cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human recombinant antimannan immunoglobulin G1 antibody confers resistance to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis in mice.

Mannan is a major cell wall component found in Candida species. Natural antimannan antibody is present in sera from most normal adults, but its role in host resistance to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis is unknown. The purpose of this study was to develop recombinant human antimannan antibody and to study its protective function. A phage Fab display combinatorial library containing Fab genes from bone marrow lymphocytes was screened with Candida albicans yeast cells and chemically purified mannan. One antimannan Fab, termed M1, was converted to a full-length immunoglobulin G1 antibody, M1g1, and M1g1 was produced in CHO cells. The M1g1 epitope was found in C. albicans serotypes A and B, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. Its expression was active at both 23°C and 37°C and uniform over the cell surface. BALB/c mice passively immunized with M1g1 were more resistant than control mice to a lethal hematogenous infection by C. albicans, as evidenced by extension of survival in an M1g1 dose-dependent manner (P, 0.08 to <0.001) and by reduction in number of infection foci and their size in the kidney. In vitro studies found that M1g1 promoted phagocytosis and phagocytic killing of C. albicans yeast cells by mouse peritoneal macrophages and was required for activation of the mouse complement cascade. Thus, human antimannan antibody may have a protective role in host resistance to systemic candidiasis.
The photo interpretation picture in 1960

Abstract This paper first attempts to describe the most significant developments in photo interpretation that have taken place since the Commission on Photo Interpretation of the International Society for Photogrammetry was founded in 1952. Among these developments are the following: 1. The field encompassed by photo interpretation has become much more clearly defined; 2. The first definitive book on photo interpretation has been prepared and is soon to be published under the title “Manual of Photographic Interpretation”; 3. The importance of photo interpretation as an aid in discovering and evaluating natural resources has been officially recognized at the highest levels; 4. A rational view regarding the merits and limitations of photographic interpretation keys is gradually emerging; 5. Photo interpretation is invading several fields in which it was relatively unknown until recently; 6. The importance of terrestrial photo interpretation is rapidly increasing; 7. The value of multiband spectral reconnaissance is gradually being recognized; 8. Valuable means for enhancing the quality of photographic images have recently been developed and 9. There is an increased interest in the use of very low-altitude, large scale photography for making detailed interpretations. The paper then considers some of the current needs in photo interpretation. The following specific needs are mentioned: 1. Much research is still needed in relation to the human factors in photo interpretation; 2. Photo interpreters need better to appreciate the value of special-purpose photography; 3. Photo interpreters should better understand how displacements and distortions can affect the appearance of aerial photographic images; 4. Photo interpreters should better understand how to make measurements on aerial photographs; and 5. Photo interpreters should learn to use to maximum advantage the pertinent information available to them from other fields of study. In the light of this discussion the paper concludes with an attempt to assess the progress that has been made in photo interpretation since the founding of Commission VII eight years ago, and with a consideration of the prospects for even greater progress during the four year period immediately ahead of us before the convening of the Tenth World Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry.
Impacts of glutathione peroxidase-1 knockout on the protection by injected selenium against the pro-oxidant-induced liver aponecrosis and signaling in selenium-deficient mice.

Previous research has suggested that repletion of cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) activity by a single injection of Se was dissociated from the Se protection against the pro-oxidant-induced liver necrosis in Se-deficient rodents. Using the GPX1 knockout (GPX1-/-) mice, TUNEL assay, and apoptosis gene expression microarray, we have demonstrated strikingly different impacts of GPX1 knockout on hepatotoxicity and the related signaling induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 12.5 mg paraquat/kg body weight (b.wt.). In both Se-deficient GPX1-/- and wild-type (WT) mice, the paraquat did not induce typical liver necrosis, rather aponecrosis or necrapoptosis, a syncretic process of cell death sharing characteristics of both apoptosis and necrosis. The severity of liver aponecrosis and the associated mortality were reduced to a much greater extent by an injection of Se (ip, 50 microg/kg b.wt. as Na2SeO3) prior to paraquat stress in the WT mice, compared with the GPX1-/- mice. The induced liver aponecrosis seemed to be more apoptotic in the GPX1-/- mice but more necrotic in the WT mice. The paraquat-mediated gene or protein expression of proapoptotic Bax, Bcl-w, and Bcl-X(S), cell survival/death factors GADD45, MDM2, c-Myc, and caspase-3 was upregulated, but that of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated in the GPX1-/- mice vs. the WT mice. Overall, these differences between the two groups of mice were related to a low level of liver GPX1 activity in the WT mice that represented < 4% of the normal physiological level. Therefore, the low level of GPX1 activity in the Se-deficient mice can exert a potent role in defending against liver aponecrosis induced by moderate oxidative stress.
Evaluation of Electronic Coupling in a Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Molecule: A Fluorescence Polarization Anisotropy Investigation

Electronic coupling magnitudes in donor−bridge−acceptor (DBA) molecules are influenced by the detailed structure of the bridge and its connections to the D and A groups. The influence of different symmetry, initial and final states on the electronic coupling magnitude, and on transfer dynamics has been investigated in single conformation (“rigid”) DBA molecules with mirror plane symmetry elements. There is no uniformity of opinion on the magnitude of the “symmetry effect” in such systems. In this manuscript, the magnitude of the formally, symmetry forbidden electronic coupling between an excited anthracene donor, D*, and a cyclobutenediester acceptor across a three-bond bridge, DBA 1, is determined through an analysis of the fluorescence polarization anisotropy of the charge transfer state to ground state (CT→S0) charge recombination emission. The wavelength dependence of the anthracene's absorption and emission band polarization are determined in a structurally related DBA molecule, 2, that does not exhi...
Hip Arthroscopy: Current Indications and Setup

During the last 2 decades, hip arthroscopy evolved from a means of diagnosis to therapeutic tool to a minimally invasive method of treating hip pathology. Well-established indications of hip arthroscopies include debridement of loose bodies and treatment of labral tears. Newer indications for hip arthroscopy include treatment for femoroacetabular impingement, acetabular dysplasia, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, septic hip, degenerative disease, trauma, adhesive capsulitis, peritrochanteric disorders (including trochanteric bursitis, external snapping iliotibial band and guteus medius and minimus tears), and synovial abnormalities (including pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial chondromatosis and rheumatoid arthritis). Hip arthroscopy may also be used to remove foreign bodies caused by trauma and to evaluate total hip arthroplasties for revision and infection. The setup of hip arthroscopies also has evolved to accommodate these indications, including the development of newer traction devices to allow access to various compartments around the hip. More accessory portals are created in anatomically safe locations to allow for correction of different hip pathologies that were previously treated with arthrotomies. This article describes the most current indications and setup in hip arthroscopies today.
Our Days and Our Nights on TV

Unique criteria for success and a lack of critical public attention have encouraged the popularity and stability of daytime soap.
EVALUATION OF SOME NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC PHENOLIC ANTIOXIDANTS IN LINOLEIC ACID MONOLAYERS ON SILICA

Some naturally occurring and synthetic phenolic antioxidants have been evaluated in a dry model system simulating the exposure of lipids in freeze-dried membranes of whole tissue foods. The system is a linoleic acid monolayer on activated silica gel autoxidized at 80°C in dry air. The system is dry and porous and the demonstrated monolayer adsorption and restricted translational mobility of the lipid present a plausible model of freeze-dried membrane characteristics. Although relative effectiveness of the common antioxidants in this system has some similarities to the reported order in other dry systems, there are notable exceptions. For example, butylated hydroxyanisole is by far the most effective antioxidant in the silica system whereas it is reported to be much less effective than propyl gallate in bulk oils and some other dry systems. Thus, special conditions appear to modify antioxidant effectiveness in the lipid monolayer on silica.
Identification of cis-5-methylproline in hydrolysates of actinomycin Z5

Abstract Actinomycins of the Z series, synthesized by Streptomyces fradiae , contain the unusual amino acid, N-methylalanine, but no proline. Hydrolysates of actinomycin Z5 were investigated using paper, gas and ion-exchange chromatographic procedures. Identification of an unknown amino acid in actinomycin Z5 as 5-methylproline was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Configuration of the imino acid was defined as cis .
Designing Localization Algorithms Robust to Signal Strength Attacks

Abstract —Received Signal Strength (RSS) based localizationalgorithms are sensitive to a set of non-cryptographic attacks.For example, the attacker can perform signal strength attacksby placing an absorbing or reﬂecting material around a wirelessdevice to modify its RSS readings. In this work, we ﬁrst formulatethe all-around signal strength attacks, where similar attacksare launched towards all landmarks, and experimentally showthe feasibility of launching such attacks. We then propose ageneral principle for designing RSS-based algorithms so thatthey are robust to all-around signal strength attacks. To evaluateour approach, we adapt two RSS-based localization algorithmsaccording to our principle and experiment with real attackscenarios. All the experiments show that our design principlecan be applied to achieve comparable performance with muchbetter robustness. I. I NTRODUCTION With the proliferation of wireless communication and wire-less networks, ubiquitous wireless applications are becomingcommonplace. Contextual information such as location ofthe wireless devices is critical for many of the high levelapplications as it is inherent to their logic. The problemof accurately localizing wireless node’s location thus hasdrawn intense research interests recently. Among all theproposed approaches, Received Signal Strength (RSS) basedalgorithms [1], [2] are particularly attractive since they allowthe reuse of existing communication infrastructure and areapplicable to many commodity radio technologies.A typical setup for an RSS-based localization system is asfollows: within the environment, there are a few pre-deployedlandmarks with known location information,
Closing the Engineering Gap: One Approach

In the national debate about the shortage of people trained to advanced levels in modern technology, have we not overlooked the engineer already in practice? If the knowledge and skill of selected, key, practicing engineers were updated and reoriented, these men could help greatly to close the gap. As the pace of scientific advance continues, the knowledge of engineers who have been out of school for a number of years lags more and more. It appears that the quickest and perhaps the best way to fill the gap in numbers and capability, in both industry and education, is to embark on a formal program of updating and reorienting the skills of the most promising men now in these two fields. The character of the gap is well illustrated by the observations that during the 1945-1950 period few undergraduate engineering curricula included the fundamentals of nuclear physics, feedback control, information theory, digital computer technology, solid-state physics and molecular engineering, plasma physics, interactions of electromagnetic theory with fluid dynamics and statistical and wave mechanics, probability theory in decision making, relativity theory, or modern mathematics. The demands now imposed by the nation's space effort were not even visualized. There are three major groups-engineering managers, technical group leaders, and engineering professors-that seek assistance. Most attempts to solve the crucial problem of updating our engineers are fragmented, or lacking in certain key elements.
Lessons from the Work of Professor Ralph N. Adams

The career of Prof. Ralph N. Adams spans the evolution of electroanalytical chemistry from an academic curiosity based on polarography to a widely used tool with important applications across the chemical disciplines, from environmental science to neuropharmacology, and from heterogeneous catalysis to battery electrodes for cellular telephones. Adams catalyzed the careers of his students, many of whom presented him with academic grandchildren. His influence continues to be substantial. In this brief account, the highlights of Adams' career are presented.
In vitro and in vivo irreversible blockade of cortical S2 serotonin receptors by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline: a technique for investigating S2 serotonin receptor recovery.

N-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) treatment, both in vitro and in vivo, results in an irreversible blockade of cortical S2 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptors. Incubation of rat cortical homogenates with EEDQ in vitro results in a concentration-dependent (EC50 approximately 5 microM) and time-dependent decrease in the Bmax of [3H]ketanserin-labeled S2 serotonin receptors. Extensive washing of the homogenate following in vitro or in vivo EEDQ treatment does not result in an increase in the amount of [3H]ketanserin binding, indicating that EEDQ acts to modify irreversibly cortical S2 serotonin receptors. That the modification of S2 receptor binding by EEDQ occurs at the recognition site of the receptor is indicated by the finding that coincubation with the S2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, but not the D2 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) receptor antagonist domperidone, selectively protects against the irreversible blockade of S2 serotonin receptors. Peripheral administration of EEDQ results in a dose-dependent reduction in cortical S2 serotonin receptors with maximal effects (approximately 90% reduction) observed following 10 mg/kg (i.p.). Seven days following peripheral administration of EEDQ there is a recovery of S2 serotonin receptors back to 74% of the original receptor population. These data demonstrate that EEDQ in vitro and in vivo acts as an irreversible antagonist of S2 serotonin receptors and that it can be used to investigate the recovery rate of these receptors.
Allergens of mammalian origin: IV. Evidence for common allergens in cat and dog serum

IgE antibodies present in serum from 3 patients clinically sensitive to cat and dog were shown to combine with whole cat and dog sera linked to cellulose particles. Employing a modified radioallergosorbent technique (RAST), it was shown that cat and dog sera inhibited the binding of IgE antibodies to insolubilized cat serum and to insolubilized dog serum. These findings suggest that cat and dog sera have common allergens. Other mammalian sera were also tested and found to have little inhibitory activity. Cat and dog sera did not inhibit the binding of IgE antiragweed antibodies to an insolubilized ragweed fraction. Following separation of cat serum by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 or electrophoresis in acrylamide gel, several fractions were found to inhibit the binding of IgE antibodies to insolubilized cat and dog sera. Whether the heterogeneity observed reflects the presence of single allergens with diverse size and charge properties or multiple allergens remains to be determined.
MDMA-like stimulus effects of α-ethyltryptamine and the α-ethyl homolog of DOM

One-carbon homologation of phenylalkylamine or indolylalkylamine or indolylalkylamine hallucinogens containing an α-methyl substituent typically results in a reduction of hallucinogenic potency; however, this same structural change has little to no effect on agents that produce MDMA-like effects. In the present investigation, rats trained to discriminate 1.5 mg/kg of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) from saline vehicle were employed to determine if the α-ethyl homologs of the hallucinogens 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DMO) and α-methyltryptamine (α-MeT)—that is, α-EH DOM (BL-3912) and α-EtT, respectively—would produce stimulus effects similar to those of MDMA. Although the MDMA stimulus failed to generalize to DOM (previously published) and α-MeT (this study), MDMA stimulus generalization occurred both to α-EH DOM (ED50 = 1.3 mg/kg) and α-EtT (ED50 = 3.5 mg/kg). A (+)amphetamine stimulus (training dose = 1.0 mg/kg) only partially generalized to these two agents, suggesting that the MDMA stimulus generalization involves more than a simple amphetamine-like action. As such, this is first demonstration that classical hallucinogens can produce MDMA-like effects upon homologation and that MDMA-like stimulus effects can be associated with an indolylalkylamine. Furthermore, these results continue to support the concept that an intact methylenedioxy ring system, such as that found in MDMA and other MDMA-related agents, is not a structural requirement for drugs to produce MDMA-like effects.
Methionine Ligand Lability in Bacterial Monoheme Cytochromes c: An Electrochemical Study

The direct electrochemical analysis of adsorbed redox active proteins has proven to be a powerful technique in biophysical chemistry, frequently making use of the electrode material pyrolytic “edge-plane” graphite. However, many heme-bearing proteins such as cytochromes c have been also examined systematically at alkanethiol-modified gold surfaces, and previously we reported the characterization of the redox properties of a series of bacterial cytochromes c in a side-by-side comparison of carbon and gold electrode materials. In our prior findings, we reported an unanticipated, low potential (Em ∼ −100 mV vs SHE) redox couple that could be analogously observed when a variety of monoheme cytochromes c are adsorbed onto carbon-based electrodes. Here we demonstrate that our prior phenomological data can be understood quantitatively in the loss of the methionine ligand of the heme iron, using the cytochrome c from Hydrogenbacter thermophilum as a model system. Through the comparison of wild-type protein with M...
A Stochastic Model of Personnel Mobility: Application of Reliability Theory in Manpower System Analysis

Given the distribution of natural losses from any rank of a graded manpower system, and the rate of promotion to higher ranks, we define the mobility of rank members as a function of the cumulative lengths of service of all rank members and those members destined for promotion. We show that when the rank contains many individuals, and promotions are made without regard to seniority, mobility decreases with time in service if the natural loss function has an increasing failure rate, and increases with time in service if the loss function has a decreasing failure rate; mobility increases with time in service if promotions are awarded by seniority. We also derive bounds for the average time in service of rank members, based on the loss function and the promotion rate. In addition, we compare the average time to promotion, average time to resignation, and average time in service for the two promotion policies mentioned above. Our results show that promotion by seniority produces the longest possible average member service times if the loss function has an increasing failure rate, and the shortest average service times if the loss function has a decreasing failure rate. Using real data, we derive and categorize the theoretical natural loss distribution for a system of university faculty, the implied promotion policy governing the transition-to-tenure process, and the individual mobility function for nontenured members. This analysis does not require a large amount of data.
Natural product synthesis: making nematodes nervous.

A highly inventive route for the synthesis of a key substance that stimulates potato cyst nematodes to hatch has been developed. This discovery has potential to impact food supplies, as treatment of crops with this compound could alleviate the devastating effect of these parasites.
Dynamic strategies for preventive maintenance scheduling with throughput target variation

This paper considers a period-review production and preventive maintenance (PM) scheduling problem for manufacturing systems subject to uncertain demand in a finite-horizon. We consider multiple levels of PM which provide the system with flexibility of choosing various types of PM to be adaptive to the throughput target. A model with PM flexibility is proposed to simultaneously determine optimal production quantity and PM level for a single-product manufacturing system. A real option analysis (ROA) is applied to quantify the benefit of PM flexibility so that it can be considered in a cost function. The optimal strategy for a joint maintenance and production system that maximizes the overall expected profit of the system is obtained by a stochastic dynamic programming approach. Results are supported by numerical examples and show the comparison between the proposed PM-flexible model and the conventional PM planning model with single and fixed PM type. Managerial insights are provided on making adaptive PM and production decisions by trading off revenue and costs of corrective actions in different manufacturing applications.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Empathic Understanding in Couples with a Female Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Research documenting the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is abundant. However, the majority of such research has focused on intraindividual consequences and has only generally identified interpersonal functioning as an area of disturbance. Studies that examine relationship functioning using couples as participants, rather than survivors only, are particularly scarce. The present study investigated levels of emotional attunement in a sample of couples with and without a CSA history. Results suggest an interesting pattern in which women with a history of CSA are less empathically accurate than are nonabused women, while their partners are more empathically accurate than are control partners. Therapists are urged to address this unique dynamic that distinguishes CSA couples from other distressed couples.
End-of-life issues in elderly patients

Objective: To describe elderly-specific issues in end-of-life care. Methods: Literature review and case examples. Results: There is great heterogeneity in elderly patients' responses to end-of-life care. Significance of results: Developmental and individual issues need to be considered in end-of-life discussions.
Improving generalised estimating equations using quadratic inference functions

SUMMARY Generalised estimating equations enable one to estimate regression parameters consistently in longitudinal data analysis even when the correlation structure is misspecified. However, under such misspecification, the estimator of the regression parameter can be inefficient. In this paper we introduce a method of quadratic inference functions that does not involve direct estimation of the correlation parameter, and that remains optimal even if the working correlation structure is misspecified. The idea is to represent the inverse of the working correlation matrix by the linear combination of basis matrices, a representation that is valid for the working correlations most commonly used. Both asymptotic theory and simulation show that under misspecified working assumptions these estimators are more efficient than estimators from generalised estimating equations. This approach also provides a chi-squared inference function for testing nested models and a chi-squared regression misspecification test. Furthermore, the test statistic follows a chi-squared distribution asymptotically whether or not the working correlation structure is correctly specified.
Formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans from chlorinated soot

Abstract Chlorinated soot, prepared from o-dichlorobenzene combustion and containing 1.7 wt% organic chlorine, was tested for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) formation under various conditions. The soot showed both uncatalyzed reactivity, i.e., considerable PCDD/F formation as a mixture with silica but without metal chlorides, and formation in an inert (nitrogen) atmosphere when mixed with CuCl2 and silica. The soot also produced high yields of PCDD/F (up to ∼6000 ng/g) at low [Cu2+] (
To test or not to test? Social welfare versus worker freedom.

Abstract Workplace testing for drug use is a form of warrantless search for incriminating evidence that if found will lead to an array of sanctions. An argument is presented that such testing is constitutionally impermissible, with two exceptions: (1) employers may use drug testing as a device to screen out prospective employees; and (2) employers may use involuntary workplace drug testing to help employees become drug free, so long as no further sanctions are involved. Of course, should workers accept employment in workplaces with prior existent drug-free rules, they have voluntarily submitted to those rules, possibly including drug testing, and the explicit sanctions attached to them.
Is a learning curve for arterial switch operation in small countries still acceptable? Model for cooperation in Europe.

Objectives: To assess the results of a cooperative arrangement between Slovakia and Slovenia for neonatal cardiac surgery. The aim of the study was to analyze the performance of this approach for complete transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA). Methods: Due to the overall small number of new patients with D-TGA in Slovenia a decision was made to avoid a prolonged learning curve by centralizing the experience of two countries at one center. Since 1995 the center in Slovakia has become the only referral center for Slovenia. Between February 1993 and June 2002 in this center, 147 patients with D-TGA underwent arterial switch operation (ASO). The median age at operation was 11 days, with 110 patients from Slovakia and 37 patients from Slovenia. Results: Overall hospital mortality was 4.8% (seven patients). The 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 year survival rate was 95% with the mean follow-up of 4 years. Operation before 1997 (P ¼ 0:0001) was identified as a risk predictor for death by multivariate analysis. There are no deaths among the 90 patients operated on after 1996. All patients are without medication with normal left ventricular function. Stenosis (gradient . 30 mmHg) was noted in the pulmonary artery reconstruction in seven patients (5%). More than mild aortic regurgitation was noted in five patients (4%). The incidence of redo or reintervention was 5% at 5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: In the current era a prolonged learning curve for ASO is not acceptable to most European countries and their patients. The risk of surgery can be minimized by concentrating surgical experience as part of the quality control of congenital heart programs. If the number of new patients is small due to the birth rate and size of the population, institutions should merge activity. Such centralization amplifies the experience to the benefit of the patient. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Moral Facts and Best Explanations

Do moral properties figure in the best explanatory account of the world? According to a popular realist argument, if they do, then they earn their ontological rights, for only properties that figure in the best explanation of experience are real properties. Although this realist strategy has been widely influential—not just in metaethics, but also in philosophy of mind and philosophy of science—no one has actually made the case that moral realism requires: namely, that moral facts really will figure in the best explanatory picture of the world. This issue may have been neglected in part because the influential dialectic on moral explanations between philosophers Gilbert Harman and Nicholas Sturgeon has focused debate on whether moral facts figure in relevant explanations. Yet as others have noted, explanatory relevance is irrelevant when it comes to realism: after all, according to the popular realist argument, it is inference to the best explanation of experience that is supposed to confer ontological rights. I propose to ask, then, the relevant question about moral explanations: should we think that moral properties will figure in the best explanatory account of the world?
Link-up strength of 2524-T3 and 2024-T3 aluminum panels with multiple site damage

The aluminum alloy 2524-T3 is replacing 2024-T3 for many applications because 2524-T3 has a greater fracture toughness while retaining the same strength. Much attention has been given to the effect of multiple site damage on 2024-T3 aluminum; however, very little has been reported about 2524-T3. Twenty-two panels of 2524-T3, each with a different crack configuration, were tested for critical (linkup) strength, and the results were compared with an identical set of previously tested 2024-T3 panels with MSD. The panels were 24 in. wide with a midspan row of 0.25-in.-diam holes at 1-in. pitch. Each panel had a central lead crack with collinear MSD cracks emerging from both sides of the adjacent holes. A comparison of the results showed the 2524-T3 panels to average approximately 27% greater strength than the 2024-T3 panels. The linkup or plastic-zone-touch model used to predict the critical (link-up) strength of the panels was found to be highly conservative. Consequently the test data were used for a semi-empirical analysis to develop a modified link-up model for 2524-T3, similar to the one previously developed for 2024-T3. The average error between the critical strengths from testing and those predicted by the link-up model was approximately 20%, whereas that for the modified link-up model was approximately 3%.
Group testing for video compression

Hong and Ladner (2001) used context-based group testing to implement bit-plane coding for image compression. We extend this technique to video coding, by replacing the quantization and entropy-coding stages, of an H.263 standard video coder, with bit-plane coding. We experiment with ways to improve baseline coder, including different classification schemes and cross-frame adaptive coding. Our results indicate that our new coder, GTV (group testing for video), significantly outperforms H.263 at medium to high bit-rates (300+kbps) on most sequences, while allowing very precise rate scalability.
Fast Matrix Multiplies Using Graphics Hardware

We present a technique for large matrix-matrix multiplies using low cost graphics hardware. The result is computed by literally visualizing the computations of a simple parallel processing algorithm. Current graphics hardware technology has limited precision and thus limits immediate applicability of our algorithm. We include results demonstrating proof of concept, correctness, speedup, and a simple application. This is therefore forward looking research: a technique ready for technology on the horizon.
MEASURING GOVERNMENT GROWTH IN THE AMERICAN STATES: Decomposing Real Growth and Deflator Effects

In recent years there has emerged a substantial body of research pertaining to growth in the size of the public sector, which is often measured in terms of government spending as a proportion of total economic output in a given political system. Unfortunately, the work in this research program suffers from two major shortcomings: (1) inattention to patterns of government growth disaggregated to the subnational level, and (2) a failure to take into account the effects of different price deflators for the public and private sectors on the ratio of government spending to economic output. In this article I examine patterns of government growth in the 50 American states for the period from 1945 to 1984. Unlike most previous studies, I utilize different implicit price deflators for the public and private sectors in order to separate growth in the scope of government activity from deflator-based growth in the public sector. The results of this analysis suggest that, on average, almost one-half of the growth in s...
The Treadmill of Production: An Appreciation, Assessment, and Agenda for Research

The work of Pellow, Gould, Schnaiberg, and Weinberg (particularly Schnaiberg’s The Environment and his notion of the treadmill of production) became one of the most influential strands of North American environmental sociology during the late 1970s and early 1980s for a number of reasons. It is fair to say, however, that the treadmill of production is not as predominant in environmental sociology in the early 21st century as it was two decades ago. Some of the reasons for this are unfortunate products of our time—for example, the declining role of neo-Marxism in a scholarly community that must watch its back in an era of neoliberalism. In the final portion of this article, the author discusses some shortcomings of the treadmill framework that have led to its being less influential than formerly and lays out an agenda for further treadmill of production inquiry.
Portfolio Theory: As I Still See It

This essay summarizes my views on (a) the foundations of portfolio theory and its applications to current issues, such as the choice of criteria for practical risk-return analysis, and whether some form of risk-return analysis should be used in fact; (b) hypotheses about actual financial behavior, as opposed to idealized rational behavior, including two proofs of the fact that expected-utility maximizers would never prefer a multiple-prize lottery to all single-prize lotteries, as asserted in one of my 1952 papers; and (c) a simple proof of the theorem (which was initially greeted with some skepticism, especially by referees) that investors in capital asset pricing models do not get paid for bearing risk.
What Do Networks Do? The Role of Networks on Migration and “Coyote” Use

While a large literature has established that migration experience among an individual's family and community networks tends to encourage migration, there is little research investigating the mechanism by which networks exert such effects. This paper aims to determine the relative importance of three potential benefits provided by networks: information on border crossing, information on jobs, and credit. We develop empirical tests of these effects based on a simple model that allows individuals to choose between migrating alone or with the help of a border smuggler. Using a dataset of undocumented Mexican migrants to the United States, we find that larger family networks encourage both migration and coyote use, consistent with the job information hypothesis. In contrast, community networks appear to provide crossing information. The finding that family networks have a smaller impact for asset holders indicates that some of the benefit the family network provides is a source of credit.
Multi-Scale Surface Descriptors

Local shape descriptors compactly characterize regions of a surface, and have been applied to tasks in visualization, shape matching, and analysis. Classically, curvature has be used as a shape descriptor; however, this differential property characterizes only an infinitesimal neighborhood. In this paper, we provide shape descriptors for surface meshes designed to be multi-scale, that is, capable of characterizing regions of varying size. These descriptors capture statistically the shape of a neighborhood around a central point by fitting a quadratic surface. They therefore mimic differential curvature, are efficient to compute, and encode anisotropy. We show how simple variants of mesh operations can be used to compute the descriptors without resorting to expensive parameterizations, and additionally provide a statistical approximation for reduced computational cost. We show how these descriptors apply to a number of uses in visualization, analysis, and matching of surfaces, particularly to tasks in protein surface analysis.
Self-boring pressuremeter testing in London Clay

Abstract With the large amount of literature on London Clay, it is generally assumed that its properties are both well understood and well documented. However, there are few reports of how man-made features, such as tunnels, can alter the in situ horizontal stress field and stiffness of London Clay. This paper describes the self-boring pressuremeter tests carried out at a site in north east London at locations in close proximity and remote from a London Underground Ltd tunnel. Two aspects are considered; firstly, the analysis, assessment and interpretation of data and, secondly, the effect of the tunnel on the profiles of in situ horizontal total stress and coefficient of earth pressure at rest. The analysis of the test data has indicated that interaction between the instrument and the soil may effect the measured ‘lift off’ pressure. Methods of interpretating the test data are suggested. The variation with depth of the ratio of shear modulus (at a particular cavity strain) to mean effective stress proved to be a useful method of checking the reliability of the test data. During the pressuremeter tests unload-reload loops were performed to measure shear modulus. Because of the nonlinear stress-strain behaviour of London Clay it is recommended that the magnitude of cavity strain imposed during the unload-reload loop is taken into account during the assessment of shear modulus. Finally, in situ stress and stiffness from the self-boring pressuremeter tests are compared with case history data.
User evaluation of information systems: by system typology

The evaluation of information systems is often conducted using performance measures developed by the system designers. Still, other categories of measures exist, including those that match the system to the desires of the user, the climate of the organization, and the decision quality. This study looks at the importance to the user of different evaluation categories for three system types. Findings indicate that users value decision quality characteristics for systems intended to support the decision process, but otherwise lean toward using performance measures. These results argue in favour of user evaluation for certain system types.
The Politics of Bohemia and the Thirty Years' War on the Spanish Baroque Stage

For Don W. Cruickshank, with gratitude and admiration The vernacular drama of Early Modern Spain performed a vital function in the life of the nation. At its zenith—from about 1580 till 1640—the cr...
From Statistics to Meaning Infants’ Acquisition of Lexical Categories

Infants are highly sensitive to statistical patterns in their auditory language input that mark word categories (e.g., noun and verb). However, it is unknown whether experience with these cues facilitates the acquisition of semantic properties of word categories. In a study testing this hypothesis, infants first listened to an artificial language in which word categories were reliably distinguished by statistical cues (experimental group) or in which these properties did not cue category membership (control group). Both groups were then trained on identical pairings between the words and pictures from two categories (animals and vehicles). Only infants in the experimental group learned the trained associations between specific words and pictures. Moreover, these infants generalized the pattern to include novel pairings. These results suggest that experience with statistical cues marking lexical categories sets the stage for learning the meanings of individual words and for generalizing meanings to new category members.
The lessons of Adelphia's cash fraud

By using a complex centralized cash management system for Adelphia, John and Timothy Rigas systematically looted the company over a prolonged period. It was one of the most massive cases of corporate financial fraud to date. But what lessons does it teach us about cash management? © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blended Sentencing, Early Release, and Recidivism of Violent Institutionalized Delinquents:

This study explores the recidivism outcomes of 1,804 serious and violent delinquents sentenced under a blended sentencing statute and released early by juvenile correctional authorities without continuing their blended sentence in adult prisons. Released at an average age of 19, roughly 50% of releases were rearrested for a felony-level offense postrelease. The remaining 50% of all releases did not incur a postrelease arrest or were rearrested for an offense no higher than a misdemeanor. Measures for assaultive institutional misconduct and prior delinquent adjudications were predictive of recidivism in models examining rearrest for any offense and rearrest for a felony only. Substance abusers, gang members, those with a gang-related commitment offense, and homicide-related state commitments were significantly more likely to be rearrested for any offense postrelease. This article ends with a discussion of implications specific to this high risk cohort of released delinquent offenders.
Isoforms of Vitamin E Differentially Regulate PKC α and Inflammation: A Review

Vitamin E regulation of disease has been extensively studied but most studies focus on the α-tocopherol isoform of vitamin E. These reports indicate contradictory outcomes for anti-inflammatory functions of the α-tocopherol isoform of vitamin E with regards to animal and clinical studies. These seemingly disparate results are consistent with our recent studies demonstrating that purified natural forms of vitamin E have opposing regulatory functions during inflammation. In this review, we discuss that α-tocopherol inhibits whereas γ-tocopherol elevates allergic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and endothelial cell adhesion molecule signaling through protein kinase Cα. Moreover, we have demonstrated that α-tocopherol is an antagonist and γ-tocopherol is an agonist of PKCα through direct binding to a regulatory domain of PKCα. In summary, we have determined mechanisms for opposing regulatory functions of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol on inflammation. Information from our studies will have significant impact on the design of clinical studies and on vitamin E consumption.
Family Business/Entrepreneurial Studies: A Small Private Liberal Arts College Approach

The Center for Women’s Business Research reports that, “As of 2002, there are an estimated 10.1 million privately-held majority or 50% women-owned businesses in the U.S., accounting for 46% of all privately-held firms. These firms generate $2.3 trillion in sales and employ 18.2 million workers.” Further it states, “In North Carolina, women-owned firms approach 171,000, employment tops 307,000, and sales exceed $37.3 billion.” Given the impact of these statistics, the questions arises what, if anything, should a small, all-female, undergraduate, private liberal arts college do about developing and implementing a Family Business/Entrepreneurial (FB/E) studies program? This paper reviews issues: national, state and college to determine the direction for establishing a program at this school.
RVOT mural and mitral valve endocarditis: A case report

Mural endocarditis is a very rare condition. This entity involves bacterial growth on cardiac walls. In addition, concomitant valvular endocarditis, along with mural endocarditis, is an extremely rare combination. The diagnosis of mural endocarditis is difficult and requires more advanced cardiac imaging, such as a transesophageal echocardiogram. The differential diagnoses of mural masses include vegetations, thrombi, metastasis, and benign and malignant tumors. We present a rare and unusual case of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with findings of both right ventricular outflow tract mural endocarditis and valvular endocarditis involving the mitral valve.
Observation of optical modes in polyethylene by neutron scattering

Multiphonon contributions to the directional phonon frequency functions are calculated for crystalline polyethylene. These results are compared to previously calculated one-phonon frequency functions.
Wireless sensor/actuator network for model railroad control

This paper describes the components used to build a sensor/actuator network to control a model railroad layout. Control of the model railroad is accomplished using a network of Digi International XBee modules. Information generated by sensors and actions sent to the layout are coordinated using the open source JMRI software package on a general purpose computer connected to the XBee network.
Comparison of Standard and Microtests for International Rubber Hardness

Abstract 1. Results obtained with an electronic microtester and the standard testers for International Rubber Hardness agree within about 1 IRHD unless there is a pronounced hardening near the surface or other nonuniformity of the compound. 2. The precision of test is not quite as good with the microtester as with the standard tester, but the precision obtained with the microtester can probably be improved by using a visual indicator in place of the audio indicator for detecting the null position. 3. The values of hardness are more dependent on thickness of the specimen at low levels of hardness than at high levels. The ratio of thicknesses to be used with the standard and microtesters appears to be 4:1, rather than 6:1, in order to obtain comparable results. 4. Some compounds exhibit a pronounced hardening near the surface or other nonhomogeneity, which causes high and erratic values of hardness, particularly with the microtester. 5. The incorporation of the microtest for rubber hardness in ASTM Method D...