cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with interfollicular growth pattern and Castleman-like morphologic features

Indolent T-lymphoblastic proliferation (iT-LBP) is a recently recognized benign pathologic condition commonly associated with Castleman disease. The lymph node of this condition shows preserved lymphoid architecture with proliferation of nonclonal T-lymphoblasts in the interfollicular area. iT-LBP is a rare condition and a diagnosis of exclusion. As a rule, it requires sophisticated techniques to exclude T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-LBL/L). We present an unusual T-LBL/L in a lymph node mimicking iT-LBP. The case showed preserved nodal architecture, morphologic features of hyaline vascular Castleman disease, proliferation of T-lymphoblasts in the interfollicular area, and no clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. The follow-up lymph node specimen excised 6 months later showed full-blown lymphoblastic lymphoma with an abnormal karyotype, near-early-T-precursor phenotype, partial CD19 expression, and SETD2 mutation.
Towards Automated Threat Modeling of Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) seamlessly integrates the computation, communication, and physical components of the system. Often, a CPS controls physical objects through computation and communication and uses of real-time feedback. Threat models of such systems must consider their hardware, network, infrastructure, software, and human aspects and the interactions of these aspects. Commonly, threat modeling of such systems is based on the given system’s architecture. In terms of components and interactions among these components, the architecture of a given CPS may change over time, making the threat model of the CPS rapidly obsolete-i.e., incomplete and invalid threat model. This paper poses the question: Can we automate threat modeling of a given CPS? A positive answer to the question helps to implement continuous up-to-date security assessments of CPSs-for different versions of the given system. It presents an approach to maintain the threat model of given CPSs up-to-date and reports about applying the proposed approach on Apollo Auto 3.5, an autonomous vehicle software. Unfortunately, the scalability limitation of the used architecture recovery technique prevents the recovering the Apollo Auto architecture and, consequently, the automated identification of the system’s threat model.
Impact of New Orleans Saints Football Games on Internal Medicine Admissions

Background: Various studies have reported a decrease in emergency department admissions in correlation with major sporting events. However, these studies limit the investigation of selected variables to the 24-hour periods on game days. For our study, we assessed the impact of New Orleans Saints football team games on medical admissions on game days and also on post-game days. Methods: We collected Saints game results from the 2013-2014 to 2019-2020 season and admissions data from 3 local hospitals during the same 7-year period. We compared the average daily census of game days vs non-game days as our control group using a 2-sample t test with unequal variances. Results: The results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the average number of internal medicine admissions on game days (19.6%, P=0.0001). This reduction in admissions was not observed on post-game days (5.84%, P>0.05). On post-game days following a Saints victory, we found a statistically significant increase in the average number of admissions compared to when the team lost the previous day (18.2%, P=0.0105). Conclusion: To our knowledge, the relationship between a recurring major sporting event and inpatient internal medicine admissions has not been previously quantified. Our study of the impact of the New Orleans Saints football games on internal medicine admissions provides insights into the relationship between social sporting events and health outcomes in the city. While our results may not be directly generalizable to other locations—particularly those that are not in a National Football League team market—we showed that during a 7-year period, Saints football games correlated with a 19.6% decrease in internal medicine admissions on the day of the game. This finding suggests that Saints games may serve as a protective factor associated with decreased negative health outcomes among residents in the city.
The maximal class 2-groups generate the same variety

In this note, we derive a criterion for determining when two groups generate the same group variety. We use this, along with a description of the 2-variable word maps on the dihedral, dicyclic, and semi-dihedral groups, to show that the maximal class 2-groups of the same order generate the same variety.
Glia Proinflammatory Cytokine Upregulation as a Therapeutic Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Function‐Based and Target‐Based Discovery Approaches

Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism against threats such as bacterial infection, undesirable substances, injury, or illness. The process is complex and involves a variety of specialized cells that mobilize to neutralize and dispose of the injurious material so that the body can heal. In the brain, a similar inflammation process occurs when glia, especially astrocytes and microglia, undergo activation in response to stimuli such as injury, illness, or infection. Like peripheral immune cells, glia in the central nervous system also increase production of inflammatory cytokines and neutralize the threat to the brain. This brain inflammation, or neuroinflammation, is generally beneficial and allows the brain to respond to changes in its environment and dispose of damaged tissue or undesirable substances. Unfortunately, this beneficial process sometimes gets out of balance and the neuroinflammatory process persists, even when the inflammation‐provoking stimulus is eliminated. Uncontrolled chronic neuroinflammation is now known to play a key role in the progression of damage in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines offers a pathophysiology progression mechanism that can be targeted in new therapeutic development for multiple neurodegenerative diseases. We summarize in this chapter the evidence supporting proinflammatory cytokine upregulation as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we discuss the drug discovery process and two approaches, function‐driven and target‐based, that show promise for development of neuroinflammation‐targeted, disease‐modifying therapeutics for multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
Generation of two-dimensional pore networks for drainage simulations

The intuitive idea behind the notion of a pore network is that of representing a continous domain P , the pore space, by a finite graph G p embedded onto P . In this paper we restrict ourselves to the two-dimensional case, formulate conditions on G p and show that under natural conditions on P there exists exactly one G p . In our approach G p is a union of circuits. Thus, the mapping PG p is continuous with respect to the Hausdorff distance—in contrast to the mapping of P onto its skeleton. We then interpret binary images of pore spaces as approximations of real pore spaces and present a parallel algorithm that takes a binary image of P and approximates G p . Moreover, all approximations of G p are strong deformation retracts of P . Our concept is a dual one, i.e., the dual of G p represents the grain matrix. Thus, notions like formation of pore throats and pores by grains can be expressed formally. In the experimental part we show that drainage simulations on (approximations of) G p agree well with pore-scale simulations on P .
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterised by incapacitating fatigue and a pattern of somatic complaints without known cause. It is a controversial illness in that symptoms are subjective and overlap with symptoms of primary emotional disturbance.
A CMOS area image sensor with pixel-level A/D conversion

Charge-coupled devices (CCD) are at present the most widely used technology for implementing area image sensors. However, they suffer from low yields, consume too much power, and are plagued with SNR limitations due to the shifting and detection of analog charge packets, and the fact that data is communicated off chip in analog form. This paper describes an area image sensor that can potentially circumvent the limitations of CCDs and their alternatives. It uses a standard CMOS process and can therefore be manufactured with high yield. Digital circuitry for control and signal processing can be integrated with the sensor. Moreover, CMOS technology advances such as scaling and extra layers of metal can be used to improve pixel density and sensor performance. The analog image data is immediately converted to digital at each pixel using a one-bit sigma-delta modulator. The use of sigma-delta modulation allows the data-conversion circuitry to be simple and insensitive to process variations. A global shutter provides variable light input attenuation to achieve wide dynamic range. Data is communicated off chip in a digital form, eliminating the SNR degradation of analog data communication. To demonstrate the viability of the approach, an area image sensor chip is fabricated in a 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. The device consists of an array of 64x64 pixel blocks, a clock driver, a 6:64 row address decoder, 64 latched sense amplifiers, and 16 4:1 column multiplexers. The chip also contains data compression circuitry. >
1,5-hydrogen transfer during diazonium ion decomposition—IV: The copper catalyzed reaction. A Case of hydrogen atom or hydride ion transfer in the same system

Abstract Diazonium salts derived from o -amino-N,N-dialkylbenzamides have been found to undergo two discrete modes of decomposition. The thermal reaction involves a phenyl cation and yields (1) nucleophilic substitution products, (2) ring-closure products and (3) N-alkylbenzamides, which are produced along with aldehydes and ketones in a reaction involving a 1,5-hydride ion transfer. In contrast, no ring-closed products are formed in the copper catalyzed reaction. This reaction involves an intermediate phenyl radical which can (1) accept a ligand radical from a cupric salt to yield a substitution product or (2) undergo a 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer leading to a new radical which, after oxidation by cupric ion, yields the N-alkylbenzamide and the aldehyde or ketone. Either radical can abstract a hydrogen atom from an appropriate donor. This appears to be the first case in which it is possible to observe either a hydride ion or a hydrogen atom transfer in the same system. Experimental results which throw some light on the role of cuprous ions in the “copper catalyzed” diazonium ion decompositions are discussed. In this connection, cuprous oxide has been found to be extremely effective in promoting the radical decomposition of diazonium salts.
Acute Splenic Sequestration Crisis in Adult Sickle Cell Disease: A Report of 16 Cases

Acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC), characterized by rapidly progressive anemia and circulatory compromise in the setting of sudden splenic enlargement, is an uncommon entity among adult sickle cell patients. We reviewed cases of adult ASSC encountered at our institution to generate insight into the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition. Cases of adult ASSC during a 10-year period were identified retrospectively. Patient charts were reviewed for laboratory and imaging results; demographic data and clinical course were collected and reviewed. Sixteen cases of adult ASSC were identified. Most patients presented with pain crisis; only four of 16 patients presented with abdominal pain. The maximum decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) (42.0%) and platelets (62.1%) occurred at day 2.9, delaying identification and treatment. Hemodynamic instability played a large role in dictating risk stratification. Therapy consisted of transfusion (14/16) and splenectomy (5/16). No recurrences were noted in a mean follow-up time of 5.3 years but review of patients' charts demonstrated that at least one of the patients had two prior episodes. Adult ASSC may present with non specific findings and patients may not deteriorate until several days into a previously uneventful hospital course. Changes in platelet counts may be more reliable markers than changes in Hb level since red cell transfusions may interfere with assessments of the sequestration process. This case series of adult ASSC, the largest reported in the literature to date, highlights common clinical, laboratory, radiological, and pathological features of this uncommon entity and helps to guide recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.
A convergent synthesis of (+)-4-demethoxydaunomycinone and ( + )-daunomycinone

Abstract A convergent synthesis of (+)-4-demethoxydaunomycinone and (+)-daunomycinone via annelation of a functionalized quinone monoketal with the anion of the corresponding 3-cyano-l(3H)isobenzofuranone is reported. The quinone monoketal, sequence, was prepared without chromatography from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde in sixteen steps. The monoketal of proper absolute configuration was obtained by resolution of the imine from (−)-α-methylbenzylamine and 1,2,3,4,-tetrahydro - 5,8 - dim cyclic 4-(ethylene mercaptole).Two noteworthy aspects of the synthesis were the highly selective reduction of a bicyclic β-hydroxyketone to afford a diol with the required cis -stereochemistry at the eventual C-7 and C-9 positions of the anthracyclinone and the regioselective hydrolysis of the quinone bisketal to afford the monoketal of proper regiochemistry for the synthesis of( + )-daunomycinone. Thus, ( + )-daunomycinone and (+)-4-demethoxydaunomycinone were prepared in nineteen steps from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde in respective overall yields of 3 and 5% (the overall yield for the racemic material was 13%). This synthetic strategy allows a convergent approach to a variety of D-ring analogs.
Product energetics of the reaction C(1D) + H2 → CH + H

Abstract The product CH radical of the subject reaction was monitored by laser-induced fluorescence following vacuum ultraviolet photolysis of C3O2. As expected from consideration of reaction energetics, only the ground vibrational level was observed. The rotational population distribution in CH(ν″ = 0) matches well a calculated RRHO prior distribution which is averaged over a 300 K Boltzmann distribution of available reactant energy. The experimental results are compared to rotational population distributions derived from previously reported classical trajectory calculations.
Three-dimensional effects on the focusing of weak shock waves

Abstract The focusing of weak three-dimensional shock waves at an arete is examined. By aligning the co-ordinate system with the principal directions on the initial shock surface, it is shown that the focusing of an arbitrary three-dimensional shock may be regarded as locally two-dimensional. In addition, the scaling relating the two problems is given explicitly.
Different spectra for different sites in mixed crystals

Abstract The site splitting in the pure electronic transition and in the 676 cm −1 and 1380 cm −1 vibronic absorption bonds were determined at high spectral resolution at 1.8°K for the system phenanthrene in biphenyl. The site splitting is not the same in different vibronic bands, exposing the fact that the guest molecule force field is different at different sites. Some ideas on site splitting, and phonon effects in mixed crystals spectra are presented.
Impact of nanowire variability on performance and reliability of gate-all-around III-V MOSFETs

Gate-all-around (GAA) transistors use multiple parallel nanowires to achieve the desired ON current. The fabrication and performance of GAA transistors have been reported, however, a fundamental consideration, namely, the scaling and variability of transistor performance as a function of the number of parallel NWs is yet to be discussed. In this paper, we (i) examine how the overall performance matrix (e.g., ION, IOFF, Vth, SS, RC) depends on the number of parallel NWs, (ii) theoretically interpret the results in terms of variability and self-heating among the NWs, (iii) compare the reliability of multiple NW devices (ΔVth, ΔSS, both stress and recovery) with a planar device of similar technology. We find that the self-heating and NW-to-NW variability are reflected in novel properties of variability and reliability of GAA transistors that are neither anticipated nor observed in the corresponding planar technology.
Cohesion and predication in child narrative.

This study traces the development of predicate use for genre and cohesion in the narratives of children aged 2 to 5, examining predicate structures and types and their linkages via three types of parallelism and by means of explicit connectives. After age 2, bivalent (transitive) active verbs were dominant; semantically, verbs of the DO and then GO categories dominated until age 5, when BE verbs ranked second. The dominant type of parallelism was reiteration of grammatical structure alone; reiteration of both predicate structure and lexical content decreased with age. Concerning connectives, 2-year-olds used the smallest number – primarily ‘and’ – while 5-year-olds used the greatest variety. However, by age 5, children used parallelism as the second most common connective device after ‘and’.
Governmental Policy and Equality in Higher Education: The Junior Collegization of the French University

This article examines the implementation of the ideology of equality of educational opportunity in governmental policy by examining the 1976 French higher education reform. It argues that the reform was designed to suppress growing class conflict in the higher education system. It further argues that France, like the United States, has a dual system of higher education and that class dominance of this system has been assured by governmental policy using the ideology of equality of opportunity to legitimate that dominance. The 1976 reform represents an attempt by the government to preserve the dual system of higher education and to preserve class dominance of that system. This attempt is accomplished by junior collegizing and devaluing the French University, and thus reserving the elite institutions with entree to the highest occupations to the highest social class.
Three methods of assessing values for advance care planning: comparing persons with and without dementia.

Advance care planning ideally includes communication about values between patients, family members, and care providers. This study examined the utility of health care values assessment tools for older adults with and without dementia. Adults aged 60 and older, with and without dementia, completed three values assessment tools—open-ended, forced-choice, and rating scale questions—and named a preferred surrogate decision maker. Responses to forced-choice items were examined at 9-month retest. Adults with and without dementia appeared equally able to respond meaningfully to questions about values regarding quality of life and health care decisions. People with dementia were generally as able as controls to respond consistently after 9 months. Although values assessment methods show promise, further item and scale development work is needed. Older adults with dementia should be included in clarifying values for advance care planning to the extent that they desire and are able.
Compact, thermal-noise-limited optical cavity for diode laser stabilization at 1×10 −15

We demonstrate phase and frequency stabilization of a diode laser at the thermal noise limit of a passive optical cavity. The system is compact and exploits a cavity design that reduces vibration sensitivity. The subhertz laser is characterized by comparison with a second independent system with similar fractional frequency stability (1x10(-15) at 1 s). The laser is further characterized by resolving a 2 Hz wide, ultranarrow optical clock transition in ultracold strontium.
Does fiscal policy really matter in the context of variable prices

Abstract Blinder and Solow's crowding-out analysis is extended by allowing wealth effects of debt accumulation on both aggregate demand and aggregate supply. Two questions are reexamined; (1) the compatibility relationship between the long-run stability and the sign of the instantaneous money and bond multipliers, and (2) the long-run relative expansionary effect of bond financing. Without capital accumulation, real crowding-out may become compatible with stability under both money and bond financing, while nominal crowding-out is not. Normally, this is also true with capital accumulation. Furthermore, bond financing is not necessarily more expansionary than money financing in either real or nominal terms.
Abstract 3103: Transducin β-like protein 1 promotes cancer cell invasion by recruiting nuclear factor-κB to target gene promoter for transcriptional activation

Background and Purpose: Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling controls a wide range of cellular functions such as tumor progression and invasion by inducing gene expression. Although significant progress has been made in understanding NF-κB-mediated gene transactivation, little is known about how NF-κB is recruited to its target gene promoters. Therefore the purpose of the study is to determine the role of transducin β-like protein 1 (TBL1) in the recruitment of NF-κB to target gene promoter. Methods:TBL1 knock down breast and squamous cell carcinoma cells were used to asses the significance of TBL1 depletion on NF-κB recruitment to target gene promoter and its consequence on the invasion of cancer cells. Results: Our results revealed that transducin β-like protein 1 (TBL1) controlled the expression of NF-κB target genes by directly binding with NF-κB and facilitating its recruitment to target gene promoters. TNF-α stimulation triggered the formation of NF-κB and TBL1 complex and subsequent target gene promoter binding. Knock-down of TBL1 impaired the recruitments of NF-κB to its target gene promotes. Interestingly, the mRNA microarray studies available from Oncomine revealed that TBL1 expression levels were higher in invasive breast cancer tissues than in breast adenocarcinoma. Consistently, TBL1 knockdown significantly reduced the invasive potential of breast cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB. Conclusions: Our results unravel a new mechanism for the regulation of NF-κB activation, with important implications in the development of novel strategies for cancer therapy by targeting NF-κB. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3103. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3103
The meaning of the “universal” WLF parameters of glass-forming polymer liquids

Although the Williams-Landell-Ferry (WLF) equation for the segmental relaxation time τ(T) of glass-forming materials is one of the most commonly encountered relations in polymer physics, its molecular basis is not well understood. The WLF equation is often claimed to be equivalent to the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) equation, even though the WLF expression for τ(T) contains no explicit dependence on the fragility parameter D of the VFT equation, while the VFT equation lacks any explicit reference to the glass transition temperature Tg, the traditionally chosen reference temperature in the WLF equation. The observed approximate universality of the WLF parameters C1(g) and C2(g) implies that τ(T) depends only on T–Tg, a conclusion that seems difficult to reconcile with the VFT equation where the fragility parameter D largely governs the magnitude of τ(T). The current paper addresses these apparent inconsistencies by first evaluating the macroscopic WLF parameters C1(g) and C2(g) from the generalized entropy ...
Serials Clutter in Online Catalogs

Finding and deciphering serials records in online catalogs is a challenge to many library users. To understand and analyze these challenges, the author conducted searches for scientific journal titles in the online catalogs of Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) libraries. The first part of the study measures the difficulty of retrieving serial records from online catalogs comparing one-word versus multiple-word titles. The second part analyzes displays for complexity by measuring the length of the complete record and the length of the holdings statements. These data show the complexity of displays and indicate the potential confusion that these displays may induce in library users.
An algorithmic approach for the analysis of extrapolated iterative schemes applied to least-squares problems

Abstract The problem of determining the optimal values of extrapolated iterative schemes, as they apply to the solution of large-scale least-squares problems, is addressed here. Based on algebraic and geometric eigenvalue properties of the Accelerated Gauss—Seidel (AGS), we devise a simple algorithmic procedure, which successfully yields the optimal values of the Extrapolated AGS (EAGS). Comparisons with the optimal SOR scheme reveal that the two optimal schemes strongly compete. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate our results.
What Would Thoreau Think? A Representative List of Green Periodicals for the 21st Century

Henry David Thoreau offered Americans a recipe for living modestly, building one's own house, growing food, and defending our rights as citizens. Stewart Brand's famous Whole Earth Catalog, published in 1968, continued Thoreau's environmental theme by listing technologies, new and old, and calling them an “access to tools” for a greener life. Decades later, Apple Inc.'s founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, attributed the genesis of his own great invention and “access to tools” to the catalog's concept. Thoreau's old recipe for green ideas and lifestyle remains unchanged: how one lives and how one takes action are the two components of environmentalism.
A Strategic Planning Model for Law Firms

ABSTRACT Today's lawyer practices in a client marketplace characterized by ever-increasing competition and a growing specialization of legal services. Many law firms have responded to their competitive environments by employing marketing practices heretofore used primarily by traditional product marketing firms. The present paper examines the need for strategic planning in the marketing of legal services. The benefits of strategic planning are identified in the context of legal services marketing. Next, a five-step strategic planning model is presented as a blueprint for marketing legal services. This framework incorporates a guide for the law firm to analyze its competitive strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Further, the paper offers suggestions for developing a mission statement, organizational objectives, an overall marketing strategy, and a means for performance assessment.
Computing an exact spherical visibility map for meshed polyhedra

This paper considers computation of the exact visibility range (or the spherical visibility map) for a closed polyhedron whose boundary is represented as a triangle mesh. For each facet on the mesh, we calculate the set of view directions from which all the points on the facet can be seen from the exterior. The projection of those visible directions onto the unit sphere forms the visibility map for the facet. We show that the exact visibility map is a spherical arrangement of closed 0-cells, 1-cells, and 2-cells embedded on the surface of the unit sphere. Based on a provable method for calculating the potential occlusion regions of a facet, a vector visibility algorithm is developed for computing the exact solution of the spherical visibility map for a facet. Examples are given to illustrate our algorithm.
Recursive properties of relations on models

Abstract Hird, G.R., Recursive properties of relations on models, Annals of Pure and Applied Logic 63 (1993) 241–269. We prove general existence theorems for recursive models on which various relations have specified recursive properties. These capture common features of results in the literature for particular algebraic structures. For a useful class of models U with new relations R, S, where S is r.e., we characterize those ( U , R, S) for which there is a recursive model isomorphic to U on which the relation corresponding (under the isomorphism) to S remains r.e., while that corresponding to R is (a) not r.e.; (b) immune; (c) hyperimmune. The results are applied to vector spaces, Boolean algebras and abelian groups. In the case of vector spaces, this leads to a new kind supermaximal subspace of V∞.
The SEL-12 presenilin mediates induction of the Caenorhabditis elegans uterine pi cell fate.

Abstract During Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite development, the anchor cell induces the vulva and the uterine π cells whose daughters connect to the vulva, thereby organizing the uterine–vulval connection. Both the initial selection of a single anchor cell during the anchor cell vs. ventral uterine precursor cell decision and the subsequent induction of the π cell fate by the anchor cell are mediated by the lin-12 gene. Members of the presenilin gene family can cause early onset Alzheimer's disease when mutated and are also required for LIN-12/Notch signaling during development. We have shown that, in C. elegans, mutation of the sel-12-encoded presenilin results in π cell induction defects. By contrast, other lin-12-mediated cell fate decisions occur normally in sel-12 mutants due to the redundant function of a second C. elegans presenilin called HOP-1. We found that the sel-12 egg-laying defect was partially rescued by expression of the sel-12 gene in the π cells. sel-12-mediated π cell fate specification provides a useful system for the analysis of presenilin function at single cell resolution.
Accounting for Corruption: Economic Structure, Democracy, and Trade

Though corruption poses fundamental challenges to both democratic governance and market economies, political science research has only recently begun to address corruption in a comparative context. In this article we explain variation in the perceived level of corruption (defined as the misuse of public office for private gain) across fifty countries. We propose a set of hypotheses that explain variation in corruption levels in terms of domestic political-economic structure, democratic norms, integration into the international economy, and Protestant religious affiliation. Levels of corruption, we propose, are higher: (1) the lower the average income level, (2) the greater the extent of state control of the economy, (3) the weaker are democratic norms and institutions, (4) the lower the degree of integration in the world economy, and (5) the lower the share of the population with Protestant religious affiliation. The data analysis broadly confirms our predictions: in the multivariate regression, each of the independent variables is significant in the direction we expect.
Analysis of lymphocyte costimulation in vivo using transgenic and ‘knockout’ mice

The use of transgenic technologies in the functional evaluation of the contributions of costimulatory pathways to T-cell activation in vivo has recently undergone a rapid expansion. During the past two years, mice deficient in costimulatory molecules and their receptors have been generated. These mice have revealed novel and critical in vivo functions of costimulatory pathways and have provided valuable models in which to test therapeutic strategies involving costimulatory pathway blockade. Transgenic mice constitutively expressing costimulatory molecules have provided insights into their role in peripheral tolerance.
Protestantism and modernization in two Guatemalan towns

Qualitative and quantitative data are used to analyze Protestantism and modernization in two differentially developed and exposed towns lying on opposite shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. San Juan, the less developed and relatively isolated town, is inhabited predominantly by Tzutuhil Maya; Panajachel, the more developed and exposed town is inhabited by mainly Cakchiquel Maya but includes about one-third Ladinos. Reasons are sought for the growing number of converts to Protestantism despite the dominance of Catholicism. Differences between Catholics and Protestants in both towns are examined with respect to: (1) social and economic variables, (2) traditional and modern variables, (3) psychological variables, and (4) environmental variables.
A time-dependent nonlinear compensating network

SINCE ABOUT 1950 there has been a trend toward the the use of nonlinear circuit elements in servomechanisms. Previously such elements were avoided because of difficulties in handling nonlinear differential equations. With improved mathematical techniques and widespread use of digital and analogue computers, more use is being made of nonlinear compensating devices. Nonlinear compensators can usually be made to show significant improvement in performance over their linear counterparts but often at the cost of increased complexity and expense.
Influence of Activity Monitor Location and Bout Duration on Free-Living Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the location (ankle, hip, wrist) where an activity monitor (AM) is worn and of the minimum bout duration (BD) on physical activity (PA) variables during free-living monitoring. Study 1 participants wore AMs at three locations for 1 day while wearing the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) system. Study 2 participants wore AMs at the same locations for 3 days. Variables included time (TMV, min/day) and AEE (AEEMV, kcal/day) for each monitor location and BD above a moderate-vigorous (MV) intensity. TMV and AEEMV in Study 1 were similar across AMs to IDEEA values at BD = 10 min, as was TMV in Study 2. This suggests that ankle-, wrist- and hip-worn AMs can provide similar PA outcome values during free-living monitoring at 10-min BDs.
Hematologic abnormalities in children with down syndrome

We compared the hematologic parameters of 18 otherwise healthy children with Down syndrome (DS) in the age range of 2-6 years to those of 18 healthy non-DS controls matched for age and gender. The children with DS had MCVs and hematocrits increased significantly compared to controls and decreased WBCs compared to controls; 66% of the children with DS compared to 11% of non-DS controls had MCVs greater than the 97th percentile for age (P < 0.0001); the mean MCVs were 86.9 and 80.6, respectively. Although hematocrits were within normal limits for age for all DS and non-DS subjects, the DS patients had significantly higher hematocrits (39.1% vs. 36.9%, P < 0.014). We also found that 33% of the children had WBCs < 5% for age compared to 6% of controls. To determine whether folate deficiency contributed to these observations, we measured serum and RBC folate concentrations: these were not significantly different between the 2 groups. We conclude that macrocytosis and leukopenia are common in children with DS.
Doing the Things We Do: A Grounded Theory of Academic Procrastination.

The authors conducted a grounded theory study of academic procrastination to explore adaptive and maladaptive aspects of procrastination and to help guide future empirical research. They discuss previous research on the definition and dimensionality of procrastination and describe the study in which interview data were collected in 4 stages, identifying 33 initial categories and 29 macrothemes. Findings were validated by member checks. The authors describe in detail informants' perceptions of procrastination, which were used to construct a 5-component paradigm model that includes adaptive (i.e., cognitive efficiency, peak experience) and maladaptive (i.e., fear of failure, postponement) dimensions of procrastination. These dimensions, in turn, are related to conditions that affect the amount and type of procrastination, as well as cognitive (i.e., prioritizing, optimization) and affective (i.e., reframing, self-handicapping) coping mechanisms. The authors propose 6 general principles and relate them and the paradigm model to previous research. Limitations of the research are discussed, as well as implications for future theory development and validation.
In vitro cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of myrrh oil on human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells

Limited scientific studies suggest that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. This study determined myrrh oil (MO) cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells and its effect, measured by ELISA, on interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by metabolic reduction of a tetrazolium salt to a formazan dye (MTT assay) and by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from membrane damaged (LDH release assay) cells, respectively. Based on the MTT assay, 24- and 48-h exposures to /=0.005%, maximally decreased viability of all cell lines. In the LDH release assay, exposure to /=0.0025% MO caused maximal cytotoxicity; /=0.0025% MO, probably reflective of loss of viability. At subtoxic MO levels (0.00001-0.001%), there was a significant reduction of IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production by fibroblasts, but not by epithelial cells.
Species Composition of Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae in South Central Washington Vineyards

ABSTRACT The major grape (Vitis spp.)-growing areas of Washington were surveyed during 2003–2007 to determine the cutworm species present as larvae in vineyards during spring when grape buds and young shoots were vulnerable to cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) damage. We sampled vineyard floors during daytime, vines at night because cutworms are active at night, and vines during the day. In total, 1,003 larvae were collected and 650 were reared to adults and identified. Twenty-five species were found: 22 on the ground, eight on vines at night, and two on vines during the day. Almost 75% of the cutworms on vines at night were Abagrotis orbis (Grote) and 19% were Agrotis vetusta Walker. The spotted cutworm, Xestia c-nigrum (L.), and the redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenee), were reported previously to be the major cutworm pests of grapes in Washington, but only four X. c-nigrum and no E. ochrogaster were collected. Abagrotis orbis larvae were collected on grapes at night from mid-March to late April...
State-Local Revenue Diversification, Balance, and Fiscal Performance:

Revenue diversification and balanced use of revenue sources have long been held as desirable policy aims by many tax policy analysts, especially the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relatio...
The SAAS granin exhibits structural and functional homology to 7B2 and contains a highly potent hexapeptide inhibitor of PC1.

Abstract Prohormone convertases (PCs) 1 and 2 are thought to mediate the proteolytic cleavage of many peptide precursors. Endogenous inhibitors of both PC1 and PC2 have now been identified; the 7B2 protein is a nanomolar inhibitor of PC2, while the novel protein proSAAS was recently reported to be a micromolar inhibitor of PC1 [Fricker et al. (2000) J. Neurosci. 20, 639–648]. We here report evidence that 7B2 and proSAAS exhibit several elements of structural and functional homology. Firstly, 26 kDa human, mouse and rat proSAAS, like all vertebrate 7B2s, contain a proline-rich sequence within the first half of the molecule and also contain a C-terminal 40 residue peptide (SAAS CT peptide) separated from the remainder of the protein by a furin consensus sequence. The SAAS CT peptide contains the precise sequence of a hexapeptide previously identified by combinatorial peptide library screening as a potent inhibitor of PC1, and the vast majority of the inhibitory potency of proSAAS can be attributed to this hexapeptide. Further, like the 7B2 CT peptide, SAAS CT-derived peptides represent tight-binding competitive convertase inhibitors with nanomolar potencies. Lastly, recombinant PC1 is able to cleave the proSAAS CT peptide to a product with a mass consistent with cleavage following the inhibitory hexapeptide. Taken together, our results indicate that proSAAS and 7B2 may comprise two members of a functionally homologous family of convertase inhibitor proteins.
Effect of Partial Coating Blockage on Film Cooling Effectiveness

A simple experimental study has been undertaken to determine the effects of typical turbine airfoil protective coatings on film cooling effectiveness due to the partial blockage of film hole exits by the coatings. Two types of film holes have been tested with and without coatings, a single row of axial round holes and a single row of axial shaped diffuser holes, each at an angle of 30-degrees to the surface. Both film rows have been manufactured with electro-discharge machining in flat plates, and have nominal throat diameters of 1.778 mm and a pitch-to-diameter spacing of 3.5. A series of tests was first performed without the use of protective surface coatings to provide the baseline film effectiveness performance. Each plate was then coated first with a layer of metallic bondcoat and then a layer of air-plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating (TBC), and the film tests repeated for the same coolant flow rates. Downstream thermocouple measurements are used to show the adiabatic film effectiveness along the midspan centerline location. Micrographs of the coated hole cross-sections depict the extent and form of coating blockage. Results show that significant degradation to film performance can result from coatings which are deposited in the hole exit regions, or inside the holes themselves, during the spray application process. Results also show that shaped film holes are generally very tolerant of coatings. The results of this study demonstrate the need for a film cooling and heat transfer database which accounts for the effects of film hole blockage as experienced in actual turbine operation.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Standardization and security for the EMR

The Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan announced 'Healthcare Information Strategy 21' in 1994. This report shows that the Healthcare Information System is the key to improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare. One of the elements for realizing the new Healthcare Information System is the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Following the publication of this report, work began with the aim of discovering a way to recognize the EMR as formal documentation and four national projects of research and development have been started. The themes of these projects are: 'Interoperability of EMR', 'Standardization of EMR', 'Modeling of the Clinical Process' and 'Security for EMR'. The Japanese Association of the Healthcare Information Systems Industry (JAHIS) is in charge of 'Security for EMR'. There are many discussions in relation to the security for EMR. However, many of these discussions relate to information technology, while there are few discussions regarding definitions of security. Therefore, there are many different theories about security itself, which will be an obstacle to standardization. To design the security system for EMR, JAHIS has defined 'Security for EMR' as the first step. The present study was conducted with medical informatics and security specialists. It has designed 'Requirement Definitions', 'Goals of Security', 'Estimation of threats to security', 'Necessity conditions' and a 'Security Model'. This paper covers these definitions and our security design concept.
On generalized language equations

A system of generalized language equations over an alphabet A is a set of n equations in n variables: Xi = Gi(X1,..., Xn), i = 1,...,n, where the Gi are functions from [P(A*)]n into P(A*), i=1,..., n, P(A*) denoting the set of all languages over A. Furthermore the Gi are expressible in terms of set-operations, concatenations, and stars which involve the variable Xi as well as certain mixed languages. In this note we investigate existence and uniqueness of solutions of a certain subclass of generalized language equations. Furthermore we show that a solution is regular if all fixed languages are regular.
A generic auction algorithm for the minimum cost network flow problem

In this paper we broadly generalize the assignment auction algorithm to solve linear minimum cost network flow problems. We introduce a generic algorithm, which contains as special cases a number of known algorithms, including the e-relaxation method, and the auction algorithm for assignment and for transportation problems. The generic algorithm can serve as a broadly useful framework for the development and the complexity analysis of specialized auction algorithms that exploit the structure of particular network problems. Using this framework, we develop and analyze two new algorithms, an algorithm for general minimum cost flow problems, called network auction, and an algorithm for thek node-disjoint shortest path problem.
The complexity of testing predicate locks

The problem of testing predicates for satisfiability arises in several aspects of database systems such as the use of predicate locks in concurrency control [7]. Such problems are NP-complete even for "simple predicates", i.e. predicates consisting of Boolean combinations of comparisons between a field of a tuple and a constant. However, when the relations referred to by the predicates are of fixed degree, there is an algorithm whose runtime is bounded by a polynomial in the length of the predicate. This is true not only for "simple predicates" but also for predicates containing comparisons between a field and another field, possibly offset by a constant. The proofs involve showing that if a predicate is satisfiable, then it is satisfiable by a tuple whose field values are related to constants occurring in the predicate.
Anterior Chest Wall Elevation Using a T-Fastener Suture Technique During a Nuss Procedure

The most critical part of the Nuss procedure is the passage of the introducer across the anterior mediastinum without cardiac injury. For patients with severe pectus excavatum, passing the introducer can be difficult and hazardous. We describe a technique that resembles a use of T-fastenerlike suture material to elevate the anterior chest. The elevation of the chest allows safe, blunt anterior mediastinal dissection before the passage of the introducer. The risk of intraoperative cardiac perforation is minimized.
Nuclear Spectroscopy with Average Spectra from Neutron Resonance Capture

Methods for the determination of spins and parities of nuclear states by means of measurements of the average $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra formed by neutron capture in many resonances are described. Results for 30 low-energy states of ${\mathrm{Er}}^{168}$ illustrate the use of the average $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray intensity, and measurements on nuclides near $A=100$ show that the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray line shape can also provide valuable information.