cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Erdheim-Chester disease : Low low-density lipoprotein levels due to rapid catabolism

We have identified a 44-year-old patient with symmetrically excessive xanthomatosis, called Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), and simultaneously decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Clinically, this patient presents lipoidgranulomatosis of numerous long and flat bones with involvement of the liver, spleen, pericardium, pleura, thyroid, skin, conjunctiva, and gingiva. However, the patient does not have any signs of atherosclerosis. So far, the underlying defect has not been elucidated. We performed a LDL—apolipoprotein B (apoB) kinetic study in the ECD patient and a normal control to determine the etiology of the low LDL level in ECD. LDL was isolated from both subjects, radioiodinated with either 131I or 125I, and injected simultaneously into the ECD patient and the normal control. Normal and ECD LDL was catabolized at the same rate after injection into the control subject (fractional catabolic rate [FCR], 0.43/d and 0.46/d, respectively). Therefore, LDL isolated from an ECD subject is metabolically normal. In contrast, autologous LDL injected into the ECD subject showed a markedly increased catabolism (FCR, 0.69/d) compared with that in the control subject (FCR, 0.43/d). This is the first report about increased catabolism of LDL cholesterol in a patient.
Lower bounds for bi-colored quaternary Ramsey numbers

Abstract In this note, we prove that R (5, 5; 4)⩾19. We also compute lower bounds for some higher order numbers.
A command processor system with an integrated database for flexible mechanical system dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a unified command processor system with an integrated data base for flexible mechanical system dynamics. The system is demonstrated using two well established finite element programs, ANSYS and NASTRAN, and two general purpose flexible system dynamics programs, DADS and DISCOS. The command processor system is based on the recently developed Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC). Using the IAC, well established analysis tools can be used to analyze different aspects of physical behavior that are modelled by a variety of mathematical concepts. The paper (1) describes the requirements for an interdisciplinary command and data base management system, (2) explains the process of incorporating finite element and system dynamic programs into the integrated analysis system, and (3) develops a unified data base for flexible system dynamics. The modular structure and the ease with which new modules can be added to the system make it suitable for analysis of a wide spectrum of flexible dynamics problems.
Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication is unaffected by human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor

Human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a serine protease inhibitor found concentrated in secretory fluids, has been postulated to participate in the body's natural defense against infection by the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) by affecting trypsin-like enzymes on the surface of target cells. SLPI was evaluated for potential antiviral activity against laboratory, clinical and monocytotropic strains of HIV-1 in human T-cell lines, peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophage cultures. SLPI was tested in a single cycle of infection assay and under conditions in which SLPI was preincubated both with target cells and with virus and then maintained during the virus-to-cell adsorption phase and throughout the entire culture period. However, SLPI did not exert anti-HIV activity under any experimental conditions, and mechanistic studies showed SLPI to have no inhibitory activity on HIV-1 binding, reverse transcriptase or protease. Thus, SLPI exhibited no suggestive anti-HIV-1 activity.
Bello and Bolívar: Poetry and Politics in the Spanish American Revolution

Acknowledgments Introduction Part I. Caracas (1781-1810): 1. Augustan Caracas 2. Revolt Part II. London (1810-29) 3. Independence 4. The reconquest 5. The decided revolution 6. The new Augustus 7. The campaign of the monarchists 8. Poetry visits America 9. 'Agricultura' 10. Bolivar poetics Part III. Santiago: (1829-65): 11. The liberal poets 12. The exile Appendix Notes Bibliographical note Index.
Education and urban household location

Abstract This study examines the effect of college education on the probability of living in large metropolitan areas. Particular attention is given to the possibly endogenous relationship between education and household location. It is shown that college education has a large positive effect on living in the largest metropolitan areas in the United States and no effect on the probability in living in smaller metropolitan areas.
Acute changes in thyroid function in patients treated with radioactive iodine

Abstract Serum triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ) were measured in thirteen unselected hyperthyroid patients before and at frequent intervals after iodine-131 treatment. There was an abrupt rise in T3 from a pretreatment mean of 250 ng/100 ml to a maximum of 365 ng/100 ml at 24 hours. Total T 4 rose from a mean of 18·7 μg/100 ml to a maximum of 22·3 μg/100 ml at 24-48 hours. These findings may explain why an occasional patient develops acute thyroid crisis after radioiodine treatment.
Terpenoid and morphological variability of Pinus quadrifolia and its natural hybridization with Pinus monophylla in Northern Baja California and adjoining United States

Mono- and sesquiterpenoids from wood of P. quadrifolia and that of the southwestern form of P. monophylla were analysed by GLC. Concurrently the number of needles per fascicle, the number of resin canals, and the number of abaxial and adaxial stomatal rows towards the tip, in the middle, and towards the base of the needles were determined. The data covered 90 trees from 8 pure populations from southernmost California and northern Baja California and 21 trees from a mixed stand in Baja California.α-Pinene, mycene, α-amorphene, γ-muurolene, germacrene D, and to a very minor extent camphene, β-pinene, limonene, β-phellandrene and β-ylangene percentages could be used for species identification. The number of needles per fascicle, the number of resin canals, and the number of abaxial stomatal rows afforded appreciably sharper identification, however. Statistical treatment of chemical and morphological data from pure stands did not give evidence for introgression of the two species. A definite intermediacy, rather limited in extent, could be demonstrated for the mixed stand, however.
Phonon heat conduction in layered anisotropic crystals

The thermal properties of anisotropic crystals are of both fundamental and practical interest, but transport phenomena in anisotropic materials such as graphite remain poorly understood because solutions of the Boltzmann equation often assume isotropy. Here, we extend an analytic solution of the transient, frequency-dependent Boltzmann equation to highly anisotropic solids and examine its predictions for graphite. We show that this simple model predicts key results, such as long c -axis phonon mean free paths and a negative correlation of cross-plane thermal conductivity with in-plane group velocity, that were previously observed with computationally expensive molecular-dynamics simulations. Further, using our analytic solution, we demonstrate a method to reconstruct the anisotropic mean free path spectrum of crystals with arbitrary dispersion relations without any prior knowledge of their harmonic or anharmonic properties using observations of quasiballistic heat conduction. These results provide a useful analytic framework to understand thermal transport in anisotropic crystals.
Enhanced black hole horizon fluctuations

We discuss the possible role of quantum horizon fluctuations on black hole radiance, especially whether they can invalidate Hawking's analysis based upon transplanckian modes. We are particularly concerned with ``enhanced'' fluctuations produced by gravitons or matter fields in squeezed vacuum states sent into the black hole after the collapse process. This allows for the possibility of increasing the fluctuations well above the vacuum level. We find that these enhanced fluctuations could significantly alter stimulated emission, but have little effect upon the spontaneous emission. Thus the thermal character of the Hawking radiation is remarkably robust.
Custody Planning: A Retrospective Review of Oncology Patients Who Were Single Parents

With rising numbers of single-parent families, a phenomenon becoming increasingly prevalent is the child orphaned by cancer. We sought to examine issues related to custody planning addressed prior to the patient’s death. Ten deceased patients with minor children were identified. The contact person was administered a brief questionnaire regarding the minor children and custody issues. The study involved twenty children, ages ranging from 3‐20, mean age 9.8. Only five of the ten families developed custody plans that were ultimately successful. One-half of the families reported the patient had suffered with this issue and almost one-half of the children were not aware of the custody plans that had been arranged for them. In 40% of the cases, the children ultimately went to people to whom the deceased parents were opposed. It is our belief that if we can improve these statistics, we might improve the quality of life of these families. J Pain Symptom Manage 2001; 21:380‐384. © U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 2001.
Temperature regions of optimal chemical inhibition of premixed flames

Chemically active fire suppressants may, due to their properties or the means by which they are added to flames, have strong inhibition effects in particular locations in a flame. To study the spatial effects of chemically active inhibitors, numerical experiments are conducted in which the rates of reactions of model inhibitors are varied in spatial regions defined by temperature. The influence of three types of spatial regions are investigated, those with the inhibitor (1) active only within a narrow temperature band (offon-off), (2) active below a cutoff temperature (on-off), and (3) active above a cutoff temperature (off-on). The effect of several localized chemical perturbations on the burning velocity are studied, including the
Design and implementation of an ER query and update interface

The author discusses a method for implementing an entity-relationship (ER) query and update interface called ERQUI. The approach is based on using a relational database management system as a major component of the ERQUI system architecture. During the process of manipulation of ER diagrams the information needed to generate an equivalent SQL query or update is accumulated in a specially designed database. The semantics of ER query and update operators is given. >
Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections

Since their initial recognition 20 years ago, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains have emerged as an important cause of serious human gastrointestinal disease, which may result in life-threatening complications such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Food-borne outbreaks of STEC disease appear to be increasing and, when mass-produced and mass-distributed foods are concerned, can involve large numbers of people. Development of therapeutic and preventative strategies to combat STEC disease requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which STEC organisms colonize the human intestinal tract and cause local and systemic pathological changes. While our knowledge remains incomplete, recent studies have improved our understanding of these processes, particularly the complex interaction between Shiga toxins and host cells, which is central to the pathogenesis of STEC disease. In addition, several putative accessory virulence factors have been identified and partly characterized. The capacity to limit the scale and severity of STEC disease is also dependent upon rapid and sensitive diagnostic procedures for analysis of human samples and suspect vehicles. The increased application of advanced molecular technologies in clinical laboratories has significantly improved our capacity to diagnose STEC infection early in the course of disease and to detect low levels of environmental contamination. This, in turn, has created a potential window of opportunity for future therapeutic intervention.
Evidence for two antigenically distinct molecular weight variants of prostaglandin H synthase in the rat ovary

Two affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies have been generated that differentially recognize two mol wt (Mr) variants of prostaglandin H synthase (PGS) in the rat ovary: antibody-2 recognized PGS of 72,000 Mr (PGS72), and antibody-3 recognized PGS of 69,000 Mr (PGS69). Immunoblot analyses showed that PGS72 was rapidly induced by LH in granulosa cells of preovulatory (PO) follicles and was associated with the increased production of prostaglandins (PGs) obligatory for ovulation. PGS72 was low (negligible) in other ovarian tissues, including PO follicles, corpora lutea, and interstitium. In contrast, PGS69 was constitutively present in small antral and PO follicles (primarily in thecal cells), was unaffected by LH, and was found at higher levels in corpora lutea throughout pregnancy and in the ovarian interstitium. PGS69 (but not PGS72) was also detected by immunoblots in rat adrenal glands, heart, uterus, and kidney. Immunofluorescent localization of PGS72 and PGS69 to ovarian tissue sections confirmed the cell-specific distribution of PGS observed by immunoblot analyses of cell extracts. Immunofluorescent detection of PGS72 required methanol fixation, whereas PGS69 was also observed with paraformaldehyde fixation and Triton X-100 permeabilization, further suggesting biochemical differences in these molecules. Immunoreactive PGS69 in PO follicles, thecal cells, and granulosa cells was associated with low amounts of indomethacin-sensitive production of PGs by these tissues in vitro, which was unaffected by inhibitors of transcription or translation. In contrast, stimulation of PGs in PO follicles by LH in vitro correlated with the marked induction of PGS72, but not PGS69, and was sensitive to both transcriptional and translational inhibitors. Collectively, these studies provide the first evidence that the rat ovary contains two immunologically distinct forms and Mr variants of PGS, each of which is selectively regulated by hormones, localized to specific cell types, differentially sensitive to inhibitors of transcription/translation, and differentially solubilized for immunocytochemical localization.
New paleomagnetic results from the Eureka Sound Group: Implications for the age of early Tertiary Arctic biota

Some 300 specimens from 101 sites were analyzed from sections spanning more than 2,000 m of lignitic carbonate and clastic rocks. The sediments belong to the lower Tertiary Eureka Sound Group and are exposed near Bay and Strathcona Fiords on Ellesmere Island. Paleomagnetic analysis suggests that remanence is carried by magnetite, and positive fold and reversals tests support an early (detrital or early post-depositional) acquisition of the characteristic magnetization. We correlate the local magnetostratigraphy to Chrons C25 and C26 of the time scale. Comparison of the magnetostratigraphic results obtained here with results from Paleocene/Eocene sections from Wyoming and Texas do not support a significant temporal discrepancy of faunal and floral assemblages between the Arctic and the southwestern United States.
Cloning, Heterologous Expression, and Enzymological Characterization of Human Squalene Monooxygenase

Abstract The cDNA for human squalene monooxygenase, a key enzyme in the committed pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis, was amplified from a human liver cDNA library and cloned, and the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Kinetic analysis of the purified enzyme revealed an apparent K m for squalene of 7.7 μM and an apparent k cat of 1.1 min −1 . For FAD the apparent K m is 0.3 μM, consistent with a loosely bound flavin. The apparent K m for NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase, the requisite electron transfer partner, is 14 nM. The amount of reductase needed for maximal activity is about threefold less than the amount of squalene monooxygenase present in the assay; thus, electron transfer to the monooxygenase is not likely to be rate limiting. Previous reports have implicated inhibition of this enzyme as the cause of a peripheral demyelination seen in weanling rats fed a diet containing tellurium. As no data were available for humans, the ability of a number of tellurium and related elemental compounds to inhibit the recombinant human enzyme was examined. Tellurite, tellurium dioxide, selenite, and selenium dioxide were inhibitory; the tellurium compounds were more potent than the selenium compounds, as indicated by their IC 50 values (17 and 37 μM, respectively). Kinetic analysis of the inhibition by tellurite suggests multiple sites of interaction with the enzyme in a noncompetitive manner with respect to squalene.
Effect of social support on informed consent in older adults with Parkinson disease and their caregivers

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of social support on comprehension and recall of consent form information in a study of Parkinson disease patients and their caregivers. DESIGN and METHODS: Comparison of comprehension and recall outcomes among participants who read and signed the consent form accompanied by a family member/friend versus those of participants who read and signed the consent form unaccompanied. Comprehension and recall of consent form information were measured at one week and one month respectively, using Part A of the Quality of Informed Consent Questionnaire (QuIC). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample of 143 participants was 71 years (SD = 8.6 years). Analysis of covariance was used to compare QuIC scores between the intervention group (n = 70) and control group (n = 73). In the 1-week model, no statistically significant intervention effect was found (p = 0.860). However, the intervention status by patient status interaction was statistically significant (p = 0.012). In the 1-month model, no statistically significant intervention effect was found (p = 0.480). Again, however, the intervention status by patient status interaction was statistically significant (p = 0.040). At both time periods, intervention group patients scored higher (better) on the QuIC than did intervention group caregivers, and control group patients scored lower (worse) on the QuIC than did control group caregivers. IMPLICATIONS: Social support played a significant role in enhancing comprehension and recall of consent form information among patients.
The Maquiladora Industry: Recent Downturn And Future Prospects

The Maquiladora industry was created in the mid-1960 as the United States terminated the Bracero program. The main objective of the Bracero program was to bring in Mexican workers to fulfill U.S. agricultural labor demand. The end of the Bracero program left thousands of unemployed farm workers in Mexican cities bordering the U.S. The Maquiladora program’s intent was to subsidize foreign manufacturers that set up plants on the Mexico side of the border to create jobs for the Mexican workers. Mexico allowed plants to temporarily import supplies, parts, machinery, and equipment necessary to produce goods and services in Mexico duty-free as long as the output was exported back to the United States. U.S. firms, as well as other multinational companies, responded enthusiastically to the lure of cheap labor. Mexico experienced high economic growth and become a major player in exporting intra-industry products to the U.S. The NAFTA and other free trade agreements signed by Mexico helped the economic growth of the Maquiladora region. Maquiladora employment increased significantly since the inception of the Maquiladora industry and Maquiladora exports now account for half of Mexico’s total exports. The Maquiladora industry is U.S.-demand driven since most of Mexico’s Maquiladora production is destined for the U.S. market. The recent recession in the U.S. took a heavy toll on Mexico’s Maquiladora industry. Another challenge to the Maquiladora industry is raising global competition, particularly from China. Therefore, the magnitude of the industry’s contraction during the most recent recession suggests that there are more factors influencing the industry than just the business cycle. This paper presents the creation of the Maquiladora industry, its success following the NAFTA agreement, and its recent downturn. It also explores the answers to the following questions: How much of the Maquiladora downturn was due to the business cycle? How much was due to structural change? Is the Maquiladora industry ready to face rising global competition?
An expression for orientation in cellulose fibers

Hermans' orientation factor can be evaluated only when the diatropic and paratropic interferences arise from planes which form an orthogonal set. This is only approximately satisfied in case of both cellulose I and cellulose II. In the present communication an exact expression has been derived which can be evaluated from x-ray measurements, angle between face normals of paratropic interferences, and the optical constants.
Better language, better thought, better communication: the A-Hohfeld language for legal analysis

A-HOHFELD is a representational language used in MINT (Multiple INTerpretation) Interpretation-Assistance (expert) systems for precisely expressing alternative structural interpretations of sets of legal rules. It draws heavily upon the timlamental legal conceptions formulated by Wesley N. HoMeld at the dawn of the Twentieth Century. In the current version of AHOHFELD the original conceptions have been modified and extended in seeking to define a language sufficiently robust to express all LEGAL RELATIONS and all changes in legal states of affairs. Hohfeld emphasized the use of fundamental legal conceptions in the analysis of judicial reasoning, elsewhere we have shown the use of A-HOHFELD for the analysis of sets of statutory rules, and here we illustrate its use in thinking about legal doctrine. This use of A-HOHFELD is offered as a possible example of where fluency in a more precise and complete language might have facilitated an earlier recognition of remedial alternatives that have apparently only recently been appearing in legal literature and judicial decisions. To the extent that AHOHFELD so strengthens legal analysis, it farther exemplifies how work on problems of artificial intelligence in computer science tiuittidly feeds back to law and illustrates how precision in language contributes to thought as well as communication.
Seedling and Sapling Dynamics of Treefall Pits in Puerto Rico1

Abstract Seedling and sapling dynamics in a Puerto Rican rain forest were compared between forest understory and soil pits created by the uprooting of 27 trees during Hurricane Hugo. Soil N and P, organic matter, and soil moisture were lower and bulk densities were higher in the disturbed mineral soils of the pits than in undisturbed forest soils ten months after the hurricane. No differences in N and P levels were found in pit or forest soils under two trees with N-fixing symbionts (Inga laurina and Ormosia krugii) compared to soils under a tree species without N-fixing symbionts (Casearia arborea), but other soil variables (Al, Fe, K) did vary by tree species. Forest plots had greater species richness of seedlings (<10 cm tall) and saplings (10–100 cm tall) than plots in the soil pits (and greater sapling densities), but seedling densities were similar between plot types. Species richness and seedling densities did not vary among plots associated with the three tree species, but some saplings were more ...
THE COMPLEXITY OF COMPUTING PARTIAL SUMS OFF-LINE

Given an array A with n entries in an additive semigroup, and m intervals of the form Ii=[i,j], where 0<i<j≤n, we show that the computation of A[i]+⋯+A[j] for all Ii, requires Ω(n+mα(m,n)) semigroup additions. Here, α is the functional inverse of Ackermann's function. A matching upper bound has already been demonstrated.
Challenges for Conducting a Computing Sciences National Study

Conducting a national study in the computing sciences is a process that requires detailed planning and a consistent effort by researchers to accomplish the study's goals. This paper discusses the many challenges that were addressed when organizing and implementing a large study involving 50 colleges and universities from across the United States. Issues affecting both the coordinating institution, Xavier University of LA, and one of the participating institutions, the University of Cincinnati, are discussed. The issues include the survey administration details, confidentiality and security of the survey data, evaluation of survey software packages, recruitment and retention of the participating institutions, the processes for Institutional Review Board approvals, and recruitment and compensation of students. The lessons that were learned by the researchers at Xavier are organized into a suggested methodology for conducting surveys of this scope
Pathogenic adaptations to host-derived antibacterial copper

Recent findings suggest that both host and pathogen manipulate copper content in infected host niches during infections. In this review, we summarize recent developments that implicate copper resistance as an important determinant of bacterial fitness at the host-pathogen interface. An essential mammalian nutrient, copper cycles between copper (I) (Cu+) in its reduced form and copper (II) (Cu2+) in its oxidized form under physiologic conditions. Cu+ is significantly more bactericidal than Cu2+ due to its ability to freely penetrate bacterial membranes and inactivate intracellular iron-sulfur clusters. Copper ions can also catalyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which may further contribute to their toxicity. Transporters, chaperones, redox proteins, receptors and transcription factors and even siderophores affect copper accumulation and distribution in both pathogenic microbes and their human hosts. This review will briefly cover evidence for copper as a mammalian antibacterial effector, the possible reasons for this toxicity, and pathogenic resistance mechanisms directed against it.
Optimal puncturing of irregular low-density parity-check codes

In this paper, we consider rate compatible puncturing of low density parity check (LDPC) codes. We present a general density evolution-based procedure which finds the optimal puncturing of a based code. We show that puncturing can be performed across a range of rates and code lengths in a manner that produces punctured codes with good thresholds. This allows one to implement a single optimal LDPC code of a low rate that can be punctured across a wide range of rates without loss of threshold performance. Simulation results show that the error floors of the codes do not degrade after puncturing.
Auditory impressions of the speech of normal elderly adults.

ABSTRACTForty speech-language pathologists listened to randomised recorded samples of the ‘Grandfather Passage' read aloud by 10 normal elderly male adults, 10 normal young male adults and 6 dysarthric subjects. The speech samples were rated according to the 38 dimensions devised by Darley and colleagues for the study of the dysarthrias. The ratings of the speech of the older adults fell significantly further from ‘normal' on a seven-point continuum than those given to the young adults on nine of the dimensions. The most apparent young/old differences involved laryngeal dimensions. Ratings for the normal geriatric subjects resembled those of the dysarthric groups in some respects. Several instances of misclassification of the normal elderly individuals as ‘dysarthric' were also observed.
Robotic radical hysterectomy: Technical aspects

Abstract Objectives To describe the surgical technique of robotic radical hysterectomy. Methods Retrospective video review of the instrumentation and methodology employed in 21 robotic radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer Stages IB–IIA. Results All radical hysterectomies were performed with the use of three or four robotic arms, three or four robotic instruments and one assistant trocar. The mean operating time was 225.8 min; mean console time was 182.1 min; and mean docking time was 2.2 min. The mean blood loss was 174.6 ml, mean number of lymph nodes 26.2, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.6 days. Conclusions Robotic technology facilitates the performance of robotic radical hysterectomy.
The Great Southwest of the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railway, edited by Marta Weigle and Barbara A. Babcock. The Heard Museum, Pheonix (printed by The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, for The Heard Museum), 1996

One of the more colorful eras in American Southwestern archaelogy is reflected in The Great Southwest of the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railway. Marta Weigle and Barbara A. Babcock, editors of the volume, have done a superb job weaving in early Southwestern archaeological activities with the role of the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railway in bring the American Southwest to those "east of the Mississippi River". Many early Southwestern archaeologists made their way throughout the Southwest on the Santa Fe Railway while the "outposts of civilization" that the Fred Harvey Company provided in many railroad stations served as a " bit of home" to the traveler. This book describes the collaboration of both Fred Harvey and the Santa Fe Railroad tourism in the American Southwest and provides an excellent look into the Native American artists and their comumnities which were transformed on a massive scale by the Fred Harvey Company as it bought, sold, and popularized Native American art. Also part of the volume is an excellent discussion of the network of major museums that hold art collections which were purchased through the Harvey Company's Indian Department.
Efficient System Reliability with Correlated Component Failures

Correlated component failures (CCF) degrade system reliability, and hence, these failures must be explicitly incorporated into the reliability analysis process. Several contemporary efforts consider CCF, however, most of these approaches introduce an exponential number of parameters and are computationally intensive because they require a complete characterization of the joint distribution of the components. As a result, these approaches are not scalable and cannot be applied to large systems. This paper presents an efficient approach to analyze system reliability considering CCF. The approach introduces only a quadratic number of parameters and is computationally efficient. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated through a series of examples. The results indicate that the approach is both simple and efficient and can be applied to large systems.
Rules of the Mind

Contents: Production Systems and the ACT-R Theory. Knowledge Representation. Performance. Learning. N. Kushmerick, C. Lebiere, Navigation and Conflict Resolution. N. Kushmerick, C. Lebiere, The Tower of Hanoi and Goal Structures. F.G. Conrad, A.T. Corbett, The LISP Tutor and Skill Acquisition. F.S. Bellezza, C.F. Boyle, The Geometry Tutor and Skill Acquisition. M.K. Singley, The Identical Elements Theory of Transfer. F.G. Conrad, A.T. Corbett, J.M. Fincham, D. Hoffman, Q. Wu, Computer Programming and Transfer. A.T. Corbett, Tutoring of Cognitive Skill. Creating Production-Rule Models. Reflections on the Theory.
Predicting a Volunteer’s Future Intentions in Professional Associations: A Test of the Penner Model

High annual turnover among volunteers heightens policy and practitioner concern about effective retention strategies. Volunteer commitment is a complex interaction between the antecedents to volunteering, including a volunteer’s personal characteristics and motivations, and situational factors of the volunteer experience such as organizational practices that encourage sustained volunteerism. Using the Penner (2002) volunteer process model to illustrate this interactive approach, I estimate future volunteering intentions among a distinct group: Members of occupational associations. Data come from a large international pool of professional and occupational society members, and analyzed using GZLM and multinomial logistic regression. The findings suggest that the strongest influences on sustained commitment come from situational factors related to the volunteer experience rather than prior social conditioning. The findings support theory building on volunteer motivations generally and are also useful in buil...
Question 1: How Should the Role of Citizen by Designed and Performed? Social Justice and the Varieties of Capitalism: Individuality, Flexibility, and Social Well-Being

Advanced industrial societies organize their national economies and their welfare states in fundamentally different ways. In recognition of this fact, social scientists have identified a variety of different types (or models) of capitalism. Anglo-US countries are generally taken to constitute one distinctive “liberal model” of capitalism that differs from the European and Japanese alternative models. The liberal model of capitalism is often criticized and widely believed to be incompatible with social justice. We are skeptical about this antiliberal consensus. Reasoning from a conception of social well-being grounded in the notion of individuality, we argue that any desirable model of capitalism requires, what we call, “institutional flexibility.” Although far from perfect, the liberal model of capitalism tends to have greater institutional flexibility than its currently feasible nonliberal alternatives. Different models of capitalism feature different schema for market organization. Generally speaking, Anglo-US capitalism comes close to a pure market model, whereas non-Anglo-US capitalism relies on various institutions to “tame” market forces. As a result, levels of job security and income equality that workers experience in the two capitalist systems differ significantly. Nonliberal capitalism, because of its corporate finance and governance structure, is better able to protect workers' jobs whereas liberal capitalism fails to protect jobs because corporate managers are held accountable to shareholders rather than to workers. Given the short time horizon of shareholders under liberal capitalism, corporate managers have no recourse but to layoff workers in bad times. Differences in wage bargaining systems also lead to different levels of income inequality within the market. Liberal capitalism produces more wage inequality because the wage bargaining process is more decentralized. By contrast, wage coordination in nonliberal capitalism results in a more compressed wage structure—hence a more egalitarian distribution of wealth. The two different schema of market organization are intricately interwoven with different varieties …
A statewide consortium of surgical care: A longitudinal investigation of vascular operative procedures at 16 hospitals

Background Regional surgical quality improvement consortiums are becoming more common. Herein we have reported the effectiveness of a statewide consortium focusing on open vascular operative procedures. Methods The statewide Michigan Surgical Quality Consortium was established in 2005 with 16 hospitals that report cases of vascular open operative intervention, in a sampling manner consistent with the private sector National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Data are abstracted by onsite trained nurses using defined and validated pre-, peri-, and postoperative variables with 30-day follow-up. Outpatient and emergent cases were excluded. We compared outcomes over the course of the consortium (era I, April 2005–March 2007; era II, April 2007–March 2008) via univariate and multivariate techniques. Results Era I ( n = 2,453) and era II ( n = 3,409) cases were similar in age (mean, 68 years), gender (61% male), relative value units (mean, 21), and distribution of Current Procedural Terminology codes. Duration of stay and operative time decreased by 15% and 11%, respectively, when comparing era I with era II ( P P = NS), but morbidity was decreased (15.8% vs 13.8%; P = .02). Specific decreases were noted in sepsis and pulmonary, but not cardiac or renal, complications. When evaluating both eras, modifiable variables (able to be altered by the surgeon) for morbidity included increased length of operation (odds ratio [OR], 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.005; P P = .03), and blood transfusion (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.04–3.88; P P Conclusion A statewide quality-of-care consortium with timely feedback of data was associated with decreased morbidity over a relatively short follow-up period in vascular patients. Focusing on best processes in real-world practice, such as appropriate transfusion and length of operation, may further improve vascular surgical outcomes.
Generation of curved fold-thrust belts: Insight from simple physical and analytical models

Viscous-flow and sand-wedge models provide insight into factors that determine the location, shape, and temporal evolution of fold-thrust belts whose traces are curved in plan view. These models suggest that curves are localized by shear between segments of fold-thrust belts and adjacent regions, and by lateral variations in sediment thickness. Furthermore, they indicate that the shape of antitaxial (convex toward the foreland) belts may reflect the rheology and/or strength of rock comprising a belt, as well as regional variations in sediment thickness, topography, and backstop geometry. Finally, the models help distinguish between settings in which curvature is secondary (i.e. curves are oroclines) and settings in which curvature is primary.
Linguistic Resources for Entity Linking Evaluation: from Monolingual to Cross-lingual

To advance information extraction and question answering technologies toward a more realistic path, the U.S. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) initiated the KBP (Knowledge Base Population) task as one of the TAC (Text Analysis Conference) evaluation tracks. It aims to encourage research in automatic information extraction of named entities from unstructured texts with the ultimate goal of integrating such information into a structured Knowledge Base. The KBP track consists of two types of evaluation: Named Entity Linking (NEL) and Slot Filling. This paper describes the linguistic resource creation efforts at the Linguistic Data Consortium (LDC) in support of Named Entity Linking evaluation of KBP, focusing on annotation methodologies, process, and features of corpora from 2009 to 2011, with a highlighted analysis of the cross-lingual NEL data. Progressing from monolingual to cross-lingual Entity Linking technologies, the 2011 cross-lingual NEL evaluation targeted multilingual capabilities. Annotation accuracy is presented in comparison with system performance, with promising results from cross-lingual entity linking systems.
Choreographing Embedded Dialogue in Biblical Narratives

The biblical narrative is filled with embedded conversations. Positioning theory and conversation analysis are aids in interpreting embedded dialogues within biblical narrative. They contribute to an understanding of how shifts in position by dialogue partners also contribute to a shift in identity. In this way the story-teller enlivens the characters function within the narrative by having them attempt to create new or expanded identities for themselves. Three examples are provided that demonstrate this narrative strategy: the story of Amnon and Tamar (2 Sam 13:1–19), the diatribe by Shimei against David (2 Sam 16:5–10), and the conversation between Jethro and Moses (Exod 18:13–27).
Effects of Sugar, Glycerin and Urea on Hormones of Cattle Anterior Pituitary Glands.∗

Summary1. When the anterior pituitary glands of cattle are kept in vitro in cane sugar solutions or in glycerin, luteinization processes in theca and granulosa predominate; but if the glands are left in the solution for only one hour atresin effects may still be noticeable. Thyroid hypertrophy is found in the majority of cases. 2. When, instead of cane sugar or glycerin, solutions of urea are used, formation of mature follicles is induced by the glands thus treated in more than one-third of the cases. In another third the action of the urea was so strong that all the ovarian hormones were eliminated. In the majority of these animals also the thyroid hormone had been lost, but in some cases the formation of mature follicles was associated with thyroid hypertrophy. In somewhat less than one-third of the cases formation of pseudolutein bodies, with or without other luteinization processes, and in a few cases atresin effects were observable. 3. While thus glycerin and cane sugar solutions make possible the pr...
The influence of fertilizers on yield and specific gravity of potatoes grown in Alaska

The yield and specific gravity readings were obtained for potatoes grown with 27 fertilizer treatments having different rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The 27 treatments consisted of all possible combinations of three rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen was tested at the rates of 15, 30 and 45 pounds per acre. Phosphorus and potassium were tested at the rates of 30, 45 and 60 pounds per acre.
Clinical practice guidance for the use of clomiphene citrate in Male Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Introduction: Inhibition of pituitary gonadotropin secretion in men by testosterone (T) is principally mediated by aromatization to estrogen (E), which inhibits hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Material and Methods: Longitudinal clinical investigation unit-based evaluation of the clinical and biochemical response to E-receptor blockade. Initial monotherapy with 50 mg of clomiphene citrate (CC) daily for a period of 9 months, with diurnal morning peak testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels evaluated at three-month intervals thereafter. The patient then resumed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using T cream with adjuvant CC therapy. Main Outcome Measures were Baseline and stimulated T and LH levels; effect on sexual function. Result(S): CC therapy resulted in complete normalization of pulsatile gonadotropin secretion, serum T level, and sexual function. Conclusion(S): Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) may result from an acquired defect of enhanced hypothalamic sensitivity to E-mediated negative feedback. Whereas direct T replacement therapy can further suppress endogenous gonadotropin secretion, treating IHH men with gonadotropins can stimulate endogenous T secretion and enhance fertility potential. Reversal of gonadotropin deficiency with CC was found to have a similar biological effect.
Adaptive decision fusion using genetic algorithm

We consider a parallel distributed decision fusion system consisting of a bank of local sensors and a fusion center. Each local sensor makes binary decisions based on its own observations. The decision is to accept one of the hypotheses, H0 or H1. Each local sensor transmits its decisions to the fusion center over an error free channel. The fusion center combines all the local decisions to obtain a global decision. For observations that are statistically independent conditioned on the hypothesis and fixed local decisions, the Chair-Varshney fusion rule minimizes the global Bayesian risk. However, this fusion rule requires knowledge of local sensor performance parameters and the prior probabilities of the hypothesis set. In most applications, these are unavailable. Moreover, local sensor performance may be time varying. Several studies attempted on-line estimation of the unknown local performance metrics and prior probabilities. We develop a fusion rule that applies a genetic algorithm to fuse the local sensors' binary decisions. The rule adapts to time varying local sensor error characteristics and provides near-optimal performance at the expense of a larger number of observations and higher computational overhead.
Effects of dimethyl sulphoxide on the synthesis of plasma proteins in the human hepatoma HepG2: induction of an acute-phase-like reaction

Effects of dimethyl sulphoxide (Me2SO) on the synthesis of plasma proteins by the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 were examined. Me2SO treatment resulted in decreased synthesis of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein, and in increased synthesis of haptoglobin. Plasma-protein profiles induced by Me2SO treatment were very similar to those seen in acute-phase reactions.
Reformulating a Pharmacophore for 5-HT2A Serotonin Receptor Antagonists.

Several pharmacophore models have been proposed for 5-HT2A serotonin receptor antagonists. These typically consist of two aromatic/hydrophobic moieties separated by a given distance from each other, and from a basic amine. Although specified distances might vary, the models are relatively similar in their general construction. Because our preliminary data indicated that two aromatic (hydrophobic) moieties might not be required for such action, we deconstructed the serotonin-dopamine antipsychotic agent risperidone (1) into four smaller structural fragments that were thoroughly examined in 5-HT2A receptor binding and functional (i.e., two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) and intracellular calcium release) assays. It was apparent that truncated risperidone analogues behaved as antagonists. In particular, 6-fluoro-3-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)benzisoxazole (4) displayed high affinity for 5-HT2A receptors (Ki of ca. 12 nM) relative to risperidone (Ki of ca. 5 nM) and behaved as a potent 5-HT2A serotonin receptor a...
Tailoring burning rates using reactive wires in composite solid rocket propellants

Abstract Tailoring solid propellant burning rates is a perpetual goal of solid propellant designers. Many methods have been used to alter the burning rate including changing the propellant formulation, adding burning rate modifiers, and changing the propellant core shape. Alternatively, metallic fibers such as copper and silver have been added to propellants to increase the burning rate by providing fast heat diffusion paths. However, these metallic wires do not significantly add further to the energetics and have a limited tailoring range. In this paper we describe the effect of embedding mechanically-activated aluminum/polytetrafluoroethylene (Al/PTFE) reactive foils, nickel/aluminum nanofoils and Pyrofuze® self-alloying wire in an AP/HTPB composite propellant. We quantify the resulting burning rate and compare the burning rate to propellants with embedded copper wires. We find that the nickel/aluminum nanofoils and Pyrofuze® wire provide a constant increase in local burning rate regardless of pressure, while the local burning rates of propellants with Al/PTFE foils change as a function of pressure. The Al/PTFE foil is consumed, releasing significant gas, unlike the other materials investigated. The Al/PTFE foil combustion products contribute to the energy and gas production of the propellant, resulting in a propellant efficiency larger than typical wired propellants. While the other materials increase propellant burning rate by causing an increase in surface area and therefore mass burning rate, the aluminum and carbon liberated by the Al/PTFE wire reaction can oxidize with the propellant products and increase the temperature of the combustion gases. Additionally, Al/PTFE or similar reactive wires could result in a decrease in slag production compared to inert and self-alloying wires (i.e., copper, nickel/aluminum nanofoils and Pyrofuze®) and may be better suited to use in propellants due to the high burning rate tailorability and the participation in propellant combustion.