cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Bacteroides fragilis pLV22a relaxase and transfer DNA with Escherichia coli RP4‐TraG coupling protein

Many Bacteroides transfer factors are mobilizable in Escherichia coli when coresident with the IncP conjugative plasmid RP4, but not F. To begin characterization and potential interaction between Bacteroides mobilizable transfer factors and the RP4 mating channel, both mutants and deletions of the DNA processing (dtr), mating pair formation (mpf) and traG coupling genes of RP4 were tested for mobilization of Bacteroides plasmid pLV22a. All 10 mpf but none of the four dtr genes were required for mobilization of pLV22a. The RP4 TraG coupling protein (CP) was also required for mobilization of pLV22a, but could be substituted by a C-terminal deletion mutant of the F TraD CP. Potential interactions of the TraG CP with relaxase protein(s) and transfer DNA of both RP4 and pLV22a were assessed. Overlay assays identified productive interactions between TraG and the relaxase proteins of both MbpB and TraI from pLV22a and RP4 respectively. The Agrobacterium Transfer-ImmunoPrecipitation (TrIP) assay also identified an interaction between TraG and both RP4 and pLV22a transfer DNA. Thus, mobilization of the Bacteroides pLV22a in E. coli utilizes both RP4 Mpf and CP functions including an interaction between the relaxosome and the RP4 CP similar to that of cognate RP4 plasmid.
On nonlinear amplitude evolution under stochastic forcing

The complex Ginzburg-Landau amplitude equation, with or without random forcing, arises as approximate reductions of complicated physical systems on extended spatial domains near bifurcation points. Unlike the deterministic Ginzburg-Landau equation whose well-posedness is well-known, there seems no rigorous result on global existence and uniqueness of the randomly forced Ginzburg-Landau equation. Our work provides such a rigorous result on global existence and uniqueness, under very mild conditions.
Beyond usage: measuring library outcomes and value

Purpose – This article aims to describe two methods – critical incident and return on investment – that can be used to measure and demonstrate explicit and derived value of academic libraries. Results from several studies that use these methods are described in the context of the Lib‐Value project, funded by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services.Design/methodology/approach – A series of surveys using the critical incident of the last article reading by faculty are used to gather information on the purpose, outcomes, and the value of scholarly article readings and access to collections through the library. Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected through web‐based surveys.Findings – Over half of scholarly article readings by faculty are for research purposes and readings for research purposes were more likely to be obtained from the library's electronic collections and are valued more highly than readings for other purposes or from other sources. In a study of ROI to grants from the l...
Bridging the gap: recruitment of African-American women into mental health research studies.

Objective To develop a strategy for recruiting African-American women into a research study for pregnant women. Methods With few exceptions, NIH-funded investigators must include women and minorities in clinical research. The authors used the recommendations provided in the Outreach Notebook for the NIH Guidelines on Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research as a guide to help them reach out to African-American women in the community. Results and conclusions The outreach experience led to a conference for African-American women about mental health. On the basis of this experience, the authors formulated a five-pronged approach for recruitment of African-American women into their study. The NIH guidelines were useful for this purpose.
Measurements of nitrous acid, nitrate radicals, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide for the Southern California Air Quality Study by differential optical absorption spectroscopy

Two rapid scanning (~3000 scan min -1 ) differential optical absorption spectrometers were interfaced to 25 m basepath open, multiple reflection systems operated routinely at a total optical path of 800 m at Long Beach and Claremont, CA during the 1987 Southern California Air Quality Study. These instruments permitted measurements of atmospheric concentrations of nitrous acid, nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde at the part per billion levels, and detection of the nitrate radicals with sensitivity of several tens of parts per trillion.
Onion sour skin detection using a gas sensor array and support vector machine

Onion is a major vegetable crop in the world. However, various plant diseases, including sour skin caused by Burkholderia cepacia, pose a great threat to the onion industry by reducing shelf-life and are responsible for significant postharvest losses in both conventional and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. This study investigated a new sensing approach to detect sour skin using a gas sensor array and the support vector machine (SVM). Sour skin infected onions were put in a concentration chamber for headspace accumulation and measured three to six days after inoculation. Principal component analysis (PCA) score plots showed two distinct clusters formed by healthy and sour skin infected onions. The MANOVA statistical test further proved the hypothesis that the responses of the gas sensor array to healthy onion bulbs and sour skin infected onion bulbs are significantly different (P < 0.0001). The support vector machine was employed for the classification model development. The study was undertaken in two phases: model training and cross-validation within the training datasets and model validation using new datasets. The performances of three feature selection schemes were compared using the trained SVM model. The classification results showed that although the six-sensor scheme (with 81% sensor reduction) had a slightly lower correct classification rate in the training phase, it significantly outperformed its counterparts in the validation phase (85% vs. 69% and 67%). This result proved that effective feature selection strategy could improve the discrimination power of the gas sensor array. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using a gas sensor array coupled with the SVM for the detection of sour skin in sweet onion bulbs. Early detection of sour skin will help reduce postharvest losses and secondary spread of bacteria in storage.
Analysis of Trends in Commuter Rail Energy Efficiency

Commuter rail systems are widely regarded as an effective transportation alternative to reduce energy consumption and emissions in large urban areas. Use of commuter rail systems in the United States is on the rise, with annual ridership increasing by 28 percent between 1997 and 2007 [1]. With growing concerns about the sustainability and environmental impacts of transportation, modal energy efficiency is increasingly considered amongst the metrics to evaluate the benefits and costs of transportation systems and justify future investment. To gauge the relative long-term efficiency trends for rail as an urban transportation mode, this study analyzes historic trends in energy efficiency metrics for US commuter rail systems. Commuter rail systems receiving, or benefiting from, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants are required to report operations and energy consumption data on an annual basis to the National Transit Database (NTD). NTD data on energy consumption, operations, and services supplied from 1997 to 2011 are analyzed to determine historic trends in various energy efficiency metrics for the commuter rail mode as a whole. The data analysis and comparison of the results with the highway mode is complicated by the use of electric traction by some commuter rail operators. These operators report energy consumption in purchased electricity (kWh) instead of gallons of liquid fuel. The different approaches that can be employed to compare these two forms of propulsion and their intrinsic efficiencies and energy sources are discussed. Energy efficiency of each commuter rail system and its relationship to individual system characteristics during the study period are also analyzed. Finally, case studies of historic energy efficiency of individual commuter rail systems with longer operating histories and reporting data over the majority of the study period are contrasted against more recent start-up systems. While many systems outperform the energy efficiency of a typical light-duty vehicle, there are others that, due to a variety of system parameters and characteristics, fail to achieve a load factor great enough to make them more attractive than the highway mode on a gross average level. It is hoped that highlighting trends and variation in commuter rail energy efficiency will allow policymakers to make more informed decisions regarding the environmental benefits of rail as an urban transportation mode.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Negative differential conduction (NDC) in n+-v-p+-v-n+ AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction devices

Abstract A novel n+-v-p+-v-n+ AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure exhibiting negative differential conduction characteristics was successfully developed. Two types of device structures using a thin (10 nm) and a thick (100 nm) p+-GaAs base were studied. The current-voltage characteristics in the thin p+-base structure exhibit a new type of negative differential conduction (NDC) caused by an avalanche multiplication process. In the thick p+-base structure, the current-voltage characteristics are linear at 300 and 77 K, showing that the tunneling process dominates. The thin p+-base structure has shown good light sensitivity and good photoresponse speed. A simple NDC device-based circuit for high-speed logic was demonstrated and its electrical response speed was estimated.
CDK6 is a regulator of stem cells "Egr" to wake up.

In this issue of Blood , Scheicher et al show that cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) has a novel role in the regulation of both normal and leukemic stem cells. It acts as a transcriptional suppressor of Egr1 , enabling it to control both normal and leukemic stem cell activation.[1][1] ![Figure][2]</
Saleem Shah's Contributions to Forensic Clinical Assessment*

This article describes Saleem Shah's vision for specialized methods that were needed to perform more reliable and valid forensic clinical assessments. He contributed to their development by his consultantion and support as Director of the Center for Studies of Crime and Delinquency at NIMH, and the played a major role in their implementation in forensic mental health systems nationwide.
Spectral analysis and generation of certain highly oscillatory curves related to chaos, part 2: Calculation aspects

Abstract The Fourier spectrum of a curve on a given interval, as represented by the Fourier series, is very reflective of the oscillatory behavior of the curve as the “weights” of the Fourier coefficients can indicate the individual prominence of frequencies of oscillations. But, unfortunately, the calculations of the Fourier coefficients can often get quite cumbersome. In this paper, we first review the oscillatory behavior of chaotic maps as time series, and discuss certain properties between the exponential growth of total variations and the Fourier coefficients. Then we will discuss some simple techniques that can simplify the calculations of Fourier coefficients. In the process, one can also obtain valuable information about the asymptotic properties of the Fourier coefficients.
Identification of maspin and S100P as novel hypomethylation targets in pancreatic cancer using global gene expression profiling.

Identification of maspin and S100P as novel hypomethylation targets in pancreatic cancer using global gene expression profiling
Training fully recurrent neural networks on a ring transputer array

Abstract We describe the parallel implementation of fully recurrent neural networks (RRN) on a transputer-based multiprocessor system. To train the RNN, the real-time recurrent learning (RTRL) algorithm was used. The computationally intensive sequential RTRL algorithm has been transformed to an equivalent parallel algorithm, realized in a ring topology that can be matched to a variety of target architectures, ranging from application specific VLSI arrays to general purpose multiprocessor systems. A ring array of up to 19 T800 transputers was programmed to efficiently perform the parallel RTRL algorithm. The speedup of the transputer implementation was estimated both analytically and through simulations, and the effect of the communication overhead is discussed. It is shown that as more neuron units are allocated to the same processor the efficiency is increased.
Isolation and properties of two chymotrypsins from the turtle Pseudemys elegans.

Abstract From the pancreas of the turtle Pseudemys elegans two chymotrypsinogens, I and II, were purified by a procedure including two chromatographic separations on CM-cellulose columns. They were homogeneous by chromatographic and electrophoretic criteria. After activation by bovine trypsin, the specific enzymic (estrase) activity of each was distinctly greater than that of bovine chymotrypsin A. The chymotrypsins I and II are each inactivated by N- tosyl- l -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone at an essential histidine residue, but at rates 20 and 9 times (respectively) slower than that found with bovine chymotrypsin A. This lowered reactivity, and some increase observed in the activity on leucine relative to tyrosine esters, suggest that the active center has some features similar to those of the mammalian C, as well as the A, type of chymotrypsin. The products of tryptic activation were isolated. The zymogen I releases no free peptide or amino acids in forming the fully active enzyme. The zymogen II releases a 14-residue peptide, a tripeptide, (Arg 2 , Phe), and a free amino acid, tyrosine.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the United States, 1997-2002

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most commonly reported fatal tick-borne disease in the United States. During 1997-2002, 3,649 cases of RMSF were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the National Electronic Telecommunications System for Surveillance; 2,589 case report forms, providing supplemental information, were also submitted. The average annual RMSF incidence during 1997-2002 was 2.2 cases/million persons. The annual incidence increased during 1997-2002 to a rate of 3.8 cases/million persons in 2002. The incidence was lowest among persons aged<5 and 10-29 years, and highest among adults aged 60-69 years. The overall case-fatality rate was 1.4%; the rate peaked in 1998 at 2.9% and declined to 0.7% in 2001 and 2002. Children<5 years of age had a case-fatality rate (5%) that was significantly greater than the rates for age groups<60 years of age, except for that for 40-49 years of age. Continued national surveillance is needed to assess the effectiveness of prevention efforts and early treatment in decreasing severe morbidity and mortality associated with RMSF.
Prostaglandin and thromboxane levels during endotoxin-induced respiratory failure in pigs.

Abstract Arterial plasma concentrations of thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2 ), prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F lα (PGF 1α ) were measured during endotoxin-induced acute respiratory failure (ARF) in anesthetized 10–12 wk old pigs. A 4.5 hour (hr) infusion of endotoxin resulted in a biphasic pattern of ARF. Phase 1 (0–2 hr) was characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and alveolar-arterial O 2 gradient (ΔA-aO 2 ), and decreased cardiac index (CI) and lung dynamic compliance (LDC). Following a return of PVR and CI values towards baseline, a second phase (2–4.5 hr) of deteriorating function occurred and was characterized by additional increases in PVR and ΔA-aO 2 and decreases in CI and LDC. Baseline (i.e., 0 hr) plasma TxB 2 concentrations were 241 ± 24 pg/ml; these values peaked at 0.5 hr (3228 ± 712 pg/ml) and declined to 1635 ± 453 pg/ml at 4.5 hr. Plasma concentrations of PGF 2α slowly increased from a baseline value of 154 ± 32 pg/ml to 2355 ± 738 pg/ml at 4.5 hr, while PGF 1α values increased from 54 ± 2 pg/ml at 0 hr to 503 ± 172 pg/ml at 4.5 hr. Time-matched control pigs showed no changes in pulmonary hemodynamics or in plasma TxB 2 , PGF 2α or PGF 1α levels. These results indicate that cyclooxygenase products are increased during both phases of endotoxin-induced ARF in pigs.
What do daily behavior report cards (DBRCs) measure? An initial comparison of DBRCs with direct observation for off-task behavior

This study investigated the similarity of information provided from a daily behavior report card (DBRC) as rated by the teacher to direct observation data obtained from external observers. In addition, the similarity of ratings was compared with variations of problem severity (mild, severe) and teacher training (none, some). Results suggested a moderate association between teacher perceptions of behavior as measured by DBRC ratings and direct observation conducted by an external observer. In addition, 23–45% of the variance in DBRC ratings was consistent with the direct observation data. Severity of the behavior problem or the inclusion of training was not found to significantly affect the similarity of ratings. In summary, results tentatively suggest that the DBRC may be a viable supplement to direct observation for estimating behavior in applied settings. Limitations, future research directions, and implications are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 669–676, 2005.
Electronic structure of multilayered and multistepped cyclophanes

Abstract The electronic structure of multilayered, MLP, and multistepped, MSP, cyclophanes containing 2–5 layers and 2–4 steps, respectively, was investigated using the PPP CI-1 method with application of the supermolecule approximation and consideration of σ-π polarization and σ-π orbital interactions between the bridges and the rings. The electronic excitations were evaluated as a combination of exciton resonance (ER%) and charge resonance (CR%) both based on the localization of excitation numbers on given molecular fragments. The transition ascribed to the new (when compared with 2L) long wavelength absorption band in 3L localized on the inner ring was influenced by the deformation and substituent effects, but transannular interactions were predominant, CR% = 53. These interactions increased with the attachment of every new benzene ring. The transfer from the inner ring (s) to the outer rings prevailed over the opposite trend. CR% values were 15–20% greater for MLP than MSP, pointing to the differences in transannular interactions.
Battle Fatigue: Is Public Support Waning for “War”-Centered Drug Control Strategies?

Since the early 1980s, federal drug control expenditures have soared in response to six presidential administrations’ commitment to the “war on drugs.” During this period, spending on criminal justice programs grew from 30% of the total drug control budget to 52%, whereas the share devoted to drug treatment programs declined from 31% to 18%. Although there appears to be a broad and enduring consensus among the public for government to address the drug problem, little is known about what kinds of strategies Americans prefer. In this article, the authors analyze data from a recent survey of residents of the five largest U.S. metropolitan areas to explore public opinion about domestic drug control policy. The authors found that although respondents seemed generally favorable toward spending on the drug problem, they did not support the way the war on drugs is being fought. In particular, support for criminal justice approaches to drug control lagged significantly behind support for prevention and treatment s...
ALEX: A Conversational, Hierarchical Logic Design System

A fresh look at the technical problems of present-day logic design and at the principal activities of the logic designer resulted in a system for hierarchical logic design. It is supported by a novel, high-level graphic language to describe the connections between logical devices. A major concern was to ensure that processes invoked by a user while designing, modifying and testing logic normally require only a few seconds or, on rare occasions, a few minutes to execute.
TESTOSTERONE AND TESTOSTERONE ACETATE AND THE PROTEIN AND ENERGY METABOLISM OF CASTRATE DOGS1

The results obtained from the study of two androgenic preparations on the protein and energy metabolism of castrate dogs have already been reported. The first report (1) was concerned with the effects of urinary androgenic extracts and the second (2) with the synthetically prepared androgen, androstenedione. In both cases there was nitrogen retention, subsequent to the injection of the androgenic material and no effect on the energy metabolism. Since testosterone has been demonstrated to be the active substance produced by the testes and is the most active naturally occurring androgenic substance known, it was necessary for the completeness of our program to note the effects of this substance. In the meantime, moreover, it has been demonstrated (3, 4, 5) that certain esters of testosterone are much more active than testosterone alone. One of the most active of these esters is testosterone acetate and since this was available in pure crystalline form, this compound also was studied. Materials. The testoste...
Reversing the Bipolar DriftIntroducing the IAB

The IAB's mission is to help the Computer Society critically examine the organization's business plans and practices and to offer advice and assistance to make the Society a relevant professional association.
The genetics of human skin diseases.

Abstract Molecular genetic analyses during the past half-decade have brought unexpected insights into the molecular defects underlying a wide variety of abnormal skin phenotypes. Highlights of the efforts in the past year include the identification of mutations in an epidermal transglutaminase gene in lamellar ichthyosis as well as mutations in an additional five keratin genes causing four different abnormal phenotypes, and mutations in β 4 integrin and bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 genes in junctional epidermolysis bullosa and in the p16 INK4a gene in 50% of kindreds with familial melanoma.
Neural and behavioral responsivity to ethyl alcohol as a tastant.

Abstract Three experiments were designed to study the sensory properties of ethyl alcohol (EtOH) in the rat. In Experiment 1, a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) was produced to 3%, 6% or 9% EtOH. None of these aversions generalized to any of the 4 basic tastants, However, rats in the 6% and 9% EtOH groups did generalize the CTA to a mixture of sucrose-QHCl but not to a mixture of NaCl-HCl. In Experiment 2, a CTA was produced to 6% EtOH and animals were then tested with all 6 combinations of the basic tastants. The CTA was found to generalize significantly to sucrose-QHCl and marginally to sucrose-HCl. In Experiment 3, single unit responses to gustatory stimuli were recorded in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius. Solutions of NaCl, HCl, sucrose, QHCl, 6% and 9% EtOH were bathed over the rostral tongue through a plastic flow chamber. Approximately half of the units responded to 9% EtOH. Analysis of the across-unit patterns of response revealed a weak relationship between responses to EtOh and sucrose in the first 1.0 sec of response.
Latinos' Perceptions of Interethnic Couples

Numerous survey findings indicate that the majority of White Americans are accepting of interracial romantic relationships. However, relatively few studies have looked at how different American ethnic minority groups view such relationships. The current research examined Latinos’ evaluations of intraethnic and interethnic couples. Latino participants (N = 207) read information about either a Latina-Latino, Latina-White, or Latina-Black romantic couple. The results indicate that the Latina-Black couple was evaluated less positively than the Latina-White couple on relationship quality and less positively than the other two couples on perceptions of social support. Latino men were especially likely to express negative emotions toward the Latina-Black couple compared with Latina women. The results are discussed in the context of intergroup relationships.
Certified reference materials in analytical chemistry – A century of NIST contribution

Over the course of its first 100 years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made numerous contributions to advancing the science and practice of analytical chemistry. Contributions to fundamental constants and reference data, such as determination of the Faraday, Avagadro’s number, and atomic masses, began at almost the beginning of the new institution when it was formed in 1901. Instrumentation development, improvement, and reproducible methods for its use have also been an important part of the NIST effort. This paper will describe what may be the organization’s most important and certainly its most unique contribution; namely, certified reference materials. Ultimately these certified reference materials would become known at NIST as standard reference materials (SRMs). It is a contribution that now has been mirrored around the world with reference materials being certified in at least 25 countries and routinely applied in more than twice that number. The result has been more accurate analyses of materials that impact our safety, health, and well-being.
Blood pressure differences in older black and white long-term vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

The vegetarian diet has been associated with lower blood pressure (BP) in elderly white Americans. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not long-term adherence (at least 5 years) to a plant-based diet is similarly related to lower BP in older black Americans, a group exhibiting significant risk for hypertension (HT). Anthropometric characteristics, nutrient intake, and resting systolic and diastolic BP were measured in older black vegetarians (n = 27, age = 69.3 +/− 1.7 years), black nonvegetarians (n = 37, age = 65.4 +/− 1.2 years), white vegetarians (n = 85, age = 66.7 +/− 1.0 years), and white nonvegetarians (n = 54, age = 65.2 +/− 0.9 years). Older black vegetarians were significantly leaner and exhibited lower average systolic BP (131.4/76.8 mm Hg) and less hypertension than the black omnivores (141.6/76.2 mm Hg), but had significantly higher average BP than either dietary group of older white adults (vegetarians: 120.9/66.7 mm Hg; nonvegetarians: 122.8/67.6 mm Hg). These data suggest th...
State estimation bias induced by optimization under uncertainty and error cost asymmetry is likely reflected in perception

It is well known from numerous studies that perception can be significantly affected by intended action in many everyday situations, indicating that perception and related decision-making is not a simple, one-way sequence, but a complex iterative cognitive process. However, the underlying functional mechanisms are yet unclear. Based on an optimality approach, a quantitative computational model of one such mechanism has been developed in this study. It is assumed in the model that significant uncertainty about task-related parameters of the environment results in parameter estimation errors and an optimal control system should minimize the cost of such errors in terms of the optimality criterion. It is demonstrated that, if the cost of a parameter estimation error is significantly asymmetrical with respect to error direction, the tendency to minimize error cost creates a systematic deviation of the optimal parameter estimate from its maximum likelihood value. Consequently, optimization of parameter estimate and optimization of control action cannot be performed separately from each other under parameter uncertainty combined with asymmetry of estimation error cost, thus making the certainty equivalence principle non-applicable under those conditions. A hypothesis that not only the action, but also perception itself is biased by the above deviation of parameter estimate is supported by ample experimental evidence. The results provide important insights into the cognitive mechanisms of interaction between sensory perception and planning an action under realistic conditions. Implications for understanding related functional mechanisms of optimal control in the CNS are discussed.
"Keeping the Dancers in Check": The Gendered Organization of Stripping Work in The Lion's Den

Strip clubs have rarely been analyzed in terms of their gendered organization. Instead, the literature on stripping emphasizes interaction-based perspectives that focus on strippers, patrons, and broader macro-structural trends. Although interaction-based perspectives are valuable, they often neglect to consider the context in which these interactions take place, the strip club itself. Such studies also tend to neglect the larger cast of club characters who own, manage, and work. This study explores workplace dynamics in The Lion's Den, a club featuring nude female dancers who perform primarily for male patrons. Informed by feminist and gendered organizational theory, this research utilizes sociologist Joan Acker's framework for studying gendered organizations as a way of augmenting interaction-based perspectives. Applying her approach to a strip club, an overtly gendered setting, this research demonstrates the importance of context in facilitating particular gendered processes, stereotypes, and gendered ...
Comparative Assessment of Direct and Indirect Probabilistic Methods for Thermomechanical Analysis of Structural Components in Gas Turbines

Various sources of uncertainty greatly affect the life of structural components of gas turbines. Probabilistic approaches provide a means to evaluate these uncertainties; however, the accuracy of these approaches often remains unknown. Published quantitative studies of the effectiveness of various uncertainty quantification techniques are usually based on very simple examples. This is contrasted by the large-size finite element models that are used for complex geometries of critical structural parts such as turbine blades or nozzles. In such real-life applications the expenses of the “function calls” (runs of these models) preclude systematic studies of probabilistic methods. These expenses are attributed not only to the actual runs of the model, but to the difficulties in parametrically changing the model as well. Such a “complexity gap” leads to a justifiable concern over whether the trends identified in academic studies are relevant to these industrial applications. As a result, structural engineers end up with the number of function calls that they can afford rather than what would be needed for the required level of accuracy. The present effort intends to bridge this gap by studying a mid level problem: a simplified notional finite element model of a gas turbine component is presented. Despite its simplicity, the model is designed to reflect the major features of more realistic models. The parametric changes of the model are fully automated, which allows for performing an extensive set of benchmark tests that help to determine the relative merits of various existing probabilistic techniques for component life assessment. Several meta-modeling techniques are investigated and their performance compared based on direct sampling methods. In this context, various Design of Experiments (DoE) methods are studied. The results are used to construct the Response Surface Equations (RSE) as well as the kriging models. It is emphasized that changes in the relative locations of the critical points induced by variation of independent parameters can critically affect the overall fidelity of the modeling; the means of remedying such a degradation in precision are discussed. Finally, it is shown that when the ranges of independent variables are large, kriging generally provides precision that is an order of magnitude better than RSE for the same DoE.© 2003 ASME
Ultraviolet-B radiation causes an upregulation of survivin in human keratinocytes and mouse skin.

Abstract Understanding of the mechanism of ultraviolet (UV)–mediated cutaneous damages is far from complete. The cancer-specific expression of Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis family of proteins, coupled with its importance in inhibiting cell death and in regulating cell division, makes it a target for cancer treatment. This study was designed to investigate the modulation of Survivin during UV response, both in vitro and in vivo. We used UV-B–mediated damages in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) cells as an in vitro model and SKH-1 hairless mouse model for the in vivo studies. For in vitro studies, NHEK were treated with UV-B and samples were processed at 5, 15, 30 min, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after treatment. Our data demonstrated that UV-B exposure (50 mJ/cm2) to NHEK resulted in a significant upregulation in Survivin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. We also observed that UV-B exposure to NHEK resulted in significant (1) decrease in Smac/DIABLO and (2) increase in p53. Fo...
Riposte: a trace-driven compiler and parallel VM for vector code in R

There is a growing utilization gap between modern hardware and modern programming languages for data analysis. Due to power and other constraints, recent processor design has sought improved performance through increased SIMD and multi-core parallelism. At the same time, high-level, dynamically typed languages for data analysis have become popular. These languages emphasize ease of use and high productivity, but have, in general, low performance and limited support for exploiting hardware parallelism. In this paper, we describe Riposte, a new runtime for the R language, which bridges this gap. Riposte uses tracing, a technique commonly used to accelerate scalar code, to dynamically discover and extract sequences of vector operations from arbitrary R code. Once extracted, we can fuse traces to eliminate unnecessary memory traffic, compile them to use hardware SIMD units, and schedule them to run across multiple cores, allowing us to fully utilize the available parallelism on modern shared-memory machines. Our evaluation shows that Riposte can run vector R code near the speed of hand-optimized C, 5–50× faster than the open source implementation of R, and can also linearly scale to 32 cores for some tasks. Across 12 different workloads we achieve an overall average speed-up of over 150× without explicit programmer parallelization.
Marked atypical lymphocytosis, hepatitis, and skin rash in sulfasalazine drug allergy

A 38-year-old man presented with a generalized pruritic maculopapular rash, fever, myalgias, and edema of the face and neck. Laboratory examination revealed eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytosis, and abnormal liver function results. The clinical course was characterized by rapid resolution after initiation of steroid therapy and withdrawal of sulfasalazine, which had been started three weeks earlier for abdominal cramping and diarrhea. This clinical picture suggests a drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction to a drug commonly used for inflammatory bowel disease, sulfasalazine.
Occupationally Acquired Vibratory Angioedema with Secondary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

After several years of occupational exposure to vibration, a man developed episodic vibratory hand swelling, erythema, and pruritus. He subsequently developed symptoms compatible with carpal tunnel syndrome, but his median nerve conduction velocity remained normal. After experimental vibration of the forearm, plasma histamine levels in the ipsilateral antecubital vein rose in association with localized angioedema and slowed median nerve conduction velocity. There was no evidence of other causes of angioedema. Occupational exposure to vibration may predispose to the development of vibratory angioedema, which may predispose to intermittent compression neuropathy.
A TECHNIQUE FOR ESTIMATING INCOME TRENDS FROM CURRENCY DATA AND AN APPLICATION TO NINETEENTH‐CENTURY BRAZIL

This paper develops a method for estimating long-run trends in income growth from the data available on a country's currency stock. The method is applied to nineteenth-centry Brazil. The results indicate that contrary to earlier beliefs, the country as a whole probably experienced only moderate growth in per-capita income during the nineteenth century. The approach may also be useful for other countries where data shortages preclude estimates of national income by conventional methods.
Optical Gradient Materials Produced via Low-Temperature Isothermal Frontal Polymerization

Using a newly developed low-temperature frontal polymerization technique, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices were prepared with nonuniform distributions of organic nonlinear optical dyes, with potential use as optical limiters. This technique affords lower temperature conditions than have been used before. A PMMA tube was filled with a dye, the initiator tert-butyl peroxide, and methyl methacrylate (MMA). Curing at 4°C resulted in a radial gradient of dye. An axial dye gradient was observed when MMA was overlaid and polymerization effected from a dye-doped PMMA seed using tricaprylmethyl ammonium persulfate as the initiator. In both cases, polymerization reactions were observed as a result of isothermal frontal polymerization with the subsequent formation of a nonlinear concentration distribution of the optical dye dopants. Low temperatures are desirable to eliminate thermal and photothermal degradation of temperature-sensitive dyes during the polymerization. The preparation of long polymer rods with organic dye gradients on the scale of several centimeters can also be realized with the use of low-temperature polymerization and the gradients controlled by the concentration of initiator. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 686–691, 2001
Special Issue on Sexuality Across the Globe, Setting, Condition and Age

As we come to the close of yet another year and the beginning of a new year, a time to reflect is in order. The continuing professional challenge, excitement and wonder for what is, what is needed and what can be, motivates us forward to investigate, learn and share. The complexity of the human condition across time, age, culture, politics, and individual differences along with group similarities is the force that sustains the motivation to continue the investigation to find answers, improve healthcare and policy, and enhance quality of life. This issue brings pragmatic understanding to utilize and build upon. Still, more to do. And we look forward to a New Year!
High-valent imido complexes of manganese and chromium corroles.

The oxidation reaction of M(tpfc) [M = Mn or Cr and tpfc = tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole] with aryl azides under photolytic or thermal conditions gives the first examples of mononuclear imido complexes of manganese(V) and chromium(V). These complexes have been characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, UV−vis, EPR, elemental analysis, and cyclic voltammetry. Two X-ray structures have been obtained for Mn(tpfc)(NMes) and Cr(tpfc)(NMes) [Mes = 2,4,6-(CH3)3C6H2]. Short metal−imido bonds (1.610 and 1.635 A) as well as nearly linear M−N−C angles are consistent with triple M⋮NR bond formation. The kinetics of nitrene [NR] group transfer from manganese(V) corroles to various organic phosphines have been defined. Reduction of the manganese(V) corrolato complex affords phosphine imine and MnIII with reaction rates that are sensitive to steric and electronic elements of the phosphine substrate. An analogous manganese complex with a variant corrole ligand containing bromine atoms in the β-pyrrole positions, Mn(Br8tpf...
Phonograph Reproducer Design

PHONOGRAPH reproducers, which convert the mechanical motion of the stylus to a corresponding electric voltage, have been in commercial use for the past two decades. They have employed a wide variety of voltage generators such as carbon microphone buttons, variable reluctance magnetic circuits, moving coils in magnetic fields, and Rochelle salt crystals. Although excellent performance has been obtained with many of these types, there has been a continued effort to reduce the mass of the moving system and to simplify the mechanical construction, even to the extent of sacrificing output voltage.
Quantum Correlations Between Telecom Light and Memory

Long-distance quantum information networks require information storage, retrieval and transmission at telecommunications wavelengths. We demonstrate conversion between 795 and 1367 nm light with efficiency 52% and measure non-classical correlations between telecom light and memory.
Failure-to-thrive, maltreatment and the behavior and development of 6-year-old children from low-income, urban families: a cumulative risk model

Abstract Objective: A cumulative risk model was used to examine the relationship among failure-to-thrive (FTT), maltreatment, and four aspects of children’s development: cognitive performance (standardized testing), adaptive functioning at school, and classroom behavior (teacher report), and behavior at home (maternal report). Method: The sample included 193 6-year-old children and their families, recruited from pediatric clinics serving inner-city, low-income, primarily African-American families, who were part of a longitudinal investigation of child development and maltreatment. Four risk groups were formed based on their growth and maltreatment history: neither FTT nor Maltreatment, FTT Only, Maltreatment Only, and both FTT and Maltreatment. FTT was defined as a deceleration in weight gain (weight-for-age below the 5th percentile) prior to 25 months of age among children born at term with birth weight appropriate for gestational age. Maltreatment was defined as having at least one report to CPS for neglect, physical abuse and/or sexual abuse. Results: Risk status was negatively associated with each of the four developmental outcomes. Children with a history of both FTT and maltreatment had more behavior problems and worse cognitive performance and school functioning than children with neither risk factor. Children with only one risk factor (either FTT or maltreatment) achieved intermediate scores. Conclusions: Findings support a cumulative risk model as being more detrimental to children’s development than the presence of a single risk factor alone, consistent with theories linking the accumulation of environmental risks to negative consequences. These results underscore the importance of interventions to prevent both FTT and maltreatment during children’s early years.
Novel use of tissue expander for dilation of oropharyngeal stenosis

Naso/oropharyngeal stenoses are uncommon surgical complications. We present a child having undergone previous adenoidectomy without complication who developed naso/oropharyngeal scarring after subsequent tonsillectomy. She presented with nasal obstruction and frequent gasping at night worrisome for obstructive sleep apnea. Scar was initially excised and the defect allografted. Conventional esophageal dilators were undersized, and ultimately a tissue expander was used intraoperatively as a balloon dilator. The patient's symptoms and sleep apnea resolved. We found use of a tissue expander as a balloon dilator to be at least minimally effective in dilating the oropharynx when all other methods at our disposal proved ineffective.
Histopathologic and angiographic analysis of coronary artery morphology six months after triple artery angioplasty.

Abstract Coronary morphology after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been described in autopsy reports early after a successful or unsuccessful procedure or late after PTCA in patients with restenosis. 1–4 Opportunities for in vivo histologic examination of the chronic healed dilatation site in humans are rare. We describe angiographic and histopathologic correlations from the explanted heart of a patient who had 3-vessel PTCA and underwent cardiac transplantation 6 months later because of refractory congestive heart failure.
Determination of loads in an inextensible network according to geometry of its wrinkles

This note derives an analytical relationship for an inextensible network when it buckles. According to the relationship, the applied compressive force can be determined according to the maximum absolute values of deflection and angle of deflection in the network's wrinkles.
Economic sensitivity analysis of waste treatment costs in source reduction projects: Continuous optimization problems

Abstract This paper presents an approach for determining the sensitivity of maximum net profits to uncertainty in the waste treatment costs in a chemical process. It is shown that a basic relationship exists between sensitivity analysis and the solution of a multiobjective optimization problem that simultaneously minimizes waste production and maximizes the profits before waste treatment. It is shown that all solutions of the sensivity problem lie on the convex hull of the tradeoff curve generated by the multiobjective optimization problem, and that the sensitivity curve can be generated from the tradeoff curve with a simple transformation. The paper presents a sequential approximation method that rapidly calculates the tradeoff curve. The method is illustrated with four examples.
The deep drifter—a simple tool to determine average ocean currents

Abstract An expensive drifter has been developed for studies of subsurface and abyssal currents. It uses an ARGOS radio transmitter to reveal its pop-up position at the end of a programmed period of submergence, which may last from days to months. Statistical significance of mean flow estimates is achieved through ensemble averaging a set of drift vectors, hence an emphasis on low cost.
Medical comorbidity among youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the United States

Objective: This study examines the number and type of medical comorbidities among youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Method: This is a retrospective data analysis using the 2000-2001 Thomson Medstat MarketScan medical claims and administrative files. The population included a national sample of youth (ages 6-18 years) from privately insured families within the United States. Number of chronic medical conditions and type of medical comorbidity were analyzed in ICD-10-diagnosed youth with bipolar disorder (N = 832) and other types of psychiatric disorders (N = 21,493) using The Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups Case Mix System, Version 8.0. Results: Thirty-six percent of youth with bipolar disorder had 2 or more chronic health conditions versus 8% of youth with other psychiatric diagnoses. The following categories of medical conditions were significantly more prevalent in youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder: cardiology, gastrointestinal/hepatic, neurologic, musculoskeletal, female reproductive, and respiratory. Toxic effects and adverse events were also higher in youth with bipolar disorder, compared to youth with other psychiatric disorders. Conclusions: Youth with bipolar disorder experience higher rates of several medical illnesses compared to youth with other psychiatric diagnoses. Several factors may explain this phenomenon, including worse medication side effects, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, poorer access to health care services, socioeconomic status, and biologic susceptibility. Moreover, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may reflect more frequent health care utilization and therefore more opportunities for additional medical diagnoses. Further understanding regarding reasons for these relatively high rates of comorbidity among youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be helpful in improving overall health and quality of life during the early stages/ onset of this disorder.
Compactness of the ∂-Neumann Problem on Convex Domains☆

The ∂-Neumann operator on (0, q)-forms (1⩽q⩽n) on a bounded convex domainΩin Cnis compact if and only if the boundary ofΩcontains no complex analytic (equivalently: affine) variety of dimension greater than or equal toq.