cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apparent symmetries in range data

Abstract A procedure for extracting symmetrical features from the output of a range scanner is described which is insensitive to sensor noise and robust with respect to object surface complexity. The acquisition of symmetry descriptors for rigid bodies from a range image was in this case motivated by the need to direct pre-grasp configurations in dextrous manipulation systems. However, object symmetries are powerful features for object identification/matching and correspond explicitly to useful geometric object models such as generalized cylinder representations 1 .
HOMOTRANSPLANTATION ANTIBODIES DETECTED BY MIXED AGGLUTINATION WITH CELL CULTURE MONOLAYERS.

FORMATION of humoral antibodies as a result of tissue homotransplantation in mice was shown by the haemag-glutination technique introduced by Gorer1,2. Later, other serological methods such as lysis3, cytotoxicity4, leuko-agglutination5, and complement fixation6 have been used.
MODULATION OF HERPESVIRUS HOMINIS INFECTION IN NEWBORNS BY MATERNALLY TRANSFERRED ANTIBODIES

The protective role of maternally transferred antibodies on resistance to H. hominis infection was examined by epidemiologic survey of 211 human sera for antibodies and by experimental infection in newborn mice. Twenty five cord blood and 186 sera from persons of varying ages were tested for antibodies against H. hominis by indirect immunofluorescent staining method. The antibody reached the highest levels in the cord blood (mean titers = 1:1477) and the lowest levels between 6 months and one year of age (mean titers= 1:156). The antibody approached the adult levels (mean titers = 1:1193) by the age of 17 years. The apparent inverse relationship between the antibody levels in the population and the incidence of the disease indirectly suggests the protective role of the antibodies. Exogenous administration of antibodies directed against H. hominis to pregnant mice resulted in an enhanced resistance to H. hominis infection in the offsprings. The mortality was 75% for the controls (35 mice) and 15% (P < 0.005) for the offsprings (39 mice) of mothers receiving antibodies. These data suggest that maternally transferred antibodies play a significant role in modulating the pathogenesis of H. hominis infection in the newborn.
Evaluation of a three point pressure method for the determination of arterial transmission characteristics.

Abstract The mathematical expressions required to analyse wave transmission characteristics (frequency dependent phase velocity, attenuation, and reflection) in arteries, under in vivo conditions, are summarized. In addition, a three point pressure method, which theoretically permits experimental determination of the propagation constant (phase velocity and attenuation), was tested under in vitro conditions. It is found to be a potentially powerful tool for in vivo studies if used with the appropriate constraints.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Through Remnant Great Saphenous Vein Following Vein Harvest

Introduction Great saphenous vein (GSV) harvest is common practice in vascular and cardiothoracic surgery. Thrombosis of the proximal remnant of vein with propagation into the femoral vein has not been reported before. Case report The distal half of the GSV was harvested for remote grafting of an axillary artery injury. Three months later the patient presented with thrombosis of the proximal remnant with extension of the thrombus into the femoral vein. This was successfully treated by high ligation and extraction of thrombus. Discussion Leaving a proximal remnant of the GSV in the thigh can lead to thrombosis, and the potential lethal complication of thrombus extension through the sapheno-femoral junction with the possibility of pulmonary embolism. We suggest that if the great saphenous vein is harvested in the distal thigh, the sapheno-femoral junction should be flush-ligated to prevent this complication.
Nuclear Coordinate dependence of electronic transition moments in orbitally forbidden transitions: A new interpretation of deuterium isotope effects

Abstract The nuclear coordinate dependence of electronic transtion moments has been investigated for the purpose of finding new interpretations of deuterium isotope effects on spectral intensities and radiative decay rates in orbitally forbidden electronic transitions. By using “AO following nuclei” wavefunctions as the building block for the electronic wavefunction in the adiabatic BO vibronic wavefunction, the spin-free hamiltonian is diagonalized to generate eigenfunctions and eigen-energies. It is found that the electronic transtion moments based on these eigenfunctions show dependences upon the vibrational modes which are not directly involved in vibronic coupling. This leads to interpretations of the deuterium isotope effects in T1 → S0 radiative transitions of aromatic hydrocarbons and S0 → S1 absorption in pyrazine which are not based on the conventional Herzberg—Teller or non-BO coupling.
Homo certus in professional basketball? Empirical evidence from the 2011 NBA Playoffs

The current article builds on Berri and Eschker's (2005) research on the impact of crunch time, or pressure-packed performance, in professional basketball by searching for changes in individual player performance near the end of the game. In this way, our study is similar to the study of Savage and Torgler (2012), which examined World Cup soccer performances. Here, we focus solely on National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoff games (from 2011), which are the most stressful games to players. The empirical analyses presented in this study generally confirm earlier research contending that the existence of a prime time or clutch player in the NBA is a myth. On the contrary, our work supports the idea that professional basketball fans often exhibit confirmation bias, wherein they tend to overweight clutch performances that support their a priori beliefs.
Red cloud: A dark red-skinned potato cultivar which holds color in storage

Red Cloud is a midseason potato comparable in maturity to Red LaSoda and later than Red Norland. It is characterized by a thick, dark red skin and white flesh. The red skin coloring holds well in storage, longer than either Red LaSoda or Dark Red Norland. Red Cloud produced above average yields in trials conducted in Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas, and in the 14 participating States and Provinces of the North Central Regional Potato (NCR) Trial in 1982. Yields of Red Cloud were higher than Dark Red Norland and lower than Red LaSoda in NE (1989–1991), similar to Red Norland in NE and CO (1977–1982) and to Red LaSoda and Dark Red LaSoda in AZ (1978–1982), and similar to Dark Red Norland and lower than Red LaSoda in TX (1982). Red Cloud tends to have more grade outs due to bulging eyes than the above standards. The specific gravity has been consistently greater than standard and other experimental red cultivars. Red Cloud had fewer tubers with hollow heart or vascular discoloration, and fewer tubers with any internal or external defects than Red Norland and Red Pontiac. It has demonstrated heat tolerance in Arizona. The white flesh has a mealy texture. The primary market for Red Cloud is a fresh table potato for boiling, mashing and baking.
Structural energetics of barstar studied by differential scanning microcalorimetry

The energetics of barstar denaturation have been studied by CD and scanning microcalorimetry in an extended range of pH and salt concentration. It was shown that, upon increasing temperature, barstar undergoes a transition to the denatured state that is well approximated by a two-state transition in solutions of high ionic strength. This transition is accompanied by significant heat absorption and an increase in heat capacity. The denaturational heat capacity increment at approximately 75 degrees C was found to be 5.6 +/- 0.3 kJ K-1 mol-1. In all cases, the value of the measured enthalpy of denaturation was notably lower than those observed for other small globular proteins. In order to explain this observation, the relative contributions of hydration and the disruption of internal interactions to the total enthalpy and entropy of unfolding were calculated. The enthalpy and entropy of hydration were found to be in good agreement with those calculated for other proteins, but the enthalpy and entropy of breaking internal interactions were found to be among the lowest for all globular proteins that have been studied. Additionally, the partial specific heat capacity of barstar in the native state was found to be 0.37 +/- 0.03 cal K-1 g-1, which is higher than what is observed for most globular proteins and suggests significant flexibility in the native state. It is known from structural data that barstar undergoes a conformational change upon binding to its natural substrate barnase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Genomic Stability: FANCJ-Dependent G4 DNA Repair

G-rich regions have the potential to form G4 DNA upon replication, which can lead to genomic instability. FANCJ, a G4 DNA helicase, has been shown to be critical for the stability of regions that match the G4 signature motif by experiments analyzing its nematode homolog.
Minute to Learn It: Integrating One-Minute Videos Into Information Literacy Programming

This case study describes a series of One Minute Tips videos created by librarians at Old Dominion University. The videos deliver instruction adaptable to many formats, including traditional library instruction and point of need individual viewing. Packed with information but short in length, the One Minute Tips videos creatively mix popular culture, music, sound effects, screencasting, and instruction and layering techniques. This article discusses the creation of the videos with a focus on the learning preferences of millennials, integration into instruction and programming, promotion, branding, and assessment.
Inter-item manipulations of implicit associative responses in verbal-discrimination learning

Two experiments were performed to test predictions from frequency theory regarding the role of implicit associative responses (IARs) in verbal-discrimination learning. Although list content was demonstrated to limit generalization, a list employing associatively related right (R) items and unrelated wrong (W) items was consistently found to be most difficult, while lists composed of associatively related wrong (W) items tended to be learned most readily. These results fail to replicate the findings of Ekstrand, Wallace, & Underwood (1966) and are inconsistent with the frequency theory. Methodological variables having possible implications for the obtained results were suggested for further investigation.
Is shoulder dystocia-associated brachial plexus palsy more severe among infants of diabetics?

MORE SEVERE AMONG INFANTS OF DIABETICS? SCOTT PETERSEN, ROBERT ALLEN, MICHELE DONITHAN, PATRICIA MOORE, LEORA ALLEN, KATHERINE OUTLAND, EDITH GUREWITSCH, Johns Hopkins University, Gyn/Ob, Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University, Biomed Eng, Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University, Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University, Gyn/Ob, Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University, Nursing, Baltimore, MD OBJECTIVE: Diabetic gravidas are at increased risk for shoulder dystocia (SD). Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) are at risk for abnormalities of their nervous system. To test the hypothesis that among neonates with SD-associated brachial plexus palsy (BPP) permanent and severe BPP ismore prevalent among IDM, we compared rates of permanent and severe BPP between IDM and nonIDM. STUDY DESIGN: Cases of SD-associated BPP culled from 2 databases (all SD deliveries [1993-2003] from a single institution and litigated cases of SDassociated permanent BPP from multiple U.S. institutions) were classified as temporary if BPP resolved by 2 yrs of age (TBPP). Permanent BPP was classified as severe if it lasted more than 2 yrs and involved the complete brachial plexus (C5-C8/T1) and/or a nerve root avulsion (SBPP). Mild permanent BPI lasted $2 yrs but did not involve the lower nerve roots or an avulsion (MBPP). NonIDM and IDM were compared for rates of permanent BPP and of SBPP, using chi-square with significance set at P < 0.05. A stepwise linear regression model was used to evaluate the effect of diabetes on permanence and severity of BPP. RESULTS: Of 218 cases of SD-associated BPP, the maternal diabetic status was known in 208 (95.4%). Of these, 56 were TBPP, 89 were MBPP, and 63 were SBPP. While macrosomia was equally prevalent among TBPP as among permanent BPP, infants with SBPP were more likely to be macrosomic than infants with TBPP or MBPP (77.2% vs 61.2%, P = 0.02). However, macrosomia was no more common among diabetics than among non-diabetics in this select population of infants with SD-associated BPP. After controlling for maternal weight and birth weight, infants of diabetics were no more likely to have either permanent or severe BPP than infants of non-diabetics. CONCLUSION: IDM with SD-associated BPP are not at increased risk for either permanent or severe BPP.
Possible evidence for mixed symmetry of the order parameter in the cuprates

Abstract The current experimental evidence for the symmetry of the order parameter in the cuprates is reviewed. New experiments on tetragonal Tl2201 are discussed. These experiments put stronger constrains on any theory of high temperature superconductivity, due to the lack of observation of a second transition below T c in this material.
Electron stains. II: Electron microscopic studies on the visibility of stained DNA molecules.

DNA fibrils on staining in uranyl acetate or nitrate at pH 3·5 become dense in the electron microscope. Fibrils obtained from solutions containing 5 μg/ml. or less of DNA measure 20 ± 5 A perpendicular to the plane of the supporting membrane. On staining, they appear as a dense line measuring 20 ± 5 A in the plane of the supporting membrane. At stain concentrations of 0·0012 M , 0·012 M and 0·12 M the corresponding contrast is 5 ± 2, 5 ± 2, and 9 ± 3% respectively. This contrast variation parallels the extent of attachment of uranyl ions to DNA in solution. On the assumption that DNA adsorbed to the supporting membrane complexes with uranyl, as does DNA in solution, the 5±2% contrast can be attributed to DNA stained with one uranyl ion per base-pair. The above assumption and the significance of the results in nucleic acid sequence determination are discussed.
Almost surely consistent nonparametric regression from recursive partitioning schemes

Abstract Presented here are results on almost sure convergence of estimators of regression functions subject to certain moment restrictions. Two somewhat different notions of almost sure convergence are studied: unconditional and conditional given a training sample. The estimators are local means derived from certain recursive partitioning schemes.
Evidence for clinical smoking cessation for adolescents.

Objective This report reviews the evidence that informs the role of health and mental health care providers in addressing youth smoking cessation. Design Qualitative literature review. Results Physicians do not consistently screen adolescents for tobacco use and fail to provide recommended cessation advice. Challenges to addressing smoking cessation include the need for procedures to ensure confidentiality and the existence of competing demands to provide other services. Few published studies have specifically addressed the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Interventions that require return visits or follow-up phone contacts are technically difficult to implement in this population. Successful interventions may require resources not available in nonresearch settings. Most studies have used brief clinical intervention as a control condition, making it impossible to evaluate its effectiveness. Conclusion There is little evidence that supports current clinical smoking cessation guidelines for adolescents. More research is needed to develop inexpensive, efficient clinical interventions that can provide youths access to smoking cessation help. Future challenges include reorganizing clinical systems to offer greater counseling by support staff or in electronic formats and to provide effective booster messages and follow-up care in a population that is difficult to track.
Effect of a high protein diet on glucose tolerance in the rat model.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high protein diet on glucose tolerance. Nine Sprague Dawley rats received a high protein (HP) diet (65% protein, 35% fat) and eight rats consumed a standard chow (SC) diet over eight weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed at the end of the third and the seventh week. The diet did not effect glucose tolerance in the first (SC = 10 357 ± 294 mg/dl/120 min; HP = 9846 ± 300 mg/dl/120 min) or the second OGTT (SC = 10 134 ± 395 mg/dl/120 min; HP = 10 721 ± 438 mg/dl/120 min) as reflected by the area under the glucose concentration curve. Similarly, the area under the insulin concentration curve was not effected by the high protein diet during the first (SC = 49.21 ± 8.46 ng/ml/120 min; HP = 41.75 ± 10.54 ng/ml/120 min) or the second OGTT (SC = 96.63 ± 13.68 ng/ml/120 min; HP = 92.77 ± 17.44 ng/ml/120 min). The high protein diet group experienced a delayed glucose response for the first (SC = 30 min at 112 ± 7 mg/dl; HP = 60 min at 101 ± 5 mg/dl) and second OGTT (SC = 15 min at 117 ± 5 mg/dl; HP = 60 min at 95 ± 7 mg/dl). Body mass increased to the same extent in each diet group from the initial to final weighing (SC = 159 ± 2 g to 254 ± 7 g; HP = 157 ± 2 g to 242 ± 7 g). Despite a delay in peak glucose response, these findings suggest that glucose tolerance and body mass were neither adversely nor positively affected by a high protein diet.
Comparison of hardware based and software based stress testing of memory IO interface

In post-silicon testing and validation of circuit functionality, an effective IO stress pattern can identify bugs quickly and provide adequate test coverage. A lot of work has been done to identify the right stress patterns specific to each IO interface. While some patterns can be generic enough to apply to all IOs, other patterns are interface topology specific. In addition to identifying the worst-case pattern, tradeoffs between test-time and test coverage must be made depending on the test goals. Pseudo Random Bit Stream (PRBS) generators are commonly used to generate test patterns because of the adequate frequency content in the PRBS patterns, the ease of implementation, and minimal gate count. This paper introduces an Advanced Pattern Generator and Checker (APGC) based on PRBS that retains all the aforementioned advantages. The APGC was implemented for a DDR memory interface where different LFSRs beat against each other spatially on neighboring IO lanes while rotating this form of aggressor-victim pattern in time. The results of the APGC stress patterns are compared to a form of advanced software-based learning algorithm based patterns that exhaustively search this complete parameter space. The comparison of APGC to software showed that the measured bit error rate (BER) plotted on a Q-scale of both methods is similar for the Receiver side. On the Transmitter side, APGC showed less eye opening than the software. In addition to the margin comparison, on the test execution side, APGC can speed up the test and validation execution time compared to the software by 32 to 2048 times depending on aggressor victim lane width of 8 to 64 lanes.
Visco-Elastic Properties of Aligned Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Blocks

Structural components subjected to cyclic stress can succumb to fatigue and fail at stress levels much lower than what is expected under static loading conditions. Such fatigue behavior in nanotube structures has never been reported, albeit its importance in practical devices incorporating nanotube components. In particular, cyclic compression loaded vertically aligned nanotube structures could find various applications as electro-mechanical systems. Here, this work reports the mechanical response from repeated high compressive strains on freestanding, long, vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube membranes and show that the arrays of nanotubes under compression behave very similar to soft tissue and exhibit viscoelastic behavior. Under compressive cyclic loading, the mechanical response of nanotube blocks shows initial preconditioning, hysteresis characteristic of viscoeleastic materials, nonlinear elasticity, stress relaxation, and large deformations. Furthermore, no fatigue failure is observed even at high strain amplitudes up to half million cycles. The outstanding fatigue life and extraordinary soft tissue-like mechanical behavior suggest that properly engineered carbon nanotube structures could mimic artificial muscles, and their added high electrical and thermal conductivity could make excellent candidates for uses as compliant electrical contact brushes, probe cards and electromechanical systems.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Preventing Systemic War Crisis Decision-Making Amidst a Structure of Conflict Relationships

In this article, an equilibrium theory of conflict behavior is developed in which there exists a balance or equilibrium in the number of disputes begun and ended in a given time period. Significant interdependence as the result of diffusion, reinforcement, or a common source of conflict behavior leads to departures from the equilibrium model that, in turn, are associated with the onset of systemic, or global, war. Using a set of serious international disputes occurring in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the nineteenth century is found to fit the equilibrium model, but the period approaching World War I does not, when all disputes involving both major and minor powers are considered. Disputes involving only major powers constitute a stable system in both the nineteenth century and pre-World War I period. Implications for crisis management and conflict resolution are developed through the use of disjoint sets that effectively separate the different kinds of disputes, which together could lead to glo...
Isolation ofThiothrix in pure culture and observation of a filamentous epiphyte onThiothrix

Thiothrix was isolated from two sites, one in Arizona and the other in Florida, although the former strain was subsequently lost. This is the first report of the isolation ofThiothrix in pure culture. The cells in aThiothrix bloom found in a stock tank had filamentous “appendages”, which proved to consist of a segmented, trichomatous, epiphytic bacterium.
A behavioral freight movement microsimulation model: method and data

AbstractThe framework of freight demand modeling has been the conventional four-step approach, in the past. Activity-based models that better capture the behavior and decision-making process are emerging in the passenger travel modeling to address the drawbacks of the four-step approach. This paper proposes an activity-based freight modeling framework and discuses its data needs. The framework consists of five modules: firm generation, supply chain replication, shipment forecasting, logistic decisions, and network analysis. Similar to the activity-based approach in the passenger travel modeling, in which individuals or households are the agents of the models, individual firms or a group of firms with similar characteristics, are the main players in the proposed framework. Public data sources that could be used in the U.S. to make this framework running are also introduced and a supplementary establishment survey is proposed as a cost-effective way to satisfy the data needs of the framework.
Numerical modelling of phase change and heat transfer during rapid solidification processes: use of control volume integrals with element subdivision

Abstract An effective interface-tracking scheme has been developed for the numerical modelling of heat transfer and phase change during rapid solidification. This technique is based on Control Volume Integrals, and achieves high-resolution tracking of the solid/liquid interface by element subdivision. It is particularly well-suited for rapid solidification with undercooling, for which the accurate prediction of the interface temperature during recalescence is very important. This approach has been used to model the Planar Flow Casting and Splat Cooling processes. Some results on temperature profiles and on interface velocity, location, undercooling, and cooling rate are shown for both processes.
The double pin method in the treatment of fractures of the tibia and fibula

Abstract In fractures of the tibia and fibula with displacement, and those that have a tendency toward displacement, the double pin method is indicated. The advantages of this method are: (1) uniformity of procedure; (2) no operative team is necessary. Elaborate technic for reduction of fracture is done away with. (3) In our series, there has been no case of infection at the site of the Steinman pins. (4) Inasmuch as this method produces firm fixation, it has a particular advantage in the treatment of compound fractures. (5) The time and cost of hospitalization have been drastically reduced as compared with previous methods employed. (6) With the use of the double pin method we obtain firm immobilization of the fractured fragments as compared to the previous method of skeletal traction—suspension with one pin through the os calcis.
Upper-Tropospheric Synoptic-Scale Waves. Part II: Maintenance and Excitation of Quasi Modes

Abstract In a preceding paper a simple dynamical model for the maintenance of upper-tropospheric waves was proposed: the upper-level Eady normal modes. In this paper it is shown that these modes have counterparts in basic states with positive tropospheric gradients of potential vorticity, and that these counterparts can be maintained and excited on time scales consistent with observations. In the presence of infinitesimal positive tropospheric gradients of potential vorticity, the upper-level normal-mode solutions no longer exist. That the normal-mode solution disappears when gradients are infinitesimal represents an apparent singularity and challenges the interpretation of upper-level synoptic-scale waves as related to the upper-level Eady normal modes. What happens to the upper-level modal solution in the presence of tropospheric gradients of potential vorticity is examined in a series of initial-value experiments. Our results show that they become slowly decaying quasi modes. Mathematically the quasi m...
Anti-Inflammatory Role of the Isoflavone Diadzein in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Microglia: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease

Microglial activation and subsequent release of toxic pro-inflammatory factors are believed to play an important role in neuronal cell death associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Compounds that inhibit microglia activation and suppress pro-inflammatory factor release have been reported to have neuroprotective effects in animal models of PD. In this study, we tested whether diadzein, a natural isoflavone found in soybean, attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of inflammatory mediators in BV-2, a murine microglial cell line. Diadzein pretreatment was found to significantly suppress the production of the pro-inflammatory factors nitric oxide and IL-6 as well as their mRNA expression in conjunction with reductions in ROS production, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, transfer of conditioned media (CM) from BV-2 cells pretreated with diadzein resulted in a significantly reduction in dopaminergic neurotoxicity compared with CM from microglia stimulated with LPS alone. Together, our results suggest that diadzein’s neuroprotective properties may be due to its ability to dampen induction of microglial activation and the subsequent release of soluble pro-inflammatory factors. This appears to be via inhibition of oxidative induction of the p38 MAP kinase-NFκB pathway, resulting in reduced expression of pro-inflammatory genes and release of their corresponding gene products.
Nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus in children

Twenty-five patients, aged six to 18 years, with lupus nephritis, followed for two to 103 months (median 22 months), have been classified according to renal histology into groups with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (18), focal proliferative nephritis (2), and membranous nephropathy (5). Correlations have been made among specific histologic groups, clinical findings, renal function studies, urinary findings, and response to therapy. In sequential renal biopsies, lesions progressed in most patients with diffuse proliferative and membranous changes; however, chronic renal failure occurred in only one patient and the five-year survival rate (60.9%) is better than previously reported in pediatric patients.
Topographic distortion of telluric currents; a simple calculation

An analytic solution of the electric field near a two‐dimensional offset in the earth’s surface is presented as a means of estimating the effects of nonplanar topography on telluric measurements. Results indicate that, for an offset height d, the field at the earth’s surface is within ten percent of its undisturbed value for distances, greater than 2.5 d from the offset on the lower side and for distances greater than 4 d on the upper side. The disturbance due to the offset extends even less far out in situations where the telluric currents are channeled close to the surface.
Insights into mRNA export-linked molecular mechanisms of human disease through a Gle1 structure-function analysis

A critical step during gene expression is the directional export of nuclear messenger (m)RNA through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) to the cytoplasm. During export, Gle1 in conjunction with inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) spatially regulates the activity of the DEAD-box protein Dbp5 at the NPC cytoplasmic face. GLE1 mutations are causally linked to the human diseases lethal congenital contracture syndrome 1 (LCCS-1) and lethal arthrogryposis with anterior horn cell disease (LAAHD). Here, structure prediction and functional analysis provide strong evidence to suggest that the LCCS-1 and LAAHD disease mutations disrupt the function of Gle1 in mRNA export. Strikingly, direct fluorescence microscopy in living cells reveals a dramatic loss of steady-state NPC localization for GFP-gle1 proteins expressed from human gle1 genes harboring LAAHD and LCCS-1 mutations. The potential significance of these residues is further clarified by analyses of sequence and predicted structural conservation. This work offers insights into the perturbed mechanisms underlying human LCCS-1 and LAAHD disease states and emphasizes the potential impact of altered mRNA transport and gene expression in human disease.
Lactate consumption by hepatocytes in monolayer culture.

AbstractHepatic lactate metabolism was studied in confluent primary hepatocyte monolayer cultures from fasted rats. The cultures were maintained in Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 1% gelatin and 50 mM of both Tricine and Hepes. Under standard conditions of pH 7.4, Po2 > 280 mm Hg, and Pco2 of 22-27 mm Hg, little glucose or lactate was produced unless the media was made 10 mM with either fructose, dehydroxyacetone, or pyruvate. While the addition of glucose did not lead to lactate production, added lactate was converted to glucose. Lactate utilization was unaffected by lowering the Po2 to 100 mm Hg, but between 100 to 20 mm Hg lactate consumption was increasingly inhibited. At 20 mm Hg no lactate was consumed. At low pH, below 7.0, lactate utilization was inhibited. The effects of low pH and anoxia, separately and together, were readily reversed by returning the cultures to standard conditions. Varying the Pco2 from 4.4 to 101 mm Hg had no effect on lactate consumption.
The Illinois studies in inquiry training

Suchman describes the Illinois Studies in Inquiry Training Project at the University of Illinois. Three conditions facilitating inquiry in classroom settings are identified: a focus for attention, freedom, and a responsive environment. The elaboration of these conditions and the shift in motivation which results from creating them are discussed. Examples of the inquiry training process are presented. A pilot study is reported wherein it was discovered that children who rated high on cognitive control, impulsivity, and autonomy were more effective inquirers than children who were low on any of these three factors.
Possible mechanism for thermal conductivity in (KBr)1-x(KCN)x.

Recent low-temperature experiments on (KBr${)}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$(KCN${)}_{\mathrm{x}}$ indicate that initially, as expected, the thermal conductivity \ensuremath{\kappa} decreases as x increases. However, for x\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.01, \ensuremath{\kappa} increases with increasing x. We propose that this increase is a result of energy diffusion due to elastic interactions between the ${\mathrm{CN}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ions.
A circular inclusion in a finite domain I. The Dirichlet-Eshelby problem

This is the first paper in a series concerned with the precise characterization of the elastic fields due to inclusions embedded in a finite elastic medium. A novel solution procedure has been developed to systematically solve a type of Fredholm integral equations based on symmetry, self-similarity, and invariant group arguments. In this paper, we consider a two-dimensional (2D) circular inclusion within a finite, circular representative volume element (RVE). The RVE is considered isotropic, linear elastic and is subjected to a displacement (Dirichlet) boundary condition. Starting from the 2D plane strain Navier equation and by using our new solution technique, we obtain the exact disturbance displacement and strain fields due to a prescribed constant eigenstrain field within the inclusion. The solution is characterized by the so-called Dirichlet-Eshelby tensor, which is provided in closed form for both the exterior and interior region of the inclusion. Some immediate applications of the Dirichlet-Eshelby tensor are discussed briefly.
Improving the quality of three products through improved testing: A case study

The keys to efficient testing are to detect problems as early as possible in the testing phase and to try and detect problems before they reach the customer. Three product offerings of a major software company are examined, and recommendations on how the testing and maintenance processes for these products can be improved are given. The rationale behind these recommendations is based on an analysis of the types of errors being reported in each product, when these errors are found, and in which modules they are found. >
Symbolic automata constraint solving

Constraints over regular and context-free languages are common in the context of string-manipulating programs. Efficient solving of such constraints, often in combination with arithmetic and other theories, has many useful applications in program analysis and testing. We introduce and evaluate a method for symbolically expressing and solving constraints over automata, including subset constraints. Our method uses techniques present in the state-of-the-art SMT solver Z3.
Religious Influences on Teenage Childbearing Among Brazilian Female Adolescents: A Research Note

Scholars have shown increasing interest in the social implications of Protestant and, specifically, Pentecostal expansion in Latin America over the past several decades. This study uses data from the National Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil to explore the influence of religious affiliation and attendance on the reproductive behavior of unmarried female adolescents (ages 15‐19). Results demonstrate that religiously affiliated female adolescents are less likely to have had a child during their teen years when compared with their unaffiliated peers. These protective effects are quite robust for adolescents who claim a Pentecostal affiliation, which is consistent with the doctrine of sanctification, including norms of sexual restraint. Results also demonstrate that teens who attend worship services frequently are significantly less likely to have had a child. These findings augment prior research on religion and fertility while calling attention to the protective effects associated with emergent niches in Brazil’s increasingly diversified religious economy.
The Summer Plateau Low Pressure System of Mexico

Average July heights and winds over a 10-yr period are computed at 850 mb over Mexico using both surface and radiosonde data. During the day central Mexico at this level is dominated by low pressure, with some smaller areas of high pressure. The pressure systems were less pronounced in 1990 and the smaller high pressure areas were notably weaker during 1993, showing that there is important interannual variability in these patterns. At night, the low pressure weakens and there are generally expanded areas of high pressure. This area of low pressure is caused by the high plateau, which acts as an elevated heat source for the atmosphere during the day. Thus, the circulation is an extension of a similar one previously observed in the United States and is of about the same magnitude. Although computation of 850-mb heights from surface data helps improve horizontal resolution at this level, additional data would be needed to assess the vertical structure of the plateau circulation system as well as to provide more details on the diurnal variations.
Estimating left ventricular ejection fraction from two-dimensional echocardiograms: visual and computer-processed interpretations.

Digital echocardiography makes computer-processed estimates of ejection fraction feasible for clinical use but increases physician reading time. The practicabilities were examined by three novice fellows and four experienced attendings. Ejection fraction was visually estimated from playback of videotape or cine-loop displays. Ejection fraction was also estimated from single tracings of endocardium, digitized and applied to biplane Simpson's rule, and expressed in whole units. Differences between fellows' and attendings' visual estimates were close to 0 ± 6.4 median standard deviation. The 95% confidence intervals for reproducing visual and computer-processed ejection fractions ranged from 15% to 46% of mean ejection fraction; for comparing the two methods, from 7% to 36%. Intraobserver reading errors varied widely and with one observer, systematically, and were independent of experience, but dependent on the quality of signals. Computer-processed readings of ejection fraction should be reserved for images of reasonable quality and for confirming visually estimated ejection fractions between the lower limits of normal (45%-50%) to moderately severely depressed (25%-30%), when accuracy is clinically relevant or when a serial change is at the confidence limits of the reader and needs verification. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, January 1991)
Factors That Influence the Level of Underground Government

Bennett and DiLorenzo have called the rapidly rising levels of off-budget spending "underground government," which they viewed as an end-run around voter-enacted limitations on spending, taxation, and debt. Marlow and Joulfaian argue that high levels of off-budget spending occur for the same reasons as high levels of on-budget spending. In this article, state data are used to develop two econometric models of off-budget spending. The models are used to test the hypotheses of Bennett and DiLorenzo, and Marlow and Joulfaian, and to develop new ones. Many of the significant variables have not been included in any previous models, and some of them have policy-making implications.
The Ability of Slags to Absorb Solid Oxide Inclusions

The capture rate of solid oxide-inclusion particles from molten steel by molten slag depends on the rate of steel film drainage (which occurs at certain particle velocities), interfacial separation, and dissolution into the slag. In this study the capture of common oxide inclusions of sizes 2.5–200 µm and with velocities ranging from their terminal velocities to 0.3 m·s−1 approaching the interface between molten iron and slags with chemistries corresponding to ladle, tundish and mold slags are investigated. Calculations, based on a model available in literature, show that film drainage (when applicable) is rapid enough to be ignored. A sensitivity analysis based on the slag properties show that the interfacial energy between slag and inclusion is the most pertinent property that could hinder interfacial separation. However, the interfacial tension needed to achieve this has to be a minimum of 0.41 N/m which is unreasonable for the case of common oxide inclusions such as Al2O3, MgO, ZrO2 and MgAl2O4. The final step of dissolution was found based on studies with Confocal Scanning Laser Microscope experiments, to be significantly slower than the other steps. For a 100 µm particle, in the slags/inclusions investigated a correlation between slag viscosity, η [Pa·s] and super saturation, ΔC [kg·m2−3] with inclusion dissolution time, τ [s] was shown to be, τ=2.04·10−2/(C/η).
High power nonlinear transmission lines with nonlinear inductance

Nonlinear transmission lines have been demonstrated to be an effective technique for generating high power ultrawideband or mesoband radiation without the need for a vacuum system, electron beam, or magnet. Experiments have been performed at UM on a discrete element nonlinear transmission line using nonlinear inductance with input powers of 100 MW. Pulse sharpening of multi-kA input pulses has been observed in addition to the generation of oscillations at the characteristic LC frequency.
Response to About an Epidemic of Primary Aldosteronism

I appreciate Plouin’s1 thoughtful comments. In discussing idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, I was referring back to Padfield’s work2 indicating that the underlying pathophysiologies of idiopathic …
Recursive T-matrix algorithms for 1-D and 2-D clusterings of strips

Two recursive T-matrix algorithms were introduced for EM scattering by W.C. Chew (1989), W.C. Chew and Y.M. Wang (1990). In the present work, the authors discuss the application of these algorithms to conducting strip geometries, and analyze the complexities of the algorithms. The two algorithms are shown to have complexities of O(N/sup 2/P) and O(NP/sup 2/), where N is the number of unknowns in the problem, and P is the number of terms that satisfies a convergence criterion in the addition theorems for the cylindrical wave functions. >
Aspirations and entrepreneurial motivations of middle-class consumers in emerging markets: The case of India

Abstract The world is eyeing emerging markets where increasing numbers of consumers are entering into a new segment called the middle class. In emerging markets, this new segment of the population, as it moves up the economic ladder and seeks a better life, is considered the backbone of the economy. In this study, India is chosen because its economic progress, and changing cultural and demographics shifts, have set the stage for fundamental change of the country's middle class consumers, who are exhibiting new life-aspirations and entrepreneurial pursuits. While India's middle class continues to grow in size and importance, the existing research fails to fully address questions regarding their aspirations or life goals, entrepreneurial motivations, and demographic characteristics. This study attempts to fill the void by focusing on life goals, attitudes, and behaviors of the middle class consumers. Specifically, this study focuses on their aspirations and entrepreneurial motivations. The data collected from India reveals interesting insights about this important segment of India's people. Their demographic profiles suggest that they are well-educated, employed full-time and own assets. Furthermore, these middle class consumers express their confidence in attaining life aspirations such as financial success and personal growth. They tend to seek more opportunities for accomplishing life goals and display entrepreneurial motivations.
Low complexity block turbo equalization

Although current turbo equalization/decoding algorithms provide superior performance, their implementation complexity is significantly high. Iterative methods make the decoding process even slower. No simple turbo equalization method exists which can work with block turbo decoding. Therefore, this paper proposes a new block turbo equalization algorithm and its corresponding VLSI architecture which requires a very low complexity.
Whack-A-Mole: Why Prosecuting Digital Currency Exchanges Won't Stop Online Money Laundering

Law enforcement efforts to combat money laundering are increasingly misplaced. As money laundering and other underlying crimes shift into cyberspace, U.S. law enforcement focuses on prosecuting financial institutions’ regulatory violations to prevent crime, rather than going after criminals themselves. This article will describe current U.S. anti-money laundering laws, with particular criticism of how attenuated prosecution has become from crime. The article will then describe the use of Bitcoin as a money-laundering vehicle, and analyze the difficulties for law enforcement officials who attempt to choke off Bitcoin transactions in lieu of prosecuting underlying criminal activity. The article concludes with recommendations that law enforcement should look to digital currency exchangers not as criminals, but instead as partners in the effort to eradicate money laundering and — more importantly — the crimes underlying the laundering.
An assessment of intra-patient variability on observed relationships between wall shear stress and plaque progression in coronary arteries

Background: Wall shear stress (WSS) has been associated with sites of plaque localization and with changes in plaque composition in human coronary arteries. Different values have been suggested for categorizing WSS as low, physiologic or high; however, uncertainties in flow rates, both across subjects and within a given individual, can affect the classification of WSS and thus influence the observed relationships between local hemodynamics and plaque changes over time. This study examines the effects of uncertainties in flow rate boundary conditions upon WSS values and investigates the influence of this variability on the observed associations of WSS with changes in VH-IVUS derived plaque components. Methods: Three patients with coronary artery disease underwent baseline and 12 month follow-up angiography and virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) measurements. Coronary artery models were reconstructed from the data and models with and without side-branches were created. Patient-specific Doppler ultrasound (DUS) data were employed as inflow boundary conditions and computational fluid dynamics was used to calculate the WSS in each model. Further, the influence of representative coronary artery flow waveforms upon WSS values was investigated and the concept of treating WSS using relative, rather than actual, values was explored. Results: Models that included side-branch outflows and subject-specific DUS velocities were considered to be the reference cases. Hemodynamic differences were caused by the exclusion of side-branches and by imposing alternative velocity waveforms. One patient with fewer side-branches and a scaled generic waveform had little deviation from the reference case, while another patient with several side-branches excluded showed much larger departures from the reference situation. Differences between models and the respective reference cases were reduced when data were analyzed using relative, rather than actual, WSS. Conclusions: When considering individual subjects, large variations in patientspecific flow rates and exclusion of multiple side-branches in computational models can cause significant differences in observed associations between plaque evolution and ranges of computed WSS. These differences may contribute to the large variability typically found among subjects in pooled populations. Relative WSS may be more useful than actual WSS as a correlative variable when there is a large degree of uncertainty in flow rate data.