cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The CARD-carrying caspase Dronc is essential for most, but not all, developmental cell death in Drosophila.

The initiator caspase Dronc is the only Drosophila caspase that contains a caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD). Although Dronc has been implicated as an important effector of apoptosis, the genetic function of dronc in normal development is unclear because dronc mutants have not been available. In an EMS mutagenesis screen, we isolated four point mutations in dronc that recessively suppress the eye ablation phenotype caused by eye-specific overexpression of hid . Homozygous mutant dronc animals die during pupal stages; however, at a low frequency we obtained homozygous adult escapers. These escapers have additional cells in the eye and wings that are less transparent and slightly curved down. We determined that this is due to lack of apoptosis. Our analyses of dronc mutant embryos suggest that dronc is essential for most apoptotic cell death during Drosophila development, but they also imply the existence of a dronc -independent cell death pathway. We also constructed double mutant flies for dronc and the apoptosis inhibitor diap1 . dronc mutants can rescue the ovarian degeneration phenotype caused by diap1 mutations, confirming that dronc acts genetically downstream of diap1 .
Test beds for complex systems

Global competition requires major manufacturers to increase productivity, quality, and responsiveness while simultaneously decreasing costs and time to market. To achieve these seemingly conflicting requirements, many manufacturers have expanded the outsourcing trends that began in the late 1980s. Now, design, engineering, logistics, as well as production, are outsourced to companies located all over the world.
A Compact Thermal Model for Data Center Analysis using the Zonal Method

Modeling the thermal environment for data centers, including prediction of airflow and temperature distributions, is generally an extremely time-consuming process using full-scale CFD analysis. Reduced order models are necessary in order to provide real-time assessment of cooling requirements. The use of a coarse-grained zonal model is being investigated as a predictive tool, and this article details the development and implementation of a three-dimensional, pressurized zonal model. To construct and validate the zonal model, a basic data center configuration was analyzed using a finite volume software package. The calculated flow fields provide the spatial flow coefficients required in the zonal model, which is based on the power law method (PLM). A physically-based mapping between the controllable spatial mass flow rate and temperature distribution was obtained. Good agreement (within 10% average relative error) was obtained between the zonal model predictions and the CFD results. These preliminary resul...
Prediction of friction and heat transfer for viscoelastic fluids in turbulent pipe flow

Experimental measurements of the friction factor and the dimensionless heat-transfer j-factor were carried out for the turbulent pipe flow of viscoelastic aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide. The studies covered a wide range of variables including polymer concentration, polymer and solvent chemistry, pipe diameter, and flow rate. Degradation effects were also studied. It is concluded that the friction factor and the dimensionless heat transfer are functions only of the Reynolds number, the Weissenberg number, and the dimensionless distance, provided that the rheology of the flowing fluid is used.
Low frequency vibrational spectra, barrier to internal rotation, and RHF/STO-3G* ab initio calculations of 3-bromopropene

Abstract The far-infrared spectrum of gaseous 3-bromopropene, CH 2 CHCH 2 Br, has been recorded from 350 to 35 cm −1 at a resolution of 0.1 cm −1 . The fundamental asymmetric torsional frequencies of the more stable gauche (dihedral angle ∢ CCCBr = 118.0 ± 0.2°) and higher energy cis (bromine atom eclipsing the double bond and dihedral angle ∢ CCCBr = 0°) conformers have been observed at about 93 and 113.3 cm −1 in the low frequency Raman and far-infrared spectra of the gas respectively. Three excited state torsional transitions falling to lower frequency have also been observed for the cis conformer. From studies of the Raman spectrum of the gas at variable temperatures, a value of 257 ± 50 cm −1 (735 ± 143 cal mol −1 ) has been determined for the enthalpy difference between the conformers. From these data the asymmetric torsional potential governing internal rotation about the CC has been determined and the potential coefficients are: V 1 = −293 ± 18; V 2 = −106 ± 26; V 3 = 825 ± 12; V 4 = 85 ± 13; V 6 = −53 ± 6 cm −1 . This potential function gives cis to gauche, gauche to gauche and gauche to cis barriers of 749, 770 and 986 cm −1 respectively, and an enthalpy difference between the conformers of 237 ± 56 cm −1 (672 ± 160 cal mol −1 ). The r 0 structural parameters for the heavy atom skeleton of the gauche conformer have been determined from previously reported microwave rotational constants along with a fixed CBr distance taken from the electron diffraction study. The determined parameters (distances in »ngstroms, angles in degrees) are: r (C 1 = C 2 ) = 1.335 ± 0.003; r (C 2 C 3 ) = 1.492 ± 0.002; ∢ C 1 C 2 C 3 = 122.6 ± 0.1; ∢ BrC 3 C 2 = 110.1 ± 0.1; ∢ C 1 C 2 C 3 Br = 118.0 ± 0.2. The asymmetric torsional potential surface, complete equilibrium geometries and vibrational frequencies have been calculated using restricted Hartree-Fock calculations with the STO-3G * basis set. All of these results are discussed and compared with the corresponding quantities obtained for some similar molecules.
Complement-fixing antimouse antibodies found in mice after inoculation of brain, Freund's complete adjuvant, and sarcoma 180-TG cells.

SummaryA significant proportion of ascitic fluids induced in mice by the sarcoma 180/TG technique reacted positively in complement-fixation (CF) test against mouse brain antigen when tested 16 days after tumor injection. The proportion was increased when mice were previously immunized with mouse brain and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Antimouse tissue reactions were minimal in mouse ascitic fluids induced by the FCA technique of Munoz. Antimouse CF antibody was not detected in ascitic fluids taken on day 10 after inoculation of sarcoma cells.
A gift and calling

Healers: Extraordinary Clinicians at Work. David Schenck, Larry Churchill. Oxford University Press; 2011. As I begin my career, I will not be content to be only a diagnoser of diseases, a writer of prescriptions, an avoider of lawsuits. Although that is perhaps all my education has taught me. So
Topology optimization of viscoelastic structures using a time-dependent adjoint method

Abstract We present a mathematical framework for producing optimal designs of structures that exhibit viscoelastic creep deformation. Using a linear viscoelastic finite element model, we implement a corresponding time-dependent adjoint sensitivity formulation. The resulting formula is then incorporated into a computational topology optimization framework in order to achieve optimal topologies based on the expected lifespan or operating cycle of the structure. Designs are optimized for minimum mass subject to a constraint on the maximum local deflection. We validate the method using several two-dimensional numerical examples that include design-dependent gravitational loading (self-weight) and time-dependent applied loads. Creep plots are used to quantify the impact of the viscoelastic optimization method. The results show that the design of the optimal structure is highly dependent on the load duration and the complete load history. This result supports the design premise that it is necessary to account for the full viscoelastic response of the structure when designing for optimal long-term performance.
Identification of Acetylcholine in Sympathetic Ganglia by Chemical and Physical Methods

Extracts of sympathetic ganglionic chains contain a substance which behaves like acetylcholine biologically, chromatographically, and electrophoretically. The melting point of the tetrachloroaurate salt of this substance is identical to that of acetylcholine tetrachloroaurate. No other choline esters have been detected in these extracts. Perfusion of sympathetic ganglia with C(14)-choline indicates that C(14)-acetylcholine is released.
Note---A Counterexample in Continuous Markov Decision Chains

Results in another paper in this issue may raise the question of whether for finite state and action, continuous time parameter Markov decision chains there always exists an initially stationary optimal policy. We give an example in which there is do such policy.
Increases in creatine kinase with atorvastatin treatment are not associated with decreases in muscular performance

Background The present study examined if increases in creatine kinase (CK) levels during high-dose atorvastatin treatment are associated with changes in skeletal muscle function and symptoms.
Cultural and Ethical Effects in Budgeting Systems: A Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Managers

This study developed and tested a model of culture’s effect on budgeting systems, and hypothesized that system variables and reactions to them are influenced by culture-specific work-related and ethical values. Most organizational and behavioral views of budgeting fail to acknowledge the ethical components of the problem, and have largely ignored the role of culture in shaping organizational and individual values. Cross-cultural differences in reactions to system design variables, and in the behaviors motivated or mitigated by those variables, has implications for the design and effectiveness of budgeting systems. The data largely support our research model, demonstrating the hypothesized national cultural differences in system design variables (e.g., participation, standards tightness, budget emphasis, etc. which we characterized as the opportunity and incentives to create budgetary slack), and the expected relationship between incentives (but not opportunity) to create slack and slack creation behavior. The data demonstrate hypothesized cultural differences in ethical ideology but show ethical ideology related to slack creation behavior only for U.S. managers. A discussion of the results and their implications is included.
FRACTAL SURFACES IN ENGINEERING: APPLICATIONS OF DYNAMIC SCALING

This talk will be a review of some of the fundamental ideas behind dynamic scaling of fractal surfaces and how it can be used to characterize the evolution and the morphology of surfaces in engineering related problems. After a brief review, two different applications of dynamic scaling will be discussed. The first is the problem of fluid flow in porous media, and the second example will be the problem of how to describe thin film growth by MBE techniques. These examples should illustrate the generality of the method and its applicability to a wide range of problems in surface science and engineering.
Serum 5'nucleotidase activity in rats: a method for automated analysis and criteria for interpretation.

Summary A manual kit for determining serum 5'nucleotidase (5'NT, EC 3.1.3.5) activity was adapted for use with rat samples on a large discrete clinical chemistry analyzer. The precision of the method was good (within-run C.V. = 2.14%; between-run C.V. = 5.5%). A comparison of the new automated method with a manual and semi-automated method gave regression statistics of y = 1.18x − 3.66 (Sy·x = 4.54), and y = 0.733x + 1.97 (Sy·x = 1.69), respectively. Temperature conversion factors provided by the kit manufacturer for human samples were determined to be inaccurate for converting results from rat samples. Analysis of components contributing to normal variation in rat serum 5'NT activity showed age and sex to be major factors. Increased serum 5'NT activity was observed in female rats when compared to male rats beginning at about 5 to 6 weeks of age. An analysis of variance of serum 5'NT, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT activities observed over a 9-week period in normal rats suggests several advantages for 5'NT as a predictor of biliary lesions in rats.
The reflectance of Ames 24E, Infrablack, and Martin black

Results are reported from measurements of the specular reflectances (SRs) and bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDFs) of three black optical coatings in the FIR wavelength range. The nonspecular reflectometer apparatus described by Smith (1984) is employed, and the data are presented in tables and graphs and discussed in detail. It is found that Ames 24E has an FIR SR one order of magnitude lower than that of Martin black (MB), with BRDF values characteristic of a nearly Lambertian surface, while Infrablack has SR two orders lower than MB and a specular-diffuse surface; MB itself has a very specular surface.
Polarimetric remote sensing of aerosols over land

[1] We present a new approach to retrieve the aerosol properties over land that uses accurate polarization measurements over a broad spectral (410–2250 nm) and angular (±60° from nadir) ranges. The approach uses longer wavelength observations to accurately estimate the surface effects, and it is incorporated into an optimal estimation framework for retrieving the particle number density and a detailed aerosol microphysical model: effective radius, variance, and complex refractive index. A sensitivity analysis shows that the uncertainties in aerosol optical thickness (AOT) increase with AOT while the uncertainties in the microphysical model decrease. The uncertainty in the single scattering albedo (SSA) is notably less than 0.05 by the time the AOT is greater than 0.2. We find that calibration is the major source of uncertainty and that perfect angular and spectral correlation of calibration errors reduces the uncertainties in retrieved quantities. Finally, we observe that shorter wavelength (<500 nm) observations are crucial for determining the aerosols vertical extent and imaginary refractive index from polarization measurements. The retrieval approach is tested under pristine and polluted conditions using observations made by the Research Scanning Polarimeter during the Aerosol Lidar Validation experiment and over California Southern wild fires. In both cases we find that the retrievals are within the combined uncertainties of the retrieval and the Aerosol Robotic Network Cimel products and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer Aerosol Index. This demonstrates the unique capability of polarization measurements to accurately retrieve AOTs under pristine conditions and provide estimation of the SSA at higher AOTs.
Sickle-cell anemia: molecular and cellular bases of therapeutic approaches (first of three parts).

THE term "molecular disease" was coined almost 30 years ago by Linus Pauling and his associates to describe their analysis of the abnormality in sickle-cell anemia.1 Since that time tremendous prog...
One-dimensional periodic flows with a shock transition - Application to the density wave theory of spiral structure

The problem of one-dimensional gas flow through a sinusoidal gravitational potential with a series of equally spaced shock fronts is considered. For time-independent and spatially periodic flows, an integral equation relates the flow velocity to the gravitational potential and source functions of energy and momentum densities. It is suggested that this problem simulates some of the dynamical effects of the azimuthal flow on a parcel of gas at a fixed radius in a galactic disk that supports a spiral density wave structure. It omits the radial motions. In this context, a typical azimuthal velocity across a spiral arm is specified and the resultant source functions are obtained. The implications of this calculation suggest heating of the gaseous disk by O and B stars behind the shock front, and subsequent interarm cooling is a plausible mechanism for maintaining the periodic cycling of the gaseous component of the galactic disk.
The postnatal development of norepinephrine-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat spinal cord.

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE) stimulated cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) accumulation in regional spinal cord and cortical tissue slices from postnatal rats demonstrated distinct developmental patterns. NE-concentration-response studies using a 10-min incubation period demonstrated minimal NE-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in whole spinal cord at PD 1–5 with maximal sensitivity on PD 12. Thereafter, sensitivity decreased to adult values at PD 30. Sensitivity changes were reflected in alterations in maximal response only since NE EC 50 s all averaged 10 −6 M. This agrees with no change in calculated K d for NE with increased V max to PD 12 and a reduction thereafter. Studies on regional spinal cord and cerebral cortical cyclic AMP accumulation indicated peak NE sensitivity in cervical and thoracic cord occurred at PD 10, in lumbar cord at PD 15, and in cerebral cortex at PD 20. The fact that inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PPDE) produced the same percentage alteration in peak accumulation in spinal cord slices regardless of postnatal age suggests that PPDE is not the primary determinant of the ontogenic changes. The results indicate that the postnatal development of spinal NE receptors may be reflected in an increase in the responsiveness of the cyclic AMP system to NE.
Identity and Learning: The Inextricable Link

Decades ago, feminist theorists opened the possibility that learning is deeply entwined with gender. Kelli Zaytoun argues that the interface between learning and identities formed by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other individual contexts is not yet well enough understood. She offers a framework to help move the discussion forward.
“Modern wide area measurement systems, an overview”

Summary form only given. Modern wide area measurement systems began with the advent of GPS synchronized phasor measurement units in mid 1990s. Before the advent of these units, wide area measurements were in use in most power systems to achieve tie-line-bias control and automatic generation control. The blackout of 1965 in northeast America brought about the development of Energy Management Systems, which also depended upon wide area measurements to perform state estimation and other real-time control tasks. The synchronized phasor measurement systems have ushered a fresh start in achieving truly real-time monitoring of power system state - both steady state and dynamic. This lecture will trace the history of wide area measurements, the evolution of phasor measurement units, and their potential applications in modern power system monitoring, protection, and control. (1 page)
Achieving a Comprehensive Peace: The Linguistic Factor

This paper is based on theories from critical linguistics, which view language not as a neutral medium for the description of reality but as actively shaping and giving meaning to human experience. It, therefore, argues that the linguistic factor be taken into account in the analysis of and prescription for problems deriving from social and ecological violence that challenge contemporary societies. To that end, it outlines the components of a linguistic framework that illustrates how language communicates ideologies, which shape group attitudes and justify social practices that sustain the use of such violence, and then it applies the framework to an analysis of two brief texts on environmental security and President Bush's September 20, 2001, address to Congress.
The living, endogenous stages of the rat coccidium, Eimeria nieschulzi.

SYNOPSIS. The living, endogenous stages of Eimeria nieschulzi Dieben, 1924 (Landers isolate) were studied under the phase contrast microscope. Active sporozoites were found as early as 2.5 hours after exposure and as late as 48 hours after exposure. The first generation schizont was recognized by the presence of a refractile globule remaining from the sporozoite. First and second generation merozoites were only weakly motile and had small paired organelles. Third generation merozoites were seen 48–120 hours after exposure and were strongly motile from 72 hours after exposure onward. The paired organelle consisted of 2 intertwining portions, one 5.5 μ long, the other tapering to a slender filament and continuing to about the posterior quarter of the parasite. The fourth generation merozoites were short, curved, and weakly motile. A paired organelle about 3 μ long was seen. Gametocytes and gametes were seen 144–192 hours after exposure. Macrogametes appeared to elaborate refractile granules in the vicinity of the nucleus. No motility of any type was seen in the macrogametes. Microgametocytes were recognized when nuclear material moved to the periphery of the parasite for the formation of microgametes. Observations on living organisms agreed generally with those made on fixed and stained organisms with the exception that the living merozoites were about 20% larger.
SECOND ORDER ASYMPTOTIC OPTIMALITY IN SEQUENTIAL POINT ESTIMATION

Abstract A sequential procedure for estimating the mean of a one-parameter exponential family with a weighted squared error loss is proposed. The procedure is shown to be asymptotically optimal to second order among all stopping times for a general class of estimators of the mean, under some smoothness condition.
Parametric versus rank transform procedures in the two-way factorial experiment: a comparative study

Monte Carlo simulation studies are used to compare the classical (parametric) procedures with the rank transform procedures in the two by two factorial experiment. The rank transform procedures involve using the classical procedures on the ranks of the data. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the magnitudes of the main effects and interaction can have a pronounced effect on the rank transform procedures. When no interaction is present the two procedures (parametric and rank transform) are in close agreement when the error terms have a normal distribution. Results of Monte Carlo studies with error terms having various distributions are also presented and interpreted. It is shown that the rank transform procedure is superior to the parametric procedure when the distribution of the error terms is heavy-tailed like the double exponential.
The Stroop test for public speaking apprehension: Validity and reliability

This study was designed to test an indirect measure of public speaking apprehension (PSA) because direct measures of public speaking apprehension are problematic in certain circumstances. To this end, participants’ responses to the Stroop Test for Public Speaking Apprehension were correlated with participants’ responses to state communication apprehension (CA), trait CA, imagery control, and dogmatism scales. It was expected that the Stroop Test would be correlated with state and trait CA but not with imagery and dogmatism. Also, since the Stroop Test measures PSA in an indirect fashion, the respondents were not expected to identify the test as a measure of public speaking apprehension. Further, the Stroop Test for PSA was expected to exhibit acceptable test/retest reliability. The data gathered for this study confirmed these expectations. It appears the Stroop Test is an indirect, reliable, and valid way to measure PSA.
Instability of Polycrystalline Bridges that Span Cracks in Powder Films Densified on a Substrate

The opening of cracks within a powder film is described as the film densifies on a substrate that constrains biaxial shrinkage. Polycrystalline ligaments that bridge the crack fail by an instability mechanism known as “desintering.” This phenomenon is produced by one of two effects. At lower temperatures, where the porous material still has a high driving potential for densification, the polycrystalline bridges extend and deform with increasing crack-opening displacement. Deformation occurs by combined grain rearrangement and desintering (separation of previously sintered grains) without coarsening. The bridge finally separates when the last, linking grain pair desinters. At higher temperatures, when the film is nearly dense and the grains within the remaining bridges near the crack tip have increased their size by coarsening, bridge failure occurs without extension. In this case coarsening of the grains promotes the instability, viz., desintering.
Properties and regulation of human spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract Spermidine/spermineN 1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) appears to be the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine catabolism, yet studies of its regulation have been limited by the low amounts of SSAT in uninduced cells. A system for studying SSAT was established by stably transfecting Chinese hamster ovary cells with a construct where SSAT cDNA was under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. Thirteen of 44 clones expressed significantly increased SSAT activity (650–1900 compared with 24 pmol/min/mg protein in control cells). SSAT activity was directly proportional to SSAT protein, which turned over very rapidly (t of 29 min) and was degraded through the ubiquitin/proteasomal pathway. The increased SSAT activity caused perturbations in polyamine homeostasis and led to a reduction in the rate of growth under clonal conditions.N 1,N 12-bis(ethyl)spermine greatly increased SSAT activity in controls and SSAT transfected clones (to about 10 and 60 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively).N 1,N 12-Bis(ethyl)spermine caused an increase in the SSAT half-life and a slight increase in SSAT mRNA, but these changes were insufficient to account for the increase in SSAT protein suggesting that translational regulation of SSAT must also occur.
Object-based knowledge bases in automatic manufacturing environments

A manufacturing system is a very complex network of physical activities, decision making and information flows. Hence the complexity of the design and the integration of such a system increases with increases in the degree of automation. In this paper the authors propose to use the framework of an object-oriented knowledge base as the basis to, organise the knowledge in an automatic manufacturing environment. Such systems can provide significant advantages in terms of knowledge management, integrity control, object abstraction, design abstraction, and very high level programming. The power of this framework is illustrated in detail in the context of process planning, which is one of the major components of an automatic manufacturing environment.
Interfacing an electronic analytical balance with a microcomputer to facilitate gravimetric laboratory analyses

A program is described that reduces laboratory time and labor by using an interface card to input readings from an electronic analytical balance to a microcomputer. Use of the system and the program is illustrated for detergent fiber analyses of forage samples. The program automatically records balance readings and calculates analytical results. Results are stored on floppy disks. Advantages include reduced time input for repetitive weighings and elimination of errors resulting from transcription or calculation. Results may also be transferred directly to another computer for summarization and statistical analyses
The Child Sexual Abuse Experience and the Child Sexual Abuse Medical Examination: Knowing What Correlations Exist

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess what children experience when they are sexually abused and determine if these experiences correlate with emotional distress and anogenital findings identified during medical examinations for sexual abuse. There were 269 children examined medically for sexual abuse and for whom the adult bringing the child to the medical examination reported that the child had made a statement alleging sexual abuse. Differences in what these children reportedly had stated about their sexual abuse was quantified on a questionnaire by the adults who brought the children. After the examination, children rated how distressed they felt having their bodies examined. The physician or nurse practitioner evaluating the child provided the second measure of emotional distress using the Genital Examination Distress Scale (GEDS) to rate behaviors observed during the anogenital component of the medical examination. The anogenital findings were classified as negative, inconclusive, or posi...
USE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR SOIL AND PLANT ANALYSIS

Analytical techniques have played an important role in the development of many research areas and commercial ventures. An ideal analytical method would be the one that provides precise and reliable...
A Tornadic Supercell over Elevated, Complex Terrain: The Divide, Colorado, Storm of 12 July 1996

Abstract A supercell storm that produced a tornado and large hail over the Rocky Mountains is documented with WSR-88D data, a damage survey, and visual observations. This case study demonstrates how well the WSR-88D Doppler radar was able to detect this storm and used to issue a timely tornado warning. It also alerts us that supercell tornadoes can form over elevated, complex terrain.
Conventional NMA as a better standard for evaluating elastic network models.

Normal mode analysis (NMA) is an important tool for studying protein dynamics. Because of the complexity of conventional NMA that uses an all-atom model and a semi-empirical force field, many simplified NMA models have been developed, some of which are known as elastic network models. The quality of these simplified NMA models was assessed mostly by evaluating their predictions against experimental B-factors, and rarely by comparing them with the original NMA. In this work, we take the effort to create a publicly accessible dataset of proteins with their minimized structures, NMA modes, and mean-square fluctuations. Then, for the first time, we evaluate the quality of individual normal modes of several widely used elastic network models by comparing them with the conventional NMA. Our results demonstrate that the conventional NMA presents a better and more complete evaluation measure of the quality of elastic network models. This realization should be very helpful in improving current or designing new, higher quality elastic network models. Moreover, using the conventional NMA as the standard of evaluation, a number of interesting and significant insights into the elastic network models are gained. Proteins 2015; 83:259–267. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequential point estimation of the mean when the distribution is unspecified

Two problems have been discussed in this paper. First, for independent and identically distributed random variables with unknown mean and unknown variance, a sequential procedure is proposed for point estimation of themean when the distribution is unspecified. Second, a sequential procedure is proposed for estimating the difference of the means of two populations when the variances are unknown (and not necessarily equal). The loss structure for both the problems is the cost of observations plus the squared error loss due to estimating theunknown mean or the difference of means. Without any assumption on the nature of the distribution functions other than the finiteness of the eighth moment, the two procedures are shown to be “asymptotically risk efficient” in the sense of Starr (Ann. Math. Statist. (1966), .37, 1173-1185).
Faculty Job Satisfaction and Bargaining Sentiments: A Case Study

Faculty demographic and job satisfaction measures are related to perceptions of and sentiments toward collective bargaining at one institution which is unorganized but which has experienced substan...
Rainfall energy and its relationship to soil loss

A relatively simple procedure is presented for computation of kinetic energy of a rainstorm from information on a recording-raingage chart. An equation is developed describing rainfall energy as a function of rainfall intensity. The effects of rainfall energy and its interaction with other variables are evaluated in multiple regression analyses based on data representing four soil types. Application of this information to separate the effects of rainfall from those of physical and management characteristics in plot data is discussed briefly.
Use of wild-type p53 to achieve complete treatment sensitization of tumor cells expressing endogenous mutant p53

It is known that transfer of the wild-type p53 gene into p53-negative cells from transgenic mice increases their sensitivity to drug and radiation-induced apoptosis. However, unlike many human tumors, these transgenic cells do not express mutant p53, and it is not known from these earlier studies whether wild-type p53 dominates the effects of mutant p53 with respect to drug and radiation sensitivity. We addressed this question in glioblastoma, a disease characterized by an unusually high level of intrinsic resistance to therapy and poor prognosis: mean survival time from diagnosis is only about 1 yr. We introduced the gene for wild-type p53 into human T98G glioblastoma cells, which express endogenous mutant p53 but not wild-type p53. Stable transfectants that co-expressed mutant and wild-type p53 had enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin and gamma radiation, compared with parental cells, control vector-transduced cells, and transduced cells that had lost expression of wild-type p53. Transient wild-type p53 expression after high-efficiency gene transfer by a p53 adenovirus also sensitized the cells to cisplatin and correlated with the induction of apoptosis. The sensitization effect was also observed in p53 adenovirus-infected H23 small cell lung carcinoma cells, which express endogenous mutant p53. Therefore, wild-type p53 gene transfer has dominant effects over mutant p53 in sensitizing tumor cells to therapy, which supports the potential of p53 gene therapy to enhance the efficacy of traditional therapy. © 1995 Wiley- Liss, Inc.
UIC at TREC 2010 Faceted Blog Distillation

Our system consists of a concept-based retrieval subsystem which performs the baseline blog distillation, an opinion identification subsystem and an opinion-in-depth analysis subsystem which performs the faceted blog distillation task. In the baseline task, documents which are deemed relevant are retrieved by the retrieval system with respect to the query, without taking into consideration of any facet requirements. The feeds are ranked in descending order of the sum of the relevance scores of retrieved documents. In order to improve the recall of the retrieval subsystem, we recognize proper nouns or dictionary phrases without requiring matching all the words of the phrases. In the opinionated vs. factual and personal vs. official faceted tasks, the opinion identification subsystem is employed to recognize query-relevant opinions within the documents. Personal documents are more likely to be opinionated than official documents. In the in-depth vs. shallow faceted task, the depth of the opinion within a document is measured by the number of concepts which are related with the query the document contains.
Pupil size and the ablation zone in laser refractive surgery: considerations based on geometric optics.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether the currently accepted method of selecting a minimum ablation zone size for refractive surgery based on dark-adapted pupil diameter is substantiated by geometric optical analysis. Setting Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA. Methods An optical model of the anterior segment was developed to calculate the effective corneal refractive diameter (ECRD), which is the diameter of the area of cornea that refracts all incident light rays arising from objects along the line of sight though the physical pupil (PP). The concept of the entrance pupil (EP) was reexamined and developed, and the ECRD was calculated over a range of corneal curvatures (K), anterior chamber depths (ACDs), and EP sizes. The model was generalized to include oblique light rays. Calculations were performed using MatLab Optimization Toolbox® software (The MathWorks). Results For a given EP size, the ECRD was significantly influenced by K and slightly influenced by ACD. For objects on the line of sight, the ECRD was smaller than the EP in all cases. Regarding rays from objects in the periphery, the ECRD expanded rapidly as the angle of oblique incidence increased. Conclusions For objects on the line of sight, the ECRD is always smaller than the clinically measured pupil (EP) because the EP is substantially magnified relative to the PP. Ablation zones larger than the EP should, in theory, prevent scattered or defocused light rays from contributing to the foveal image. When considering objects in the periphery, the increase in ECRD is sufficiently rapid that current refractive procedures cannot stop scattered light from these objects from contributing to the retinal image.
The Effect of Foot Structure on the Three-Dimensional Kinematic Coupling Behavior of the Leg and Rear Foot

Background and Purpose. Differences in foot structures have been reported to account for the large variability in findings in previous studies that have examined the relationship between foot structure and the interdependent rotations of the lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to determine, in individuals with radiographically distinct foot structures, the effect of foot structure on three-dimensional kinematic behavior of the leg and rear foot during running. Subjects and Methods. Based on radiographic measurements, 10 recreational runners were assigned to a low rear-foot group and another 10 recreational runners were assigned to a high rear-foot group. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected during treadmill running. Individual axis rotations and the “coupled” relationship between the leg and rear-foot segments were defined using a Cardan angle system of three ordered rotations. Results. The predominant rotations suggest a combined subtalar and talocalcaneal joint axis to favor calcaneal eversion and inversion for the low rear-foot group and tibial medial and lateral rotation for the high rear-foot group. Group differences were also found for the coupling ratio, which described the proportion of calcaneal eversion and inversion transferred or coupled to tibial axial rotation. Conclusion and Discussion. The rotational patterns and coupling response unique to each foot group may enhance our understanding of lower-extremity injuries related to certain foot structures. An assessment of the coupling relationship in combination with traditional frontal-plane measurements may better guide decisions regarding selection of footwear and orthoses.
Fluctuations in the formation time of ultracold dimers from fermionic atoms

We investigate the temporal fluctuations characteristic of the formation of molecular dimers from ultracold fermionic atoms via Raman photoassociation. The quantum fluctuations inherent to the initial atomic state result in large fluctuations in the passage time from atoms to molecules. Assuming degeneracy of kinetic energies of atoms in the strong coupling limit, we find that a heuristic classical stochastic model yields qualitative agreement with the full quantum treatment in the initial stages of the dynamics. We also show that in contrast to the association of atoms into dimers, the reverse process of dissociation from a condensate of bosonic dimers exhibits little passage time fluctuations. Finally, we explore effects due to the nondegeneracy of atomic kinetic energies.
A SIMULTANEOUS-EQUATION MODEL OF SHORT-RUN DETERMINANTS OF THE PKR/USD EXCHANGE RATE

This paper examines the determinants of the exchange rate between the Pakistani rupee (PKR) and the U.S. dollar (USD) based on a simultaneous-equation model consisting of demand for and supply of the U.S. dollar. Empirical results show that the PKR/USD exchange rate is positively associated with the real U.S. policy rate, real GDP in Pakistan, real U.S. stock prices and the expected PKR/USD exchange rate and is negatively affected by the real Pakistani discount rate, U.S. real GDP, and real stock prices in Pakistan. Hence, policy rates, real GDP or income, stock prices and expected exchange rates play important roles in exchange rate determination in the short run.
An investigation into the compartmentalization of the sporulation transcription factor sigmaE in Bacillus subtilis.

Summary Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis involves the formation of a polar septum, which divides the sporangium into a mother cell and a forespore. The σE factor, which is encoded within the spoIIG operon, is a cell-specific regulatory protein that directs gene transcription in the mother cell. σE is synthesized as an inactive proprotein pro-σE, which is converted to the mature factor by the putative processing enzyme SpoIIGA. Processing of pro-σE does not commence until after asymmetric division when σE is largely confined to the mother cell. Processing depends on the signalling protein SpoIIR, which delays proteolysis until after polar septation, but the mechanism by which σE is confined to the mother cell is not understood. Previous work favoured a model in which pro-σE localizes to the mother cell face of the polar septum, such that σE would be selectively released into mother cell cytoplasm. Based on the use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions, we now report that pro-σE is distributed approximately uniformly along all membrane surfaces and is not confined to the mother- cell face of the septum. Rather, our results are consistent with a model in which preferential and persistent transcription of the spoIIG operon in the mother cell and degradation of σE in the forespore contribute to the selective accumulation of σE in the mother cell. Persistent transcription of spoIIG after polar septation also contributes to the proper timing of pro-σE processing.
Russell The Last Great Radical

Bertrand Russell always claimed that he took part in politics not as a philosopher, but as an outraged citizen and a suffering member of the human race. This essay takes Russell at his own word and...
Sex work venue and condom use among female sex workers in Senggigi, Indonesia.

This paper examines the structural influence of sex work venues on condom use among female sex workers in the Senggigi area of Lombok, Indonesia. A cross-sectional design employing ethnographic observation, structured interviews and hierarchical linear modelling was used to examine condom use among female sex workers who solicited clients at three types of sex work venues: (1) freelance locations, (2) brothels and (3) entertainment places (karaoke bars and massage parlours). The sample consisted of 115 women ‘nested’ within 16 sex work venues drawn from the three venue types. Rate (39%) of condom use varied across sex work venues. Perceived management style, HIV/AIDS-related policies and risk-reduction services differed by venue, but this variation did not explain differences in condom use. At the individual level, higher condom use was associated with female sex workers having ever been married. At the client level, condoms were more likely to be used with foreign rather than domestic/local Indonesian cl...
Relativistic classical spinning-particle mechanics

A generalized Lagrangian, chosen to be a function of both velocity and acceleration, is found to yield an equation of motion for a relativistic classical spinning particle. Quantization of the corresponding Hamiltonian produces a wave equation which, like the Dirac equation, is of first order in time and manifestly covariant.
Design For Service Innovation

This paper covers service innovation for service scientists. The subject has not been accorded the attention it deserves, because of inadequate professional and academic attention to services, in general, and service design, in particular. The changing of one’s perception of the human landscape from products to services is indeed cumbersome and entails a lot of effort on the part of the service establishment and the service entrepreneur. However, a new view of an age-old agenda in light of the ongoing move to globalization can be enlightening and rewarding. If Thomas Edison were engaged in services, he would have put it this way, “Service innovation is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration.” Heretofore, innovation has been unfortunately aligned with the business community that has been distracted by an outdated and simplistic view of competitive advantage based on comparative economics. Effective service innovation is based on differential economics through service delivery that supplies better services as seen by the customer. Service innovation applies equally well, if not more so, to the other human endeavors of engineering, government, education, social services, political science, and a wide-range of unclassified interpersonal relations. The paper gives a modern view of service, innovation, service innovation, and how to unearth services innovation in a practical sense. Also, the point is made herein that service innovation is basic to the constituency of the human condition.
Is Marxism a Religion

Lewis Feuer occupies a special place in American pholosophical thought: first, as a sympathetic Marxist scholar and later as one of the most severe critics of Marxist philosophy.* For a long period of time he stood virtually alone — or with a few others — attempting to keep alive an interest in Marxist studies, at a time during the McCarthy period in America of the 1950s when all around him were fearful of discussing Marx for fear of contamination. I remember well his reading a paper on Marxism at a meeting at the American Philosophical Association, a lone voice attempting to keep open the spirit of free inquiry. Surely, Marx was the center of intellectual thought elsewhere having captured large sections of the intelligensia; and surely his American colleagues might at least attempt to wrestle with the Marxist conceptual framework.
Process control of a dropwise additive manufacturing system for pharmaceuticals using polynomial chaos expansion based surrogate model

Abstract The paper presents a dropwise additive manufacturing process for pharmaceutical products (DAMPP) as an alternative to conventional methods. This mini manufacturing process for the production of personalized pharmaceutical products utilizes drop-on-demand (DoD) printing technology for the deposition of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) onto edible substrates. Here we present a process control framework for DAMPP, including on-line monitoring, automation and closed loop control, in order to produce individual dosage forms with the desired critical quality attributes, including formulation composition, drop size, deposit morphology and dissolution performance. In order to achieve desired product morphology, a surrogate model based on polynomial chaos expansion is developed to relate the critical process parameters to deposit morphology using dissolution data of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The proposed process control strategy can effectively mitigate variations in the dissolution profiles due to variable dosage amounts and enable the application of the DoD system for the production of individualized dosage regimens.
An Empirical Examination of the Structural Antecedents of Attitude toward the Ad in an Advertising Pretesting Context

Recent research has identified attitude toward the ad (AAd) as an important construct mediating the effects of advertising on brand attitude and purchase intention. To date, however, little attenti...
Cataracts following mumps virus in early chick embryos.

SummaryMumps virus, inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs of 48 hours incubation, produced a high percentage of cataracts in embryos surviving from 3 to 15 days after inoculation. Other defects observed included general growth inhibition, retardation in development of the amnion, mild axis twists, retardation of feathering, defects of the choroid layer of the optic cup and retarded development of the lids and skin around the eye. A decrease in the percentage of embryos showing defects was directly related to a decrease in the titer of the virus inoculated. Virus inoculated into the young embryos was shown to increase in titer over a period of 2 days after inoculation and was recoverable in high titer over a period of at least 5 days. Heat-inactivated mumps virus produced no cataracts or other defects.