cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age, sex, and inflammatory markers predict chronic conditions, cardiac disease, and mortality among captive western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

In humans, inflammatory markers predict health risks. As great apes experience many similar conditions, measuring inflammation may provide valuable health information. We examined four serum inflammatory markers in zoo-housed gorillas (n = 48): albumin, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. We first analyzed age- and sex-associated patterns, then used multimodel inference to evaluate models with age, sex, and inflammatory markers as predictors of all-cause morbidity, cardiac disease, and mortality. Older gorillas had lower albumin and higher IL-6, and males had higher albumin, lower CRP, and lower TNF-α. All-cause morbidity was best predicted by age, sex, and TNF-α, but the second model containing only age and sex was equivalent. Cardiac disease was best predicted by TNF-α alongside age and sex, with lower levels associated with increased risk. When outliers were removed, the model with TNF-α was second to the model containing only age and sex. Finally, mortality risk was best predicted by the model with only age and sex. Other models containing individual inflammatory markers were within top model sets for each health outcome. Our results indicate that age and sex are robust for predicting all-cause morbidity and mortality risk in gorillas; while models which include individual inflammatory markers also predict risk, they may not improve predictions over age and sex alone. However, given the prevalence of cardiac disease in great apes, these results suggest that TNF-α warrants further investigation. With their potential to provide valuable health information, data on inflammatory markers may contribute to the care and management of gorillas in human care.
Dividend-Yield Based Trading Rules: The Turkish Evidence

Recent research documents the superiority of dividend-yield based trading rules over a buy-and-hold strategy in the U.S. and Finland. We extend the international evidence on the superiority of dividend-yield based trading rules by examining whether the trading rules outperform a buy-and-hold strategy in Turkey. Specifically, we examine the returns of the ISE 30 index and trading rule portfolios that are components of the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Using a multiplicity of parametric and non-parametric tests, empirical results reveal that dynamic trading strategies do not outperform a passive strategy in Turkey.
A comparison of symptoms after viewing text on a computer screen and hardcopy

Citation information: Chu C, Rosenfield M, Portello JK, Benzoni JA & Collier JD. A comparison of symptoms after viewing text on a computer screen and hardcopy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 29–32. Abstract Purpose: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems experienced during or related to computer use. Ocular symptoms may include asthenopia, accommodative and vergence difficulties and dry eye. CVS occurs in up to 90% of computer workers, and given the almost universal use of these devices, it is important to identify whether these symptoms are specific to computer operation, or are simply a manifestation of performing a sustained near-vision task. Method: This study compared ocular symptoms immediately following a sustained near task. 30 young, visually-normal subjects read text aloud either from a desktop computer screen or a printed hardcopy page at a viewing distance of 50 cm for a continuous 20 min period. Identical text was used in the two sessions, which was matched for size and contrast. Target viewing angle and luminance were similar for the two conditions. Immediately following completion of the reading task, subjects completed a written questionnaire asking about their level of ocular discomfort during the task. Results: When comparing the computer and hardcopy conditions, significant differences in median symptom scores were reported with regard to blurred vision during the task (t = 147.0; p = 0.03) and the mean symptom score (t = 102.5; p = 0.04). In both cases, symptoms were higher during computer use. Conclusions: Symptoms following sustained computer use were significantly worse than those reported after hard copy fixation under similar viewing conditions. A better understanding of the physiology underlying CVS is critical to allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This will allow practitioners to optimize visual comfort and efficiency during computer operation.
Repeatable electrical measurement instrumentation for use in the accelerated stress testing of thin film solar cells

Attention is given to the construction, calibration, and performance of a repeatable measurement system for use in conjunction with the accelerated stress testing of a-Si:H cells. A filtered diode array is utilized to approximate the spectral response of any type of solar cell in discrete portions of the spectrum. It is noted that in order to achieve the necessary degree of overall repeatability, it is necessary to pay particular attention to methods of contacting and positioning the cells.
A replication study: Attitudes toward ethics: A view of the college student

This study replicates Grant and Broom's 1988 study to determineif any of the student responses to the ethical dilemmas havechanged in more than a decade, and to measure the impact of thedemographic variables of father's occupation, family income, anduniversity attended on the students' responses. The findings inthis research indicate that there have been changes in theethical attitudes of business students in the last decade. Thisstudy and future research concerning the possible impact ofethics courses taught at the undergraduate level yield importantunderstandings for those teaching and studying ethics inbusiness.
Chapter 7 Membrane Properties and the Activation of Protein Kinase C and Phospholipase A2

Publisher Summary The structure of lipid bilayer membranes attracts increasing interest because of the realization that the activities of many key intracellular enzymes, especially those involved in lipid metabolism and transmembrane signal transduction, may be modulated by the structure/composition of the cell membranes. The defects in the lipid bilayer structure, variously described as bilayer packing “irregularities,” bilayer packing “stress” or “strain,” or “increased bilayer fluctuations,” have long been implicated as important factors in determining protein-lipid interactions and activity of some intrinsic membrane proteins and membrane-active enzymes, notably the phospholipases. Among the most studied of these enzymes are two that are considered in this chapter as a paradigm of the effects of the membrane structure on biological functions of the cell: PKC and PLA2. While a number of biologically active lipids affect the activities of these enzymes, the primary focus here is the effects of a class of ubiquitous and well-studied second messenger molecules, DAGs, on both bilayer structure and resulting modulation by different species of DAGs of PKC or PLAz activities.
Influence of supercoiling and sequence context on operator DNA binding with lac repressor.

The dissociation of the repressor-operator complex from a series of negatively supercoiled plasmid DNAs was examined as a function of the sequence context, orientation, and spacing. The plasmids were grouped into four classes, each with common sequence context. The highest dissociation rate constants were observed for the plasmids containing only a single operator (or pseudooperator) sequence, while approximately 10-fold lower rate constants were measured for plasmids with the I gene pseudooperator in conjunction with either the Z gene pseudooperator or the primary operator. Comparison of the behavior of these two classes of plasmids demonstrated the importance of two operator sequences and supported a model of DNA loop formation to stabilize the repressor-operator complex (Whitson, P. A., and Matthews, K. S. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 3845-3852; Whitson, P. A., Olson, J. S., and Matthews, K. S. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 3852-3858; Whitson, P. A., Hsieh, W. T., Wells, R. D., and Matthews, K. S. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 4943-4946; Kramer, H., Niemoller, M., Amouyal, M., Revet, B., von Wilcken-Bergmann, B., and Muller-Hill, B. (1987) EMBO J. 6, 1481-1491). The third class, with intermediate dissociation rate constants, was comprised of plasmids which contained the primary operator and the higher affinity pseudooperator normally located in the Z gene. Neither the additional presence of the I gene pseudooperator nor the orientation of the primary operator relative to the Z gene pseudooperator significantly affected the dissociation rate constants. The binding characteristics of this group of plasmids demonstrated the essential role of the Z gene pseudooperator in the formation of intramolecular ternary complex and suggested an in vivo function for this pseudooperator. Plasmids containing two primary operator sequences were the class with lowest dissociation rate constants from lac repressor, and minimal effects of salt or spacing on dissociation of this class were observed. These data are consistent with formation of an intramolecular complex with a looped DNA segment stabilized by the combination of increased local concentration of binding sites and torsional stresses on the DNA which favor binding in supercoiled DNA.
Properties of compacton-anticompacton collisions

We study the properties of compacton-anticompacton collision processes. We compare and contrast results for the case of compacton-anticompacton solutions of the K(l,p) Rosenau-Hyman (RH) equation for l = p = 2, with compacton-anticompacton solutions of the L(l,p) Cooper-Shepard-Sodano (CSS) equation for p = 1 and l = 3. This study is performed using a Pade discretization of the RH and CSS equations. We find a significant difference in the behavior of compacton-anticompacton scattering. For the CSS equation, the scattering can be interpreted as "annihilation" as the wake left behind dissolves over time. In the RH equation, the numerical evidence is that multiple shocks form after the collision, which eventually lead to "blowup" of the resulting wave form.
DAG-searched and density-based initial centroid location method for fuzzy clustering of big biomedical data

Randomly allocating initial centroids may lead to undesired steady states for fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering. This paper proposes an alternative method to automatically search initial centroid location based on data density. Specifically, this method auto-searches points located in high-density domains as centroids using directed acycline graph (DAG) based algorithm, and then iteratively finding the optimal patterns. Compared with random initialization method, our method seems to have the potential to improve FCM accuracy for larger data size with seconds' tradeoff in computational time using published datasets.
Examining School Searches as Systemic Violence

Although an individualistic conception of violence dominates in the U.S., academics are beginning to pay attention to more systemic forms of violence. Systemic violence is difficult to see, however, as it often becomes normalized. This type of violence is not necessarily intentional, but nonetheless has a detrimental affect. The impact of systemic violence may be emotional as well as physical. This work examines three types of school searches as forms of violence against students. Use of metal detectors, drug tests, and strip searches are connected to the literature on systemic violence. The article demonstrates that, in addition to being ineffective means of preventing and addressing school violence and student drug use, these measures harm students, teachers, and society at large. Alternatives to these punitive approaches, framed by peacemaking and humanistic perspectives, are presented.
Incidence and risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated urinary incontinence

The objective of our study was to estimate the incidence and to identify the risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We conducted a nested case-control study among 1,132 women who underwent SUI surgery from January 1988 to June 2007. Cases (n = 35) were women who required reoperation for SUI following the first intervention up to December 2008. Controls (n = 89) were women randomly selected from the same cohort who did not require reoperation. The cumulative incidence of SUI reoperation was 3.1 % with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years (range 1.7–21.0). The main risk factor was the history of more than one vaginal delivery [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.5; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.0–12.6]. The use of synthetic midurethral slings was a protective factor compared to other surgical procedures for urinary incontinence (adjusted OR 0.1; 95 % CI 0.0–0.6). The risk of reoperation after SUI surgery appears to be low and associated with multiple vaginal deliveries. Synthetic slings at index surgery are associated with a lower risk of reoperation.
User adaptable tasks for differential teaching with applications to robotic autism therapy

Autism is characterized by limitations in social interaction, speech, imitation and motor coordination. Recent studies suggest a link between imitation and Autism. In this paper, a robot is utilized to practice imitation learning in individuals with Autism. A system is proposed to gradually improve the imitation and social interaction of patients by adaptive training, which involves repetition of tasks close to the individual capacity limit and gradually increasing the capacity by improving the difficulty level. An ideal robot motion such as a hand wave performed by a trainer is recorded using a Kinect sensor and is replayed on the small humanoid robot Zeno. The motion is encoded on the robot using the Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMP) architecture, which is a set of non-linear differential equations used to generalize a motion by just changing the time, frequency and amplitude of the trajectory. The robot can adapt its motion to match that of the subject by analyzing the subject's movements by changing the DMP trajectory parameters accordingly. In the future, it is expected that this system will help subjects of different capabilities learn in a consistent manner by adaptively adjusting to their progress.
Neural algorithm for solving differential equations

Finite difference equations are considered to solve differential equations numerically by utilizing minimization algorithms. Neural minimization algorithms for solving the finite difference equations are presented. Results of numerical simulation are described to demonstrate the method. Methods of implementing the algorithms are discussed. General features of the neural algorithms are discussed.
Overexpression, purification, and characterization of the periplasmic space thiamin-binding protein of the thiamin traffic ATPase in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Thiamin (Vitamin B 1 ) transport in Escherichia coli occurs by the superfamily of traffic ATPases in which the initial receptor is the periplasmic binding protein. We have cloned the periplasmic thiamin-binding protein (TBP) of the E. coli periplasmic thiamin transport system and purified the overexpressed protein to apparent homogeneity. A subsequent biochemical characterization demonstrates that TBP is a 34.205 kDa monomer. TBP also contains one tightly bound thiamin species [thiamin, thiamin monophosphate (TMP), or thiamin diphosphate (TDP)] per monomer ( K D =0.8 μM ) when isolated under conditions that would remove any loosely bound ligands. We also demonstrate that thiamin is readily exchangeable in the presence of exogenous thiamin with a k off =0.12 s −1 . The biochemical characteristics of the overexpressed, plasmid-derived TBP are indistinguishable from those determined for endogenous TBP purified from E. coli . The overexpression and purification of TBP that we present here allows the rapid isolation of large amounts of pure protein that are required for further mechanistic and structural studies and demonstrates a vast improvement over previously reported purifications.
Safety and efficacy of low-dose bexarotene and PUVA in the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides.

Background:The new rexinoid bexarotene is a retinoid X receptor antagonist and immune response modifier. Although combinations of oral bexarotene and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) have been tried in patients with all stages of mycosis fungoides (MF), the dosage of bexarotene used in these combination regimens has been variable. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral bexarotene and PUVA in patients with relapsed or treatment-refractory MF following monotherapy with multiple agents including PUVA, narrow-band UVB, interferon-?, oral bexarotene, and topical corticosteroids. Method: Combination therapy with PUVA three times weekly and low-dose oral bexarotene (150 or 300 mg/day, depending on physicians’ preference) was administered to 14 patients, seven men and seven women (median age 49.5 years, range 30-75 years), with relapsed or refractory MF stages I-III. All responders received maintenance treatment at the same bexarotene dose that induced remission until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Low-dose oral bexarotene combined with PUVA was associated with an overall response rate (complete response or partial response) in 67% of the nine patients with refractory MF who completed the treatment course. Of these nine patients, four had a complete response, two had a partial response, one had stable disease, and two had progressive disease. Five patients withdrew because of hyperlipidemia. Oral bexarotene was continued as maintenance therapy in three of the four complete responders (one refused); two of these patients relapsed 2-10 months after PUVA discontinuation. Patients with partial response or stable disease received the combination for 3-5 months and were switched to another treatment regimen because of lack of further response. Therapy was fairly well tolerated. Conclusion: In a select population of patients who had not responded to at least one monotherapy for early-stage MF, a combination of low-dose oral bexarotene and PUVA was successful in achieving a satisfactory overall response rate in 67% of patients who completed the treatment course and was fairly well tolerated. Limitations of the study include the small number of patients evaluated, its retrospective nature, and the fact that patients were commenced on different bexarotene starting doses (150 or 300 mg/day), depending on physicians’ preference.
Silver-stained synaptonemal complexes of human pachytene bivalents studied by light microscopy

The synaptonemal complex (SC), a part of the ultrastructure of the pachytene bivalent of eukaryotic organisms, is intimately connected with the pairing of homologous chromosomes. Its development, structure, and function have been studied extensively with the electron microscope during the past 20 years. A simple method of staining with silver nitrate has made it possible for us to visualize human SCs with the light microscope.
Co-evolution and plant resistance to natural enemies

Co-evolution between plants and their natural enemies is generally believed to have generated much of the Earth's biological diversity. A process analogous to co-evolution occurs in agricultural systems, in which natural enemies adapt to crop resistance introduced by breeding or genetic engineering. Because of this similarity, the investigation of resistance mechanisms in crops is helping to elucidate the workings of co-evolution in nature, while evolutionary principles, including those derived from investigation of co-evolution in nature, are being applied in the management of resistance in genetically engineered crops.
African American Males in Urban Schools: No Excuses—Teach and Empower

The author outlines five promising principles, emerging from his research, on teaching that can empower teachers and Black male students in urban school contexts. In particular, teachers and students (a) envision life beyond their present situations, (b) come to know themselves in relation to others, (c) speak possibility and not destruction, (d) care and demonstrate that care, and (e) change their thinking to change their actions. The author argues that those in education should stop making excuses for why schools are failing Black male students, especially in urban schools, and do what is necessary to meet these students' needs. The central theme of the article is one of next level education, a new and more promising level of education for Black students achievable when effort and commitment are present.
Churg-Strauss syndrome

Objectives This article discusses the clinical manifestations and treatment protocols of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). A review of the definition, pathophysiology, and prognosis of CSS is included, as well as more recent evidence of the presumed association between antileukotriene antagonists and CSS. Data sources Relevant articles in the medical literature derived from searching the MEDLINE database (1966 to present) with key terms Churg-Strauss syndrome , allergic granulomatosis , and allergic granulomatous angiitis . Sources included review articles, meta-analyses, randomized control trials, case reports, case series, and seminal articles, the majority of which had been published within the past decade. Study selection Studies that described the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, treatment, or prognosis of CSS. Results CSS is a systemic vasculitic disorder with multiorgan involvement and diverse presentations. Conclusions Recognition of the multiorgan manifestations of CSS is crucial to clinical management. Whether a causal relationship exists between antileukotriene antagonists and onset of CSS remains unclear.
Activation of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase by neurocatin, a neuroregulator from mammalian brain

Neurocatin, a neuroregulatory factor isolated from mammalian brain, is a powerful affector of dopamine synthesis in striatal rat synaptosomes. Incubation of intact synaptosomes with neurocatin caused an increase in the rate of dopamine synthesis measured by accumulation of DOPA. The increase is rapid (within two minutes) and dependent on the concentration of added neurocatin. The stimulatory effect of neurocatin on dopamine synthesis occurred only in intact synaptosomes and was almost completely abolished by lysis of the synaptosomes with Triton X-100 or sonification prior to neurocatin addition. The kinetic parameters of tyrosine hydroxylase were measured in lysates prepared from synaptosomes preincubated with neurocatin. These showed that with increasing neurocatin concentration there was an increase in Vmax with no significant change in KM for the pteridine cofactor, compared to control. Activation of tyrosine hydroxylase by neurocatin is at least partially caused by a receptor mediated increase in phosphorylation of the enzyme. Protein kinase C and protein kinase II may be involved in this process.
High-resolution analysis of groα mRNA poly(A) shortening: regulation by interleukin-1β

We have previously shown that destabilization of gro alpha mRNA is associated with poly(A) shortening. In this study, we used high-resolution Northern blots to determine the rate and extent of gro alpha mRNA poly(A) shortening. gro alpha mRNA was found to undergo complete deadenylation within 2 h following withdrawal of IL-1. However, the process was not uniform: at 1 h following IL-1 withdrawal, gro alpha mRNA poly(A) lengths ranged from 0 to 180 nucleotides. There was an accumulation of deadenylated gro alpha mRNA which suggested that there may be another step before the mRNA is destroyed. Cycloheximide was found to block gro alpha mRNA degradation at the level of poly(A) shortening. Northern blots revealed a previously unrecognized periodic distribution of poly(A) lengths that was consistent with endonucleolytic cleavage between complexes of poly(A)-binding protein. The findings indicate that the degradation pathway of gro alpha mRNA is a slower version of the c-fos mRNA model, with the important additional feature that deadenylation and degradation are subject to physiologic regulation. This study provides a detailed picture of gro alpha mRNA poly(A) shortening and establishes a basis for further investigation of the mechanism by which IL-1 stabilizes specific mRNAs.
P-glycoproteins encoded by mdr 1b in murine gravid uterus and multidrug resistant tumor cell lines are differentially glycosylated.

Abstract There are 3 members of the multidrug-resitance gene family expressed in mouse. Only one of these, mdr lb, and its gene product P-glycoprotein are induced to high levels in the mouse endometrium during pregnancy. It is shown here that P-glycoprotein in the gravid uterus is significantly larger (Mr 155000) compared to P-glycoprotein encoded by mdr lb in a murine multidrug-resistant cell line (Mr 140000). However, both species co-migrate after enzymatic removal of N-linked sugars (Mr 125000). These results demonstrate that differential glycosylation of the mdr lb gene product contributes to molecular heterogeneity found in P-glycoprotein from normal and multidrug-resistant cells.
Multistate degradable system modelling and analysis

A failing digital system may be represented by a multistate Markov diagram in which the system functions in a degraded mode of execution before total failure occurs. The models proposed to date do not consider more than one intermittent fault state, which limits the flexibility of modelling, nor do they take repair into consideration. In the letter we present a very general continuous-parameter Markov model at the processor level. We also show that this model can be generalised to evaluate the reliability and performability of multiprocessor systems. A closed-form solution is also given for the above modelling.
Interference with one-trial appetitive and aversive learning by ether and ECS.

Studies were undertaken to explore the effects of two amnesic agents upon appetitive and aversive learning in the same apparatus. Ss given electroconvulsive shock (ECS) within 80 sec or 15 min of punishing shock, and Ss administered ECS or ether 20 sec after the end of a 60-sec water reinforcement period evidenced significant deficits on retention tests. The footshock-ECS Ss showed significantly shorter latencies and greater activity than Ss given footshock alone. Conversely, Ss given water reinforcement and ECS had longer latencies and less activity than Ss given only water reinforcement. The results support the contention that postrial ECS and either disrupt perseverative neural processes representing appetitive as well as aversive learning and suggest the possibility that memory consolidation takes place at different rates for the two types of tasks.
Differential Chlorate Inhibition of Chaetomium globosum Germination, Hyphal Growth, and Perithecia Synthesis

Chaetomium globosum Kunze:Fr is a dermatophytic, dematiaceous fungus that is ubiquitous in soils, grows readily on cellulolytic materials, and is commonly found on water-damaged building materials. Chlorate affects nitrogen metabolism in fungi and is used to study compatibility among anamorphic fungi by inducing nit mutants. The effect of chlorate toxicity on C. globosum was investigated by amending a modified malt extract agar (MEA), oat agar, and carboxymethyl cellulose agar (CMC) with various levels of potassium chlorate (KClO3). C. globosum perithecia production was almost completely inhibited (90–100 %) at low levels of KClO3 (0.1 mM) in amended MEA. Inhibition of perithecia production was also observed on oat agar and CMC at 1 and 10 mM, respectively. However, hyphal growth in MEA was only inhibited 20 % by 0.1–100 mM KClO3 concentrations. Hyphal growth was never completely inhibited at the highest levels tested (200 mM). Higher levels of KClO3 were needed on gypsum board to inhibit perithecia synthesis. In additional experiments, KClO3 did not inhibit C. globosum, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillum expansum, and airborne fungal spore germination. The various fungal spores were not inhibited by KClO3 at 1–100 mM levels. These results suggest that C. globosum perithecia synthesis is more sensitive to chlorate toxicity than are hyphal growth and spore germination. This research provides basic information that furthers our understanding about perithecia formation and may help in developing control methods for fungal growth on building materials.
Comparison of computing programs at the level of intent

In this paper, we compare and contrast accreditation criteria and curricular recommendations of four different computing programs, namely Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS), Software Engineering (SE) and Information Technology (IT). The paper presents analysis at a level of program intentions in an effort to highlight the similarities and differences among programs in computing. A better understanding of the programs in computing can lead to more principled answers to the questions about possible standardization of relevant coursework.
Opiate receptor binding--enhancement by opiate administration in vivo.

Abstract Administration of opiate agonists and antagonists to mice produces a dose-dependent 50–100 per cent enhancement of stereospecific [ 3 H]dihydromorphine or [ 3 H]naloxone binding to brain homogenates within 5 min. Three opiate antagonists are 10–1000 times more potent in eliciting this increase in binding than their structurally analogous agonists. Naloxone, the antagonist with the least agonist activity, is the most potent drug in producing receptor enhancement. Implantation of morphine pellets in mice increases receptor binding 30–100 per cent for 2 108 hr with no time-dependent trend. Drug-induced receptor binding enhancement appears to involve an increase in number of binding sites rather than a change in receptor affinity. Sodium, which increases binding of opiate antagonists in normal mouse brain homogenate, fails to increase binding of [ 3 H]naloxone in homogenates derived from naloxone-injected mice.
Diffraction Theory of Scattering by Hydrogen Atoms

Diffraction theory is applied to elastic and inelastic scattering of charged particles by hydrogen atoms. At small momentum transfers the calculated intensities for elastically scattered electrons are significantly greater than those calculated by the first Born approximation.
Current-sharing among parallel-connected systems of active power factor correction

This paper presents active current-sharing control approaches for parallel-connected AC-to-DC power system architectures consisting of multiple power-processing channels, each of which comprises a cascade connection of a front-end active power factor correction (APFC) stage and an isolated back-end DC-DC converter. 12By employing a current-sharing method to the back-end converters, current-mode commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) DC-DC converters can provide uniform current-sharing among all power-processing channels while retaining stiff system output voltage regulation without control conflicts among output voltage regulators distributed in the converters. This results in uniform power-sharing among the front-end APFC stages that are connected to either a common AC power source or independent AC power sources that may possess different frequencies of operation (i.e. 50 Hz versus 60 Hz). Through computer simulation and an experimental prototype, current-sharing control for the parallel-connected APFC architectures is validated and successfully applied.
The Political Economy of Growth Policies in Cities

Evidence is proposed of the dollar costs of curtailling population growth to municipal governments and urban populations with the specific contention that growth limitation policies do not necessarily produce economies in municipal taxing and spending. If the relationship is plotted between growth rate and per capita spending for cities a shallow L-shaped curve results indicating that the highest per capita costs occur in cities losing more than 1% of their population per year. Correlation coefficients between population growth and per capita general revenues intergovernmental revenues tax revenues and general expenditures are not high but are consistently negative: increases in growth rates have different impacts on different size cities. It is more difficult to sort out causal linkages between population decline higher municipal costs and tax burdens. Population decline may raise taxing and spending through its impact on the social and economic composition of the population; or the causal direction may be reversed or all of these forces may be acting simultaneously. An attempt is made to sort out the independent effects of size and growth concluding that factors other than size and growth rate are responsible for most of the variations in per capita taxing and spending. It is finally suggested that effective growth limitation policies would be regressive in their impact and would contribute to increased separation of needs from resources in metropolitan areas.
Massage parlors and their customers

Journalistic and sociological studies of massage parlors and massage parlor customers do not serve the development of scientifically sound generalizations. They begin with the assumptions that massage parlors are brothels renamed and that the customers are problematic individuals seeking impersonal sexual exchanges. This standard view of the parlors and customers is here challenged and an alternative approach suggested. The results of an empirical examination of the customers of a West Coast massage parlor are summarized. Data were obtained by a massage parlor worker--an unnamed coauthor--who recorded information about every personal customer during her initial period of work. Both demographic and voluntaristic factors are specified. Included are ethnic origin and occupation, the proposition, the offer of financial reward, the sexual activity desired, and the sexual activity that resulted. A comparison of two views on the nature of the customer demonstrates the limitations the standard view imposes on the potential examination of massage parlors in general. Massage parlors are not brothels renamed and the massage parlor customers are not sex-seeking problematic individuals. Given the results of the empirical examination, the basic complexity of the parlors and their customers is seen as the key aspect on which scientifically sound generalization may be built.
A member of a new class of GTP cyclohydrolases produces formylaminopyrimidine nucleotide monophosphates.

The hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Methanococcus jannaschii has no recognizable homologues of the canonical GTP cyclohydrolase enzymes that are required for riboflavin and pteridine biosyntheses. Instead, it uses a new type of thermostable GTP cyclohydrolase enzyme that produces 2-amino-5-formylamino-6-ribofuranosylamino-4(3H)-pyrimidinone ribonucleotide monophosphate and inorganic phosphate. Whereas canonical GTP cyclohydrolases produce this formylamino-pyrimidine nucleotide as a reaction intermediate, this compound is shown to be an end product of the purified recombinant M.jannaschii enzyme. Unlike other enzymes that hydrolyze the alpha-beta phosphate anhydride bond of GTP, this new enzyme completely hydrolyzes pyrophosphate to inorganic phosphate. As a result, the enzyme has a steady-state turnover of 21 min(-)(1), which is much faster than those of canonical GTP cyclohydrolase enzymes. The effects of substrate analogues and inhibitors suggest that the GTP cyclohydrolase and pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase activities occur at independent sites, although both activities depend on Mg(2+).
Comparison of Spray Nozzles for Ground Applications for Control of Cotton Insects and Spider Mites

Fenvalerate applied at a rate of 0.11 kg AI/ha to cotton gave equal control of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, Heliothis spp., beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), fall armyworm, S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), whether the nozzles were the conventional type (Conejet TX6), the 8001 low-pressure fan nozzle, or Raindrop®, 33974-(3–23). Control of the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval), with monocrotophos and American Cyanamid AC–85,258 (nitrilacarb 1:1 complex with zinc chloride) applied with Raindrop 33974 (5–23) nozzles was statistically equal to that obtained with conventional nozzles. AC–85,258 was phytotoxic when applied with Raindrop 33974 (5–23) nozzles. An LD50 dose for the boll weevil was found at various distances downwind in relation to the type of spray nozzle used and height above plants. The only significant difference between the conventional and Raindrop nozzle 33974 (3–23) occurred when these were raised to 107 cm above the cotton plants.
Clear-cut experimental observation of the capillary wave to elastic wave crossover in concentrated polymer solutions

A detailed experimental study of the surface laser light scattering (SLLS) spectrum of the polyisobutylene (PIB)/decane solution over a wide range of polymer concentration is carried out. In the dilute solution, the SLLS spectrum is found to be described adequately by a scattering theory from a capillary wave. As the polymer concentration increases, the solution viscoelasticity is found to play an important role in affecting the dynamics of surface waves. By comparing experiment with theory, a clear-cut capillary wave to elastic wave evolution in the PIB/decane solution is found. The nature of the quasielastic peak that appears in the SLLS spectrum of the viscoelastic polymer solution is delineated.
Expressing measurable functions by one-one ones

Let .;rP be a u-field of subsets of a set X, with a countable separating system; typically X could be the real line R, and .D the family .9(R) of Bore1 sets, or of all Lebesgue measurable sets. Throughout what follows, all subsets of X referred to are understood to be “measurable’‘-that is, to belong to .$--and the term “function” means “real-valued, measurable function.” The object of this paper is to prove the following curious theorem (which was first stated, with a brief indication of proof, in Ill).
Granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma) of the oral cavity: a case with aleukemic presentation

A case of granulocytic sarcoma, or chloroma, of the palatal mucosa, which developed 15 months before the onset of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), is reported. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of the light microscopic findings and confirmed by histochemical studies. Granulocytic sarcomas are rare, may be observed in a variety of body locations, and are considered specific lesions of AML or of the onset of blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Primary granulocytic sarcomas of the oral cavity without systemic manifestations of AML are extremely rare. Clinical diagnosis of these lesions in patients with normal peripheral blood and bone marrow may be very difficult.
Probabilistic cost estimation in advance of production in a computerized manufacturing system through stochastic geometric programming

A mathematical model for stochastic cost optimization has been developed. The model contains cost terms such as inventory cost, penalty cost for due date violation, and the machining cost. The probable range of cost has been estimated by a stochastic geometric program. If an exact solution is desired, a two stage stochastic geometric program has to be solved. This is mathematically tedious and requires great computational effort. However, managers are often concerned with a policy decision which can be based on the probable lower and upper bounds on the cost function. The probability level on the lower bound of cost has been calculated through the theory of error propagation. This approach is explained through an example.
Supporting Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Medical Students: Overcoming the Medical Closet

The student bodies of U.S. medical schools have become increasingly diverse. While homosexual people were no doubt present in past medical school classes, the presence of openly lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students is a recent phenomenon. Because sexual orientation is not necessarily visible, LGB students are frequently presumed not to be present by either fellow students or professors. Often, LGB students cannot make their needs known unless they perform the daunting task of coming out to their entire class. Recent studies have documented high levels of antigay speech and harassment from both faculty and peers, however, inhibiting such self-disclosure. LGB students are therefore vulnerable to isolation. The development of official student–faculty liaisons for LGB issues has been one response to the diffculties experienced by LGB students. LGB student groups often take the initiative in developing mentoring programs. In summary, openly gay students and faculty are a new presence within academic medicine, and medical schools have only recently begun to address their needs.
Lattice Parameters, Thermal Expansions, and Grüneisen Coefficients of Zirconium, 4.2 to 1130°K

The lattice parameters, atomic volume, nearest-neighbor interatomic distance, axial ratio, and coefficients of thermal expansion of zirconium are reported over the temperature range 4.2 to 1130\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The data were obtained from single crystals, using a precision x-ray diffraction technique in the range 4.2 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and an interferometric dilatometer in the range 300 to 1130\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Polynomial expressions, based on least-squares fitting of the data, are presented. Some of the parameters in \AA{} are: at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $a=3.2294$, $c=5.1414$ ($\frac{c}{a}=1.5921$); at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $a=3.2331$, $c=5.1491$ ($\frac{c}{a}=1.5926$); at 1125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $a=3.2468$, $c=5.1964$ ($\frac{c}{a}=1.6004$). Expansion coefficients \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ are: at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{a}=4.99$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}=7.36$, $\ensuremath{\beta}=17.35$; at 1125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{a}=4.91$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}=15.14$, $\ensuremath{\beta}=24.94$. The Gr\"uneisen coefficient is found to be essentially constant from 100 to 1130\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; the directional Gr\"uneisen coefficients are also computed.
Trajectory Planning for the Cooperative Manipulation of a Flexible Structure by Two Differentially-Driven Robots

In this paper we explore cooperative manipulation of a flexible structure using a team of two nonholonomically-constrained, differentially-driven robots. Cooperative manipulation is achieved by tracking relative trajectories that are designed for both the nonholonomic nature of the platforms and path constraints limiting the deformation of the flexible structure. The relative trajectories are designed by transforming an optimal-trajectory problem to a nonlinear programming problem. A tracking control law is also designed for the nonholonomic nature of the platforms with consideration for the challenges in cooperative manipulation. Results are presented for a simulation example, and a hardware demonstration for a simple case is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
Guest Editorial: Reexamining Inquiry Pedagogy in the Science Classroom

“Science is experience becoming rational. The effect of science is thus to change men’s idea of the nature and inherent possibilities of experience. ... Instead of being something beyond experience, remote, aloof, concerned with a sublime region that has nothing to do with the experienced facts of life, it is found indigenous in experience: -the factor by which past experience are purified and rendered into tools for discovery and advance.”
Revisiting Bacterial Gastroenteritis, Part I: Issues, Possible Approaches, and an Ever-Expanding List of Etiologic Agents

Over the past 20 years, the number of bona fide or reputed bacterial species involved in diarrheal syndromes has increased by logarithmic proportions. Such increases have presented the clinical laboratory and microbiologist with numerous challenges in establishing an etiologic diagnosis. These challenges include the cost-effectiveness of stool cultures, searching for appropriate etiologic agents based upon medical histories and exposures, and selection of media and testing formats. Part I of this two-part review updates current issues, concepts, and approaches to establishing a laboratory diagnosis of bacterial gastroenteritis.
The role of exercise-induced silent myocardial ischemia in patients with abnormal left ventricular function. A report from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) registry☆

To evaluate the significance of ischemic ST depression without anginal chest pain (silent ischemia) during exercise testing among patients with abnormal left ventricular function, the data on 121 such patients with proven coronary artery disease (CAD) from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) registry were analyzed. The patients with silent ischemia (group 1) were compared to: 124 CAD patients with both ST depression and angina (symptomatic ischemia, group 2); 159 CAD patients with neither ST depression nor angina (no ischemia, group 3); and 37 patients without CAD (controls). Survival at 7 years with medical therapy was similar for groups 1 (55%) and 2 (60%), but was substantially better for group 3 (73%, p = 0.001). Among group 1 patients with silent ischemia, survival was related to the severity of CAD (p = 0.001). Patients with silent ischemia and three-vessel CAD had a poor 7-year survival rate (37%) when treated medically. A comparable but non-randomized group of patients with silent ischemia and three-vessel CAD who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery had a much better 7-year survival rate (83%, p less than 0.0001). These results suggest that among patients with CAD and abnormal left ventricular function, silent ischemia adversely affects survival and can identify a higher risk subset of patients whose survival might be improved after coronary bypass surgery.
Security sector reform in Kosovo: the complex division of labor between the EU and other multilateral institutions in building Kosovo's police force

Abstract Security Sector Reform (SSR) is critical in post-conflict settings, particularly when it comes to the reform of judicial systems, intelligence services, police, correctional systems, and the military. This article traces and analyzes the inter-institutional division of labor between the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) concerning police reform process in Kosovo. After providing an overview of the evolution of cooperation on SSR between the EU and these other international organizations in Kosovo, the article outlines the complex division of labor among various international organizations in establishing the police force, discusses the process of recruiting minorities into the force, and analyzes the general process of reforming Kosovo's police force. Following a discussion of the obstacles and challenges associated with building and reforming the police, it...
Public Opinion Poll Question Databases: An Evaluation

This paper evaluates five polling resource: iPOLL, Polling the Nations, Gallup Brain, Public Opinion Poll Question Database, and Polls and Surveys. Content was evaluated on disclosure standards from major polling organizations, scope on a model for public opinion polls, and presentation on a flow chart discussing search limitations and usability.