cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Donations and dependence: Individual contributor strategies in house elections

Despite the importance of individual contributors to financing federal candidates, past work has largely neglected this crucial financial constituency in favor of research on corporate and trade political action committees (PACs). By contrast, in this study I offer the first analysis of aggregate contributions from the population of individual contributors to House candidates. Using an original big dataset constructed from over fifteen million Federal Election Commission (FEC) disclosure records, I identify individual contributors (rather than contributions) and trace the variation in their strategies across types of House candidates. I distinguish between frequent donors, who are theorized to have more contact with members of Congress, versus infrequent donors in these elections. I find evidence that the character of aggregate donations from repeat donors is more access-oriented even while controlling for other salient candidate characteristics. Funds from infrequent donors, in contrast, appear more ideologically motivated. By also examining the percentage of funds that House candidates receive from repeat donors, I show that the fundraising coalitions of candidates may reproduce reliance on more access-oriented, repeat donors despite the influx of dollars from infrequent donors. I suggest that my findings provide a persuasive case for re-evaluating the diversity of roles individual contributors play in the campaign finance system, and for systematically analyzing variation in contributor strategies.
Thin-Film Design Refinement Via Efficient Parallel Combinatorial Search

Thin-film refinement is demonstrated based on a simple merit function structure-aware combinatorial search around a starting design. The approach scales to large compute clusters and has efficiently improved designs stuck at local minima.
A Realistic Decision Making for Task Allocation in Heterogeneous Multi-agent Systems

Abstract Task allocation is one of the keys to maximize organizational benefits by handling as many tasks as possible. Many computational multi-agent systems use agent's capability for task allocation. When a task arrives at the queue to be delivered a task allocator will determine which takes the task by finding the best-capable agent. In real world situation, each agent should not only consider the new task with their capability, but also tasks that they are currently handling before sending their capability to the task allocator. This research study proposes a CPU-scheduling based algorithm to allow agents to perform rational decision making when they think that they can handle the new task while taking care of its current tasks. The result shows that applying algorithm provide a significant improvement of their performance.
Active Bodies/Active Brains: The Relationship Between Physical Engagement and Children’s Brain Development

Educators often struggle daily with the issue of how to engage students for learning. Many instructional strategies are devoted to the concept of engagement to keep students interested and on task to enhance learning, but defining the term is difficult. Engagement may involve a combination of terms that relates to the effort of students when they devote themselves to purposeful activities (Krause & Coates, 2008). Advocates of physical engagement have known for years that movement enhances learning, but what has been missing is the research to support this belief. An increase in brain research now provides a definitive link connecting movement with the enhancement of learning. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between physical engagement and the development of the mind–body connection, how physical engagement enhances that development, and the current research in the field that supports the construct.
Autobiographical Therapeutic Performance as Individual Therapy

Autobiographical therapeutic performance (ATP) provides clients seeking personal growth and change the opportunity to give aesthetic form to the wounding experiences and negative messages that have shaped them. It can transform and reintegrate their traumas into a new life-affirming sense of self and an emotionally generative life script. ATP organically follows a rite of passage and hero’s journey structure, which can be useful metaphors in guiding both the development of the theatre piece and the therapeutic process. Furthermore, Transactional Analysis concepts can be used as a therapeutic template, integrating and adapting ideas such as the therapeutic contract, life script and re-decision to the ATP process, as well as emphasizing the role of reparative witness.
Hematopoietic Defects in Cited2 Mutant Fetal Liver.

Cited2 [cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CBP)/p300-interacting transactivators with glutamic acid (E) and aspartic acid (D)-rich tail 2] is a newly identified transcriptional modulator. Knockout of Cited2 gene is embryonic lethal because of heart and neural tube defects. Cited2 binds directly to CBP and p300, which have been shown to be crucial for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and proper hematopoietic differentiation, respectively. Cited2 also induces the expression of a polycomb-group gene, Bmi-1, which is essential for self-renewal of adult hematopoietic stem cells. These connections provided rationale to study the potential role of Cited2 in hematopoiesis. Mouse fetal liver is the major hematopoietic organ from day 10 postcoitus until right before birth. The smaller sized Cited2 −/− fetal liver and significantly decreased fetal liver cellularity strongly suggest the potential defect in hematopoiesis. In vitro colony formation assay in methycellulose-based medium was used to characterize the hematopoietic progenitors. We found that fetal liver cells from E13.5, 14.5 and E15.5 Cited2 −/− embryos gave rise to much less colonies, which reflects the decreased number and proliferative ability of hematopoietic progenitors due to Cited2 deficiency. Immunostaining of lineage-specific cell surface markers followed by flow cytometry was performed to characterize different hematopoietic populations in E14.5 and E15.5 fetal liver of wild type and Cited2 −/− embryos. Cited2 −/− fetal liver cells displayed a significant reduction in numbers throughout the hematopoietic hierarchy including hematopoietic stem cells (Lin − c-Kit + Sca-1 + ), progenitor cells (Lin − c-Kit + ), and differentiated cells of different lineages (CD45 + , Ter119 + , Mac-1 + , Gr-1 + ), thus revealing a multi-level hematopoietic deficiency of Cited2 −/− embryos. Long-term reconstitution experiment was then carried out to measure the ability of hematopoietic stem cells from Cited2 −/− fetal liver cells to engraft and reconstitute hematopoietic system of congenic recipient mice. Mice transplanted with Cited2 −/− fetal liver cells showed reconstitution of T cells whereas a 2-fold decrease in the reconstitution of B cell and myeloid lineages was observed, indicating a compromised ability of Cited2 −/− fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells to maintain hematopoiesis. The results suggest an important role of Cited2 in hematopoietic differentiation and a selective function of Cited2 in B lymphoid &myeloid induction. The underlying mechanisms responsible for these defects will be pursued by microarray analysis of gene expression profile of Cited2 −/− fetal liver cells, followed by more detailed phenotypic analyses of B and myeloid lineage markers plus in vitro and in vivo functional assays.
A sustainable approach for tungsten carbide synthesis using renewable biopolymers

Here we present a sustainable, environment-friendly and energy-efficient approach for synthesis of porous tungsten carbide (WC). A biopolymer-metal oxide composite featuring iota-carrageenan, chitin and tungsten trioxide (WO3) was used as the precursor material. The reaction mechanism for the synthesis of WC was estimated using the results from X-ray diffraction characterization (XRD). A synthesis temperature of 1300 °C and dwell time of 3 h were found to be the optimum process parameters to obtain WC>98% pure. The grain size, porosity and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the synthesized WC were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. A mesoporous WC was synthesized here with a grain size around 20 nm and BET surface area of 67.03 m2/g. Gel casting was used to demonstrate the manufacturing capability of the proposed precursor material. The WC obtained after heat treatment preserved the original shape albeit significant shrinkage. The WC synthesized here has potential applications in high temperature filters, catalysis, fuel cells and batteries.
An interdisciplinary system dynamics model for post-disaster housing recovery

AbstractMany previous disasters have demonstrated the need for extensive personal, public, and governmental expenditures for housing recovery highlighting the importance of studying housing recovery. Yet, much research is still needed to fully understand the multi-faceted and complex nature of housing recovery. The goal of this paper is to present a holistic model to further the understanding of the dynamic processes and interdependencies of housing recovery. The impetus for this work is that inequalities in housing recovery could be addressed more effectively if we better understood interconnected factors and dynamic processes that slow down recovery for some. Currently, there is a lack of understanding about such factors and processes. Literature from engineering and social sciences was reviewed to develop an integrated system dynamics model for post-disaster housing recovery. While it is beyond current capabilities to quantify such complexities, the presented model takes a major stride toward articulat...
Fluorometric determination of acid phosphatase in cooked, boneless, nonbreaded broiler breast and thigh meat.

This method is applicable for determining activity of acid phosphatase (ACP), a heat-labile enzyme, in cooked, boneless, nonbreaded broiler marinated (83.65% meat) and nonmarinated (100% meat) breast and thigh and in a 50:50 blend of breast and thigh meat. The assay uses a self-indicating substrate that, when acted upon by ACP, loses a phosphate radical and becomes a highly fluorescent compound. Cooked meat is added to deionized distilled water in a 1:3 ratio, blended with a hand-held homogenizer, and then centrifuged at 2500 relative centrifugal force for 5 min. ACP activity in the filtrate is measured after shaking on a Vortex mixer 75 μL of the extract with a pH 5.00 acetate buffer containing a nonfluorescent aromatic monophosphoric ester substrate. The rate of fluorophore formation is monitored during a 3 min incubation period (38°C) in a fluorometer, and ACP enzyme activity (mU/kg sample) is calculated. Three laboratories analyzed 6 cooked poultry products (marinated and nonmarinated breast, thigh, and 50:50 breast/thigh blend). Five cooking temperatures were used to generate different ACP activity levels, which were replicated twice with duplicate samples and duplicate sample tests representing 720 data points. Log 10 ACP activity (mU/kg sample) performance repeatability and reproducibility standard deviations (S r and S R ) and relative standard deviations (RSD r and RSD R ) over 5 cooking treatments for 6 products were as follows: marinated breast: S r = 0.02, S R = 0.08, RSD r = 0.60%, RSD R = 2.12%; nonmarinated breast: S r = 0.02, S R = 0.04, RSD r = 0.66%, RSD R = 1.29%; marinated thigh: S r = 0.01, S R = 0.01, RSD r = 0.37%, RSD R = 0.37%; nonmarinated thigh: S r = 0.02, S R = 0.05, RSD r = 0.53%, RSD R = 1.43%; marinated 50:50 breast/thigh blend: S r = 0.01, S R = 0.05, RSD r = 0.36%, RSD R = 1.31%; nonmarinated 50:50 breast/thigh blend: S r = 0.01, S R = 0.04, RSD r = 0.32%, RSD R = 1.12%.
miRNA Regulation of Chondrogenesis

Knowledge of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cartilage biology is constantly expanding. The purpose of this review is to provide a global view on recent findings and to discuss the future direction of miRNA research in cartilage. Physiological roles and mechanisms of action of miRNAs in chondrogenesis have been investigated in animal and cell models. In addition to these efforts to understand basic biology, translational research targeting miRNAs in cartilage diseases, particularly osteoarthritis, has become a major research trend in this field. A few recent in vivo findings using genetic models include demonstrations of the interaction between miR-140 and the PTHrP/Hdac4 pathway, genetic dissection of roles of miR-140 and its host gene, the essential role of miR-214 and miR-199b cluster in endochondral development, regulation of TGF-β signaling by miR-17-92 in mesenchymal progenitor cells, and MEK1 regulation by miR-322 miRNA during skeletal development. In recent years, translational research to target miRNAs in cartilage disorders has been vigorously pursued, whereas our basic understanding of miRNAs in chondrogenesis in vivo is still rudimentary. A deeper understanding of the basic biology of miRNAs in the skeletal system is necessary to advance the goal of developing therapies targeting miRNAs or miRNA-related pathways.
Sandwichbauteile in einem Schuss

Das im Fruhjahr 2006 erstmals vorgestellte Dolphin-Verfahren zur Herstellung von Innenraumteilen mit Softtouch-Oberflachen durch kombiniertes Spritzgiesen und Schaumen nahert sich der Serienreife. Erste Tests mit Prototypenbauteilen von Johnson Controls zeigen das Potenzial des neuen Verfahrens.
Assessing a macroalgal foundation species: community variation with shifting algal assemblages

Foundation species have strong, positive effects on local community structure; increasing biodiversity and species abundances by providing food and habitat. On coastal temperate and subpolar rocky reefs, canopy-forming kelps form three-dimensional habitats that support numerous fish, invertebrate, and algal species. Throughout the Aleutian Archipelago, unregulated sea urchin grazing has largely removed the foundation canopy-forming kelp, Eualaria fistulosa, and most subcanopy algae. Consequently, most nearshore rocky reefs have shifted from kelp to sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus spp.) dominated habitats. These latter habitats are either urchin barrens devoid of all fleshy macroalgae, or transition forests devoid of all fleshy macroalgae algae but E. fistulosa. These three distinct communities (kelp and transition forests, and urchin barrens) were used to test the influence of E. fistulosa and sea urchins on the associated communities. Contrary to initial expectations, in transition forest habitats where E. fistulosa is the lone macroalga, no differences in community structure or in the size structure of benthic invertebrates were seen relative to urchin barrens. In kelp forests, where E. fistulosa coexisted with subcanopy macroalgae and urchins were less abundant, faunal communities were more species rich with higher abundance, biomass, and percent cover of numerous filter feeders. These findings stress not only the strong negative impact which urchins can exert on the kelp forest communities, but also the context-dependent nature of foundation species.
Fatigue life prediction of pipeline with equivalent initial flaw size using Bayesian inference method

Majority of pipeline infrastructure are old and susceptible to possible catastrophic failures due to fatigue. Timely maintenance is the key to keep pipeline in serviceable and safe condition. This paper proposed a Bayesian inference methodology based on the observed crack growth measurements and cycle data that predicts the probability density of failure after initially estimating the equivalent initial flaw size (EIFS). The model was first developed based on one-dimensional crack growth problem in plate with edge crack. Then the model was expanded to two-dimensional crack growth problem in pipe wall. Stress intensity factors (SIF) at the crack tip in pipe model were calculated using finite element (FE) analysis for different crack lengths and depths. Polynomial function and Gaussian process were used to develop surrogate models of SIF. The analysis demonstrated that the proposed Bayesian inference method with hyperparameters generated accurate inferred results for probability density function (PDF) of both EIFS and the number of cycles to failure.
The anterior cubital approach for irreducible Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Objective To assess the anterior cubital fossa approach in the treatment of irreducible Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Methods Forty-four children (26 boys) with Gartland Ⅲ supracondylar fractures of the humerus were divided into 2 groups. Group A(19 cases) was treated with a minimal incision in the anterior cubital fossa, and Group B (25 cases) through anterolateral cubital fossa or combined median-lateral approach. The fractures were stabilized with 1.5 mm Kirschner wires and plaster slab after anatomical reduction, followed by functional exercise for 3 to 6 weeks. The clinical outcomes of the 2 groups were evaluated by the Flynn score system for the elbow joint. Results All patients were followed up for 1 to 4 years, with an average of 1.8 years. Group A needed significantly shorter operation time (37 vs. 59 minutes). The good to excellent rates were 89% for Group A and 83% for Group B. There was no significant difference in functional recovery between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Open reduction through the anterior cubital approach is a quick and safe alternative for pediatric Gartland Ⅲ supracondylar fractures of the humerus, because it allows good visualization of the median and ulnar nerves, the brachial artery and the fracture. Key words: Humeral fracture; Children; Surgical procedure, operative
Does Medical Therapy for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Really Work? Are β-Blockers Truly Indicated? PRO

This article examines the supporting evidence for the widespread use of beta-blocker therapy for chronic thoracic aortic aneurysms and for acute aortic dissection. The historical literature and recent studies are critically reviewed. It concludes that this therapy's usefulness lies in its ability to blunt the severity of the pressure spikes that accompany acute exertion or emotion.
From Enhancers to Keratinocyte Cancers

Epigenetic dysregulation and disruption of gene enhancer networks are both pervasive in human cancers, and yet, their roles in keratinocyte cancers are poorly understood. Utilizing patient samples, Yao et al. (2020) provide an initial framework for understanding the underlying mechanisms by integrating enhancer and transcriptional alterations that occur during the progression of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Diskogenic Dural Defect Is the Reason for the Ventral Location of the Epidural Spinal Fluid Collection Seen in Superficial Siderosis.

Abstract Purpose of review Superficial siderosis (SS) of the nervous system is often due to a dural pathology. This review focuses on recent developments related to the management of this subgroup of SS patients. Recent findings The presence of an epidural ventral spinal fluid collection in patients with SS is a clue to the presence of a diskogenic dural defect. The location of the defect is ascertained by a dynamic CT-myelogram which involves placing the patient in a prone position with hips elevated. This permits gravity assisted preferential ventral localization of the contrast and active scanning during contrast injection facilitates a precise delineation of the initial point of contrast extravasation which localizes the defect. Summary Diskogenic dural defects are commonly the underlying etiology for SS in patients with a ventral spinal fluid collection. A dynamic CT-myelogram facilitates detection and subsequent repair of these defects which arrests the continued low-grade subarachnoid bleeding.
Distributional Effects of Intergovernmental Transfers in Mexico

A rigorous understanding of the developmental effect of fiscal transfers to subnational governments remains an important policy research issue globally. This paper exploits a novel dataset of 20 years of municipal poverty maps and local public finances to study the effects on local welfare of a large fiscal transfer fund earmarked for social investment in more than 2,000 Mexican municipalities. Results show a positive but modest effect on the average household income, and positive effects on seven nonmonetary welfare measures. In contrast, these funds have no significant impact on extreme and moderate monetary poverty. These results provide important lessons for policy on the effects of earmarked funds to reduce territorial poverty and inequality in terms of incentives to design formulas to distribute earmarked fiscal resources to subnational governments.
Structural Pluralism and S-Dualities: A Project in String Realism

In string theory with S-dualities, there is an object-oriented realism and a structure-oriented realism. This paper discusses the advantages of “string structural realism”, a form of the latter, having a multi-aspected structure with a “model-oriented” pluralistic ontology, and grounded in the relation among fundamental objects of various string models.
Metamorphic history and structural evolution of the Orocopia Schist in the Gavilan Hills, SE California

The Chocolate Mountains fault in southeastern California has been considered the original structure that underplated oceanic Orocopia Schist beneath plutonic and metamorphic rocks of the continental U.S. Estimations of pressure and temperature of metamorphism in both plates of the fault in the Gavial Hills show a gap in metamorphic conditions indicative of post-subduction reactivation. Gamet-biotite and gamet-homblende geothermometry show that the Orocopia Schist originated at a lower temperature than the upper plate. Pressure determinations using the phengite and gamet-homblende-plagioclase barometers confirm a subduction-comple.x origin for the Orocopia Schist. Amphibole compositional parameters show that the schist have originated at a lower temperature and at higher pressure than the upper plate. The petrological evidence agrees with structural observations that the Chocolate Mountains fault has undergone substantial postmetamorphic reactivation and that the present contact between the Orocopia Schist and upper plate records exhumation rather than subduction. Introduction The Chocolate Mountains fault is part of the regional Vincent-Chocolate Mountains (VCM) fault system of southem California and southwestemmost Arizona, which separates a lower plate of oceanic Pelona-Orocopia-Rand (FOR) schist from an upper plate of igneous
Always and Only: Why Not All Focus-Sensitive Operators Are Alike

We discuss focus sensitivity in English, the phenomenon whereby interpretation of some expressions is affected by placement of intonational focus. We concentrate in particular on the interpretation of always and only, both of which are interpreted as universal quantifiers, and both of which are focus sensitive. Using both naturally occurring and constructed data we explore the interaction of these operators with negative polarity items, with presupposition, with prosodically reduced elements, and with syntactic extraction. On the basis of this data we show that while only lexically encodes a dependency on the placement of focus, always does not. Rather, the focus sensitivity of always results from its dependency on context, and from the fact that focus also reflects what is given in the context. We account for this split using an analysis couched in event semantics.
Studies on methylazoxymethanol, the aglycone of cycasin: Isolation, biological, and chemical properties

Abstract The glucoside cycasin administered intraperitoneally to rats is almost quantitatively excreted unchanged in the urine with no apparent toxicity. Oral administration results in severe toxicity and greatly reduced urinary excretion of cycasin. Methylazoxymethanol (MAM), the aglycone of cycasin prepared by enzymic hydrolysis of cycasin proved to be toxic when injected. Thus it was demonstrated that the toxic component is the aglycone and not cycasin per se. Experimental details for the preparation of MAM by enzymic hydrolysis of cycasin and the properties of three derivatives of MAM are described.
The Identity of Legal Systems

Laws are part of legal systems; a particular law is a law only if it is part of American law or French law or some other legal system. Legal philosophers have persistently attempted to explain why we think of laws as forming legal systems, to evaluate the merits of this way of thinking about the law and to make it more precise by explicating the features that account for the unity of legal systems. Various theories have been suggested but none has been accepted as completely satisfactory, and the continuing debate owes much to the intricacy of the problems involved. This intricacy is also due to a considerable cloudiness in the understanding of the problems themselves. I will attempt, through this Article, to clarify the nature of the problem of the unity of municipal legal systems. My primary aim is not to answer all the relevant questions, but rather to formulate them more precisely, for I believe that in philosophy a clear conception of a problem is half the way to its solution.
Stack Filter Classifiers

Stack Filters define a large class of increasing filter that is used used widely in image and signal processing. The motivations for using an increasing filter instead of an unconstrained filter have been described as: 1) fast and efficient implementation, 2) the relationship to mathematical morphology and 3) more precise estimation with finite sample data. This last motivation is related to methods developed in machine learning and the relationship was explored in [1]. In this paper we investigate this relationship by applying Stack Filters directly to classification problems. This provides a new perspective on how monotonicity constraints can help control estimation errors, and also suggests new learning algorithms for Boolean function classifiers when they are applied to real-valued inputs.
The End of the Beginning

The sequencing of the complete genome of the fruit fly Drosophila ( Adams et al ., Myers et al ., Rubin et al .) is a remarkable feat that tells us much about the organization of the genomes of complex creatures. In a Perspective, Brenner looks to the future, to the next big step forward, which will be deciphering what the protein product of each gene does and how each gene is switched on and off.
The Full-Service Dining Experience: An Assessment of the Generation-Specific Determinants of Customer Loyalty

The unique characteristics and values associated with different generational cohorts are often identified as important components of the consumption decision. The present research analyzes generation-specific perceptions of the full-service dining experience in terms of atmospherics, food quality, service quality, price fairness, and brand image. In addition to identifying significant differences among generations in terms of experience ratings, logistic regression was used to identify the differential impacts of each of the five dining experience factors in determining customer loyalty. By identifying the moderating role of generational affiliation in the development of customer loyalty, a new set of considerations for both scholars and practitioners interested in full-service restaurant consumption behavior were provided.
Genetic and Phenogenetic Studies on the Dynamic Nature of the Cytoplasmic Inheritance System in CULEX PIPIENS

Analysis by a progeny test system has permitted the selection for different cytoplasmic sterility factors in two strains of mosquitoes derived from the progeny of a single female. Reciprocal interstrain crosses show full fertility and viability. However, testcrosses to a third cytoplasmic type show highly significant, reproducible differences in the cytoplasmic systems of the selected strains. A direct relationship between teratological growth patterns and the degree of heterozygosity of cytoplasmic factors was observed. In testcrosses, cytoplasmic sterility factors, when selected to homozygosity, produce non-teratological inviable haploid, or exceptional viable gynogenetic diploid larvae. Heterozygosity in the cytoplasmic system in testcrosses produced a broad spectrum of teratological growth patterns related to the degree of heterozygosity of the multiple factors present in the cytoplasm. Formal genetic crosses involving the selected strains show that teratological growth and cytoplasmic sterility, both partial and complete, are inherited through the germ plasm of the maternal parent. This work suggests that the interactions of cytoplasmic factors that result in teratological growth and cytoplasmic sterility may not be restricted to Culex pipiens, where in some cases it is prominent and obvious, but may be a much more general hereditary mechanism of major significance in other eukaryotic animals.
Design of the TFTR TF coil alternate coolant system

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) toroidal field (TF) system consists of twenty coils which when operated with deionized water as the coolant has a maximum pulsed operating current and I/sup 2/T of 73.3 kA and 5.4 E10 A/sup 2/-s respectively. With deionized water as the primary coolant, the pulse repetition rate is 300 s, which is dependent upon the cooling system efficiency. Numerous small water leaks in several TF coils occurred which have adversely impacted machine operations. These leaks have resulted in a reduction of the TF coil's resistance to ground. Various leak repair techniques have been successfully used. However, the leaks which cannot be exactly located have a history of reoccurring after repairs have been made. An alternative approach to coil cooling has been implemented which replaces the deionized water with a nonconductive fluid. This fluid should prevent the degradation of the coil resistance because it will retain its high dielectric strength, even if it wets the coil insulation. Perfluoroheptane was chosen from a number of dielectric fluids because of its compatibility with existing materials in the TF coil circuit, chemical and radiation stability, and environmental acceptability. This fluid has reduced thermal capacity which decreases the TF coil I/sup 2/T to 4.84 E10 A/sup 2/-s with an increased repetition rate to 900 s.
Biomarkers: Coronary artery calcium is a better risk marker than hsCRP

Indisputable evidence that coronary artery calcium score predicts cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals exists, even in patients with low to normal LDL cholesterol and elevated C-reactive protein. Conversely, not all studies demonstrate a predictive role for biochemical markers.
Common ground for institutional economics and system dynamics modeling

Institutional economics traces its roots to the works, beginning in the late nineteenth century, of Thorstein Veblen, John R. Commons and Wesley C. Mitchell. They believed that orthodox economic theory, based on deduction from axioms, was not a proper foundation to study the economy. They attempted to establish relations between economic actors as deﬁned by important economic institutions. Classical theory, on the other hand, is based on natural law rather than human organization. Natural law provided a ﬁxed structure, and this reduced uncertainty in economic theory. Change was within the structure but the structure was always stable. Institutional economists examine institutions that provide economic order, and they study the endogenous forces that cause these institutions to evolve. The author suggests that these are some of the same elements that describe system dynamics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical characterization of vesicular stomatitis virus-infected Aedes albopictus cells deprived of methionine.

Abstract Aedes albopictus cells infected with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and maintained in medium lacking methionine produced 1000-fold less infectious virus than cultures maintained in complete medium. Analysis of viral macromolecular synthesis in cells maintained in the presence of varying concentrations of methionine showed that the reduction in virus yield was directly correlated with a reduction in viral RNA and protein synthesis. Of the viral mRNA which was made in methionine-starved cells the majority was not polysome associated. In contrast, virtually all of the virus mRNA in cells maintained in complete medium was polysome associated. In vitro translation of those mRNAs from methionine-starved cells, which were not polysome associated, indicated that they could be translated in vitro as efficiently as polysome-associated virus mRNA but only if the methylation inhibitor, S -adenosylhomocysteine, was not present. These results strongly suggest that methionine starvation of A. albopictus cells inhibits VSV replication by preventing cap methylation of the viral mRNAs, and thus reducing the efficiency with which they are translanted.
Disrupted Sperm Function and Fertilin β Processing in Mice Deficient in the Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatase Inpp5b

Inpp5b is an ubiquitously expressed type II inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. We have disrupted the Inpp5b gene in mice and found that homozygous mutant males are infertile. Here we examine the causes for the infertility in detail. We demonstrate that sperm from Inpp5b(-/-) males have reduced motility and reduced ability to fertilize eggs, although capacitation and acrosome exocytosis appear to be normal. In addition, fertilin beta, a sperm surface protein involved in sperm-egg membrane interactions that is normally proteolytically processed during sperm transit through the epididymis, showed reduced levels of processing in the Inpp5b(-/-) animals. Inpp5b was expressed in the Sertoli cells and epididymis and at low levels in the developing germ cells; however, mice lacking Inpp5b in spermatids and not in other cell types generated by conditional gene targeting, were fully fertile. The abnormalities in mutant sperm function and maturation appear to arise from defects in the functioning of Sertoli and epididymal epithelial cells. Our results directly demonstrate a previously unknown role for phosphoinositides in normal sperm maturation beyond their previously characterized involvement in the acrosome reaction. Inpp5b(-/-) mice provide an excellent model to study the role of Sertoli and epididymal epithelial cells in the differentiation and maturation of sperm.
Size of Ventricular Structures Influences Surgical Outcome in Down Syndrome Infants With Atrioventricular Septal Defect

To evaluate the relation between ventricular structure size and surgical outcome in Down versus non-Down syndrome infants with an atrioventricular septal defect, we reviewed the charts and echocardiograms of 44 consecutive infants (34 with Down syndrome) who underwent atrioventricular septal defect repair. Children with Down syndrome had significantly greater aortic valve diameters, left ventricular valve areas, and left/right atrioventricular valve area ratios as well as fewer adverse outcomes than non-Down syndrome children.
A wavelet thresholding method to reduce ultrasound artifacts.

Artifacts due to enhancement, reverberation, and multi-path reflection are commonly encountered in medical ultrasound imaging. These artifacts can adversely affect an automated image quantification algorithm or interfere with a physician’s assessment of a radiological image. This paper proposes a soft wavelet thresholding method to replace regions adversely affected by these artifacts with the texture due to the underlying tissue(s), which were originally obscured. Our proposed method soft thresholds the wavelet coefficients of affected regions to estimate the reflectivity values caused by these artifacts. By subtracting the estimated reflectivity values of the artifacts from the original reflectivity values, estimates of artifact reduced reflectivity values are attained. The improvements of our proposed method are substantiated by an evaluation of Field II simulated, in vivo mouse and human heart B mode images.
Civil-Military Interaction: Data in Search of a Theory

Three conceptual themes have dominated social science literature pertaining to civil-military interaction- military professionalism, theories of the coup d'etat, and governmental performance. This chapter briefly describes the content of these themes and places the contributions to this volume within the context of such literature.
Zinc and copper bioavailability in monkeys and rats with psyllium consumption

Abstract The long-term effects of feeding 10% cellulose or psyllium on zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) status, Zn and Cu absorption, and the relationship between trace element absorption and mouth-to-anus transit time of digesta were examined in adult male African green monkeys (vervets). Six monkeys in the cellulose (C) group and 5 monkeys in the psyllium (P) group were fed semipurified diets containing adequate levels of Zn (35 ppm) and Cu (8 ppm) for three years. Serum, tibia, liver, and kidney Zn, and serum alkaline phosphatase, used as measures of Zn status, were similar between groups. Zn absorption (5 day fecal balance) also was similar between C and P groups. Psyllium increased (p −m Zn or 64 Cu. These results suggest either short-term or chronic psyllium feeding does not adversely effect Zn and Cu status.
The status of gene therapy for brain tumors

The advent of gene therapy in the early 1990’s raised expectations for brain tumor therapies; however, whereas clinical trials in patients with malignant gliomas provided evidence of safety, therapeutic benefit was not convincing. These early forays resembled the historical introductions of other therapies that seemed promising, only to fail in human trials. Nevertheless, re-study in the laboratory and retesting in iterative laboratory–clinic processes enabled therapies with strong biological rationales to ultimately show evidence of success in humans and become accepted. Examples, such as organ transplantation, monoclonal antibody therapy and antiangiogenic therapy, provide solace that a strategy’s initial lack of success in humans provides an opportunity for its further refinement in the laboratory and development of solutions that will translate into patient success stories. The authors herein summarize results from clinical trials of gene therapy for malignant gliomas, and discuss the influence of the...
Optical tuning of the scattering length of cold alkaline-earth-metal atoms

It is possible to tune the scattering length for the collision of ultracold ground-state alkaline-earth-metal atoms using an optical Feshbach resonance. This is achieved with a laser far detuned from an excited molecular level near the frequency of the atomic intercombination transition. Simple resonant-scattering theory, illustrated by the example of , allows an estimate of the magnitude of the effect. Unlike alkali metal species, large changes of the scattering length are possible while atom loss remains small, because of the very narrow linewidth of the molecular photoassociation transition. This raises prospects for control of atomic interactions for a system without magnetically tunable Feshbach resonance levels.
Magnetotransport in a modulated two-dimensional electron gas

We propose a semiclassical theory of dc magnetotransport in a two-dimensional electron gas modulated along one direction with weak electrostatic modulations. We show that oscillations of the magnetoresistivity ρ∥ corresponding to the current driven along the modulation lines observed at moderately low magnetic fields can be explained as commensurability oscillations.
Host-size preference of the parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae [Hym.: Pteromalidae] on Sitophilus zeamais (Col.: Curculionidae) larvae with a uniform age distribution

First generationAnisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) collected from commercial stored maize in South Carolina were exposed to a mixture of all sizes of immatureSitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, representative of a uniform age distribution, in shelled maize. Eighty-seven percent of parasitism is expected on larvae with tunnel diameters of 0.9 to 1.8 mm and 6% on prepupae and pupae, given this host-size distribution. Preference was greatest for large host larvae (1.6 mm diameter), intermediate for other larvae in the range 0.9 to 1.8 mm, and least for pupae and small larvae. Host-stage preference is discussed with respect to Chesson's (1983) parameters for preference, αi, probability of parasitism, Pi, and electivity index, ɛi.
Lower Cost Arrivals for Airlines: Optimal Policies for Managing Runway Operations under Optimized Profile Descent

Optimized profile descent (OPD) is an operating procedure being used by airlines to improve fuel and environmental efficiency during arrival operations at airports. In this study, we develop a stochastic dynamic programming framework to manage the sequencing and separation of flights during OPD operations. We find that simple calculation based measures can be used as optimal decision rules, and that the expected annual savings can be around $29 million if such implementations are adapted by major airports in the United States. Of these savings, $24 million are direct savings for airlines due to reduced fuel usage, corresponding to a potential savings of 10%–15% in fuel consumption over current practice. We also find that most of these savings will be due to the optimal spacing of OPD flights, as opposed to the optimal sequencing policies which contribute only 14% to the total savings. Hence, optimal spacing of OPD flights is much more important than optimal sequencing of these flights. We also conclude that there is not much difference between the environmental costs of fuel-optimal and sustainably-optimal spacing policies. Hence, an airline-centric approach in improving OPD operations is likely to be not in conflict with objectives that might be prioritized by other stakeholders.
Changes in immunoreactivity to anti-cGnRH-I and -II are associated with photostimulated sexual status in male quail

In sexually active males exposed to long-day (LD) photoperiod, perikarya in the olfactory bulb, lobus parolfactorius, n. accumbens, and preoptic region were immunoreactive (ir) to an antiserum against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (anti-cGnRH-I), and a cluster of ir-perikarya was found in the caudal-most septal area. Ir-perikarya in these brain areas of sexually inactive short-day (SD) males were located within more discrete areas than those in LD brain, which were more scattered in appearance. Absolute cell numbers were similar between LD and SD brains. Ir-fibers in LD brains were mostly in the external median eminence, along the lateral ventricle to septum (especially in and about the n. accumbens), in the septal-preoptic area, along the third ventricle, and at the n. commissure palli. There were fewer ir-fibers in SD brain. Many small dark ring-like ir-structures were found in the hyperstriatum, hippocampus, and n. taeniae. Interpreted as being ir-terminals on non-ir perikarya, these were not observed in SD males. cGnRH-II ir-perikarya were observed in only two areas regardless of reproductive status: (1) ventral to the substantia grisea centralis and caudal to the oculomotor complex, and (2) scattered in and about the lateral hypothalamus. Ir-fibers occurred in the habenular area, hyperstriatum, hippocampus, parahippocampal area, cortex piriformis, and n. taeniae. cGnRH-II ir-fibers occurred in the external median eminence but were less intensely stained than cGnRH-I ir-fibers. These fibers in SD males were similar except in the diencephalon, where scattered swellings were observed. Thus, the appearance and distribution of anti-cGnRH-I and -II ir-structures change with the sexual status of male quail, but changes in immunoreactivity to anti-cGnRH-I appear to be more widespread.
Expression, purification and characterization of recombinant human proinsulin

We have recently developed a method to produce native human proinsulin using a bacterial expression system. A proinsulin fusion protein was recovered from inclusion bodies and cleaved using cyanogen bromide. The released proinsulin polypeptide was S-sulfonated and purified by anion exchange chromatography. Following refolding, proinsulin was purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Combined peptide mapping and mass spectrometric analysis indicated that the proinsulin contained the correct disulfide bridging pattern. This proinsulin will be used to study the specificity of the furin/PC family of converting enzymes by using it as a substrate in a recently developed assay.
Synthesis of Di- and Trisubstituted Azulenes Using a Danheiser Annulation as the Key Step: An Advanced Organic Laboratory Experiment.

This three-week advanced-level organic experiment provides students with an inquiry-based approach focused on learning traditional skills such as primary literature interpretation, reaction design, flash column chromatography, and NMR analysis. Additionally, students address higher-order concepts such as the origin of azulene’s blue color, the mechanism of the Danheiser annulation (step 1), identification of an unknown reaction byproduct, and rationalization of a selective electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction (step 2). Students are initially drawn in by the fascinating color of azulene and remain engaged by the intriguing questions that naturally occur during this investigation.
A performance estimation model for GPU-based systems

GPUs - Graphics Processing Units are now used in a wide variety of computing systems, to solve a wide variety of computational problems. Even though they were initially developed to accelerate graphics processing, their parallel architecture has demonstrated to be extremely useful for other applications, including high-performance computing. Due to their widespread use, it is important to understand and estimate its performance, which depends on several architecture parameters, particularly core frequency, memory frequency, and number of cores. In this paper, we present an analytical model to estimate GPUs performance, and we demonstrate its accuracy using a set of benchmarks: 3D games, namely Crysis and Company of Heroes, a 3D Wave benchmark, namely DirectCompute. We also apply the model to a High Performance Computation benchmark, SGEMM, which is based on floating-point single precision matrix multiplications. Comparison between the output of the estimation model and measured data for different benchmarks and GPU architectures is less than 10% for all tested cases.
Media selection via multiple objective integer programming

Abstract Multiple Objective Integer Linear Programming (MOILP) is presented as an aid to media selection. A MOILP analysis approach recognizes the lack of infinite division in media choices and provides the decisionmaker with an efficient set of alternatives. The decisionmaker may then utilize non-quantifiable criteria to make the final media selection or may use the efficient set developed by the MOILP procedure as a screening mechanism. These screened solutions would then be submitted to further analysis to consider interaction effects, non-linearity and so on. The approach is outlined and an illustrative example using somewhat standard data is provided.
Effect of Rider Position on Bicycle Stability

Bicycle stability has been of interest to dynamicists and athletes since before J. W. Whipple described the canonical model for bicycle motion in 1899. Since then, the subject has fascinated many who sought to find a simple way to describe the essence of stability for a hands free bicycle at a prescribed forward speed. Caster and gyroscopic effects have been shown to be helpful, but not necessary for there to exist a stable range of forward speeds. This work focuses on showing how using the eigenvalues of the linearized equations for roll and steer (with and without a steering torque) can illuminate the stabilizing and destabilizing effects of changing bicycle geometry and rider position. Of particular interest is the mathematical demonstration of the decreased stability a cyclist on a time trial bike experiences when in the aerodynamic position, as opposed to riding with hands on the brake hoods or bull horns.Copyright © 2013 by ASME