cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NF-kB binds to a polymorphic repressor element in the MMP-3 promoter

Abstract A 5T/6T polymorphic site in the matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) promoter has been identified as a repressor element involved in inhibiting induction of MMP-3 transcription by interleukin 1; and the 6T allele has been associated with decreased expression of MMP-3 as compared to the 5T allele. Zinc-binding protein-89 (ZBP-89) was cloned from a yeast one-hybrid assay via its ability to interact with this site, but when the protein was over-expressed, it resulted in activation of the MMP-3 promoter rather than repression. Here we show that in nuclear extracts isolated from human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with IL-1, this site is bound by p50 and p65 components of NF-κB in addition to ZBP-89, and that recombinant p50 binds preferentially to the 6T binding site. These results are consistent with a role for NF-κB in limiting the cytokine induced expression of MMP-3.
COMPARISON OF THE SOLID‐MATRIX LUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES and PHOTOPHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF TWO PRODUCTS FROM BENZO(a)PYRENE‐DNA ADDUCTS

The solid-matrix luminescence properties and several calculated photophysical parameters of two important products from the benzo(a)pyrene-DNA adducts were compared. The products were benzo(a)pyrene-r-7,t-8,9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol (I-1) and 7R,8S,9S-trihydroxy-10R-(N2-deoxyguanosyl-3'-phosphate)-7,8,9,10- tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (BPDE-dG). The solid-matrix luminescence data were obtained for I-1 and BPDE-dG adsorbed on two different solid matrices, namely, 1% alpha-cyclodextrin (CD)/NaCl and 25% trehalose/NaCl and at two different temperatures (93 K and 296 K). The 25% trehalose/NaCl gave higher fluorescence and phosphorescence quantum yields from both I-1 and BPDE-dG in contrast to the 1% alpha-CD/NaCl matrix. The BPDE-dG showed lower fluorescence quantum yields on the solid matrices compared to I-1. The lower fluorescence quantum yields for BPDE-dG were attributed to a photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. In contrast to the room-temperature solution fluorescence of BPDE-dG, BPDE-dG gave rather high fluorescence quantum yields at room temperature when adsorbed on the two solid matrices. From solid-matrix luminescence quantum yields and solid-matrix luminescence lifetimes, many photophysical parameters were calculated and compared. Several differences among the rate constants were noted with the two solid matrices for BPDE-dG and I-1. For example, BPDE-dG showed internal conversion at 296 K with 25% trehalose/NaCl, but no internal conversion was observed at 93 K with this solid matrix. Also, for BPDE-dG the phosphorescence rate constants at 296 K and 93 K were very small with 25% trehalose/NaCl, but the intersystem crossing rate constants from the triplet state to the ground state were very large.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interrobot Transformations in 3-D

In this paper, we provide a study of motion-induced 3-D extrinsic calibration based on robot-to-robot sensor measurements. In particular, we introduce algebraic methods to compute the relative translation and rotation between two robots using known robot motion and robot-to-robot (1) distance and bearing, (2) bearing-only, and (3) distance-only measurements. We further conduct a nonlinear observability analysis and provide sufficient conditions for the 3-D relative position and orientation (pose) to become locally weakly observable. Finally, we present a nonlinear weighted least-squares estimator to refine the algebraic pose estimate in the presence of noise. We use simulations to evaluate the performance of our methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Bequest taxes and capital gains realizations

Abstract Contrary to popular view, capital gains do not escape taxation at death as they are subject to the estate tax. The presence of the step-up in basis increases the lock-in effect of capital gains taxes as individuals are induced to hold assets until death. This effect, however, is mitigated by the estate tax which applies to assets passed to heirs. Using a sample of matched income and estate tax records in a period that straddles significant changes in capital gains and estate tax rates, the estate tax is found to have an unlocking effect on capital gains realizations. The realization elasticity with respect to the estate tax rate is estimated at 0.36 in the basic model.
Optimal fleet utilization and replacement

Abstract The fleet replacement problem of a profit-maximizing manager is examined using an optimal control model that captures both utilization and replacement decisions. Conditions for optimal utilization of each vessel in the fleet and optimal vessel acquisition and retirement strategies are discussed. The results indicate that the optimal replacement schedule and fleet size are influenced by utilization schedules, and vice versa. Thus, replacement and utilization strategies should be determined jointly. We develop a numerical example to illustrate the model's potential as a practical management decision tool and the procedures to solve it.
Bound-Based Statistically-Critical Path Extraction Under Process Variations

This paper introduces a bound-based approach to extract a pre-specified number of statistically-critical paths under process variations. These are the paths with the highest “violation probability,” which indicates the probability that a path would violate a given timing constraint. Our approach requires pre-computation of the violation probability of all the nodes and edges in the circuit timing graph, which can be done using two rounds of block-based statistical static timing analysis. Given these node/edge violation probabilities, we derive tight upper and lower bounds for any arbitrary segment of consecutive nodes and edges, which is the major contribution of this paper. We further utilize these bounds to extract the statistically-critical paths and show constant-time for incremental update of the bounds when extending a segment to a longer one. If our goal is to extract the single most statistically-critical path, we show a bound-based reduction that can prune a large portion of circuit without losing optimality. In our simulations, we verify the correctness and accuracy of our bounds for individual paths, and compare with exact path extraction using Monte-Carlo-based simulation, and an alternative which incorporates path-based statistical static timing analysis.
The structure of a fibril-forming sequence, NNQQNY, in the context of a globular fold.

Numerous human disorders are associated with the formation of protein fibrils. The fibril-forming capacity of a protein has been found in recent studies to be determined by a short segment of residues that forms a dual β-sheet, called a steric zipper, in the spine of the fibril. The question arises as to whether a fibril-forming segment, when inserted within the sequence of a globular protein, will invariably cause the protein to form fibrils. Here we investigate this question by inserting the known fibril-forming segment NNQQNY into the globular enzyme, T7 endonuclease I. From earlier studies, we know that in its fibril form, NNQQNY is in an extended conformation. We first found that the inserted NNQQNY stimulates fibril formation of T7 endonuclease I in solution. Thus NNQQNY within T7 endonuclease I can exist in an extended conformation, capable of forming the steric zipper in the core of a fibril. We also found that T7 endonuclease I folds into a decamer that does not form fibrils. We determined the structure of the decamer by X-ray crystallography, finding an unusual oligomer without point group symmetry, and finding that the NNQQNY segments within the decamer adopt two twisted conformations, neither is apparently able to fibrillize. We conclude that twisting of fibril forming sequences from the fully extended conformation, imposed by the context of their placement in proteins, can interfere with fibril formation.
Contour Crafting Process Planning and Optimization

Contour Crafting is an emerging technology that uses robotics to construct free form structures by repeatedly laying down layers of material such as concrete. The Contour Crafting technology scales up the additive fabrication process from building small industrial parts to constructing buildings. Tool path planning and optimization for Contour Crafting benefit the technology by increasing the efficiency of construction of complicated structures. This research has intended to provide a systematic solution for improving the overall system efficiency and realizing the automation of the Contour Crafting technology for building custom-designed houses. An approach is presented to find the optimal tool path for the single nozzle Contour Crafting system incorporating the physical constraints of the technology and construction considerations. Several algorithms are given to find the collision-free tool path for the multiple nozzle system based on the single nozzle approach.
Unbalanced Load Estimation Algorithm Using Multiple Mechanical Measurements for Horizontal Washing Machines

In horizontal washing machines, accurate estimation of unbalanced loads, including their magnitudes and locations in washing drums, is always required to achieve quiet highspeed spinning operations. Many estimation algorithms have been developed for the purpose and their estimation accuracy needs to be evaluated in real laundry processes. Nevertheless, lack of true information on the unbalanced loads during the process against which different algorithms could compare makes the evaluation a nontrivial task: it is very hard, if it is not impossible, to directly quantify the actual unbalanced load magnitude/location while the laundry is being washed. To tackle the problem, we use multiple mechanical measurements from laser displacement sensors, accelerometers and load cells which are installed in different locations on a horizontal washing machine, to derive true unbalanced load information inside a drum. Neural networks with PCA preprocessing are employed for the estimation and experiments have been designed to train and test the neural networks. Performances of the neural network-based estimation algorithm are reported.
Establishment of simian sarcoma virus, type 1 (SSV-1)-transformed non-producer marmoset cell lines.

Simian sarcoma virus, type 1 (SSV-1)-transformed non-producer cell lines were established by infection of normal marmoset fibroblast cells (HF) with limiting dilutions of SSV-1. Four focus-derived cell lines were identified as non-producers by assay of culture fluids for focus-forming activity and by the mixed culture cytopathogenicity test with XC cells. Further studies failed to detect production of type-C virus by 3H-uridine labelling, reverse transcriptase assay or electron microscopy. The non-producer cell lines, designated HF/SSV-NPI, IV, V, and VI, appeared morphologically transformed and cloned in soft agar with the same efficiency as HF/SSV-1 virus-producing transformed cells. Expression of either cytoplasmic or cell surface virus-related antingens was not detected by immunofluorescence or serum cytotoxicity tests. The presence of sarcoma genome in the transformed non-producer cell lines was demonstrated by rescue of focus-forming activity following superinfection with non-transforming helper virus or by cocultivation with helper-virus-producing cell lines. The SSV-1-transformed non-producer primate cells provide a useful tool for future studies.
Pathways of Memory and Power: Ethnography and History among an Andean People

Pathways of Memory and Power: Ethnography and History among an Andean People. Thomas A. Abercrombie. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1998. 603 pp.
Entry and Killing of Tetrahymena thermophila by Bacterially Produced Shiga Toxin

ABSTRACT Phage-encoded Shiga toxin (Stx) acts as a bacterial defense against the eukaryotic predator Tetrahymena thermophila. It is unknown how Stx enters Tetrahymena protozoa or how it kills them. Tetrahymena protozoa are phagocytotic; hence, Stx could gain entry to the cytoplasm through the oral apparatus or via endocytosis. We find that Stx2 can kill T. thermophila protozoa that lack an oral apparatus, indicating that Stx2 can enter these cells via endocytosis. As opposed to the lack of effect on mammalian phagocytes, Stx2 produced by bacteria encapsulated within phagocytotic vesicles is also capable of killing Tetrahymena . Addition of an excess of the carbohydrate binding subunits of Stx2 (StxB) and/or ricin (ricin B) blocks Stx2 cytotoxicity. Thus, regardless of whether Stx2 enters the cytoplasm by endocytosis or from the phagocytotic vesicle, this transport is mediated by a putative glycoconjugate receptor. Bacteriophage-mediated lysis of Stx-encoding bacteria is necessary for Stx toxicity in Tetrahymena ; i.e., toxin released as a consequence of digestion of bacteria by Tetrahymena is harmless to the cell. This finding provides a rationale as to why the genes encoding Stx are found almost exclusively on bacteriophages; Stx must be released from the bacteria prior to the digestion of the cell, or it will not be able to exert its cytotoxic effect. It also suggests a reason why other bacterial exotoxins are also found only on temperate bacteriophages. Incubation of Tetrahymena with purified Stx2 decreases total protein synthesis. This finding indicates that, similar to mammalian cells, Stx2 kills Tetrahymena by inactivating its ribosomes. IMPORTANCE Tetrahymena is a bacterial predator and a model for mammalian phagocytosis and intracellular vesicular trafficking. Phage-encoded exotoxins apparently have evolved for the purpose of bacterial antipredator defense. These exotoxins kill mammalian cells by inactivating universally conserved factors and/or pathways. Tetrahymena and susceptible mammalian cells are killed when exposed to bacteriophage-encoded Shiga toxin (Stx). Stx toxicity in mammalian cells requires Stx binding to the globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3) receptor, followed by receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME). We show that, similar to mammalian cells, internalized Stx inhibits protein synthesis in Tetrahymena . Although Tetrahymena lacks Gb3, our results suggest that the cytotoxic effect of Stx on Tetrahymena is apparently mediated by a receptor, thereby arguing for the existence of RME in Tetrahymena . As opposed to the case with mammalian phagocytes, Stx produced by bacteria inside Tetrahymena is cytotoxic, suggesting that these cells may represent a “missing link” between unicellular eukaryotic bacterial predators and phagocytotic mammalian cells.
Analysis of Urine for Its Ultraviolet-Absorbing Constituents by High-Pressure Anion-Exchange Chromatography

An automatic, high-resolution analytic system for the quantitative determination of the ultraviolet-absorbing molecular constituents of urine and other body fluids is being developed. This system is comprised of a heated, high-pressure anion-exchange column for the separation step and a continuous-flow ultraviolet spectrophotometer for the detection step. Separation is achieved by elution with an acetate buffer of gradually increasing concentration. The total analysis time is 40 hr. Chromatograms showing the absorbance of the column effluent as a function of time are recorded by a strip-chart recorder and by a data acquisition system containing a digital voltmeter and paper tape punch. The output from the latter is then used as the input to a digital computer for analysis of the chromatogram. More than 140 chromatographic peaks have been resolved from a 2-ml. urine sample. Normal urine samples yield similar chromatograms. A variation in the diurnal cycle has been noted.
The minerals sector, sectoral analysis, and economic development

Abstract Sectoral analysis, a new branch of political science, alleges that mineral extraction creates a socio-political climate that promotes inflexible statism, which in turn leads to substandard development performance. The theory, that mineral economies underperform bureaucratically and economically, is said not only to hold in a post-dictive sense for the mature mineral economies, such as Zambia, but also in a predictive sense for the newer mineral economies, such as Ecuador. This essay reviews and assesses this hypothesis in the light of the empirical evidence comparing mineral production, state capacity, and economic performance. It finds that the sectoralist view is supportable only in selected cases, and is not a general result.
Natural Language Processing and the Representation of Clinical Data

Objective : Develop a representation of clinical observations and actions and a method of processing free-text patient documents to facilitate applications such as quality assurance. Design : The Linguistic String Project (LSP) system of New York University utilizes syntactic analysis, augmented by a sublanguage grammar and an information structure that are specific to the clinical narrative, to map free-text documents into a database for querying. Measurements : Information precision (I-P) and information recall (I-R) were measured for queries for the presence of 13 asthma-health-care quality assurance criteria in a database generated from 59 discharge letters. Results : I-P, using counts of major errors only, was 95.7% for the 28-letter training set and 98.6% for the 31-letter test set. I-R, using counts of major omissions only, was 93.9% for the training set and 92.5% for the test set.
Influence of exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone on seasonal reproductive behavior of the coyote (Canis latrans)

Wild Canis species such as the coyote (C. latrans) express a suite of reproductive traits unusual among mammals, including perennial pair-bonds and paternal care of the young. Coyotes also are monestrous, and both sexes are fertile only in winter; thus, they depend upon social and physiologic synchrony for successful reproduction. To investigate the mutability of seasonal reproduction in coyotes, we attempted to evoke an out-of-season estrus in October using one of two short-acting gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agents: (1) a GnRH analogue, deslorelin (6-D-tryptophan-9-(N-ethyl-L-prolinamide)-10-deglycinamide), 2.1 mg pellet sc; or (2) gonadorelin, a GnRH (5-oxoPro-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-GlyNH2) porcine hypothalamic extract, 2.0 mg/kg im once daily for 3 consecutive days. A transient increase in serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone (1 and 2 wk, respectively) was detected after treatment with deslorelin but not gonadorelin. Also, socio-sexual behaviors reminiscent of winter mating (including courtship, mate-guarding, precoital mounts, and copulatory ties) were observed among the deslorelin group. During the subsequent breeding season (January and February), however, preovulatory courtship behavior and olfactory sampling appeared suppressed; emergence of mounts and copulations were delayed in both deslorelin and gonadorelin treatment groups. Furthermore, whereas 8 of 12 females treated in October ovulated and produced healthy litters in the spring, 4
REST and peace for the neuronal-specific transcriptional program.

: Despite a genetic homogeneity, cells in multicellular organisms are structurally and functionally heterogeneous. The diversity of cell phenotypes exists due to differential transcriptional programs precisely regulated by specific nuclear factors and induced upon differentiation. The differences in gene expression programs arise during development and become heritable during cell proliferation. Over the last few years, research has focused on three molecular mechanisms that mediate epigenetic phenomena: DNA methylation, histone modification, and formation of specialized nuclear domains or territories. All of these processes are dynamic and tightly linked to the organism's development. Here we review advances in understanding the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in the establishment and maintenance of the specialized transcriptional program. We project the accumulated knowledge onto the delineation of the molecular mechanisms by which central nervous system-specific genes are expressed in the nervous system and repressed in other tissues.
Microprogramming heritage of RISC design

Technology impact brings Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) design approach back to the stage of computer architecture evolution. While RISC architecture grab attention by their flying instruction rates, this paper summarizes the current design of micro-architectures and analyzes the tradeoffs between RISC approach and Microprogramming approach especially on the vertical migration among hardware, firmware, compilation and software. RISCs' simplicity is contrasted by the regularity of microprogrammed control. The RISC design incentives are categorized into three perspectives, namely, technology-driven, application-driven, and performance-driven. Traditional firmware migration approaches are reviewed and related to RISC design philosophy as well as Writable Instruction Set Computer (WISC) concept. Research such as Firmware Migration candidates selection can be applied to RISC instruction set design. Similarly, micro-code generation and compaction research can be used to construct the smart, optimizing RISC compiler. Horizontal microcode approach is interpreted as the Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture. Incorporating in the discussion about new design trends affected by GaAs, memory technology, and super-computing a clue for the direction of future-proof micro-architecture and microprogramming is projected.
Inferring Analogous Attributes

The appearance of an attribute can vary considerably from class to class (e.g., a "fluffy" dog vs. a "fluffy" towel), making standard class-independent attribute models break down. Yet, training object-specific models for each attribute can be impractical, and defeats the purpose of using attributes to bridge category boundaries. We propose a novel form of transfer learning that addresses this dilemma. We develop a tensor factorization approach which, given a sparse set of class-specific attribute classifiers, can infer new ones for object-attribute pairs unobserved during training. For example, even though the system has no labeled images of striped dogs, it can use its knowledge of other attributes and objects to tailor "stripedness" to the dog category. With two large-scale datasets, we demonstrate both the need for category-sensitive attributes as well as our method's successful transfer. Our inferred attribute classifiers perform similarly well to those trained with the luxury of labeled class-specific instances, and much better than those restricted to traditional modes of transfer.
New-Onset Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer

Background & Aims Although many individuals with pancreatic cancer have diabetes, the association between new-onset diabetes mellitus and the subsequent incidence of pancreatic cancer is unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study to estimate the incidence of pancreatic cancer subsequent to a new diabetes diagnosis and to evaluate factors associated with a subsequent pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We used the Veterans Health Administration National Patient Care Database to assemble a cohort of 1,421,794 US veterans without prior diabetes or pancreatic cancer diagnoses. We recorded coding for new diabetes diagnoses (≥2 International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for diabetes within a 12-month period), pancreatic cancer, age, sex, race, and common gastrointestinal symptoms. Results A total of 36,631 (2.6%) of the 1,421,794 veterans were diagnosed with new-onset diabetes in 1999; 149 subsequently received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer incidence in patients with new-onset diabetes (83.8/100,000 person-years) was 2.2-fold higher (95% confidence interval, 1.84–2.56) than in nondiabetics, and was highest during the first 2 years after diabetes diagnosis. One additional pancreatic cancer was diagnosed for every 332 new diabetics over 6 years. A subsequent pancreatic cancer diagnosis (among new-onset diabetics) was associated independently with younger age groups, changes in bowel habits, constipation, epigastric pain, and malnutrition. Conclusions New-onset diabetes was associated with a significantly increased rate of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, particularly in the first 2 years after diabetes diagnosis. Factors associated with pancreatic cancer diagnosis included younger age groups and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The absolute incidence of pancreatic cancer was low.
THE QUANTAL FATTENING OF FRACTALS

Periodic points of a classical map may belong to a fractal set. It is shown here on a simple model that upon quantising this classical map the influence of the classical periodic points upon the quantal results is the same whether the periodic point belongs to a fractal set, or not. A simple intuitive explanation is given.
A feedback strategy for dextrous manipulation

In a typical dextrous manipulation task, a goal configuration is reached through a sequence of continuous motions. Most often, a motion plan is computed offline and subsequently used as a reference trajectory for a feedback controller. We present an alternative approach that only relies on feedback, no motion planning is necessary. Different feedback controllers are constructed and composed in such a way that the object moves toward the goal configuration. Switches between the controllers are not planned ahead, they result from the feedback itself. Discrete features such as finger gait are therefore generated online. The approach is based on our previous results on stabilization of hybrid systems.
Genomically Incorporated 5-Fluorouracil that Escapes UNG-Initiated Base Excision Repair Blocks DNA Replication and Activates Homologous Recombination

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and its metabolite 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd, floxuridine) are chemotherapy agents that are converted to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP). FdUMP inhibits thymidylate synthase and causes the accumulation of uracil in the genome, whereas FdUTP is incorporated by DNA polymerases as 5-FU in the genome; however, it remains unclear how either genomically incorporated U or 5-FU contributes to killing. We show that depletion of the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) sensitizes tumor cells to FdUrd. Furthermore, we show that UNG depletion does not sensitize cells to the thymidylate synthase inhibitor (raltitrexed), which induces uracil but not 5-FU accumulation, thus indicating that genomically incorporated 5-FU plays a major role in the antineoplastic effects of FdUrd. We also show that 5-FU metabolites do not block the first round of DNA synthesis but instead arrest cells at the G1/S border when cells again attempt replication and activate homologous recombination (HR). This arrest is not due to 5-FU lesions blocking DNA polymerase δ but instead depends, in part, on the thymine DNA glycosylase. Consistent with the activation of HR repair, disruption of HR sensitized cells to FdUrd, especially when UNG was disabled. These results show that 5-FU lesions that escape UNG repair activate HR, which promotes cell survival.
Electrochemistry as Transfer Agent to Technology

Starting with Galvani there has been a tendency for quick application of the effects of moving charged particles across interfaces to practical use. Indeed, this tendency has from earlier times been a boon to technology. The latter is defined in Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary as “the science of the application of knowledge to practical purposes”. The dictionary correctly recognizes what we call science as our understanding of nature. Thus the field of electrochemistry even in its narrowest sense has been long active in quickly turning its science to use.
Myelination of the hypothalamus and its relation to thermoregulation in the hamster.

SummaryHamsters acquire the ability to effectively regulate their body temperatures in a cold environment (5°-8°C) at ages ranging from 30-44 days, Myelination in the dorsolateral areas of the caudal hypothalamus, as determined photometrically, reaches its height at the time thermoregulation becomes fully developed, It appears therefore that myelination of hypothalamic neurons may be essential to functional maturation of the hypothalamus. The data with respect to hamsters are similar and lend support to those previously reported for albino rats.
Science and Power for What

The promise and the threat of scientific Utopias are often mentioned in the same breath; they are both born out of the equation between science and power. By offering man ‘power and sovereignty’ over the natural environment, and the reduction of nature to a realm of law, the Baconian vision of science defines both the conjunction and the dilemma of science and Utopia. As Davis sees it, the questions that this offer leaves with us are two: First, is man “fit to receive the power which science [can] convey into his hands?” And second, is science not, “in these circumstances, a self-consuming artifact?” (1)
Evolution of cancer risk assessment and counseling related to psychological, financial and legal implications

Cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and genetic testing have experienced advances and changes over the past two decades due to improved technology, legal movements to protect those at an increased risk for cancer due to genetics, as well as advances in detection, prevention and treatment. This brief article will provide a summary of these advances over three eras of cancer genetics: pre-discovery of the more common high impact genes, namely BRCA1/BRCA2 and the mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome; the time during which the genes were being discovered; and current day.
Use of Modified Semantic Differentials To Evaluate Formal Organizational Structure

A modified semantic differential is a valuable instrument for getting qualitative evaluations in numerical form. It can be used to measure attitudes about certain aspects of formal organization str...
Reflection and transmission by rough-walled passages

Multiple scattering from wall roughness elements, directional variation of reflectance, and polarization are shown to be important phenomena affecting the transmission and reflection of radiation incident upon the end of a passage. Circular, square, and 1 x 2 rectangular cross sections were investigated. Surface roughness geometry was prescribed according to the Torrance-Sparrow statistical model with roughness-slope parameter values of 0°, 10°, 20°, and 40°. In the range of passage length investigated, it was found that an optical depth scale length correlated the calculations.
Gravity delivery of laboratory specimens.

A feasible method for the safe transport by gravity of clinical laboratory specimens has been developed. In this method, specimens are delivered inside containers that closely fit the conduit in which they descend. By maintaining either end of the conduit closed, the containers descend at a constant speed that can be maintained at less than 120 cm. per sec. over a wide range of operating conditions of practical interest. The speed will increase with increasing container weight, but decrease with increasing length or diameter, or both. Heavier payloads can be accommodated at the same safe, slow speeds by increasing the size of the conduit. The system can be fabricated from standard, commercially available metal or plastic conduit.
Novel immunomodulatory therapies for immunoglobulin E-mediated diseases.

Despite a marked expansion of the allergist's pharmacologic armamentarium in the past two decades, allergic diseases are still associated with considerable morbidity and some mortality. Research on the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases has been aided by an enhanced understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response. Particularly noteworthy have been advances in the understanding of antigen presentation, immunoregulation, and immune deviation. A curative therapy, long an elusive target, looms ever nearer. In this presentation, I review novel therapeutic approaches that have been fostered by new insights into fundamental immune mechanisms.
A spatial agent-based model of feral cats and analysis of population and nuisance controls

Free-roaming feral cats are common in areas of concentrated human habitation, and can pose considerable threats of nuisance and damage to native ecosystems. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) and trap-vasectomy-hysterectomy-return (TVHR) are two humane methods for the reproductive control of feral cat populations. Both TNR and TVHR render a cat infertile, but cats that have undergone TVHR continue to produce hormones that drive mating behaviors. We built a stochastic agent-based computational model for simulating the survival, reproduction, and movement of individual feral cats and the use of TNR and TVHR to modify cats’ reproductive abilities and behaviors. Daily movement of cats between colonies is implemented based on the distance between colonies and landscape properties (e.g. rural, urban). Spatially targeted TNR and TVHR policies are evaluated using two management goals: (1) reduce total population size and (2) reduce nuisance attributed to feral cats. Nuisance includes spraying and noise, both of which are associated with un-neutered males, as well as population abundance. Results indicate that both TNR and TVHR have the potential to greatly reduce population size. Effectiveness of each control depends on the capture rate, number of colonies targeted, size of each colony, and movement of individual cats between colonies. Results show that on average TVHR performs moderately better than TNR at reducing population size, but TNR substantially outperforms TVHR in reducing multiple nuisance measures.
Practice Building in Professional Services: A Sales Promotion Paradigm

This paper examines the promotional mix in professional services, with special emphasis on the sales promotion activities. A paradigm relating sales promotion, publicity and public relations activities to the hierarchy of needs and time effects is offered. Some of the topics that are discussed are the unique nature of professional services, the restrictions of promotion in these industries, and the sales promotion paradigm, as well as a discussion of future work in this area.
Crowdsourcing "blockbuster" ideas: A dynamic structural model of ideation

Abstract Crowdsourcing initiatives are becoming an increasing popular tool for new idea generation for firms. Although such initiatives are widely adopted in many different industries, the number of ideas generated often decline over time and the implementation rates (percentage of posted ideas that are implemented by the firm) are very low. Critics of crowdsourcing often attribute these observations to users’ restrictive view about firms’ products leading to contribution of mainly niche ideas, and limited knowledge about firms’ cost structure leading to contribution of mostly infeasible ideas. To investigate these criticisms in detail and to devise policies for firms to alleviate these concerns, we propose a structural model to capture users idea contribution dynamics. We estimate the model using a rich dataset obtained from Ideastorm.com which is a crowdsourcing website affiliated with Dell. Using the peer voting score we are able to infer out the true potential ideas, whereas a firm's costs of implementation are indirectly imputed from the idea implementation data. We find that users tend to significantly underestimate firm's costs of implementation of their ideas while surprisingly also slightly underestimate the potential of their ideas in the beginning of the posting history. Because the underestimation of cost is much larger than the underestimation of potential, users tend to post very few viable "blockbuster" ideas. However, users learn about their abilities to come up with potentially "blockbuster" ideas and the cost structure of the firm through a Bayesian fashion from peer voting on their ideas and firm's response to all posted ideas. We find that the users learn very quickly about the firm's cost structure but the learning regarding their abilities to come up with blockbuster ideas is quite slow. As a result of the learning process, contributors of low potential ideas eventually drop out, and high potential idea contributors remain active. Over time, the average potential of generated ideas increases, while the number of ideas created decreases, and the firm can reduce the cost of screening ideas without losing high potential ideas. Through a policy simulation, we show that the firm can significantly increase the learning rate of the users regarding their abilities to contribute "blockbuster" ideas by running short term promotions where the users whose ideas are implemented are given very high incentives.
Biosorption and reduction of Au (III) to gold nanoparticles by thiourea modified alginate.

Abstract In this study, modified alginate biosorbent has shown a remarkably selective adsorption of Au (III) ions from multi-metallic solutions containing equal moles of Au (III), Pd (II), Pt (IV), Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II) ions under acidic conditions. The maximum uptake capacity of Au (III) was found to be 8.47 mmol g−1 at 323.15 K. Adsorption of Au (III) by modified alginate biosorbent was accompanied by chemical reduction of Au (III), leading to the formation of gold nanocrystals and microcrystals. Biosorption and reduction of Au (III) in acidic media are mediated by the electrostatic and covalent interactions between Au (III) and hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino and C S functional groups of modified alginate adsorbent.
Character Convergence: The Prospect of Holy Living

This chapter presents Wesleyan perspectives of holiness, drawing on exemplars John and Charles Wesley. The pursuit of holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit, which cannot be separated from ethics. The Spirit sets the believer apart, witnessing to the world the difference that holiness makes. To exemplify, Israel was set apart to witness to the holiness of God among the nations. The Old Testament pattern by which people are called to reflect God’s glory likewise evidences in the New Testament. Peter and Paul call for holiness, such that believers please God and manifest the reality of God’s love. Prayer and participation in the community of faith become essential conduits by which worshippers are caught up in the life of the Trinity and become holy.
Parametric model measurement: reframing traditional measurement ideas in neuropsychological practice and research.

AbstractObjective: Neuropsychology is an applied measurement field with its psychometric work primarily built upon classical test theory (CTT). We describe a series of psychometric models to supplement the use of CTT in neuropsychological research and test development. Method: We introduce increasingly complex psychometric models as measurement algebras, which include model parameters that represent abilities and item properties. Within this framework of parametric model measurement (PMM), neuropsychological assessment involves the estimation of model parameters with ability parameter values assuming the role of test ‘scores’. Moreover, the traditional notion of measurement error is replaced by the notion of parameter estimation error, and the definition of reliability becomes linked to notions of item and test information. The more complex PMM approaches incorporate into the assessment of neuropsychological performance formal parametric models of behavior validated in the experimental psychology literatu...
Generalised primal-dual grids for unstructured co-volume schemes

Abstract The generation of high-quality staggered unstructured grids is considered, leading to the development of a new optimisation-based strategy designed to construct weighted ‘Regular-Power’ tessellations appropriate for co-volume type numerical discretisation techniques. This new framework aims to extend the conventional Delaunay–Voronoi primal-dual structure; seeking to assemble generalised orthogonal tessellations with enhanced geometric quality. The construction of these grids is motivated by the desire to improve the performance and accuracy of numerical methods based on unstructured co-volume type schemes, including various staggered grid techniques for the simulation of fluid dynamics and hyperbolic transport. In this study, a new hybrid optimisation strategy is proposed; seeking to optimise the geometry, topology and weights associated with general, two-dimensional Regular-Power tessellations using a combination of gradient-ascent and energy-based techniques. The performance of this new method is tested experimentally, with a range of complex, multi-resolution primal-dual grids generated for various coastal and regional ocean modelling applications.
Improved Predictions of Drug–Drug Interactions Mediated by Time-Dependent Inhibition of CYP3A

Time-dependent inactivation (TDI) of cytochrome P450s (CYPs) is a leading cause of clinical drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Current methods tend to overpredict DDIs. In this study, a numerical approach was used to model complex CYP3A TDI in human-liver microsomes. The inhibitors evaluated included troleandomycin (TAO), erythromycin (ERY), verapamil (VER), and diltiazem (DTZ) along with the primary metabolites N-demethyl erythromycin (NDE), norverapamil (NV), and N-desmethyl diltiazem (NDD). The complexities incorporated into the models included multiple-binding kinetics, quasi-irreversible inactivation, sequential metabolism, inhibitor depletion, and membrane partitioning. The resulting inactivation parameters were incorporated into static in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) models to predict clinical DDIs. For 77 clinically observed DDIs, with a hepatic-CYP3A-synthesis-rate constant of 0.000 146 min–1, the average fold difference between the observed and predicted DDIs was 3.17 for the standard replot me...
Mechanical Behavior of Lightweight Ceramics

The current understanding of the mechanical behavior of lightweight ceramics is reviewed. It is shown that these materials may have considerable potential in structural applications. To capitalize on this potential, it is clear that several challenges need to be met. These include establishing a clear understanding of the relationship between microstructure and mechanical behavior in these materials, developing new and innovative techniques for their fabrication and devising appropriate techniques for their engineering design.
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 2: Pathophysiology, Natural History, and Clinical Manifestations

Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 2 (APS-2) is the association of multiple organ-specific autoimmune diseases including but not limited to type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Additional autoimmune diseases are associated with APS-2, in particular celiac disease. The diseases share a common pathophysiology characterized by T-cell mediated destruction of the target organ. The component diseases of APS-2 have overlapping genetic risk factors. The natural history is characterized by a long preclinical phase, identifiable by the presence of organ-specific autoantibodies and normal gland function. Over time, destruction of the gland progresses and clinical disease develops. Treatment addresses the underlying hormonal abnormalities. Subjects with one autoimmune disease are at risk for the development of additional autoimmune diseases and therefore careful clinical and laboratory screening is required for follow-up.
Evolution of corn oil sensitivity in the flour beetle

We explore the persistence of corn oil sensitivity in a population of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum using evolutionary game methods that model population dynamics and changes in the mean strategy of a population over time. The strategy in an evolutionary game is a trait that affects the fitness of the organisms. Corn oil sensitivity represents such a strategy in the flour beetle. We adapt an existing model of the ecological dynamics of T. castaneum into an evolutionary game framework to explore the persistence of corn oil sensitivity in the population. The equilibrium allele frequencies resulting from the evolutionary game are evolutionarily stable strategies and compare favorably with those obtained from the experimental data.
Prospective Middle-School Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge of Equations and Inequalities

This chapter describes an investigation into the algebra content knowledge, in relation to elementary equations and inequalities, of 328 US teacher-education students who were seeking endorsement to become specialist middle-school mathematics teachers. Most of these prospective teachers had done well in high school mathematics and were taking their last algebra course before becoming fully qualified teachers of mathematics. After reviewing the scant literature on the teaching and learning of quadratic equations, and of linear inequalities, we summarize a pencil-and-paper instrument, developed specifically for the study, which included linear and non-linear equations and inequalities. The students were also asked to comment, in writing, on a “quadratic equation scenario” that featured four common errors in relation to quadratic equations. Data analysis revealed that hardly any of the 328 students knew as much about elementary equations or inequalities as might reasonably have been expected. Brief details of a successful intervention program aimed at improving the pre-service teachers’ knowledge, skills and concepts relating to quadratic equations and inequalities are given, and implications of the findings for mathematics teacher education and, more generally, for the teaching and learning of algebra, are discussed.
DSS Systems Analysis and Design: The Role of the Analyst as Change Agent

We explore the critical role played by decision support system (DSS) developers (also called systems analysts or DSS designers) as they enact the role of the change agent. In DSS development, systems analysts actively strive to change the decision maker directly through the DSS application and its presentation. We suggest that the role of change advocate serves DSS development the best, chiefly because decision makers’ enhanced interest in emerging information technologies has made it possible for decision makers to accept new Web-based DSS technologies. We also briefly explore some of the issues in the development of decision support systems over time and the importance they will play in the future. We illustrate what a systems analyst should take into consideration in designing a DSS display today, using a dashboard as an example. We then describe new tools used for DSS development such as widgets, gadgets, and mashups that once again may change the way decision makers solve problems. We see a promising future for changing decision makers as they interact with the analyst as a change agent and can visualize decision makers evolving through their DSS interactions, thereby improving decision quality, and creating a strong, contributory role for analysts to play in DSS development.