireless transmission, with direct applications in wireless sensor networks. A PCS antenna system is accompanied by a tunable passive controller whose adjustment at every signal transmission generates a specific radiation pattern. To reduce co-channel interference and optimize the transmitted power, this antenna can be programmed to transmit data in a desired direction in such a way that no signal is transmitted (to the far field) at pre-specified undesired directions. The controller of a PCS antenna was assumed to be centralized in our previous work, which was an impediment to its implementation. In this work, we study the design of PCS antenna systems under decentralized controllers, which are both practically implementable and cost efficient. The PCS antenna proposed here is made of one active element and its programming needs solving second-order-cone optimizations. These properties differentiate a PCS antenna from the existing smart antennas, and make it possible to implement a PCS antenna on a small-sized, low-power silicon chip.
Minimally invasive surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract Background : The goal of this study was to determine if the outcome of antireflux surgery can be improved by: (1) conducting a careful preoperative workup to characterize gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the individual patient; and (2) tailoring the operation to the results of the preoperative function tests. Patients and methods : Sixty-eight patients had operations for GERD by minimally invasive techniques. Results : A Rossetti fundoplication was performed in 22 patients. Sixty-eight percent became asymptomatic. Twenty-seven percent developed dysphagia or gas bloat. Thirty-five patients had a Nissen fundoplication. Ninety-one percent are asymptomatic. Eleven patients with severe abnormalities of esophageal peristalsis underwent a Guarner fundoplication with relief of symptoms in 82% of patients. No patients in the Nissen or Guarner group developed postoperative persistent dysphagia or gas bloat. A pyloromyotomy was performed in 3 patients because of severe delayed gastric emptying. Conclusions : Minimally invasive surgery for GERD gives good-to-excellent results even in patients with abnormal esophageal body function, provided that the operation is tailored to the individual patient based on the results of the preoperative function tests.
An Application of Queueing Theory to Reservation Newtorks

This paper discusses the modeling and solution of a reservation network problem. The model is presented in terms of motel reservations, but is applicable to reservation systems for airlines, automobile rental agencies, etc. The network studied employs three methods for delivery of reservation messages, two of which serve jointly as a control mechanism. The problem solved is that of finding minimum rates for the control mechanism which ensure that, with a given probability, messages are delivered within a specified period of time.
Exposure, knowledge or skill the computer literacy dilemma

There was a time when computer knowledge was so esoteric that only specialists needed to be educated. Only large organizations had computers and skills were needed only by the professional staff. Now the scene has changed. Computers are being used in the smallest of firms. Today there are millions of computers in homes, and there are offices with more computers and/or terminals than employees. There is some possibility that in the future all financial transactions and much shopping will be done by computer.Thus it is obvious that computer literacy is needed by all people. The question is not whether but rather what kind of education is required. There are three levels of understanding that may be imparted in education. One can teach a subject to the level of a basic understanding or general knowledge. Or one can provide detailed knowledge. Finally, one can develop in the student the ability to make skillful use of the subject area. Music appreciation, counterpoint and private vocal lessons illustrate the differences in one field of study.In curriculum development in business we tend to solve the question of depth of knowledge this way. All students are required to have a general understanding of the business core and a detailed knowledge of a major field. In addition, we expect that skills be developed in communications and quantitative methods. We carried over this pattern into data processing. However, we didn't know whether DP was a quantitative area requiring skill development or not. Thus we have Introduction to Data Processing courses that develop a programming skill in some language and others that just talk about programming but don't do any of it. There is substantial disagreement among educators as to the correct course of action. This lack of agreement, as well as a belated entry into DP education, has resulted in a limited and uneven computer education in colleges of business. Our graduates vary from computer illiterate to very skillful user. What to do about this situation is the focus of this study.
Representing Embedded System Sequence Diagrams as a Formal Language

Sequence Diagrams (SDs) have proven useful for describing transaction-oriented systems, and can form a basis for creating statecharts. However, distributed embedded systems require special support for branching, state information, and composing SDs. Actors must traverse many SDs when using a complex embedded system. Current techniques are insufficiently rich to represent the behavior of real systems, such as elevators, without augmentation, and cannot identify the correct SD to execute next from any given state of the system. We propose the application of formal language theory to ensure that SDs (which can be thought of as specifying a grammar) have sufficient information to create statecharts (which implement the automata that recognize that grammar). A promising approach for SD to statechart synthesis then involves 'compiling' SDs represented in an LL(1) grammar into statecharts, and permits us to bring the wealth of formal language and compiler theory to bear on this problem area.
Evaluation of the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 Syphilis Multiplex Flow Immunoassay for the Detection of IgM- and IgG-Class Antitreponemal Antibodies

The laboratory diagnosis of syphilis is based primarily upon serologic findings. Historically, serologic testing for syphilis has relied on assays such as rapid plasma reagin, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption, Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA), and more recently, enzyme immunoassay (EIA). In this study, we evaluated the performance of a novel multiplex flow immunoassay (BioPlex 2200 Syphilis; Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) for the detection of antitreponemal IgG- and IgM-class antibodies. Serum specimens (n = 1,008) submitted for routine treponema-specific antibody testing by syphilis IgM and IgG EIA (Trep-Chek; Phoenix-Biotech, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) were also analyzed by the BioPlex Syphilis multiplex assay. Specimens showing discordant results were repeat tested, with further discrepancies being arbitrated by TP-PA. Compared directly to the results of EIA, the BioPlex IgG assay demonstrated 98.7% (77/78) sensitivity and 99.4% (916/930) specificity. Compared to the Trep-Chek IgM EIA, the BioPlex IgM assay showed 80% (4/5) sensitivity and 97.9% (652/666) specificity. These results indicate that the BioPlex Syphilis multiplex assay shows similar serological agreement with EIA while allowing for a fully automated random-access platform that provides faster (1.7 h for 100 samples versus 4.5 h by EIA) and higher-throughput (800 samples per 9 h versus 200 samples by EIA) analysis of the syphilis serologic response.
SOIL DEVELOPMENT IN PHOSPHATE-MINED CREATED WETLANDS OF FLORIDA, USA

Soil characteristics of a wide variety of created wetlands were compared to those of native wetlands in phosphate-mined areas from central and north Florida, USA. Criteria selected for evaluation of soil samples from 184 sites included soil compaction, bulk density, organic matter (carbon) and nitrogen content, C:N ratio, and available and total nutrient contents. Organic matter accumulation, one of the indi- cators of a functional wetland, increased across transects going from uplands toward the center of the wetlands, and with wetland age. The organic matter accumulation rate in the AO and A1 horizons was 320 gm 2 yr 21 . Native wetlands had significantly greater organic matter accumulation, both in the litter and mineral soil surface. The C:N ratio of the soil organic matter decreased with created wetland age and approached values commonly found in wetland soils (15-25). Bulk density decreased with increasing organic matter content in the created wetlands, and low bulk density soils appeared to support better vegetative growth. Based on the above-mentioned parameters, reclaimed wetlands are slowly developing into ''typical'' wet- lands; the rate of development could possibly be increased by minimizing soil compaction, incorporation of organic matter, or by fertilization.