cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune responses to CRISPR-Cas protein

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein technologies have evolved as promising, cost-effective, and efficient methods for editing genomes. Editing genomes with high specificity and precision is a daunting task, where errors can lead to undesirable outcomes. Many elegant studies have successfully shown that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can modify, disrupt, and add new DNA sequences directly into the genomes of the cells or animals being studied. As such, the CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds immense potential for biomedical research as well as agricultural and therapeutic applications, further emphasized by its unprecedented movement into the clinical setting. Throughout every stage of life, missense mutations can lead to highly unfavorable outcomes, syndromes, and diseases. Many of these mutations are transferred directly through the fertilization process and, thereby, acquired at birth and propagated to the next generation. As such, it has been of great interest to develop techniques to repair these mutations using genetic manipulation, prior to or following birth. CRISPR-Cas9 has many advantages in this regard over numerous other existing technologies. Regardless, editing bases within a genome can be associated with numerous challenges that were previously unrecognized and lead to unforeseen consequences. While the CRISPR-Cas9 method is perfectly suitable for editing cells outside the body with limited risk to the normal functioning of the cell, recent publications have illustrated a number of challenging conditions resulting from its use. One of them is directed to the host immune response toward CRISPR-Cas9. With this in mind, this review will discuss recent observations on the host immune response to CRISPR-Cas9 and the associated challenges that arise as a result.
Characterization of the temporal, cell-specific and interferon-inducible patterns of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression in the human placenta across gestation.

Abstract Introduction The human placenta performs multiple functions necessary for successful pregnancy, but the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating placental development and functions remain incompletely understood. Catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan has numerous critical roles in normal physiology, including inflammation. The kynurenine pathway, which accounts for ∼90% of tryptophan breakdown, is mediated by indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in the placenta. In pregnant mice, alterations of IDO1 activity or expression result in fetal resorption and a preeclampsia-like phenotype. Decreased IDO1 expression at the maternal-fetal interface has also been linked to preeclampsia, in utero growth restriction and recurrent miscarriage in humans. These collective observations suggest essential role(s) for IDO1 in maintaining healthy pregnancy. Despite these important roles, the precise temporal, cell-specific and inflammatory cytokine-mediated patterns of IDO1 expression in the human placenta have not been thoroughly characterized across gestation. Methods Western blot and whole mount immunofluorescence (WMIF) were utilized to characterize and quantify basal and interferon (IFN)-inducible IDO1 expression in 1st trimester (7–13 weeks), 2nd trimester (14–22 weeks) and term (39–41 weeks) placental villi. Results IDO1 expression is activated in the human placenta between the 13th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, increases through the 2nd trimester and remains elevated at term. Constitutive IDO1 expression is restricted to placental endothelial cells. Interestingly, different types of IFNs have distinct effects on IDO1 expression in the human placenta. Discussion Our collective results are consistent with potential role(s) for IDO1 in the regulation of vascular functions in placental villi.
Conjugate Scaling in the Presence of Bore Cooling

Many analyses in the literature have assessed the appropriate manner in which to scale an experimental test rig to represent film-cooled engine components. For conventional testing using low conductivity models, the key parameters are the mainstream Reynolds number, scaled coolant flow rate, and the adiabatic film effectiveness. The few studies that have sought scaling parameters for conjugate testing have identified that one must additionally match the heat transfer coefficient ratio between the internal and external surfaces and external Biot number. However, these analyses have focused on blade or nozzle regions with single or sparse film rows. The validity of this scaling approach to regions or components with substantial bore cooling contributions is unclear — for example the showerhead and/or platform of a blade or nozzle, or a component like a shroud. The present analysis outlines the drivers for potential departure from the accepted scaling. A numerical study is performed to assess potential errors due to the traditional scaling. The results of the analysis demonstrate that the additional parameter, the ratio of bore cooling to external heat transfer coefficient, is more appropriate in the near hole region especially in cases where film cooling is not significant.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Fixed or Contingent: How Should 'Governance Monitors' Be Paid?

Corporate monitors are important participants in corporate governance systems. Monitors include the board of directors, the general counsel, and internal and external auditors. Monitors are paid by the organization but their responsibilities largely or mostly non-managerial. How should monitors be paid? Because their objective is to detect and mitigate agency problems, one could argue that they should be paid almost entirely on a fixed-salary basis. On the other hand, an entirely fixed compensation system might not provide sufficient incentive to perform. We discuss this issue in greater detail. We ask: Should corporate monitors be paid a bonus? If so, what form should it take? What performance targets should be used to calculate the bonus? Do performance incentives enhance or impede the effectiveness of monitors? Topics, Issues and Controversies in Corporate Governance and Leadership: The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the book Corporate Governance Matters, and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
Microbial Transformation of β-Ionone and β-Methylionone

Aspergillus niger JTS 191 was selected from many microorganisms tested as capable of converting ionones to other compounds having aromas. The individual transformation products from β-ionone were isolated and identified by comparison with synthetically derived compounds. The major products were (R)-4-hydroxy-β-ionone and (S)-2-hydroxy-β-ionone. 2-Oxo-, 4-oxo-, 3,4-dehydro-, 2,3-dehydro-4-oxo-, 3,4-dehydro-2-oxo-, (S)-2-acetoxy-, (R)-4-acetoxy-, and 5,6-epoxy-β-ionone and 4-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)-but-3-en-2-one were also identified. Analogous transformation products of β-methylionone also were identified. Based on gas-liquid chromatographic analysis during the fermentation, we propose two main oxidative pathways of β-ionone. The results of this study suggest that these transformations of β-ionones may be useful as tobacco-flavoring compounds.
Can ISPs and overlay networks form a synergistic co-existence?

Overlay networks are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to provide effective and reliable service catered to specific applications [1,2,3]. For instance, this concept has been used in peer-to-peer services like SplitStream, content delivery networks like Akamai, resilient networks like RON and so on.
A fast randomized method for local density-based outlier detection in high dimensional data

Local density-based outlier (LOF) is a useful method to detect outliers because of its model free and locally based property. However, the method is very slow for high dimensional datasets. In this paper, we introduce a randomization method that can computer LOF very efficiently for high dimensional datasets. Based on a consistency property of outliers, random points are selected to partition a data set to compute outlier candidates locally. Since the probability of a point to be isolated from its neighbors is small, we apply multiple iterations with random partitions to prune false outliers. The experiments on a variety of real and synthetic datasets show that the randomization is effective in computing LOF. The experiments also show that our method can compute LOF very efficiently with high dimensional data.
The Compensation and Benefits of Private University and College Presidents

This study examines the determinants of the salaries of private college and university presidents. OLS estimates suggest that institutional size, performance and prestige are linked to presidents’ compensation. Pay is for performance. Externally recruited presidents are paid more than those promoted from inside, which tends to confirm the relationship between pay and performance. Non-denominational institutions tend to pay more than religiously affiliated ones. There is some evidence that large class sizes and low alumni giving rates are negatively associated with compensation. The impact of tenure is positive and significant, but its magnitude increases greatly if a quadratic term is added. In order to deal with potential simultaneous equations bias, the model was re-estimated with two-stage least squares. Using this method, the impact of enrollment on earnings rises and the effect of a peer assessment index on earnings is largely unchanged. The impact of various school characteristics on longevity as president is also investigated. Probit models indicate that the acceptance rate is negatively associated with the probability of remaining in office.
New isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in smooth muscle

Four novel isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) were found in rat aorta smooth muscle. Two of them were related to gamma-isoform of brain CaM kinase II (gamma-a). Differences in the primary structure of these isoforms were located in the variable region. One of them (gamma-b) contained 23 unique amino acid residues, whereas the other (gamma-c) did not contain this sequence. Both isoforms lacked the two segments (Val-316 to Gln-337 and Lys-353 to Leu-362) present in gamma-a. The DNA sequence of these gamma-isoforms except the variable region was exactly the same, suggesting that they are produced by alternative splicing. Another two isoforms were related to the delta-isoform of brain CaM kinase II (delta-a). delta-b contained a unique 11-residue sequence in the variable region whereas delta-c did not. As found for gamma-isoforms, the sequence analysis suggested that the three delta-isoforms are also produced by alternative splicing. Analysis of RNA by reverse transcription PCR confirmed the existence of specific messages for gamma-b, delta-a and delta-b. The variety of isoforms of CaM kinase II suggest that each isoform may play a specialized role in cell regulation.
Tax Limits and Housing Markets: Some Evidence at the State Level

Property tax limitations, as well as other tax and expenditure restrictions on state and local governments in the United States, date back to the late 19th century. A surge in property tax limitation legislation occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and its effects on government revenue, school financing and educational quality have been studied extensively. However, there is surprisingly little literature on how property tax limits affect housing markets. For the first time, we examine the impacts of property tax limitations on housing growth, in addition to their impacts on housing prices. Using state-level data over 23 years, we find that property tax limits increase housing prices (indexes) by approximately 2%. Property tax limits appear to have little impact on the growth in the housing stock, but education spending limits reduce the number of building permits by over 6%. Our indirect evidence suggests that the number of housing units may grow when property tax limits are accompanied by increases in other own-source revenues to state government.
Seed germination ecology of the aquatic winter annual Hottonia inflata

Abstract Freshly collected seeds of Hottonia inflata were buried in soil under flooded conditions in May 1991 and exposed to seasonal temperature cycles for 39 months. Seeds were exhumed at 1-, 2- or 4-month intervals and tested for germination on moist sand in light (14 h daily photoperiod) and in continuous darkness under 12 12 h thermoperiods of 15 6 , 20 10 , 25 15 , 30 15 and 35/20°C. On three dates, seed germination was tested under flooded conditions. In May 1991, 95% of the seeds were dormant, and they came out of dormancy during the summer of 1991, first gaining the ability to germinate to 90% or more in light at 30/15 and 35/20°C. By October 1991, seeds were non-dormant and germinated to 90–100% in light at 20 10 to 35 20 °C. Seeds remained non-dormant during the rest of the study and did not exhibit cyclic changes in germination requirements. Only 1–13% of the seeds germinated in light at 15/6°C or in darkness at any thermoperiod. Seeds incubated under flooded conditions germinated to 0–2% at 15 6 °C and to 58–95% at 20 10 , 25 15 and 30 15 °C. Although seeds have the potential to germinate in the field from April–October, the species functions as a winter annual. Apparently, its life cycle is regulated by favourable (e.g. low water level) and unfavourable (e.g. high water level) conditions for germination in its habitat in autumn and spring–summer, respectively.
Characterization of the partial binding sites present on the isolated light and heavy chains of anti-naphthalenesulfonate antibodies.

Abstract Specifically purified monomeric heavy chains from anti-6-azonaphthalene-2-sulfonate (anti-6,2-aNS) and anti-4-azonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (anti-4,1-aNS) antibodies have been prepared from maleylated, reduced and alkylated antibodies by gel filtration in low ionic strength buffer which allows the high charge density of the maleylated proteins to cause effective repulsion of the individual peptide chains. The light chains from such antibodies or from non-maleylated antibodies have also been prepared. The values of the binding constants of the partial binding sites for specific hapten on the separated H chains have been determined by fluorescence enhancement measurements and by equilibrium dialysis and compared to the binding constant values of the sites in the intact antibodies from which the chains were obtained. The values for H chains are about one-tenth those for intact antibodies, indicating that a large proportion of the original site structure of the antibody is retained in the separated H chains. The presence of a partial binding site on isolated L chains from anti-6,2-aNS antibody has been demonstrated by fluorescence enhancement measurements, extending the previous demonstration of such partial sites on L chains of anti-4,1-aNS antibody by Yoo et al. (1967). The enhanced fluorescence observed is shown to be due to specific binding by L chain alone and not due to the presence of a small amount of H chain in the L chain preparation, through the use of a specific antibody adsorbent for H chain. The microspecificity of the partial binding sites on the isolated H and L chains of anti-4,1-aNS and anti-6,2-aNS antibodies was investigated by determining the relative binding constants of a series of related haptenic structures to these sites by the technique of displacement of fluorescence-enhancing ligand from the sites, as developed previously (Nakamura et al. , 1970). The results indicated some differences in the specificity of sites on H chains as compared to sites on L chains, consistent with the view that the partial sites on the two chains from a given antibody are directed against different portions of the specific haptenic structure.
Peanut allergen Ara h 2-specific T cells are activated via Ras-Erk MAP kinase pathway signalling and identified by CD154 expression

Abstract Background. Peanut allergy is driven by peanut-specific Th2 cells. Ara h 2, a peanut 2S albumin, is one of the major peanut allergens. Methods. An Ara h 2-specific T cell line was generated from peanut sensitised C3H/HeJ mice and used to analyse allergen-induced cytokine secretion and activation of signalling molecules. Results. Peanut stimulated splenocytes from peanut sensitised mice had strong proliferation responses and highly elevated IL-4 secretion. The Ara h 2-specific T cells generated from sensitised mice were mainly CD4+ T helper cells with a Th2 cytokine profile. The expression of CD154 on the surface of these T cell clones was detected following Ara h 2 stimulation. Ara h 2 stimulation induced phosphorylation of ZAP-70 and Erk1/2 in the T cells. Conclusions. CD154 is a useful marker for identifying activated, allergen-specific T cells. The Ras-Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in the activation of Ara h 2-specific Th2 cells.
New approaches for assessing the etiology and risks of developmental abnormalities from chemical exposure

Abstract Developmental toxicants, insidious in modes of action and effects, strike the very origin of our lives: the developing embryo, fetus, neonate, and child; they cause spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, malformations, early postnatal mortality, reduced birth weight, mental retardation, sensory loss as well as other functional or physical changes, including subclinical effects having far reaching social and economic impacts. The large majority of developmental defects have unknown etiologies. With this uncertainty, EPA and the scientific community world-wide give high priority to finding new approaches for assessing etiology and risks of developmental effects. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and Agenda 21 mobilized the international community to focus on risks posed by chemicals in the environment, including developmental risks. The international harmonization of test and risk assessment guidelines for developmental effects are priorities. Lead, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine disruptors, and the improvement of quantitative risk assessment methodologies, particularly for children, are priorities. EPA reinvented its research agenda to assure wide involvement of the National Science Foundation, other federal agencies, and national experts in research to address the U.S.'s public health and environmental priorities.
Explaining American-Jewish liberalism: Another attempt

Despite publicized divergences among them, American Jews, as a totality, continue an adherence to liberal political tenets in the current context. Explanations are manifold but groupable under the following categories: marginality, earlier historical experiences, religious cultural heritage. The last, most prominent, tends to assume a mythological character, ignores the “non-liberal” stances many Jews have everywhere exhibited. Instead, “out-group” social position plus specific historical experiences provide the most seminal interpretation, to which should be added the “milieu” factor, among fellow Jews and with others. An essential ingredient within this formula is the socialist heritage, not in literal form for most but as a continuing guide for political orientations.
The social development of young children in day care: What practitioners should know

The effects of day care on four areas of early childhood socialization were examined in the present article. These four areas were: (a) mother-child attachment; (b) curiosity and play behavior; (c) peer relationships and influences; and (d) sex-typing and sex-role development. Based on the research, suggestions were made to practitioners of ways they could use the day care experience to foster children's social development.
Self organizing neural networks with a split/merge algorithm

In this paper we present a new learning algorithm for Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) using a split/merge technique. An ANN model with the new algorithm has been developed and tested on a PC. The model detects the similarity between the input patterns, and identifies the number of categories present in the input samples. The algorithm is similar to a competitive learning algorithm. Unlike the competitive learning algorithm, in this algorithm we use two types of weights: long term weights (LTWs) and short term weights (STWs). The network stability is provided by the LTWs, whereas the network plasticity is provided by STWs. As an illustration, the model is used to categorize pixels in a multispectral image. The categorization is based on the observed spectral signature at each pixel.
Mixed Convective Heat Transfer Between a Series of Vertical Parallel Plates With Planar Heat Sources

Laminar mixed convection between a series of vertical parallel plates with planar heat sources has been studied numerically. A finite volume based method employing the SIMPLER algorithm was used for the numerical calculations. The numerical model was validated by comparing the numerical predictions with the experimentally measured values of streamwise velocities (Baek et al. 1990) for a single channel. Independent parameters that varied in this study include the buoyancy parameter (Gr/Re), the ratio of the wall conductivity to the fluid conductivity (K), and the ratio of the plate thickness to the channel width (W/B). The velocity profiles within the channel skewed substantially to the hot wall as profiles within the channel skewed substantially to the hot wall as Gr/Re increased and K decreased. The thermal conductivity ratio, K, and buoyancy parameter, Gr/Re, had a significant impact on local friction factor distribution. There was also a significant difference between the hot and cold surface heat fluxes at low values of K, while the heat flux distribution on both surfaces was essentially identical for K = 100. The effect of the exposed surface at the top of the plates was to reduce the wall temperatures near the vicinity of the plate tip,more » although heat was not removed out of the plate top nearly as effectively as at the plate bottom. An extended wake developed beyond the plate top for asymmetric heating cases, which included recirculation zones as far as 10 to 2 channel widths from the exit. A correlation relating maximum hot surface temperatures with the independent parameters was developed.« less
Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: “Justine's Story” and the Art of Nursing

The author of this response to Dr. Kathryn Gramling's research on the art of nursing as perceived by patients agrees with patient Justine's assessment of the art. The author believes that the expression of a nurse's personality during the caring process creates the art. Justine saw all her nurses, even the brusque one, as performing in a caring way, each according to his/her own personality. The author believes this definition of the art of nursing is valid.
Communication in concurrent dynamic logic

Abstract Communication mechanisms are introduced into the program schemes of Concurrent Dynamic Logic, on both the propositional and the first-order levels. The effects of these mechanisms (particularly, channels, shared variables, and “message collectors”) on issues of expressiveness and decidability are investigated. In general, we find that both respects are dominated by the extent to which the capabilities of synchronization and (unbounded counting are enabled in the communication scheme.
An Empirical Comparison of “Frisch” and “Time Series” Demand price Elasticities for individual Commodities

In a classical article in 1959, Ragnar Frisch [8] developed a procedure, which, under the assumption of want independence1 and given commodity budget shares, income elasticities, and one own-price elasticity, allows one to calculate a complete matrix of own and cross price elasticities. Between broad commodity groups such an assumption (want independence) has becme increasingly accepted and in fact under the label of separability has formed the basis for a family of demand models that are increasingly used to estimate demand elasticities for broad commodity groups (the linear expenditure system, the Rotterdam model, etc.). At the individual commodity level however, the assumption of want independence seems less viable, e.g., the utility one derives from pork is in general not considered independent from one's consumption of beef. However, it has become increasingly common (and apparently acceptable) to find the Frisch methodology utilized to develop demand price elasticity estimates for individual agricultural commodities [4, 7, 17].
Influences of mixture composition on properties and freeze–thaw resistance of RCC

Abstract The paper reports a series of lab investigations carried out on roller compacted concrete (RCC) mixtures containing a wide range of cement contents (100 and 450 kg/m 3 ). The key objectives were to appreciate the effects of variations in the cement content and air entrainment on basic physical, mechanical properties and freeze–thaw (F–T) resistances of RCC mixtures. The Vebe consistency, moisture–density relations, water absorption, permeable voids, compressive strength, and F–T resistances of comparable mixes were evaluated. Physical and mechanical properties indicated a significant deviation from the behavior shown by conventional concrete. Air entrainment was found to be affecting the strength and F/T durability of the mixes. Further analysis shows wide range applications of RCC in various pavement applications.
The Indeterminacy Paradox: Character Evaluations and Human Psychology

You may not know me well enough to evaluate me in terms of my moral character, but I take it you believe I can be evaluated: it sounds strange to say that I am indeterminate, neither good nor bad nor intermediate. Yet I argue that the claim that most people are indeterminate is the conclusion of a sound argument-the indeterminacy paradox-with two premises: (1) most people are fragmented (they would behave deplorably in many and admirably in many other situations); (2) fragmentation entails indeterminacy. I support (I) by examining psychological experiments in which most participants behave deplorably (e.g., by maltreating "prisoners" in a simulated prison) or admirably (e.g., by intervening in a simulated theft). I support (2) by arguing that, according to certain plausible conceptions, character evaluations presuppose behavioral consistency (lack of fragmentation). Possible reactions to the paradox include: (a) denying that the experiments are relevant to character; (b) upholding conceptions according to which character evaluations do not presuppose consistency; (c) granting that most people are indeterminate and explaining why it appears otherwise. I defend (c) against (a) and (b).
Dynamic Performance Measurement

1. Introduction. 2. Goal Congruent Performance Measures. 3. Optimal Performance Measures. 4. Performance Measures based on Stock Price and Accounting Information. 5. Concluding Remarks. Appendix. References.
Average evoked potentials and uncertainty resolution

Two Ss were presented with a series of near threshold flashes of light and instructed to report for each flash in which of eight different positions it appeared, and the degree to which they were certain about this judgment. Average evoked potentials to the flashes were also recorded from the occiput. A positive-going wave with latency to the peak of 250 msec appeared when the S was certain about his judgment, whether or not he was correct.
Prediction of the natural convective heat transfer from a horizontal heated disk

A thin-layer approximation is applied to the laminar momentum and energy equations governing the natural convection above an isothermal heat disk in air. Using the Bousssinesq assumption the equations are nondimensionalized in terms of a stream function, pressure and temperature difference. The variables are expanded in a series solution and the resulting set of equations are solved numerically. The solution is cast in terms of the nondimensional radial position and the disk Grashof number. These two parameters are shown to define the outer boundary conditions which are uniquely determined from a point source solution. The outer velocity boundary condition is shown to decrease in relative magnitude as the disk Rayleigh number increases. Beyond a Rayleigh number of approximately 10{sup 6} the outer flow may be ignored in calculating the disk transfer rate. The radial variation of the outer flow is to the {minus}1/5 power measured inward from the leading edge. This is a result of the scaling difference of thin layer flow, and the outer, plume entrainment flow. The local heat transfer rate is increased by including the entrainment effects on the outer flow and varies as the Grashof number to the power (1/5 {epsilon}), where {epsilon} is a decreasingmore » function of inward radial distance.« less
Modest Evolutionary Naturalism

I begin by arguing that a consistent general naturalism must be understood in terms of methodological maxims rather than metaphysical doctrines. Some specific maxims are proposed. I then defend a generalized naturalism from the common objection that it is incapable of accounting for the normative aspects of human life, including those of scientific practice itself. Evolutionary naturalism, however, is criticized as being incapable of providing a sufficient explanation of categorical moral norms. Turning to the epistemological norms of science itself, particularly those governing the empirical testing of specific models, I argue that these should be regarded as conditional rather than categorical and that, as such, can be given a naturalistic justification. The justification, however, is more cognitive than evolutionary. The historical development of science is found to be a better place for applying evolutionary ideas. After briefly considering the possibility of a naturalistic understanding of mathematics and logic, I turn to the problem of reconciling scientific realism with an evolutionary picture of scientific development. The solution, I suggest, is to understand scientific knowledge as being “per-spectival” rather than absolutely objective. I first argue that scientific observation, whether by humans or instruments, is perspectival. This argument is extended to scientific theorizing, which is regarded not as the formulation of universal laws of nature but as the construction of principles to be used in the construction of models to be applied to specific natural systems. The application of models, however, is argued to be not merely opportunistic but constrained by the methodological presumption that we live in a world with a definite causal structure even though we can understand it only from various perspectives.
Attractor dominance patterns in sparsely connected Boolean nets

Abstract An attractor “dominates” those states in phase space that lie in its basin of attraction. This paper examines attractor dominance as a function of distance from the attractor. When trajectories of sparsely connected Boolean nets are aggregated suitably, attractor dominance is a reasonably smooth function of distance. The shape of the dominance function varies widely, depending on the automaton rule in place. In this paper I order the dominance functions of the rules of a family of sparsely connected Boolean nets. These nets are structurally generalized cellular automata. Two classes contain most of the variability in attractor dominance patterns. Within these classes, two dimensions locate dominance functions and reveal changes in phase space dominance with lattice size. Increasing lattice size appears to move most, but, importantly, not all dominance patterns toward the extremes shown by the three trivial rules. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Calculated electronic structure of chromium surfaces and chromium monolayers on iron.

A self-consistent calculation of the magnetic and electronic properties of the chromium (100) and (110) surfaces and of a chromium monolayer on the (100) and (110) iron surfaces is presented. It is found that (i) the (100) chromium surface is ferromagnetic with a greatly enhanced spin polarization (3.00 electrons); (ii) a substantial enhancement of the spin imbalance exists several (g5) layers into the bulk; (iii) the (110) chromium surface is antiferromagnetic with a large (2.31) spin imbalance; (iv) the (100) chromium monolayer on ferromagnetic iron is ferromagnetic, with a huge spin imbalance (3.63), and aligned antiferromagnetically with respect to the bulk iron; (v) the (110) chromium monolayer on ferromagnetic iron is also ferromagnetic, with a spin imbalance of 2.25 and antiferromagnetically aligned to the iron. The spin imbalance of chromium on iron (100) is possibly the largest of any transition-metal system.
217 PROTEINS, SIALOGLYCOPROTEINS AND EXTERNAL SURFACE COMPONENTS OF HUMAN PLACENTAL MICROVILLOUS MEMBRANE

The human placental microvillous membrane is known to possess a variety of enzymatic, transport and receptor activities. As an initial step in understanding the protein structure of this membrane and its relationship to these activities, we have analyzed an isolated membrane preparation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Microvillous membrane was prepared as we have previously described. The principal sialoglycoproteins were identified with periodate-3H-borohydride and the principal external surface components with lactoperoxidase-125I−. Ten major peptide bands and an approximately equal number of minor bands were seen with Coomassie blue staining. The most heavily stained component (45,000 molecular weight) was presumptively identified as actin. A band of apparent molecular weight 69,000 was consistently the most heavily labelled with both 3H-borohydride and 125I−. Minor components of 100,000, 45,000 and 40,000 were labelled more faintly with both procedures. In addition 2-4 bands in the molecular weight range of 70,000 to 200,000 were labelled with each procedure. The human placental microvillous membrane has a relatively simple pattern of peptide components. There is one principal and several minor external surface proteins most of which are sialoglycoproteins. The identification of these components should make possible investigation of their role in a variety of placental functions.
Ocular component data in schoolchildren as a function of age and gender

ABSTRACT:Purpose.To describe the refractive error and ocular components of a large group of school-aged children as a function of age and gender.Methods.In this report, we describe the refractive error and ocular components of 2583 school-aged children (49.3% girls, overall mean [±SD] age 10.0 ± 2.3
Stability of delay integro-differential equations using a spectral element method

Abstract This paper describes a spectral element approach for studying the stability of delay integro-differential equations (DIDEs). In contrast to delay differential equations (DDEs) with discrete delays that act point-wise, the delays in DIDEs are distributed over a period of time through an integral term. Although both types of delays lead to an infinite dimensional state-space, the analysis of DDEs with distributed delays is far more involved. Nevertheless, the approach that we describe here is applicable to both autonomous and non-autonomous DIDEs with smooth bounded kernel functions. We also describe the stability analysis of DIDEs with special kernels (gamma-type kernel functions) via converting the DIDE into a higher order DDE with only discrete delays. This case of DIDEs is of practical importance, e.g., in modeling wheel shimmy phenomenon. A set of case studies are then provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Wet Chemical Processing of (0001)Si 6H‐SiC Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Surfaces

The wetting characteristics of polished or polished and thermally oxidized, on- and off-axis (0001) Si 6H-SiC [the silicon-terminated surface of SiC] surfaces in selected acids and bases have been determined and compared with that of (111)Si. Auger electron and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies and low energy electron diffraction were used to characterize the chemical state and order of these surfaces. The oxidized SiC surfaces were hydrophilic after oxide removal with a 10:1 HF solution and were terminated with approximately a monolayer containing OH, CO, CH, and F species. The same effects were observed for the similarly treated (0001) C [the carbon-terminated surface of SiC], (1120), and (1010) surfaces. The as-polished SiC surfaces were hydrophobic and covered with a thin (5-10 A) contamination layer composed primarily of C-C, C-F, and Si-F bonded species. Removal of this layer using an RCA SC etch or Piranha clean resulted in a disordered hydrophilic SiC surface. A 20 A amorphous Si capping layer both passivated the SiC surfaces and provided a better alternative to the aforementioned contamination layer for producing hydrophobic surfaces on this material.
A coregulatory network of NR2F1 and microRNA-140.

Background: Both nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (NR2F1) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the developing and functional inner ear. Based on previous studies suggesting interplay between NR2F1 and miRNAs, we investigated the coregulation between NR2F1 and miRNAs to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of inner ear development and functional maturation. Results: Using a bioinformatic approach, we identified 11 potential miRNAs that might coregulate target genes with NR2F1 and analyzed their targets and potential roles in physiology and disease. We selected 6 miRNAs to analyze using quantitative real-time (qRT) -PCR and found that miR-140 is significantly down-regulated by 4.5-fold (P=0.004) in the inner ear of NR2F1 knockout (Nr2f1 –/– ) mice compared to wild-type littermates but is unchanged in the brain. Based on this, we performed chromatin-immunoprecipitation followed by qRT-PCR and confirmed that NR2F1 directly binds and regulates both miR-140 and Klf9 in vivo. Furthermore, we performed luciferase reporter assay and showed that miR-140 mimic directly regulates KLF9-3’UTR, thereby establishing and validating an example coregulatory network involving NR2F1, miR-140, and Klf9. Conclusions: We have described and experimentally validated a novel tissue-dependent coregulatory network for NR2F1, miR-140, and Klf9 in the inner ear and we propose the existence of many such coregulatory networks important for both inner ear development and function. Citation: Chiang DY, Cuthbertson DW, Ruiz FR, Li N, Pereira FA (2013) A Coregulatory Network of NR2F1 and microRNA-140. PLoS ONE 8(12): e83358.
Full-text federated search of text-based digital libraries in peer-to-peer networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks integrate autonomous computing resources without requiring a central coordinating authority, which makes them a potentially robust and scalable model for providing federated search capability to large-scale networks of text-based digital libraries. However, peer-to-peer networks have so far provided very limited support for full-text federated search with relevance-based document ranking. This paper provides solutions to full-text federated search of text-based digital libraries in hierarchical peer-to-peer networks. Existing approaches to full-text search are adapted and new methods are developed for the problems of resource representation, resource selection, and result merging according to the unique characteristics of hierarchical peer-to-peer networks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approaches offer a better combination of accuracy and efficiency than more common alternatives for federated search of text-based digital libraries in peer-to-peer networks.
Process Control and Characterization of NiCr Coatings by HVOF-DJ2700 System: A Process Map Approach

The concept of ‘process maps’ has been utilized to study the fundamentals of process-structure-property relationships in high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed coatings. Ni-20%Cr was chosen as a representative material for metallic alloys. In this paper, integrated experiments including diagnostic studies, splat collection, coating deposition, and property characterization were carried out in an effort to investigate the effects of fuel gas chemistry (fuel/oxygen ratio), total gas flow, and energy input on particle states: particle temperature (T) and velocity (V), coating formation dynamics, and properties. Coatings were deposited on an in situ curvature sensor to study residual stress evolution. The results were reconciled within the framework of process maps linking torch parameters with particle states (1st order map) and relating particle state with deposit properties (2nd order map). A strong influence of particle velocity on induced compressive stresses through peening effect is discussed. The complete tracking of the coating buildup history including particle state, residual stress evolution and deposition temperature, in addition to single splat analysis, allows the interpretation of resultant coating microstructures and properties and enables coating design with desired properties.
Laboratory measurements of shear wave properties in marine sediments using bender element transducers

In shallow water, acoustic propagation is often controlled by the properties of the seabed. In environments where the shear speed in the sediment approaches the sound speed in the water column, wave conversion at the bottom has been identified as a dominant loss mechanism. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a device for measuring both compressional and shear wave properties in situ in marine sediments. This work presents laboratory measurements using bender element transducers to measure shear wave properties in marine sediments. The transducer consists of two long, thin piezoceramic plates rigidly bonded along their lengths driven 180 degrees out of phase in the length extensional mode so that the differential change in length of each plate causes the composite element to bend [J. Acoust. Soc. Am 63, 1643–1645 (1978)]. When the transducer is embedded in a medium, mechanical motion is transferred from the bender to the particles in the medium in a manner such that particle motion is perpendicular to the length dimension of the element. Laboratory measurements demonstrate bender sensitivity to low amplitude shear waves in sandy and muddy sediments. [Work supported by ARL:UT IR&D.]
Suppression of epidermal proliferation by ultraviolet light, coal tar and anthralin

SUMMARY 360 nm ultraviolet light (UVA) plus coal tar depresses mitosis and DNA synthesis in epidermal cells. UVA has no effect by itself. In some models coal tar alone can partially depress DNA synthesis. 254 nm ultraviolet light (UVC) and 290–320 nm ultraviolet light (UVB) do not enhance depression of DNA synthesis by coal tar. Dithranol will suppress mitosis and DNA synthesis of epidermal cells but there appears to be no photo-activation by UVA. Dithranol suppression and suppression of DNA synthesis by UVB or UVC are additive when used together.
Recent Trends in the Historiography of Iran under the Pahlavi Dynasty, 1921–1979

This article has two aims. It outlines the historiography of Pahlavi Iran, maintaining that historians have often written about this period from the perspective of the state. It also examines a small number of recent texts that have been instrumental in shifting the historiographic focus on the Pahlavi period: they are complicating our often monolithic view of ‘the state’ as well as its interactions with social groups.
Informant Error and Native Prestige Ranking in Zinacantan

Author(s): Cancian, Frank | Abstract: The patterning of informant error is used to demonstrate the psychol'al reality (validity) of 2 prestige scales ranking various offices in the religious hierarchy in the highland Maya community of Zinacantan, Mexico. Most M's of the community take one of the 34 'first level' offices (OF's) in this hierarchy for one yr. Many later serve another yr in one of the 12 'second level' OF's. The OF's involve substantial ceremonial expenditures. Statistical analysis of the careers of 130 S's shows a signif +r between expense of first level OF a expense of second level. Prestige seemed more important than simple expense. A prestige ranking for each level (11 ranks first level OF; 12 ranks second level OF) was constructed intuitively by combining expense, authority of the OF, a a few idiosyncratic features. Using this scale the tendency toward a consistant career is stronger. Is the prestige scale psychol'ly real to the natives? In the cases collected for the analysis mentioned above informants disagreed on the OF's served by man individuals. The `errors' were laid out in matrices (11 mean/average 11 a 12 mean/average 12, prestige scales) against the correct OF served. Binomial tests show a signif tendency for the errors to be close to the correct prestige rank. It is postulated that: 'When an informant makes an error that results from lack of precise information, he is most likely to approximate the truth in terms that are meaningful to him.' The postulate is supported by citation of the work of psychol'ts who have successfully used similar reasoning. It is concluded that the prestige scale approximates psychol'al reality. AA.
Ethical Challenges in Implementation Research

Implementation research is increasingly common in developing countries as a way of studying the introduction to the population of health interventions that have been proven to be effective elsewhere. Implementation studies are often conducted as cluster randomized trials, a design that raises ethical and conceptual questions different from those in conventional randomized controlled trials. It is often unclear who the subjects of the research are, informed consent may be difficult or impossible to obtain and controversy surrounds the use of comparison clusters that provide substandard care to the population where the research is carried out. An examination of protocols for this type of research reveals uncertainty on the part of researchers themselves about whom or what they are studying and from whom (if anyone) informed consent is required.
Lattice strain measurements of deuteride (hydride) formation in epitaxial Nb: Additional results and further insights into past measurements

The evolution of lattice strain during in situ gas-phase deuterium loading of epitaxial $(1\overline{1}0)$ Nb films on the $(11\overline{2}0)$ sapphire was measured with x-ray diffraction. Two samples with film thicknesses 208 and 1102 \AA{} were driven through the miscibility gap. Strains in three orthogonal directions were recorded, permitting the complete set of unit cell parameters to be determined for both the solid solution and deuteride phases. The overall film thickness was simultaneously measured by recording the glancing angle reflectivity response. The behavior of the two films was markedly different, with the thicker film exhibiting a much more compliant behavior and concomitant irreversible plastic deformation. The correlation between out-of-plane lattice and film expansion for both films is also consistent with this observation. These results help explain past inconsistencies observed by others.
Computer science learning at pre-college ages

This paper has been accepted for publication in the proceedings, but the photo-ready form was not received in time. Copies of the paper should be available upon request at the presentation. It may appear in a later issue of the SIGCSE Bulletin.