cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Russell's Last (and Best) Multiple-Relation Theory of Judgement

Russell's version of the multiple-relatio n theory from the Theory of Knowledge man­ uscript is presented and defended against some objections. A new problem, related to defining truth via correspondence, is reconstructed from Russell's remarks and what we know of Wittgenstein's objection to Russell's theory. In the end, under­ standing this objection in terms of correspondence helps to link Russell's multiple­ relation theory to his later views on propositions.
THE FATE OF THE DWARF SHOOT APEX IN BRISTLECONE PINE (PINUS LONGAEVA)

A B S T R A C T The fate of the pine dwarf shoot (DS) apex after needle initiation has been controversial. Dwarf shoot primordia of Pinus longaeva were examined to determine the developmental basis for DS with and without interfoliar buds. Interfoliar buds are microscopic buds derived from the original terminal apex of the DS. In October, all the DS primordia are similar in size and appearance. However, as the needles elongate in the following June the apices of more proximal DS decrease in size7 such that by July there is a clear diminishing size gradient of apical domes in going from the most distal to the most proximal positions. The distal DSs start to form bud scales in July and have fully formed interfoliar buds by mid-August. In contrast, those DS apices lacking protective bud scales at needle maturity become suberized and can never proliferate into long shoots. The distal placement of interfoliar buds may be due to a group effect where each developing DS inhibits the more proximal DSs in the long shoot terminal bud.
Investigating organizational core values in NCAA athletic departments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to survey National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I administrators (N=437) in the USA to identify the organizational values that are deemed as having the highest priority by administrators when carrying out the mission of their athletic department. Design/methodology/approach – The research utilized an online survey to examine the organizational values within NCAA athletic departments. The surveys were distributed during a one-month time period. Findings – The data demonstrated that academic excellence, student-athlete experience, and health/safety were rated as the organizational values with the highest priority in athletic departments. In addition, the study also illustrated that that the priority level of the individual values varied when focussing on the different levels of administrators. Originality/value – The understanding of value systems within sport organizations and proper implementation of value-driven leadership can enhance organization...
Effect of pendant group on pDNA delivery by cationic-β-cyclodextrin:alkyl-PVA-PEG pendant polymer complexes.

We have previously shown that cationic-β-cyclodextrin:R-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethylene glycol) (CD+:R-PVA-PEG) pendant polymer host:guest complexes are safe and efficient vehicles for nucleic acid delivery, where R = benzylidene-linked adamantyl or cholesteryl esters. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological performance of a family of PVA-PEG pendant polymers whose pendant groups have a wide range of different affinities for the β-CD cavity. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that all of the cationic-β-CD:pendant polymer host:guest complexes have 100–1000-fold lower toxicity than branched polyethylenimine (bPEI), with pDNA transfection efficiencies that are comparable to bPEI and Lipofectamine 2000. Complexes formed with pDNA at N/P ratios greater than 5 produced particles with diameters in the 100–170 nm range and ζ-potentials of 15–35 mV. Gel shift and heparin challenge experiments showed that the complexes are most stable at N/P ≥ 10, with adamantyl- and noradamantyl-modified complexes displaying t...
Intestinal epithelial-derived TAK1 signaling is essential for cytoprotection against chemical-induced colitis.

Background We have previously reported that intestinal epithelium-specific TAK1 deleted mice exhibit severe inflammation and mortality at postnatal day 1 due to TNF-induced epithelial cell death. Although deletion of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) can largely rescue those neonatal phenotypes, mice harboring double deletion of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and intestinal epithelium-specific deletion of TAK1 (TNFR1KO/TAK1IEKO) still occasionally show increased inflammation. This indicates that TAK1 is important for TNF-independent regulation of intestinal integrity. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we investigated the TNF-independent role of TAK1 in the intestinal epithelium. Because the inflammatory conditions were sporadically developed in the double mutant TNFR1KO/TAK1IEKO mice, we hypothesize that epithelial TAK1 signaling is important for preventing stress-induced barrier dysfunction. To test this hypothesis, the TNFR1KO/TAK1IEKO mice were subjected to acute colitis by administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). We found that loss of TAK1 significantly augments DSS-induced experimental colitis. DSS induced weight loss, intestinal damages and inflammatory markers in TNFR1KO/TAK1IEKO mice at higher levels compared to the TNFR1KO control mice. Apoptosis was strongly induced and epithelial cell proliferation was decreased in the TAK1-deficient intestinal epithelium upon DSS exposure. These suggest that epithelial-derived TAK1 signaling is important for cytoprotection and repair against injury. Finally, we showed that TAK1 is essential for interleukin 1- and bacterial components-induced expression of cytoprotective factors such as interleukin 6 and cycloxygenase 2. Conclusions Homeostatic cytokines and microbes-induced intestinal epithelial TAK1 signaling regulates cytoprotective factors and cell proliferation, which is pivotal for protecting the intestinal epithelium against injury.
Roundtable Discussion of Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church: The Challenge of Luke–Acts to Contemporary Christians

In this book, Johnson’s outstanding commentary works on Luke–Acts are made available to non-biblical scholars. Much of the most insightful and engaging points from the commentaries are clearly and convincingly argued and the brilliance of his work is now available to a wider audience and a new generation.
Dry Machinability of Aluminum Alloys

Adverse effects of the use of cutting fluids and environmental concerns with regard to cutting fluid disposability is compelling industry to adopt Dry or near Dry Machining, with the aim of eliminating or significantly reducing the use of metal working fluids. Pending EPA regulations on metal cutting, dry machining is becoming a hot topic of research and investigation both in industry and federal research labs. Although the need for dry machining may be apparent, most of the manufacturers still consider dry machining to be impractical and even if possible, very expensive. This perception is mainly due to lack of appropriate cutting tools that can withstand intense heat and Built-up-Edge (BUE) formation during dry machining. The challenge of heat dissipation without coolant requires a completely different approach to tooling. Special tooling utilizing high-performance multi-layer, multi-component, heat resisting, low friction coatings could be a plausible answer to the challenge of dry machining. In pursuit of this goal Argonne National Labs has introduced Nano-crystalline near frictionless carbon (NFC) diamond like coatings (DLC), while industrial efforts have led to the introduction of composite coatings such as titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) and others. Although, these coatings are considered to be very promising, they have not been tested either from tribological or from dry machining applications point of view. As such a research program in partnership with federal labs and industrial sponsors has started with the goal of exploring the feasibility of dry machining using the newly developed coatings such as Near Frictionless Carbon Coatings (NFC), Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN), and multi-layer multicomponent nano coatings such as TiAlCrYN and TiAlN/YN. Although various coatings are under investigation as part of the overall dry machinability program, this extended abstract deals with a systematic investigation of dry machinability of Aluminum 6061 and 2024 using uncoated carbide, TiN coated carbide, and TiAlN coated carbide inserts. Central Composite Design (CCD) is used to study the effect of speed, feed, depth of cut, workpiece material, and cutting tool material on the resulting forces, surface finish, temperature, chip morphology and tool wear. Each of the machining responses is measured and compared under 15 different machining conditions. Results from CCD experiments have been used to develop linear and logarithmic models for forces (Fx, Fy, Fz, & Fr) surface finish (Ra), and temperature. Furthermore, chip morphology and tool wear have also been compared. From the comparison of forces, surface finish, temperature, chip morphology, tool wear and the corresponding statistical models, it is clear that in general TiAlN results in lower forces, better surface finish, greater fragmented chips, and lesser tool wear.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Identifying underground coal mine displacement through field and laboratory laser scanning

The ability to identify ground movements in the unique environment of an underground coalmine is explored through the use of laser scanning. Time-lapse scans were performed in an underground coal mine to detect rib surface change after different volumes of coal were removed from the mine ribs. Surface changes in the rib as small as 57 cm3 were detected through analysis of surface differences between triangulated surfaces created from point clouds. Results suggest that the uneven geometry, coal reflectance, and small movements of objects and references in the scene due to ventilation air do not significantly influence monitoring ability. Time-lapse scans were also performed on an artificial coal rib constructed to allow the researchers to control deformation and error precisely. A test of displacement measurement precision showed relative standard deviations of 3200 pts/m2. Changing the distance and angle of incidence of the artificial coal rib to the scanner had little impact on the accuracy of results beyond the expected reduction due to a smaller point density of the target area. The results collected in this study suggest that laser scanning can be a useful, comprehensive tool for measuring ground change in an underground coal mining environment.
Sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to Northern San Francisco Bay

We studied nutrient sources to the Sacramento River and Suisun Bay (northern San Francisco Bay) and the influence which these sources have on the distributions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in the river and bay. We found that agricultural return flow drains and a municipal wastewater treatment plant were the largest sources of nutrients to the river during low river flow. The Sutter and Colusa agricultural drains contributed about 70% of the transport of DIN and DRP by the river above Sacramento (about 20% of the total transport by the river) between August 8 and September 26, 1985. Further downstream, the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant discharged DIN and DRP at rates that were roughly 70% of total DIN and DRP transport by the river at that time. Concentrations at Rio Vista on the tidal river below the Sacramento plant and at the head of the estuary were related to the reciprocals of the river flows, indicating the importance of dilution of the Sacramento waste by river flows. During very dry years, elevated DIN and DRP concentrations were observed in Suisun Bay. We used a steady-state, one-dimensional, single-compartment box model of the bay, incorporating terms for advection, exchange, and waste input, to calculate a residual rate for all processes not included in the model. We found that the residual for DIN was related to concentrations of chlorophylla (Chla). The residual for DRP was also related to Chla at high concentrations of Chla, but showed significant losses of DRP at low Chla concentrations. These losses were typically equivalent to about 80% of the wastewater input rate.
Hepatic lidocaine metabolism and liver histology in patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis

Recent advances in the medical and surgical treatment of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis have made it increasingly important to develop noninvasive tests of liver function. Our study has evaluated the hepatic conversion of lidocaine to its primary metabolite monoethylglycinexylodide and compared this with liver histological findings in 225 patients with chronic hepatitis (161 with hepatitis C, 23 with hepatitis B, 21 with autoimmune hepatitis and 20 with cryptogenic hepatitis). One hundred seven (47.7%) patients had cirrhosis at the time of evaluation. A decline in monoethylglycinexylodide production was observed with worsening liver histological conditions from a mean of 81.5 +/- 7.0 ng/ml in patients with chronic persistent hepatitis to 61.2 +/- 5.5 ng/ml for chronic active hepatitis and 20.9 +/- 1.5 ng/ml in patients with cirrhosis (p < 0.05). A further stepwise decline in monoethylglycine xylodide production was observed with worsening Child class: from 25.5 +/- 2.2 ng/ml for class A patients to 8.9 +/- 1.4 ng/ml for patients with Child class C disease (p < 0.05). All patients with monoethylglycinexylodide production less than 20 ng/ml had cirrhosis confirmed on histological examination. In contrast, no relationship was observed between liver histological status and serum transaminases (AST or ALT), bilirubin, albumin and prothrombin time. Thirty-five patients underwent repeat histological evaluation and monoethylglycinexylodide testing after receiving at least 6 mo treatment for chronic hepatitis (interferon for hepatitis B and C and corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis). The change in monoethylglycinexylodide production observed in these patients was a linear function of the change in Knodell histological index (r = 0.73, p < 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Etendue and optical system design

This paper presents our practical experience with etendue and optical system design. We clarify several different commonly used definitions of etendue. Examples are given that illustrate the applicability of conservation of etendue.
The initiation of pulmonary respiration in a bird embryo: Blood and air cell gas tensions

The gaseous stimuli for pipping and the initiation of pulmonary respiration were examined in the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) by measuring blood gas tensions in the chorioallantoic vein and air cell gas tensions (Pa02 and PaCO2) prior to and during the pipping process. External pipping (shell fracture) was the first observed pipping event and preceded internal pipping (penetration of air cell and initiation of pulmonary ventilation). This sequence of cracking the eggshell prior to the initiation of pulmonary respiration resulted in higher PaO2 and lower PaCO2 values than the pre-pip air cell gas tensions. Pip-cracks in the shell allow greater diffusion than could normally be obtained across the intact eggshell. This also favors the establishment of large partial pressure gradients of O2 and CO2 across the chorioallantois, thereby improving gas exchange across the inner resistance barrier. The gaseous stimuli for pipping may be attenuated and thus favor the 5–6 day pip-to-hatch interval in this species.
Lack of thermodynamic equilibrium in conjugated organic molecular thin films

We show that the observation by photoemission spectroscopy of a finite density of occupied states at the Fermi-level on a film of a conjugated organic material (para-sexiphenyl) in which alkali metal atoms have been intercalated does not necessarily imply metallicity nor the presence of negative polarons (radical anions). The combination of ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and Kelvin probe measurements rules out the presence of surface photovoltage, and reveals that the substrate and the surface of the organic film are not in thermodynamic equilibrium.
High-Performance, Stable Organic Thin-Film Field-Effect Transistors Based on Bis-5'-alkylthiophen-2'-yl-2,6-anthracene Semiconductors

The development of new organic semiconductors with improved electrical performance and enhanced environmental stability is the focus of considerable research activity. This communication presents the design, synthesis, and device stability data for novel bis-5‘-alkylthiophen-2‘yl-2,6-anthracene organic semiconductors. When incorporated into thin-film field-effect transistors, mobilities as high as 0.5 cm2/Vs and on/off current ratios greater than 107 are observed. We have investigated device stability in terms of both shelf life and operating lifetime. Devices incorporating the reported semiconductors display an average field-effect mobility of 0.4 cm2/Vs for DHTAnt and an on/off current ratio of 106 even after 15 months of storage. Furthermore, there is no decrease in performance during continuous operation of the devices over several thousand cycles.
Angiogenin promotes tumoral growth and angiogenesis by regulating matrix metallopeptidase-2 expression via the ERK1/2 pathway

Tumor angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis and is dependent on key angiogenic factors. Angiogenin (ANG), a 14.2-kDa polypeptide member of the RNase A superfamily, is an angiogenic protein that has been reported to be upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in some human cancers. The mechanisms through which aberrant ANG levels promote specific steps in tumor progression are unknown. Here, we show that ANG expression in human tissues is strongly correlated with an invasive cancer phenotype. We also show that ANG induces cellular survival, proliferation, endothelial tube formation and xenograft angiogenesis and growth. Novel mechanistic investigations revealed that ANG expression stimulated matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP2) expression through the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Targeting ANG in vivo with N65828, a small-molecule inhibitor of the ribonucleolytic activity of human ANG, resulted in the diminution of xenograft tumoral growth through the inhibition of angiogenesis. Our findings support an unrecognized interplay between ANG, ERK1/2 and MMP2 that can impact tumor growth and progression. The targeting of ANG and associated factors could provide a novel strategy to inhibit tumor establishment and growth.
Examining drinking patterns and problems among hispanic groups: results from a national survey.

Objective: This study examines and compares the drinking patterns and problems of members of four Hispanic groups (Cubans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics) in the United States, with information presented by gender and age. Method: The 1993 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, a recent national probability sample of the household population aged 18 and over in the United States, is used. Data are obtained through in-person interviews. The sample includes 4,462 Hispanics of Cuban (n = 620), Mexican (n = 2,467), Puerto Rican (n = 619) and Central and South American (n = 756) origin. Analyses are conducted using SUDAAN. Results: There are significant differences across the Hispanic groups in their drinking patterns and problems. Among men, Mexican Americans report the most frequent and heavy drinking, and the greatest prevalence of drunkenness and alcohol-related problems. Cubans report the lowest percentages of such respondents, and Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics are in between t...
The learning curve, technology barriers to entry, and competitive survival in the chemical processing industries

This paper evaluates entry and survival rates in a sample of 39 chemical product industries. The analysis focuses on learning-based cost advantages potentially held by incumbent firms. A logit model of entry gives no evidence that entry decisions were sensitive to the cumulative production lead held by incumbents. Entry was facilitated by the fact that for most products, technology was available from a range of sources. A hazard function model reveals that entrant survival rates were unrelated to order of entry or source of process technology. However, survival was adversely affected when the leading incumbent held a large cumulative output advantage or when entrants built plants of sub-optimal scale. Thus, a large incumbent lead in production experience did not deter new entry but did reduce the entrant'S probability of survival.
Mechanism of recovery from systemic herpes simplex virus infection. II. Effectiveness of antibody reconstitution of nude and neonatally thymectomized mice.

AbstractA series of investigations was designed to study the role of cellular immunity, humoral antibody, and interferon in recovery from primary systemic herpes simplex virus type I (HVH) infection in mice. Nude and neonatally thymectomized mice, which have a specific defect in T-cell function, were dramatically more susceptible to primary systemic HVH infection. These immunosuppressed mice did not form neutralizing antibody to HVH, and had pathological lesions involving primarily the liver and brain. Passive transfer of physiologic amounts of neutralizing antibody after infection largely protected these T-cell-deficient HVH-infected mice. The results thus suggest that the formation of anti-HVH antibody in the nonimmunosuppressed mouse is critically important in promoting recovery from systemic HVH infection. The findings do not favor a dominant defensive role for immune cells, but they do not exclude a defensive role for these cells in this experimental primary HVH infection.
Phylogeny of the Lemuridae: Effects of Character and Taxon Sampling on Resolution of Species Relationships within Eulemur☆

DNA sequences from three mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene were analyzed to determine the phylogeny of the Malagasy primate family Lemuridae. Whether analyzed separately or in combination, the data consistently indicate that Eulemur species comprise a clade that is sister to a Lemur catta plus Hapalemur clade. The genus Varecia is basal to both. Resolution of cladogenic events within Eulemur was found to be extremely problematic with a total of six alternative arrangements offered by various data sets and weighting regimes. We attempt to determine the best arrangement of Eulemur taxa through a variety of character and taxon sampling strategies. Because our study includes all but one Eulemur species, increased taxon sampling is probably not an option for enhancing phylogenetic accuracy. We find, however, that the combined genetic data set is more robust to changes in taxon sample than are any of the individual data sets, suggesting that increased character sampling stabilizes phylogenetic resolution. Nonetheless, due to the difficult nature of the problem, we may have to accept certain aspects of Eulemur interrelationships as uncertain.
Advances in our understanding of thyroid hormone action at the cellular level.

Introduction DESPITE the fact that the clinical and biological importance of the thyroid hormones have been recognized for approximately 100 yr (1–3), until recently our understanding of the biological effects of these hormones has been largely descriptive and based on a catalog of effects observed to accompany an excess or deficiency of these hormones. In the past 15 yr, however, there has been substantial progress in defining the molecular basis of thyroid hormone action at the nuclear level. In the mid-60s Tata and colleagues (4, 5) first proposed that the nucleus might be the target for thyroid hormone action. This inference was based on sequential measurements of thyroid hormone effects in thyroidectomized animals treated with T4. Nevertheless, the importance and uniqueness of this pathway were not fully appreciated (6). Full understanding of the nuclear site of initiation of thyroid hormone action was dependent on the recognition that T3 was the active hormone, that T4 largely served as a precursor ...
Lesions of the inferior olive increase glutamic acid decar☐ylase activity in the deep cerebellar nuclei of the rat

Inferior olive-climbing fiber lesions were made by administering 3-acetylpyridine to 16-day-old rats. This treatment produced multiple motor abnormalities which gradually improved over the subsequent 28 days. A significant increase in glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity was found in the deep cerebellar nuclei 24 h after treatment. This elevation increased with time, reaching 134% of control values 28 days after treatment. GAD activity in the cerebellar vermis also increased but did so more slowly and to a lesser degree than in the deep nuclei, reaching 114% of control values 28 days after treatment. The results suggest the operation of different mechanisms in producing the increased GAD activity in the different areas.
The influence of amphotericin B upon Histoplasma infection in dogs.

A randomly assigned group of 51 mongrel dogs received a total intravenous dose of 1.85 mg of amphotericin B per pound of body weight over a 19-day period. The results of culture examination of lymph nodes for Histoplasma capsulatum were compared with similar cultures from a matched sample of 50 dogs who had received no drugs. A significant difference in infection rates as determined by culture was demonstrated indicating that amphotericin B is capable, at this regimen, of reducing such infection rates by at least 58% Thus, this method of therapy can be recommended as an important and perhaps necessary procedure for researchers utilizing dogs obtained from endemic histoplasma areas. Associations were " demonstrated between infection and the results of selected serological tests, with histoplasmin skin test readings, and with histopathologic findings.
Modifying flow in the ICA bifurcation: Pipeline deployment from the supraclinoid ICA extending into the M1 segment-clinical and anatomic results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Utility of the Pipeline Embolization Device extending to the M1 and its clinical and flow consequences at the ICA bifurcation have not been characterized. We analyzed flow modification in cases where a single Pipeline Embolization Device was deployed from the M1 to the distal supraclinoid ICA, covering the A1, for aneurysm treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A1 flow modifications and size regression in postprocedure and follow-up angiography were analyzed. Vessel diameters and ratios of the proximal A1 and M1 segments and the distal ICA were assessed. Relationships between Pipeline Embolization Device nominal diameter and the vessel diameters at landing zones were obtained. Clinical assessments after flow modification were documented. RESULTS: Six of 7 patients demonstrated no change of flow in the anterior cerebral artery/anterior communicating artery complex at immediate postembolization angiography. All patients who underwent follow-up angiography demonstrated size regression of the ipsilateral A1. Midterm follow-up angiography revealed complete reversal of flow in the ipsilateral A1 in 4 of 5 patients. One patient did not demonstrate flow modification. This patient had a dominant ipsilateral A1. Vessel ratios in this case demonstrated a unique configuration in favor of maintaining patency of the ipsilateral A1. There were no clinical or radiographic signs of ischemia. One patient experienced asymptomatic angiographic in-stent stenosis at the M1. CONCLUSIONS: We found that deployment of a Pipeline Embolization Device from the distal supraclinoid ICA to the M1 may result in reversal of flow in the anterior cerebral artery/anterior communicating artery complex and regression of the ipsilateral A1. Preoperative anatomic quantitation and sizing of the Pipeline Embolization Device may predict flow modification results.
Design-Based Research and Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments.

During the past decade, design-based research has demonstrated its potential as a methodology suitable to both research and design of technology-enhanced learning environments (TELEs). In this paper, we define and identify characteristics of design-based research, describe the importance of design-based research for the development of TELEs, propose principles for implementing design-based research with TELEs, and discuss future challenges of using this methodology.
Towards deformation-based capacity design of RCS beam–column connections

Abstract Hybrid RCS frame systems consisting of reinforced concrete (RC) columns and steel (S) beams have been recognized to possess several advantages in terms of structural performance and economy compared to pure RC and steel frames. However, their use has been limited to low or moderate seismic regions due to lack of appropriate design guidelines for RCS frames in high seismic risk zones. In this article, the implementation of a deformation-based capacity approach for the design of RCS connections in frames located in high seismic risk zones is described. The main purpose of the design procedure is to control joint distortions and damage, forcing most of the frame inelastic activity to occur in the beams. The design procedure is validated through the testing of two RCS beam–column–slab subassemblies under displacement reversals. Experimental results indicate that the proposed design procedure is effective in controlling joint deformations and damage, leading to the formation of plastic hinges at the beam ends. The test specimens showed excellent seismic behavior with significant energy dissipation capacity, which demonstrates the suitability of RCS frames for use in high seismic risk zones.
Games Online: Social Icebreakers That Orient Students to Synchronous Protocol and Team Formation

With the advent of the Internet, schools are now able to better fulfill student's needs in terms of how they offer classes. Life is faster paced, with many people juggling work as well as study, so...
Informal credit markets and economic development in Taiwan

Abstract Taiwan is a case which shows how informal credit markets help to compensate for the limitations of the formal financial system, especially in satisfying the needs of medium and small enterprises. Government regulations and policies affect the way participants in informal credit markets solve selection, enforcement and incentive problems. Recent changes demonstrate the continued resilience and relevance of informal credit markets during a process of financial liberalization.
Round-up: runtime checking quasi linearizability of concurrent data structures

We propose a new method for runtime checking of a relaxed consistency property called quasi linearizability for concurrent data structures. Quasi linearizability generalizes the standard notion of linearizability by intentionally introducing nondeterminism into the parallel computations and exploiting such nondeterminism to improve the performance. However, ensuring the quantitative aspects of this correctness condition in the low level code is a difficult task. Our method is the first fully automated method for checking quasi linearizability in the unmodified C/C++ code of concurrent data structures. It guarantees that all the reported quasi linearizability violations are real violations. We have implemented our method in a software tool based on LLVM and a concurrency testing tool called Inspect. Our experimental evaluation shows that the new method is effective in detecting quasi linearizability violations in the source code of concurrent data structures.
Aortic valve resistance in aortic stenosis: Doppler echocardiographic study and surgical correlation

Four hundred seven patients with aortic stenosis who had Doppler echocardiography before surgery were studied to determine the feasibility of Doppler-derived valve resistance calculation and its clinical value. Patients with milder aortic stenosis had lower mean gradient, larger valve area, and lower maximal resistance than those with severe stenosis. Maximal resistance was related strongly to aortic stenosis severity but did not add any information after valve area and gradient were known and was not related to surgical mortality.
Accelerated Computation of Viscous, Steady Incompressible Flows

Based on an artificial compressibility method, the explicit Runge-Kutta time stepping finite difference algorithm was applied to steady, incompressible, Navier-Stokes equations. A two-dimensional analysis computer code in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system was developed and its accuracy has been compared to known numerical solutions. The algorithm has been accelerated using our new Distributed Minimal Residual (DMR) method, which allows each equation in the system to advance in time with its own optimal speed. The effectiveness of the DMR method was examined for a number of test cases. The accelerated algorithm offers substantial savings of the computing time.Copyright © 1989 by ASME
Beyond Ethnic Differences: Contextualizing the Influence of Ethnicity on Individualism and Collectivism

The relationship between individualism and collectivism (I/C), ethnicity, and four other social variables was examined using data from 453 American college students of Chinese, Korean, and European descent. Measures of Chinese and Korean ethnicity were better predictors of collectivism than individualism. The strength of the relationship between ethnicity and collectivism was reduced substantially, however, once the influence of other social variables was controlled. In the domain of individualism, Chinese and Korean ethnicity were negatively associated with assertiveness and uniqueness, were not related to scores on a measure of private identity, and were not related to valuing of personal openness once frequency of religious attendance was controlled. Discussion centers around the implication of the findings for the broader conceptualization of I/C.
A structural gene (Tcp-1) within the mouse t complex is separable from effects on tail length and lethality but may be associated with effects on spermatogenesis.

The Tcp-1 gene is located within the t complex and codes for a major testicular cell protein called p63/6.9. All wild-type chromosomes carry the Tcp-1b allele which codes for a basic form of this protein, while all complete t haplotypes carry the Tcp-1a allele which codes for an acidic form of this protein. It is not clear whether the Tcp-1 gene is associated with phenotypic effects of t haplotypes on embryogenesis and/or spermatogenesis, since the genetic basis for these effects is extremely complex. The elegant analysis of Lyon & Mason (1977) has allowed the identification and separation of a family of genetic factors which interact to produce the observed phenotypes associated with various combinations of t haplotypes. The data summarized in this report indicate that the Tcp-1a locus is separable from all of the identified t haplotype factors except for one; a complete correlation has been obtained between Tcp-1a and a proximal t haplotype factor which is involved in effects on transmission ratio distortion. Two other novel points emerge from this analysis. First, it appears that the tail interaction factor and the proximal sperm factors represent distinct genetic loci. Second, the accumulated data lead to the proposal that the TOrl chromosome carries a short segment of t haplotype chromatin containing Tcp-1a and proximal sperm factors involved in transmission ratio distortion and sterility.
Emerging therapies for acute coronary syndromes.

In the majority of cases acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are caused by activation and aggregation of platelets and subsequent thrombus formation leading to a decrease in coronary artery bloodflow. Recent focus on the treatment of ACS has centered on reducing the response of platelets to vascular injury as well as inhibiting fibrin deposition. Novel therapies include more effective P2Y12 receptor blockers thereby reducing inter-individual variability, targeting the platelet thrombin receptor (protease activated receptor 1) as well as directly inhibiting factor Xa or thrombin activity. In this review we discuss the clinical data evaluating the effectiveness of these various new ACS treatment options.
Characterization of a Novel Type of Endogenous Activator of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase

Nitric oxide (NO) remains the only firmly established endogenous modulator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activity, but physiological, structural, and biochemical evidence now suggests that in vivo regulation of sGC involves direct interaction with other factors. We searched for such endogenous modulators in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and COS-7 cells. The cytosolic fraction of both cell types stimulated the activity of semipurified sGC severalfold in the absence or presence of a saturating concentration of NO. The cytosolic factor was sensitive to proteinase K and destroyed by boiling, suggesting that it contains a protein component. Size exclusion chromatography revealed peaks of activity between 40 and 70 kDa. The sGC-activating effect was further purified by ion exchange chromatography. In the presence of the benzylindazole YC-1 or NO, the partially purified factor synergistically activated sGC, suggesting that this factor had a mode of activation different from that of YC-1 or NO. Four candidate activators were identified from the final purification step by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Using an sGC affinity matrix, one of them, the molecular chaperone Hsp70, was shown to directly interact with sGC. This interaction was further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation in lung tissues and by co-localization in smooth muscle cells. sGC and Hsp70 co-localized at the plasma membrane, supporting the idea that sGC can be translocated to the membrane. Hsp70 co-purifies with the sGC-activating effect, and immunodepletion of Hsp70 from COS-7 cytosol coincided with a marked attenuation of the sGC-activating effect, yet the effect was not rescued by the addition of pure Hsp70. Thus, Hsp70 is a novel sGC-interacting protein that is responsible for the sGC-activating effect, probably in association with other factors or after covalent modification.
Real realization: Dennett's real patterns versus Putnam's ubiquitous automata

Both Putnam and Searle have argued that that every abstract automaton is realized by every physical system, a claim that leads to a reductio argument against Cognitivism or Strong AI: if it is possible for a computer to be conscious by virtue of realizing some abstract automaton, then by Putnam's theorem every physical system also realizes that automaton, and so every physical system is conscious--a conclusion few supporters of Strong AI would be willing to accept. Dennett has suggested a criterion of reverse engineering for identifying "real patterns," and I argue that this approach is also very effective at identifying "real realizations." I focus on examples of real-world implementations of complex automata because previous attempts at answering Putnam's challenge have been overly restrictive, ruling out some realizations that are in fact paradigmatic examples of practical automaton realization. I also argue that some previous approaches have at the same time been overly lenient in accepting counter-intuitive realizations of trivial automata. I argue that the reverse engineering approach avoids both of these flaws. Moreover, Dennett's approach allows us to recognize that some realizations are better than others, and the line between real realizations and non-realizations is not sharp.
The Risk Effects of Combining Banking, Securities, and Insurance Activities

Abstract We create synthetic universal banks to examine the impact of securities and insurance activities on the banking firms’ risk. We find that these nonbank activities reduce the overall risk to the firm but increase systematic market risk—thus reducing the firm’s ability to diversify. Moreover, the unit price of risk does not appear to contain a risk premium to price the enhanced systemic risk exposure that might be engendered by greater convergence across financial firms. Our finding suggests that if there are net gains to universal banking, potential gains from synergies and demand effects must be powerful enough to overcome the disadvantages of increased systemic risk exposure. The results suggest that diversification benefits, when considered in isolation from the other implications of expanded bank powers, are not sufficiently large to justify expanding bank powers into nonbank securities and insurance underwriting activities.
Impact of separating dairy cattle excretions on ammonia emissions.

About 80% of dairy cattle N intake is excreted in urine and feces. Urinary—N is about 75% urea, whereas fecal—N is mostly organic. Urinary-N (urea) can only be volatilized when it is hydrolyzed to ammonia (NH 3 ) in a process catalyzed by urease, which is predominantly found in feces. Minimizing contact between urine and feces may be an effective approach to reducing urea hydrolysis and subsequent NH 3 emissions. Previous studies have reported 5 to 99% NH 3 emissions mitigation within barns from separation of feces and urine. The objective of this study was to compare NH 3 emissions mitigation via separation of urine and feces in postcollection storage to a conventional scrape manure handling method where urine and feces are comingled. Laboratory scale studies were conducted to evaluate NH 3 emissions from simulated postcollection storage of three waste streams: (i) idealistically separated feces and urine (no contact between urine and feces), (ii) realistically separated urine and feces (limited contact of urine and feces), and (iii) conventionally scraped manure (control). From the results of these studies, NH 3 losses ranking in descending order was as follows: aggregate of realistically separated waste streams (3375.9 ± 54.8 mg), aggregate of idealisrically separated urine and feces (3047.0 t 738.0 mg), and scrape manure (2034.0 ± 106.5 mg), respectively. Therefore, on the basis of these results, the extra effort of separating the waste streams would not enhance mitigation of NH 3 losses from postcollection storage of the separated waste streams compared to the conventional scrape manure collection system.
The large Nc limit of four-point functions in N = 4 super-Yang-Mills theory from anti-de Sitter supergravity

Abstract We compute the imaginary part of scalar four-point functions in the AdS/CFT correspondence relevant to N = 4 super Yang-Mills theory. Unitarity of the AdS supergravity demands that the imaginary parts of the correlation functions factorize into products of lower-point functions. We include the exchange diagrams for scalars as well as gravitons and find explicit expressions for the imaginary parts of these correlators. In momentum space these expressions contain only rational functions and logarithms of the kinematic invariants, in such a manner that the correlator is not a free-field result. The simplicity of these results, however, indicate the possibility of additional symmetry structures in N = 4 super Yang-Mills theory in the large N c limit at strong effective coupling. The complete expressions may be computed from the integral results derived here.
Receiver-aperture averaging effects for the intensity fluctuation of a beam wave in the turbulent atmosphere

Using a Gaussian weighting function for the receiver aperture, we obtain a closed-form representation for the receiver-aperture averaging effect for the intensity fluctuation of a beam wave in the turbulent atmosphere. It is shown that, unlike for the plane-wave case, the power scintillations do not always decrease when the receiver aperture is increased. The reasons are that (1) the intensity fluctuations on the axis for a coherent beam-wave source are smaller than these off the axis and (2) the averaging effect cannot show up when the total beam is within a coherent patch (i.e., the coherence length is larger than the beamwidth).
Calculating pressure in polymer lattice simulations

We propose several novel methods for calculating the bulk pressure in polymer lattice simulations. Our first method combines chain insertion/deletion with Wang–Landau – Optimized Ensemble sampling in the space of number of chains n, which is very efficient and accurate at low to intermediate polymer volume fractions ϕ (e.g., ≲0.7). We then propose two methods in canonical-ensemble simulations to efficiently and accurately calculate the bulk pressure at high ϕ where chain insertion/deletion becomes inefficient. Finally, combining these methods leads to complete thermodynamics over the entire range of continuous and exact ϕ-values with negligible finite-size effects. We also analyze in detail the error caused by the cut-off in n-space.
Attenuation of 1310- and 1550-nm laser light through sound dental enamel

Inexpensive laser diodes and fiber-optic technology have revived optical transillumination as a promising diagnostic method for the early detection of dental caries. The principal factor limiting transillumination through dental hard tissue is light scattering in the normal enamel and dentin. Previous studies have shown that the scattering coefficient decreases with increasing wavelength. Therefore, the near-IR region is likely to be well suited for fiber optic transillumination. The objective of this study was to measure the optical attenuation of near-IR light through dental enamel at 1310-nm and 1550-nm. These laser wavelengths are readily available due to their suitability for application to fiber optic communication. In this study the collimated transmission of laser light through polished thin sections of dental enamel for various thickness from 0.1 to 2.5 mm was measured in cuvettes of index matching fluid with n= 1.63. Beer-Lambert plots show that the attenuation coefficients are 3.1+/- 0.17cm -1 and 3.8+/- 0.17cm -1 for 1310-nm and 1550-nm, respectively. This study indicates that near-IR laser wavelengths are well-suited for the transillumination of dental enamel for caries detection since the attenuation through normal tissue is an order of magnitude less than in the visible.