cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative conformations of DNA modified by N-2-acetylaminofluorene.

Modification of DNA by the carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene gives two adducts, a major one at the C-8 position of guanine and a minor one at the N-2 position with differing conformations. Binding at the C-8 position results in a large distortion of the DNA helix referred to as the "base displacement model" with the carcinogen inserted into the DNA helix and the guanosine displaced to the outside. The result is increased susceptibility to nuclease S1 digestion due to the presence of large, single-stranded regions in the modified DNA. In contrast, the N-2 adduct results in much less distortion of the helix and is less susceptible to nuclease S1 digestion. A third and predominant adduct is formed in vivo, the deacetylated C-8 guanine adduct. The conformation of this adduct has been investigated using the dimer dApdG as a model for DNA. The attachment of aminofluorene (AF) residues introduced smaller changes in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of dApdG than binding of acetylaminofluorene (AAF) residues. Similarly, binding of AF residues caused lower upfield shifts for the H-2 and H-8 protons of adenine than the AAF residues. These results suggest that AF residues are less stacked with neighboring bases than AAF and induce less distortion in conformation of the modified regions than AAF. An alternative conformation of AAF-modified deoxyguanosine has been suggested based on studies of poly(dG-dC).(dG-dC). Modification of his copolymer with AAF to an extent of 28% showed a CD spectrum that had the characteristics of the left-handed Z conformation seen in unmodified poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) at high ethanol or salt concentrations. Poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) which does not undergo the B to Z transition at high ethanol concentrations, did not show this type of conformational change with high AAF modifications. Differences in conformation were suggested by single-strand specific nuclease S1 digestion and reactivity with anticytidine antibodies. Highly modified poly(GS-dC).poly(DG-dC) was almost completely resistant to nuclease S1 hydrolysis, while, modified DNa and poly(dG).poly(dC) are highly susceptible to digestion. Two possible conformations for deoxyguanosine modified at the C-8 position by AAF are compared depending on whether its position is in alternating purine-pyrimidine sequences or random sequence DNA.
Quenching of Superoxide Radicals by Green Fluorescent Protein

Abstract Green fluorescent proteins (GFP) are widely used in vivo molecular markers. These proteins are particularly resistant, and maintain function, under a variety of cellular conditions such as pH extremes and elevated temperatures. Green fluorescent proteins are also abundant in several groups of marine invertebrates including reef-forming corals. While molecular oxygen is required for the post-translational maturation of the protein, mature GFPs are found in corals where hyperoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur due to the photosynthetic activity of algal symbionts. In vitro spin trapping electron paramagnetic resonance and spectrophotometric assays of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like enzyme activity show that wild type GFP from the hydromedusa, Aequorea victoria, quenches superoxide radicals (O2 −) and exhibits SOD-like activity by competing with cytochrome c for reaction with O2 −. When exposed to high amounts of O2 − the SOD-like activity and protein structure of GFP are altered without significant changes to the fluorescent properties of the protein. Because of the distribution of fluorescent proteins in both the epithelial and gastrodermal cells of reef-forming corals we propose that GFP, and possibly other fluorescent proteins, can provide supplementary antioxidant protection.
Quantum group symmetry for the Φ12-perturbed and Φ21-perturbed minimal models of conformal field theory

Abstract In this paper we show the quantum group symmetry of the Zhiber-Mikhailov-Shabat model based on the non-local conserved currents that exist in the model. The S-matrix of the model is completely characterized by this symmetry. It is then used to study the RSOS version of the model which describes the Φ21-perturbed and Φ21-perturbed minimal models of conformal field theory as pointed out by Smirnov. The soliton and kink fields of the model are constructed explicitly.
Leak detection in pipelines by frequency response method

A new technique for the detection of leaks in a pipeline is presented utilizing its frequency response. In the system frequency response, a leak increases the amplitude of pressure oscillations at the even harmonics. Such an increase in amplitude has an oscillatory pattern; the frequency and amplitude of this pattern may be utilized to predict the location and discharge of a leak. In this technique, the pressure transient history at one location is sufficient and the history of the transient in the pipe prior to leak is not needed; this makes it advantageous over a number of other existing techniques, in addition to being simpler to use. It is shown that the technique successfully detects the location of a leak in a number of simple systems with leak discharge as low as 0.2% of the steady discharge. The technique is verified by comparing the results with those computed by using the method of characteristics. Practical issues and limitations for field implementations are discussed.
The Tropospheric Lapse Rate and Climatic Sensitivity: Experiments with a Two-Level Atmospheric Model

Abstract The sensitivity of both moist and dry versions of a two-level primitive equation atmospheric model to variations in the solar constant is analyzed. The models have fixed surface albedos, fixed cloudiness and a zero heat flux lower boundary condition, and are forced with annual mean solar fluxes. An attempt is made to understand the response of the static stability in these model atmospheres and the importance of these changes in stability for the climatic responses of other parts of the system. In the moist model, the static stability increases in low latitudes but decreases in high latitudes as the solar constant increases, resulting in considerable latitudinal structure in the sensitivity of surface temperatures and zonal winds. In the dry model the stability decreases at all latitudes as the solar constant increases. It is argued that this decrease in stability in the dry model, through its effect on isentropic slopes and the supercriticality of the flow, is responsible for the observed large ...
A statistical mechanics approach to trust management in autonomic networks

Trust management, broadly intended as the ability to maintain belief relationship among entities, is recognised as a fundamental security challenge for autonomous and self-organising networks. In this work, we focus on the evaluation process of trust evidence in distributed networks, where no pre-established infrastructure can be assumed. After casting the problem into the framework of estimation theory, a distributed maximum likelihood trust estimation algorithm is proposed. Strong parallels with spin glasses theory are shown, providing key insights about the algorithm performance and limitations, as well as useful formulas for parameters tuning. The problem is also formulated as an inference problem on a Markov random field, and an alternative fully distributed algorithm based on message passing techniques is then proposed. This work presents a mathematically rigorous analytical approach to the trust management problem, and proposes the use of statistical physics methods not only to understand the complex dynamics that arise from the interactions of peers in decentralised networks but also to design robust protocols whose performance can be rigorously evaluated.
A numerical study of inertial errors in anisokinetic sampling

A numerical study has been made of the anisokinetic sampling of aerosols from a flowing gas stream by a thin-walled tube. The sampling error due to anisokinetic sampling conditions has been calculated for various ratios of the free stream gas velocity, W, to the mean gas velocity, V, in the sampling tube. The performance of the sampling inlet is characterized by an aspiration coefficient, A, a penetration coefficient, P, and a loss coefficient, L. The values of A, P, and L have been calculated numerically and correlated with the Stokes number and the velocity ratio by means of simple equations. The numerical results for the aspiration coefficient have been found to be in good agreement with the classical study of Belyaev and Levin [J. Aerosol Sci.3, 127 (1972); 5, 325 (1974)] in the velocity ratio, W/V, range of 0.2–5. Outside this range, some discrepancies were found and the classical Belyaev and Levin's results gave increasingly less accurate results.
Ca2+ dependence of tension and ADP production in segments of chemically skinned muscle fibers.

Abstract Both ADP production and tension have been measured in segments of chemically skinned fibers contracting at different Ca2+ concentrations. Full mechanical activation occurred between pCa 7.00 and pCa 6.50. The total ATPase was due to both actomyosin and non-actomyosin ATPase. Actomyosin ATPase was observed at pCa 7.09 without accompanying tension. The Ca2+ dependence of tension was steeper than actomyosin ATPase. This finding implies some rate constants of the mechanochemical cycle are Ca2+ dependent. Non-actomyosin ATPase was measured in fibers stretched beyond overlap of the thick and thin filaments. Sarcoplasmic reticulum was isolated and sarcoplasmic reticulum activity was measured in vitro under the same conditions as the single-fiber experiments. Non-actomyosin ATPase in the single fibers was found to be small compared to maximally activated actomyosin ATPase but larger than the ATPase that could be attributed to sarcoplasmic reticulum activity.
The electrode-effect in the atmosphere

The theory ol the electrode-effect in the atmosphere, has been gradually developed over a period of years. Those published accounts of theories with which the author is acquainted are based on comparatively simple assumptions. For example, turbulence is neglected and it is assumed that the number of condensation-nuclei and the rate of production of small ions do not vary with height. A more complete treatment embodying these and other complicating assumptions is needed but would apparently be very difficult to develop. Although it now appears quite feasible to work out the theory for other distributions of nuclei and rate of production of small ions, the quantitative effect of turbulence does not appear to be so easily incorporated—probably because it is thought the conditions are usually so complicated at a particular location that the simple theory is inapplicable, and probably also because of its complexity, even for the simple case, the theory has not generally been adopted. The results obtained at College, Alaska, during the International Polar Year [see 1 and 2 of “References” at end of paper], however, showed remarkable agreement with the theory, suggesting that the underlying assumptions were sufficiently fulfilled at that place during much of the time. With these results as a stimulus, examination of the records from other locations has shown that the electrode-effect is generally more important than has been assumed.
If technology is a dissipative structure, bring it on deserves a closer look

Pouring forth, faster and faster, from the hi-tech cauldron are products whose powers exceed even the wildest speculation of yesterday's science fiction. Smartphones, one million apps and counting, 3D printers, GPS to find and be found, chip implants in body and brain, dark pools of high-speed trading algorithms, self-driving cars, self-learning robots, Internet in your glasses, designer crops, livestock, and athletes. While the knee-jerk response to smart and new is to bring it on, how do we know that backstage is an unseen agenda? An agenda whose means are us, whose ends are not. Of particular concern, as it bears on advancing technology, is a proposal by Eric Schneider and the late James Kay that life is a response to the thermodynamic imperative of dissipating gradients. Evolving life represents, in their words, “order emerging from disorder in the service of causing even more disorder.” Their claim meshes with 1989 IEEE “Technics, Culture, and Consequences” conference contributor Rod Swenson's view that “the world is in the order production business” because an ordered system can dissipate existing order more efficiently than helter-skelter falling apart. Examples include Benard Cells self-organizing to escalate temperature gradient destruction, devastation produced by the massive cyclonic order in a hurricane, the chaos, suffering and death producible by the technical order in weapons, or the more subtle dissipations of technology doing more and more of the work for us. If the “accelerating returns”, as Ray Kurzweil puts it, of hell for leather technical advance represents the leading edge of life as a dissipative structure, as order emerging from disorder in the service of causing even more disorder, are we included in the returns of technical order? Or are we among the recipients of more disorder? This paper takes a closer look.
Interpretation of dextransucrase inhibition at high sucrose concentrations.

Abstract When acceptor reactions were carried out at high sucrose concentrations (≥ 200 mM), dextran synthesis was inhibited and the acceptor reactions were increased. A model, based on the known mechanisms of dextran synthesis and acceptor reactions, is proposed to explain the inhibition of dextran synthesis and the increase in the acceptor products at high sucrose concentrations. According to the model, sucrose binds to a third, low-affinity binding site, allosterically changing the conformation of the active site so that dextran cannot be formed but acceptor products can be formed.
Studies in Eczematous sensitizations. III. The development in species other than man or the guinea pig.

INTRODUCTION In the various experimental studies dealing with sensitizations to simple chemicals the usual species that have been employed are the guinea pig and man. It is the purpose of this paper to describe our own experimental work in endeavoring to engender a sensitivity to simple chemicals in species other than man or the guinea pig and to review the literature dealing with similar studies and to discuss certain theoretical considerations relating to the development of sensitization to simple chemicals.
Strain partitioning and deformation mode analysis of the normal faults at Red Mountain, Birmingham, Alabama

Abstract In a low-temperature environment, the thin-section scale rock-deformation mode is primarily a function of confining pressure and total strain at geological strain rates. A deformation mode diagram is constructed from published experimental data by plotting the deformation mode on a graph of total strain versus the confining pressure. Four deformation modes are shown on the diagram: extensional fracturing, mesoscopic faulting, incipient faulting, and uniform flow. By determining the total strain and the deformation mode of a naturally deformed sample, the confining pressure and hence the depth at which the rock was deformed can be evaluated. The method is applied to normal faults exposed on the gently dipping southeast limb of the Birmingham anticlinorium in the Red Mountain expressway cut in Birmingham, Alabama. Samples of the Ordovician Chickamauga Limestone within and adjacent to the faults contain brittle structures, including mesoscopic faults and veins, and ductile deformation features including calcite twins, intergranular and transgranular pressure solution, and deformed burrows. During compaction, a vertical shortening of about 45 to 80% in shale is indicated by deformed burrows and relative compaction of shale to burrows, about 6% in limestone by stylolites. The normal faults formed after the Ordovician rocks were consolidated because the faults and associated veins truncate the deformed burrows and stylolites, which truncate the calcite cement. A total strain of 2.0% was caused by mesoscopic faults during normal faulting. A later homogenous deformation, indicated by the calcite twins in veins, cement and fossil fragments, has its major principal shortening strain in the dip direction at a low angle (about 22°) to bedding. The strain magnitude is about 2.6%. By locating the observed data on the deformation mode diagram, it is found that the normal faulting characterized by brittle deformation occurred under low confining pressure ( 2.5 km).
Neonatal testosterone treatment increases neuron and synapse numbers in male rat superior cervical ganglion

Neonatal treatment with gonadal steroids has been reported to alter morphological as well as functional development in various regions of the brain and spinal cord. Among the observed alterations are changes in numbers of neurons and in the organization and numbers of synapses. These regions have been found to be sexually dimorphic, and the dimorphism dependent upon gender differences in circulating levels of gonadal steroids. Neonatal treatment with testosterone has been shown to produce an increase in the number of neurons in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion in female rats. The present studies were designed to investigate the possibility of a normally occurring sexual dimorphism in the SCG of the rat, and to characterize the effect of neonatal treatment with testosterone on neurons and synapses in the male rat. We report a sexual dimorphism in the number of neurons but not in the number of preganglionic axons or ganglionic synapses. In addition, neonatal administration of testosterone propionate results in a 40% increase in the number of superior cervical ganglion neurons in treated male rats over the control male number at 15 and 30 days of age. The testosterone propionate treatment results in a 66% increase in the number of synapses in male superior cervical ganglia, without a concomitant increase in the number of preganglionic axons.
Interrelationships of Late Neogene Elephantoids: New evidence from the Middle Awash Valley, Afar, Ethiopia

Abstract As the most diverse collection of Elephantoidea from one area and a single stratigraphic sequence, fossils from the Middle Awash Valley, Ethiopia, add significantly to our current knowledge of the morphology and systematic phylogeny of late Neogene proboscideans. Abundant specimens of the late surviving “gomphothere” (in the informal sense), Anancus , reveal two species, an earlier more plesiomorphic form in our cladistic analysis and a later, more derived form. The former is tetralophodont on the M2 and is similar to the poorly preserved A. kenyensis from Kenya; also this earlier form is likely to be the immediate ancestor of a more derived tetralophodont Anancus from South Africa. In turn, these two species are clearly ancestral to pentalophodont sister taxa, one from North Africa ( A. petrocchii ) and a second from the Middle Awash. Both the South African and Ethiopian derived Anancus are apparently new species. All known African genera of the family Elephantidae are also present in the Middle Awash including the three “stegomorphs”, Stegotetrabelodon, Stegodibelodon and Stegodon , all of which form a monophyletic group with the subfamily, Elephantinae, comprising Primelephas, Loxodonta, Mammuthus , and Elephas . In our cladistic analysis, the stegomorphs form a series of paraphyletic taxa that are clearly plesiomorphic to the more widely known elephantines. Finally, the abundant Middle Awash elephants add to our belief that the loxodonts and the remaining elephants ( Primelephas, Mammuthus, Elephas ) form separate clades that are sister groups to one another.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adherence and Depression (CBT-AD) in type 2 diabetes

Depression is one of the most common psychological problems among individuals diabetes, and it is associated with worse treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. As part of a program of treatment research aimed at integrating interventions for depression and treatment nonadherence, five depressed patients with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes were treated with 10-12 sessions of individual cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in a case-series design. The intervention was delivered in a hospital setting by a collaborative team consisting of a psychologist, a nurse educator, and a dietitian. Post-treatment, all participants demonstrated a decrease in depression severity and demonstrated improvements in diabetes self-care. Four of the five demonstrated improved glycemic control. These preliminary results provide evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, and potential utility of CBT-AD for patients with type 2 diabetes and depression.
The mechanism of photoreductiom of cyclohexenones to cyclohexanones in isopropyl alcohol

Abstract The photoreduction of cyclohexenones in 2-propanol is initiated by H-abstraction at C β of the enone 3 π, π* state, as shown by the reaction course in deuterated solvents.
Support vector machine based classification of fast Fourier transform spectroscopy of proteins

Fast Fourier transform spectroscopy has proved to be a powerful method for study of the secondary structure of proteins since peak positions and their relative amplitude are affected by the number of hydrogen bridges that sustain this secondary structure. However, to our best knowledge, the method has not been used yet for identification of proteins within a complex matrix like a blood sample. The principal reason is the apparent similarity of protein infrared spectra with actual differences usually masked by the solvent contribution and other interactions. In this paper, we propose a novel machine learning based method that uses protein spectra for classification and identification of such proteins within a given sample. The proposed method uses principal component analysis (PCA) to identify most important linear combinations of original spectral components and then employs support vector machine (SVM) classification model applied on such identified combinations to categorize proteins into one of given groups. Our experiments have been performed on the set of four different proteins, namely: Bovine Serum Albumin, Leptin, Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 and Osteopontin. Our proposed method of applying principal component analysis along with support vector machines exhibits excellent classification accuracy when identifying proteins using their infrared spectra.
A Note on Popper's Equation of Simplicity with Falsifiability

AbstractKarl Popper equates simplicity with falsifiability. He develops his argument for this equation through a geometrical example. There is a flaw in his example, which undermines his claim that...
Stress relief: improving structural strength of 3D printable objects

The use of 3D printing has rapidly expanded in the past couple of years. It is now possible to produce 3D-printed objects with exceptionally high fidelity and precision. However, although the quality of 3D printing has improved, both the time to print and the material costs have remained high. Moreover, there is no guarantee that a printed model is structurally sound. The printed product often does not survive cleaning, transportation, or handling, or it may even collapse under its own weight. We present a system that addresses this issue by providing automatic detection and correction of the problematic cases. The structural problems are detected by combining a lightweight structural analysis solver with 3D medial axis approximations. After areas with high structural stress are found, the model is corrected by combining three approaches: hollowing, thickening, and strut insertion. Both detection and correction steps are repeated until the problems have been eliminated. Our process is designed to create a model that is visually similar to the original model but possessing greater structural integrity.
Toward a general theory of social systems

This article presents a General Theory of Social Systems. This general theory proposes a model and method for the design, behaviour, and development of social systems. The model advanced is an exposition of the universal composition of social systems in three‐dimensions. The accompanying prescribed method offers dissection and analysis of past, present, and planned systems from Micro to Meta scales in isolation and relation to external systems.
Acrylamide Electrophoresis of Pine Pollen Proteins

IN genetic investigations of the genus Pinus we have separated and compared albumins and globulins extracted from pollen of 8 species and hybrids by gel electrophoresis1. Although hybridization occurs in Pinus, many species of this genus appear incompatible2. Among other reasons for incompatibility, differences in pollen protein composition may prevent successful fertilization.
Course Design Using the House of Quality.

This article reports on the use of the House of Quality to facilitate the design of a required operations management course in an MBA program. The House of Quality is a relatively new approach that is used in product or service design and total quality management. The faculty identified the decision issues it felt would be pertinent to the design effort and surveyed students on their perceptions of those areas at the end of the course. The faculty then analyzed data and discussed the findings. The resulting House of Quality provided the basis for determining future course improvements.
Structure and Molecular Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide 10F by Carbohydrate Engineering in Streptococcus oralis

Although closely related at the molecular level, the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of serotype 10F Streptococcus pneumoniae and coaggregation receptor polysaccharide (RPS) of Streptococcus oralis C104 have distinct ecological roles. CPS prevents phagocytosis of pathogenic S. pneumoniae, whereas RPS of commensal S. oralis functions as a receptor for lectin-like adhesins on other members of the dental plaque biofilm community. Results from high resolution NMR identified the recognition region of S. oralis RPS (i.e. Galfβ1–6GalNAcβ1–3Galα) in the hexasaccharide repeat of S. pneumoniae CPS10F. The failure of this polysaccharide to support fimbriae-mediated adhesion of Actinomyces naeslundii was explained by the position of Galf, which occurred as a branch in CPS10F rather than within the linear polysaccharide chain, as in RPS. Carbohydrate engineering of S. oralis RPS with wzy from S. pneumoniae attributed formation of the Galf branch in CPS10F to the linkage of adjacent repeating units through sub terminal GalNAc in Galfβ1–6GalNAcβ1–3Galα rather than through terminal Galf, as in RPS. A gene (wcrD) from serotype 10A S. pneumoniae was then used to engineer a linear surface polysaccharide in S. oralis that was identical to RPS except for the presence of a β1–3 linkage between Galf and GalNAcβ1–3Galα. This polysaccharide also failed to support adhesion of A. naeslundii, thereby establishing the essential role of β1–6-linked Galf in recognition of adjacent GalNAcβ1–3Galα in wild-type RPS. These findings, which illustrate a molecular approach for relating bacterial polysaccharide structure to function, provide insight into the possible evolution of S. oralis RPS from S. pneumoniae CPS.
Ultrasound echo is related to stress and strain in tendon

The mechanical behavior of tendons has been well studied in vitro. A noninvasive method to acquire mechanical data would be highly beneficial. Elastography has been a promising method of gathering in vivo tissue mechanical behavior, but it has inherent limitations. This study presents acoustoelasticity as an alternative ultrasound-based method of measuring tendon stress and strain by reporting a relationship between ultrasonic echo intensity (B-mode ultrasound image brightness) and mechanical behavior of tendon in vitro. Porcine digital flexor tendons were cyclically loaded in a mechanical testing system while an ultrasonic echo response was recorded. We report that echo intensity closely follows the applied cyclic strain pattern in time with higher strain protocols resulting in larger echo intensity changes. We also report that echo intensity is related nonlinearly to stress and nearly linearly to strain. This indicates that ultrasonic echo intensity is related to the mechanical behavior in a loaded tissue by an acoustoelastic response, as previously described in homogeneous, nearly incompressible materials. Acoustoelasticity is therefore able to relate strain-dependent stiffness and stress to the reflected echo, even in the processed B-mode signals reflected from viscoelastic and inhomogeneous material such as tendon, and is a promising metric to acquire in vivo mechanical data noninvasively.
Herpes simplex virus 1 single-strand DNA-binding protein (ICP8) will promote homologous pairing and strand transfer.

Abstract The herpes simplex virus type 1 encoded ICP8 protein binds single-stranded (ss) DNA and is required for DNA replication in vitro . We have used electron microscopy to examine the ability of ICP8 to promote homologous pairing and strand transfer reactions. Visualization of M13 ssDNA-ICP8 complexes showed that they preferentially bound and enveloped homologous double-stranded (ds) DNA fragments; their deproteinization released ssDNA circles containing dsDNA segments, and an equal number of linear single strands. Optimal transfer required Mg 2+ but not nucleoside triphosphates, and showed a fourfold preference for dsDNA fragments with a few bases recessed ends, Gel electrophoretic analysis confirmed the strand transfer activity of ICP8.
Phase separation in the spherical model

The spherical model in an inhomogeneous external field is investigated. It is shown that whenever there is a phase transition the phases do not separate. This, together with decoupling effects in the magnetisation profile as well as in the transverse correlation functions, suggests abnormally large fluctuations and strong field dependence. These are confirmed by the study of symmetry-breaking fields acting on portions of the boundary.
Actual Causation vs. Probabilistic Linkage: The Bane of Economic Analysis

ONE of the focal points in the current debate about competing theories of tort liability is the actual causation requirement, which relieves a defendant of liability if his tortious conduct was not in fact a cause of the plaintiff's injury. It is generally recognized that any successful theory must come to terms with the requirement, since it has been the most pervasive and enduring requirement of tort liability over the centuries.' But the requirement has been troublesome for modern tort theorists, because of their difficulties either in articulating its precise meaning or in fitting it into a particular theory. The definitional problem has plagued proponents of the traditional "corrective justice" or "rights violation" theories of tort liability, which hold that, as a matter of individual justice between the plaintiff and the defendant, the defendant who has caused an injury to the plaintiff in violation of his rights in his person or property must compensate him for such injury, whether or not imposition of liability will further some collective social goal.2 The central role of the actual causation requirement in
Bond indenture provisions and the risk of corporate debt

Abstract This paper examines the effect of alternative bond indenture provisions on the allocation of risk among the firm's claimants. The approach taken here differs from that of earlier studies in that risk allocation is examined while the firm's leverage (in market value terms) is held constant. In this context, four indenture provisions are examined: (1) the time to maturity, (2) the promised payment schedule, (3) financing restrictions and (4) priority rules. It is concluded that risk is transferred from stockholders to bondholders as the time to maturity and promised payment increase appropriately. Furthermore substitution of longer-term debt for an equal amount of shorter-term debt also increases the risk to bondholders while decreasing the risk to stockholders. The analysis shows that a coupon bond can be represented by a unique discount bond with the same risk and value. This permits the characterization of the effective maturity of a risky debt issue, a concept analogous to the stochastic duration of a default-free coupon bond. These results are shown to be independent of the means used to finance the debt issue. Finally, it is concluded that the relative risk associated with different bonds issued by the same firm cannot be determined by the structure of priority rules alone. It is also necessary to consider the timing of the promised payments compared to that of the other debt issues in the firm's capital structure.
Phosphorylation controls brush border motility by regulating myosin structure and association with the cytoskeleton.

Abstract The intestinal epithelial cell brush border (BB) is a useful model for nonmuscle cell motility. We studied regulation of BB motility by analyzing myosin phosphorylation and its association with the cytoskeleton. Our results demonstrate that myosin associates with the cytoskeleton only when it is dephosphorylated. Myosin light chain kinase substrates release myosin, phosphorylated and in the form of filaments, from the cytoskeleton. Although ITP and GTP serve as myosin ATPase substrates, they do not cause BB contraction, myosin release, or phosphorylation. Brush border contraction occurs with ATP or with a mixture of ITP and ATPγS. Therefore, phosphorylation regulates myosin association with the cytoskeleton, myosin is not bound at the actin-myosin binding site, and when phosphorylated, myosin forms filaments for movement.
Overview of Sensitivity Analysis and Shape Optimization for Complex Aerodynamic Configurations

This paper presents a brief overview of some of the more recent advances in steady aerodynamic shape-design sensitivity analysis and optimization, based on advanced computational fluid dynamics. The focus here is on those methods particularly well- suited to the study of geometrically complex configurations and their potentially complex associated flow physics. When nonlinear state equations are considered in the optimization process, difficulties are found in the application of sensitivity analysis. Some techniques for circumventing such difficulties are currently being explored and are included here. Attention is directed to methods that utilize automatic differentiation to obtain aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for both complex configurations and complex flow physics. Various examples of shape-design sensitivity analysis for unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics algorithms are demonstrated for different formulations of the sensitivity equations. Finally, the use of advanced, unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics in multidisciplinary analyses and multidisciplinary sensitivity analyses within future optimization processes is recommended and encouraged.
Noninvasive identification of three-dimensional myocardial infarctions from inversely reconstructed equivalent current density

The study presents a new approach to non-invasively identify the 3-dimensional MI substrate from the equivalent current densities (ECDs) that is inversely reconstructed from body surface potential maps (BSPMs). The MI substrate was characterized using a threshold determined from the ECD magnitude. A total of 114 sites of transmural infarctions, 91 sites of epicardial infarctions, and 36 sites of endocardial infarctions were simulated. The results show that: 1)With 205 BSPM electrodes and 10 µV Gaussian white noise, the averaged accuracies for transmural MI are sensitivity = 83.4%, specificity = 82.2%, and the distance between the centers of gravity (DCG) = 6.5mm. Epicardial infarctions (sensitivity = 81.6%, specificity = 75.8%, and DCG = 7.5mm) obtained similar accuracies to endocardial infarctions (sensitivity = 80.0%, specificity = 77.0%, and DCG = 10.4 mm). A reasonably good imaging performance was obtained under a higher noise level, fewer BSPM electrodes, and mild volume conductor modeling error, respectively. The results suggest that this method is capable of imaging the transmural and surface infarction.
A subharmonic self-oscillating mixer with integrated antenna for 60-GHz wireless applications

A balanced integrated-antenna self-oscillating mixer at 60 GHz is presented in this paper. The modal radiation characteristics of a dual-feed planar quasi-Yagi antenna are used to achieve RF-local oscillator (RF-LO) isolation between closely spaced frequencies. The balanced mixer is symmetric, inherently broad band, and does not need an RF balun. Pseudomorphic high electron-mobility transistors are used in a 30-GHz push-pull circuit to generate the second harmonic and a 30-GHz dielectric resonator was used to stabilize the fundamental oscillation frequency. This allows the possibility of building a balanced low-cost self-contained antenna integrated receiver with low LO leakage for short-range narrow-band communication. Phase locking can be done with half of the RF frequency. The circuit exhibits a conversion loss less than 15 dB from 60 to 61.5 GHz, radiation leakage of -26 dBm at 60 GHz, and IF phase noise of -95 dBc/Hz at 100-kHz offset.
Heuristic Algorithms for Single Row Routing

A heuristic algorithm, based on the criterion of having nets with larger cut numbers assigned to inner tracks and nets with smaller cut numbers assigned to outer tracks, for single row routing problem has recently been proposed by Tarng et al. It has been reported that this algorithm has always been able to produce the optimal solutions for all the examples tested so far. In this paper, we have proved that algorithms based on the heuristic criterion of cut numbers produce optimal solutions for instances in which all nets cover at least one common node (i.e., form a single group). However, the algorithm proposed by Tarng et al. may not produce optimal solutions for instances of multiple net groups. Thus, several possible heuristic algorithms based on the same criterion, but also taking into consideration the net grouping situation have been proposed. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithms are faster and often generate better results than the one proposed by Tarng et al. A tighter lower bound on the number of tracks required is also obtained in this paper.
Isomorphisms of splits of computably enumerable sets

We show that if A and are automorphic via Φ then the structures (A) and () are Δ3 0-isomorphic via an isomorphism Ψ induced by Φ. Then we use this result to classify completely the orbits of hhsimple sets.
Scene Shadow Effects on Multispectral Response

The behavior of canopy reflectance and spectral bandtransformations, normalized difference (ND), and greenness (GR) dueto the amount and location of scene shadows was examined. Live balsamfir (Abies balsamea L. (Mill.)) trees were arranged in an equidistantpattern on a platform. Spectral reflectances were acquired forthree canopies (44-, 70-,and 90-pereent cover) and three backgroundtypes (grass-sod, black-,and white-painted boards) for a range of solarzenith angles. Rotating the platform produced variations in the locationof shadows cast by trees in the scene.Red and near-IR reflectance factors decreased as the amount of sceneshadows increased while ND increased with increasing scene shadows.However, when large anmounts of green vegetation were present, NDsaturated (i.e., approached an asymptote) and the observed increaseswere reduced. GR was least affected by changing shadow amounts.Spectral response variations due to shadows decreased as canopy coverincreased.A simple model was used to examine the effects of shadows in "pure"pixels of backgrounds representing vegetation, bare soil, and snow.Red and near-IR reflectance decreased and ND increased as the proprotionof shadows increased. These results suggest that green vegetationphytomass may be overestimated by ND when shadows cast byvegetation are present in a scene.
ON THE RELIABILITY OF PRESENT METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING TWO GONADOTROPIC HORMONES, FOLLICLESTIMULATOR AND LUTEINIZER

The view that the physiological response to extracts having gonadotropic activity is dependent upon the relative proportion of two gonadotropic hormones, follicle-stimulator and luteinizer, has gained fairly wide acceptance. Zondek (1) in an early paper formulated this view. Fevold, Hisaw and Leonard (2) were the first to submit good evidence for the separation of two gonadotropic hormones from the anterior pituitary. Before taking up the data of the present investigations, it would seem appropriate to enumerate the characteristics attributed to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). As is natural in dealing with preparations of varying degrees of purity, there has been some shifting of opinion regarding the characteristics of the two hormones, and we shall attempt to give the most recent viewpoints. The following are some means of distinguishing the follicle-stimulator, FSH, from the luteinizer, LH. A). In the hypophysectomized immature female rat, LH by itself has no effect.
On the structural and functional modularity of glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferases

Glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferases (GARTs) are part of the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway, catalyzing the direct transfer of a formyl group from the tetrahydrofolate cofactor to the glycinamide ribonucleotide substrate. Despite the low amino acid-sequence identity between the GARTs from Escherichia coli and human, their tertiary structures are superimposable. As part of our functional studies of these enzymes, we have investigated the interchangeability of individual protein fragments or modules between the two enzymes and the functional properties of the resulting hybrids. The modular nature of GART facilitated the creation of combinatorial libraries of chimeras between the Escherichia coli and human enzymes, which were functionally selected through complementation of an auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain. From a pool of several dozen sequence distinct hybrids, six in vivo-functional fusion genes were selected, overexpressed, and purified to homogeneity. The kinetic analysis of these constructs and the comparison of their kcat and KM values to the parental enzymes suggest that the characteristic kinetic properties from the two parents are “modular encoded” and can be exchanged by domain swapping. The chimeras in general, however, are subject to temperature instability and misfolding; thus, they serve primarily as useful candidates for further rounds of optimization.
Assessing Local Government Revenue Forecasting Techniques

Abstract This article assesses revenue forecasting techniques that could be used by local governments. This study is most interested in discerning the extent of use of the causal techniques of deterministic and econometric forecasting. The data used in this study was compiled from an International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) survey of revenue forecasting techniques used by US local governments. The results indicate limited use of causal revenue forecasting of deterministic and econometric methods compared to expert and trend forecasting techniques. This finding could possibly be attributed to the lack of exposure to more advanced causal forecasting techniques that budget officers receive in US public administration programs.
Phylogenetic systematics turns over a new leaf

Long restricted to the domain of molecular systematics and studies of molecular evolution, likelihood methods are now being used in analyses of discrete morphological data, specifically to estimate ancestral character states and for tests of character correlation. Biologists are beginning to apply likelihood models within a Bayesian statistical framework, which promises not only to provide answers that evolutionary biologists desire, but also to make practical the application of more realistic evolutionary models.
How Do Y-Chromosomes Modulate Genome-Wide Epigenetic States: Genome Folding, Chromatin Sinks, and Gene Expression

The Y chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans contain only a handful of protein-coding genes, which are related to sperm mobility and reproductive fitness. Despite low or absent protein coding polymorphism, the Drosophila Y chromosome has been associated with natural phenotypic variation, including variation in the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes located on autosomes and on the X chromosome. Polymorphisms present in the large blocks of heterochromatin and consisting of differences in the amounts and kinds of sequences for satellite DNA and transposable elements may be the source of this modulation. Here we review the evidence and discuss mechanisms for global epigenetic regulation by repetitious elements in the Y chromosome. We also discuss how the discovery of this new function impacts the current knowledge about Y chromosome origin, its current dynamics, and future fate.
Investigation of Attenuation of the Lg‐Wave Amplitude in the Caribbean Region

The focus of this study is to determine the frequency-dependent quality factor function Qffor the Caribbean region. The analysis considers the Lg portion of 2685 three-component waveforms. Waveforms are selected from 116 earthquakes that occurred between 2006 and 2013 with moment magnitude Mw ranging from 4.6 to 7.0. Spectral amplitudes over 12 distinct passbands from 0.1 to 12.8 Hz are calcu- lated only for waveforms with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5 or better. In the regression model, the vertical component and the geometric mean of two horizontal components are used to estimate Qf � . A geometrical spreading function with spectral amplitude decay of R �0:5 is used for distances beyond 100 km. The following quality factor functions for the assumed geometrical spreading are obtained: Q H � 310f 0:54 for the horizontal components, and Q V � 235f 0:65 for the vertical components.
Exchange and Negotiated Learning in Graduate Medical Education

THE COMPLICATED affairs of the medical world are of increasing interest to sociologists, particularly to those who study medical education. Sociologists have, during the last decade and a half, conducted numerous and varied studies of the training and preparation of physicians. The object of this paper is to report pertinent current research as well as to present briefly the specific concerns and theoretical predilections of two approaches which influence it in one way or another. The discussion which follows will focus on the rationale of the Columbia University studies and those conducted in the Chicago tradition, each of which is making a unique contribution to the sociology of medical education. Gouldner states the differences between the strategies:
β-Cell–Specific Protein Kinase A Activation Enhances the Efficiency of Glucose Control by Increasing Acute-Phase Insulin Secretion

Acute insulin secretion determines the efficiency of glucose clearance. Moreover, impaired acute insulin release is characteristic of reduced glucose control in the prediabetic state. Incretin hormones, which increase β-cell cAMP, restore acute-phase insulin secretion and improve glucose control. To determine the physiological role of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), a mouse model was developed to increase PKA activity specifically in the pancreatic β-cells. In response to sustained hyperglycemia, PKA activity potentiated both acute and sustained insulin release. In contrast, a glucose bolus enhanced acute-phase insulin secretion alone. Acute-phase insulin secretion was increased 3.5-fold, reducing circulating glucose to 58% of levels in controls. Exendin-4 increased acute-phase insulin release to a similar degree as PKA activation. However, incretins did not augment the effects of PKA on acute-phase insulin secretion, consistent with incretins acting primarily via PKA to potentiate acute-phase insulin secretion. Intracellular calcium signaling was unaffected by PKA activation, suggesting that the effects of PKA on acute-phase insulin secretion are mediated by the phosphorylation of proteins involved in β-cell exocytosis. Thus, β-cell PKA activity transduces the cAMP signal to dramatically increase acute-phase insulin secretion, thereby enhancing the efficiency of insulin to control circulating glucose.