cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial atomic-scale oxidation pathways on a Ni–15Cr(100) alloy surface

To understand the atomistic phenomenon behind initial oxidation processes, we have studied the nanoscale evolution of oxide growth prior to the formation of a complete layer on a Ni–15 wt%Cr(100) alloy surface using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). At the onset of oxidation, a NiO superlattice forms oxide wedges across the step edges, eventually growing across the terraces. The completion of the NiO layer is followed by nucleation of the next layer, which always commences at the groove site of the superlattice. The Cr-oxide formation initiates as disk-shaped oxide particles early in the oxidation process, which Monte Carlo simulations reveal are likely caused by Cr clustering across the alloy surface. Upon further oxidation, a Cr(100)-p(2 × 2)O reconstructed surface is observed, indicating phase separation of Cr predicates the formation of the passive Cr-oxide film. The STS results vary across the oxide–alloy interface and between each oxide, providing greater insight into the origins of electronic heterogeneity and their effect on oxide growth. Using these data, we propose an oxidation model that highlights the growth of partial oxide layers on Ni–Cr(100) alloys within the pre-Cabrera–Mott regime.
A Novel Protective Role for Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in the Pulmonary Vasculature

Rationale: Mechanical signaling through cell-matrix interactions plays a major role in progressive vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is an interstitial collagenase involved in regulating inflammation and fibrosis of the lung and systemic vasculature, but its role in PAH pathogenesis remains unexplored. Objectives: To evaluate MMP-8 as a modulator of pathogenic mechanical signaling in PAH. Methods: MMP-8 levels were measured in plasma from pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients and controls by ELISA. MMP-8 vascular expression was examined in lung tissue from PAH patients and rodent models of PH. MMP-8-/- and MMP-8+/+ mice were exposed to normobaric hypoxia or normoxia for 4-8 weeks. PH severity was evaluated by right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), echocardiography, pulmonary artery (PA) morphometry and immunostaining. Proliferation, migration, matrix component expression, and mechanical signaling were assessed in MMP-8-/- and MMP-8+/+ pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Measurements and Main Results: MMP-8 expression was significantly increased in plasma and PAs of PH patients compared to controls and induced in the pulmonary vasculature in rodent PH models. Hypoxia-exposed MMP-8-/- mice had significant mortality, increased RVSP, severe RV dysfunction, and exaggerated vascular remodeling compared to MMP-8+/+ mice. MMP-8-/- PASMCs demonstrated exaggerated proliferation and migration mediated by altered matrix protein expression, elevated integrin-β3 levels, and induction of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and downstream Yes-associated protein/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) activity. Conclusions: MMP-8 is a novel protective factor upregulated in the pulmonary vasculature during PAH pathogenesis. MMP-8 opposes pathologic mechanobiological feedback by altering matrix composition and disrupting integrin-β3/FAK and YAP/TAZ-dependent mechanical signaling in PASMCs.
Image-Inclusive Instruction

Abstract Contemporary students may seek and use images in their course work to a much higher degree than ever before. Information literacy sessions that focus on locating, evaluating, and using written texts should also integrate discussion and activities related to images and other visual resources. The author offers manageable, time-efficient strategies for library instruction related to images that will reinforce and enhance traditional instruction topics.
Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Malinda Maynor Lowery Year: 2010 Pages: 376 Publisher: University of North Carolina Press ISBN: 978-0807871119 (soft cover).
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Accounting

In this paper, we develop atheoretically consistent framework to incorporate theenvironmental effects of agricultural production andthe depletion of natural capital caused byagricultural production into the existing incomeaccounts. We apply the framework and adjust theincome attributed to the agricultural sector andeconomy-wide net national product (NNP) for the UnitedStates. Estimated adjustments to the incomeattributed to agriculture are in the range of $4billion and have declined as a percentage of net farmincome since 1982.
Have Solar-Irradiance Variations Influenced Climate?

In the past two years we published two papers in Nature which examined the issue of whether or not putative solar-irradiance variations have influenced the earth’s observed surface temperatures during the past 130 years (Schlesinger and Ramankutty, 1992, 1994). Here we summarize the approach and findings of these papers.
Shoulder Surgery: An Illustrated Textbook.

Nikolaus Wulker, Michel Mansat, and Freddie H. Fu, editors. London: Martin Dunitz; 2001. 688 pages. $249.95. This textbook represents a transatlantic collaboration between European and North American shoulder surgeons. The editors have drawn from a predominantly European group of distinguished authors …
The divergent dynamics of economic growth : studies in adaptive economizing, technological change, and economic development

Preface Acknowledgments and comments 1. The adaptive, evolutionary theory of divergent economic growth Part I. Global Trends and Adaptive Economics: 2. Global trends, world models and human adaptation 3. Adaptive economic theory and modeling Part II. Technological Change in Agriculture and Industry: 4. The economics of technological change and the demise of the sharecropper 5. Economic development as an adaptive process: a green revolution case study Richard H. Day and Inderjit Singh 6. Industrial development and technological change Richard H. Day, Masatoshi Abe, Jon Nelson, William K. Tabb and Che Tsao 7. An adaptive economizing analysis of Chinese enterprises under alternative reform regimes Richard H. Day, Zhigang Wang and Gang Zou Part III. Epochal Development: 8. Economic development and migration Richard H. Day and Yiu-Kwan Fan 9. Instability in the transition from manorialism: a classical analysis 10. Do economies diverge? Economic development in the very long run Richard H. Day and Oleg Pavlov Part IV. Toward a General Theory of Development: 11. Economics far from equilibrium 12. The dialectical republic: toward a general theory of the coevolution of market and state Index.
A pragmatist view of contemporary analytic philosophy

En la primera parte de este articulo se discute el punto de vista del filosofo de las ciencias Arthur Fine, sobre el realismo y el antirealismo. Se establecen algunas relaciones semanticas y pragmaticas con D. Davidson y R. Brandon, sin dejar de insistir en que el lenguaje ya no puede seguir siendo considerado como un contenido de representacion de la realidad. En la segunda parte, se exponen las dieciseis tesis metafilosoficas, de por que se deben abandonar las nociones de “metodo filosofico” y “problemas filosoficos” propagadas por el racionalismo moderno.
Vesicoureteral reflux in adults. A twelve-year study of 122 patients.

Abstract In a twelve-year study, 122 adults with vesicoureteral reflux were followed for at least one year. Reflux ceased in 21 per cent of those managed medically, in 27 per cent of those treated by a combination of drugs and surgical procedures other than antireflux techniques, and in 95 per cent of those treated by an antireflux procedure. Pyelonephritis occurred or worsened in 14 per cent of the medically treated patients and in none treated by an antireflux procedure. Two patients managed medically died of uremia from chronic pyelonephritis. No patients died after an antireflux operation.
Real-time simulation of supersonic inlets

The matric stability region placement (MSRP) method of J.A. de Abreu-Garcia, T.T. Hartley and G.O. Beale (1988) is used to simulate a small perturbation model of the NASA Lewis Mach 2.5 40-60 mixed compression inlet. The model is representative of high-speed internal flow propulsion systems which can be approximated as quasi-1D flows. The resulting system of equations, which is stiff, is also simulated by the second-order Adam-Bashforth method. It is shown that the MSRP method can be used to simulate small perturbation models of high-speed internal flow propulsion systems in real time
Human Rights, Counterterrorism, and International Cooperation

Abstract will be provided by author.Two big assumptions fuel current mobilization against and policy discussions about the U.S. war on terror and its implications for human rights and international cooperation. First, terrorism creates strong pressures on governments — especially democracies — to restrict human rights. Second, these restrictions are not only immoral and illegal, but also counterproductive to curbing terrorism. If these two assumptions are correct, then democracies face a vicious circle: terrorist attacks provoke a reaction that makes it harder to defeat terrorist organizations. This article explores the evidence for this point of view.
Nitrogen Fixation by Members of the Tribe Klebsielleae

Mahl, M. C. (University of Wisconsin, Madison), P. W. Wilson, M. A. Fife, and W. H. Ewing. Nitrogen fixation by members of the tribe Klebsielleae. J. Bacteriol. 89:1482-1487. 1965.-Strains of species of the tribe Klebsielleae were tested for nitrogen fixation by inoculating actively growing cultures into side-arm flasks containing a medium with a growth-limiting quantity of combined nitrogen (25 mug of nitrogen per ml as ammonium sulfate). The flasks were evacuated, filled with pure N(2), sealed, and placed on a shaker at 30 C. Growth was followed by optical-density measurements; maximal growth was obtained in 9 to 10 hr. Yeast extract was then added as a source of amino acids to shorten the induction time for the nitrogen-fixing enzymes. Fixation was determined either by estimating total nitrogen with a semimicro Kjeldahl technique or by exposing 20- to 22-hr-old samples to an atmosphere of N(2) (15) and helium for 5 hr and then analyzing the digested sample for N(15) in a mass spectrometer. None of the 22 strains of the two Enterobacter (formerly Aerobacter) species fixed nitrogen; neither did any of eight strains of Serratia species that were tested. Of 31 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 13 incorporated atmospheric nitrogen. Net nitrogen fixed ranged from 17 to 65 mug/ml. It is concluded that these facultative anaerobic, gram-negative, nitrogen-fixing rods should be placed in the genus Klebsiella pneumoniae. The nitrogen-fixing organism tentatively classified as Achromobacter N-4 should also be changed to K. pneumoniae strain N-4, because it has been found to be an anaerogenic strain of K. pneumoniae.
Inactive conformation enhances binding function in physiological conditions

Many receptors display conformational flexibility, in which the binding pocket has an open inactive conformation in the absence of ligand and a tight active conformation when bound to ligand. Here we study the bacterial adhesin FimH to address the role of the inactive conformation of the pocket for initiating binding by comparing two variants: a wild-type FimH variant that is in the inactive state when not bound to its target mannose, and an engineered activated variant that is always in the active state. Not surprisingly, activated FimH has a longer lifetime and higher affinity, and bacteria expressing activated FimH bound better in static conditions. However, bacteria expressing wild-type FimH bound better in flow. Wild-type and activated FimH demonstrated similar mechanical strength, likely because mechanical force induces the active state in wild-type FimH. However, wild-type FimH displayed a faster bond association rate than activated FimH. Moreover, the ability of different FimH variants to mediate adhesion in flow reflected the fraction of FimH in the inactive state. These results demonstrate a new model for ligand-associated conformational changes that we call the kinetic-selection model, in which ligand-binding selects the faster-binding inactive state and then induces the active state. This model predicts that in physiological conditions for cell adhesion, mechanical force will drive a nonequilibrium cycle that uses the fast binding rate of the inactive state and slow unbinding rate of the active state, for a higher effective affinity than is possible at equilibrium.
An Analysis of a Back Fed Porous Electrode for the Br2 / Br − Redox Reaction

An experimental analysis of the Br2/Br(-) redox reaction in a porous back fed ruthenium-coated titanium electrode is described. A mathematical model of the steady-state process is presented. Nonlinear regression of the model against the experimental data gives physically meaningful parameter estimates. These parameters and the model provide a design equation for the porous electrode current as a function of specific surface area, bulk Br2 concentration, average total overpotential, and the Reynolds number. The design equation shows that the back fed electrode could reduce the loss of Br2 across the separator and the ohmic loss in a Zn/Br2 battery.
Novel interparticle spatial properties of hydrogen-bonding mediated nanoparticle assembly

Results of an investigation of hydrogen-bonding mediated interparticle assembling and spatial properties from extremely dilute concentrations of the mediation agent are reported. Nanoparticles cons...
Some physiologic characteristics of esters of cetyl alcohol.

Palmitic, oleic, and butyric acid esters of cetyl alcohol were fed to mature rats. Cetyl palmitate was quantitatively excreted in the feces and produced no physiologic aberration. While cetyl oleate was 75% absorbable, it was of little value as an energy source and was partially excreted through the skin. Feeding of cetyl butyrate also induced seborrhea. Data on free fatty acids in gastrointestinal contents and on the specificity of seborrheic lipids indicate that cetyl esters are largely absorbed without hydrolysis, if the fatty acid moiety is readily absorbable, and excreted by way of the skin without modification.
Resolution of the intermediates of de novo purine biosynthesis by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract An ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure capable of resolving twelve of the fourteen intermediates of de novo purine biosynthesis is presented. The method utilizes isocratic elution and detection by ultraviolet light absorption. Separation of all twelve intermediates can be achieved in 90 min.
Detection of erythrocyte membrane protein alterations in hereditary spherocytosis through the use of thermal stress: A spin label study

Abstract The membrane proteins of normal and hereditary spherocytosis have been labelled with a maleimide-analog nitroxide spin label and studied by electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. The spectral amplitude ratios from weakly and strongly immobilized labels differed slightly at 20° and 40°. Increasing the temperature to 47° and incubating for long time periods markedly accentuated the difference. It is suggested that the apparent differences in heat sensitivity between normal and hereditary spherocytosis erythrocyte membrane proteins reflect a latent structural alteration(s) of hereditary spherocytosis erythrocyte membrane proteins. Such structural alterations may result in altered functional behavior when the membrane is subjected to stress.
Aspect interaction chart - a UML approach for modularizing aspect interaction conflicts

Crosscutting concerns exist well before the implementation phase of software development life cycle (SDLC). Aspects modularize these crosscutting concerns. However, introduction of aspects within a system may bring along issues related to unanticipated aspect interactions. The scattered nature of these interactions causes unpredictable and sometimes harmful system behavior. In order to identify and manipulate these interactions, the system designer needs to inspect and analyze the interactions with respect to control and state dependencies between the various aspects and core functionality. Current approaches to study aspect interactions present the aspect interaction analysis results in one monolithic composed model. This makes it hard for the system architect to study and refine these interactions.In this paper we present a unique approach to modularly capture aspect interaction conflicts at multiple levels of granularity during the requirements and design phases of software development. The proposed approach, Aspect Interaction Charts (AIC), is a UML profile extension to the interaction overview diagram. The AIC automatically captures control-flow and state dependencies between conflicting and dependent aspect scenarios, thereby documenting potentially undetected harmful aspect interactions at many possible levels of granularity, which is a unique characteristic of this approach.
"Doing the Best You Can with What You Have:" Lessons Learned from Outcomes Assessment.

Outcome focused assessments of library research instruction using pre-tests and post-tests, attitude and usage surveys, and focus groups are discussed. Assessment results influence library instruction content, staffing, collection development, and collaboration with other faculty and academic departments.
A Comparison of Protective Service Workers' Perceptions of Ritual and Sexual Abuse in Children: An Exploratory Study

This article compares protective service workers' perceptions of sexual abuse to their percepons of ritual abuse. Perceptual elements examined include the type of problem the abuse is for victims, difficulties encountered when investigating an allegation, treatment and assessment resources available in their communities, and a comparison of their definitions of sexual and ritual abuse. The professional community has not reached a consensus on the ritual abuse controversy. Perceptions found in the literature range from the presentation of ritual abuse as a serious social problem that is distinctly different from sexual abuse to a consideration of the ritual abuse phenomenon as multidimensional sexual abuse. The study seeks to contribute to the process of consensus building by giving voice to the perceptions of social workers in the public child welfare setting. Implications for the investigation of sexual and ritual abuse allegations for social work and the larger practice Community are discussed.
Preliminary assessments of the anti-roll tank as a wave energy converter

Wave energy is the largest renewable energy resource. To explore the approximate quantities of energy extraction, an anti-roll tank developed for reducing the excessive ship rolling was introduced into a type of wave energy converter (WEC). From a view of energy interaction, the interior liquid of tank absorbs part wave energy and converts to fluid kinetic energy, and this energy may exploit to generate electricity. Based on anti-roll tank technology, this study assessed the production of a particular amount of exploitable energy. A passive U-tube tank was chosen and a ship-form carrier was selected from a small craft. The liquid equation in the tank is coupled with the 5DOF equations of carrier's motion. A subroutine for integrating the tank equation is added to the non-linear strip synthesis, and all of the equations are integrated simultaneously and interactively within the time domain. Transformation efficiency is introduced to measure the percentage of power transformation. The result of the regular ...
New Lines in the Spectrum of Neutral Titanium (Ti i)

One hundred and thirteen new lines of Ti i, in the region ordinarily masked by the α-bands of TiO, have been measured in the spectrum of the electrodeless-discharge lamp recently described in this journal by Corliss, Bozman, and Westfall.
Nonlinear thermal stress analyses and design guidelines for through silicon vias (TSVs) in 3D IC integration

In this investigation, a set of empirical equations which predicts the maximum thermal stresses at the vicinity of a copper filled TSV for 3D IC integration has been proposed. The finite element model of a symmetrical single in-line TSV with redistribution layer has been created at first and the parametric study includes the TSV diameter, pitch, and thickness, and the thickness of SiO 2 passivation and Cu seed layer. The methodology of design of experiments (DOE) has been adopted to deliver a set of empirical equations which captures the most important mechanical parameters of TSVs to comprehend the corresponding thermal stress and strain responses. Through this set of empirical equations, the estimated maximum thermal stresses and strains for different TSV diameter (from 10μm to 50μm) can be explained and the significant geometrical parameters can be easily observed. In addition, based on the present parametric study and results, a set of design guidelines for optimizing the mechanical performance of copper filled TSV in 3D IC integration has been proposed. These results are helpful to engineers if thermal stress solutions for TSVs in 3D IC integration are required.
Field Comparison of Optical and Clark Cell Dissolved-Oxygen Sensors

Three multi-parameter water-quality monitors equipped with either Clark cell type or optical type dissolved-oxygen sensors were deployed for 30 days in a brackish (salinity <10 parts per thousand) environment to determine the sensitivity of the sensors to biofouling. The dissolved-oxygen sensors compared periodically to a hand-held dissolved-oxygen sensor, but were not serviced or cleaned during the deployment. One of the Clark cell sensors and the optical sensor performed similarly during the deployment. The remaining Clark cell sensor was not aged correctly prior to deployment and did not perform as well as the other sensors. All sensors experienced substantial biofouling that gradually degraded the accuracy of the dissolved-oxygen measurement during the last half of the deployment period.
Is the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) taken up by plants from soils previously planted with Bt corn and by carrot from hydroponic culture

The uptake of the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein from Bacillusthuringiensis (Bt) by various crops from soils on which Bt corn had previously grown was determined. In 2005, the Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in tissues (leaves plus stems) of basil, carrot, kale, lettuce, okra, parsnip, radish, snap bean, and soybean but not in tissues of beet and spinach and was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to be 0.05 ± 0.003 ng g−1 of fresh plant tissue in basil, 0.02 ± 0.014 ng g−1 in okra, and 0.34 ± 0.176 ng g−1 in snap bean. However, the protein was not detected by ELISA in carrot, kale, lettuce, parsnip, radish, and soybean or in the soils by Western blot. In 2006, the Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in tissues of basil, carrot, kale, radish, snap bean, and soybean from soils on which Bt corn had been grown the previous year and was estimated by ELISA to be 0.02 ± 0.014 ng g−1 of fresh plant tissue in basil, 0.19 ± 0.060 ng g−1 in carrot, 0.05 ± 0.018 ng g−1 in kale, 0.04 ± 0.022 ng g−1 in radish, 0.53 ± 0.170 ng g−1 in snap bean, and 0.15 ± 0.071 ng g−1 in soybean. The Cry1Ab protein was also detected by Western blot in tissues of basil, carrot, kale, radish, and snap bean but not of soybean grown in soil on which Bt corn had not been grown since 2002; the concentration was estimated by ELISA to be 0.03 ± 0.021 ng g−1 in basil, 0.02 ± 0.008 ng g−1 in carrot, 0.04 ± 0.017 ng g−1 in kale, 0.02 ± 0.012 ng g−1 in radish, 0.05 ± 0.004 ng g−1 in snap bean, and 0.09 ± 0.015 ng g−1 in soybean. The protein was detected by Western blot in 2006 in most soils on which Bt corn had or had not been grown since 2002. The Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in leaves plus stems and in roots of carrot after 56 days of growth in sterile hydroponic culture to which purified Cry1Ab protein had been added and was estimated by ELISA to be 0.08 ± 0.021 and 0.60 ± 0.148 ng g−1 of fresh leaves plus stems and roots, respectively. No Cry1Ab protein was detected in the tissues of carrot grown in hydroponic culture to which no Cry1Ab protein had been added. Because of the different results obtained with different commercial Western blot (i.e., from Envirologix and Agdia) and ELISA kits (i.e., from Envirologix, Agdia, and Abraxis), it is not clear whether the presence of the Cry1Ab protein in the tissues of some plants under field condition and in carrot in sterile hydroponic culture was the result of the uptake of the protein by the plants or of the accuracy and sensitivity of the different commercial kits used. More detailed studies with additional techniques are obviously needed to confirm the uptake of Cry proteins from soil by plants subsequently planted after a Bt crop.
N-H···S Hydrogen Bonds in a Ferredoxin Model

The Fe4S4 complex {(CH3)3NCH2CONH2}2[Fe4S4(tBuS)4] (1) was synthesized to replicate the ferredoxin active site with a subset of its N−H···S hydrogen bonds. The two cationic counterions mimic the polypeptide backbone of ferredoxin (Fd) as amide hydrogen-bond donors to sulfur atoms of the iron−sulfur cluster. X-ray crystallographic data show that the organic sulfur (Sγ) of one tert-butylthiolate ligand and one inorganic sulfur of the cluster core serve as N−H···S hydrogen-bond acceptors. The cluster core of complex 1 is tetragonally elongated in contrast to that of Fd, which is tetragonally compressed. This is the first observation of an elongated [Fe4S4]2+ cluster core. Additionally, this is the first synthetic Fd model in which N−H···S hydrogen bonding to a cluster has been achieved.
Preservation actors — past and present a trip through the players: From 1960 to 2000 — and beyond

Abstract This paper discusses the players in the delivery of low‐income housing from 1960 into the next century. It attempts to analyze characteristic roles for federal, state, local, and private‐sector actors and point to changes in these roles over time. Activities that are not controversial and not overly expensive will continue; others will fall by the wayside. Unscathed actors, with some redefinition, will continue to survive, while flawed performances will cause some providers of low‐income housing to fail. Eventually, a set of actions and actors capable of promoting sustained housing delivery will emerge. The world will be much different after 2000, however, than it was in the 1960s. Public and private roles will be almost totally reversed, as will be the scale of their activities.
Upstream velocity profile effects on orifice flowmeters

Abstract The effects of upstream velocity profile on the performance of orifice flowmeters were studied. Non-swirling maldistributed axial velocity profiles were obtained using a concentric pipe flow conditioner. Orifice flowmeters with β ratios of 0.43, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70 and 0.75 were installed downstream of the flow conditioner and operated at a Reynolds number of 54700 in a 50.4 cm pipe. Increasing the flow along the centreline of the pipe decreased the pressure drop across the orifice plate, resulting in increased discharge coefficients. The opposite was observed as the flow along the pipe centreline was decreased. The errors increased with increasing β ratio. A swirl generator was installed upstream of the β = 0.43 and 0.50 orifice plates. The swirl produced effecs opposite to the axial velocity. The change in discharge coefficient increased with decreasing β ratio.
Group application of the thematic apperception test.

(1946). Group application of the Thematic Apperception test. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 343-349.
Comparative analysis of instance selection algorithms for instance-based classifiers in the context of medical decision support

When constructing a pattern classifier, it is important to make best use of the instances (a.k.a. cases, examples, patterns or prototypes) available for its development. In this paper we present an extensive comparative analysis of algorithms that, given a pool of previously acquired instances, attempt to select those that will be the most effective to construct an instance-based classifier in terms of classification performance, time efficiency and storage requirements. We evaluate seven previously proposed instance selection algorithms and compare their performance to simple random selection of instances. We perform the evaluation using k-nearest neighbor classifier and three classification problems: one with simulated Gaussian data and two based on clinical databases for breast cancer detection and diagnosis, respectively. Finally, we evaluate the impact of the number of instances available for selection on the performance of the selection algorithms and conduct initial analysis of the selected instances. The experiments show that for all investigated classification problems, it was possible to reduce the size of the original development dataset to less than 3% of its initial size while maintaining or improving the classification performance. Random mutation hill climbing emerges as the superior selection algorithm. Furthermore, we show that some previously proposed algorithms perform worse than random selection. Regarding the impact of the number of instances available for the classifier development on the performance of the selection algorithms, we confirm that the selection algorithms are generally more effective as the pool of available instances increases. In conclusion, instance selection is generally beneficial for instance-based classifiers as it can improve their performance, reduce their storage requirements and improve their response time. However, choosing the right selection algorithm is crucial.
Learning overcomplete sparsifying transforms with block cosparsity

The sparsity of images in a transform domain or dictionary has been widely exploited in image processing. Compared to the synthesis dictionary model, sparse coding in the (single) transform model is cheap. However, natural images typically contain diverse textures that cannot be sparsified well by a single transform. Hence, we propose a union of sparsifying transforms model, which is equivalent to an overcomplete transform model with block cosparsity (OC-TOBOS). Our alternating algorithm for transform learning involves simple closed-form updates. When applied to images, our algorithm learns a collection of well-conditioned transforms, and a good clustering of the patches or textures. Our learnt transforms provide better image representations than learned square transforms. We also show the promising denoising performance and speedups provided by the proposed method compared to synthesis dictionary-based denoising.
A comparative study of neural coding in gustation

Abstract The broad responsiveness of single taste fibers to different classes of chemical stimuli has provided strong evidence against interpretations according to the classical doctrine of quality-specific fiber types. An alternative suggested by Pfaffmann was later developed as an “across-fiber patterning” model by Erickson. Rats were found able to behaviorally discriminate among taste stimuli in accord with predictions based on comparing the responses of many single fibers to several different stimuli; with many fibers responding to a particular stimulus, the differential responsiveness of each fiber to a number of stimuli thus appeared to be the basis for encoding stimulus quality. The present study was designed to test the replicability and generality of Erickson's findings using the Virginia opossum as an experimental subject; a behavioral measure suitable to this species was developed for the purpose. The results are in agreement with those obtained from rats and offer evidence for the generality of across-fiber pattern coding in mammalian gustation. Although certain differences appear in comparing single fiber data from rat and opossum, results of a “neural response function” analysis do not suggest any fundamental differences in the gustatory coding mechanisms of the two species.
Secular variations in Precambrian seawater chemistry and the timing of Precambrian aragonite seas and calcite seas: Comment and Reply COMMENT

[Hardie (2003)][1] identified intervals of “aragonite” and “calcite seas” by modeling Mg/Ca ratios in Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic seawater using estimates of hydrothermal and weathering fluxes of key ions. His results agree with most published reports of aragonite pseudomorphs with the
Incident Occurrence Models for Freeway Incident Management

Incident prediction models are presented for the Interstate 80/Interstate 94 (Borman Expressway in northwestern Indiana) and Interstate 465 (northeastern Indianapolis, Indiana) freeway sections developed as a function of traffic volume, truck percentage, and weather. Separate models were developed for all incidents and noncrash incidents. Three model types were considered (Poisson regression, negative binomial regression, and nonlinear regression), and the results were compared based on magnitudes and signs of model parameter estimates and t-statistics. Least-squares estimation and maximum-likelihood methods were used to estimate the model parameters. Data from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Climatology Database were used to establish the relationships. For a given session and incident category, the results from the Poisson and negative binomial models were found to be consistent. It was observed that, unlike section length, traffic volume is nonlinearly related to incidents, and therefore these two variables have to be considered as separate terms in the modeling process. Truck percentage was found to be a statistically significant factor affecting incident occurrence. It was also found that the weather variable (rain and snow) was negatively correlated to incidents. The freeway incident models developed constitute a useful decision support tool for implementation of new freeway patrol systems or for expansion of existing ones. They are also useful for simulating incident occurrences with a view to identifying elements of cost-effective freeway patrol strategies (patrol deployment policies, fleet size, crew size, and beat routes).
Cause–brand alliances: Less familiar brands with familiar causes

Cause-related marketing literature has focused on familiar brands, failing to address the relationships between less familiar brands and familiar causes in cause–brand alliances. However, cause–brand alliances may be an effective way for less familiar brands to establish positive associations with consumers. Using an integrated theoretical framework and extant literature on alliance brands and cause–brand alliances with familiar brands and causes, this conceptual article addresses how marketers of less familiar brands can enhance consumers’ associations about the brand to build favorable brand attitudes, purchase intentions and brand equity by partnering their brand with a familiar cause. In addition, this conceptual article offers recommendations for managers of less familiar brands and outlines priorities for future research.
On the logarithmic hypothesis of plane dislocation stress potential functions

Abstract The paper presents a comprehensive study for elastic dislocation cuts which initiate from some interior boundary of a multiply-connected plane region and terminate partially in the elastic region. The conditions governing the behavior of material at the neighborhood of the dislocation cut are stated in five theorems. The complex variable representation is chosen as best applied to the plane problem of this type. The complex stress potential functions are defined on a multi-staircase Riemannian surface to provide the necessary discontinuity results. The hypothesis is based on the logarithmic Riemannian surface. Equations, expressing the dislocation theorems, are derived from such logarithmic hypothesis. Together with the boundary conditions, this paper lists the complete set of working equations for this type of plane elastic dislocation problem.
High-mobility group box 1 activates caspase-1 and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness and metastases.

Hypoxia is often found in solid tumors and is associated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes. The exact mechanisms related to hypoxia-induced invasion and metastasis remain unclear. We elucidated the mechanism by which the nuclear damage associated molecular pattern molecule, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), released under hypoxic stress can induce an inflammatory response to promote invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Caspase-1 activation was found to occur in hypoxic HCC cells in a process that was dependent on the extracellular release of HMGB1 and subsequent activation of both TLR4 and RAGE signaling pathways. Downstream from hypoxia induced caspase-1 activation, cleavage and release of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18 occurred. We further demonstrate that overexpression of HMGB1 or treatment with recombinant HMGB1 enhanced invasiveness of HCC cells while stable knockdown of HMGB1 remarkably reduced HCC invasion. Moreover, in a murine model of HCC pulmonary metastasis, stable knockdown of HMGB1 suppressed HCC invasion and metastasis. Conclusion: These results suggest that in hypoxic HCC cells, HMGB1 activates TLR4 and RAGE signaling pathways to induce caspase-1 activation with subsequent production of multiple inflammatory mediators which in turn promotes cancer invasion and metastasis.
APPEALS TO HISTORY IN EARLY CHINESE PHILOSOPHY AND RHETORIC

In a celebrated article, 1 Antonio S. Cua rescued Xunzi’s ( ) frequent appeals to history from disparagement at the hands of critics who see them either as crude manifestations of argumentum ad verecundiam or as mere ornaments draped upon arguments whose persuasive force must lie elsewhere. By revealing their potential pedagogical, rhetorical, elucidative, and evaluative functions, Cua demonstrates that Xunzi’s uses of the past are neither fallacious nor supernumerary, but essential to his argumentation. Cua’s thesis must be basically correct even if the particulars leave room for disagreement. Western readers since Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), who derided the appeal to history as the “Chinese argument” in his celebrated catalogue of fallacies, 2 may be apt to discount any reference to the past in Chinese philosophical literature as yet another tiresome example of unenlightened disputation, but it would be strange for a writer such as Xunzi, who otherwise avoids obvious fallacies, to resort on almost every page to what might be the worst fallacy of all. Either Xunzi was peculiarly blind to the limitations of this argumentative device, or his numerous references to history conveyed something to his audience that eludes most modern readers. Surely the second alternative is a better point of departure for serious interpretation. However, while concurring with Cua that appeals to the past can only have served hitherto underappreciated purposes in Xunzi’s writing, I would like to suggest a few ways to extend this insight by considering the use of history in Xunzi’s culture more generally. Most importantly, our concern today with the historicity or objectivity of such references does not appear to have been shared by members of Xunzi’s world. 3 Readers today usually react to appeals to history by asking whether they accurately represent the facts, and immediately rejecting the entire argument if distortions or inaccuracies are discovered in the presentation of historical material. Although, as I shall argue below, ancient Chinese readers cannot generally have
Role of transcript and interplay between transcription and replication in triplet-repeat instability in mammalian cells

Triplet-repeat expansions cause several inherited human diseases. Expanded triplet-repeats are unstable in somatic cells, and tissue-specific somatic instability contributes to disease pathogenesis. In mammalian cells instability of triplet-repeats is dependent on the location of the origin of replication relative to the repeat tract, supporting the 'fork-shift' model of repeat instability. Disease-causing triplet-repeats are transcribed, but how this influences instability remains unclear. We examined instability of the expanded (GAA•TTC)(n) sequence in mammalian cells by analyzing individual replication events directed by the SV40 origin from five different locations, in the presence and absence of doxycycline-induced transcription. Depending on the location of the SV40 origin, either no instability was observed, instability was caused by replication with no further increase due to transcription, or instability required transcription. Whereas contractions accounted for most of the observed instability, one construct showed expansions upon induction of transcription. These expansions disappeared when transcript stability was reduced via removal or mutation of a spliceable intron. These results reveal a complex interrelationship of transcription and replication in the etiology of repeat instability. While both processes may not be sufficient for the initiation of instability, transcription and/or transcript stability seem to further modulate the fork-shift model of triplet-repeat instability.
Demonstration of the catalytic roles and evidence for the physical association of type I fatty acid synthases and a polyketide synthase in the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1

Abstract Background: Aflatoxin B 1 (compound 5 ) is a potent environmental carcinogen produced by certain Aspergillus species. Its first stable biosynthetic precursor is the anthraquinone norsolorinic acid (compound 3 ), which accumulates in the Aspergillus mutant strain NOR-1. Biochemical and genetic evidence suggest that this metabolite is synthesized in vivo by a specialized pair of fatty acid synthases (FAS-1 and FAS-2) and a separately transcribed polyketide synthase (PKS-A). Results: The N -acetylcysteamine (NAC) thioester of hexanoic acid was shown to efficiently support the biosynthesis of norsolorinic acid (compound 3 ) in the NOR-1 strain. In contrast, the mutants Dis-1 and Dis-2, which are derived from NOR-1 by insertional inactivation of fas-1 , produced unexpectedly low amounts of norsolorinic acid in the presence of hexanoylNAC. Controls eliminated defects in the parent strain or enhancement of degradative β-oxidation activity as an explanation for the low level of production. Southern blots and restriction mapping of Dis-1 and Dis-2 suggested normal levels of expression of the PKS-A and FAS-2 proteins should be observed because the genes encoding these proteins are not physically altered by disruption of fas-1 . Conclusions: The impaired ability of Dis-1 and Dis-2, harboring modified FAS-1 enzymes, to carry out norsolorinic acid synthesis implies the need for FAS-1 (and possibly also FAS-2) to physically associate with the PKS before biosynthesis can begin. The failure of the unaffected PKS alone to be efficiently primed by hexanoylNAC, and the presumed requirement for at least one of the FAS proteins to bind and transfer the C 6 unit to the PKS, is in contrast to behavior widely believed to occur for type I PKSs.
Predictors of Workforce Turnover in a Transported Treatment Program

This study examined relations between workforce turnover and select clinician (demographic and professional characteristics and perceptions of treatment model features and job requirements) organizational (perceptions of organizational climate and structure) and program level (salary, case mix) variables in a sample of 453 clinicians across 45 organizations participating in a transportability study of an empirically supported adolescent treatment (i.e., MST). At 20% annually, turnover was lower than in the national mental health workforce (i.e., 50–60%). Clinician demographic, professional background, and perceptions of the treatment model and demands did not predict turnover. Perceptions of an emotionally demanding organizational climate, program salary level, and program case mix of youth did predict turnover.
Maintenance of sexual function in a castrated man treated with ovarian steroids

Sexual function, mood states, and endocrine levels were studied in a 48-year-old man who had been castrated bilaterally because of severe post-vasectomy orchialgia and who habitually uses oral estrogen and progestin. He reported satisfactory sexual behavior with a usual coital frequency of at least twice per week while on treatment with Premarin and Provera. Though his nocturnal penile tumescence (recorded on a portable home monitor) was very low while on this treatment, psychophysiological tests showed that erectile responses to erotic film were well within the normal range for control subjects in this laboratory. A double-blind experiment was performed to assess his sexual functioning and mood states during treatment with placebo, testosterone enanthate, and estradiol valerate, with and without progesterone (one injection of each, with 4-week intervals between treatments). All treatments generated prolonged changes in circulating hormone levels; testosterone treatment was associated with elevated estradiol levels, and estradiol with massively increased plasma prolactin. Coital frequency was highest with the estrogen-progestin treatment and lowest with placebo. Testosterone precipitated a very high frequency of spontaneous erections and severe negative affect. The subject also reported low sexual drive and poor mood states while taking Provera alone. It was concluded that the preferred estrogen-progestin treatment of this patient, probably in conjunction with minimal androgen levels from his adrenal, are most likely responsible for maintaining his satisfactory sexual functioning. There is no evidence that other castrates would necessarily benefit from a similar hormonal regimen.
High temperature calorimetric studies of the heat of solution of La2O3 in silicate liquids

Abstract High temperature calorimetry at 1760 K has been used to measure the heat of solution of La2O3 in a series of simple alkali and alkaline earth silicate liquids. The heat of solution in these solvents is strongly exothermic and varies as a function of liquid composition. However, the variation of the heat of solution does not follow simple trends related to cation size or charge and varies little with La2O3 concentration. The variation of heat of solution with composition of the liquid reflects the ability of La(III) to perturb the transient silicate framework and compete with other cations for oxygen. This complex pattern of melt energetics is consistent with recent spectroscopic measurements which suggest extreme perturbation of the silicate framework by La(III), sufficient to isolate oxygen from silicon. This interpretation suggests the presence of phase-ordered regions rich in La(III) consistent with incipient liquid–liquid immiscibility suggested by previous calorimetric studies. Within error the heat capacity of La-bearing silicate liquids is the same over the super-cooled liquid range as in the stable liquid, with no evidence for the large heat capacities associated with melt restructuring. Thus the energetics of the liquid are dominated by the exothermic reactions which form La-clusters and these phase-ordered regions do not dissociate as temperature increases up to 1760 K.
Observations on rat kidney mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase activity during induction of aminonucleoside nephrosis

Abstract 1. Kidney mitochondrial ATPase activity, assayed in the presence and absence of a variety of activating ion agents, has been determined at several time intervals during the course of induction of aminonucleoside disease in the rat. 2. In terms of cation transport, the most significant finding would seem to be an elevation in the multiplecation-activated (i.e. Mg ++ + Na + + K + ) kidney mitochondrial ATPase induced as early as the 4th day of treatment of rats with aminonucleoside. 3. Possible implication of multiple-cation-activated kidney mitochondrial ATPase in cation transport is discussed.