cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Relative Soundness of the Free Algebra Model for Public Key Encryption

Formal systems for cryptographic protocol analysis typically model cryptosystems in terms of free algebras. Modeling the behavior of a cryptosystem in terms of rewrite rules is more expressive, however, and there are some attacks that can only be discovered when rewrite rules are used. But free algebras are more efficient, and appear to be sound for “most” protocols. In J. Millen, “On the freedom of decryption”, Information Processing Letters 86 (6) (June 2003) 329--333] Millen formalizes this intuition for shared key cryptography and provides conditions under which it holds; that is, conditions under which security for a free algebra version of the protocol implies security of the version using rewrite rules. Moreover, these conditions fit well with accepted best practice for protocol design. However, he left public key cryptography as an open problem. In this paper, we show how Millen's approach can be extended to public key cryptography, giving conditions under which security for the free algebra model implies security for the rewrite rule model. As in the case for shared key cryptography, our conditions correspond to standard best practice for protocol design.
An evidence-based evaluation of ems protocols

Objective. To determine the extent to which prehospital patient care protocols incorporate the findings of the peer-reviewed scientific EMS literature. Methods. Using a computerized literature search, articles published from eight institutions known to be active in prehospital care research were identified and obtained from the local health sciences library. Animal or bench research, analysis of administrative practices, evaluation of educational or quality assurance techniques, collective reviews, and air medical articles were excluded. We compared the findings of each article with the guidelines contained in 12 sets of prehospital care protocols, ranking them as: 1) consistent; 2) partially consistent; 3) not discussed; or 4) not consistent. The rankings for the articleprotocol comparisons for each EMS system were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. Forty-nine papers were compared with 12 sets of protocols, resulting in 588 comparisons. More than half (53.1%, n = 312) of the comparisons wer...
rDNA targeted oligonucleotide primers for the identification of pathogenic yeasts in a polymerase chain reaction

Species-specific oligonucleotide primers were designed for PCR identification of the basidiomycetous yeastsCryptococcus neoformans, Trichosporon cutaneum andRhodotorula mucilaginosa. The procedure uses standard PCR components including DNA from the test species and three primers: two universal external (upstream and downstream) limiting primers and a species-specific internal primer. Species identification requires the formation of a species-specific rDNA nucleotide segment that is significantly smaller (∼200 bp) than a non-target segment (∼600 bp). The procedure can be used to identify yeasts from single and mixed populations.
Resolution of Chronic Vulvar Pruritus With Replacement of a Neuromodulation Device

Vulvar pruritus is typically associated with fungal, bacterial, and/or dermatological conditions that routinely resolve with the use of topical medications. Pruritus rarely becomes chronic in nature without a definable pathological diagnosis. However, when this occurs, management is difficult and has limited treatment options. Few cases have reported resolution of vulvar pain or discomfort with sacral neuromodulation implantation. We report a case in which a patient experienced chronic vulvar pruritus that was refractory to medical treatments and did not have a pathological diagnosis. A neurological etiology was suspected, and upon replacement of the patient's sacral neuromodulation device, complete resolution of the vulvar symptoms occurred.
Effects of a Single Exercise Bout on Insulin Sensitivity in Black and White Individuals

Background: Previous research suggests non-Hispanic blacks (blacks) are more insulin resistant than non-Hispanic whites (whites). Physical activity can play an important role in reducing insulin resistance. However, it is unknown whether racial differences exist in response to exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare metabolic responses to a single bout of exercise in blacks and age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched whites. Methods: Whole-body insulin sensitivity, glucose storage, glucose oxidation, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were assessed during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in normoglycemic blacks (n = 11) and whites (n = 10). Outcome measures were evaluated in a sedentary control condition and 12 h after treadmill walking at 75% of maximal heart rate for 75 min. Results: In the control condition, there were no differences in insulin sensitivity between blacks and whites (P = 0.54). During the clamp, glucose oxidation and insulin-stimulated RER values were signific...
Characteristic peripheral blood findings in human ehrlichiosis

Human ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal tick-borne illness if not treated promptly. Ehrlichia infection is difficult to diagnose as the organism does not grow in standard blood culture medium and serological confirmation of infection takes several days to weeks. The most timely way of confirming Ehrlichia infection is identification of characteristic cytoplasmic morulae in peripheral blood leukocytes. A total of 23 patients with clinical and laboratory findings suggesting a rickettsial infection were tested for Ehrlichia using polymerase chain reaction and culture: 16 cases contained Ehrlichia DNA by polymerase chain reaction (15 E. chaffeensis, one E. ewingii), including 14 cases in which the blood culture grew Ehrlichia. The cases that contained Ehrlichia DNA by polymerase chain reaction had lower mean white blood cell and platelet counts and more numerous atypical lymphocytes and pronounced toxic change than cases in which Ehrlichia DNA was not detected. Cytoplasmic morulae were identified on peripheral blood smears in six (five E. chaffeensis, one E. ewingii) of 16 (38%) of the cases that contained Ehrlichia DNA, including 4/4 (100%) immunocompromised and 2/12 (17%) immunocompetent patients. Morulae were present in monocytes in E. chaffeensis-infected cases and granulocytes in the E. ewingii-infected case. In two immunocompromised patients, the number of infected cells was 1-10%, but in four patients it was <0.2%. In conclusion, peripheral blood film examination is diagnostic in a substantial number of Ehrlichia infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The number of infected white blood cells may be less than 0.2%, requiring examination of more than 500 white blood cells. Associated changes prompting careful film review include prominent toxic granulation and atypical large granular lymphocytes.
Rayleigh scattering cross sections of combustion species at 266, 355, and 532 nm for thermometry applications

Rayleigh scattering cross sections are measured for nine combustion species (Ar, N2, O2, CO2, CO, H2, H2O, CH4, and C3H8) at wavelengths of 266, 355, and 532 nm and at temperatures ranging from 295 to 1525 K. Experimental results show that, as laser wavelengths become shorter, polarization effects become important and the depolarization ratio of the combustion species must be accounted for in the calculation of the Rayleigh scattering cross section. Temperature effects on the scattering cross section are also measured. Only a small temperature dependence is measured for cross sections at 355 nm, resulting in a 2-8% increase in cross section at temperatures of 1500 K. This temperature dependence increases slightly for measurements at 266 nm, resulting in a 5-11% increase in cross sections at temperatures of 1450 K.
The Influence of Citizen Satisfaction with Police Behavior Upon Public Support for Increases in Police Authority

This study examines the influence of citizen satisfaction with police behavior in citizen-police encounters upon citizen support for increases in the authority granted to the police. The results suggest that satisfaction has no influence upon support for increases in police authority. Instead, views about police authority are related to political/social values.
Cerebrospinal fluid polyamine monitoring in central nervous system leukemia

Abstract High-pressure Chromatographic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid utilizing the o -phthalaldehyde-fluorescent detection system allows the reproducible detection of acid-soluble polyamines in this extracellular fluid compartment. Measurements made by this method in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia appear to correlate with the remission-relapse status of the patient. The sensitivity of this analytic technique may allow much earlier detection of central nervous system disease. Studies are presently under way in our laboratories to define the usefulness of this technique to monitor successful chemotherapy of leukemia patients.
Social and Environmental Influences on Endangered Species: A Cross-National Study:

Although there have been general social, economic, and environmental hypotheses developed to explain the distribution of endangered species across the globe, there is a paucity of social science literature designed to specify these hypotheses in more detail or test them with comparative, national-level data. This study draws on several models from environmental sociology to specify conceptually the relationship between social and economic factors and rates of endangered mammals and birds. Specifically, I developed hypotheses based on neo-Malthusian, ecological modernization, treadmill of production, and world-systems theory and analyzed data on endangered species, population, land use, economic size and growth, energy use, and industrial pollutants from one hundred twenty nations. The results support ecological modernization's position that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita and endangerment rates, but they also indicate that GDP growth is associated with a monotonic increas...
The effects of environmental stress on steroid receptor levels and steroid-induced morphogenesis in Achlya ambisexualis.

Abstract Incubation of Achlya ambisexualis at elevated temperature (heat shock) or in the presence of sodium arsenite resulted in an inhibition of steroid hormone-induced responsiveness. The effect of heat shock was time- and temperature-dependent and more severe than the effect of sodium arsenite. Incubation at 37 °C for 30 min completely abolished the steroid-induced response and full recovery was not observed until 6 h after a return to the normal growth temperature of 22 °C. Heat shock and arsenite treatment had no effect on the cellular uptake of the steroid hormone, but heat shock resulted in a time- and temperature-dependent loss in the cellular level of steroid receptors. In contrast, arsenite treatment had little effect on the concentration of steroid receptors. However, both heat shock and arsenite treatment produced a long-term (4 h) and transient (1 h) inhibition of total protein synthesis, respectively. The recovery of steroid-induced responsiveness following heat shock was observed after both protein synthesis and steroid hormone receptor levels had returned to normal values.
National survey of cardiologists' standard of practice for continuous ST-segment monitoring

Background Continuous ST-segment monitoring can be used to detect early and transient cardiac ischemia. The American Heart Association and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recommend its use among specific patients, but such monitoring is routine practice in only about half of US hospitals. Objective To determine cardiologists' awareness and practice standards regarding continuous ST-segment monitoring and the physicians' perceptions of appropriate patient selection, benefits and barriers, and usefulness of this technology. Methods An electronic survey was sent to a random sample of 915 US cardiologists from a pool of 4985 certified cardiologists. Results Of 200 responding cardiologists, 55% were unaware of the consensus guidelines. Of hospitals where respondents admitted patients, 49% had a standard of practice for using continuous ST-segment monitoring for cardiac patients. Most cardiologists agreed or strongly agreed that patients in the cardiovascular laboratory (87.5%) and intensive care unit (80.5%) should have such monitoring. Cardiologists routinely ordered ST monitoring for patients with acute coronary syndrome (67%) and after percutaneous coronary intervention (60%). The primary factor associated with higher perceptions for benefits, clinical usefulness, and past use of continuous ST-segment monitoring was whether or not hospitals in which cardiologists practiced had a standard of practice for using this monitoring. A secondary factor was awareness of published consensus guidelines for such monitoring. Conclusion Respondents (55%) were unaware of published monitoring guidelines. Hospital leaders could raise awareness by multidisciplinary review of evidence and possibly incorporating continuous ST-segment monitoring into hospitals' standards of practice.
Manufacturing and Active Control Testing of Active Composite Panels With Embedded Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators: Wires Out by Cut-Holes and Embedding

This work presents manufacturing and testing of active composite panels (ACPs) with embedded piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The composite material employed here is a plain weave carbon/epoxy prepreg fabric with about 0.3 mm ply thickness. A cross-ply type stacking sequence is employed for the ACPs. The piezoelectric flexible patches employed here are Active Fiber Composites with 0.33 mm thickness. Composite cut-out layers are used to fill the space around the embedded piezo patches to minimize the problems associated with ply drops in composites. The piezoelectric patches were embedded inside the composite laminate. High-temperature wires were soldered to the piezo leads, insulated from the carbon substructure by high-temperature materials, and were taken out of the composite laminates employing both cut-hole and embedding techniques. The laminated ACPs were co-cured inside an autoclave employing the cure cycle recommended by the composite material supplier. The Curie temperature of the embedded piezo patches should be well above the curing temperature of the composite materials as was the case here. The manufactured ACPs were trimmed and then tested for their functionality. Vibration suppression as well as simultaneous vibration suppression and precision positioning tests, using Hybrid Adaptive Control techniques were successfully conducted on the manufactured ACP beams and plates and their functionality were demonstrated. The advantages and disadvantages of ACPs manufactured by taking the wires out employing cut-holes and embedding techniques, in terms of manufacturing and performance, are presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Self and other justice beliefs, impulsivity, rumination, and forgiveness: Justice beliefs can both prevent and promote forgiveness

Acts of forgiveness are linked to beliefs about justice. However, a largely unsettled issue is whether strong justice beliefs prevent or promote forgiveness. Moreover, researchers have yet to identify mechanisms that might explain both positive and negative links between justice beliefs and forgiveness. We examined whether forgiveness is differentially linked to beliefs about justice for the self (BJ-self) versus beliefs about justice for others (BJ-others). In addition, we examined whether these associations are mediated by impulsivity and rumination. Participants (N = 278) completed measures of justice beliefs for self and others, impulsivity, rumination, and forgiveness. Structural equation modeling strongly supported an indirect effects model in which BJ-self was positively associated with forgiveness while BJ-others was negatively associated, and in which these divergent relationships were fully mediated by impulsivity and rumination. This study contributes to the literature by clarifying the ways in which justice beliefs may both prevent and promote instances of forgiveness.
Potentials on Rotor Surfaces

A small radial electrical potential gradient has been observed to exist across a Duraluminum rotor spinning at high speed in air at pressures from ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ Torr.
Endogenous Neuregulin Restores Radial Glia in a (Ferret) Model of Cortical Dysplasia

Radial glia are integral components of the developing neocortex. During corticogenesis, they form an important scaffold for neurons migrating into the cortical plate. Recent attention has focused on neuregulin (NRG1), acting through erbB receptors, in maintaining their morphology. We developed a model of developmental radial glial disruption by delivering an antimitotic [methylazoxy methanol (MAM)] to pregnant ferrets on embryonic day 24 (E24). We previously found that normal ferret cortex contains a soluble factor capable of realigning the disorganized radial glia back toward their normal morphology. Characterization of the reorganizing activity in normal cortex demonstrated that the probable factor mediating these responses was a 30–50 kDa protein. To test whether this endogenous soluble factor was NRG1, we used organotypic cultures of E24 MAM-treated ferret neocortex supplemented with the endogenous factor obtained from normal cortical implants, exogenous NRG1β, antibodies that either blocked or stimulated erbB receptors, or a soluble erbB subtype that binds to available NRG1. We report that exogenous NRG1 or antibodies that stimulate erbB receptors dramatically improve the morphology of disrupted radial glia, whereas blockade of NRG1-erbB signaling prevents the radial glial repair. Our results suggest that NRG1 is an endogenous factor in ferret neocortex capable of repairing damaged radial glia and that it acts via one or more erbB receptors.
Modeling bacterial colonization and infection routes in health care settings: analytic and numerical approaches.

Abstract Health-care associated infections are a major problem in our society, accounting for tens of thousands of patient deaths and millions of dollars in wasted health care expenditures each year. Many of these infections are caused by bacteria that are transmitted from patient to patient either through direct contact or via the hands or clothing of health care workers. Because of the complexity of bacterial transmission routes in health care settings, computational approaches are essential, though often analytically intractable. Here we describe the construction and detailed analysis of a model for bacterial transmission in health care settings. Our model includes both colonization and disease stages for patients and health care workers, as well as an isolation ward and both patient–patient and patient–HCW–patient transmission pathways. We explicitly derive the basic reproductive ratio for this complex model, a nine-term expression that contains all nine ways with which a new colonization can occur. Using key parameters found in the medical literature, we use our model to gain insight into the relative importance of various bacterial transmission pathways within health care facilities, and to identify which forms of interventions are likely to prove most effective in hospitals and long-term care settings. We show that analytical and numerical approaches can complement each other as we seek to untangle the complex web of interactions that occur within a health care facility.
α-Dystrobrevin-1 recruits α-catulin to the α 1D - adrenergic receptor/dystrophin-associated protein complex signalosome

α1D-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are key regulators of cardiovascular system function that increase blood pressure and promote vascular remodeling. Unfortunately, little information exists about the signaling pathways used by this important G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). We recently discovered that α1D-ARs form a “signalosome” with multiple members of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) to become functionally expressed at the plasma membrane and bind ligands. However, the molecular mechanism by which the DAPC imparts functionality to the α1D-AR signalosome remains a mystery. To test the hypothesis that previously unidentified molecules are recruited to the α1D-AR signalosome, we performed an extensive proteomic analysis on each member of the DAPC. Bioinformatic analysis of our proteomic data sets detected a common interacting protein of relatively unknown function, α-catulin. Coimmunoprecipitation and blot overlay assays indicate that α-catulin is directly recruited to the α1D-AR signalosome by the C-terminal domain of α-dystrobrevin-1 and not the closely related splice variant α-dystrobrevin-2. Proteomic and biochemical analysis revealed that α-catulin supersensitizes α1D-AR functional responses by recruiting effector molecules to the signalosome. Taken together, our study implicates α-catulin as a unique regulator of GPCR signaling and represents a unique expansion of the intricate and continually evolving array of GPCR signaling networks.
Randomized trial of prophylactic phototherapy in the infant with very low birth weight

Twenty-two preterm infants (birth weight 850±220 gm) were randomly assigned to receive phototherapy either soon after birth or after the serum bilirubin concentration reached 5 mg/dl. Infants receiving prophylactic phototherapy were placed under lights at a significantly earlier age and lower serum bilirubin concentration than infants in the routine group (P
Status of the Linux PC cluster for between-pulse data analyses at DIII-D

Abstract Some analyses that survey experimental data are carried out at a sparse sample rate between pulses during tokamak operation and/or completed as a batch job overnight because the complete analysis on a single fast workstation cannot fit in the narrow time window between two pulses. Scientists therefore miss the opportunity to use these results to guide experiments quickly. With a dedicated Beowulf type cluster at a cost less than that of a workstation, these analyses can be accomplished between pulses and the analyzed data made available for the research team during the tokamak operation. A Linux PC cluster comprised of 12 processors was installed at DIII-D National Fusion Facility in CY00 and expanded to 24 processors in CY01 to automatically perform between-pulse magnetic equilibrium reconstructions using the efit code written in fortran , cer analyses using cerquick code written in interactive data language ( idl) and full profile fitting analyses (ne, Te, Ti, Vr, Zeff) using idl code zipfit . This paper reports the current status of the system, the details of the between-pulse profile fitting analyses, and discusses some problems and concerns raised during the implementation and expansion of the system.
Impact of nanoparticle size and shape on selective surface segregation in polymer nanocomposites

Abstract A study of the impact of the size and shape of a nanoparticle on the evolution of structure and surface segregation in polymer nanocomposite thin films is presented. This is realized by monitoring the evolution of structure with thermal annealing and equilibrium depth profile of a deuterated polystyrene/protonated polystyrene bilayer in the presence and absence of various nanoparticles. For the three shapes examined, sheet-like graphene, cylindrical carbon nanotubes, and spherical soft nanoparticles, the presence of the nanoparticles slowed the inter-diffusion of the polymers in the thin film. The larger nanoparticles slowed the polymer motion the most, while the smaller spherical nanoparticles also significantly inhibited polymer chain diffusion. At equilibrium, the soft spherical nanoparticles, which are highly branched, segregate to the air surface, resulting in a decrease in the excess deuterated PS at the surface. The graphene sheets and single walled carbon nanotubes, on the other hand, enhanced the dPS segregation to the air surface. The graphene sheets were found to segregate to the silicon surface, due to their higher surface energy. Interpretation of these results indicates that entropic factors drive the structural development in the nanocomposite thin films containing the spherical nanoparticles, while a balance of the surface energies of the various components (i.e. enthalpy) controls the thin film structure formation in the polymer-carbon nanoparticle nanocomposites.
Police-Resident Interactions and Satisfaction With Police: An Empirical Test of Community Policing Assertions

There have been several studies that report a positive correlation between police resident interaction and resident satisfaction with the police and that community policing can substantially lower resident fear of crime. However, these studies failed to control for levels of community solidarity. This study uses ordinary least squares regression to predict levels of satisfaction with local police among residents of a small neighborhood in western South Carolina. Once levels of community solidarity were accounted for, positive interactions between residents and the police did not influence resident perceptions of police effectiveness. Conversely, the visible presence of officers in the neighborhood improved the residents’ opinions of the police.
Assessment of Risk of Bias Among Pediatric Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to assess the risk of bias among pediatric, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) reported in 8 high-impact journals. METHODS: We searched PubMed for all pediatric RCTs reported between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, in 8 journals with high impact factors. Using Cochrane Collaboration methods for risk assessment, we evaluated all reports for risk of bias according to domain (ie, randomized sequence generation, allocation concealment, masking, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other). We used multiple logistic regression to test for associations between the presence of a high risk of bias according to domain and funding source, intervention type, trial registration, and multicenter status. RESULTS: Industry-funded RCTs were more likely to show a high risk of bias for sequence generation, compared with government-funded RCTs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.1 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70– 21.89]), and behavioral/educational trials were more likely to show a high risk of bias for sequence generation (aOR: 2.8 [95% CI: 1.06–7.36]) and allocation concealment (aOR: 4.09 [95% CI: 1.69–9.90]), compared with drug trials. Registered trials were less likely to have a high risk of bias for sequence generation, compared with nonregistered trials (aOR: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.15–0.71]). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found a large proportion of pediatric RCT reports with a high risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment. Factors associated with a high risk of bias included industry funding and assessment of behavioral/educational interventions, whereas trial registration was associated with a lower risk of bias.
An explicit expression for the tangent-stiffness of a finitely deformed 3-D beam and its use in the analysis of space frames

Abstract Simplified procedures for finite-deformation analyses of space frames, using one beam element to model each member of the frame, are presented. Each element can undergo three-dimensional. arbitrarily large, rigid motions as well as moderately large non-rigid rotations. Each element can withstand three moments and three forces. The nonlinear bending-stretching coupling in each element is accounted for. By obtaining exact solutions to the appropriate governing differential equations, an explicit expression for the tangent-stiffness matrix of each element, valid at any stage during a wide range of finite deformations, is derived. An arc length method is used to incrementally compute the large deformation behavior of space frames. Several examples which illustrate the efficiency and simplicity of the developed procedures are presented. While the finitely deformed frame is assumed to remain elastic in the present paper, a plastic hinge method, wherein a hinge is assumed to form at an arbitrary location in the element, is presented in a companion paper.
Mesoscopic mean-field theory for supercooled liquids and the glass transition

The Weiss mean-field theory is applied to finite systems with unrestricted sizes, yielding a partition function for supercooled liquids. Finite-size effects broaden the transition and induce a Curie-Weiss--like energy reduction which provides an explanation for the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher law. Because the energy reduction is intensive, the basic thermodynamic unit (aggregate) subdivides into smaller regions (clusters) which lowers the net internal energy. The distribution of aggregate sizes, combined with a relaxation rate that varies exponentially with inverse size, provides an explanation for the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts law.
Mechanism of Coarsening and Bubble Formation in High-Genus Nanoporous Metals

Coarsening of crystalline nanoporous metals involves complex changes in topology associated with the reduction of genus via both ligament pinch-off and void bubble formation. Although void bubbles in metals are often associated with vacancy agglomeration, we use large-scale kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to show that both bubble formation and ligament pinch-off are natural results of a surface-diffusion-controlled solid-state Rayleigh instability that controls changes in the topology of the porous material during coarsening. This result is used to find an effective activation energy for coarsening in nanoporous metals that is associated with the reduction of topological genus, and not the reduction of local surface roughness.
Evidence-Based National Initiatives to Address Tobacco Use as a Public Health Priority in the Veterans Health Administration

ABSTRACTHistorically, the prevalence of smoking and smoking-related illnesses has been higher among veteran patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in comparison to that of the general population. Although rates of tobacco use have remained high, smoking cessation interventions continued to be greatly underutilized in VHA clinical settings just as they have been nationally. To address tobacco use as a public health priority, VHA has implemented a number of evidence-based national initiatives in recent years. This paper describes these initiatives, including: adoption of a population-health approach to smoking cessation; increased access to nicotine replacement therapy and/or smoking cessation medications; elimination of outpatient copayments for smoking cessation counseling; clinical practice guidelines; and collaboration with mental health and substance use disorder health care providers to promote integration of smoking cessation into routine treatment of psychiatric populations. The contex...
The action of oncogenes in the cytoplasm and nucleus

As many as 40 distinct oncogenes of viral and cellular origin have been identified to date. Many of these genes can be grouped into functional classes on the basis of their effects on cellular phenotype. These groupings suggest a small number of mechanisms of action of the oncogene-encoded proteins. Some data suggest that, in the cytoplasm, these proteins may regulate levels of critical second messenger molecules; in the nucleus, these proteins may modulate the activity of the cell's transcriptional machinery. Many of the gene products can also be related to a signaling pathway that determines the cell's response to growth-stimulating factors. Because some of these genes are expressed in nongrowing, differentiated cells, the encoded proteins may in certain tissues mediate functions that are unrelated to cellular growth control.
Tip trajectories of a smart micro-cantilever beam: analysis and design

The tip trajectories of a smart micro-cantilever beam consisting of an atomic force microscope probe with an additional segment of piezoelectric material on top of the probe are studied. A precise model with inhomogeneous partial differential equations and compatible inhomogeneous boundary conditions is developed to describe the dynamics of the smart micro-cantilever beam. The forced vibration solution of this model with respect to two independent inputs from the piezoelectric actuator and the base excitation is derived. By using this solution and the geometric relationship, the trajectory of the end of the tip is obtained from the motion of the free end of the cantilever beam. On the basis of the resonant response to harmonic inputs at the second dynamic mode, nano-scale elliptical and linear tip trajectories are predicted. Within this paper, a smart micro-cantilever beam is shown to produce nano-scale curved tip trajectories for the first time. Analytical and simulation findings indicate that the characteristics of the resulting trajectories are influenced by the magnitudes of two inputs. Potential applications of the elliptical and linear trajectories for nanomanipulation are proposed.
Optimally conditioned optimization algorithms without line searches

New variable metric algorithms are presented with three distinguishing features: (1) They make no line searches and allow quite arbitrary step directions while maintaining quadratic termination and positive updates for the matrixH, whose inverse is the hessian matrix of second derivatives for a quadratic approximation to the objective function. (2) The updates fromH toH+ are optimally conditioned in the sense that they minimize the ratio of the largest to smallest eigenvalue ofH−1H+. (3) Instead of working with the matrixH directly, these algorithms represent it asJJT, and only store and update the Jacobian matrix J. A theoretical basis is laid for this family of algorithms and an example is given along with encouraging numerical results obtained with several standard test functions.
An initial value method for an axisymmetric contact problem

Abstract The solution of the axisymmetric contact problem for an elastic layer requires that a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind be solved in the process. In this paper the Fredholm integral equation is convened into an initial value problem by an application of the theory of invariant imbedding. Thus, the mixed boundary value problem is reduced to an initial value problem with a complete set of initial conditions which can easily be solved on digital computers in a one sweep process. The method is particularly attractive in the case of the non-plane stamp in partial penetration. The unknown quantity, the radius of penetration is computed as a natural by-product of the method and the use of elaborate iterative techniques is not necessary.
Natural speech vs. elicited data: A comparison of natural and role play requests in Mexican Spanish

This study investigates issues of reliability and validity in pragmatics research and examines the extent to which role-play data approximate naturally-occurring discourse with respect to the content and frequency of requests in Mexican Spanish. The data were gathered from naturally-occurring conversations and field notes in a wide array of contexts and included requests from males and females in formal and informal situations. The results of the current study indicate that natural data represent the most valid way of observing different aspects of speech-act (verbal and non-verbal) behavior in social interaction, as there are various types of request forms that cannot be generated if one follows the role-play path. However, open role plays, if constructed with sufficient contextual information, may offer some advantages over natural data in that they have the potential of eliciting interactional data for research purposes while controlling for various sociolinguistic variables.
Preparation and androgenic activity of novel heterocyclic steroids

Die Darstellung verschiedener A-Nor-5α-androstan-Verbindungen, die im A-Ring ein Schwefel-, Selen- oder Tellur-Atom haben, wird beschrieben. Sie besitzen, im Gegensatz zu den entsprechenden Oxa-Verbindungen, anabol-androgene Aktivitat. 2, 3-Dithia-5α-androstan-17β-ol-Acetat hatte ebenfalls hohe anabol-androgene Wirksamkeit. Daraus wird geschlossen, dass fUr die anabol-androgene Aktivitat, nicht die elektronischen, sondern die sterischen Eigenschaften der C-2 und C-3 Atome, beziehungsweise ihre Substituenten, von Bedeutung sind.
Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to Screen for Depression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective Identifying persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at risk for depression would facilitate the identification and treatment of an important comorbidity conferring additional risk for poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of a brief screening measure, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), in detecting mood disorders in persons with SLE. Methods This cross-sectional study examined 150 persons with SLE. Screening cut points were empirically derived using threshold selection methods, and receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated. The empirically derived cut points of the CES-D were used as the screening measures and were compared to other commonly used CES-D cut points in addition to other commonly used methods to screen for depression. Diagnoses of major depressive disorder or other mood disorders were determined using a “gold standard” structured clinical interview. Results Of the 150 persons with SLE, 26% of subjects met criteria for any mood disorder and 17% met criteria for major depressive disorder. Optimal threshold estimations suggested a CES-D cut score of 24 and above, which yielded adequate sensitivity and specificity in detecting major depressive disorder (88% and 93%, respectively) and correctly classified 92% of participants. To detect the presence of any mood disorder, a cut score of 20 and above was suggested, yielding sensitivity and specificity of 87% and correctly classifying 87%. Conclusion These results suggest the CES-D may be a useful screening measure to identify patients at risk for depression.
Distribution and elimination of a polychlorinated biphenyl during early life stages of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Distribution and elimination of 2,5,2′,5′-tetrachlorobi[14C]phenyl (4-CB) were studied during the egg, sac fry, and fry stages of rainbow trout development. Fertilized eggs were exposed to water-borne [14C]4-CB for 24 hr and transferred to an incubator containing flowing, 4-CB-free water. The whole egg and its component parts (yolk fluid and chorionic membrane) were analyzed separately for 14C immediately after exposure (T0) and 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, and 21 days later. Whole sac fry and its component parts (yolk sac and larva) were analyzed on Days 26, 35, 42, and 49 and whole fry and its component parts (viscera and eviscerated body) on Days 56, 63, 77, 91, and 105. Immediately after exposure (T0), 4-CB content of whole eggs was 0.22 ± 0.01 μg/egg (mean ± SE) and 4-CB concentration on a whole egg wet weight basis was 3.72 ± 0.08 ppm. The majority of 4-CB in the eggs was associated with the yolk fluid where it was apparently associated with water soluble lipoproteins and oil globules composed of triglycerides. During the sac fry stage the majority of 4-CB was associated with the yolk sac. However, as the yolk sac was gradually absorbed the 4-CB was transferred to the larva. The time during sac fry development when the greatest absolute amount of 4-CB was present in the larva was at the very end of the sac fry stage. This was also the time when the oil globules in the yolk sac were first consumed by the sac fry before they began feeding on their own. The highest concentration of 4-CB in the larva occurred at the start of the sac fry stage when the eggs hatched. Thereafter larva 4-CB concentration decreased due to larval growth. The most intriguing finding had to do with a change in the rate of whole body elimination of 4-CB during the transition period from the sac fry to fry stage of development. During the egg and first two-thirds of the sac fry stage, 4-CB elimination was slow (t12 = 231 days), but during the last one-third of the sac fry stage and throughout the fry stage it was rapid (t12 = 15 days). This increased rate of elimination resulted in a loss of nearly all of the 4-CB from the fry. Thus, whole body 4-CB concentration dropped precipitously in the fry and this was due primarily to enhanced 4-CB elimination but also dilution by growth. The mechanism for this rapid whole body elimination of 4-CB in rainbow trout fry is not known but may be related to the low fat content of the fry body.
Courtroom Testimony by Psychologists on Eyewitness Identification Issues Critical Notes and Reflections

This article makes two major points in regard to expert psychological testimony on eyewitness identification. First, the attention devoted by psychologists to eyewitness identification issues is far out of proportion to the incidence of trials involving eyewitness identifications of criminal defendants; furthermore, the often-expressed concern over wrongful convictions is probably misplaced. Second, the experimental methods used in studies of eyewitness performance are fundamentally unsuited for drawing conclusions about actual witnesses. Hence, there is not an adequate scientific foundation for expert psychological testimony on eyewitness identification. Archival research is perhaps the most promising approach to the study of the criminal justice system.
A linear pivoting method for detecting and tracing planar section curves of free-form surfaces

Abstract A linear programming procedure is presented for finding the curves of intersection of a plane with a bicubic surface patch. The procedure appears to work with any free-form surface having the property that the surface lies within the convex hull of its control points. Examples and images are provided.
Stochastic modeling of adsorption in a batch system

Abstract The adsorption of molecules of organic or inorganic compounds in an aqueous solution onto granular activated carbon involves a sequence of steps including: transfer of the molecules from the bulk phase of solution through the relatively stagnant, layer of solution adjacent to the external surface and solution in macropores and micropores of the pellet of activated carbon and occupation of the active sites on the inside of the pellet by the molecules. The present work analyzes and models this sequence of steps by resorting to the stochastic population balance of the numbers of molecules of adsorbate in the three states. The first comprises the bulk phase of the solution; the second, the layer of solution adjacent to the external surface and the solution in the macropores; and the third, the active sites on the inside surfaces of the micropores. The master equation has been derived for the case of a single adsorbate compound. The equations for the means, variances, and covariances of the random variables have been obtained through the system size expansion of the master equation. At equilibrium, the equations for the means reduce to the equation of the Langmuir isotherm. The unknown parameters in the equations for the means have been estimated by comparing the calculated results with the experimental data. These parameters have been adopted to predict the evolution of variances and covariances of the numbers of adsorbate molecules in the three states.
Developing an airline freight management system: meeting airline and end-user challenges

A commercial freight management application for airlines must address the business concerns of airlines as well as offer limited job interference for end-users whose primary occupation is to move cargo. Discussion includes usability challenges and interactive design solutions, methodology for quick development in a time- and resource-constrained budget, and compromises required for commercial success.
Bakhtin's Carnival Reversed: King's The Shining as Dark Carnival

Stephen King pretend que la fiction d'horreur montre des forces dyonisaiques pour mieux mettre en avant les forces apolloniennes. Contrairement a cette affirmation, l'A. estime que ce genre n'a pas de valeur affirmative et qu'il est a situer du cote carnavalesque au sens ou l'entend Bakhtine dans son texte L'imagination dialogique : quatre essais. L'A. se refere a l'analyse de Bakhtine pour montrer en quoi le texte de Stephen King The Shining est non-affirmatif par nature. La terminologie de Bakhtine est appliquee au roman de King : polyphonie, heteroglossie et carnavalisation. Cette derniere notion est caracterisee par une nouvelle relation a la realite, basee sur l'experience par opposition a la legende, et employant deliberement la variete et la discordance. The Shining est une sorte de carnaval inverse, un carnaval sombre. Le devoilement de facettes sombres de l'humanite et de la societe ne lui octroie pas pour autant un caractere affirmatif
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION AND PRODUCTIVITY

The article explores the relationship between transcendental meditation and productivity at work. Using six measures of productivity, mediators reported they experienced increased job satisfaction,...
Resistance to green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), in potato cultivars

Previous research suggests that extant potato cultivars offer little promise as sources of useful aphid resistance. However, few prior studies have critically measured the effects of host cultivar on aphid age-dependent life table statistics or related these measures to field performance. Therefore, a comprehensive field and greenhouse study was undertaken to assess 49 commercial potato cultivars, primarily of North American origin, for resistance to green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). Cultivars were found to show considerable differences in resistances to each aphid species, but these resistances were not significantly correlated (R2=0.032). In greenhouse life table studies, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of green peach aphid was lowest (0.167) on cv Russet Norkotah and highest (0.350) on cv Red La Soda. Potato aphidrm was lowest (0.122) on cv Aracy and highest (0.229) on cv Irish Cobbler. Among cultivars, year of release, maturity class and yield potential did not significantly influence number of progeny per female per day for either green peach aphid or potato aphid (P=0.987 and 0.954, respectively). In field trials (2004 and 2005), yield potential was significantly correlated with green peach aphid counts, (P=0.006 and <0.0001, respectively). Aphid/predator population models using aK value of 15.2 predicted that following colonization green peach aphid populations would remain stable for 20 days on Russet Norkotah (resistant), whereas on Red La Soda (susceptible) populations would reach over 54,000. With non-persistent foliar insecticides as the only control, population models indicated that three applications would be necessary to maintain green peach aphid below the Minnesota recommended action threshold on Red La Soda for 21 days, while just one application would be needed for green peach aphid on Russet Norkotah. In combination with biological control or insecticide use, this resistance could provide substantial control while reducing the reliance on pesticides.