cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized load balancing with general service time distributions

Randomized load balancing greatly improves the sharing of resources in a number of applications while being simple to implement. One model that has been extensively used to study randomized load balancing schemes is the supermarket model. In this model, jobs arrive according to a rate-nλ Poisson process at a bank of n rate-1 exponential server queues. A notable result, due to Vvedenskaya et.al. (1996), showed that when each arriving job is assigned to the shortest of d ≥ 2 randomly chosen queues, the equilibrium queue sizes decay doubly exponentially in the limit as n to ∞. This is a substantial improvement over the case d=1, where queue sizes decay exponentially.The method of analysis used in the above paper and in the subsequent literature applies to jobs with exponential service time distributions and does not easily generalize. It is desirable to study load balancing models with more general, especially heavy-tailed, service time distributions since such service times occur widely in practice.This paper describes a modularized program for treating randomized load balancing problems with general service time distributions and service disciplines. The program relies on an ansatz which asserts that any finite set of queues in a randomized load balancing scheme becomes independent as n to ∞. This allows one to derive queue size distributions and other performance measures of interest. We establish the ansatz when the service discipline is FIFO and the service time distribution has a decreasing hazard rate (this includes heavy-tailed service times). Assuming the ansatz, we also obtain the following results: (i) as n to ∞, the process of job arrivals at any fixed queue tends to a Poisson process whose rate depends on the size of the queue, (ii) when the service discipline at each server is processor sharing or LIFO with preemptive resume, the distribution of the number of jobs is insensitive to the service distribution, and (iii) the tail behavior of the queue-size distribution in terms of the service distribution for the FIFO service discipline.
Planning executive succession: The effect of recruitment source and organizational problems on anticipated tenure

This study examines the anticipated tenure of the chief executive officer (CEO) from the incumbent's point of view. An analysis of approximately 1500 questionnaires returned by corporate presidents reveals that anticipated tenure is generally little affected by whether the CEO is recruited from within or from outside the organization. However, under conditions of formalized succession planning and when confronted with specific problems, such as modernizing operations, mandates to increase sales and merger operations, there exist differences in anticipated tenure between inside and outside recruited CEOs. These differences are discussed in terms of their implications to corporate level succession planning.
Human imprinted chromosomal regions are historical hot-spots of recombination.

Human recombination rates vary along the chromosomes as well as between the two sexes. There is growing evidence that epigenetic factors may have an important influence on recombination rates, as well as on crossover position. Using both public database analysis and wet-bench approaches, we revisited the relationship between increased rates of meiotic recombination and genome imprinting. We constructed metric linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps for all human chromosomal regions known to contain one or more imprinted genes. We show that imprinted regions contain significantly more LD units (LDU) and have significantly more haplotype blocks of smaller sizes than flanking nonimprinted regions. There is also an excess of hot-spots of recombination at imprinted regions, and this is likely to do with the presence of imprinted genes, per se. These findings indicate that imprinted chromosomal regions are historical “hot-spots” of recombination. We also demonstrate, by direct segregation analysis at the 11p15.5 imprinted region, that there is remarkable agreement between sites of meiotic recombination and steps in LD maps. Although the increase in LDU/Megabase at imprinted regions is not associated with any significant enrichment for any particular sequence class, major sequence determinants of recombination rates seem to differ between imprinted and control regions. Interestingly, fine-mapping of recombination events within the most male meiosis–specific recombination hot-spot of Chromosome 11p15.5 indicates that many events may occur within or directly adjacent to regions that are differentially methylated in somatic cells. Taken together, these findings support the involvement of a combination of specific DNA sequences and epigenetic factors as major determinants of hot-spots of recombination at imprinted chromosomal regions.
Dens evaginatus (tuberculated cusps): Genetic and treatment considerations

This report documents the occurrence of a rare dental anomaly, dens evaginatus, in several members of a family of Guatemalan Indian descent. Previous reports on this anomaly reveal that the majority of cases have occurred in persons of Mongoloid extraction. These same reports have suggested a genetic component in the etiology of the anomaly, with most cases, however, occurring randomly. This is the first report in which the trait has been reported in successive generations. The precise mechanism of genetic transmission is still not entirely clear, although autosomal dominant inheritance is probable.
The Etiology of Goiter in Chicks from Thyroprotein-Fed Hens; Negative Role of Inorganic Iodide

Abstract It has been shown that goiters could be produced in chicks by feeding inorganic iodide to the hen (Wheeler and Hoffmann 1949a). This was not unexpected because it had previously been shown that goiters could be produced in chicks by injecting KI into 16-day old embryonated eggs (Wheeler and Hoffmann, 1949b). These findings suggested that inorganic iodide present in synthetic thyroprotein (STP) might cause the goiters found in chicks from hens fed STP. The goiters produced by either inorganic iodide or STP were comparable in weight and histologically indistinguishable (Wheeler and Hoffmann, 1948) and it was known that STP contains 1.5–2.0 percent inorganic iodide (Graham 1948). Thus it appeared likely that inorganic iodide might be the goiterogenic substance in thyroprotein. To test this hypothesis, an iodide-free sample of synthetic thyroprotein was obtained from Dr. W. R. Graham, Jr. of Cerophyll Laboratories, Kansas City, Missouri. Four groups of ten hens were . . .
The role of appropriateness criteria in the clinical practice of echocardiography

Over the past decade, there have been sustained increases in utilization and costs of echocardiographic procedures. As a result, concerns have been raised about potential overuse or misuse of echocardiography. Appropriateness criteria (AC) represent a physician-directed effort to define appropriate utilization of cardiac imaging procedures. Recent studies of the AC for echocardiography suggest they can be feasibly applied and can successfully stratify appropriate clinical practice of echocardiography. Implementation of the AC in clinical practice appears to represent the best way to minimize unnecessary studies while ensuring patient access to appropriate echocardiography procedures. It also represents a viable alternative to precertification procedures in which non-clinicians determine access to echocardiography. This article reviews some of the relevant issues concerning the role of the AC in the responsible use of echocardiographic imaging.
Influence of five spiroplasma strains on growth rate and survival of Galleria mellonella (lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae☆

Abstract Infection of Galleria mellonella larvae with five spiroplasma strains caused increased mortality and decreased growth rates of larvae. Reductions in growth rate and survival were related to spiroplasma strain and multiplication rate of the spiroplasma in the larvae. Three strains, considered to be ephiphytic on flowers (23-6, SR-3, PPS1), proved highly pathogenic to G. mellonella larvae, whereas strains known to be pathogenic to plants (SC-27) or honeybees (G-1) had a lesser impact.
Psyllium laxative‐induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis

A 69-year-old nurse was evaluated for a recent episode of anaphylaxis that had occurred after psyllium ingestion. She had experienced recurrent rhinitis and asthma related to psyllium exposure for the past 15 years. The diagnosis of psyllium hypersensitivity was established by a positive psyllium puncture skin test, an elevated psyllium-specific IgE level in serum, and a confirmatory soluble-antigen competitive inhibition test. The patient was symptomatic for several years, and this diagnosis was not considered until she suffered potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Psyllium hypersensitivity may be a more common phenomenon than is currently appreciated by physicians and other health-care providers.
The Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM)

Abstract This article explicates the Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM) which has been used worldwide to design differentiated curriculum, instruction, and assessment units of study for gifted learners. The article includes a literature review of appropriate curriculum features for the gifted, other extant curriculum models, the theoretical basis for the ICM model, a description of the model, research that has been conducted to date on its effectiveness, and specific implications for use in classroom settings in schools.
Autonomous Soaring: The Montague Cross-Country Challenge

A novel method was developed for locating and allowing gliders to stay in thermals (convective updrafts). The method was applied to a 5 kg, glider, called ALOFT (autonomous locator of thermals), that was entered in the 2008 Montague Cross-Country Challenge held on 13-15 June 2008 in Montague, California. In this competition, remote-controlled gliders in the 5 kg class competed on the basis of speed and distance. ALOFT was the first known autonomously soaring aircraft to enter a soaring competition and its entry provided a valuable comparison between the effectiveness of manual soaring and autonomous soaring. ALOFT placed third in the competition in overall points, outperforming manually-flown aircraft in its ability to center and use updrafts, especially at higher altitudes and in the presence of wind, to fly more optimal airspeeds, and to fly directly between turn points. The results confirm that autonomous soaring is a bona fide engineering subdiscipline, which is expected to be of interest to engineers, who might find that this has some utility in the aviation industry.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of porous ZrO2-8 wt.% Y2O3 and thermally grown oxide on nickel aluminide

Abstract Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is being developed as a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for life-remain assessment and quality control of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this investigation, EIS was employed to non-destructively examine impedance and capacitance behavior of monolithic ZrO 2 –8 wt.%Y 2 O 3 (8YSZ) with open pores as a function of thickness and density. Also, the growth and spallation of thermally grown oxide (TGO) on NiAl as a function of cyclic oxidation at 1121 °C were examined by EIS. The porous 8YSZ is the material representing ceramic topcoat and NiAl is an alumina former like many commercial bond coats for TBCs. Electrochemical impedance response was acquired at room temperature and analyzed with an ac equivalent circuit. Physical and microstructural features of the specimens were also examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. With an increase in the thickness of the YSZ, the resistance and the capacitance of the 8YSZ increased and decreased, respectively. Higher capacitance of the 8YSZ was observed with those specimens with lower density, given similar thickness. As the TGO thickness increased with oxidation, the resistance of the TGO increased and capacitance of the TGO decreased correspondingly. Opposite trend in the resistance and capacitance of TGO was observed due to the spallation of the TGO scale that results in the exposure of conductive NiAl surface. The parabolic growth (e.g. thickness) of TGO during high temperature oxidation was inversely proportional to the capacitance of TGO, excluding the abrupt changes associated with the spallation.
Skip segment Hirschsprung disease and Waardenburg syndrome

Abstract Skip segment Hirschsprung disease describes a segment of ganglionated bowel between two segments of aganglionated bowel. It is a rare phenomenon that is difficult to diagnose. We describe a recent case of skip segment Hirschsprung disease in a neonate with a family history of Waardenburg syndrome and the genetic profile that was identified.
Computer-Based Phonological Awareness and Reading Instruction

Reading with Orthographic and Segmented Speech (ROSS) programs use talking computers to deal with deficits in word recognition and phonological awareness. With ROSS, children read stories on a computer screen. Whenever they encounter a word they find difficult, they can request assistance by targeting the word with a mouse. The program highlights the word in segments and then pronounces the segments in order. In previous studies, children improved in reading, but children with relatively lower initial phonological awareness (PA) gained less than the others. In order to maximize the benefits from ROSS for all children, the current study aimed to improve PA before and while reading with ROSS, by using some programs based on theAuditory Discrimination in Depth method (Lindamood and Lindamood 1975), and others focusing on phoneme manipulation with speech feedback for all responses. The study compared the effects of this training with training in Comprehension Strategies (CS) based on Reciprocal Teaching techniques (Palincsar and Brown 1984), among second- to fifth-grade students with problems in word recognition. While both groups received equal instructional time in small-groups and with the computer, the groups differed in how much time they spent reading words in context. Whereas PA children spent half their computer time on PA exercises involving individual words and half reading words in context with ROSS, the CS group spent all their computer time reading words in context with ROSS. Both groups made significant gains in decoding, word recognition, and comprehension; however the PA groups gained significantly more than the CS group on all untimed tests of phoneme awareness, word recognition, and nonsense word reading. The CS children performed better on a test of time-limited word recognition; they also achieved higher comprehension scores, although only while reading with a trainer. The PA children's improved decoding skill led to greater accuracy, but slower responses with difficult words, after one semester's training.
The human DNA-binding protein, PO-GA, is homologous to the large subunit of mouse replication factor C: regulation by alternate 3′ processing of mRNA

Abstract We have previously cloned a human gene encoding a 128-kDa protein which we termed PO-GA [Lu et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 193 (1993) 779–786]. In the present report, we compared PO-GA to recent DNA database entries and determined that PO-GA was 80% identical, at the amino-acid level, to the large subunit of replication factor C (activator 1) cloned from mouse [Burbelo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91 (1994) in press]. This indicates that PO-GA probably represents the corresponding subunit of human replication factor C. In addition, PO-GA has high homology to a putative Drosophila transcription factor. All three proteins contain a nuclear translocation signal and an ATP/ADP-binding motif, and are highly conserved in regions with homology to Escherichia coli and yeast DNA ligases. We determined that PO-GA mRNA species of 5.3 and 4.5 kb can be detected in most human tissues, but levels are especially high in ovary. Analysis of the sequence of a new PO-GA cDNA clone that we obtained reveals a previously undetected 650-bp 3′- UTR extension. This region contains several A + U-rich regions potentially involved in regulation of mRNA stability. This fragment only hybridizes to the larger 5.3-kb mRNA. Comparison of cDNA sequences revealed that the two mRNA species arise as a result of alternate use of poly (A)-addition sites. Since the ratio of the two mRNA species is variable in different tissues, we speculate that alternative 3′ processing of the PO-GA mRNA is utilized as a mechanism of regulating cellular levels of mRNA.
A product/market project system

Abstract In this paper a product/market project system is proposed which is believed to enhance communication and interaction between both individuals and groups. The system consists of two interrelated matrix concepts: (1) the organizational form; and (2) the decision input/process table. In the section Organizational Behavior and Design, it is observed that conflict management recognizes that the critical action is the way conflict is managed — rather than suppressed, ignored, or avoided. Under the heading, Product/Market Innovation, it is pointed out that product planning and market selection are integrally related, and a time profile is presented showing how management's flexibility to set the strategic direction of the firm decreases as the idea moves through concept and design and into the market place. The patterns of product and process innovation are also described.
Effects of tellurium ingestion on learning capacity of the rat.

Chronic consumption of tellurium results in heavy deposits of the metal in neuronal lysosomes. Acute exposure to tellurium produces noticeable toxic reactions, and long-term exposure may produce pathological changes. Previous studies have reported only mild neurological symptoms, and it is unclear as to how much functional brain damage results from uptake of the metal. The present study found rats, which had been exposed to a tellurium diet for five months, to be severely impaired in their ability to learn a sequence of behavioral tasks. The learning deficits remained severe even after exposure to tellurium had been terminated for three months. The results suggest long-term disturbance of motivational as well as discriminative capacity as a result of neural impairment.
Liability of Psychiatric Consultants

Psychiatric consultants generally have limited exposure to malpractice liability because they undertake circumscribed responsibilities. To date, courts recognize the main responsibility for the patient rests with the primary care physician. Consultants' central responsibility is to the consultee, although they often assume a more direct role vis a vis the patient. Malpractice liability requires a doctor-patient relationship and is thus dependent on the extent of responsibilities assumed by each physician caring for the patient. The best protection, therefore, is a quality clinical evaluation combined with documentation that delineates the boundaries of responsibility assumed in the care of each patient.
N-Pentafluorophenyl Substituted Silazanes and a Cyclodigermazane

Abstract N-Dilithiopentafluoroaniline prepared by treatment of pentafluoroaniline with n-butyllithium, reacted with chlorotriorganosilanes to give N-pentafluorophenyl substituted disilazanes, and with dichlorodiorganosilanes to give cyclodisilazanes. Similarly, a cyclodigermazane was prepared.
“To establish an effective community spirit”: A Land Grant Extension and deliberative dialogue

The Land Grant Extension at the University of Minnesota was part of “Horizons,” a program using dialogue-to-action tools to address rural poverty.
Hypothalamic deoxyribonucleases and DNA content during development of the androgenized female rat.

The DNA content and activity of acid and alkaline deoxyribonucleases (DNases) were measured through age 60 days in the hypothalamus of female rats injected s.c. with 1.25 mg testosterone propionate 48 h after birth. DNA significantly increases through age 60 days, however, androgenization does not affect the DNases or DNA content. It is suggested that masculinization of the female hypothalamus does not involve alterations in net DNA synthesis and/or degradation.
Strategies to Prevent Brain Metastasis in High-Risk Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Lessons Learned From a Randomized Study of Maintenance Temozolomide Versus Observation

Abstract Background This study investigated whether maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) after definitive therapy for locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could decrease the incidence of brain metastasis (BM). Patients and Methods Eligible patients included those with stage IIIA, IIIB, or IV (for stage IV, only with malignant pleural/pericardial effusion) NSCLC with no BM at diagnosis and stable disease, partial response, or complete response after first-line chemotherapy using at least 2 agents. Patients were randomized to observation or TMZ (75 mg/m2 for 21 consecutive days followed by a 7-day rest for up to 6 cycles or progression). The primary end point was incidence of radiographically diagnosed BM within 12 months from day 1 of first-line chemotherapy. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), time to progression, incidence of BM at first progression, and toxicity. Results The study was closed early on the basis of a futility analysis; 45 of 53 enrolled patients were evaluable from an original target of 100. No difference was noted in the incidence of BM at 1 year in the TMZ and observation groups (18% and 13%, respectively), in median time to progression (11.7 and 10.7 months, respectively), or in median OS (27.1 and 22.5 months, respectively). Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 or 4 adverse events were 46% in the TMZ group and 19% in the observation group. Conclusions TMZ monotherapy does not appear to decrease the incidence of BM in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. These results considered in the context of the existing literature have implications for future clinical trial design.
Renal cerebroside in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease).

The kidney tissues of five patients with globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbees disease) and of seven agematched normal individuals were analyzed for the content of galacto-and glucocerebrosides. There was a statistically significant increase of galactocerebroside (+25%) in the pathological specimens. However, glucocerebroside was also similarly increased (+30%). Therefore, despite the genetic defect of the degradative enzyme, galactocerebroside β-galactosidase, there is no specific accumulation of galactocerebroside in the kidneys of patients with globoid cell leukodystrophy.
Innovation generation in upstream and downstream business relationships

Abstract The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon of innovation generation in a firm's upstream and downstream business relationships. The study considers the role of knowledge redundancy and relational embeddedness on the generation of radical and incremental innovations. The study further considers the moderating role of complexity and globalization on the link between the independent variables and innovation generation. By deriving several theoretically sound and managerially useful propositions, this research advances knowledge in the business-to-business and innovation generation domains and offers insights for managerial practice.
Genetic variation in antioxidant enzymes, cigarette smoking, and longitudinal change in lung function.

Antioxidant enzymes play an important role in the defense against oxidative stress in the lung and in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sequence variation in genes encoding antioxidant enzymes may alter susceptibility to COPD by affecting longitudinal change in lung function in adults. We genotyped 384 sequence variants in 56 candidate genes in 1281 African American and 1794 European American elderly adults in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. Single-marker associations and gene-by-smoking interactions with rate of change in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models, stratified by race/ethnicity. In European Americans, rs17883901 in GCLC was statistically significantly associated with rate of change in FEV1/FVC; the recessive genotype (TT) was associated with a 0.9% per year steeper decline (P = 4.50 × 10−5). Statistically significant gene-by-smoking interactions were observed for variants in two genes in European Americans: the minor allele of rs2297765 in mGST3 attenuated the accelerated decline in FEV1/FVC in smokers by 0.45% per year (P = 1.13 × 10−4); for participants with greater baseline smoking pack-years, the minor allele of rs2073192 in IDH3B was associated with an accelerated decline in FEV1/FVC (P = 2.10 × 10−4). For both genes, nominally significant interactions (P < 0.01) were observed at the gene level in African Americans (P = 0.007 and 4.60 × 10−4, respectively). Nominally significant evidence of association was observed for variants in SOD3 and GLRX2 in multiple analyses. This study identifies two novel genes associated with longitudinal lung function phenotypes in both African and European Americans and confirms a prior finding for GCLC. These findings suggest novel mechanisms and molecular targets for future research and advance the understanding of genetic determinants of lung function and COPD risk.
The key role of heat exchangers in advanced gas-cooled reactor plants

Abstract The use of helium as a nuclear reactor coolant has been successfully demonstrated in plants built and operated in the U.K., U.S.A., and Germany. Following the pioneering proof of principle plant, two small power plants were operated for several years and this led to the construction of two commercial power stations. For the next generation of gas-cooled reactors new criteria have been developed, namely, the plants will be smaller, simpler, safer and of lower cost. The base case Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (MHTGR) utilizes existing technology to offer a tried and proven power generating plant using a conventional steam turbine power conversion system that could be in utility service just after the turn of the century. The capability of the MHTGR to operate at very high temperatures will be exploited early in the next century in the form of advanced variants to meet the needs of the power generation and process industries. A key component in the MHTGR is the heat exchanger, since this is where the reactor thermal energy is transferred to the prime-mover or process system. This paper addresses the various roles that heat exchangers will play in advanced MHTGRs, recognizing that the requirements for the steam cycle, gas turbine (direct- or indirect-cycle), and process heat reactor are unique. Topics include thermodynamic considerations, differing configurations, and construction types; materials (metals, composites, ceramics); germane technology bases; and advanced heat exchanger technologies.
“A summary of parole rules—Thirteen years later”: Revisited thirteen years later

Abstract Arluke conducted two surveys of American paroling authorities, thirteen years apart, in 1956 and 1969. He summarized and described the standard conditions or rules of parole then in force in America. His general conclusions to both surveys were that parole rules were too numerous to be of real value, that many were unrealistic and unenforceable, and that the basic rules were not uniform throughout the states. In summer 1981, thirteen years after Arluke's second study, his survey was replicated. Copies of the standard parole conditions imposed on parolees of all fifty states and of the federal and District of Columbia jurisdictions were received and summarized. Many of Arluke's conclusions from his 1956 and 1969 summaries are echoed in this study.
Effect of flow rate on biofilm accumulation in open channels

Abstract Experiments were carried out to study the effect of flow shear stress on the rate of accumulation of bottom-attached biofilms. Natural harbour water without special nutrient enrichment was circulated through an outdoor open channel, simulating natural river conditions. Biofilm development on small glass plates (15 × 25 mm) placed on the bottom of the channel was monitored through microscopic examination and determination of total carbohydrate by a recently developed biochemical method. Results indicate that biofilm biomass accumulation was substantially reduced as flow shear stress increased and that the maximum accumulation occurred under very low flow conditions.
The wave equation on a cone

(1982). The wave equation on a cone. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 223-278.
On the Bohr-Hardy criteria

Etude des conditions necessaires et suffisantes caracterisant les facteurs de sommabilite de type (A,B), equivalents aux criteres de Bohr-Hardy
Bladder Outlet Obstruction After Multiple Periurethral Polytetrafluoroethylene Injections

ABSTRACTPeriurethral polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) injections have been reported to be successful for the treatment of urinary incontinence after transurethral resection or radical prostatectomy. However, the use of polytetrafluoroethylene is controversial due to reports of distant migration and granulomatous reaction after periurethral injection. We report on a patient with a history of periurethral polytetrafluoroethylene injection for postoperative stress incontinence in whom bladder outlet obstruction developed and who underwent repeat transurethral resection 9 years later. Pathological examination revealed that the material responsible for the obstruction was almost totally composed of a foreign body giant cell response to the polytetrafluoroethylene implant (“teflonoma”).
Academic Libraries: “Social” or “Communal?” The Nature and Future of Academic Libraries

Abstract The apparent death of academic libraries, as measured by declining circulation of print materials, reduced use of reference services, and falling gate counts, has led to calls for a more “social” approach to academic libraries: installing cafes, expanding group study spaces, and developing “information commons.” This study compares these social models with the traditional academic library, whose spirit is best understood as “communal.” It argues that this communal spirit is unique and greatly valued by academic library users. Efforts to create a more social academic library threaten this communal spirit and may do more harm than good.
Property composition in Healey's interpretation of quantum mechanics

I show that on Richard Healey's interpretation of quantum mechanics, a composite property is possessed if and only if each of its factors is possessed. This result has a number of agreeable consequences, the foremost being that it exempts Healey's interpretation from the Decomposition Problem, a problem afflicting some rival interpretations. At the heart of my argument is a purely mathematical theorem, which I prove, concerning projection operators in tensorproduct Hilbert spaces.
Liquid Crystal Sensors with Capacitive Transduction

In this paper, the theory for tracking the average molecular orientation of a liquid crystal material via capacitive sensing of anisotropic media is presented. Tracking the director axis of a nematic liquid crystal material can be achieved by two capacitance measurements. The sensitivity for the sensor at different alignments is studied. Both the experimental and calculated values for fringing capacitances of a selected interdigitated fingers sensor are presented.
MRI of blood volume with MS 325 in experimental choroidal melanoma.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows quantitative blood volume imaging in vivo at high tissue resolution. The purpose is to apply this technique for untreated and hyperthermia-treated experimental choroidal melanoma. MS 325 was used as new intravascular albumin-bound gadolinium-based contrast agent. Pigmented choroidal melanomas were established in albino rabbits. MRI was performed in 7 untreated eyes and 7 eyes treated with a Neodymium:Yttrium-Lanthanum-Fluoride-laser at 1047 nm. 3D-spoiled gradient echo pulse sequences were used to acquire T' weighted axial images. First, a set of images was collected without contrast agent. MS 325 was then injected i.v. and images were obtained within 12 min after injection. Signal intensities were measured within tumor, ciliary body, choroid, and iris and relative signal intensities were determined for these tissues in relation to vitreous. In untreated tumors, the relative signal intensity was higher after injection of MS 325 (5.61+0.70) than without MS 325 (2.90+0.33; p = 0.0002). In contrast, the relative signal intensity of treated tumors did not differ significantly before and after MS 325 (6.19+1.59 and 6.13+1.64). Histopathological sections indicated vascular occlusion in treated tumors. All other studied tissues of untreated and treated eyes showed a significant increase of relative signal intensities in the presence of MS 325. An animal model for the research on contrast agents in MRI is presented. Blood volume measurement with MS 325 was adapted for experimental choroidal melanomas. Reduced change of relative signal intensity indicates compromised blood volume after vascular occlusion in hyperthermia-treated melanoma. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this technique allows the evaluation of tumor viability following treatments.
Modeling of Pollutant Transport from a Stationary Phase into a Flowing Stream with Reversible Adsorption

Abstract Previous studies indicated that phenol transport from spilled bitumen to aquifer was controlled by slow molecular diffusion of phenol in bitumen as the rate-determining step so that it could be de-coupled from the aquifer flow equation, leading to time-dependent phenol concentration in a flowing stream. This study presents a new model by incorporating reversible adsorption of phenol into the flow equations using a chromatographic transformation technique. Results showed that adsorption retarded phenol propagation by a delay factor related to the adsorption/desorption characteristics. This model enhanced with adsorption capability is well suited to other water pollution problems arising from chemical spills.
DNA Cleavage of a Cryptic Recombination Signal Sequence by RAG1 and RAG2 IMPLICATIONS FOR PARTIAL VH GENE REPLACEMENT

Antibody and T cell receptor genes are assembled from gene segments by V(D)J recombination to produce an almost infinitely diverse repertoire of antigen specificities. Recombination is initiated by cleavage of conserved recombination signal sequences (RSS) by RAG1 and RAG2 during lymphocyte development. Recent evidence demonstrates that recombination can occur at noncanonical RSS sites within Ig genes or at other loci, outside the context of normal lymphocyte receptor gene rearrangement. We have characterized the ability of the RAG proteins to bind and cleave a cryptic RSS (cRSS) located within an Ig VH gene segment. The RAG proteins bound with sequence specificity to either the consensus RSS or the cRSS. The RAG proteins nick the cRSS on both the top and bottom strands, thereby bypassing the formation of the DNA hairpin intermediate observed in RAG cleavage of canonical RSS substrates. We propose that the RAG proteins may utilize an alternative mechanism for double-stranded DNA cleavage, depending on the substrate sequence. These results have implications for further diversification of the antigen receptor repertoire as well as the role of the RAG proteins in genomic instability.
Endovascular Treatment of Vertebral Artery–Origin and Innominate/Subclavian Disease: Indications and Technique

Approximately 20% to 40% of patients who have cerebral vascular disease have a vertebral artery–origin stenosis. Atherosclerotic lesions of vertebral arety origin are a potential cause of posterior circulation ischemia, which can be disabling or deadly. Endovascular treatment of vertebral artery–origin and innominate/subclavian artery stenosis has changed in the last 15 years. Surgery usually is successful technically; however, it is also associated with high rates of procedural and periprocedural complications. New techniques and technologies that can be used in the treatment of such lesions are being developed. In this article, the authors discuss the indications, technical aspects, and long-term results of angioplasty and stenting of these vessels.
Hardware-aware motion estimation search algorithm development for high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) standard

This work presents a hardware-aware search algorithm for HEVC motion estimation. Implications of several decisions in search algorithm are considered with respect to their hardware implementation costs (in terms of area and bandwidth). Proposed algorithm provides 3X logic area in integer motion estimation, 16% on-chip reference buffer area and 47X maximum off-chip bandwidth savings when compared to HM-3.0 fast search algorithm.
Analysis of SO2 absorption with oxidation in an accelerating stream of drops

Abstract Trace gas absorption with chemical reaction in falling drops is of interest for the understanding of several aspects of a variety of engineering systems including gravity spray processes, flue gas desulfurization, as well as below-cloud scavenging by rain. The main components of such systems consist of the fluid dynamics of multiple drops in a gaseous environment and trace gas mass transfer with liquid-phase reaction. Here we deal specifically with the effects of mass and momentum transfer parameters such as fluid flow velocities, drop characteristics, film resistance layers, and the residence time of an accelerating isothermal stream of drops on the absorption and oxidation rates of sulfur dioxide. Predictive results obtained with a new computer simulation model, validated with measured data points, demonstrate the importance of such system parameters on SO 2 absorption.
From mutation to myotonia in sodium channel disorders.

Abstract Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonia congenita, and the potassium-aggravated myotonias are all caused by point mutations in the α -subunit of a sodium channel expressed selectively in skeletal muscle. This review updates the growing list of genotype-phenotype correlations for these mutations and summarizes the alterations in channel function they produce. A toxin-based in vitro model demonstrates that subtle defects in sodium channel inactivation are sufficient to cause myotonia and computer modeling suggests that specific types of inactivation defect may predispose to paralysis or myotonia.
A PIT-1 Homeodomain Mutant Blocks the Intranuclear Recruitment Of the CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein α Required for Prolactin Gene Transcription

The pituitary-specific homeodomain protein Pit-1 cooperates with other transcription factors, including CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), in the regulation of pituitary lactotrope gene transcription. Here, we correlate cooperative activation of prolactin (PRL) gene transcription by Pit-1 and C/EBPα with changes in the subnuclear localization of these factors in living pituitary cells. Transiently expressed C/EBPα induced PRL gene transcription in pituitary GHFT1–5 cells, whereas the coexpression of Pit-1 and C/EBPα in HeLa cells demonstrated their cooperativity at the PRL promoter. Individually expressed Pit-1 or C/EBPα, fused to color variants of fluorescent proteins, occupied different subnuclear compartments in living pituitary cells. When coexpressed, Pit-1 recruited C/EBPα from regions of transcriptionally quiescent centromeric heterochromatin to the nuclear regions occupied by Pit-1. The homeodomain region of Pit-1 was necessary for the recruitment of C/EBPα. A point mutation in the Pit-1 h...
Currents of Change: El Niño's Impact on Climate and Society

Preface 1. Introduction 2. El Nino 3. A tale of two histories 4. The biography of El Nino 5. The 1982-83 El Nino: a case of anomalous anomaly 6. Forecasting El Nino 7. Teleconnections 8. Methods used to identify El Nino 9. International science 10. Why care about El Nino? 11. 'In Their Own Words' 12. Usable science References.
Mammary Ductal Growth Is Impaired in Mice Lacking Leptin-Dependent Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling

Mice lacking leptin (ob/ob) or its full-length receptor (db/db) are obese and reproductively incompetent. Fertility, pregnancy, and lactation are restored, respectively, in ob/ob mice treated with leptin through mating, d 6.5 post coitum, and pregnancy. Therefore, leptin signaling is needed for lactation, but the timing of its action and the affected mammary process remain unknown. To address this issue, we used s/s mice lacking only leptin-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling. These mice share many features with db/db mice, including obesity, but differ by retaining sufficient activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to support reproduction. The s/s mammary epithelium was normal at 3 wk of age but failed to expand through the mammary fat pad (MFP) during the subsequent pubertal period. Ductal growth failure was not corrected by estrogen therapy and did not relate to inadequate IGF-I production by the MFP or to the need for epithelial or stromal leptin-STAT3 signaling. Ductal growth failure coincided with adipocyte hypertrophy and increased MFP production of leptin, TNFα, and IL6. These cytokines, however, were unable to inhibit the proliferation of a collection of mouse mammary epithelial cell lines. In conclusion, the very first step of postnatal mammary development fails in s/s mice despite sufficient estrogen IGF-I and an hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis capable of supporting reproduction. This failure is not caused by mammary loss of leptin-dependent STAT3 signaling or by the development of inflammation. These data imply the existence of an unknown mechanism whereby leptin-dependent STAT3 signaling and obesity alter mammary ductal development.
Use of N Natural Abundance and N Species Concentrations to Assess N-Cycling in Constructed and Natural Coastal Wetlands

Natural abundance of N stable isotopes used in combination with concentrations may be useful indicators of N-cycling in wetlands. Concentrations and 15N signatures of NO−3, NH
Fossil Energy Waste Sampling: A General Guideline

The authors developed a fossil fuel energy waste general sampling guideline to provide users a manual for the collection of feedstock and solid wastes from coal-fired utility boilers and emerging energy facilities according to best available scientific procedures. We believe this manual will serve as a guide to sample collection personnel in preparing a descriptive site-specific test plan. The preparation and evaluation of the general guideline was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Laramie Technology Center. Included in the manual are detailed procedures for (1) selecting representative sampling locations, (2) collecting solid wastes, slurry waste, and sludges, and (3) processing samples.
Career Strategies of Millennial Generation Female Assistant Coaches

The rate of collegiate female coaches is at an all-time low; but there has been limited research on what might help female coaches succeed. The millennial generation, who grew up with increased athletic opportunities provided by Title IX, is entering the profession, and they may have different views of coaching and athletics than previous generations. The purpose of this study was to investigate what factors influenced millennial generation, female assistant coaches’ aspirations to become head coaches and what strategies they believed would help them successfully navigate their careers. The authors interviewed 10 millennial generation, Division I female assistant coaches and found leadership as athletes, appropriate education, and coaching networks, particularly with female coaches, were common strategies for feeling confident in their careers. These findings may help athletic departments create tools, such as women’s only coaching clinics, to help encourage women to become and remain coaches and provide ...
Artistic and Scientific Creative Behavior: Openness and the Mediating Role of Interests

The arts and sciences have been identified as two specific domains that are dependent upon the creative process. A total of 369 undergraduate students served as research participants in two separate studies. In the first study, participants (N = 238) completed a measure of Openness to Experience (NEO-PI; McCrae & Costa, 1999) and a questionnaire assessing artistic and scientific creativity (ASAS; Guastello & Shissler, 1994). Results from study 1 indicated that the Aesthetics and Actions personality traits were significantly related to artistic creativity, while the Ideas trait was the only lower level personality trait to significantly correlate with scientific creativity. In the second study, participants (N = 131) completed a measure of Openness to Experience (NEO-PI), Vocational Interests (Holland, 1985), and an artistic and scientific creativity questionnaire (Guastello & Shissler, 1994). Findings from study 1 were largely replicated in study 2. Namely, Aesthetics and Ideas were significantly related with artistic and scientific creativity, respectively. Results from partial correlation computations were used to identify specific personality traits that were used in a series of regression models testing the second goal of the second study. Specifically, vocational interests were observed to mediate the relationship between personality dispositions and creativity. Results suggest the ability of lower level personality traits of Openness to differentiate between artistic and scientific creativity. In addition, results lend support for the motivational aspect of vocational interests.
Lexical gaps and idioms in machine translation

This paper describes the treatment of lexical gaps, collection information and idioms in the English to Portuguese machine translation system PORTUGA.The perspective is strictly bilingual, in the sense that all problems referenced above are considered to belong to the transfer phase, and not, as in other systems, to analysis or generation.The solution presented invokes a parser for the target language (Portuguese) that analyses, producing the corresponding graph structure, the multiword expression selected as the result of lexical transfer.This process seems to bring considerable advantage in what readability and ease of bilingual dictionary development is concerned, and to furnish maximal flexibility together with minimal storage requirements. Finally, it also provides complete independence between dictionary and grammar formalisms.
On the Relationship Between Some of the Ordonez Cabrera―Volodin and the Cantrell―Rosalsky Strong Laws of Large Numbers for Banach Space Valued Summands

For Banach space valued random elements irrespective of their joint distributions, some strong laws of large numbers of Ordo ez Cabrera and Volodin [3] and of Cantrell and Rosalsky [2] are compared. For the main result in each article, it is shown that every strong law that can be produced using the Ordo ez Cabrera and Volodin [3] theorem can also be produced by using the Cantrell and Rosalsky [2] theorem. An example is provided wherein the hypotheses of the Cantrell and Rosalsky [2] theorem are satisfied but those of the Ordo ez Cabrera and Volodin [3] theorem are not satisfied. Apropos of other strong law results of Ordo ez Cabrera and Volodin [3] and of Cantrell and Rosalsky [2] which are in the same spirit, examples are provided showing that the results are not comparable in the sense that the hypotheses of each result do not imply the hypotheses of the other.