cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bisfuran‐s‐Tetrazine‐Based Conjugated Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photovoltaic Properties

Bisfuran-s-tetrazine (FTz) and its copolymers with cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene (CPDT) and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) (PCPDTFTz and PBDTFTz) are prepared with the alternating s-tetrazine and CPDT or BDT units bridged by a furan ring. Their optical and electrochemical properties are studied and compared with their thiophene analogs (PCPDTTTz-out and PCPDTTTz-in), in which the bridging unit is 4-hexylthiophene or 3-hexylthiophene, respectively. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells fabricated from these polymers with PC71BM have a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.8%, which is much lower than that from the PCPDTTTz-out analog (3.2%), due to the low steric hindrance of the furan polymers in the absence of alkyl substitution on the furan ring.
The impact of inference generation on belief formation

Abstract This study investigates the effects of generating inferences (or failure thereof) with incomplete advertising messages on consumer's belief formation. A factorial design is used to systematically investigate the roles of product knowledge, message structure, and inference prompting in this process. The results show that inference generation or failure affects not only the belief per se , but also the confidence in the belief and that strength of learned beliefs about the product tends to be congruent. Specifically, high knowledge consumers' inferred beliefs are stronger, held with higher confidence, and more congruent with their existing beliefs than those of low knowledge consumers. Interaction effects are also observed between product knowledge and message structure for low knowledge consumers. High knowledge consumers are not affected by message structure or inference prompting condition. Implications of these findings for inference-persuasion research, advertising effectiveness, and future research are discussed.
Using the International Continence Society’s definition of painful bladder syndrome

Objectives—The case definition of interstitial cystitis (IC) is in flux. The International Continence Society (ICS) suggested a definition for the painful bladder syndrome (PBS), a concept embraced by many IC investigators, some of whom have used the name IC/PBS. In a study of recent onset IC/ PBS patients, we had two objectives: to determine 1) what proportion met the ICS definition and 2) how did those who met the definition differ from those who did not. Methods—Having recruited women who had recent onset IC/PBS for an ongoing case control study to identify its risk factors, we studied our first 138 eligible cases to identify those who met the ICS definition. We then compared those who met the definition to those who did not by variables acquired through interviews and medical records. Results—The 138 participants had intensities of pain, urgency, frequency, and nocturia as well as O’Leary-Sant Symptom Index scores similar to those of previously reported IC/PBS patients. Six percent of cystoscopies demonstrated Hunner’s ulcers and 89% of hydrodistentions under anesthesia revealed glomerulations. The most liberal interpretation of the ICS definition did not include 47/138 (34%) of our cases. Comparing these to the 91 (66%) who did meet the ICS criteria, we found that 96/97 clinical variables, including many generally thought characteristic of IC/PBS, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions—The ICS definition identified only 91/138 (66%) of those cases whom study investigators and caregivers diagnosed as IC/PBS. Furthermore, those who met the ICS definition did not differ in important ways from those who did not meet it. These observations taken together suggest that the ICS definition may not be sufficiently sensitive. Minor modifications of the definition appear to increase its sensitivity. Validation of a case definition, i.e. assessing its sensitivity and specificity, would require testing it in IC/PBS patients as well as patients with other diseases with similar symptoms.
Suppression of murine lupus erythematosus by dactinomycin.

THE disease of the NZB × NZW/F1 hybrid mouse (B/W) is a model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), perhaps the most autoimmune of human diseases. The animals develop LE cells and anti-nuclear antibodies of various specificities, and die of a fulminating chronic glomerulonephritis at an early age1. Abnormalities of the skin2 and central nervous system3, also reminiscent of clinical SLE are present as well. Like SLE patients, many of the mice have greatly extended lifespans under treatment with corticosteroids, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, or combinations thereof1,4. There is a body of evidence5 which suggests that aberrant availability of autoantigens may be a factor in both SLE and B/W disease. Other groups have emphasised the availability of nuclear materials from keratinising skin cells as a source6–8, but it seems to us that the nuclei from maturing erythrocytes should also be considered. All of the immunosuppressive agents mentioned above suppress erythropoiesis in mice9 and may also be limiting access of antigen to immune complexes. Here we show that Dactinomycin (actinomycin D), which inhibits erythropoiesis at doses which do not suppress antibody formation (ref. 9 and unpublished observations), is nevertheless an effective suppressant of B/W mouse disease.
America's addiction to tontines

Abstract Tontines—that is, investment contracts which are essentially death gambles—permeate the American and international landscape in varieties that sometimes obscure their tontine-like qualities. Some of these financial devices serve valuable functions and are funded by the appropriate parties, and therefore their use should be encouraged. Other tontines place funding obligations on those not fully consenting to that burden, however, and promote undesired behavior by the beneficiaries of the tontines. This article categorizes tontine-like contracts by analyzing their funding sources and behavioral impacts. Further, it recommends the use of some tontines—such as defined-benefit pension plans—be discouraged.
Temperature dependent dielectric functions of molecular beam epitaxy-grown Ga1–xMnxAs thin films

Abstract Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to measure the dielectric functions of a series of Ga 1– x Mn x As samples from 10 K to 300 K. Initially, by modeling the ellipsometric data in the transparent region, the film thickness and the index of refraction of Ga 1– x Mn x As alloys were obtained. Extending the analysis into the absorption region, the dielectric function for the entire spectral range between 0.6 eV and 6.5 eV was determined. Monitoring the temperature dependence of two critical points, corresponding to two electronic transitions in the Brillouin zone, we deduced the electron–phonon coupling parameters using Bose–Einstein occupation distributions. In comparison to GaAs, we find that the ternary alloy Ga 1– x Mn x As shows a slight enhancement in its electron–phonon coupling.
Multiple forms of rat liver mitochondrial DNA polymerase

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA polymerase (DNA polymerase mt) exists in two active forms. DNA polymerase present in crude extract (M-I) and ammonium sulfate precipitate (M-II) stages of purification sediments at 12.1S. The enzyme at the M-II stage of purification has a molecular weight of approximately 250,000 as determined by Sephadex G-200 chromatography in buffers of low ionic strength. In buffers containing 0.15 m NaCl, the enzyme sediments at 9.4S and has a molecular weight of approximately 190,000. When the enzyme is further purified on diethylaminoethyl cellulose (M-III stage of purification), the 9.4S activity predominates. Addition of a polymerase-free fraction from the M-III stage of purification changes the sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme from 9.4 to 12.1S.
Effects of Differences in Lipid A Structure on TLR4 Pro-Inflammatory Signaling and Inflammasome Activation

The vertebrate immune system exists in equilibrium with the microbial world. The innate immune system recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns via a family of Toll-like receptors (TLR) that activate cells upon detection of potential pathogens. Because some microbes benefit their hosts, mobilizing the appropriate response, and then controlling that response is critical in the maintenance of health. TLR4 recognizes the various forms of lipid A produced by Gram-negative bacteria. Depending on the structural form of the eliciting lipid A molecule, TLR4 responses range from a highly inflammatory endotoxic response involving inflammasome and other pro-inflammatory mediators, to an inhibitory, protective response. Mounting the correct response against an offending microbe is key to maintaining health when exposed to various bacterial species. Further study of lipid A variants may pave the way to understanding how TLR4 responses are generally able to avoid chronic inflammatory damage.
EFFECT OF COMPRESSIVE FORCE ON STRUT-BRACED WING RESPONSE

Our investigations of a strut-braced wing aircraft, show that at high positive load factors, a large tensile force in the strut leads to a considerable compressive axial force in the inner wing, resulting in a reduced bending stiffness and even buckling of the wing. Studying the influence of this compressive force on the structural response of the strut-braced wing is thus of paramount importance. To perform such a study in a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) environment requires an approach that is both accurate and computationally efficient. To that end, we have developed a nonprismatic beam finite element that takes into account the effect of compressive forces on the aeroelastic response of the inner wing. Both the elastic and the geometric stiffness matrices along with the mass matrix are derived. The buckling load of the wing can be obtained using either an eigenvalue analysis or specifying a constraint on the wing deflection. The influence of the compressive force on the aerodynamic load distribution due to the wing flexibility is also studied, as is the sensitivity of the wing response to the strut position. As expected, the effect of compressive forces on the response can be reduced by placing the strut closer to the wing tip. The proposed procedure is validated by comparing results with those given by NASTRAN.
Cortical involvement in the semantic processing of coarticulated speech cues

Abstract Auditory evoked responses (AER) were recorded from scalp locations over the left and right temporal regions in response to CVC words and nonsense syllables. Various components of the AER were found to vary systematically with changes in stimulus meaning. One such component reflected subcortical involvement in semantic processing. Other components reflected changes in voicing and place of articulation as well as hemisphere differences.
Photoreactivation of herpes simplex virus in human fibroblasts.

WHEN DNA is treated with ultraviolet light (220–300 nm) cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers are produced between adjacent pyrimidines on a strand of DNA1. These dimers are a major cause of mutations and death in simple organisms after ultraviolet-irradiation1, and they have been implicated in the induction of skin cancer in man2,3. An important tool for assessing the deleterious effects of dimers is the photoreactivation test: the photoreactivating enzyme repairs DNA by the specific and exclusive monomerisation of dimers in a light-dependent (> 300nm) reaction4,5. If ultraviolet biological damage can be reversed by true photoenzymatic repair, then dimers have a major role in the production of that damage6. For the test to assess the role of ultraviolet-induced dimers in human carcinogenesis at least three criteria must be met: (1) human cells must possess a functional photoreactivating enzyme, (2) this enzyme must be able to monomerise dimers in DNA, and (3) the enzyme must be able to restore biological activity to ultraviolet-irradiated DNA. It has been shown that human cells meet the first two criteria7,8; we now show that human photoreactivating enzyme in fibroblasts can restore infectivity to ultraviolet-irradiated herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Diffusion and electric charge contributions to below-cloud wet removal of atmospheric ultra-fine aerosol particles

Ultra-fine particles (UFP) or aerosols with diameter dp<100nm are produced in the atmospheric boundary layer (BL) by nucleation or by direct emission from various sources. This study describes a method to calculate the UFP below-cloud scavenging coefficient (L), applicable in numerical modeling of environmental aerosols under rainy conditions. Results illustrate the UFP scavenging dependence on aerosol diameter, rainfall intensity and average electric charge. The electric charge effect on UFP scavenging is treated for strongly electrified clouds and the results are applicable to rain events associated mainly with thunderstorms. It is shown that for the UFP diameter range, L decreases significantly with aerosol diameter, increases with the rainfall rate R, and increases with the average raindrop and aerosol electric charge. Model estimations of the UFP 0.5-folding time and the fraction scavenged under a wide range of conditions are presented and discussed.
Representing Public Opinion: American Courts and the Appeals Process

Whether American courts either do or should represent public opinion is a long-debated issue. Some court rulings agree with nationwide public opinion polls, while others do not. Overall, does the appeals process bring judicial policy-making more closely into line with American public opinion? Evidence from nationwide polls since the mid-1930s suggests that U.S. Supreme Court decisions and federal appeals courts decisions better represent American public opinion than do the decisions of federal district courts or of state courts. A lower-level court decision that agrees with nationwide public opinion is much more likely to be upheld upon appeal by an upper-level court. The Supreme Court's certiorari decisions disproportionately select for review lower court decisions that disagree with nationwide polls. Five reasons for this pattern are offered.
Accuracy vs. Lifetime: Linear Sketches for Aggregate Queries in Sensor Networks

The in–network aggregation paradigm in sensor networks provides a versatile approach for evaluating aggregate queries. Traditional approaches need a separate aggregate to be computed and communicated for each query and hence do not scale well with the number of queries. Since approximate query results are sufficient for many applications, we use an alternate approach based on summary data–structures. We consider two kinds of aggregate queries: location range queries that compute the sum of values reported by sensors in a given location range, and value range queries that compute the number of sensors that report values in a given range. We construct summary data–structures called linear sketches, over the sensor data using in–network aggregation and use them to answer aggregate queries in an approximate manner at the base–station. There is a trade–off between accuracy of the query results and lifetime of the sensor network that can be exploited to achieve increased lifetimes for a small loss in accuracy. Most commonly occurring sets of range queries are highly correlated and display rich algebraic structure. Our approach takes full advantage of this by constructing linear sketches that depend on queries. Experimental results show that linear sketching achieves significant improvements in lifetime of sensor networks for only a small loss in accuracy of the queries. Further, our approach achieves more accurate query results than the other classical techniques using Discrete Fourier Transform and Discrete Wavelet Transform.
Synthesis, capillary crystallization and preliminary joint X-ray and neutron crystallographic study of Z-DNA without polyamine at low pH.

In order to crystallographically study the hydration of the major groove (convex surface) of Z-DNA, the oligonucleotide d(CGCGCG) has been synthesized. Single crystals were grown by vapor diffusion using the hanging-drop and sitting-drop methods for X-ray studies and by batch crystallization and evaporation within silicon tubes for neutron studies. Hexagonal crystals were obtained without the use of duplex-stabilizing polyamines and at an acid pH. X-­ray data collected at room temperature (1.5 A resolution; unit-cell parameters a = 17.90, b = 30.59, c = 44.61 A) and at 100 K (1 A resolution; a = 17.99, b = 30.98, c = 44.07 A) and neutron data collected at room temperature (1.6 A resolution; a = 18.00, b = 31.16, c = 44.88 A) indicate that the DNA is in the Z-form packing in space group P212121.
Magnetic properties of an induced ferromagnet, Pr3Se4, under hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The low temperature magnetization of the induced ferromagnets, Pr 3 Se 4 and Pr 3 S 4 are examined with hydrostatic pressures to 9 kbar. In Pr 3 Se 4 one ferromagnetic component is rapidly quenched by pressure; in Pr 3 S 4 the magnetization is uniformly depressed. Data are discussed with a molecular field model including crystal field effects.
Reaping the whirlwind: Reply to Harnad's “other bodies, other minds”

Harnad's proposed “robotic upgrade” of Turing's Test (TT), from a test of linguistic capacity alone to a Total Turing Test (TTT) of linguisticand sensorimotor capacity, conflicts with his claim that no behavioral test provides even probable warrant for attributions of thought because there is “no evidence” of consciousness besides “private experience”. Intuitive, scientific, and philosophical considerations Harnad offers in favor of his proposed upgrade are unconvincing. I agree with Harnad that distinguishing real from “as if” thought on the basis of (presence or lack of) consciousness (thus rejecting Turing (behavioral) testing as sufficient warrant for mental attribution)has the skeptical consequence Harnad accepts — “there is in factno evidence for me that anyone else but me has a mind”. I disagree with hisacceptance of it! It would be better to give up the neo-Cartesian “faith” in private conscious experience underlying Harnad's allegiance to Searle's controversial Chinese Room “Experiment” than give up all claim to know others think. It would be better to allow that (passing) Turing's Test evidences — evenstrongly evidences — thought.
Motion planning and control for mothership-cable-drogue systems in aerial recovery of micro air vehicles

Aerial recovery of micro air vehicles (MAVs) presents a challenging problem in multi-vehicle dynamics and control. This paper presents a method for recovering MAVs in flight using a mothership and towed drogue, in which the mothership executes an orbit that places the drogue in a stable, slower orbit that can be tracked by a MAV. The differential flatness property of the system is exploited to calculate mothership trajectories from desired drogue orbits, and a backstepping controller is proposed that enables accurate mothership trajectory tracking. Simulation results based on multi-link cable-drogue systems verify the feasibility and robustness of the approach.
SOI CMOS Technology with 360GHz f T NFET, 260GHz f T PFET, and Record Circuit Performance for Millimeter-Wave Digital and Analog System-on-Chip Applications

We present record-performance RF devices and circuits for an SOI CMOS technology, at 35 nm Lpoly. Critical RF/analog figure of merits in FET such as current gain cut-off frequency (fT), 1/f noise, and high-frequency noise figure at various bias and temperature conditions are measured and modeled to enable high-performance circuit design. Measurement results show peak fT's of 340 GHz and 240 GHz for 35 nm Lpoly NFET and PFET, respectively. At sub-35 nm Lpoly, 360 GHz fT NFET and 260 GHz fT PFET are demonstrated. High-Q, high-density vertical native capacitors (VNCAPs) and on-chip inductors are integrated. RF-operable ring oscillator (RFRO) demonstrates a 3.58 psec delay and a SSB phase noise of -107 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. LC-tank VCO operates at 70 GHz with 9.5% tuning range. The maximum operating frequency of a static CML divider is 93 GHz while dissipating 52.4 mW.
Herbal Therapy Is Equivalent to Rifaximin for the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Objective: Patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) have chronic intestinal and extraintestinal symptomatology which adversely affects their quality of life. Present treatment of SIBO is limited to oral antibiotics with variable success. A growing number of patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies for their gastrointestinal health. The objective was to determine the remission rate of SIBO using either the antibiotic rifaximin or herbals in a tertiary care referral gastroenterology practice. Design: One hundred and four patients who tested positive for newly diagnosed SIBO by lactulose breath testing (LBT) were offered either rifaximin 1200 mg daily vs herbal therapy for 4 weeks with repeat LBT post-treatment. Results: Three hundred ninety-six patients underwent LBT for suspected SIBO, of which 251 (63.4%) were positive 165 underwent treatment and 104 had a follow-up LBT. Of the 37 patients who received herbal therapy, 17 (46%) had a negative follow-up LBT c...
The evolution of fair value accounting in the USA: a critical examination of its progress since 1900

Despite the relevance of fair value accounting to the financial statements, it was not adopted by standard setting bodies until recently. This paper investigates the evolution of fair value accounting in the USA and shows that several factors, such as accounting standard setting bodies, government, business and investor-related issues contributed to the lack of adoption of fair value accounting between the 1930s and 1990s. The paper further discusses changes in the standard setting environment as well as other criteria, such as technological advancements, that have contributed to the recent adoption of fair value accounting.
Method of G-particles for image reconstruction from a finite number of projections

To reconstruct the image from a finite number of projections, the concept of the point map of projections is described. Each projection is described by the corresponding set of line-integrals along a finite set of rays. The image element with its geometry is considered as a particle, or G-particle which is described by the field function. The map of each particle is considered in the form of a matrix which describes all rays passing through this particle. The concept of the field functions of particles is described as a number of rays passing through the particles with others at the same time. The consideration of the field functions for these G-particles leads to a representation of the image by the field functions, and this representation allows for reconstructing the image from its projections. The reconstruction f n,m of the image f(x, y) on the 64×64 and 128×128 Cartesian lattices by the method of G-particles is demonstrated on the images with random rectangles.
Unit testing for software assurance

A comparison of traditional testing methods aimed at obtaining an optimal strategy for unit testing is presented. Testing for assurance, evaluation of partition testing, and unit testing and partitioning are discussed in detail. Rules derived from the analysis of the testing methods are presented. >
The Terrorist Attacks of 9/11 and the Financial Crisis of 2008: The Impact of External Shocks on U.S. Hotel Performance

The U.S. hotel industry faced two major external shocks in the decade of the 2000s, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the financial crisis of September 2008, which led to an economic recession. Using data from STR covering nearly 35,000 hotels, this study isolates the specific effects of the two shocks by controlling for other market factors (e.g., inflation, seasonality) and hotel characteristics (e.g., hotel size, segment, or operation type) that affect a hotel’s daily operations. The study shows that hotels were significantly affected by both events, but they started to recover relatively quickly, within four months of each shock. Because of the nature of the shock, the 9/11 terrorist attacks had an abrupt and dramatic impact in reducing hotels’ occupancy, and rates briefly followed occupancy downward. The effects of the financial crisis took longer to develop but were less striking and apparently well handled by most hotel managers. Looking specifically at New York City’s hotels which s...
Ocular evaporation in meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye.

Background: Secretions from the meibomian gland are believed to be important in reducing ocular surface water evaporation and preventing dry eye. Patients with blepharitis frequently have meibomian gland dysfunction with loss of meibomian glands (drop out). The authors hypothesized that dry eye that often occurs in patients with chronic blepharitis is secondary to increased evaporation associated with gland loss. Methods: The authors measured the ocular surface water evaporation and tear osmolarity of patients with meibomian gland drop out and patients with gland drop out with a low Schirmer test. These findings were compared with those of a control group. Results: The authors found that eyes with meibomian gland drop out and those with drop out and a low Schirmer test had a significantly higher evaporative rate at 30% relative humidity (average, 49.9 ± 21 × 10 -7 g/cm 2 /second, or 0.49 ± 0.29 μl/minute evaporative loss per eye, and 59.1 ± 28 × 10 -7 g/cm 2 /second, or 0.58 ± 0.23 μl/minute, respectively) when compared with those in the control group (average, 14.8 + 6 × 10 -7 g/cm 2 /second, or 0.15 ± 0.07 μl/minute [ P A 0.05]). There was a significant correlation between evaporative rate and gland drop out ( r = 0.522). Conclusion: Patients with meibomian gland drop out, and especially those with low tear production by Schirmer test, have an increased risk of dry eye developing through increased evaporation.
“Business Unionism” versus “Responsible Unionism”: Common Law Confusion, the American State, and the Formation of Pre-New Deal Labor Policy

The emergence of the American Federation of Labor in the 1880s and its ideology of voluntarism or “business unionism” transformed the mainstream American labor movement. Voluntarism, however, had little impact on the formation of the pre-New Deal labor policy. I suggest that members of the progressive movement developed “responsible unionism” as an alternative to “business unionism” and that it was the progressives' alternative that shaped later developments in labor policy. (1) Progressive state and federal court judges relied on the principles of agency, a fiduciary term, to make unions competent contracting parties and enforce collective trade agreements. (2) Although the AFL had long lobbied for anti-injunction legislation sup ported by an underlying ideology of voluntarism, the progressive Republican-Democratic coalition that engineered passage of the Norris-LaGuardia Anti-Injunction Act of 1932 based the legislation on their notion of “responsible unionism.” These progressives interwove the principles of agency into the act. As a result, rather than withdrawing the American state from labor-management relations, the act caused unions to begin to lose their status as private, voluntary associations, thus creating the foundation for the construction of the statist regulatory apparatus, the National Labor Relations Board, during the New Deal.
2/sup n/ codes for optical CDMA and associated networks

Optical coders and decoders that avoid the high excess losses experienced by code-division multiaccess (CDMA) networks using prime codes are reported. A ladder structure, which is probably the most energy-efficient passive structure for such applications, is used; regardless of its length, it only introduces a power reduction by 2 for a matched decoder. The new codes corresponding to the ladder networks are named the 2/sup n/ codes, since the peak power reduction factor P=2/sup n/, where (n+1) is the number of couplers. They are quite different from the prime codes in their temporal structures: for example, only symmetric pulse patterns are allowed. A standard signal-to-noise analysis for the simplest class of possible codes (orthogonal) shows that the 2/sup n/ codes are quite comparable to the prime codes, in that comparable BERs with code sequences of approximately the same length, and similar numbers of possible codes to accommodate the users, are obtained. >
Shadow editing: a distributed service for supercomputer access

The use of long-haul networks by the scientific community to access resources at supercomputing centers has created a need for high-level user services and tools to provide transparent and efficient access to remote resources. A way to provide a computational service for supercomputer access in a distributed environment is described. The issues involved in the design of such a service are discussed, and attention is focused on a remote job submission facility. A prototype implementation is also described. >
Classroom 2000: an experiment with the instrumentation of a living educational environment

One potentially useful feature of future computing environments will be the ability to capture the live experiences of the occupants and to provide that record to users for later access and review. Over the last three years, a group at the Georgia Institute of Technology has designed and extensively used a particular instrumented environment: a classroom that captures the traditional lecture experience. This paper describes the history of the Classroom 2000 project and provides results of extended evaluations of the effect of automated capture on the teaching and learning experience. There are many important lessons to take away from this long-term, large-scale experiment with a living, ubiquitous computing environment. The environment should address issues of scale and extensibility, it should continuously be evaluated for effectiveness, and the ways in which the environment both improves and hinders the activity that it aims to support—in our case, education—need to be understood and acted upon. In d escribing our experiences and lessons learned, we hope to motivate other researchers to take more seriously the challenge of ubiquitous computing—the creation and exploration of the everyday use of computationally rich environments.
Reconstitution of LDL with lipophilic fluorescein derivatives: quantitative analysis of the receptor activity of human lymphocytes.

AbstractLow density lipoprotein (LDL), the major cholesterol transport protein in human plasma, consists of an apolar core of cholesteryl esters surrounded by a polar shell containing phospho-lipids, unesterified cholesterol and protein. In the current paper we report the absorption and fluorescence spectra of members of a new class of lipophilic fluorescein derivatives which were designed to be reconstituted into the core of LDL in place of the native cholesteryl esters. One of these derivates, cholesteryl 12–0-[methyl 3–0-methyl-5′(6′)-carboxyfluorescein]ricinoleyl carbonate (MMC) was reconstituted into the core of LDL. The resultant fluorescent reconstituted LDL was used in conjunction with flow cytometry to quantify the LDL receptor activity of fresh blood lymphocytes derived from normal individuals and from patients with the heterozygous and homozygous forms of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The LDL receptor activities of the heterozygous and homozygous FH lymphocytes were approximately 37% and ...
Using artificial neural networks to estimate missing rainfall data

ABSTRACT: Missing rainfall data from a time series or a spatial field of observations can present a serious obstacle to data analysis, modeling studies and operational forecasting in hydrology. Numerous schemes for replacing missing data have been proposed, ranging from simple weighted averages of data points that are nearby in time and space to complex statistically-based interpolation methods and function fitting schemes. This paper presents a technique for replacing missing spatial data using a backpropagation neural network applied to concurrent data from nearby gauges. Tests performed on a sample of gauges in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States show that this technique produces results that compare favorably to simple techniques such as arithmetic and distance-weighted averages of the values from nearby gauges, and also to linear optimization methods such as regression.
Critical role for NHE1 in intracellular pH regulation in pancreatic acinar cells.

The primary function of pancreatic acinar cells is to secrete digestive enzymes together with a NaCl-rich primary fluid which is later greatly supplemented and modified by the pancreatic duct. A Na...
An Impression-Driven Model of Candidate Evaluation

We describe and test two process models of candidate evaluation. The memory-based model holds that evaluations are dependent on the mix of pro and con information retrieved from memory. The impression-driven model holds that evaluations are formed and updated “on-line” as information is encountered. The results provide evidence for the existence of stereotyping and projection biases that render the mix of evidence available in memory a nonveridical representation of the information to which subjects were exposed. People do not rely on the specific candidate information available in memory. Rather, consistent with the logic of the impression-driven processing model, an “on-line” judgment formed when the information was encountered best predicts candidate evaluation. The results raise both methodological and substantive challenges to how political scientists measure and model the candidate evaluation process.
HPCC RandomAccess benchmark for next generation supercomputers

In this paper we examine the key elements determining the performance of the HPC Challenge RandomAccess benchmark on next generation supercomputers. We find that the performance of this benchmark is closely related to the bisection bandwidth of the underlying communication network, performance of integer divide operation and details of benchmark specifications such as error tolerance and permissible multi-core mapping strategies. We demonstrate that seemingly small and innocuous changes in the benchmark can lead to significantly different system performance. We also present an algorithm to optimize RandomAccess benchmark for multi-core systems. Our algorithm uses aggregation and software routing and balances the load on the cores by specializing each of the cores for one specific routing or update function. This algorithm gives approximately a factor of 3 speedup on the Blue Gene/P system which is based on quad-core nodes.
The N-Terminal Cleavage of PKD1L3 and its Effect on the Function of PKD1L3/TRPP3 Receptor/Ion Channel Complex

Transient Receptor Potential Polycystin (TRPP) channels are a family of protein that forms functional receptor/ion channel complexes with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) proteins that are involved in various physiological processes. For example, PKD1/TRPP2 complex have been known to be involved in renal physiology where a mutation in either of these proteins leads Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). Another example is PKD1L3/TRPP3 complex, a sour taste receptor candidate, which response to low pH. PKD proteins share homology with adhesion G-protein coupled receptor proteins (aGPCRs). One of the key characteristics of these proteins is that they go through autoproteolysis at N-terminal GPCR proteolystic site (GPS), before the first transmembrane segment. The cleavage yield two fragments, one N terminus fragment (NTF) and another C terminus fragment (CTF). This autoproteolysis has been extensively studied in PKD1, however due to the lack of a method to activate PKD1/TRPP2 complex, the effect of the cleavage on the function of the channel is unknown. Since PKD1L3/TRPP3 can be activated with acid, it is a good model to study the effect of the cleavage on the channel function of this complex. Here, we show that cleavage happens on PKD1L3 at the GPS site as it is in PKD1, generating NTF and CTF. Mutations at the GPS site abolish cleavage. The non-cleavable mutant lost the ability to form functional channel with TRPP3, highlighting the significance of the cleavage in the overall function of the channel complex. Interestingly, co-expressed NTF and CTF not only associate with each other, but also form a functional channel in the presence of TRPP3 in Xenopus oocytes. Furthermore, we found natively non-cleavable PKD1L3 exits as a splicing variant, indicating potential function of the non-cleaved protein.
THE effect of resilient channels on ceiling flanking transmission paths

A commissioning study was conducted to investigate the effect of resilient channels on ceiling flanking paths. It was demonstrated that the use of resilient channels improved ceiling flanking transmission paths significantly. The apartment type floor-ceiling assembly was built in the NRC-IRC Flanking Facility for conducting investigations under the commissioning study. The cavity insulation, the two layers of 16 mm gypsum board, and the resilient channels were removed and replaced by a single layer of 13 mm gypsum board directly attached to the wood I-joists. The direct and flanking transmission paths were evaluated for both types of ceilings using airborne and impact sound sources. The airborne measurements were carried out for three different types of junctions in the flanking facility, including floor joists parallel to the wall and floor joists perpendicular to the wall.
Testing Statistical Hypotheses

A hypothesis is a statement about a population parameter θ, and in hypothesis testing there are two competing hypotheses called the null hypothesis Ho ≡ H 0 and the alternative hypothesis \(H_{1} \equiv H_{A}\). Let Θ 1 and Θ 0 be disjoint sets with Θ i ⊂ Θ where Θ is the parameter space. Then Ho: θ ∈ Θ 0 and H 1: θ ∈ Θ 1.
Squamous Carcinoma of the Larynx in Patients Under the Age of 35 Years

Laryngeal carcinoma usually occurs in men between the ages of 50 and 70. In general, epithelial malignancies other than those involving the skin are rare in the young adult. Those squamous carcinomas arising in the lip, tongue, and tonsil appear to have a poorer prognosis than in the older adult. This study is a review of the medical records of 33 patients under the age of 35 years with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The follow-up of the entire series was at least 24 months with an overall survival rate of 81%. These results contrast to five-year survival rates of 79%, 45%, and 14% of the lip, tongue, and tonsil, respectively, in patients from a similar age group.
Intellectual Property Rights, Foreign Direct Investment and Innovation

This paper develops a product cycle model with endogenous and costly innovation, imitation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) to address the concerns of developing nations that stronger intellectual property rights (IPR) protection would force them to waste scarce resources 'reinventing the wheel.' With stronger IPR protection, multinationals become safer from imitation, but no safer than Northern firms. Imitation becomes a more predominant channel of international technology transfer relative to FDI. Stronger IPR protection displaces FDI due to aggravated resource scarcity in the South. Reduced FDI transmits resource scarcity in the South back to the North and consequently contracts innovation.
Abstract 424: Hyper-Inflammatory Macrophages in Coronary Artery Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis; A Signature of CCL18, Krüppel-like Factor 2 and 4 and Oxidative Stress Response Genes

Background: Autoimmune disease is an independent risk factor for accelerated coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 2-fold increased risk for CAD, comparable to the impact of diabetes mellitus. Abnormalities in the immune system contribute to both RA and CAD pathogenesis and defining these might elucidate disease mechanisms. We studied inflammatory macrophages in RA and CAD to identify shared and disease-specific molecular pathways. Methods: Patients with CAD and a history of myocardial infarction, patients with RA who satisfied the 2010 RA Classification Criteria and age-matched controls were enrolled. Monocytes isolated from peripheral blood were differentiated into macrophages and further polarized into M1 or M2 with IFNγ and lipopolysaccharide or IL-4 and IL-13, respectively. The expression of 55 genes was measured by quantitative PCR. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using CellROX and the oxidant superoxide was scavenged using the SOD mimetic Tempol. Results: Both CAD and RA macrophages exhibited a gene expression signature of excess inflammatory activity when compared to controls. Besides the upregulation of cytokine genes, the hyper-inflammatory signature included the loss of the inflammatory suppressors Kruppel-like factor (KLF)-2 and KLF-4, and the gain of the chemokine CCL18 and the oxidative stress response gene, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Quantification of intracellular ROS confirmed increased oxidative stress in the patient-derived macrophages. To examine whether superoxide affects production of CCL18, cells were treated with Tempol. ROS depletion normalized the excess production of CCL18. Conclusion: Pro-inflammatory macrophages in RA and CAD share molecular abnormalities characterized by excessive cytokines and chemokine production, the loss of negative regulators and the gain of oxidative stress responses. Unbalanced ROS production is upstream of abnormal chemokine production and correcting redox balance in macrophages may be helpful in suppressing the hyper-inflammatory phenotype of these cells in CAD and in the CAD-prone autoimmune disease RA.
Drug allocation and distribution. Standardized supply of essential drugs in Ghana--3.

In the 1st 2 papers of the present series an evaluation of 2 components of the essential drugs program M Ghana has been given; the selection of essential drugs and the quantification of drug needs. This paper outlines the method of allocation and distribution of essential drugs in the drug program of the Church Hospital Association of Ghana (CHAG) and gives an evaluation of both the results that were obtained and the methods that were used. This analysis revealed that 2/3 of the 430 drugs allocations would last for at least 6 months if average drug use as recorded before the supplies arrived continued unchanged afterwards. 45% would last for at least 9 months and 22% would last for as long as 18 months. In these cases the drugs were clearly overallocated. In 20% of cases the quantities would last only for 4 months which means that they were underallocated. The institutions received standard quantities of drugs according to their size category which was defined by 3 parameters: the number of beds the annual number of deliveries and the annual number of outpatient consultations. The main criticism of these parameters has been that the number of admissions or inpatients was not included. Allocation using standard packages will nearly always generate a certain surplus of some drugs. This loss is inherent in the method and is far outweighed by the advantages of the system. As the supply of essential drugs using standard packages will probably be practiced more and more the need will arise to refine the system. The drug needs of an individual health station can for this purpose best be expressed by calculations based on the total number of outpatient consultations. For institutions that also have inpatients the number of beds can be used as a 2nd parameter.
Effect of copper on red cell glutathione and enzyme levels in high and low glutathione sheep.

SummaryEffects of copper on red cell glutathione and enzyme levels were investigated in sheep of high- and low-glutathione types. No significant differences were observed in copper induced inhibition of glutathione regeneration or erythrocyte enzyme activities in the two groups of sheep. These results, together with those showing the effect of copper on GSH oxidation suggest that low-glutathione sheep should not be more sensitive to small doses of copper, commonly encountered in chronic copper poisoning in sheep than are high-glutathione sheep.
Beam Recrystallized Silicon-on-Insulator Devices

Beam-recrystallized silicon-on-insulator is an attractive material for VLSI integrated circuit and flat panel display applications. This paper describes the electrical characteristics that are unique to MOSFETs fabricated in this material. The back-interface between the silicon and the insulator significantly affects the leakage current by acting as a possible leakage path, depending on the charge at the back interface and the doping concentration in the silicon close to the back interface. In addition, enhanced arsenic diffusion along grain boundaries can cause short circuits between the source and the drain of an n-channel MOSFET. Evidence of such enhanced diffusion are presented as well as means to reduce the impact of the problem. It is shown that molecular hydrogen can be used to passivate the grain-boundaries in the recrystallized silicon material, thereby increasing the carrier mobility. A profile of the carrier mobility as a function of depth from the surface of the silicon is presented, showing that the carrier mobility is not reduced significantly, even close to or at the back interface.
Infection status of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among close contacts of students diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Zhuji,Zhejiang,2008- 2013

Objective To understand the infection status of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the close contacts of the students diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis( TB) in Zhuji,Zhejiang province and provide the evidence for pulmonary TB control and prevention in schools. Methods PPD test was conducted among the close contacts of the students diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary TB in Zhuji during 2008- 2013. Stratified analysis was conducted to identify the related factors to strong positive rate of PPD test among close contacts of the students diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary TB. Results Totally 1721 close contacts of 28 smear-positive students were surveyed,the strong positive rate of PPD test was 23. 24%(400 /1721). Meanwhile totally 1409 non-close contacts of smearpositive students were surveyed too,the strong positive rate of PPD test was 2. 77%(39 /1409). The difference between the two groups was statistical significant(χ2= 269. 33,P = 0. 000). The related factors to strong positive rate of the close contacts included the onset season,sputum bacteria content and diagnosis delay of the TB patients. The positive rate of PPD test among the close contacts was high when the onset of TB patients were in winter and spring,especially when the sputum bacteria content of the TB patient was high( χ2= 10. 12,P = 0. 00;χ2= 5. 35,P = 0. 02). The positive rate of PPD test among the close contacts was high when the sputum bacteria content of the TB patient was high,especially when the onset of the TB patient was in spring(χ2= 14. 42,P = 0. 00;χ2= 11. 25,P = 0. 00). Diagnosis delay of the TB patients had influence on strong positive rate of the close contacts when the sputum bacteria content of the TB patient was low. The influences of diagnosis delay of the TB patients in winter and spring on the strong positive rate of close contacts were different( χ2= 4. 60,P = 0. 03). There was no statistical significance in strong positive rate among the close contacts of TB patients whose onset were in different seasons when the sputum bacteria content of the TB patient washigh. Conclusion The related factors to the strong positive rate of PPD test of the close contacts of smear-positive students included the onset seasons,sputum bacteria content and diagnosis delay of the TB patient,but the influences of onset season and sputum bacteria content were more obvious.