cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Behavior of Wages and Prices: Cointegration Tests within a Large Macroeconomic System

The dynamic relationship between wages and prices has long held a central place within the economic literature. Most macroeconomic models make assumptions as to the causal relationship between the two variables. Unfortunately, empirical investigations have produced widely divergent results. In particular, the present paper examines the results of time-series studies and argues that the lack of a consensus is due to improperly specified models. Once the wage-price relationship is embedded within a multiple vector system, identification of a wage-price cointegrating relationship is significantly improved. In addition, the increased efficiency yields evidence in favor of the dual feedback between wages and prices.
Buccal cell DNA mutation analysis for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns and infants inaccessible to sweat chloride measurement.

Objectives. To assess the application of DNA-based cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation analysis as a primary cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnostic test in preterm and term newborns and infants for whom the quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis test (QPIT) cannot be used. Design. Retrospective survey. Setting. DNA Diagnostic Laboratory, Children9s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Buccal cell DNA samples were received from inpatients, outpatients, and three neonatal intensive care units. Outcome Measure. Detection of at least 1 of 12 CFTR mutations. Patients. Between November 1, 1992, and April 30, 1994, 28 newborns and infants under 12 months of age at risk for CF had CFTR DNA mutation analysis performed because a sweat chloride (SC) value could not be obtained. QPIT was either not performed (infant weight Results. Six (21%) of 28 infants with unobtainable or indeterminate QPIT had 1 or 2 CFTR mutations detected. Immediate CF diagnosis by direct detection of 2 CFTR mutations was made in 5 of these 6 patients. Definitive CF diagnosis in the infant with 1 CFTR mutation was delayed until an elevation in SC could be documented. The patients with no CFTR mutations detected had a low likelihood of CF. Conclusions. For infants in whom CF is suspected but QPIT cannot be obtained, buccal cell DNA-based CFTR mutation analysis can be used as a rapid, noninvasive primary diagnostic test. This simple mode of DNA collection may aid in the diagnosis of other inherited disorders in newborns.
Characterization of smoke particles generated in terrestrial and microgravity environments

Smoke produced by the pyrolysis of fluorinated wire insulations is characterized to partially provide the data base required to conduct a comprehensive Probabilistic Safely Assessment (PSA) of future human-crewed spacecraft. The smoke is assessed via measurements and observations regarding the size, morphology and elemental composition of the generated particulate matter. Of particular interest is how the microgravity generated aerosols affect the design of future on-board detection and suppression systems. Analyses of the particles generated from short lengths of overheated wires insulated with Tefzel or Teflon (modified forms of ethyltetrafluoroethylene) were performed with the aid of transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy. Results from short-duration microgravity tests in the NASA Lewis drop tower indicate that the sizes of the primary particles vary depending on the corresponding gravity environment within which they were produced. Tefzel particles produced in microgravity were found to be approximately twice as large as those produced in normal gravity. However, the morphology appears to be gravity independent and material dependent. Cluster formations for both gravity environments are composed of long linear chains of particulate matter. Additionally, a chemical composition analysis for both fluoropolymer insulations suggests that the particulate elemental composition is also independent of the gravity environment.
Redox study of electron donation to P-680 in Photosystem II

Flash-induced absorption changes at 820 nm were studied as a function of redox potential in Tris-extracted Photosystem II oxygen-evolving particles and Triton subchloroplast fraction II particles. The rereduction kinetics of P-680+ in both preparations showed biphasic recovery phases with half-times of 42 and 625 microseconds at pH 4.5. The magnitude of the 42 microseconds phase of P-680+ rereduction was strongly dependent on the redox potential of the medium. This absorption transient, attributed to electron donation from D1 (the secondary electron donor in oxygen-inhibited chloroplasts), titrated as a single redox component with a midpoint potential of +240 +/- 35 mV. The experimentally determined midpoint potential was found to be independent of pH over the tested range 4.5-6.0. In contrast, the magnitude of the 625 microseconds phase of P-680+ rereduction was independent of redox potential between +350 and +100 mV. These results are interpreted in terms of a model in which an alternate electron donor with Em approximately equal to 240 mV, termed D0, serves as a rapid donor (t 1/2 less than or equal to 2 microseconds) to P-680+ in Tris-extracted and Triton-treated Photosystem-II preparations. According to this model, the slower electron donor, D1, is functional only when D0 becomes oxidized.
The effect of heat loss on solar heating systems

Abstract The influence of structural energy loss on the performance of a solar heating system has generally been given limited consideration. Yet, failure to account for the character of structural energy loss is equivalent to a naval architect ignoring the drag associated with the hull, while concentrating his attention on the propulsion equipment. More attention must be given to this factor if solar heating systems are to become successful in areas of the United States where comfort heating requirements are greatest. In this paper the influence of structural energy loss on the performance of a solar heating system is developed first. Then, a general method for determining the most economically desirable conbination solar energy gain, structural energy loss, thermal energy storage, and auxiliary energy use is presented.
The contemporary European copper cycle: statistical entropy analysis

Abstract The copper flows and stocks of the European economy are investigated and evaluated over a 1-year period in the early 1990s. The method applied is statistical entropy, which quantifies the distribution pattern of a substance (e.g. copper) caused by a system (e.g. political economy). Contemporary copper management can be defined as a simple chain of four processes: production of refined copper from ore; manufacture and fabrication of products and goods; consumption, utilization and storage (infrastructure) of goods; and separation of copper from waste for recycling and finally, landfilling (waste management). Relevant recycling streams (new and old scrap) within or between production, manufacture, and waste management processes also characterize the system. Throughout the life cycle of copper the statistical entropy varies considerably among the above-mentioned processes and covers about 50% of the possible range between total dissipation and maximal concentration of the total throughput of copper. Nevertheless, present copper management does not show a clear entropy trend across its life cycle. The system as a whole neither dissipates nor concentrates copper significantly with regard to the original ore. Even a more optimized waste management system with higher recycling efficiency could not significantly change this finding since today's copper flows into waste management are small compared to the consumption of copper. The relatively limited impact on the entropy trend of contemporary waste management may increase in the future because the infrastructure, which has been established over the last few decades, will be continuously renewed and replaced. As a result of these larger waste streams, decreasing overall entropy trends will be realizable, provided efficient recycling technologies are applied. This indicates the possibility for long-term feasible (perhaps sustainable) copper management. The entropy approach improves our understanding of industrial metabolism and is a useful decision support and design tool, since complex systems can thereby be quantified by a single metric per substance.
Urinary incontinence during sexual activity: Prevalence in a gynecologic practice

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of incontinence during sexual activity in a group of women presenting for routine gynecologic examinations. The study design was a questionnaire survey of all private patients appearing for routine annual gynecologic examination over a 1-month period at a university teaching hospital. Of 292 women, 224 completed the questionnaire about the subjective prevalence of urinary incontinence during sexual activity by self-report (response rate 77%). Urine loss during sexual activity was reported by 29 of the 224 women (12.9%). Only 2 women had incontinence only during sexual activity and at no other time. The incontinence occurred infrequently, and the volume was usually small. Thirteen women reported incontinence only during orgasm, 6 only during intercourse, and 10 during both activities. Only 1 woman found incontinence during sexual activity to be a major problem. No woman reported that her partner considered this a major problem. Occasional ...
The human torsional vestibulo-ocular reflex during rotation about an earth-vertical axis

Abstract Using the magnetic search coil technique, we have measured the gain and time constant ( T vor ) of the torsional vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in 4 subjects who were rotated about an earth-vertical axis with their necks extended and faces supine. Following a 1-min period of rotation in darkness at 50°/s, the post-rotational response to a velocity off-step had a group mean gain of 0.43 and T vor of 3.7 s. Following a 1-min period of rotation in the light at 50°/s, the post-rotational response indarkness had a group mean gain of 0.29 and T vor of 4.1 s. Following rotation in darkness with the neck flexed and head prone, the post-rotational response, measured in two subjects, had a mean gain of 0.39 and T vor of 5.7. Similar results were obtained with 100°/s stimuli. In all subjects, the gain and T vor of the torsional VOR were smaller than corresponding values for their horizontal VOR; these smaller values can be related to the different visual demands made of the torsional VOR.
A "tongue" of neutral composition

Abstract Both the thermosphere and the ionosphere react to forcing from the magnetospherically imposed ion convection pattern. A twin-celled, neutral convection pattern is set up that normally follows the ion convection pattern; however, unlike the ionosphere, the thermosphere takes a considerable time to react to geomagnetic forcing. In solar maximum conditions this reaction time can take 1–3 h. The close relationship between the ion and neutral winds suggests that other features may exist in the high-latitude thermosphere that have counterparts in the high-latitude ionosphere. Two possible examples of these counterparts are tongues and patches. In this study, we use a thermosphere–ionosphere nested grid (TING) model simulation of the Bastille Day storm to determine whether such features can occur and whether they can, in turn, affect the ionosphere. We draw the following conclusions: (1) there is a “tongue” of neutral composition, which is formed in much the same way that the tongue of ionization is; (2) the neutral “tongue” is formed when parcels of air, which are rich in O/N 2 , are drawn from the dayside by the antisunward winds associated with the neutral convection pattern and transported across the polar cap towards the night side auroral oval; (3) this O/N 2 -rich air can only be transported from a small region on the dayside due to the geometry of the transport, so the neutral “tongue” is narrow like the ion tongue; (4) this neutral “tongue” tends to be weaker than the ion tongue, it extends a shorter distance across the polar cap and it takes longer to form; (5) the formation of the tongue of ionization is affected by the “leakage” of air that contains high concentrations of molecular species into the daytime middle latitudes, which, through recombination, results in a region of low electron densities in the dayside middle latitudes; (6) this region of the ionosphere, which is ion-poor, cannot produce flux tubes that can advect across the polar cap with the high ion densities that are needed to produce a strong tongue of ionization; (7) when enough time has elapsed to allow a neutral “tongue” to form in conjunction with the tongue of ionization, the latter becomes both stronger and longer, but causality in this relationship has not been established.
Increased gut-derived norepinephrine release in sepsis: up-regulation of intestinal tyrosine hydroxylase.

Studies have shown that increased gut-derived norepinephrine (NE) release plays an important role in producing hepatocellular dysfunction at the early stage of sepsis. Although the gut has been demonstrated to be the major source of NE in sepsis, it remains unknown whether the increased NE is associated with up-regulation of intestinal NE biosynthesis enzymes such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH). To determine this, adult male rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) followed by fluid resuscitation. Small intestinal samples were harvested at 2 h (i.e., early sepsis) or 20 h (late sepsis) after CLP or sham-operation. Protein levels of TH and DBH were determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Their gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR technique. The results indicate that intestinal TH protein levels increased significantly at 2 and 20 h after CLP, while DBH was not altered under such conditions. Immunohistochemical examination shows that both TH and DBH were located in intestinal sympathetic nerve fibers and TH staining was markedly increased in septic animals. TH gene expression increased significantly at 2 h but not at 20 h after CLP, while DBH gene expression was not altered in sepsis. Thus, the increased TH gene and protein expression appears to be responsible for the increased gut-derived NE in sepsis.
The Effect of Examining Actual Products or Product Descriptions on Consumer Preference

Many consumers purchase products in stores, where they can physically examine and touch the items. In addition, consumers shop for products online or through direct mail, where they cannot physically examine and touch the merchandise. Building on an analysis of perceptual mechanisms involved in the sense of touch, we find that products with primarily material properties, such as clothing or carpeting, are more likely to be preferred in shopping environments that allow physical inspection than in those environments that do not. We also find that there is no difference in preference across the two environments for products with primarily geometric properties, such as packaged goods, for which vision is highly diagnostic. Furthermore, when the touch properties of a material product are verbally described, this reduces the difference in preference between the two environments.
Reactivity of Secondary Metallocene Alkyls and the Question of Dormant Sites in Catalytic Alkene Polymerization

The reactivity of [rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(n-butyl)][MeB(C6F5)3] (4), [rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(sec-butyl)][MeB(C6F5)3] (5), and [rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(polypropenyl)][MeB(C6F5)3] with propene, ethene, and hydrogen was studied by low-temperature (<-40 degrees C) 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy in toluene solutions. In contrast with previous suggestions that 2 degrees zirconium alkyl species such as 5 are dormant sites, these measurements demonstrate reactivity of 2 degrees zirconium alkyls with propene and ethene comparable to the 1 degrees zirconium alkyl species 4 and [rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(polypropenyl)][MeB(C6F5)3]. Because 2,1-insertion of propene is an infrequent event, these results preclude significant accumulation of catalyst in the form of 2 degrees zirconium alkyls for this metallocene and counterion. The reactivity of 5 with hydrogen is at least 2 orders of magnitude faster than other 1 degrees zirconium alkyls. Such high reactivity accounts for the puzzlingly high fraction of butyl end groups in prior hydrooligomerization studies and implies that catalyst responsivity to H2 as a molecular weight control agent correlates with the regioselectivity of the catalyst.
Network-Level Pavement Performance Prediction Model Incorporating Censored Data:

A methodology is presented for network-level pavement performance prediction that incorporates censored condition data. Censoring occurs when the duration at a specific condition level is not completely observed. This happens when pavement condition is improved and for the duration of the latest condition rating on file for each highway section. Pavement condition history files may contain significant quantities of censored data, yet such data typically are excluded when performance curves are developed. As a result, estimated condition durations and corresponding deterioration curves include deterioration rates that are greater, sometimes substantially greater, than those actually observed. The primary purpose for developing the presented methodology is to correct this shortcoming. Methodology development was facilitated with the use of a comprehensive information basis containing up to 20 years of historical pavement condition data for approximately 19,000 highway sections maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation. Durations at each condition rating were determined for each highway section over the 20-year period, with distinctions made between censored and uncensored observations. A modeling approach, with probability plotting and parameter estimation, was developed that resulted in performance curves. Differences in pavement performance based on geographic region were also investigated. From results obtained with the developed methodology, the main conclusion of this study is that accommodating censored data in pavement performance prediction models not only is feasible but better describes actual performance than if the data were simply excluded from the analysis.
THE MACROEVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCES OF ECOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES AMONG SPECIES

In this paper, I examine the dynamics of spe- cies richness in a model system in which multiple species compete in a metacommunity (multiple patches linked by dispersal). Patches lie along an environmental gradient, and new species are introduced into the system by speci- ation of existing species. This model is used to explore how the ecological similarity of species influences the pat- terns in community structure that result and to determine whether patterns in fossil and systematics data may be sig- natures for different types of community structure. Making species more similar overall along the entire gradient or making new species that have more similar optimal posi- tions along the gradient to their progenitor both increase the time required to drive species extinction. As a result, making species more similar ecologically to one another increases overall species richness because of an increased frequency of transient species in the system. Having more transient species in systems shifted the longevity distribu- tions of species in the fossil record towards having a greater frequency of shorter duration species, and the age distribution of extant species that would be estimated from molecular phylogenies also had a higher frequency of younger aged species. Comparisons of these results with species longevity distributions extracted from two data sets and with species ages derived from species-level molecular phylogenies strongly suggest that transient species are an important component of real biological communities.
Predication and Matter

This paper is divided into four sections. First, I will pose what may be called the metaphysical problem of matter. Then, 1 will describe a related problem: the logico-linguistic problem of mass terms. Third, I will outline the standard solutions to these problems. Fourth, I will suggest a new solution.
Chapter 9 Violence and the Male Gender Role

The nature of the culturally defined male gender role is reviewed, followed by an examination of ways gender role and gender role conflict and strain contribute to violent behaviors. Evnironmental supports for adoption and adherence to the problematic aspects of the male gender role are reviewed. Implications for intervention at individual, group and institutional levels are explored.
Behavioral learning theory and current applications to severe behavior problems in persons with mental retardation.

Abstract Behavioral learning theories have had a greater impact on research that addresses assessment and treatment of severe behavior problems of persons with mental retardation than with any other clinical group. While cognitive, psychodynamic, clientcentered, Gestalt, and other therapies have captured the interest of many professionals working with other client populations, behavioral procedures have remained unrivaled as the dominant treatment orientation with mentally retarded persons. Operant learning concepts and procedures are, therefore, reviewed using treated problem behaviors to exemplify past and current trends. Implications of current and past practice and future trends are discussed.
Lattice calculation of SU(3) flavor breaking ratios in B 0 − B ¯ 0 mixing

We present an unquenched lattice calculation for the SU(3) flavor breaking ratios of the heavy-light decay constants and the {delta}B=2 matrix elements. The calculation was performed on 16{sup 3}x32 lattices with two dynamical flavors of domain-wall quarks and inverse lattice spacing 1/a=1.69(5) GeV. Heavy quarks were implemented using an improved lattice formulation of the static approximation. In the infinite heavy-quark mass limit we obtain f{sub B{sub s}}/f{sub B{sub d}}=1.29(4)(6), B{sub B{sub s}}/B{sub B{sub d}}=1.06(6)(4), {xi}=1.33(8)(8) where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.
Modelling of rapidly‐mixed fast‐crosslinking exothermic polymerizations. Part I: Adiabatic temperature rise

A lamellar mixing approach has been applied to the modelling of an imperfectly mixed, fast, crosslinking, exothermic polymerization. The model involves the solution of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations representing mass and energy transfer in locally structured lamellar domains with diffusion and reaction occurring between initially segregated lamellae. Several seemingly unusual features of experimental results can be explained qualitatively in terms of this simplified model. The phenomena investigated include: effect of variations in mixing, catalyst concentration (intrinsic reaction rate), and initial temperature for equal mixing conditions.
Cost-of-illness studies : a review of current methods.

The number of cost-of-illness (COI) studies has expanded considerably over time. One outcome of this growth is that the reported COI estimates are inconsistent across studies, thereby raising concerns over the validity of the estimates and methods. Several factors have been identified in the literature as reasons for the observed variation in COI estimates. To date, the variation in the methods used to calculate costs has not been examined in great detail even though the variations in methods are a major driver of variation in COI estimates. The objective of this review was to document the variation in the methodologies employed in COI studies and to highlight the benefits and limitations of these methods.
To the beat of your own drum: Cortical regularization of non-integer ratio rhythms toward metrical patterns

Humans perceive a wide range of temporal patterns, including those rhythms that occur in music, speech, and movement; however, there are constraints on the rhythmic patterns that we can represent. Past research has shown that sequences in which sounds occur regularly at non-metrical locations in a repeating beat period (non-integer ratio subdivisions of the beat, e.g. sounds at 430 ms in a 1000 ms beat) are represented less accurately than sequences with metrical relationships, where events occur at even subdivisions of the beat (integer ratios, e.g. sounds at 500 ms in a 1000 ms beat). Why do non-integer ratio rhythms present cognitive challenges? An emerging theory is that non-integer ratio sequences are represented incorrectly, “regularized” in the direction of the nearest metrical pattern, and the present study sought evidence of such perceptual regularization toward integer ratio relationships. Participants listened to metrical and non-metrical rhythmic auditory sequences during electroencephalogram recording, and sounds were pseudorandomly omitted from the stimulus sequence. Cortical responses to these omissions (omission elicited potentials; OEPs) were used to estimate the timing of expectations for omitted sounds in integer ratio and non-integer ratio locations. OEP amplitude and onset latency measures indicated that expectations for non-integer ratio sequences are distorted toward the nearest metrical location in the rhythmic period. These top-down effects demonstrate metrical regularization in a purely perceptual context, and provide support for dynamical accounts of rhythm perception.
Information and Communication Technology ICT Training among Lecturers in the South-South Zone in Nigeria by the Nigeria Communication Commission NCC

In order to bridge the digital gap and to facilitate the use of ICT in teaching and learning among lecturers and students in Nigeria universities, the Nigeria Communication Commission NCC organized a workshop to train lecturers in the use of ICT skill and knowledge. It was expected that 12,000 lecturers from various universities will be trained. It was discovered that the idea was welcomed since most of them find if difficult to integrate ICT in their academic work. As a result of this, the study seeks to find out the success achieved among participants and their perception toward the programme.
Chromosomal evidence for the transplantability of the shay chloroleukemia

Chloroma cells, which were shown to contain the X and Y chromosomes, were used to induce Shay chloroleukemia (SCL) in female recipients. Karyotype analyses of leukemic myeloblasts which appeared in the peripheral blood of the female recipients during blast crisis demonstrated invariably the presence of the X and Y chromosomes. These results directly demonstrate that transmission of SCL is the result of donor cell colonization and therefore SCL can be considered a true transplantable leukemia. Reports by other workers of viral association with this dissease are discussed in light of our results.
Biodegradable pH-sensitive surfactants (BPS) in liposome-mediated nucleic acid cellular uptake and distribution.

The impact of biodegradable pH-sensitive surfactant (BPS)-liposomes on nucleic acid, i.e., oligonucleotide and plasmid DNA, cellular delivery was examined. Fluorescein-labeled nucleic acids complexed with 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane cationic liposomes and BPS at a charge ratio (+/-) of 10 were incubated in CV-1 cells and analyzed by flow cytometry. The fluorescence intensity of oligonucleotides but not plasmid DNA complexed with BPS-liposomes was higher than those complexed with BPS-free liposomes at early time points. However, when cells were fixed to equalize the intracellular pH since fluorescein, a pH-sensitive fluorophore, has higher fluorescence intensity in alkaline pH than acidic, no difference in intensity was observed. This indicated the incorporation of BPS in liposomes did not increase oligonucleotide cellular uptake over control liposomes, but redistributed oligonucleotides into a more basic environment, e.g., cytoplasm. An explanation consistent with the presented data is the formation of small transient membrane defects within the endosomal membrane as presented previously [Liang, E., Hughes, J.A., 1998a. Membrane fusion and rupture in liposomes: effect of biodegradable pH-sensitive surfactants. J. Membr. Biol. 166, 37-49.]. The above findings suggested that BPS may be effective agents of disrupting one of the major barriers, endosomal membrane, to enhance nucleic acid cellular transport.
Color, change, and control for quantitative data display

Color is used widely and reliably to display the value of a single scalar variable. It is more rarely, and far less reliably, used to display multivariate data. Calico, a dynamic tool for the creation and manipulation of color mappings, adds the element of dynamic control over the color mapping to that of color itself for the more effective display and exploration of multivariate spatial data. Using Calico, a one-or two variable color mapping can be created using parametric equations and a variety of color models. This mapping can be manipulated by moving input devices referenced in the parametric expressions, by applying affine transforms, or by performing free-form deformations. As the user changes the mapping, an image showing the data displayed using the current mapping is updated in real time, along with the images describing the mapping. This paper presents an empirical study investigating the effects of user control and smooth change in the display of quantitative data on user accuracy, confidence, and preference. While the user control did not quite produce a significant effect on accuracy, it did produce significant increases in user preference and confidence.
Understanding Landscape Use Patterns of Livestock as a Consequence of Foraging Behavior

Many grazing-management challenges stem from poor livestock distribution resulting in overuse of some areas and low utilization of others. Managing livestock-distribution patterns requires knowledge of pasture characteristics and animal behavior patterns. Behavioral patterns result from recognizable processes that include inherited attributes, individual and social learning systems, cue-consequence specificity, predispositions toward novel stimuli, and spatial memory. Through these behavioral mechanisms, animals form and revise preferences and aversions for specific locations in their foraging landscape. To accomplish habitat selection, domestic herbivores use sight and sound cues to seek and return to high-quality foraging locations. Nested within habitat selection are learned diet preferences and aversions by which ungulate herbivores associate taste with positive or negative postingestive feedback. The deliberate and careful modification of animal attributes and habitat characteristics could yield options for adaptive rangeland management. In this article, we describe the basic principles that underlie how animals make decisions about where to forage and how long to stay in a particular habitat. We also suggest management practices designed to modify animal behavior and alter habitat-use patterns.
A new procedure for measuring the decohesion energy for thin ductile films on substrates

A novel testing technique has been developed capable of measuring the interfacial fracture resistance, Γi, of thin ductile films on substrates. In this technique, the thin film on the substrate is stressed by depositing onto the film a second superlayer of material, having a large intrinsic stress, such as Cr. Subsequent processing defines a precrack at the interface between the film and the substrate. The strain energy available for driving the debond crack is modulated by varying the thickness of the Cr superlayer. Spontaneous decohesion occurs for superlayers exceeding a critical thickness. The latter is used to obtain Γi from elasticity solutions for residually stressed thin films. The technique has been demonstrated for Cu thin films on silica substrates.
Costimulation-Dependent Expression of MicroRNA-214 Increases the Ability of T Cells To Proliferate by Targeting Pten

T cell activation requires signaling through the TCR and costimulatory molecules, such as CD28. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally and are also known to be involved in lymphocyte development and function. In this paper, we set out to examine potential roles of miRNAs in T cell activation, using genome-wide expression profiling to identify miRNAs differentially regulated following T cell activation. One of the miRNAs upregulated after T cell activation, miR-214, was predicted to be capable of targeting Pten based on bioinformatics and reports suggesting that it targets Pten in ovarian tumor cells. Upregulation of miR-214 in T cells inversely correlated with levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10. In vivo, transcripts containing the 3' untranslated region of Pten, including the miR-214 target sequence, were negatively regulated after T cell activation, and forced expression of miR-214 in T cells led to increased proliferation after stimulation. Blocking CD28 signaling in vivo prevented miR-214 upregulation in alloreactive T cells. Stimulation of T cells through the TCR alone was not sufficient to result in upregulation of miR-214. Thus, costimulation-dependent upregulation of miR-214 promotes T cell activation by targeting the negative regulator Pten. Thus, the requirement for T cell costimulation is, in part, related to its ability to regulate expression of miRNAs that control T cell activation.
Geographic variation in indicators of opiate abuse and treatment availability in California

The geographic distribution of medical and legal consequences of opiate abuse and the relationships between treatment access and complications are poorly described. In this study, we assessed the relationship between indicators of opiate addiction and the availability of licensed opiate treatment in California. The most recent available statistics (for 2000 and 2001) from all California counties on medical (death and hospital discharge ascribed to opiate overdose) and legal (felony narcotic arrests) complications of opiate abuse were obtained from online databases and contrasted with the number of opiate dependence treatment slots. Results show that all California counties had opiate-associated medical and societal complications. All but two small counties (<1% of the state population) had felony narcotic arrests. Counties large enough to support an acute care hospital reported at least one death or hospital discharge due to opiate overdose. The rates of opiate-associated problems in counties with and without opiate substitution programs were similar, suggesting opiate abuse is prevalent in California. When adjusted for population, treatment availability did not systematically affect legal or medical repercussions of opiate abuse. The medical and legal consequences of opiate addiction appear widespread in California. Given the large and heterogeneous population of the state, similar results can be expected in other parts of the U.S. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P28–P28; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.105
Adaptive Fuzzy Control for Utilization Management

An increasing number of real-time systems are embedded in mission critical systems such as target tracking systems, in which workloads may dynamically vary, for example, depending on the number of targets in the area of interest Feedback control has been applied to support real-time performance in dynamic environments, producing promising initial results. However, mathematical system modeling necessary for feedback control is challenging. To reduce the difficulty of system modeling, we apply fuzzy control for direct nonlinear mappings between the utilization error (= target utilization - current utilization) and the workload adjustment required to achieve the target utilization via IF-THEN rules. Moreover, via online adaptation, our fuzzy controller can amplify or dampen its own fuzzy control signal, if necessary, to expedite the convergence to the desired utilization. In our simulation study, our approach quickly converges to the target utilization when the workload significantly changes. In contrast, the tested baselines oscillate between overload and underutilization.
Vanadyl(IV) conalbumin. II. Mixed metal and anion binding studies

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance (epr) studies demonstrate that at low levels of conalbumin (CA) saturation with Fe3+ or VO2+, a ph-dependent preference of the metal exists for different protein binding-site configurations,A, B, and C. The vanadyl ion epr spectra of mixed VO2+, Fe3+-conalbumin in which Fe3+ is preferentially bound to the N- or C-terminal binding site are consistent with all three configurations being formed at both metal sites. At high pH the spectra suggest interaction between binding sites. In the absence of HCO3−, VO2+ is bound almost exclusively in B configuration; a full binding capacity of 2 VO2+ per CA is retained. Stoichiometric amounts of HCO3− convert the epr spectrum from B to an A, B, C type. Addition of oxalate to bicarbonate-free preparations converts the B spectrum to an A′, B, C′ type where the B resonances have lost intensity to the A′ and C′ resonances but have not changed position. The data suggest that configuration B is anion independent and that only one equivalent of binding sites at pH 9 responds to the presence of HCO31− or oxalate by changing configuration but not metal binding capability. The form of the bound anion may be HCO3− rather than CO32−. The formation rate of the colored ferric conalbumin complex by oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+ in limited HCO3− at pH 9 is also consistent with one equivalent of sites having different anion requirements than the remaining sites. Increased NaCl or NaClO4 concentration or substitution of D2O for water as solvent affect the environment of bound VO2+, but the mechanisms of action are unknown.
Determining the Physical Limits of the Brassica S Locus by Recombinational Analysis

A genetic analysis was performed to study the frequency of recombination for intervals across the Brassica S locus region. No recombination was observed between the S locus glycoprotein gene and the S receptor kinase gene in the segregating populations that we analyzed. However, a number of recombination breakpoints in regions flanking these genes were identified, allowing the construction of an integrated genetic and physical map of the genomic region encompassing one S haplotype. We identified, based on the pollination phenotype of plants homozygous for recombinant S haplotypes, a 50-kb region that encompasses all specificity functions in the S haplotype that we analyzed. Mechanisms that might operate to preserve the tight linkage of self-incompatibility specificity genes within the S locus complex are discussed in light of the relatively uniform recombination frequencies that we observed across the S locus region and of the structural heteromorphisms that characterize different S haplotypes.
Satisfaction with communicative participation as defined by adults with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study.

Abstract Purpose This study examined satisfaction with communicative participation as reported by adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method Eight community-dwelling adults with MS participated in semi-structured interviews. They were asked to discuss their satisfaction with their communication in a variety of situations. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative method of qualitative description. Results Themes derived included: Comfort , consisting of Ease and Confidence ; Success of the Outcome , including Function is Achieved and A Connection is Made ; and Personal Meaning of Participation , including Personal Preferences , Comparison with the Past , and Thinking about One's Own Communication . Conclusions Participants described multiple facets of satisfaction with communicative participation. Some of the dimensions were similar to those in existing assessment instruments such as levels of ease or difficulty with performance. Participants did not talk about frequency of activities as a key part of their satisfaction. Implications for identifying intervention targets and treatment outcome measurements are provided. Learning outcomes: The reader should be able to: 1) define communicative participation and identify key elements of this construct; 2) identify the issues that were most relevant to satisfaction with communicative participation with participants with MS; and 3) identify reasons for greater emphasis on the subjective viewpoint of people with communication disorders in measurement of treatment outcomes.
Matrix converter topologies with reduced number of switches

A direct AC-to-AC converter commonly termed a matrix converter has a simple structure and many attractive features. However, the complexity of its conventional PWM strategy is prone to commutation failure, which is a factor that keeps it from being utilized in industry. This paper focuses on several alternative dual-bridge matrix topologies which do not possess this problem. First, these converters have the same characteristics as a conventional matrix converter, such as four-quadrant operation, unity input power factor, no DC-link capacitor, and high quality voltage/current waveforms. Second, the number of switches can be reduced thus reducing the cost. Third, the switches on the line side can turn on and off at zero current, they do not have any difficult commutation problems. Lastly, the complexity of the clamp circuit in these topologies can be greatly simplified thereby further reducing the cost. This paper introduces several topologies with a reduced number of switches and analyzes the characteristics of this converter family. Simulation and experimental results of a 9-switch topology are provided to verify its feasibility.
A framework for designing safe software systems

The paper describes a framework for designing safety-critical software systems, in the context of a software safety analysis process that is based on fault tree analysis. This software design process has four steps: 1) software design fault tree generation, 2) fault tree verification, 3) safe software design, and 4) design safety verification. Approaches to safe software design, and verification of the safe design against the safety requirements have also been presented.
Regulatory Foresight Estimating Policy Effects on Transnational Illicit Markets

Illicit markets capitalize on the vulnerabilities of trade systems. When these weaknesses involve mechanisms common to several aspects of transnational commerce, the effect of illicit behavior, and...
Tabled resolution + constraints: a recipe for model checking real-time systems

Presents a computational framework based on tabled resolution and constraint processing for verifying real-time systems. We also discuss the implementation of this framework in the context of the XMC/RT (eXtended Model Checker/Real-Time) verification tool. For systems specified using timed automata, XMC/RT offers backward and forward reachability analysis, as well as timed modal mu-calculus model checking. It can also handle timed infinite-state systems, such as those with unbounded message buffers, provided the set of reachable states is finite. We illustrate this capability on a real-time version of the Leader Election protocol. Finally, XMC/RT can function as a model checker for untimed systems. Despite this versatility, preliminary benchmarking experiments indicate that XMC/RT's performance remains competitive with that of other real-time verification tools.
The influence of internal friction on the stability of high speed rotors.

Internal friction effect on high speed rotor stability using motion equation, noting bearing support flexibility and damping role
Kawasaki Disease: Novel Insights into Etiology and Genetic Susceptibility

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of young childhood that particularly affects the coronary arteries. Molecular analysis of the oligoclonal IgA response in acute KD led to production of synthetic KD antibodies. These antibodies identify intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in acute KD tissues. Light and electron microscopic studies indicate that the inclusion bodies are consistent with aggregates of viral proteins and RNA. Advances in molecular genetic analysis and completion of the Human Genome Project have sparked a worldwide effort to identify genes associated with KD. A polymorphism of one such gene, ITPKC, a negative regulator of T cell activation, confers susceptibility to KD in Japanese populations and increases the risk of developing coronary artery abnormalities in both Japanese and U.S. children. Identification of the etiologic agent and of genes conferring KD susceptibility are the best means of improving diagnosis and therapy and enabling prevention of this important disorder of childhood.
Acid—base interfacial interactions in aqueous media

Abstract The role of electron-acceptor—electron-donor, i.e. Lewis acid—base (AB) interfacial interactions in polar media, especially in aqueous media, is reviewed, together with the role of interfacial Lifshitz—van der Waals (LW) interactions, which, although often relatively weak, are always present. The methodology of measurement of AB (concomitantly with LW) surface tension components and parameters is discussed, together with the development of earlier AB concepts. Also discussed are the following: AB interactions as driving force for “hydrophobic” attractions, and for hydrophilic (“hydration force”) repulsions; use of AB free energies in energy balance studies of the stability (or flocculation) of particle suspensions; role of AB forces in the aqueous solubility of polymers, surfactants and other solutes; AB repulsions in aqueous polymer phase separation, microemulsion formation, advancing freezing front interactions, and coacervation. Finally, the role of AB free energies of interaction in aqueous adsorption and adhesion phenomena is treated, including applications to protein adsorption, various modes of liquid chromatography, cell adhesion and cell—cell interactions, and in specific interactions such as antigen—antibody, lectin—carbohydrate, enzyme—substrate and ligand—receptor combinations. The review ends with a summary of the salient and novel aspects of AB interfacial interactions.
A Unified Hardware and Channel Noise Model for Communication Systems

This paper presents a single, scalable, unified statistical model that accurately reflects the impact of random embedded memory failures due to power management policies on the overall performance of a communication system. The proposed framework enables system designers to efficiently and accurately determine the effectiveness of novel power management techniques and algorithms that are designed to manage both hardware failure and communication channel noise, without the added cost of lengthy system simulations that are inherently limited and suffer from lack of scalability. Furthermore, the proposed framework facilitates performing both cross layer and intra layer tradeoffs where the faulty hardware can be treated as error-free hardware thus creating a much richer design space of power, performance and reliability.