cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resource contention games in multiclass stochastic flow models

Abstract We consider resource contention games in a stochastic hybrid system setting using Stochastic Flow Models (SFM) with multiple classes and class-dependent objectives. We present a general modeling framework for such games, where Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA) estimators are derived for the derivatives of various class-dependent objectives. This allows us to study these games from the point of view of system-centric optimization of a performance metric and compare it to the user-centric approach where each user optimizes its own performance metric. We derive explicit solutions for a specific model in which the competing user classes employ threshold control policies and service is provided on a First Come First Serve (FCFS) basis. The unbiasedness of the IPA estimators is established in this case and it is shown that under certain conditions the system-centric and user-centric optimization solutions coincide.
New Turnstile Antennas for Horizontal and Circular Polarization

Two new additions to the turnstile family of antennas are described: 1) a horizontally polarized "turnstile II" antenna and 2) a circularly polarized turnstile antenna. These antennas feature a rotating phase feed based on the original RCA Superturnstile design which, because of its simplicity, electrical characteristics, and versatility, is today the most popular TV broadcast antenna.
The chemical reactions of the haemagglutinins and neuraminidases of different strains of influenza viruses. I. Effect of reagents reacting with amino acids in the active centres.

Studies of the chemical reactions of the haemagglutinins and neuraminidases of eight strains of influenza viruses have been made by the use of chemical reagents reacting with chemically active groups in the protein molecule. The results indicate a close resemblance between the active centres of the haemagglutinins and neuraminidases in all the strains tested. In all cases the activities were unaffected by reagents reacting with the —SH group of cysteine, the —CH 3 S group of methionine, the amino group of lysine, the guanidyl group of arginine, or the indole ring of tryptophan. In all cases both the haemagglutinating and enzymic activities were reduced or destroyed by agents reacting with amide groups or reacting with both tyrosine and histidine. By the use of iodine under conditions in which tyrosine reacts but not histidine, and fluorodinitrobenzene under conditions in which histidine reacts more strongly than tyrosine, it was possible to detect a number of different active centres. (1) An active centre containing histidine and an amide group but not containing tyrosine was present in all the virus strains and was the only centre detectable in A 1 and A 2 strains. This type of centre appeared to possess both haemagglutinating and neuraminidase activity. (2) Active centres containing tyrosine and an amide group were detected in strains of A and B viruses. There was some evidence suggesting that tyrosine-containing centres were of two types: one possessing both haemagglutinating and enzymic activity while the other was a haemagglutinin without neuraminidase activity. The results could be explained by supposing that the presence of histidine in the active centre was essential for neuraminidase activity and that enzymically active tyrosine-containing centres also contained histidine, but that tyrosine could substitute for histidine, but that tyrosine could substitute for histidine in haemagglutinating centres.
Tumor Microenvironment and Progression

Tumor blood vessels are heterogeneous, of at least six distinct types, are induced primarily by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and provide a potentially useful therapeutic target. Breast cancer is characterized by changes in the microenvironment that result in altered tensional homeostasis. Also, breast cancers arise as the result of epigenetic as well as genetic changes. Tumor blood vessel pericytes result, in part, from bone marrow precursor cells, and VEGF is a negative regulator of glioblastoma tumor cell invasion.
A Competitive Advantage by Neonatally Engrafted Human Glial Progenitors Yields Mice Whose Brains Are Chimeric for Human Glia

Neonatally transplanted human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) densely engraft and myelinate the hypomyelinated shiverer mouse. We found that, in hGPC-xenografted mice, the human donor cells continue to expand throughout the forebrain, systematically replacing the host murine glia. The differentiation of the donor cells is influenced by the host environment, such that more donor cells differentiated as oligodendrocytes in the hypomyelinated shiverer brain than in myelin wild-types, in which hGPCs were more likely to remain as progenitors. Yet in each recipient, both the number and relative proportion of mouse GPCs fell as a function of time, concomitant with the mitotic expansion and spread of donor hGPCs. By a year after neonatal xenograft, the forebrain GPC populations of implanted mice were largely, and often entirely, of human origin. Thus, neonatally implanted hGPCs outcompeted and ultimately replaced the host population of mouse GPCs, ultimately generating mice with a humanized glial progenitor population. These human glial chimeric mice should permit us to define the specific contributions of glia to a broad variety of neurological disorders, using human cells in vivo.
PROTECTION WITH MANY SELLERS: AN APPLICATION TO LEGISLATURES WITH MALAPPORTIONMENT

What effect, if any, does legislative malapportionment have on international trade protection? This paper argues that in malapportioned legislatures, such as the U.S. Senate, industries become over-represented in a legislature if they are disproportionately located in small constituencies. As a result, industries that are disproportionately located in smaller constituencies are likely to receive greater protection from international trade. To argue this point theoretically, this paper develops a new model, combining legislative bargaining and a model of lobbying to study trade protection while allowing for a legislature with multiple legislators and differently sized constituencies. We then test the predictions of this new model using tariff votes from the U.S. Senate in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and a panel of tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in the U.S. in the 1990s. Considerable support is found for the model’s predictions. Industries concentrated in states where the population is low receive greater protection from imports. What effect, if any, does legislative malapportionment have on a country’s international trade policy? This paper argues that industries in small states are better able to lobby their legislator for protection because these industries will be, in some sense, over-represented in a malapportioned legislature. To argue this point theoretically, this paper combines a model of legislative bargaining and a model of lobbying to study trade protection that allows for a legislature with multiple legislators and differently sized constituencies. We then test the predictions of this model using two datasets. The first uses tariff votes from the U.S. Senate in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to show that Senators from small states were generally more protectionist than their large-state colleagues. The second dataset consists of a panel of tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in the United States in the 1990s. Our findings indicate that industries that are disproportionately located in smaller states tend to receive more trade protection. The empirical results from both datasets provide considerable support for the model, particularly in its predictions on malapportionment. There is a rich and fruitful literature looking at the determinants of trade protection across industries in the United States and other advanced industrial economies. 1 Many of these models are variations on the Ricardo–Viner “specific factors” model, formalized by Jones (1971) and Mussa (1974). The major prediction of these models for trade policy is that certain factors of production are not mobile between economic sectors. Consequently, these factors engage in rent-seeking behavior by lobbying for protection from trade for the economic sector in which they are located. Factors in different industries may be more or less successful for different reasons, creating variation in the level of trade protection across economic sectors within a country.
A Variation of the Speed of Sound Experiment

An experiment which is familiar to most physical chemistry students is the speed of sound based on the Kundt’s tube.[1] The experiment also allows the student to determine the heat-capacity ratio for various gases. The process of changing gases may be more easily accomplished if the microphone in the tube can be fixed in its position relative to the speaker. In this article, this modification to the experiment is discussed in terms of resonance generated in closed pipes.
Human induced pluripotent cells resemble embryonic stem cells demonstrating enhanced levels of DNA repair and efficacy of nonhomologous end-joining

To maintain the integrity of the organism, embryonic stem cells (ESC) need to maintain their genomic integrity in response to DNA damage. DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most lethal forms of DNA damage and can have disastrous consequences if not repaired correctly, leading to cell death, genomic instability and cancer. How human ESC (hESC) maintain genomic integrity in response to agents that cause DSBs is relatively unclear. Adult somatic cells can be induced to “dedifferentiate” into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and reprogram into cells of all three germ layers. Whether iPSC have reprogrammed the DNA damage response is a critical question in regenerative medicine. Here, we show that hESC demonstrate high levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can contribute to DNA damage and may arise from high levels of metabolic activity. To potentially counter genomic instability caused by DNA damage, we find that hESC employ two strategies: First, these cells have enhanced levels of DNA repair proteins, including those involved in repair of DSBs, and they demonstrate elevated nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) activity and repair efficacy, one of the main pathways for repairing DSBs. Second, they are hypersensitive to DNA damaging agents, as evidenced by a high level of apoptosis upon irradiation. Importantly, iPSC, unlike the parent cells they are derived from, mimic hESC in their ROS levels, cell cycle profiles, repair protein expression and NHEJ repair efficacy, indicating reprogramming of the DNA repair pathways. Human iPSC however show a partial apoptotic response to irradiation, compared to hESC. We suggest that DNA damage responses may constitute important markers for the efficacy of iPSC reprogramming.
Intercellular communication and group behavior in bacteria

Group behavior in bacterial populations requires intercellular communication, generally by means of self-produced signals. As the model system of bacterial quorum sensing demonstrates, the integration of these 'group' signals with other global regulators can lead to very complex and sophisticated interactions that are not necessarily limited to the signal-producing species alone.
Factor VIIa bound to endothelial cell protein C receptor activates protease activated receptor-1 and mediates cell signaling and barrier protection

Recent studies have shown that factor VIIa (FVIIa) binds to the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR), a cellular receptor for protein C and activated protein C, but the physiologic significance of this interaction is unclear. In the present study, we show that FVIIa, upon binding to EPCR on endothelial cells, activates endogenous protease activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and induces PAR1-mediated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with FVIIa protected against thrombin-induced barrier disruption. This FVIIa-induced, barrier-protective effect was EPCR dependent and did not involve PAR2. Pretreatment of confluent endothelial monolayers with FVIIa before thrombin reduced the development of thrombin-induced transcellular actin stress fibers, cellular contractions, and paracellular gap formation. FVIIa-induced p44/42 MAPK activation and the barrier-protective effect are mediated via Rac1 activation. Consistent with in vitro findings, in vivo studies using mice showed that administration of FVIIa before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment attenuated LPS-induced vascular leakage in the lung and kidney. Overall, our present data provide evidence that FVIIa bound to EPCR on endothelial cells activates PAR1-mediated cell signaling and provides a barrier-protective effect. These findings are novel and of great clinical significance, because FVIIa is used clinically for the prevention of bleeding in hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Music Vocabulary of First-Grade Children: Words Listed for Instruction and Their Actual Use.

This study's four purposes were to: (1) determine which music vocabulary words were listed for study in first-grade basal music series textbooks; (2) compare the oral vocabulary of first graders wi...
Signal transduction mediated by antigen receptors on teleost lymphocytes

Abstract To generate an adaptive response from the mammalian immune system requires that antigen bind to cognate receptors on T and B cells, a process which activates intracellular signaling pathways. Crosslinking the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) ultimately activates cell proliferation in both higher and lower vertebrates. Recent studies suggest that many functional components of these intracellular pathways were evolutionarily conserved among the vertebrates. Antibody-mediated crosslinking of surface immunoglobulin leads to tyrosine phosphorylation on presumptive accessory molecules of the teleost BCR as well as several intracellular proteins. Crosslinking the teleost BCR also triggers calcium influx and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) which are hallmark components of the phosphatidyl inositol signal transduction pathway in mammalian lymphocytes. The activation of teleost PKC ultimately generates dually-phosphorylated forms of mitogen activated protein kinase. The latter enzyme is viewed as a key cytoplasmic control point for integrating signals arriving from several kinase/phosphatase pathways in mammalian cells. Preliminary evidence suggests that intracellular signaling mediated through antigen receptor complexes may be very sensitive to external factors, including heavy metals such as mercuric chloride which can alter calcium flux and tyrosine phosphorylation patterns in teleost leukocytes. As the process of lymphocyte activation in teleost fish is better understood, it may be possible to provide aquaculturists, environmental regulators and fisheries managers with better information on those natural and man-made conditions which interfere with the development of protective immune responses in natural and captive finfish populations.
SU-FF-T-428: Treatment Planning for Large Patients with Anatomy Outside of Imager FOV

Purpose: A 3D dose distribution for a large patient is usually obtained by projecting the treatment fields on to digitized wire contours, resulting in the loss of all anatomical information. This study evaluates a more accurate approach of obtaining a full volumetric image set for patients that cannot be completely imaged within the available field of view. Method and Materials: Two laterally shifted CT scans of an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom with fiducial markers were acquired, each simulating the CT scan of a large patient with missing anatomy resulting from the limited FOV. A complete scan of the phantom was also performed for comparison purposes. In the TPS, an empty phantom image set was created with very large FOV. Both shifted scans were fused with this image set by aligning the point intersected by the fiducial markers on the CTimage to the Dicom origin of the empty set. All the contours can be copied from the CT scans into the empty image set, to provide a complete fused contour set. This method was evaluated by comparing a 3 field plan created on the fused contour set with a similar plan on the complete scan. Results: The contour set was successfully fused into the empty image set. Partial scan of the phantom can be overlaid inside the contour set to permit visualization of the anatomy. The differences between the two plans in the SSDs for the AP, RtLat, and LtLat fields were 4.0, 1.0, and 1.0 mm, respectively, and the differences in isocentric doses for these fields were 0%, 0.7%, and 0.2% respectively. Conclusion: Entire patient contours for large patients can be accurately contoured by fusing multiple CT scans, each acquired with different patient positioning. This will allow obtaining accurate 3D dose distribution and DVH for target volumes and critical structures.
Using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale to Diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study investigated the childhood autism rating scale (CARS) as a tool for ASD diagnoses for 2-year-old (n = 376) and 4-year-old (n = 230) children referred for possible autism. The cut-off score to distinguish autistic disorder from PDD-NOS was 32 in the 2-year-old sample (consistent with Lord in J Child Psychol Psychiatry Allied Discipl, 36, 1365–1382, 1995), and 30 in the 4-year-old sample, with good sensitivity and specificity at both ages. The cut-off score to distinguish ASD from non-ASD at both ages was 25.5, with good sensitivity and specificity. Results confirm the utility of the CARS in distinguishing autistic disorder from PDD-NOS, and distinguishing ASD from other developmental disorders and typical development and suggest that an ASD cutoff around 25, which is in common clinical use, is valid.
mAtNOS1 regulates mitochondrial functions and apoptosis of human neuroblastoma cells

mAtNOS1 is a novel gene recently reported in mammalian cells with functions that are not fully understood. The present study generated human neuroblastoma SHSY cells over- and underexpressing mAtNOS1 and shows that mAtNOS1 is involved in regulating mitochondrial nitric oxide, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, protein tyrosine nitration, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis of those cells.
Vertical cavity photonic integrated circuits

The technology convergence of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with photonic crystals may enable a revolution for the next generation of photonic integrated circuits. The optical path for conventional photonic circuits-containing lasers, modulators, and waveguides-is defined to be parallel to the epitaxial planes. We propose a new optoelectronic device topology wherein the light propagation is perpendicular to the crystal layers from optically coupled vertical cavities located between distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR). The transverse coupling between the vertical cavity elements of a 2-dimensional (2D) array define the photonic circuit, and is achieved using effective index waveguides and 2D photonic lattices. Such highly dense, massively parallel, and high performance 2D vertical cavity photonic integrated circuits may provide the foundation for a future generation of optical processing and communication applications.
Posterior parietal cortex is critical for the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of a memory that guides attention for learning

Within most contemporary learning theories, reinforcement prediction error, the difference between the obtained and expected reinforcer value, critically influences associative learning. In some theories, this prediction error determines the momentary effectiveness of the reinforcer itself, such that the same physical event produces more learning when its presentation is surprising than when it is expected. In other theories, prediction error enhances attention to potential cues for that reinforcer by adjusting cue-specific associability parameters, biasing the processing of those stimuli so that they more readily enter into new associations in the future. A unique feature of these latter theories is that such alterations in stimulus associability must be represented in memory in an enduring fashion. Indeed, considerable data indicate that altered associability may be expressed days after its induction. Previous research from our laboratory identified brain circuit elements critical to the enhancement of stimulus associability by the omission of an expected event, and to the subsequent expression of that altered associability in more rapid learning. Here, for the first time, we identified a brain region, the posterior parietal cortex, as a potential site for a memorial representation of altered stimulus associability. In three experiments using rats and a serial prediction task, we found that intact posterior parietal cortex function was essential during the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of an associability memory enhanced by surprising omissions. We discuss these new results in the context of our previous findings and additional plausible frontoparietal and subcortical networks.
VIRULENCE RESPONSE OF A SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM HILA:LACZY FUSION STRAIN TO SPENT MEDIA FROM PURE CULTURES OF SELECTED BACTERIA AND POULTRY CECAL MIXED CULTURE

Virulence gene expression in Salmonella is triggered by a variety of environmental factors including changes in the gastrointestinal environment of birds during different dietary regimes. The objective of this study was to determine if growth of specific microorganisms alters the environmental conditions sufficiently to signal Salmonella Typhimurium virulence response. Spent media was obtained from a Salmonella Typhimurium hilA:lacZY fusion strain, a poultry Salmonella Typhimurium strain, Eschcrichia coli K12, and Lactobacillus caseii Spent media samples were collected after 2, 4, 8 and 24 h of growth in brain heart infusion broth (BHI) and M9 media, β-galactosidase assays were performed on the samples to determine virulence expression. Virulence response to Salmonella, spent media was 2-fold greater than Lactobacillus spent media at 4, 8 and 24 h growth (P < 0.05). Virulence expression almost doubled when exposed to Salmonella Typhimurium (NONA) spent media compared to mixed culture spent media at 4 h, and Salmonella Typhimurium (NONA) was significantly higher than mixed culture spent media at 24 h (P < 0.05). Based on these results, it appears that growth of similar bacterial species may alter the composition of rich media sufficiently to influence virulence.
Using a design document to support interdisciplinary learning

One goal of the project, wireless multimedia communications for virtual environments, is to create an integrated educational program in which faculty members in different disciplines work closely together to mentor larger teams of students and create solutions to complex problems that combine human factors, computer graphics, real systems, wearable computers, and wireless devices. We are developing new classes at the senior and graduate levels that cover software engineering for virtual environments, the design of practical wireless devices, and the codesign of embedded systems. A key issue that is central to the course development is the strategy for interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Independent of the course organization, the virtual reality research environment is used as a common theme among the courses, thus providing a basis for problem-based learning. In this case, our objective is to define the problem so that students in different engineering disciplines (electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, systems engineering) have the necessary discipline-specific information and also understand the multidisciplinary aspects of the problem. To that end, we have been exploring the design documentation used in the disciplinary areas. In this paper, we present the course development and the use of a design document to support learning objectives.
New philosophy for the treatment of avulsed teeth

The success rate of replanted avulsed teeth has been low. This poor success rate results from the use of only onetreatment regimen. This treatment regimen, replantation as quickly as possible regardless of circumstances, ignores much of the dental research that shows this regimen to not be efficacious. In addition, the profession has disregarded much of the research that shows many recommended storage media damaging to avulsed teeth. This article reviews the pertinent research on avulsed teeth and recommends a new treatment philosophy of avulsed teeth that delineates 10 treatment categories based on the type of storage medium used, the length of extraoral time, and the stage of development of the root apex.
3-D finite element time-varying fields and eddy currents in nonlinear thin steel channels

A method for three-dimensional nonlinear transient eddy current and field computations in thin steel channels separated by air gaps is presented. The nonlinear thin steel plates with narrow gap were placed over a coil which is excited from a time-varying source. Details of the formulation for the nonlinear problem and the time derivative are given. The current amplitude was large enough to saturate the steel parts. The time constant of the excitation function was chosen so that large eddy current density is produced. Experimental data of flux density and eddy current density at specified test points in the analyzed volume were compared with numerical results. Excellent correlation between numerical and experimental results was achieved. >
The Search for Mastery

One of the demoralizing consequences of the birth and hospitalization of a medically fragile infant is, for some parents, the loss of a sense of personal control over events. In Chapter 1, we described how the child’s premature birth and intensive care upset many parents because it revealed how little control they had over their childbearing outcomes. The hospitalization itself was another arena in which some mothers expressed dismay at their inability to exercise control.
FLOW VISUALIZATION OF LOW SPEED PERPENDICULAR VORTEX-AIRFOIL INTERACTION

The interaction of a wing tip vortex with a downstream airfoil is visualized. The tip vortex from a straight wing was moved vertically in a wind tunnel. Laser sheet videography was used to document the quasi-steady interaction of the vortex with full-span airfoils in two test cases: a 21% thick symmetric airfoil, and a thin flat plate of 2.5% thickness with rounded leading edge and sharp trailing edge. The strength of the vortex was computed from the measured velocity profile upstream. Vortex trajectorics above and below both airfoils were measured. The vortex filament drifts spanwise above and hclow the airfoil as expected. During the downward traverse, the vortex filament stays above the airfoil long after the generating wing has gone below the airl'oil and then flips across the airfoil surface in a vcry short timc. The vortex switching from the top to the bottom surface is initiated by the splitting of the primary vortex into two. During the up\vartl traverse, the trajectory is exactly duplicated: ~hcrc is no delay in switching from below to above, hut there is a delay in vortex appearance after switching. Pressure gradient effects are observed in the thick airfoil interaction and near the leading and trailing edges for the flat plate. The trajectories continue to diverge behind the trailing edge. In both experiments, the remaining vortex filaments downstream of the airfoil are too weak and far apart to recombine.
Estimation of Thermal Stresses and Stress Concentrations in Confined Interconnect Lines of Rectangular Cross Section

Stress-induced voiding is an important reliability concern in narrow aluminum based metallizations used as interconnects in very large scale integrated circuits. The thermal stresses that arise in the interconnects after excursions to elevated temperatures are tensile and extremely high. Void nucleation is commonly found to take place at the line edges where the stress is highest. In lines of rectangular cross section, in particular, there arise shear stresses at line edges and corners which can be higher than the dilational stress components. In this paper we consider analytically the stress states arising in interconnect lines of rectangular cross section. We argue that void nucleation is likely to be connected to the high shear stress at the edges and corners, facilitating grain boundary sliding.
The Incidence of Extended Households Among Middle-Aged Black and White Women Estimates from a 15-Year Panel Study

Much has been written in recent years about changes in family and household structure in the United States. Analyses based on census data or other cross sections indicate that fewer adults live in families, especially the nuclear family of husband, wife, and minor children. Analyses based on cross sections also indicate the relative rarity of extended households, especially three-generation families. In this descriptive analysis, data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Mature Women are used to compare cross-section and 15-year estimates of the incidence of various types of extended households. Black and white women are analyzed separately and the estimates for the proportion of middle-aged women living in extended households are presented by marital status. Results show large differences between single-year and 15-year estimates of the incidence of extension. Overall, between one-fourth and one-third of white middle-aged women lived in extended households for some time over the 15-year period, and ...
A library-based program development environment for parallel image processing

Cloner is an image processing prototyping environment that helps users design new parallel image processing algorithms for a target machine by building on and modifying existing library algorithms. In this paper we show the Cloner user interface, discuss how guided access is accomplished, and provide an example of how Cloner supports the rapid development of high performance codes. The example demonstrates how menu options and queries are used to guide a user to select an appropriate 2-dimensional FFT algorithm based on image site and available machine resources. >
Science, Technology, and Society: Policy Implications

A reanalysis of selected national and state-level STS implementation data is reported in this article. The results indicate that teacher education, suitable curriculum materials, and insufficient class time are major issues affecting STS implementation in the United States. Only three states have addressed 50% or more of the STS implementation criteria in their science curriculum frameworks as recommended by the National Science Education Standards. A closer look at one state (Florida) revealed that approximately half of the school districts had STS in science, nearly a third had it in social studies, and the majority of STS instruction occurred at the middle and secondary levels. Additionally, STS is often taught via environmental concerns, and as such, it may be skewed toward activist positions rather than analyzing all (positive and we negative) aspects of the impact of science and technology on society. Using the data as a base, implications are drawn for teacher education, the development of material...
CHISHOLMIAN FOUNDATIONALISM AND THE NATURALIZATION OF EPISTEMOLOGY

El reciente proyecto de naturalizacion de la epistemologia ha producido gran cantidad de discusiones teoricas, muchas de las cuales (Goldman, Kornblith) se esfuerzan por aludir a la investigacion realizada en las ciencias cognoscitivas con el fin de ayudarnos en nuestra teorizacion epistemica. Utilizando tres vias principales de argumentacion, propongo que examinemos un tipo de fundacionismo clasico (el de Chisholm) en tanto que paradigma de una teoria de la justificacion epistemica no naturalizada y concluir a partir de tal examen que ya no hay obstaculos para construir una teoria naturalizada de la justificacion epistemica que combine de manera verosimil elementos del coherentismo con elementos de las ciencias cognoscitivas. La primera via de argumentacion se centra en la supuesta relacion entre fundacionismo y confiabilismo, y nos pide que notemos que los defectos del fundacionismo son similares a los del confiabilismo y giran en torno de la nocion de proceso cognoscitivo privilegiado. La segunda via de argumentacion nos pide reconocer que ciertos tipos de teorias de la justificacion epistemica son intuitivamente mas naturalizadas (las teorias coherentistas), y la tercera via de argumentacion nos propone imaginar una teoria naturalizada de la coherencia cuyo conjunto justificatorio descansa en un modelo descriptivamente exacto del proceso de justificacion epistemico y que elimina algunas de las preocupaciones de los teoricos (por ejemplo Cornman) que han criticado al coherentismo. La conclusion general del articulo es que la teoria de la justificacion epistemica puede y deberia ser naturalizada, y que el examen de una teoria no naturalizada paradigmatica nos indica la direccion correcta. [Traduccion: Hector Islas]
Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age. By W. Bernard Carlson. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2013. Pp. 500. $29.95.)

This new biography on Nikola Tesla is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the author is to be lauded for unearthing quite a number of previously unpublished sources, including descriptions of Tesla's rel...
Segmentation of a 3D scene into free areas and object surfaces by using occluded edges of trinocular stereo

Proposes a new approach in which a 3D scene is segmented into free areas and object surfaces using: (1) sparse data which are obtained from trinocular stereo; and (2) occluded edges which can not be seen from at least one of the three cameras. Trinocular stereo is employed not only because it is more reliable for finding correspondences than binocular stereo, but also because it clearly classifies edge segments into 3D edge segments which can be seen from all three cameras and ones which can not be seen from at least one of the three cameras. The approach proposed consists of three steps: (1) to obtain free areas by using 3D edge segments which can be seen from all three cameras; (2) the free areas can be expanded by using edges occluded from at least one of the three cameras; and (3) to determine object surfaces. It is necessary to determine whether the 3D edge segments are occluding boundaries by using occluded edges which can not be seen from one of the cameras. One side of an occluding boundary can be taken to be an object surface. Therefore, object surfaces can be inferred using the occluded edges in trinocular stereo. >
Is there a syndrome of pure hyperactivity

A comparison of hyperactive boys with and without associated conduct disorder was made to determine the validity of a narrowly defined concept of pure hyperactivity. Although clinical differences between the two sub-groups supported the diagnostic distinction, few differences appeared with respect to various possibly causal background factors. A small group of boys with pure hyperactivity was separated, however, on the basis of subnormal IQ scores. In contrast to the hyperactive boys with normal IQ, these boys showed a more serious history of developmental disturbances which appeared to be linked to organicity. It was concluded that pure hyperactivity is an elusive concept and probably defines a heterogeneous group of children whose primary problems are cognitive in nature.
A note on the complex semi‐definite matrix Procrustes problem

This note outlines an algorithm for solving the complex ‘matrix Procrustes problem’. This is a least-squares approximation over the cone of positive semi-definite Hermitian matrices, which has a number of applications in the areas of Optimization, Signal Processing and Control. The work generalizes the method of Allwright (SIAM J. Control Optim. 1988; 26(3):537–556), who obtained a numerical solution to the real-valued version of the problem. It is shown that, subject to an appropriate rank assumption, the complex problem can be formulated in a real setting using a matrix-dilation technique, for which the method of Allwright is applicable. However, this transformation results in an over-parametrization of the problem and, therefore, convergence to the optimal solution is slow. Here, an alternative algorithm is developed for solving the complex problem, which exploits fully the special structure of the dilated matrix. The advantages of the modified algorithm are demonstrated via a numerical example. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is prevalent in Sprague-Dawley rats

Unrecognized cardiovascular abnormalities may confound the interpretation of research data collected using rats. However, although SPF rat colonies are screened for microbes and kept under standardized environmental conditions, their cardiovascular status is largely unknown. We recently performed surgery on anesthetized 80-d-old Sprague–Dawley rats and observed a high mortality that could not be attributed to the procedures or preceding treatments. Upon necropsy, cardiomyopathy was readily apparent in a substantial proportion of these rats. To further evaluate the nature of this condition, we evaluated the histology and morphology of hearts from both Sprague–Dawley and Lewis rats. Compared with Lewis rats, Sprague–Dawley rats had greater left ventricular wall thickness and larger cardiomyocyte cell size. Severe left ventricle hypertrophy was present in 38% of young adult Sprague–Dawley rats. These findings may have implications for research models that use Sprague–Dawley rats.
Investigation of ray tracing and the effect of simulation parameters for an L shaped hallway

This paper will discuss the effect(s) of altering a few parameters in ray tracing simulations: ray spacing, maximum number of bounces, and diffraction. The same geometry is simulated via FDTD for reference.
Dilatant strengthening as a mechanism for slow slip events

[1] The mechanics of slow slip events (SSE) in subduction zones remain unresolved. We suggest that SSE nucleate in areas of unstable friction under drained conditions, but as slip accelerates dilatancy reduces pore pressure p quenching instability. Competition between dilatant strengthening and thermal pressurization may control whether slip is slow or fast. We model SSE with 2-D elasticity, rate-state friction, and a dilatancy law where porosity evolves toward steady state ss over distance dc and ss = 0 + ln(v/v0); v is slip speed. We consider two diffusion models. Membrane diffusion (MD) is approximated by −(p − p∞)/tf where p and p∞ are shear zone and remote pore pressure and tf is a characteristic diffusion time. Homogeneous diffusion (HD) accurately models fault-normal flow with diffusivity chyd. For MD, linearized analysis defines a boundary ℰ = 1 − a/b between slow and fast slip, where ℰ ≡ f0e/βb(σ − p∞), f0, a, and b are friction parameters and β is compressibility. When ℰ 1 − a/b slip speeds remain quasi-static. For HD, Ep ≡ eh/(β (σ − p∞)) defines dilatancy efficiency, where h is shear zone thickness and v∞ is plate velocity. SSE are favored by large eh and low effective stress. The ratio Ep to thermal pressurization efficiency scales with 1/(σ − p∞), so high p∞ favors SSE, consistent with seismic observations. For Ep ∼ 10−3 transient slip rates, repeat times, average slip, and stress drops are comparable to field observations. Model updip propagation speeds are comparable to those observed along-strike. Many simulations exhibit slow phases driven by steady downdip slip and faster phases that relax the accumulated stress. Model SSE accommodate only a fraction of plate motion; the remaining deficit must be accommodated during coseismic or postseismic slip.
Modeling lead/acid batteries that have positive electrodes containing hollow, glass microspheres

Abstract This paper uses a computer model to predict the performance of positive electrodes containing hollow, glass microspheres. The model's performance prediction for these plates is then compared with experimental data. The model helps to make clearer the effect the glass microspheres have on plate performance. At medium to high specific rates, the positive plate performance is improved because a higher percentage of the plate's active material reacts with the electrolyte stored within the plate. At low specific rates, the performance is reduced because the conductivity of the plates with the microspheres, as characterized by the critical volume fraction, is lower.
How Much Can Qualifying Longevity Annuity Contracts Improve Retirement Security

In recent years, the prospect of increasing individual interest in annuitizing retirement savings has been enhanced through an insurance product designed to provide monthly benefits only after a significant deferral period in retirement. In 2014, one of the major constraints of using this type of product was eliminated when the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final rules for creating a qualifying longevity annuity contract (QLAC) that would be exempt from the required minimum distribution rules that dictate distributions from DC plans and IRAs must typically begin by age 70-1/2 (significantly earlier than the age at which payments commence for these products). While it is still too early to know how individuals’ demand for these products and the insurance industry’s supply of QLAC options will eventually modify the market for longevity annuities, it is useful to model the degree to which QLACs can improve retirement security. Specifically, this paper models two scenarios under which QLACs are utilized as part of a 401(k) plan by analyzing the ability of QLACs to provide an effective longevity hedge for Boomers and Gen Xers who are simulated to participate in an in-plan offering either through a 10-year series of laddered purchases or as a one-time purchase based on the accumulated value of employer contributions from the current employer. The analysis finds that even at today’s historically low interest rates, the purchase of these products may provide a significant increase in retirement readiness for the longest-lived quartile, compared with only a small reduction for the general population. Sensitivity analysis on the QLAC premiums resulting from likely increases in future interest rates provides even more favorable results. It is difficult to predict the extent to which individual demand for QLACs will increase without an in-plan offering similar to one of the two scenarios modeled in this paper.
Upper and Lower Frequencies Tapered Beams

Two equations for obtaining lower bounds of the natural frequencies of lateral vibrations of beams are presented. The effects of shear and rotatory inertia are included. One of the equations is employed in conjunction with the Rayleigh-Ritz method to obtain upper and lower bounds for the three lowest natural frequencies of vibration of linearly tapered beams with free-free end conditions. For cases in which the effects of shear and rotatory inertia are small, the upper and lower bounds are in good agreement for all three modes of vibration. In cases in which the effects of shear and rotatory inertia are significant the upper and lower bounds are in good agreement for the first two modes; for the third mode, however, the percent deviation is, in some cases, about 20% for beams with small length to depth ratios.
Oxidative damage to DNA of ovarian surface epithelial cells affected by ovulation: Carcinogenic implication and chemoprevention

The majority of cancers of the ovary are thought to originate from a surface epithelial cell perturbed by ovulation. Outgrowth of a follicle destined to ovulate brings it into apposition with the ovarian epithelium. Ovarian surface cells are consequently exposed, within a limited diffusion radius, to inflammatory agents and reactive oxidants generated during periovulatory processes. Cells that overlie the formative site of follicular rupture suffer irreparable damages and undergo apoptosis. Potentially mutagenic 8-oxoguanine modifications were detected in (surviving) cells circumjacent to postovulatory ovine and human follicles. It is conceivable that clonal expansion of a cell with unrepaired DNA, but not committed to death, could be an initiating factor in the etiology of malignancy, insofar as proliferative ovulatory wound-repair responses may propagate mutations. Since the prognosis for ovarian cancer patients with invasive disease is so poor, and early detection has proven elusive, it is imperative that prospective methods of chemo-prevention be explored. Ovulation-induced oxidative base damages to the ovarian epithelium of ewes were prevented by vitamin E. Oxoguanine adducts persisted and CA-125 (a phenotype of metaplastic transformation) was expressed in cultures of cells that were distressed by ovulation in which p53 synthesis was inhibited. Vitamin E negated this reaction. Ovarian cyclicity and fertility were not altered in vitamin-treated ewes. A prophylactic benefit of a supplemental antioxidant is suggested in "ovulating" individuals designated at risk (e.g., due to a tumor suppressor malfunction) for the development of ovarian cancer.
Perspectives on Achieving Peace: Introduction

This chapter describes the methods used for coding participants’ responses to two items on the Personal and Institutional Rights to Aggression and Peace Survey: (a) “I believe world peace can be achieved” and (b) “The best way to achieve world peace is….” First, this chapter describes the two different research approaches used to develop the manual. Next, Albert Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement is explained. We then explain the two systems of the achieving peace coding manual in detail. This chapter concludes with an explanation of how the responses were analyzed and an overview of the subsequent chapters’ structure.
Similar but distinct effects of the tristetraprolin/TIS11 immediate-early proteins on cell survival

The immediate early protein tristetraprolin (TTP) is required to prevent inappropriate production of the cytokine TNF-alpha, and is a member of a zinc finger protein family that is associated with RNA binding. TTP expression is induced by TNF-alpha, and evidence indicates that TTP can bind and destabilize the TNF-alpha mRNA. TTP and the closely related TIS11b and TIS11d proteins are evolutionarily conserved, however, and induced transiently in various cell types by numerous diverse stimuli, suggesting that they have additional functions. Supporting this idea, continuous expression of each TTP/TIS11 protein at physiological levels causes apoptotic cell death. By various criteria, this cell death appears analogous to apoptosis induced by certain oncoproteins. It is also dependent upon the zinc fingers, suggesting that it involves action on appropriate cellular targets. TTP but not TIS11b or TIS11d also sensitizes cells to induction of apoptosis by TNF-alpha. The data suggest that the TTP and TIS11 immediate early proteins have similar but distinct effects on growth or survival pathways, and that TTP might influence TNF-alpha regulation at multiple levels.
Effects of aminopterin and estrogen on phosphoprotein phosphatase of rat uterus.

SummaryTotal phosphoprotein phosphatase activity of rat uterus increases in response to estrogen as uterine weight increases, but activity/g fresh tissue does not change appreciably. Aminopterin administered simultaneously with estrogen inhibits the increase in total activity/uterus as it inhibits uterine weight increase. The changes in enzyme activity could not be correlated with changes in uterine phosphoprotein and the possible existence of a phosphatase inhibitor was discussed.