cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed approximating functional treatment of noisy signals

Abstract Based on their so-called “well-tempered” property, distributed approximating functionals (DAFs) are shown to be very good data filters, and consequently, they have many potential applications in all fields of engineering and the natural sciences. In this paper, a periodic extension of a noisy signal is proposed to generate a “pseudo-signal” in the infinite domain, enabling the use of noncausal, zero-phase window filters that require a knowledge of the signal in the extended domain. The extended signal is also useful for the application of fast Fourier transforms (in which the preferred number of sampled data points is a power of 2). The most attractive feature of the method is that it introduces little aliasing between the original and true signal. The resulting extended signal is then filtered by using DAFs as low pass filters under the assumption that the true signal is bandwidth limited and most of the noise components are in the high frequency region. A “signature” based on computing the root-mean-square value of the filtered signal is introduced to indicate when the high frequency noise has been eliminated with the choice of the DAF parameters. To illustrate the usefulness of the present algorithm, two noisy signal examples are periodically extended and filtered using DAFs.
The “Consumption Junction” of ICT in Emerging Markets: An Ethnography of Middlemen

In rural China and India, a fragmented commercial distribution system and the lack of online shopping can significantly limit the range of consumer choice. In this paper, we look at the role that mobile phone shopkeepers—the middlemen—play in influencing what users can and will buy, but also in training them in using and understanding technology.
Organizational factors and the perception of motion in depth.

When two stationary, stereoscopically separated targets are viewed in a completely dark surround, and no cues concerning their egocentric distances from the observer are salient, the farther target tends to be seen at the same distance it would have assumed if it were by itself. The nearer target is seen as being closer than it would have been if seen alone. The present studies extend this previous finding (now termed thefar-anchor effect) into the domain of targets that move in stereoscopic space. Observers viewed two small illuminated targets, which began at either the same or different stereoscopic distances. One of the targets was moved in depth and the observers identified the target that appeared to move. Conditions varied according to the initial depth location of the moving target. Significantly more correct responses were reported when the nearer target moved than when the farther one moved, consistent with the hypothesis that the perception of motion in depth is affected by the aforementioned perceptual anchoring effect of the farther target.
Unsteady thermal entrance heat transfer in laminar flow with a periodic variation of inlet temperature

Abstract A theoretical study of laminar forced convection in the thermal entrance region of a rectangular duct, subjected to a sinusoidally varying inlet temperature, is presented. Several boundary conditions that account for uniform wall heat flux and/or external convections with or without wall thermal capacitance effects are considered. Analytical expressions for these problems are obtained through extending the generalized integral transform technique. The centerline temperature amplitudes are determined as a function of Biot number, fluid-to-wall thermal capacitance ratio and dimensionless inlet frequency of inlet heat input oscillations. The effects of these variables on the solution are discussed. The eigenvalues and corresponding coefficients are given in tabular forms.
Measuring thermal conductivity of polystyrene nanowires using the dual-cantilever technique.

Thermal conductance measurements are performed on individual polystyrene nanowires using a novel measurement technique in which the wires are suspended between two bi-material microcantilever sensors. The nanowires are fabricated via electrospinning process. Thermal conductivity of the nanowire samples is found to be between 6.6 and 14.4 W m−1 K−1 depending on sample, a significant increase above typical bulk conductivity values for polystyrene. The high strain rates characteristic of electrospinning are believed to lead to alignment of molecular polymer chains, and hence the increase in thermal conductivity, along the axis of the nanowire.
Measurements of Pressure Distributions and Force Coefficients in a Squeeze Film Damper Part II: Partially Sealed Configuration

In Part I, a squeeze film damper (SFD) test rig and measurement procedures were explained, arid the experimental results obtained from an open ended damper were presented. In this paper, the experimental results measured from a partially sealed SFD test rig executing a circular centered orbit are presented and discussed. A serrated piston ring is installed at the damper exit. This device involves a new sealing concept which produces high damping values while allowing for oil flow to cool the damper. In the partially sealed damper, large cavitation regions are observed in the pressure fields at orbit radii e = 0.5 and e = 0.8. The cavitated pressure distributions and the corresponding force coefficients are compared with a cavitated bearing solution. The experimental results show the significance of fluid inertia and vapor cavitation in the operation of squeeze film dampers. Squeeze film Reynolds numbers tested reach up to Re = 50, spanning the range of contemporary applications. Presented as a Society of ...
TELESCOPIC MULTI-RESOLUTION AUGMENTED REALITY

To ensure a self-consistent scaling approximation, the underlying microscopic fluctuation components can naturally influence macroscopic means, which may give rise to emergent observable phenomena. In this paper, we describe a consistent macroscopic (cm-scale), mesoscopic (micron-scale), and microscopic (nano-scale) approach to introduce Telescopic Multi-Resolution (TMR) into current Augmented Reality (AR) visualization technology. We propose to couple TMR-AR by introducing an energy-matter interaction engine framework that is based on known Physics, Biology, Chemistry principles. An immediate payoff of TMR-AR is a self-consistent approximation of the interaction between microscopic observables and their direct effect on the macroscopic system that is driven by real-world measurements. Such an interdisciplinary approach enables us to achieve more than multiple scale, telescopic visualization of real and virtual information but also conducting thought experiments through AR. As a result of the consistency, this framework allows us to explore a large dimensionality parameter space of measured and unmeasured regions. Towards this direction, we explore how to build learnable libraries of biological, physical, and chemical mechanisms. Fusing analytical sensors with TMR-AR libraries provides a robust framework to optimize testing and evaluation through data-driven or virtual synthetic simulations. Visualizing mechanisms of interactions requires identification of observable image features that can indicate the presence of information in multiple spatial and temporal scales of analog data. The AR methodology was originally developed to enhance pilot-training as well as ‘make believe’ entertainment industries in a user-friendly digital environment We believe TMR-AR can someday help us conduct thought experiments scientifically, to be pedagogically visualized in a zoom-in-and-out, consistent, multi-scale approximations.
Nicotinic mechanisms in the autonomic control of organ systems.

Most visceral organs are under the control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Information on the state and function of these organs is constantly relayed to the central nervous system (CNS) by sensory afferent fibers. The CNS integrates the sensory inputs and sends neural commands back to the organ through the ANS. The autonomic ganglia are the final site for the integration of the message traveling from the CNS. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the main mediators of fast synaptic transmission in ganglia, and therefore, are key molecules for the processing of neural information in the ANS. This review focuses on the role of nAChRs in the control of organ systems such as heart, gut, and bladder. The autonomic control of these organ systems is discussed in the light of the results obtained from the analysis of mice carrying mutations targeted to nAChR subunits expressed in the ANS. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 53: 568–579, 2002
Gene expression during erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis is considered to be the result of a series of molecular events which alter gene expression. Recently, advances have been made in the understanding of several aspects of erythroid gene expression. A variety of transcription factors are now known to control expression of specific genes in the nucleus. Some of these are influenced by action of cytokines at the cell surface, an example of which is the interaction of c-kit with its ligand, the stem cell factor. Abnormalities in the regulation of transcription factor genes are implicated in leukemogenesis. Furthermore, an additional level of complexity in gene expression is provided post-transcriptionally, by which alternative splicing of RNA transcripts result in erythroid-specific proteins. In this way, changes in gene expression in erythroid progenitor cells directly contribute to the formation of the mature erythrocyte.
Gender differences in coping responses and bulimic symptoms among undergraduate students.

This prospective study examined the predictive role of three types of coping responses (i.e., voluntary disengagement, involuntary engagement, and involuntary disengagement) in response to social stress on bulimic symptoms among undergraduate women and men. A total of 883 (308 men; 35%) participants completed the Response to Stress Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) at baseline assessment and the EDI at follow-up assessment 8-12 weeks later. After controlling for baseline bulimic symptoms, depression, and body dissatisfaction, involuntary disengagement predicted bulimic symptoms at follow-up among men (b=.21, p .05). Results indicated that men who responded to social stress through involuntary disengagement (e.g., emotional numbing, inaction) had higher risk for increased bulimic symptoms. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings and to further understand the role of these coping responses on bulimic symptoms.
An evolutionary psychological perspective on gender similarities and differences.

ceptual distinctions, and a review of relevant evidence. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5, 242–273. Eagly, A. H. (1987). Sex differences in social behavior: A social role interpretation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Hartung, C. M., & Widiger, T. A. (1998). Gender differences in the diagnosis of mental illness. Psychological Bulletin, 123, 260–278. Hyde, J. S. (2005). The gender similarities hypothesis. American Psychologist, 60, 581– 592. Lippa, R. (1998). Gender-related individual difference and the structure of vocational interests: The importance of the “People–Things” dimension. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 996–1009. Lippa, R. A. (2005). Gender, nature, and nurture (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Maccoby, E. E. (1998). The two sexes: Growing up apart, coming together. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press. Maccoby, E. E., & Jacklin, C. N. (1974). The psychology of sex differences. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. Moffitt, T. E., Caspi, A., Rutter, M., & Silva, P. A. (2001). Sex differences in antisocial behaviour: Conduct disorder, delinquency, and violence in the Dunedin Longitudinal Study. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
The Importance of the Liver in Insulin Replacement Therapy in Insulin-Deficient Diabetes

In this issue, Wang et al. (1) present data comparing subcutaneously (SC) administered hepatic targeted proinsulin-transferrin fusion protein compared with regular recombinant insulin. Their data demonstrate both primary hepatic insulin effects in insulin-deficient mice: inhibition of hepatic glucose production during fasting and stimulation of glycogen deposition during feeding. This study focuses needed attention on the role of the liver in insulin replacement therapy. Physiologically, 100% of endogenous insulin flows from the pancreas to the liver (Fig. 1 A ) via the pancreatic and portal veins. The pancreas releases insulin in quantal bursts every 4–5 min (2), with the liver retaining a major fraction of the pancreatic insulin (3). Insulin is always in portal blood, and during fasting insulin inhibits hepatic glucose release by inhibiting either glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis. During a meal, insulin stimulates glucose storage by the liver as glycogen. The insulin released from the liver acts on adipose and muscle tissue to stimulate glucose uptake. These actions of insulin at the three main insulin-sensitive tissues maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range of approximately 80−120 mg/dL. Figure 1 A : Normal metabolism: in response to insulin, the liver continuously micromanages glucose. B : Current insulin therapies: insufficient hepatic delivery. C : Preferred form of insulin therapies: hepatic and peripheral insulin in a single dose. Type 1 diabetic patients receive lifesaving insulin SC with meals and a once- or twice-per-day basal injection in an effort to mimic the normal peripheral blood insulin pattern. However, …
Remembering Arthur Kornhauser: Industrial psychology's advocate for worker well-being.

Arthur Kornhauser was an early industrial psychologist whose contributions have been neglected in written histories of applied psychology. Throughout his career, he was a staunch advocate for an industrial psychology that concentrated on improving workers' lives. This article describes his contributions to improving worker well-being in the research areas of testing, employee attitude surveying, labor unions, and mental health of workers. His most enduring quality was his outspoken advocacy for an industrial psychology that addressed workers' issues instead of management's prerogatives. On the basis of Kornhauser's accomplishments, a case can be made for him as one of industrial and organizational psychology's most important early figures.
Relationship of eating and activity self-reports to follow-up weight maintenance in the massively obese

Forty-four massively obese persons averaging 108 Ib. (82. 5%) over desirable weight participated in a comprehensive 6-month treatment program that combined instruction in sound nutrition, a behavioral approach to the modification of faulty eating habits, and supervision in the development of an active lifestyle. Participants lost an average of 28.1 Ib. during treatment, and obtained a significant reduction in blood pressure, increased cardiovascular endurance, and other fitness benefits. At follow-up 12 to 18 months later, 39% of the group was rated as having become fully committed to an active lifestyle, expending at least 200 calories a day more than their preprogram levels. On the average, these subjects maintained all of the weight they had lost. The less active participants had regained over 40% of their treatment losses.
FREE TERNARY ALGEBRAS

A ternary algebra is a bounded distributive lattice with additonal operations e and ~ that satisfies (a+b)~=a~b~, a~~=a, e≤a+a~, e~= e and 0~=1. This article characterizes free ternary algebras by giving necessary and sufficient conditions on a set X of free generators of a ternary algebra L, so that X freely generates L. With this characterization, the free ternary algebra on one free generator is displayed. The poset of join irreducibles of finitely generated free ternary algebras is characterized. The uniqueness of the set of free generators and their pseudocomplements is also established.
Equity duration and convexity when firms can fail or stagnate

Abstract Previous analysis of equity duration and convexity has either ignored the risk that firms can fail or stop growing, or else has incorporated the risk of failure in an ad hoc way. This paper derives equity duration and convexity rigorously corrected for the risk of failure or stagnation. We show that the correction is large enough to be important in standard applications. Further, equity duration is unaffected by any liquidation payout at the time of failure.
The Development and Pathologic Processes that Influence Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization

The maxillary sinus is universally described as a pyramidal-shaped cavity in the maxilla. Hypoplasia, which can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, is graded by the authors by the degree of failure of descent below the nasal floor in achieving its position adjacent to the posterior dentition in the adult. Unlike early studies using plain X-rays, which considered pneumatization into the zygomatic recess and dental alveolus as criteria, the authors have adopted the above-cited parameters based on computed tomography (CT) imaging, which reveals that even when smaller the sinus retains a pyramidal configuration, although truncated. Rarely, the sinus is excessively pneumatized in the nonpathologic state. Review of the literature failed to reveal a comprehensive study of the conditions that alter maxillary sinus volume and configuration. Based on a retrospective review of 6,000 high resolution CT scans of the paranasal sinuses, the types and relative incidences of these conditions have been determined, and a classification system proposed. The mixed-sex sample group (= 2,540) was comprised of nonpediatric (adolescent and adult) and was of a polyethnic composition. Results showed that enlargement of the sinus is uncommonly encountered, and is produced by air (pneumocele) and mucus (mucocele) entrapment, or by benign tumors which have arisen in the sinus or adjacent maxilla and have grown intracavitarily, with the sinus walls expanding and remodeling to accommodate them. Reduction in size and volume is more frequent. Heredo-familial syndromic conditions reduce sinus size by impaired facial growth centers, or obliteration by dense osteosclerosis. Irradiation for neoplastic disease in the pediatric population similarly, directly effect growth centers, or impairs pituitary function. Another iatrogenic cause, direct surgical intervention (Caldwell-Luc procedure) almost universally alters sinus volume and shape by osteoneogenesis. Midfacial fractures involving the sinus also produce distortion by sclerosis as well as by malpositioning of bone fragments. The principal systemic disorders, sickle cell anemia and osteopetrosis, which diffusely effect medullary bone, do so either through compensatory marrow proliferation or sclerotic new bone formation, thus serving to produce maxillary enlargement and sinus obliteration. The greatest source of maxillary sinus distortion and destruction are neoplasms. Malignant sinonasal and oral cavity tumors produce bony erosion of the sinus walls, whereas benign odontogenic cysts remain external to the sinuses and compress it as they enlarge. Most odontogenic tumors produce external compression and remodeling. Fibro-osseous disorders similarly produce size and shape distortions by external impingement. Although diverse developmental and pathological conditions influence maxillary sinus morphology, there is a limited range of biologic response.
Archaeological Tests of Alternative Models of Early Hominid Behaviour: Excavation and Experiments

Several rival hypotheses have been advanced regarding behavioural innovations, which may have put important selection pressures towards the development of cognitive faculties and expanded brain functions. These hypothesized changes in behaviour include increased dependence on tool-making, intensification of hunting as a subsistence activity and social patterns involving food-sharing. Archaeology constitutes one of the principal sources of evidence against which such hypotheses can be tested and the paper reports on research that has been undertaken in recent years to make the tests clear and explicit. In addition to excavation, the work reported includes experimental studies of bone fracture, experiments in the manufacture and use of stone tools and experiments on processes of site formation.
A simple, rapid, and inexpensive test for assessment of seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in an andrology laboratory.

SEMINAL REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS) PRODUCTION IN AN ANDROLOGY LABORATORY Navid Esfandiari, Ramadan A. Saleh, Rakesh K. Sharma, David R. Nelson, Anthony J. Thomas, Ashok Agarwal, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Objective: Conventional methods available for ROS measurement are unable to provide information about the ROS generating activity in individual cells. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) is an electron acceptor that becomes reduced in the presence of free oxygen radicals to form a blue-black compound, formazan. NBT test can be used for qualitative assessment of cellular generation of ROS. The objectives of this study were 1) to examine ROS generating activity in immature sperm and neutrophils in neat semen and 2) to determine the correlation between levels of ROS in neat semen and the results of NBT testing of sperm and neutrophils.
Managing uncertainty in sensor database

Sensors are often employed to monitor continuously changing entities like locations of moving objects and temperature. The sensor readings are reported to a centralized database system, and are subsequently used to answer queries. Due to continuous changes in these values and limited resources (e.g., network bandwidth and battery power), the database may not be able to keep track of the actual values of the entities, and use the old values instead. Queries that use these old values may produce incorrect answers. However, if the degree of uncertainty between the actual data value and the database value is limited, one can place more confidence in the answers to the queries. In this paper, we present a frame-work that represents uncertainty of sensor data. Depending on the amount of uncertainty information given to the application, different levels of imprecision are presented in a query answer. We examine the situations when answer imprecision can be represented qualitatively and quantitatively. We propose a new kind of probabilistic queries called Probabilistic Threshold Query, which requires answers to have probabilities larger than a certain threshold value. We also study techniques for evaluating queries under different details of uncertainty, and investigate the tradeoff between data uncertainty, answer accuracy and computation costs.
Singular perturbation theory of traveling waves in excitable media (a review)

Abstract Waves of chemical or electrical activity, traveling through space, have been observed in several contexts: chemical reaction mixtures in non-convecting liquid phase, cell suspensions, nerve axons, and neuromuscular tissues. Typically, wave-supporting preparations are excitable; that is, they respond and sensitivity to perturbations are rapidly damped out, but suprathreshold disturbances trigger an abrupt and substantial response. The abruptness of the response can be exploited by the methods of singular perturbation theory to obtain a mathematical description of wave propagation in spatially distributed excitable media. Singular perturbation analysis of propagating waves in one spatial dimension is straightforward and uncontentious, but the analysis of propagating waves in one spatial dimension is straightforward and several fundamentally different ways. We compare and contrast the approaches taken by Greenberg, Zykov, Fife, Krinskii and his collaborators, and ourselves, with particular emphasis on the case of rotating spiral waves. Our intention is to bring some order to the important but difficult theory of propagating waves in two-dimensional excitable media. In conclusion we discuss briefly some possible extensions of the singular perturbation approach to propagating wave surfaces in three-dimensional space.
Size Effects on Mating and Egg Production in the Miami Blue Butterfly

Body size is often related to reproductive success in insects, but the direction and strength of this relationship differs greatly among systems. We studied the effects of adult size on probability of mating and egg production in the Miami blue butterfly. We found that likelihood of mating was invariant with respect to size. Larger females lived longer, and both size and lifespan positively influenced egg production. However, neither the number of copulations nor the size of male mates had any effect on female fecundity. We discuss these results in the context of butterfly mating systems, larval growth strategies and the possible effects of captive conditions on reproductive behavior.
Satisfaction and Retention Among African American Men at Two-Year Community Colleges

A large majority of African American males begin their postsecondary education careers at two-year community colleges. Prior research has focused largely on Black students at four-year institutions, and even theoretical work has assumed that influences on retention are the same at two-year and four-year institutions. Drawing on Tinto's (1993) retention theory and Astin's (1993) input-environment-outcome (IEO) model, this study estimated the impact of academic and social integration on retention—controlling for an array of intervening variables—based on a sample of African American males who responded to the Community College Student Experiences Questionnaire. Findings suggest a statistical link between social integration and satisfaction in college; factors explained approximately 27% of the variance in the dependent variable. Implications for future policy and practice are highlighted.
The effects of an interpolated ITI stimulus on classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane response of the rabbit

Fourteen rabbits underwent classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane response while restrained in a darkened experimental enclosure. The experimental Ss, subjected to a 10 sec period of illumination of the experimental enclosure occurring 40 sec after UCS offset and 40 sec prior to CS onset, conditioned at a significantly slower rate.
Failure to launch: the Kyoto protocol and sustainable strategic management

Despite an unquestioned worldwide green movement, business progress toward environmental sustainability has been relatively slow. The relative speed of greening may result from a lack of a dominant design or set of agreed upon standards. Some scholars argue that in uncertain technology markets, industry needs government initiatives such as the Kyoto protocol to accelerate its development. Governments failed to ratify quickly the treaty, weakening its effectiveness. This research presents that environmental treaty ratification takes place in a complex environment of cultural, political, and economic forces. This makes environmental sustainability more complex and suggests that markets rather than governments will be the driving force in sustainability standards.
Natriuretic Peptides in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure: An Overview

H eart failure is a serious public health problem in the United States, with about 5 million patients having this diagnosis and another 550,000 added to the patient pool annually. Heart failure is the reason for about 15 million office visits, about 1 million hospitalizations, and about 260,000 deaths each year. Over $24 billion was spent on the management of heart failure in 2003. The incidence of heart failure is increasing because of improved survival rates after acute myocardial infarction and because the population is aging. Heart failure is a disease of the elderly. It is the most common Medicare diagnosis-related group and more Medicare dollars are spent for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure than for any other diagnosis. New approaches to the management of heart failure include detection of patients at high risk of developing heart failure, therapy for patients with left ventricular dysfunction who have not yet developed overt heart failure, and treatment of those with symptomatic heart failure. Early detection is an important objective because treatment may slow progression to and symptoms of heart failure. Nesiritide is the first new intravenous drug approved for treatment of decompensated heart failure in many years. It is the result of a host of research into the physiology of the natriuretic peptides, whose existence was first detected in 1956 when Kirsch discovered granules in the atria of guinea-pig hearts under electron microscopy. The function of these granules was first elucidated by DeBold et al in 1981. His research team noted that there was a marked natriuretic response in rats after intravenous injection of an atrial myocardial
Complete Genome of the Cellulolytic Ruminal Bacterium Ruminococcus albus 7

Ruminococcus albus 7 is a highly cellulolytic ruminal bacterium that is a member of the phylum Firmicutes. Here, we describe the complete genome of this microbe. This genome will be useful for rumen microbiology and cellulosome biology and in biofuel production, as one of its major fermentation products is ethanol.
An analysis of laminated piezoelectric infinite plate for broadband biomedical ultrasound transducer design

This work investigates the use of frequency spectrum analysis of waveguide propagation in multi-layered anisotropic piezoelectric transducers. A semi-analytical finite-element analysis (SAFE) is used to model the transducer as a piezoelectric infinite plate. Dispersion curves, group velocities and displacement frequency spectra can be obtained for any multilayered piezoelectric plate. Stress-free boundary conditions were assumed for all analyses. Results for open and closed circuit boundary conditions were analyzed. Zero-Group-Velocity (ZGV) frequencies of high-order waveguide modes were observed to provide multi-resonant displacement frequency spectrum. Comparison of numerical and experimental results shows a good agreement between peak and off-peak values of the displacement spectrum. Results showed that optimization of layered structure may provide an efficient means for generating multi-thickness (ZGV) waveguide modes, thus increasing the bandwidth of harmonic ultrasound transducers for contrast imaging.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Protein inhibitors of phosphorylase phosphatase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle

A heat- and acid-stable proten inhibitor of phosphorylase phosphatase is present in a highly purified preparation of protein inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle. Although these two inhibitors have strikingly similar properties to each other, such as sensitivity to trypsin and behavior on gel permeation chromatography, they can be separated by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. This indicates that the phosphatase-inhibitory and kinase-inhibitory activities reside with different protein species. The inhibition of both the enzymes is not altered by incubating the inhibitor preparation with a general phosphoprotein phosphatase, with phosvitin kinase, or with cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Inhibition of phosphorylase phosphatase is of a non-competitive type supporting the idea that the phosphatase inhibitor is not an alternative substrate for the enzyme. Inhibition of phosphatase activity is selective in that it does not occur when phosphorylated histone or phosphorylated protamine are used as substrates.
Integrating low-temperature methanol synthesis and CO2 sequestration technologies: application to IGCC plants

Abstract Coupling a low-temperature once-through methanol synthesis process with CO 2 separation technology would provide an option for integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants to address the CO 2 mitigation issue and also create the capability to utilize methanol as a peak-shaving fuel. Data are presented that show that several nickel complexes activated by alkoxide bases catalyze facile synthesis of methanol from synthesis gas (primarily a mixture of CO and H 2 ) in homogeneous liquid phase under mild conditions of temperature ( 2 mitigation. The potential of this low-temperature methanol synthesis approach is considered in light of the recent advances in CO 2 sequestration technologies. A successful development of this technology may also provide an atom-economical pathway to transport remote natural gas in the form of methanol, a liquid energy-carrier.
Machine-breaking in England and France during the Age of Revolution

The TRIUMPH OF THE MACHINE is part of the heroic story of industrialization cur rently told by many historians. In these accounts of the great transformation, the in herent logic of laissez-faire capitalism brushed aside all opposition. Yet, alongside these heroic accounts, an important set of literatures has arisen that understands the British state as liberal in ideology, but fundamentally interventionist in practice. These interpretations intertwine to portray the oft-times violent reaction of the working classes to the introduction of mechanized production, including, most no toriously, the Luddite movement of 1811 -1817, as only a minor, temporary hurdle to be vaulted easily on the fast track to industrial society. David Landes summed up this vision of the period: "the workers, especially those bypassed by machine indus try, said little but were undoubtedly of another mind."1 Nor can it go without saying that such a cavalier attitude about the reactions of the working classes to mechani zation is, in no way, limited to understandings of industrialization in Great Britain. An epic version of industrialization overlooks the true nature of the barrier to both technology transfer and mechanization formed by the resistance of the labour
Reliability: Arguments for Multiple Perspectives and Potential Problems with Generalization across Studies.

The present article addresses reliability issues in light of recent studies and debates focused on psychometrics versus datametrics terminology and reliability generalization (RG) introduced by Vacha-Haase. The purpose here was not to moderate arguments presented in these debates but to discuss multiple perspectives on score reliability and how they may affect research practice, editorial policies, and RG across studies. Issues of classical error variance and reliability are discussed across models of classical test theory, generalizability theory, and item response theory. Potential problems with RG across studies are discussed in relation to different types of reliability, different test forms, different number of items, misspecifications, and confounding independent variables in a single RG analysis.
Analysis of a new configuration of coplanar stripline

A new configuration of coplanar stripline is presented and analyzed. This configuration is derived by augmenting coplanar stripline (CPS) with electrically wide lateral ground planes on either side of the balanced pair of signal lines. The ground planes should replace line-to-line coupling in complex circuits and eliminate the TE/sub 0/ parasitic dielectric slab waveguide mode. Also, the spacing from signal lines to ground planes can be adjusted to change the characteristic impedance. Spectral domain analysis is used to calculate the dispersion characteristics of this transmission line. Analytical expressions for quasi-static values of the line are presented. This configuration of CPS should be useful for balanced high-impedance lines in monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and high speed digital circuits. >
Gaussian Copula Precision Estimation with Missing Values

We consider the problem of estimating sparse precision matrix of Gaussian copula distributions using samples with missing values in high dimensions. Existing approaches, primarily designed for Gaussian distributions, suggest using plugin estimators by disregarding the missing values. In this paper, we propose double plugin Gaussian (DoPinG) copula estimators to estimate the sparse precision matrix corresponding to non-paranormal distributions. DoPinG uses two plugin procedures and consists of three steps: (1) estimate nonparametric correlations based on observed values, including Kendall’s tau and Spearman’s rho; (2) estimate the nonparanormal correlation matrix; (3) plug into existing sparse precision estimators. We prove that DoPinG copula estimators consistently estimate the non-paranormal correlation matrix at a rate ofO( 1 (1 ) q logp n ), where is the probability of missing values. We provide experimental results to illustrate the effect of sample size and percentage of missing data on the model performance. Experimental results show that DoPinG is significantly better than estimators like mGlasso, which are primarily designed for Gaussian data.
Simultaneous system identification and decision-directed detection and estimation of jump inputs to linear systems

A decision-directed approach is presented for analyzing linear systems with unknown jump inputs. The system model parameters are estimated using a Kalman filter, and an empirical Bayes detection procedure is introduced to set the detector parameters, resulting in a decision-directed generalized likelihood ratio test coupled with recursive system parameter estimation. Monte Carlo results are presented to validate the performance of the algorithm.
The critical temperatures and critical pressures of binary mixtures of aliphatic hydrocarbons

Experimental critical temperatures and critical pressures presented in the literature for binary aliphatic hydrocarbon systems have been utilised to obtain the excess critical temperature, Tc—T′c, and the excess critical pressure, Pc—P′c, for reported compositions of these binary systems. Besides composition, these excess quantities were found to depend on α, the critical temperature parameter, and β, the critical pressure parameter. Because of the different behaviour associated with the methane-containing binaries, these systems were treated separately. The final correlations of these excess critical quantities for non-methane systems produced an average deviation of 0.46% for critical temperature and 2.30% for critical pressure for 63 experimental values considered; for the methane-containing binary systems, the corresponding correlations produced a deviation of 0.93% for critical temperature and 1.10% for critical pressure from 36 experimental values.
The relationship between fading and bandwidth for multipath channels

A signal transmitted over a multipath channel experiences fading, the variability of which is a function of: 1) signal bandwidth; and 2) power delay profiles of the channel's specular and diffuse components. We analyze this general relationship and, for several important classes of multipath channel, we derive simple, closed-form approximations for what we call the stability bandwidth, W/sub 0/. For signal bandwidths greater than W/sub 0/, the local area variation in the received signal power is acceptably small, e.g., less than 1 dB standard deviation of decibel power. We demonstrate the accuracy of our W/sub 0/ approximations for some representative cases. Moreover, we show that the root mean square delay spread-a statistic commonly used to characterize multipath channels-has limited utility in estimating W/sub 0/.
MR of the cerebral operculum: Topographic identification and measurement of interopercular distances in healthy infants and children

PURPOSE To evaluate the role of axial, coronal, and sagittal MR in identification of surface landmarks of the cerebral operculum and to determine the reference values of interopercular distances of each hemisphere in healthy infants and children on MR images. METHODS Two hundred fourteen cerebral opercula of 35 healthy infants and 72 healthy children were retrospectively evaluated from 107 routine MR brain examinations. The surface landmarks of the operculum and interopercular distances of each hemisphere, which were subjectively divided into anterior interopercular distance (anterior sylvian width) and posterior interopercular distance (posterior sylvian width), were recorded from axial, coronal, and sagittal MR images, respectively. The mean value of anterior interopercular distance of each hemisphere was obtained by averaging two linear measurements of the anterior sylvian width from lateral, sagittal, and axial planes of the same side. Likewise, the posterior interopercular distance of each side of the brain was obtained from averaging of two measurements on lateral, sagittal, and coronal planes. RESULTS The landmarks of the operculum were best identified by sagittal MR, followed by axial and coronal images. The average values of left anterior interopercular distance, right anterior interopercular distance, left posterior interopercular distance, and right posterior interopercular distance in infants were 1.9 +/- 1.3, 1.6 +/- 1.1, 0.4 +/- 0.7, and 0.2 +/- 0.4 mm, and in children, 0.9 +/- 1.3, 1.0 +/- 1.4, 0.03 +/- 0.23, and 0.01 +/- 0.07 mm, respectively. Infants showed significantly wider interopercular distances than children. Left anterior interopercular distance was significantly wider than right in infants, but not in children. Male children displayed a more significant increase in anterior interopercular distance than did female children. There was no statistic difference in measurements of anterior interopercular distance and posterior interopercular distance between female and male infants. CONCLUSIONS The operculum should be evaluated with MR in three planes. Infants may show conspicuous sylvian fissures that should not exceed 4.5 mm (mean + 2 SD) anteriorly on axial and sagittal planes and 1.8 mm posteriorly on sagittal and coronal planes. Healthy children who have fully developed opercula should have an anterior interopercular distance of no more than 3.5 mm and a posterior interopercular distance of 0.5 mm.
Genomic imprinting and methylation: epigenetic canalization and conflict

Imprinted genes have patterns of expression that depend on the parent of origin of their alleles. Establishment of imprinting at a locus requires that the two alleles be differentially marked in oogenesis and spermatogenesis, that these marks escape reprogramming after fertilization, and that they are reliably transmitted through development. Recent work on the mammalian DNA methyltransferases involved in these processes suggests mechanisms of epigenetic canalization, which might contribute to the stability of epigenetic inheritance. At the same time, the interactions that determine whether a particular modification will be transmitted or reprogrammed are destabilized by evolutionary conflicts, as the genes and gene products controlling these processes are subject to divergent selective forces. This review summarizes many of the recent advances in our understanding of mammalian systems of epigenetic gene regulation in the context of the long-running evolutionary conflicts that have created them.
Gastric rupture in horses: A review of 54 cases

The historical, clinical, laboratory, surgical and necropsy findings in 54 cases of gastric rupture in horses are described. Eleven per cent of the deaths of horses undergoing exploratory coeliotomy for colic during the period of the study were a result of gastric rupture. Comparison with all horses which had exploratory coeliotomies for colic over an eight year period did not show that horses with gastric rupture were different from these reference horses regarding age, breed or season. There were fewer stallions than expected in the gastric rupture group. Horses with histories of both acute and chronic (more than 36 h) colic were susceptible to gastric rupture. Primary and idiopathic causes of gastric dilation and rupture accounted for about one-third of the horses. All but one of these cases resulting from secondary causes fell into three aetiologically-related groups: obstructive, peritoneal and enteric, with approximately equal numbers of horses in each group. Most of the ruptures occurred along the greater curvature of the stomach. At least six horses ruptured their stomachs postoperatively in the presence of an indwelling nasogastric tube. The presence or absence of gastric reflux following nasogastric intubation was not a reliable indicator, on its own, of gastric dilation. Horses that later died from gastric rupture had markedly elevated heart rate, hypochloraemia, peritoneal exudative effusion (particularly with evidence of sepsis), pre- and/or postoperative gastric reflux and small or large intestinal disease. However, no distinctive feature of these horses was shown to place them at risk of gastric rupture.
miR-181 and Metabolic Regulation in the Immune System

Regulation of metabolism is emerging as a central mechanism to control cellular identity and function. Extensive research in the last few years has revealed that the PI3K pathway is at the forefront of establishing metabolic changes required for immune cell growth, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. However, we currently have a limited understanding of how signaling through the PI3K pathway is tightly regulated during immune responses and immune cell development. Although a growing number of miRNAs have been shown to target important metabolic pathways, including the PI3K pathway itself, almost nothing is known regarding metabolic regulation by miRNAs in the context of the immune system. Recently, we revealed that the miR-181 family is a metabolic rheostat in vivo through the nonredundant regulation of PTEN. Over the next few years, additional miRNAs with the capacity to regulate various aspects of metabolism in immune cells are likely to be identified. We propose that these miRNAs will form a network to finely tune cellular metabolic status and that miR-181 will function as the primary metabolic rheostat of this network.
Ice cloud microphysics retrievals from millimeter radar and visible optical depth using an estimation theory approach

[1] This paper introduces a new, robust, and reliable method to estimate ice cloud microphysical properties from cloud radar reflectivities and visible optical depth. The retrieval is formulated in an estimation theory framework that permits the introduction of optimal combinations of different measurements and a complete characterization of retrieval errors. The sensitivity of the retrieval to the assumed error statistics is assessed performing experiments with variable a priori, optical depth, and forward model uncertainties. Quantitative estimates of the uncertainties show that the average ice water content is retrieved with errors varying between 20 and 30%. The relative error on ice water path is of the same order of magnitude. The retrieval is applied to synthetic and real observations. Retrieved products are checked against other retrieval methods and in situ observations when available. The results compare well with results from other methods. In particular, the method described here is robust and can be applied successfully to a variety of cirrus clouds without suffering from the problems often encountered when using empirically based methods.
INTRACELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF THE TASTE/ODOR METABOLITE 2‐METHYLISOBORNEOL IN OSCILLATORIA LIMOSA (CYANOPHYTA)1

The monoterpene derivative, 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), is produced by many blue-green algae and often is responsible for the “musty” taste/odor in aquaculturally raised finfish and potable water supplies. Although previous researchers have suggested that taste/odor metabolites are partitioned among cell constituents and that coregulation with pigment biosynthesis occurs, no structural evidence for these hypotheses exists. MIB was localized in cells of Oscillatoria limosa (Roth) Agardh at the ultrastructural level using standard gold-labeled antibody techniques. There was no apparent relationship between age of the cells and MIB synthesis; cells that were and were not undergoing active division had similar amounts of MIB label. There was no consistent partitioning of MIB label within cells. However, occasionally, specific label was observed along photosynthetic lamellae, suggesting a potential linkage of MIB synthesis and/or binding to the pigment systems.