cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mining, history, and the anti-state Wa: the politics of autonomy between Burma and China

Historically autonomous and fiercely egalitarian, yet far from isolated and extensively implicated in regional, and global, economies of trade and exchange, the Wa people on the Burma–China frontier stand out in the history of marginal peoples refusing to be marginalized. This article addresses the place of mining in the political history of the Wa area – a key part of what has recently been called the Zomia region, but one which differs from many other cases because of its activist statelessness. The history of the Wa areas is outlined and discussed with reference to larger debates over agency, autonomy, and state formation, with particular attention to mining resources and their relation to Wa politics before the mid twentieth century.
Reaction rates in a relativistic plasma

A general theory of two-body reaction rates in a relativistic plasma is developed. The most notable results of this theory are exact expressions for total rates involving only a single integral over the cross section for the usual case of relativistic Maxwell-Boltzmann or Bose-Einstein momentum distributions. This simplification arises from the fact that in the relativistic as well as the nonrelativistic case, an effective combined-particle distribution function can be found analytically. These results are applied to calculate the rates for radiative Compton scattering, photon-photon pair creation, and pion production in proton-proton collisions.
Effects of exchange rate variability on inflation variability

Abstract Previous studies have postulated that there exists a positive relationship between the rate of inflation and its variability. They have shown that a high inflation rate contributes to inflation variability. In this paper, we argue that with the current floating exchange rate system, exchange rate variability is another factor contributing to inflation variability. After incorporating a measure of exchange rate variability into a simple model used by previous authors, we estimate our model using cross-country data from 20 developed and 76 less developed countries. The cross-sectional regression results support our conjecture.
Context-dependent nestmate discrimination in the paper wasp, Polistes dominulus: a critical test of the optimal acceptance threshold model.

We present evidence that nestmate discrimination in the eusocial paper wasp, Polistes dominulus ,i s context dependent. We compared aggression levels between nestmates and non-nestmates in dyads consisting of a pair of either nestmates or non-nestmates, and triads consisting of either three nestmates, three non-nestmates, or two nestmates and a non-nestmate. In 130 of the 237 total trials, a nest fragment (containing both brood and eggs) from the nest of some, all or none of the interactants was placed into the interaction arena. Polistes dominulus workers recognized and discriminated nestmates from nonnestmates, familiar from unfamiliar nest material and neighbours from non-neighbours. These findings suggest that nestmate and neighbour discrimination are context dependent: discrimination occurs when either the presence of a nestmate or a familiar nest fragment indicate the proximity of the colony. The context-dependent variation in aggression levels is best described by multiple, context-dependent shifts in an acceptance threshold. Thus this study provides the most extensive, critical support yet obtained for Reeve’s (1989, American Naturalist, 133, 407‐435) optimal acceptance threshold model. © 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Observations on the differences reported in region I for the superplastic Zn-22% Al eutectoid

This paper discusses the different types of creep behavior reported for the steady-state deformation of the superplastic Zn-22% Al eutectoid alloy at low stress levels. All existing theories of creep behavior predict that at sufficiently low stresses the steady-state creep will be diffusion-controlled and will follow a power-law with a strain rate exponent of m = 1.0. The question is whether this diffusional creep mechanism sets the lower bound on superplastic deformation in typical samples of Zn-22% Al, or whether another type of creep behavior intervenes.
Analyticity of the density of states in the anderson model on the Bethe lattice

Let H=1/2Δ+V on l2(B), whereB is the Bethe lattice andV(x),xe B, are i.i.d.r.v.'s with common probability distributionμ. It is shown that for distributions sufficiently close to the Cauchy distribution, the density of statesρ(E) is analytic in a strip about the real axis.
Dual Voltage Input Reconfigurable VR for Improving Light-Load Efficiency

Extended battery life requirements for portable systems have driven innovation in power management techniques resulting in very low loads on power conversion circuits. The problem of low power conversion efficiency of typical buck converters at very light load conditions will be explained. The need for extremely high conversion efficiencies to deliver truly mobile systems will be outlined. A dual voltage input Reconfigurable Voltage Regulator (VR) topology for handheld applications will be proposed as a solution to achieve high conversion efficiencies over a wide load range. Analytical and experimental results with a conventional buck topology will be presented to show the benefits of reconfiguring the VR topology based on load demands.
Food taboos, malaria and dietary change: Infant feeding and cultural adaptation on a Papua New Guinea island†

Despite seemingly abundant food resources, child malnutrition is prevalent on Vanatinai (Sudest Island), Papua New Guinea according to government surveys. Cultural adaptations to new technology, new cultigens, and new political systems have resulted in changes in subsistence strategies from a greater reliance on the collection of wild foods to a heavy emphasis on cultivation of starchy tubers. These may have negatively affected the nutritional status of children and adults. Examination of infant and child feeding practices suggests that traditional taboos on consumption of animal protein by children under weaning age contribute to child malnutrition, but these taboos may be a cultural adaptation to an environment of endemic malaria. The evidence for an antagonistic relationship between host malnutrition and malaria and the policy implications of such a relationship are discussed.
Optimal balancing of I/O requests to disks

Determining a policy for efficient allocation and utilization of a set of disk drives with differing operational characteristics is examined using analytical techniques. Using standard queueing theory, each disk drive is characterized by a queueing model with service time of a disk drive represented by the probability density function of the sum of two uniform distributions. Total response time of the set of disk models is then minimized under varying load conditions. The results indicate that faster devices should have higher utilization factors and that the number of different device types utilized tends to decrease with decreasing load. Specific examples using 2314 and 3330 combinations are examined.
Seasonality in the impact of ENSO and the north atlantic high on caribbean rainfall

Abstract Caribbean rainfall is affected by climate variability of Pacific and Atlantic origin, e.g. the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, and variability in the North Atlantic High sea level pressure (SLP) center, respectively. During the lifetime of an ENSO cycle, the basin experiences dry and wet extremes. In the case of a warm event, the dry extreme precedes the mature ENSO phase, and can be explained in terms of a direct response to the atmospheric anomaly generated by the warm sea surface temperatures (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The wet extreme follows the mature phase, and is consistent with the lagged warming effect of ENSO on tropical North Atlantic SSTs. The wintertime state of the North Atlantic High is hypothesized to affect Caribbean rainfall through its effect on tropical SST. A strong North Atlantic High SLP center during the early months of the calendar year strengthens the trade winds, hence cooling SSTs in the tropical latitudes of the North Atlantic. The effect lingers on most noticeably until the start of the Caribbean rainy season, in May–June, when cool SSTs are associated with deficient rainfall in the basin.
Below-ground resources limit seedling growth in forest understories but do not alter biomass distribution

Nous avons examine l'effet a long terme de l'accroissement des ressources du sol sur la croissance, la distribution de la biomasse et la survie d'especes dont la tolerance a l'ombre est tres differente, dans le sous-etage de forets du Nord Wisconsin aux USA. On a conduit sur 4 ans une experimentation consistant a apporter un supplement de ressources a des semis de 1 an installes dans toute une gamme de micro-environnements peu eclaires. Les questions posees etaient : (1) Est-ce que un accroissement des ressources du sol modifie la croissance totale du plant. le modele de distribution de la biomasse et la survie, sous un faible eclairement ? (2) Est-ce que les especes reagissent differemment a l'accroissement des ressources ? L'augmentation des disponibilites en ressources se traduit par un accroissement de la hauteur (en moyenne + 1 1 %) et de la matiere seche (en moyenne +23 %) pour toutes les especes et quel que soit l'eclairement. Cependant, aucun effet n'a pu etre mis en evidence sur la distribution de la biomasse des differentes especes contrairement a ce qui a ete dit auparavant. La survie, apres 4 ans, est liee positivement au niveau de la tolerance a l'ombre des especes. Elle n'a pas ete modifiee par le traitement. Nous concluons que le niveau des disponibilites en ressources peut limiter la croissance des plantes dans les sous-etages a faible eclairement, mais qu'un apport de l'ordre de celui adopte dans cette experimentation. ne favorise pas plus les especes tolerantes que celles qui ne le sont pas.
Changes in canine postural control after injury to anterior vermal cerebellum

For a preliminary exploration of cerebellar influences on postural control, dogs were trained to stand quietly erect. Posture was perturbed by sinusoidal movement of the supporting table while the dogs were sighted and while they were blindfolded or stimulated by sinusoidal optokinetic stimuli. Postural responses were evaluated by measuring the relative amplitude of pelvis movement over a series of perturbing frequencies; frequency response descriptions were derived. Lesions of the cerebellar vermis in 3 dogs involved the cortex of lobules V and VI, of lobules IV, V and VI, and of lobules IV--VII plus damage to the medial portion of nucleus fastigius. The two smaller lesions degraded the animal's tracking ability under all three conditions temporarily with extensive but incomplete compensation in 14--21 days. The larger lesion effectively and permanently eliminated the animal's ability to track table or visual field motion. Elimination of visual cues by blindfolding or perturbing the posture with optokinetic stimuli significantly exaggerated the control deficiencies produced by the lesions. It is concluded that the visual input to the cerebellar vermis finds expression through postural control channels.
The 1979 US gasoline shortage and its impact on the tourism industry

Abstract Owners or managers of 373 businesses on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were interviewed in summer 1981 to determine whether they were affected by the 1979 gasoline shortage. The results indicate that half the respondents were affected, the majority of whom were adversely affected. More tourism businesses reported being affected than non-tourism businesses. The effects manifested themselves in staff layoffs and unfilled vacancies. Nevertheless, tourism businesses on the Cape did not alter any of their marketing strategies, excluding the lowering of prices.
Delta sets for divisors supported in two points

Abstract In Duursma and Park (2010) [7] , the authors formulate new coset bounds for algebraic geometric codes. The bounds give improved lower bounds for the minimum distance of algebraic geometric codes as well as improved thresholds for algebraic geometric linear secret sharing schemes. The bounds depend on the delta set of a coset and on the choice of a sequence of divisors inside the delta set. In this paper we give general properties of delta sets and we analyze sequences of divisors supported in two points on Hermitian and Suzuki curves.
Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with reduction of spondylolisthesis: technique and outcomes after a minimum of 2 years' follow-up

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) is a relatively new surgical procedure that appears to minimize iatrogenic soft tissue and muscle injury. The authors describe a technique for MI-TLIF that per- mits the surgeon to reduce spondylolisthesis percutaneously. The results in 40 consecutive patients who underwent MI- TLIF for symptomatic spondylolisthesis utilizing this approach are reviewed. Thirty cases involved a degenerative spondylolisthesis while the remaining 10 were isthmic. The minimum follow-up was 24 months with a mean of 35 months. The mean preoperative Oswestry Disability Index score was 55, decreasing to a mean of 16 postoperatively. The mean leg and back pain visual analog scale scores were 65 and 52, respectively, improving to means of 8 and 15. Reduction of the spondylolisthesis was achieved in all cases, with a mean decrease in forward translation of 76%. The authors conclude that MI-TLIF for symptomatic spondylolisthesis appears to be an effective surgical option with results that compare favorably to open procedures. (DOI: 10.3171/FOC/2008/25/8/E16) KEY WORDSminimally invasive surgeryreductionspondylolisthesis • transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Electrocatalysts for Nonaqueous Lithium–Air Batteries: Status, Challenges, and Perspective

The Li–air battery has recently emerged as a potentially transformational energy storage technology for both transportation and stationary energy storage applications because of its very high specific energy; however, its practical application is currently limited by the poor power capability (low current density), poor cyclability, and low energy efficiency. All of these are largely determined by interfacial reactions on oxygen electrocatalysts in the air electrode. In this article, we review the fundamental understanding of oxygen electrocatalysis in nonaqueous electrolytes and the status and challenges of oxygen electrocatalysts and provide a perspective on new electrocatalysts' design and development.
Maximizing light absorption at the bottom of a film

Abstract Assuming only the conditions for the Lambert Law, and from considerations of inner filter effects, we derive an expression which yields the net fraction of light absorbed by the bottom layer of a film having any optical density and divided into any number of hypothetical layers. We show that there is an optimum total optical density at which absorption by the bottom layer is maximized. The optimum optical density is a function of the thickness of the bottom layer probed. For an infinitesimally thin bottom layer, the optimum total optical density is 0·4343.
Innovative Curriculum on Electronic Materials Processing and Engingeering

Recognizing that the traditional engineering education training is often inadequate in preparing the students for the challanges presented by this industry’s dynamic environment and insufficient to meet the empoyer’s criteria in hiring new engineers, a new curriculum on Semiconductor Manufacturing is instituted in the Chemical Engineering Department at UCLA to train the students in various scientific and technologica areas that are pertinenet to the microelectronics industries. This paper describes this new mutidisciplinary curriculum that provides knowledge and skills in semiconductor manufacturing through a series ofcourses that emphasize on the application of fundamenta engineeering disciplines in solid-state physics, materials science of semiconductors, and chemical processing. The curriculum comprises three major components:(1)a comprehensive course curriculum in semiconductor manufacturing; (2) a laboratory for hands-on training in semiconductor device fabrication; (3) design of experiments. The capstone laboratory course is designed to strengthen students’ training in “unit operatins” used in semicounductor manufacturing and allow them to practice engineering principles using the state-of-the-art experimental setup. It comprises the most comprehensive training(seven photolithographic steps and numero0us chemical processes)in fabricating and testing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices. This curriculum is recentyaccredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology(ABET).
Device mismatch limitations on the performance of an associative memory system

The performance of an associative memory based computational engine that employs static binary memory cells and an analog Winner-Takes-All circuit depends on device matching in the various components of the system. This dependence has been analyzed, leading to design criteria for choosing optimum device sizes and chip architecture. The theoretical performance of a low power CMOS chip designed to operate in the subthreshold and transition region is compared with the actual experimental results. >
Stratified random sampling for power estimation

In this paper, we propose a statistical power evaluation framework at the RT-level. We first discuss the power macro-modeling formulation, and then propose a simple random sampling technique to alleviate the the overhead of macro-modeling during RTL simulation. Next, we describe a regression estimator to reduce the error of the macro-modeling approach. Experimental results indicate that the execution time of the simple random sampling combined with power macro-modeling is 50 X lower than that of conventional macro-modeling while the percentage error of regression estimation combined with power macro-modeling is 16 X lower than that of conventional macro-modeling. Hence, we provide the designer with options to either improve the accuracy or the execution time when using power macro-modeling in the context of RTL simulation.
Ro60 Requires Y3 RNA for Cell Surface Exposure and Inflammation Associated with Cardiac Manifestations of Neonatal Lupus

This work was supported by an American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship (to J.H.R.), Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Overseas Postdoctoral Research Grant 595989 (to J.H.R.), an Arthritis Foundation postdoctoral fellowship (to J.H.R.), National Institutes of Health Grant R01 GM073863 (to S.L.W.), a grant from the Lupus Research Institute (to S.L.W.), and by National Institutes of Health Merit Award R37 AR042455 (to J.P.B.).
Explorations in Statistics: Regression.

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This seventh installment of Explorations in Statistics explores regression, a technique that estimates the nature of the relationship between two things for which we may only surmise a mechanistic or predictive connection. Regression helps us answer three questions: does some variable Y depend on another variable X; if so, what is the nature of the relationship between Y and X; and for some value of X, what value of Y do we predict? Residual plots are an essential component of a thorough regression analysis: they help us decide if our statistical regression model of the relationship between Y and X is appropriate.
Sensorimotor abstraction selection for efficient, autonomous robot skill acquisition

To achieve truly autonomous robot skill acquisition, a robot can use neither a single large general state space (because learning is not feasible), nor a small problem-specific state space (because it is not general).We propose that instead a robot should have a set of sensorimotor abstractions that can be considered small candidate state spaces, and select one that is appropriate for learning a skill when it decides to do so. We introduce an incremental algorithm that selects a state space in which to learn a skill from among a set of potential spaces given a successful sample trajectory. The algorithm returns a policy fitting that trajectory in the new state space so that learning does not have to begin from scratch. We demonstrate that the algorithm selects an appropriate space for a sequence of demonstration skills on a physically realistic simulated mobile robot, and that the resulting initial policies closely match the sample trajectory.
Handshape monitoring: Evaluation of linguistic and perceptual factors in the processing of American Sign Language

We investigated the relevance of linguistic and perceptual factors to sign processing by comparing hearing individuals and deaf signers as they performed a handshape monitoring task, a sign-language analogue to the phoneme-monitoring paradigms used in many spoken-language studies. Each subject saw a series of brief video clips, each of which showed either an ASL sign or a phonologically possible but non-lexical "non-sign," and responded when the viewed action was formed with a particular handshape. Stimuli varied with respect to the factors of Lexicality, handshape Markedness (Battison, 1978), and Type, defined according to whether the action is performed with one or two hands and for two-handed stimuli, whether or not the action is symmetrical.Deaf signers performed faster and more accurately than hearing non-signers, and effects related to handshape Markedness and stimulus Type were observed in both groups. However, no effects or interactions related to Lexicality were seen. A further analysis restricted to the deaf group indicated that these results were not dependent upon subjects' age of acquisition of ASL. This work provides new insights into the processes by which the handshape component of sign forms is recognized in a sign language, the role of language experience, and the extent to which these processes may or may not be considered specifically linguistic.
Decreasing the level of ethyl acetate in ethanolic fermentation broths of Escherichia coli KO11 by expression of Pseudomonas putida estZ esterase.

in beer containing 4.8% ethanol was 192 mg liter 1 . Although the E. coli genome encodes several proteins with esterase activity, neither wild-type strains nor KO11 contained significant ethyl acetate esterase activity. A simple method was developed to rapidly screen bacterial colonies for the presence of esterases which hydrolyze ethyl acetate based on pH change. This method allowed identification of Pseudomonas putida NRRL B-18435 as a source of this activity and the cloning of a new esterase gene, estZ. Recombinant EstZ esterase was purified to near homogeneity and characterized. It belongs to family IV of lipolytic enzymes and contains the conserved catalytic triad of serine, aspartic acid, and histidine. As expected, this serine esterase was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and the histidine reagent diethylpyrocarbonate. The native and subunit molecular weights of the recombinant protein were 36,000, indicating that the enzyme exists as a monomer. By using -naphthyl acetate as a model substrate, optimal activity was observed at pH 7.5 and 40°C. The Km and Vmax for -naphthyl acetate were 18 M and 48.1 mol · min 1 · mg of protein 1 , respectively. Among the aliphatic esters tested, the highest activity was obtained with propyl acetate (96 mol · min 1 · mg of protein 1 ), followed by ethyl acetate (66 mol · min 1 · mg of protein 1 ). Expression of estZ in E. coli KO11 reduced the concentration of ethyl acetate in fermentation broth (4.8% ethanol) to less than 20 mg liter 1 .
Chloroplast Ribosomal Protein Operons of Euglena gracilis

The Euglena gracilis chloroplast genome encodes at least 17 chloroplast ribosomal proteins. Most are present in polycistronic operons. Known coding loci have the following gene organizations: (1) rps 12-rps7-tufA, (2) rpl20, (3) rpl23-rpl2-rpsl9-rpl22-rps3-orf5l6-rpll6-rpll4-rpl5-rps8-rpl36-trnI-rps14, (4) rps4-rps11, and (5) rps2-atpI-atpH-atpF-atpA. These 17 chloroplast ribosomal protein genes compare in number to the 19 found in higher plant chloroplast genomes. Many of the Euglena genes contain group III introns, which are unique to the Euglena chloroplast genome. In this article, the structure, transcription, introns and RNA processing pathways of Euglena chloroplast ribosomal protein operons will be reviewed.
THE TYPE II TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR (TGF)-BETA RECEPTOR-INTERACTING PROTEIN TRIP-1 ACTS AS A MODULATOR OF THE TGF-BETA RESPONSE

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor interacting protein TRIP-1 was originally identified as a WD40 repeat-containing protein that has the ability to associate with the TGF-beta type II receptor and is phosphorylated by it (1). However, its function was not known. We now show that TRIP-1 expression represses the ability of TGF-beta to induce transcription from the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter, a common reporter of the TGF-beta-induced gene expression response, but does not affect the ability of TGF-beta to inhibit cyclin A transcription. TRIP-1 can also inhibit the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression induced by Smads as well as activated TGF-beta type I receptors. Its inhibitory effect is exerted by a combination of receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Deletion mutational analysis revealed that two distinct regions, which do not contain recognizable WD40 repeats, are required for the ability of TRIP-1 to inhibit the gene expression response. Expression of other segments of TRIP-1 increased the TGF-beta-induced gene expression response and therefore may exert a dominant negative phenotype. We conclude that TRIP-1 acts as a modulator of the TGF-beta response.
Lens intracellular hydrostatic pressure is generated by the circulation of sodium and modulated by gap junction coupling.

We recently modeled fluid flow through gap junction channels coupling the pigmented and nonpigmented layers of the ciliary body. The model suggested the channels could transport the secretion of aqueous humor, but flow would be driven by hydrostatic pressure rather than osmosis. The pressure required to drive fluid through a single layer of gap junctions might be just a few mmHg and difficult to measure. In the lens, however, there is a circulation of Na+ that may be coupled to intracellular fluid flow. Based on this hypothesis, the fluid would cross hundreds of layers of gap junctions, and this might require a large hydrostatic gradient. Therefore, we measured hydrostatic pressure as a function of distance from the center of the lens using an intracellular microelectrode-based pressure-sensing system. In wild-type mouse lenses, intracellular pressure varied from ∼330 mmHg at the center to zero at the surface. We have several knockout/knock-in mouse models with differing levels of expression of gap junction channels coupling lens fiber cells. Intracellular hydrostatic pressure in lenses from these mouse models varied inversely with the number of channels. When the lens’ circulation of Na+ was either blocked or reduced, intracellular hydrostatic pressure in central fiber cells was either eliminated or reduced proportionally. These data are consistent with our hypotheses: fluid circulates through the lens; the intracellular leg of fluid circulation is through gap junction channels and is driven by hydrostatic pressure; and the fluid flow is generated by membrane transport of sodium.
Molecular pathways of urothelial development and bladder tumorigenesis

Abstract Bladder cancer is the fifth most common human malignancy and the second most frequently diagnosed genitourinary tumor after prostate cancer. The majority of malignant tumors arising in the urinary bladder are urothelial carcinomas. Clinically, superficial bladder tumors (stages Ta and Tis) account for 75% to 85% of neoplasms, while the remaining 15% to 25% are invasive (T1, T2–T4) or metastatic lesions at the time of initial presentation. Several studies have revealed that distinct genotypic and phenotypic patterns are associated with early vs. late stages of bladder cancer. Early superficial disease appears to segregate into 2 main pathways: (1) superficial papillary bladder tumors, which are characterized by gain-of-function mutations affecting oncogenes such as H-RAS, FGFR3, and PI3K, and deletions of the long arm of chromosome 9 (9q); (2) Carcinoma in situ, a “flat” high grade lesion considered to be a precursor of invasive cancer, is characterized by loss-of-function mutations affecting tumor suppressor genes, such as p53, RB, and PTEN. Based on these data, a model for bladder tumor progression has been proposed in which 2 separate genetic pathways characterize the evolution of early bladder neoplasms. Several molecular markers have been correlated with tumor stage, but the rationale for these 2 well-defined genetic pathways still remains unclear. Normal urothelium is a pseudo-stratified epithelium that coats the bladder, composed of 3 cell types: basal, intermediate, and superficial (“umbrella”) cells. We have identified a series of markers that are differently expressed in these distinct cells types, and postulated a novel model for urothelium development and configuration. Briefly, it is our working hypothesis that 2 distinct progenitor cells are responsible for basal/intermediate cells and “umbrella” cells, respectively. Basal and intermediate cells are characterized by a p63 positive phenotype, as well as expression of high molecular weight cytokeratins (CKs), such as CK5, CK10, and CK14. On the contrary, “umbrella” cells display a p63 negative phenotype and are characterized by expression of 2 specific low molecular weight CKs: CK18 and CK20. Neither urothelial stem cells nor bladder cancer stem cells have been identified to date. In this review, we will further expand on the issues discussed above.
Race, Class, and AKI

If you are poor in this country that is hazardous to your health, if you are black or brown, too, and poor, it can be downright deadly.President Barack Obama, 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential ForumIn the United States, 46.5 million Americans are poor and 42.5 million do not have health insurance
Arrhythmia formation in subclinical (“silent”) long QT syndrome requires multiple insults: Quantitative mechanistic study using the KCNQ1 mutation Q357R as example

Background In subclinical or silent long QT syndrome, the QT interval is normal under basal conditions. The hypothesis that insults to the repolarization reserve may cause arrhythmias in silent mutation carriers but not in noncarriers has been proposed as a general principle, yet crucial aspects remain descriptive, lacking quantification. Objective To utilize accurate mathematical models of the human action potential and β-adrenergic stimulation to quantitatively investigate arrhythmia-formation mechanisms peculiar to silent long QT syndrome, using mutation Q357R in KCNQ1 (α subunit of slow-delayed rectifier I Ks ) as a paradigm. Methods Markov models were formulated to account for altered I Ks kinetics in Q357R compared with wild type and introduced into a detailed model of the human ventricular myocyte action potential. Results Dominant negative loss of I Ks available reserve accurately represents Q357R. Action potential prolongation with mutant I Ks was minimal, reproducing the silent phenotype. Partial block of rapid delayed rectifier current (I Kr ) was needed in addition to fast pacing and isoproterenol application to cause early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in epicardial cells with mutant I Ks , but this did not produce EADs in wild type. Reduced channel expression at the membrane, not I Ks kinetic differences, caused EADs in the silent mutant. With mutant I Ks , isoproterenol plus partial I Kr block resulted in dramatic QT prolongation in the pseudo-electrocardiogram and EADs formed without I Kr block in mid-myocardial cells during simulated exercise onset. Conclusion Multiple severe insults are needed to evince an arrhythmic phenotype in silent mutation Q357R. Reduced membrane I Ks expression, not kinetic changes, underlies the arrhythmic phenotype.
Adenovirus RID-α activates an autonomous cholesterol regulatory mechanism that rescues defects linked to Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Host–pathogen interactions are important model systems for understanding fundamental cell biological processes. In this study, we describe a cholesterol-trafficking pathway induced by the adenovirus membrane protein RID-α that also subverts the cellular autophagy pathway during early stages of an acute infection. A palmitoylation-defective RID-α mutant deregulates cholesterol homeostasis and elicits lysosomal storage abnormalities similar to mutations associated with Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease. Wild-type RID-α rescues lipid-sorting defects in cells from patients with this disease by a mechanism involving a class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase. In contrast to NPC disease gene products that are localized to late endosomes/lysosomes, RID-α induces the accumulation of autophagy-like vesicles with a unique molecular composition. Ectopic RID-α regulates intracellular cholesterol trafficking at two distinct levels: the egress from endosomes and transport to the endoplasmic reticulum necessary for homeostatic gene regulation. However, RID-α also induces a novel cellular phenotype, suggesting that it activates an autonomous cholesterol regulatory mechanism distinct from NPC disease gene products.
Epstein-Barr Virus with the Latent Infection Nuclear Antigen 3B Completely Deleted Is Still Competent for B-Cell Growth Transformation In Vitro

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 3B (EBNA-3B) is considered nonessential for EBV-mediated B-cell growth transformation in vitro based on three virus isolates with EBNA-3B mutations. Two of these isolates could potentially express truncated EBNA-3B products, and, similarly, we now show that the third isolate, IB4, has a point mutation and in-frame deletion of 263 amino acids. In order to test whether a virus with EBNA-3B completely deleted can immortalize B-cell growth, we first cloned the EBV genome as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and showed that the BAC-derived virus was B-cell immortalization competent. Deletion of the entire EBNA-3B open reading frame from the EBV BAC had no adverse impact on growth of EBV-immortalized B cells, providing formal proof that EBNA-3B is not essential for EBV-mediated B-cell growth transformation in vitro.
A Survey of Secondary Level Teachers' Opinions on Community-Based Instruction and Inclusive Education:

The commitment to ensuring that students participate fully in regular educational activities has necessitated a reevaluation of educational practices. Although community-based instruction has long been recognized as the best practice, both its effectiveness and long term value have been questioned. Several researchers have suggested that such instruction remains a pull-out intervention and cannot be justified. The purpose of this study was to obtain from a sample of secondary level educators their opinions on community-based instruction and inclusive education. The findings revealed that the respondents supported both approaches and suggested that students benefitted from each. The implications of the findings are discussed, with an emphasis on basing educational programming on the student's needs, wishes, and interests.
Model simulations of user performance with word prediction

Previous work has demonstrated that, under well-defined conditions, a quantitative model can accurately represent user performance with word prediction systems (Koester, 1994; Koester & Levine, 1994, 1995, 1997). This paper illustrates the use of this model to simulate user performance across a broad range of conditions. Examples of simulation results are presented to show how user characteristics, strategy of use, and system characteristics combine to determine overall performance. The use of model simulations to inform clinical decision-making and research questions is discussed.
Federated clusters using the transparent remote Execution (TREx) environment

Due to the increasing complexity of scientific models, large-scale simulation tools often require a critical amount of computational power to produce results in a reasonable amount of time. For example, multi-system wireless network simulations involve complex algorithms of traffic balancing and communication control on large geographical areas. Moreover many of these intensive applications are designed for single sequential machines and large sums of money are spent on purchasing powerful servers that can give results in a satisfactory amount of time. The aim of this paper is to introduce a general-purpose tool, dubbed transparent remote execution (TREx), which avoids resorting to expensive servers by providing a cost effective, high performance, distributed solution. TREx is a daemon that dynamically exploits idle operational in-use workstations. Based on elaborate rules of computational resource management, this daemon permits a master to scan workstations within a predefined subnetwork and share the workload among the least occupied processing elements. It also provides a clear framework for parallelization that applications can exploit. By providing a simple way of federating computational resources, such a framework could drastically reduce hardware investments.
Stimulation of the collagen α1(I) endogenous gene and transgene in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis

Cirrhosis is characterized by a marked increase in the deposition of type I collagen and in the expression of the type I collagen genes alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I). Although alpha 1(I) gene regulation has been extensively studied in cultured cells, these results may not be applicable to hepatic fibrogenesis in vivo. Therefore the regulation of the alpha 1(I) endogenous gene and an alpha 1(I) transgene was studied in a transgenic mouse model that has a single copy of a human alpha 1(I) gene segment containing the structural gene and 1.6 Kb of 5' DNA and 20 Kb of 3' DNA. To initiate hepatic fibrogenesis, we treated mice with the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride, either in a single dose or in biweekly doses for a period of 3 to 8 wk. Subsequently, hepatic alpha 1(I) messenger RNA levels were determined by a species-specific RNase protection assay. Carbon tetrachloride injections coordinately increased the messenger RNA levels of the alpha 1(I) endogenous gene and the transgene, both immediately and after 8 wk. These experiments demonstrate that this alpha 1(I) transgene fragment contains information sufficient for appropriate basal and carbon tetrachloride-stimulated hepatic expression. They further demonstrate that sufficient homology exists between the human and mouse regulatory elements for the recognition of human cis-acting elements by mouse trans-acting factors. Thus transgenic mice provide a unique model in which to characterize the collagen alpha 1(I) regulatory elements that are required in vivo for pathophysiological responses.
The Ottoman State: A Distinct Form of Imperial Rule?

Michael Mann's interpretation of imperial rule is deployed here to theorise state formation during the era of Ottoman expansion and contraction. His five-part taxonomy of ‘compulsory co-operation’–namely military pacification, the military multiplier effect, the correlation of authority with economic power, labour intensification and the coerced diffusion of cultural norms – is applied to the Ottoman context in order to cast light on the relationship of the state with its agents and the peasantry. In doing so, it also seeks to reconsider an older debate regarding the ‘decline’ of imperial Ottoman rule and Istanbul's response to social change.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and heart failure: the plot thickens.

…The findings of Andersen and colleagues provide new incentive to further elucidate the full spectrum of ways that excess FGF23 impacts cardiac function and how this may ultimately contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure in CKD…
A natural case of RIP: degeneration of the DNA sequence in an ancestral tandem duplication

5S rRNA genes of Neurospora crassa are generally dispersed in the genome and are unmethylated. The xi-eta region of Oak Ridge strains represents an informative exception. Most of the cytosines in this region, which consists of a diverged tandem duplication of a 0.8-kilobase-pair segment including a 5S rRNA gene, appear to be methylated (E. U. Selker and J. N. Stevens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:8114-8118, 1985). Previous work demonstrated that the xi-eta region functions as a portable signal for de novo DNA methylation (E. U. Selker and J. N. Stevens, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:1032-1038, 1987; E. U. Selker, B. C. Jensen, and G. A. Richardson, Science 238:48-53, 1987). To identify the structural basis of this property, we have isolated and characterized an unmethylated allele of the xi-eta region from N. crassa Abbott 4. The Abbott 4 allele includes a single 5S rRNA gene, theta, which is different from all previously identified Neurospora 5S rRNA genes. Sequence analysis suggests that the xi-eta region arose from the theta region by duplication of a 794-base-pair segment followed by 267 G.C to A.T mutations in the duplicated DNA. The distribution of these mutations is not random. We propose that the RIP process of N. crassa (E. U. Selker, E. B. Cambareri, B. C. Jensen, and K. R. Haack, Cell 51:741-752, 1987; E. U. Selker, and P. W. Garrett, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:6870-6874, 1988; E. B. Cambareri, B. C. Jensen, E. Schabtach, and E. U. Selker, Science 244:1571-1575, 1989) is responsible for the numerous transition mutations and DNA methylation in the xi-eta region. A long homopurine-homopyrimidine stretch immediately following the duplicated segment is 9 base pairs longer in the Oak Ridge allele than in the Abbott 4 allele. Triplex DNA, known to occur in homopurine-homopyrimidine sequences, may have mediated the tandem duplication.
Implications of high-penetration renewables for ratepayers and utilities in the residential solar photovoltaic (PV) market

Abstract Residential energy markets in the United States are undergoing rapid change with increasing amounts of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed each year. This study examines the combined effect of electric rate structures and local environmental forcings on optimal solar home system size, ratepayer financials, utility financials, and electric grid ramp rate requirements for three urban regions in the United States. Techno-economic analyses are completed for Chicago, Phoenix, and Seattle and the results contrasted to provide both generalizable findings and site-specific findings. Various net metering scenarios and time-of-use rate schedules are investigated to evaluate the optimal solar PV capacity and battery storage in a typical residential home for each locality. The net residential load profile is created for a single home using BEopt and then scaled to assess technical and economic impacts to the utility for a market segment of 10,000 homes modeled in HOMER. Emphasis is given to intraday load profiles, ramp rate requirements, peak capacity requirements, load factor, revenue loss, and revenue recuperation as a function of the number of ratepayers with solar PV. Increases in solar PV penetration reduced the annual system load factor by an equivalent percentage yet had little to no impact on peak power requirements. Ramp rate requirements were largest for Chicago in October, Phoenix in July, and Seattle in January. Net metering on a monthly or annual basis had a negligible impact on optimal solar PV capacity, yet optimal solar PV capacity reduced by 20–50% if net metering was removed altogether. Technical and economic data are generated from simulations with solar penetration up to 100% of homes. For the scenario with 20% homes using solar PV, the utility would need a 16%, 24%, and 8% increase in time-of-use electricity rates ($/kW h) across all ratepayers to recover lost revenue in Chicago, Phoenix, and Seattle, respectively. The $15 monthly connection fee would need to increase by 94%, 228%, or 50% across the same cities if time-of-use electricity rates were to remain unchanged. Batteries were found to be cost-effective in simulations without net metering and at cost reductions of at least 55%. Batteries were not cost-effective—even if they were free—when net metering was in effect. As expected, Phoenix had the most favorable economic scenario for residential solar PV, primarily due to the high solar insolation.
Religion and Modernity: The Case of the Lourdes Shrine in Nineteenth-Century France

This chapter investigates the claim that modernity is synonymous with secularism. The idea has long been an orthodoxy among historians of western Europe and North America. Indeed, many historians of the West have embraced an appealingly simple notion of modern progressive development that runs something like this: As societies modernize, with scientific rationality emerging hand in hand with capitalist economic development and liberal political democracy, they experience what German sociologist Max Weber labeled the progressive ‘disenchantment of the world’ (Weber 155). In this scenario, the emergence of modern life is identified with a set of historical conditions that include the industrial revolution, the transition to urban culture, the rise of the nation-state, and the emerging power of the bourgeoisie, all of which were shaped by and also shaped specific political, intellectual, and cultural discourses around rationality and secularism. In short, the conventional historical narrative of western modernity is predicated on the inevitability of religious decline.
Beta Blockers and the Cardiac Complications of Methamphetamine.

Heart, Lung and Circulation - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since dimanche 18 septembre 2016
Soft Errors Induced by High-Energy Electrons

In the semiconductor reliability community, soft error research has primarily focused on neutrons and alpha particles. However, there are certain situations and environments in which high-energy electrons may also lead to soft errors. In this paper, we show that high energy electrons and the secondary particles created by them are capable of producing soft errors. In this paper, the energy dependence of electron-induced soft errors in a 28 nm bulk CMOS SRAM-based FPGA is recorded. Error rates are measured in both the embedded RAM and configuration RAM of the FPGA. This paper is the first research to explore the energy dependence of electron-induced single-event upsets in a commercial-off-the-shelf device. The measured electron-induced error cross sections are between $10^{{-20}}$ and $10^{{-17}}~ {\rm cm}^{{2}}$ /bit depending on memory cell tested and the electron energy. Monte Carlo energy deposition simulations are used to further explore the mechanisms involved.