cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Artists Unknown: The Poetics of Anonymity in Jean Richepin’s Braves gens

In Jean Richepin’s Braves gens, roman parisien (1886), the composer Yves de Kergouet and his spiritual counterpart, the mime Tombre, strive to put into practice the principles of a revolutionary theory of art they formulated with other members of a cenacle ten years earlier. Their dream of an ‘art absolu’ is threatened first by a capitalist economy that would have them compromise their ideals in the quest for comforts and laurels, and second by the art market, whose aesthetic opportunists are not above expropriating and exploiting the work of other artists. Yves and Tombre’s refusal to compromise entails the abandonment of those bourgeois genres seen to corrupt the artist and the adoption of forms possessing none of the benefits associated with artistic success. Yves abjures symphony and opera for popular song, and Tombre renounces tragedy for pantomime, mediums that lead them individually to embrace anonymity as the highest form of achievement.
Adaptive Exponential Smoothing Models for Reliability Estimation

Four methods are discussed for determining the smoothing parameters in an adaptive exponential smoothing model which is used to assess reliability of a complex system tested in stages. The adaptive model is defined as Ri = ?iri + (1 - ?i)Ri-1, i = 2,...k, where Ri-1 is the assessed reliability at stage (i -1), ri is the ratio of the number of successes to the number of trials at stage i. Among the four procedures given here for determining the smoothing parameters xi two empirical methods and an empirical Bayes procedure are considered in some detail including a numerical example in which these techniques are compared.
Doing Good and Doing Well Credentialism and Teach for America

In recent years, Teach for America (TFA) has placed thousands of high-achieving college graduates in hard-to-staff schools, and its popularity continues to grow. TFA thus represents an anomaly: it ...
Role of the Simian Virus 5 Fusion Protein N-Terminal Coiled-Coil Domain in Folding and Promotion of Membrane Fusion

Formation of a six-helix bundle comprised of three C-terminal heptad repeat regions in antiparallel orientation in the grooves of an N-terminal coiled-coil is critical for promotion of membrane fusion by paramyxovirus fusion (F) proteins. We have examined the effect of mutations in four residues of the N-terminal heptad repeat in the simian virus 5 (SV5) F protein on protein folding, transport, and fusogenic activity. The residues chosen have previously been shown from study of isolated peptides to have differing effects on stability of the N-terminal coiled-coil and six-helix bundle (R. E. Dutch, G. P. Leser, and R. A. Lamb, Virology 254:147-159, 1999). The mutant V154M showed reduced proteolytic cleavage and surface expression, indicating a defect in intracellular transport, though this mutation had no effect when studied in isolated peptides. The mutation I137M, previously shown to lower thermostability of the six-helix bundle, resulted in an F protein which was properly processed and transported to the cell surface but which had reduced fusogenic activity. Finally, mutations at L140M and L161M, previously shown to disrupt α-helix formation of isolated N-1 peptides but not to affect six-helix bundle formation, resulted in F proteins that were properly processed. Interestingly, the L161M mutant showed increased syncytium formation and promoted fusion at lower temperatures than the wild-type F protein. These results indicate that interactions separate from formation of an N-terminal coiled-coil or six-helix bundle are important in the initial folding and transport of the SV5 F protein and that mutations that destabilize the N-terminal coiled-coil can result in stimulation of membrane fusion.
Distortion of "mental maps" as an exemplar of imperfect situation awareness

This paper provides the first results of dissertation research that seeks to develop and apply an experimental milieu for the study of imperfect Situation Awareness/Situation Understanding (SA/SU) and of decision-making based on that SA/SU. It describes an agent-based simulation and initial results of simulation experiments conducted with that framework. The simulation experiments explore a specific, easily understood, and quantifiable example of human behavior: intelligent agents being spatially "lost" while trying to navigate in a simulation world. The paper concludes with a discussion of on-going and planned research based on modifications to that simulation and conduct of additional experiments.
Friction and surface behavior of selected titanium alloys during reciprocating-sliding motion

Abstract The frictional behavior of selected orthopaedic titanium alloys during reciprocating-sliding against hardened steel was found to be function of cyclic count, sliding velocity, contact stress, and alloy phase structure (metastable-β versus α+β). Surface observations have shown that the evolution of the frictional response involves localized asperity deformation and fracture, surface plowing with formation of small debris, adhesive wear with formation of larger surface debris, and transfer between titanium and the steel counterpart. Surfaces of the metastable-β alloys exhibited greater surface deformation and transfer than did Ti–6Al–4V pins, plowing being representative of surface damage for the two-phase α+β. The amount of titanium transfer increased with increasing contact stress, transfer being always greater for the metastable-β alloys. Additionally wear debris collected at the end of the tests were a mixture of titanium and steel alloy constituents. The extensive plastic deformation, plowing and galling, transfer, and mechanical alloying observed all indicate that the dynamic friction behavior of titanium alloys is controlled by their surface deformation behavior and transfer characteristics.
Ligand-independent activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling in PCB3-quinone treated HaCaT human keratinocytes

Abstract Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a critical role in metabolism, cell proliferation, development, carcinogenesis, and xenobiotic response. In general, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exhibit a ligand-dependent activation of AhR-signaling. Results from this study show that a quinone-derivative (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-benzo-2,5-quinone; 4-ClBQ) of a non-dioxin like PCB (PCB3) also activates AhR-signaling. Treatments of HaCaT human keratinocytes with 4-ClBQ and dioxin-like PCB126 significantly increased AhR-target gene expression, CYP1A1 mRNA and protein levels. 4-ClBQ-induced increase CYP1A1 expression was associated with an increase in the nuclear translocation of AhR protein as well as an increase in the luciferase-reporter activity of a human CYP1A1 xenobiotic response element (XRE). 6,2′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone (TMF), a well-characterized AhR-ligand antagonist significantly suppressed PCB126-induced increase in CYP1A1 expression, while the same treatment did not suppress 4-ClBQ-induced increase in CYP1A1 expression. However, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of AhR significantly inhibited 4-ClBQ-induced increase in CYP1A1 expression, suggesting that AhR mediates 4-ClBQ-induced increase in CYP1A1 expression. Interestingly, treatment with the antioxidant N -acetyl- l -cysteine significantly suppressed 4-ClBQ-induced increase in CYP1A1 expression. Furthermore, CYP1A1 expression also increased in cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. These results demonstrate that a ligand-independent and oxidative stress dependent pathway activates AhR-signaling in 4-ClBQ treated HaCaT cells. Because AhR signaling is believed to mediate xenobiotics response, our results may provide a mechanistic rationale for the use of antioxidants as effective countermeasure to environmental pollutant-induced adverse health effects.
Unitary Numerical Semigroups and Perfect Bricks

This article completes a previous investigation of balanced and unitary numerical semigroups. The main result establishes the equivalence of unitary numerical semigroups and perfect 2 × 2 bricks.
Transducin-α C-terminal Peptide Binding Site Consists of C-D and E-F Loops of Rhodopsin

The binding of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) to serpentine receptors involves several independent contacts. We have deduced the points of interaction between mutant bovine rhodopsins and αt-(340-350), a peptide corresponding to the C terminus of the α subunit (αt) of bovine retinal G-protein, transducin. Direct binding of αt-(340-350) to rhodopsin stabilizes the activated metarhodopsin II state (M II), consequently uncoupling the rhodopsin-transducin interaction. This peptide action requires two segments on the cytoplasmic domain of rhodopsin: the Tyr136-Val137-Val138-Val139 sequence on the C-D loop and the Glu247-Lys248-Glu249-Val250-Thr251 sequence on the E-F loop. We propose that a tertiary interaction of these two loop regions forms a pocket for binding the αt C terminus of the transducin during light transduction in vivo In most G-proteins, the C termini of α subunits are important for interaction with receptors, and, in several serpentine receptors, regions similar to those in rhodopsin are essential for G-protein activation, indicating that the interaction described here may be a generally applicable mode of G-protein binding in signal transduction.
Processing and mechanical properties of porous Fe–26Cr–1Mo for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects

Abstract Porous, ferritic steel was produced by blending, pressing and sintering Fe, Cr, Mo and NaCl powders. During sintering NaCl evaporated to form 40–58% interconnected open porosities, while the metal powders densified and interdiffused to create a nearly dense Fe–26Cr–1Mo matrix (E-Brite, developed for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects). The foam compressive properties at ambient temperature were in good agreement with the Gibson–Ashby scaling laws for stiffness and strength and demonstrate high mechanical energy absorption. The foam compressive creep response at 850 °C under an argon atmosphere followed the same power law stress dependence as the bulk material, suggesting similar deformation mechanisms in each case. Creep data under argon were compared with a variational composite model and a simple unit cell model taking into account thicker nodes connecting slender struts.
The cost-effectiveness of the nicotine transdermal patch for smoking cessation.

Abstract Background.Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature mortality in the United States. In 13 double-blind, controlled trials, the nicotine transdermal patch has been demonstrated to be an effective aid to quitting smoking, even after 6 months of follow-up. Because physicians and payers may consider the cost of the patch to be prohibitive, we examine the cost-effectiveness of the nicotine patch as an adjunct to brief physician counseling during routine office visits. Methods.We estimate the effectiveness of both patch use with brief counseling and counseling alone from meta-analysis of clinical trials. Benefits are measured in terms of years of life gained by those who quit, discounted at 5%. Costs include physician time and patch prescriptions. The incremental cost-effectiveness is quantified as cost per additional year of life saved when patch plus counseling is compared with brief physician counseling alone. Results.Depending on age the average costs per year of life saved range from $965 to $1,585 for men and from $1,634 to $2,360 for women. Incremental costs per year of life saved range from $1,796 to $2,949 for men and from $3,040 to $4,391 for women. Conclusion.The nicotine patch is cost-effective and less costly per year of life saved than other widely accepted medical practices. Physicians and third-party payers should recommend the nicotine patch to patients who wish to stop smoking.
Geosynthetic Reinforced Multitiered Walls

Current design of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls shows that the tensile stress in the reinforcement increases rapidly with height. To take advantage of both the aesthetics and the economics of MSE walls while considering high heights, multitiered walls are often used. In such walls, an offset between adjacent tiers is used. If the offset is large enough, the tensile stress in the reinforcement in lower tiers is reduced. However, a rational design methodology for multitiered MSE walls that accurately predicts wall performance is lacking. AASHTO 98 design guidelines are limited to two-tiered walls with zero batter. In fact, this design is purely empirical using calibrated lateral earth pressures adopted from limited guidelines developed for metallic strip walls. Empirical data available for multitiered walls is limited and it seems to be nonexistent for geosynthetic walls. In fact, generation of an extensive database for tiered walls is a major challenge since there are practically limitless configurations for such systems. As an alternative, this study presents the results of parametric studies conducted in parallel using two independent types of analyses: One is based on limiting equilibrium (LE) and one on continuum mechanics. The premise of this work is that if the two uncoupled analyses produce similar results, an acceptable level of confidence in the results can be afforded. This confidence stems from the fact that LE is currently being used for design of reinforced and unreinforced slopes (i.e., having a slope angle less than 70°); the agreement with continuum mechanics facilitates its extrapolation to use in MSE walls. Parametric studies were carried out to assess the required tensile strength as a function of reinforcement length and stiffness, offset distance, the fill and foundation strength, water, surcharge, and number of tiers. It is concluded that LE analyses may be extended to the analysis of multitiered walls.
ORAL RIBAVIRIN THERAPY OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS (SSPE)

SSPE is a persistent fatal measles virus infection of the central nervous system. Because ribavirin is active in vitro against measles and reportedly efficacious in naturally occurring measles, we treated 2 patients with SSPE with oral ribavirin. The patients were an 11 year old girl and an 18 year old boy ill for 2 and 8 years, respectively. The dose was 10 mg/kg tid for 3 days, then bid daily for 6 and 14 weeks, respectively. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ribavirin concentrations (courtesy of J. Connor, Univ. of Calif. San Diego) and measles antibody titers (Courtesy of V. Berardi, Mass. State Dept. of Health) were measured serially. Clinical response was evaluated by neurological examination and EEG, and toxicity was monitored by blood count, electrolytes, urinalysis, liver and renal function tests. Ribavirin Concentration (uM) Patient #1 (Patient #2 pending) Neurological examination and EEGs were essentially unchanged during therapy. There was no decrease in antibody titers. Ribavirin was well tolerated except for mild hemolytic anemia in patient #1. CSF ribavirin levels were 75% of serum at 7 days, and remained above 66% for 6 weeks. Future therapeutic trials should consider prolonged treatment or higher doses of oral ribavirin early in the course of SSPE.
11.4: Examination of field emission from copper knife edge cathodes with low-work function coatings

We report experiments and analysis of field emission from copper knife-edge (CKE) cathodes, both bare and coated with low work function (∼2.5 eV) Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ) thin films. The bare CKE cathode exhibits evidence of space charge limited emission currents at high field strengths. The LaB 6 coated cathodes exhibit a nonlinear Fowler-Nordhiem (FN) type emission. An intermediate saturation region is observed from field emission data, which is more prominent at elevated (185 C) temperature. Surprisingly, the LaB 6 coated cathodes are observed to emit less current than the higher work function (> 4 eV) bare CKE cathode. A hypothesis and corresponding model including both field emission and solid state electron transport from the Cu substrate, through the LaB 6 thin film, is proposed to explain the experimental observations.
Sea‐ice motion derived from satellite agrees with buoy observations

Satellite measurements are providing daily views of sea-ice motion in the polar regions. This unprecedented capability will lead to routine monitoring of ice flow for climate change studies and ship-routing applications. In 1996, the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) rode into orbit on the Japanese satellite ADEOS and gathered 8.5 months of valuable wind data. Designed to observe wind speeds and directions over the ocean surface, NSCAT data also achieved exciting and totally unanticipated success in measuring sea-ice motion—an application for which it was never intended. The wavelettransform method is used to track ice features in the NSCAT imagery and the results are validated against Arctic drifting buoy data. The wavelet-transform procedure is robust, and NSCAT's unprecedented ability to determine daily sea-ice motion independent of clouds and at a 25-km resolution will have profound impacts on global climate change research.
Optogenetic tools for analyzing the neural circuits of behavior

In order to understand how the brain generates behaviors, it is important to be able to determine how neural circuits work together to perform computations. Because neural circuits are made of a great diversity of cell types, it is critical to be able to analyze how these different kinds of cell work together. In recent years, a toolbox of fully genetically encoded molecules has emerged that, when expressed in specific neurons, enables the electrical activity of the targeted neurons to be controlled in a temporally precise fashion by pulses of light. We describe this optogenetic toolbox, how it can be used to analyze neural circuits in the brain and how optogenetics is impacting the study of cognition.
Television production feature effects on children's comprehension of time☆

Abstract Children's temporal comprehension was assessed after viewing a television program containing a flashback that shifted the events to a much earlier time. The flashback was marked or not marked with sound effects, and time relations were visually represented with either dreamy camera dissolves or abrupt camera cuts. Sixty-four children, equally distributed by grades kindergarten and first versus fourth and fifth, participated in individual viewing sessions. After viewing, children answered questions to assess comprehension on the flashback. Older children understood the flashback better than did the younger children. Children who saw dreamy visual dissolves understood temporal concepts presented in the flashback better than those who saw camera cuts, particularly at young ages. The results suggest that formal production features affect children's comprehension of complex temporal concepts presented via television.
A conundrum of permissions: installing applications on an android smartphone

Each time a user installs an application on their Android phone they are presented with a full screen of information describing what access they will be granting that application. This information is intended to help them make two choices: whether or not they trust that the application will not damage the security of their device and whether or not they are willing to share their information with the application, developer, and partners in question. We performed a series of semi-structured interviews in two cities to determine whether people read and understand these permissions screens, and to better understand how people perceive the implications of these decisions. We find that the permissions displays are generally viewed and read, but not understood by Android users. Alarmingly, we find that people are unaware of the security risks associated with mobile apps and believe that app marketplaces test and reject applications. In sum, users are not currently well prepared to make informed privacy and security decisions around installing applications.
Execution of the Circadian Negative Feedback Loop in Neurospora Requires the ATP-Dependent Chromatin-Remodeling Enzyme CLOCKSWITCH

In the Neurospora circadian system, the transcription factors White Collar-1 (WC-1) and White Collar-2 (WC-2) activate expression of frq, whose gene product inhibits its own expression. The WC proteins are thought to form an obligate complex; however, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) indicates that WC-2 binds to the frq promoter in a rhythmic fashion, whereas WC-1 is bound continuously. Small oscillations in histone acetylation are detected over the circadian cycle with a marked reduction upon light-induced activation. Nuclease accessibility experiments indicate chromatin rearrangement at the frq promoter; therefore, 19 genes with homology to ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes were deleted and the strains examined for clock phenotypes. One gene, designated clockswitch (csw-1), is required for clock function; its product localizes to the frq promoter, is required for proper frq expression, and has an impact on chromatin structure. The data suggest that CSW-1 regulates accessibility of promoter DNA, thus generating the sharp transition from the transcriptionally active to the repressed state.
High Energy Nuclear Events

A statistical method for computing high enetgy collisions of protons with multiple production' 01 particles is discussed. The method consists in assuming that as a result of fairly strong inter­ actions between nucleons and mesons the probauilities of formation of the various possible numbers of particles are determined essentially by the statistical weights of the various possibilities.
Transperineal prostate biopsy under magnetic resonance image guidance: A needle placement accuracy study†

Purpose: To quantify needle placement accuracy of magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided core needle biopsy of the prostate. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 biopsies were performed with 18-gauge (G) core biopsy needle via a percutaneous transperineal approach. Needle placement error was assessed by comparing the coordinates of preplanned targets with the needle tip measured from the intraprocedural coherent gradient echo images. The source of these errors was subsequently investigated by measuring displacement caused by needle deflection and needle susceptibility artifact shift in controlled phantom studies. Needle placement error due to misalignment of the needle template guide was also evaluated. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of errors in targeted biopsies was 6.5 3.5 mm. Phantom experiments showed significant placement error due to needle deflection with a needle with an asymmetrically beveled tip (3.2– 8.7 mm depending on tissue type) but significantly smaller error with a symmetrical bevel (0.6 –1.1 mm). Needle susceptibility artifacts observed a shift of 1.6 0.4 mm from the true needle axis. Misalignment of the needle template guide contributed an error of 1.5 0.3 mm. Conclusion: Needle placement error was clinically significant in MRI-guided biopsy for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Needle placement error due to needle deflection was the most significant cause of error, especially for needles with an asymmetrical bevel.
Cigarette Taxes and Respiratory Cancers: New Evidence from Panel Co-Integration Analysis

Objective: To examine the long-term response of respiratory cancer mortality to the changes of real cigarette excise taxes. Design: First, using a panel of state-level data from 1954 to 2005, this study performs unit root co-integration tests. Second, the analysis utilizes the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square to obtain consistent estimates of the long-term effect. Results: In the long run, a 10% increase in real cigarette excise tax leads to a 2.5% reduction in respiratory cancer mortalities in the US as a whole. This result implies that a 10% tax increase will save 3,930 lives per year. In addition, higher tobacco taxation leads to lower mortality in most states; however, this relationship does not hold for Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Conclusions: This paper’s method resolves the spurious problem encountered in panel data regarding long time spans and provides an estimate of the long-term response of respiratory cancer mortality to cigarette taxation. Based on the magnitude of our estimated long-term effects of cigarette taxation, cigarette tax is a much more effective tool to improve the public health than the literature has previously indicated.
Subdivision of arthropod cap-n-collar expression domains is restricted to Mandibulata

Background The monophyly of Mandibulata - the division of arthropods uniting pancrustaceans and myriapods - is consistent with several morphological characters, such as the presence of sensory appendages called antennae and the eponymous biting appendage, the mandible. Functional studies have demonstrated that the patterning of the mandible requires the activity of the Hox gene Deformed and the transcription factor cap-n-collar (cnc) in at least two holometabolous insects: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Expression patterns of cnc from two non-holometabolous insects and a millipede have suggested conservation of the labral and mandibular domains within Mandibulata. However, the activity of cnc is unknown in crustaceans and chelicerates, precluding understanding of a complete scenario for the evolution of patterning of this appendage within arthropods. To redress these lacunae, here we investigate the gene expression of the ortholog of cnc in Parhyale hawaiensis, a malacostracan crustacean, and two chelicerates: the harvestman Phalangium opilio, and the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus.
Undoped polyaniline–surfactant complex for corrosion prevention

Due to the strict regulations on the usage of heavy metals as the additives in the coating industries, the search for effective organic corrosion inhibitors in replace of those metal additives has become essential. Electrically conducting polymers have been shown to be effective for corrosion prevention but the poor solubility of these intractable polymers has been a problem. We have explored a polyaniline/4-dodecylphenol complex (PANi/DDPh) to improve the dissolution and it has been shown to be an effective organic corrosion inhibitor. With the surfactant, DDPh, PANi could be diluted into the coatings and the properties of the coatings were affected. Emeraldine base (EB) form of PANi was also found to be oxidized by the hardener. The oxidized form of polyaniline provides improved corrosion protection of metals than that of emeraldine base since the value of the standard electrode potential for the oxidized form of PANi is higher than that of EB. Additionally, the surfactant improves the wet adhesion property between the coating and the metal surface.
Predictors of hospital readmission after discharge in patients with congestive heart failure

Purpose The purposes of this study were to (1) describe the characteristics of the population with congestive heart failure (CHF) who were admitted to a large, southeastern, acute-care hospital and (2) determine which patients are at risk for readmissions within 6 months. Methods A descriptive correlational design, using variables maintained in a computerized data bank on patients with CHF (N = 557, 39% were black) who were admitted between October 2000 and March 2002, was used to describe the adult population with CHF and identify variables associated with a likelihood of readmission. Results In the 6 months after the index admission, 224 (40%) of the patients were readmitted to the hospital for CHF. Variables significantly associated with readmission included lack of cardiology consult during admission, living status, point of entry of index admission, receiving Medicare, and having pulmonary hypertension. Four models, composed of subsets of variable from the data bank were developed and tested with logistic regression. The model composed of discharge variables was the only model that predicted readmission at a significant level. Conclusions There is a need to develop comprehensive data banks to describe patterns of care and their outcomes. Such data should inform plans to manage this vulnerable population.
Isolated mild ventriculomegaly: associated karyotypic abnormalities and in utero observations.

Objective The incidence of abnormal chromosomes in fetuses with mild lateral ventriculomegaly as an isolated prenatal ultrasound finding is not well established, and the rate of progression to more severe ventriculomegaly is uncertain. We wished to better define both the incidence of karyotypic abnormalities and the in utero course of fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly. Subjects and Methods: From July 1992 to September 1994, all cases of mild ventriculomegaly at our institution were reviewed (N = 94). Forty-six were isolated. Of these, 25 had genetic evaluation, and 37 had serial ultrasound examination. We evaluated the frequencies of karyotype abnormality and in utero progression for atrial measurements of 11–15 mm. Results In fetuses with atria 11–15 mm, three of the 25 karyotypes were abnormal (47 XXY and two 47 + 21, giving an incidence of 12% (95% CI 4.2–30.1%). Of the 37 with serial scans, five resolved in utero, 11 remained unchanged, and 20 progressed (one beyond 15 mm). Conclusion Isolated mild ventriculomegaly is associated with a significantly increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, these patients should be offered genetic testing. When mild and isolated, some fetuses will show in utero resolution of the ventriculomegaly. Progression to more severe degrees of hydrocephalus is uncommon. J. Matern.–Fetal Med. 6:241–244, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the accuracy of input-output uncertainty modeling with interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems

Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems (T2 FLSs) have been commonly attributed with the capability to model various sources of data uncertainties. The input uncertainties of an FLS were modeled using T2 Fuzzy Sets (FSs) and the type-reduced centroid of the output FS was interpreted as a measure of uncertainty associated with the terminal real-valued output. However, the accuracy of this input-output uncertainty modeling has been rarely studied. It is well established that T2 FSs can be understood as a composition of a large number of embedded T1 FSs and thus model the uncertainty of selecting a specific T1 FSs. However, whether the same can be achieved with T2 FLSs can be considered an open question. This paper contributes by presenting a study of the input-output uncertainty modeling capability of Interval T2 (IT2) FLSs. First, the Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to simulate linguistic uncertainties and to compute the aggregated output result. This simulation is then compared to the output bounds provided by the interval centroid computed with IT2 FLS. It is demonstrated that the interval output of the IT2 FLS overestimates the output uncertainty range when compared to the results of the Monte Carlo simulation. To further understand this problem the concept of Equivalent Type-1 FSs is used. Finally, a detailed example is presented to demonstrate why the IT2 fuzzy inference process overestimates the output uncertainty.
Appraisal in Developmental Career Counseling

This paper contains guidelines for a client-counselor collaborative appraisal integral to developmental career counseling. A thorough appraisal encompasses the client's present problem, past career development, and prognoses about career futures. The resulting dynamic description serves as the source for client understanding and action.
Simulation to Aid Disaster Planning and Mitigation: Tools and Techniques for Water Distribution Managers and Emergency Planners

AbstractCommunities depend on increasingly complex critical infrastructures to meet residents’ daily needs and to facilitate emergency response. The potential for cascading failures could intensify the consequences of disasters and complicate the process of planning for effective emergency response. This article presents a methodology for conducting a vulnerability analysis based on simulation of water distribution’s role in emergency response under various complex-disaster scenarios in which incapacity of the water system is coupled with an urban fire. The analysis reported here was run on a virtual (but detailed and realistic) small-town water distribution system to permit candid discussion of the insights derived from the vulnerability analysis and to avoid disclosing the vulnerabilities of a real system. The analysis methodology presented may be adapted to fit the needs of real communities. The results of these simulations are used to demonstrate a procedure for designing and testing mitigation method...
Isolation and characterization of a novel large protease accumulated in mammalian cells in the presence of inhibitors.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized a novel, large, multicatalytic protease from mammalian cells. This protease was designated PABI (protease accumulated by inhibitors). When baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells were grown in medium containing leupeptin, a potent serine-cysteine protease inhibitor, the trypsin-like protease activity (PABI) in the cells increased its level more than 100-fold over the control. This increase was also observed in other cultured cells such as COS, HepG2, and skin fibroblast cells. The activity was also elevated by treatment with other protease inhibitors including chymostatin or trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamide-(4-guanidino)butane. Immunoblot analysis, by employing antisera prepared against the purified PABI, also showed a concomitant increase of this protein in BHK, COS, and HepG2 cells on leupeptin treatment. PABI was purified to a homogeneous state from leupeptin-treated BHK cells. PABI is a glycoprotein of molecular weight 700,000. PABI was found to be a multimer of a major subunit of apparent Mr of 84,000, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electron microscopic analysis. PABI dissociates into subunits only under reducing conditions in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. PABI has both trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like protease activities toward synthetic substrates. Both activities were inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, aprotinin, bovine pancreas trypsin inhibitor, and chymostatin. Leupeptin inhibited only the trypsin-like activity of PABI. p-Chloromercuribenzoate had no effect on either activity. Furthermore, PABI degraded collagen type I and fibronectin. These results indicate that PABI is a novel protease which differs from any known proteases including cytosolic high molecular weight proteases. The physiological function of PABI is yet to be determined.
Decreasing Marginal Value of Information Under Symmetric Loss

We investigate conditions under which the value of additional information is diminishing in a setting where the decision maker has access to multiple, identically-distributed, information signals. The signals are assumed to be independent conditional on an unknown payoff-relevant parameter. The decision maker minimizes a quadratic loss function. Quadratic losses arise in quality control, scoring rules, and other applications. We characterize two concepts of diminishing marginal value of information. The first is an ex ante concept, before any information is observed, and the second is an ex post concept, after observation of previous information signals. The former concept is useful for ex ante information acquisition decisions and the latter for sequential information acquisition.
MTNET: Design and Optimization of a Wireless SOC Test Framework

This paper focuses on a novel self-configurable multihop wireless on-chip micronetwork, namely MTNet, to serve as the test access architecture for testing next generation billion-transistor SoCs. A geographic routing algorithm is proposed to find the test access paths for deeply embedded cores. Further, a path driven test scheduling algorithm is developed to design and optimize the MTNet-based SoC test access architecture. Extensive simulation study show the feasibility and applicability of using MTNet for nanoscale SoC testing.
Agrarian Reform and Class Consciousness in Nicaragua

Agrarian Reform and Class Consciousness in Nicaragua Laura J. Enriquez. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 1997.
Strands in the Web : Community-building strategies in online fanzines

A partir de quelques exemples de sites Web denommes E-zines (abrege de electronic magazines), qui se distinguent des homepages par leur periodicite, et consacres aux amateurs de heros de bande-dessinee, l'A. montre comment les strategies de presentation et d'invitation contribuent a la constitution de veritables communautes virtuelles. Le Web est un media permettant un meilleur acces a l'information, aux editeurs et aux associations de fans que par les seuls magazines imprimes. Il permet egalement de creer et d'echanger articles, dessins, fictions et de developper un sentiment d'appartenance
Use it or lose it: multiscale skeletal muscle adaptation to mechanical stimuli

Skeletal muscle undergoes continuous turnover to adapt to changes in its mechanical environment. Overload increases muscle mass, whereas underload decreases muscle mass. These changes are correlated with, and enabled by, structural alterations across the molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue, and organ scales. Despite extensive research on muscle adaptation at the individual scales, the interaction of the underlying mechanisms across the scales remains poorly understood. Here, we present a thorough review and a broad classification of multiscale muscle adaptation in response to a variety of mechanical stimuli. From this classification, we suggest that a mathematical model for skeletal muscle adaptation should include the four major stimuli, overstretch, understretch, overload, and underload, and the five key players in skeletal muscle adaptation, myosin heavy chain isoform, serial sarcomere number, parallel sarcomere number, pennation angle, and extracellular matrix composition. Including this information in multiscale computational models of muscle will shape our understanding of the interacting mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation across the scales. Ultimately, this will allow us to rationalize the design of exercise and rehabilitation programs, and improve the long-term success of interventional treatment in musculoskeletal disease.
Circuit techniques for mitigating short-term vth instability issues in successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs

Stress equalization and stress removal techniques for mitigating short-term Vth instability issues in SAR ADCs have been experimentally verified using an 80kS/s 10-bit differential SAR ADC fabricated in a 65nm LP CMOS process. The proposed techniques are particularly effective in enhancing the performance of high resolution and low sample rate SAR ADCs which are known to be more susceptible to short-term Vth degradation and recovery effects induced by Bias Temperature Instability (BTI). Experimental data shows that the proposed techniques can reduce the worst case DNL by 0.90 LSB and 0.77 LSB, respectively, compared to a typical SAR ADC.
The Moderating Role of Gender in the Relationship Between Tobacco Outlet Exposure and Tobacco Use Among African American Young Adults

Tobacco outlet exposure is a correlate of tobacco use with potential differences by gender that warrant attention. The aim of this study is to explore the moderating role of gender in the relationship between tobacco outlet exposure and past month tobacco use among African American young adults 21 to 24 years old. This cross-sectional study (n = 283) used geospatial methods to determine the number of tobacco outlets within walking distance (i.e., a quarter mile) of participants' homes and distance to the nearest outlet. Logistic regression models were used to test interactions between gender and tobacco outlet exposure (i.e., density and proximity). Tobacco outlets were classified based on whether or not they were licensed to sell tobacco only (TO outlets) or tobacco and alcohol (TA outlets). Neither density nor proximity was associated with past month tobacco use in the pooled models. However, gender modified the relationship between TO outlet density and tobacco use, and this relationship was significant only among women (OR = 1.02; p < 0.01; adjusted OR = 1.01; p < 0.05). This study underscores the importance of reducing tobacco outlet density in residential neighborhoods, especially TO outlets, as well as highlights potential gender differences in the relationship between tobacco outlet density and tobacco use.
Precursors of Reading: Pattern Drawing and Picture Comprehension

I would like to acknowledge Dr. Siegler’s elegant demonstration of the first point I would like to make — that readiness is not magic. There are always going to be mechanisms — some particular things that a child must do in order to succeed on a task. Dr. Siegler has shown how a task involving the balance beam can be analyzed, in order to pinpoint certain mechanisms. I am going to be analyzing two other tasks which — like the balance beam — are typically found in kindergartens: pattern drawing, and picture comprehension.
Educated Ignorance: What Faculty Don’t Know and Why Faculty Can’t Lead Intercollegiate Athletics Reform

Contemporary writings on the tension of athletics and academics in American higher education have often focused on the incompatibility of sporting endeavors and institutional missions. In particular, scholarship has stressed the ills of a financially directed collegiate sports machine at odds with the general educational aims of colleges and universities. However, this essay attempts to examine the historical and structural traditions of higher education, particularly those surrounding faculty, as a means of evaluating the tension. Moreover, the essay suggests a radical re-evaluation of those structures as a means to ameliorate the ongoing scandal in our institutions.
Indirect Genetic Effects and the Early Language Development of Children With Genetic Mental Retardation Syndromes: The Role of Joint Attention

Mental retardation is typically associated with substantial delays in language. Researchers have been interested in the possible differences in the extent or nature of these delays across genetic syndromes, such as fragile X, Down, and Williams syndromes. This article addresses how genetic factors a
Where Do Stars Form

Star formation occurs in a wide range of environments, from dense, active star-forming regions such as the Orion Nebula Cluster or 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud, to more dispersed environments such as the Taurus molecular cloud or the precursors of OB Associations such as Scorpius-Centaurus. The characteristics of the parent star-forming environment can influence the detailed properties of individual stars, notably the extent and density of surviving protoplanetary discs. Thus, the relative proportion of star formation occurs in a wide range of environments, from dense, active star-forming regions such as the Orion Nebula Cluster or 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud, to more dispersed environments such as the Taurus molecular cloud or the precursors of OB Associations such as Scorpius-Centaurus. The characteristics of the parent star-forming environment can influence the detailed properties of individual stars, notably the extent and density of surviving protoplanetary discs. Thus, the relative proportion of stars forming in these varied environments has implications for the distribution of properties of stars in the general field. This chapter gives an overview of the observational properties of these different environments and considers their likely contributions to the current field star population in the Galactic disc.
Expression of the immunodominant fragment of protein G of herpes simplex virus 2 and its reactivity

Objective To express and purify the immunodominant fragment glycoprotein gG321-580 of HSV-2 using Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system,and to assess its reactivity.Methods HSV-2 DNA was extracted and used as template for PCR to amplify gG321-580 gene.Then the PCR product was cloned into the pFastBac HTC vector,and Bac-to-Bac expression system was used to express HSV-2 gG321-580 protein which was further identified by SDS-PAGE and Wester-blotting.After purification,this protein was assessed for its reactivity by indirect ELISA.Results The glycoprotein of gG321-580 was successfully expressed in Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system and proved to have good immunogenicity and specificity.Conclusions The expression of recombinant HSV-2 gG321-580 protein is going to provide a potential candidate for detection and clinical diagnosis of HSV-2 infection.
FRI0387 Association of Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index with Preterm Birth and Birthweight Percentiles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of delivering preterm and low birthweight infants. In the general population, maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and lower risk for small for gestational age (SGA) infants. The effect of maternal obesity on birth outcomes among SLE patients is unknown. Objectives To estimate the association of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among women with SLE on preterm birth and birthweight for gestational age percentiles in live born infants. Methods We used data prospectively collected in the Hopkins Lupus Pregnancy Cohort from 1987-2011 (n=450 pregnancies). Our analysis sample was restricted to SLE patients with a maternal weight measurement within one year prior to pregnancy or during the first trimester (n=216). Outcomes of interest were preterm birth ( 2 ), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m 2 ) and obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and logistic regression models. Race and prednisone use ever during pregnancy were included as a covariates in all models. Results Of the 216 eligible pregnancies who had a pre-pregnancy weight available in the eligible time frame, patients were 59% white, 32% black, had a median age of 29.2 years, a median disease duration of 5.1 years and a median highest physician global assessment of disease activity (PGA) score during pregnancy of 1.0 (range: 0-2.5). There were 68 preterm births (32%), and the median birthweight percentile was 31.5 (19% SGA of 202 live births). The majority of women were underweight or normal weight (56%), 24% were overweight and 20% were obese. The frequency of preterm birth was 32% for underweight/normal weight women, 41% for overweight women and 18% for obese women. The exact odds ratio (OR) for preterm birth for overweight and obese women compared to underweight and normal weight women was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.6-2.2), adjusted for race and prednisone use. Adjustment for disease activity did not affect the results. The frequency of SGA was 23% for underweight/normal weight women, 11% for overweight women and 19% for obese women. The exact OR for SGA for overweight and obese women compared to underweight and normal weight women was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3-1.4), adjusted for race and prednisone use during pregnancy. Adjustment for disease activity did not affect the results. The mean birthweight for gestational age percentile was lower for women classified as underweight/normal weight (31.0±23.6 vs. 44.4±27.0 in overweight and 37.6±29.9 in obese). Conclusions While pre-pregnancy BMI was not significantly associated with preterm birth or SGA, our results suggest that, although the precision of the estimate is limited due to the small sample, being overweight and obese may potentially be protective against SGA, which is similar to what is seen in the general population. Disclosure of Interest None declared