cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing program verifications by restricting object types

Object types are abstract specifications of object behaviors; object behaviors are abstractly indicated by object component interdependencies; and program verifications are based on object behaviors. In conventional object type systems, object component interdependencies are not taken into account. As a result, distinct behaviors of objects are confused, which can lead to fundamental typing/subtyping loopholes and program verification troubles. In this paper, we first identify a program verification problem which is caused by the loose conventional object typing/subtyping which is in turn caused by the overlooking of object component interdependencies. Then, as a new object typing scheme, we introduce object type graphs (OTG) in which object component interdependencies are integrated into object types. Finally, we show how the verification problem can be resolved under OTG.
The Economic Potential of the Oceans and African States

The positions of African states are related both to substantive national economic interests and wider political goals in their approach to the development of ocean resources. The major interests of African states in coastal hydrocarbon and fishery resources and in the benefits and effects of sea-bed mining are outlined. Areas of conflict between coastal and non-coastal states, and between national and group interests, are shown, and some trends toward their resolution are indicated.
The isolation of plasma membrane from frog cardiac muscle cells

A vesicular preparation consisting largely of the plasma membrane of frog cardiac cells was isolated and its enzymatic activities and lipid content were investigated. The enriched plasma membrane preparation was obtained by (1) mildly homogenizing washed ventricles, (2) separating away the cellular debris by low speed differential centrifugation, (3) separating the plasma membrane fraction from other membranous components by centrifugation to equilibrium in various sucrose gradients. The frog cardiac plasma membranes were found to be concentrated between specific gravities of 1.07 and 1.11. In the membrane fraction the specific activities of membrane marker enzymes: 5′-nucleotides (EC 3.1.3.5), alklaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and Na+:K+)-activated ATPase were, respectively, 19, 15, and 14 times greater than in the homogenate. Activities of mitochondrial marker enzymes were either very low or absent. No unusual lipid types were found. Cardiolipin was less than 0.1% (by wt) in the membrane fraction. The molar ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol was approximatley 3 : 2.
Neurons compute internal models of the physical laws of motion

A critical step in self-motion perception and spatial awareness is the integration of motion cues from multiple sensory organs that individually do not provide an accurate representation of the physical world. One of the best-studied sensory ambiguities is found in visual processing, and arises because of the inherent uncertainty in detecting the motion direction of an untextured contour moving within a small aperture1,2,3,4. A similar sensory ambiguity arises in identifying the actual motion associated with linear accelerations sensed by the otolith organs in the inner ear5,6. These internal linear accelerometers respond identically during translational motion (for example, running forward) and gravitational accelerations experienced as we reorient the head relative to gravity (that is, head tilt). Using new stimulus combinations, we identify here cerebellar and brainstem motion-sensitive neurons that compute a solution to the inertial motion detection problem. We show that the firing rates of these populations of neurons reflect the computations necessary to construct an internal model representation of the physical equations of motion.
Physician perceptions of practice environment and professional satisfaction in California: from urban to rural.

CONTEXT Few studies have systematically examined the experience of rural practice from the physician's perspective or included physicians from an array of specialties, particularly non-primary care. PURPOSE To better understand differences between rural and urban physicians in perceptions of their practice environment. METHODS In 2001-2002, self-administered questionnaires were sent to a probability sample of primary care and specialist physicians identified from the American Medical Association's Physician masterfile in California. Logistic regression was performed to model the effect practice location had on key variables, controlling for physician demographics, specialty, and the insurance profile of the physician's patients. FINDINGS Completed questionnaires were obtained from 1,365 of 2,240 eligible urban physicians (61%), and 398 of 632 rural physicians (63%). Among primary care physicians, those in rural areas defined as nonadjacent or small non-metropolitan counties were the least likely to report pressures to see more patients, limit referrals, and limit treatment options. In contrast, among specialists, those in rural areas within metropolitan areas (or in large adjacent non-metropolitan counties) were more likely than urban specialists to report practice pressures. Although rural physicians in both primary care and specialist fields were more likely than urban physicians to report difficulty attracting new physicians to their communities, they perceived their overall practice climate to be better. Physicians in the nonadjacent-or-small non-metropolitan category were the most satisfied, but specialists in the nonadjacent-or-small non-metropolitan category were the least satisfied. CONCLUSION Physicians in rural California appear to have maintained a greater sense of clinical autonomy and higher professional satisfaction compared with their urban counterparts.
Phase sensitivity of conventional single-mode and holey optical fibers: a comparison study

A comparison of phase sensitivity is conducted for two different types of optical fiber designs with the same outer diameter. The optical fibers are subjected to a hydrostatic pressure load. The finite element model validates well with the analytical solutions. The holey fiber selected for this study showed a 130% phase sensitivity gain over a conventional single-mode optical fiber due to its hollow structure, enabling the external pressure load to strain the core beyond that observed in solid optical fibers. The holey fiber's outer coating also enhances the phase sensitivity, with improved performance over conventional single-mode optical fibers with the same coating.
Crystal growth and investigation of efficient non-linear optical materials in the mixed (2,-4-dinitrophenyl)-L-alanine (DPA) and 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) system

When a 1∶1 weight mixture of (2,-4-dinitrophenyl)-L-alanine (DPA) and 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) is dissolved in a 50∶50 volume mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane, two types of crystals were observed on slow evaporation. In the first stage of crystallization, light-yellow plates of MNA measuring up to 25 mm×5 mm×1 mm were formed, which belong to the triclinic space group P1 with lattice parameters a=0.7621 (3) nm, b=0.795 2(5) nm, c=0.8200 (2) nm, α=111.84(2)°, β= 93.76(2)°, γ=116.84(3)°, Z=2. The volume of the unit cell containing two molecules is 361.9(1)×10−3 nm3. The powder SHG efficiency of the triclinic polymorph (MNA(T)) is about the same as that of the monoclinic MNA(M). The Raman spectrum of the new crystal is similar to that of MNA(M) crystallized from the vapour phase or solution, except for the change in the intensity of a few bands. The DSC data show minor differences in the melting points and specific heats for the two phases. The second stage of crystallization resulted in the formation of orange-yellow coloured crystals of the DPA:MNA complex, in the monoclinic space group P21 with lattice parameters a =0.6876(1) nm, b=0.7621(3) nm, c=1.7626(4) nm, β=96.62(2)°, V=917.5 ×10−3 nm3, Z=2 for C16H17N5O8. The Raman spectrum of DPA:MNA consists of bands from both DPA and MNA. The complex melts at 138(1)°C with a specific heat of 25.3(4) cal g−1 according to the DSC measurements. The powder SHG efficiency is nearly the same as that of methyl-(2,4-dinitriphenyl)-aminoproanoate (MAP).
Exchange currents across the electrolyte/membrane interface in frog skin

Abstract Using bipolar current pulses of 1–100 μa amplitude and 1–50 s duration, the current-over-potential behavior of the frog skin ( Rana pipien ) has been determined in a bicarbonate-containing Ringer's solution. This behavoir is analyzed using a model based on rate theory. In this manner, it is possible to measure both the open-circuit exchange current and the contribution of the membrane potential to the energy barrier representing ionic movement across the frog skin. In a double-exponential least-squares fit of the data, the exchange current was found to be independent of pulse duration, suggesting that the system is already in a steady state by 1 s. The experimentally measured current-over-potential curves were asymmetric for hyperpolarization vs. depolarization. This asymmetry is predicted by our model, and suggests that Na 4 and Cl − do not contribute equally to the exchange current.
Statistical continuum mechanics analysis of an elastic two-isotropic-phase composite material

Abstract A statistical mechanics theory is formulated to capture the effect of microstructure distribution on the effective elastic moduli of a composite material. Two point probability functions are used as a major component of the statistical theory. The statistical correlation functions represent the morphology and the distribution (random, periodic,…) of phases. The theory can benefit from simple mathematical representation of distribution or the shape of the second phase (circular, elliptical,…). A two-point probability function is used to approximate the correlation functions for a general class of geometries with isotropic and random distributions. The simulations are also provided and compared to other (periodic) distributions. The results show that the theory is capable of capturing the microstructural featuring in addition to the statistical distributions.
Pathophysiology of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

Delirium, or acute brain dysfunction, is a life-threatening global disturbance in cognitive functioning that frequently manifests in critically ill patients. This review examines the current status of knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of delirium in the ICU, in particular, evaluating the role of iatrogenic factors such as sedatives and analgesic administration in brain dysfunction. This hypothesis is considered along with several other plausible mechanisms of ICU delirium, including sepsis, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and changes in biomarkers and neurotransmitters. The review concludes by highlighting potential future directions in molecular genetics for the elucidation of delirium and its long-term consequences.
An assay for X inactivation based on differential methylation at the fragile X locus, FMR1.

We describe an assay analyzing methylation at the fragile X mental retardation gene, FMR1, to examine patterns of random or non-random X chromosome inactivation. Digestion of genomic DNA with the methylation-sensitive enzyme HpaII cleaves two restriction sites near the CGG repeat of the FMR1 gene if they are unmethylated on the active X chromosome, but fails to digest these sites on the inactive chromosome. Subsequent PCR using primers that flank the sites and the variable CGG repeat within the FMR1 gene amplifies alleles only on undigested, methylated inactive X chromosomes. Amplification of the hypervariable CGG repeat distinguishes alleles in heterozygous samples, while the relative ratio of alleles within a HpaII-digested sample reflects the randomness or non-randomness of inactivation. To demonstrate that methylation of the HpaII sites within the amplified FMR1 fragment correlates strictly with the activity state of the X chromosome, we have tested the validity of this assay by comparing DNA from normal males and females, as well as DNA from mouse/human somatic cell hybrids carrying either active or inactive human X chromosomes. The data demonstrate that this assay provides a reliable means of assessing the inactivation status of X chromosomes in individuals with X-linked disorders or X chromosomemore » abnormalities. 21 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less
Continuous production of pediocin by immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici PO2 in a packed-bed bioreactor

A continuous bioreactor packed with a fibrous matrix was set up. Cells of Pediococcus acidilactici PO2 were inoculated and MRS broth was fed gradually until cell growth and immobilization were achieved. Kinetics of fermentation and production of bacteriocin were investigated at dilution rates ranging from 0.63 day-1 to 1.58 day-1 and at pH values that varied between 4.0 and 5.5. A maximum bacteriocin activity of 6400 AU/ml was detected when the medium was fermented at dilution rates of at least 1.19 day-1 and the pH controlled at 4.5. The maximum bacteriocin productivity was 1.0×107 AUl-1 day-1 at a dilution rate of 1.58 day-1 and pH 4.5. At this high dilution rate, 1.21 g cells/l medium was produced, 95.9% of the glucose in MRS broth was utilized, and 15.1 g lactic acid/l accumulated in the bioreactor effluent. The bioreactor was operated continuously for 3 months without encountering any clogging, degeneration, or contamination problems, indicating good long-term stability of the bioreactor for bacteriocin production. About 94% of the cells in the bioreactor were immobilized, and the remainder were suspended in the medium. According to scanning electron microscopic observations, cell immobilization in the fibrous matrix was attained by natural attachment to fiber surfaces and entrapment in the void volume within the fibrous matrix. In conclusion, conditions for the optimum continuous production of pediocin were defined; this may facilitate the development of large-scale industrial processes for production of this bacteriocin.
Phonons, defects and optical damage in crystalline acetanilide

Abstract Intense picosecond pulses cause accumulated optical damage in acetanilide crystals at low temperature. Catastrophic damage to the irradiated volume occurs after an incubation period where defects accumulate. The optical damage is monitored with subanosecond time resolution. The generation of defects is studied with damage-detected picosecond spectroscopy. The accumulation of defects is studied by time-resolved coherent Raman scattering, which is used to measure optical phonon scattering from the accumulating defects.
Multiple‐Quantum Magic‐Angle Spinning 17O NMR Studies of Borate, Borosilicate, and Boroaluminate Glasses

Multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQMAS) 17 O NMR spectroscopy has been applied to study boron oxide, sodium borate, sodium potassium borosilicate, and sodium boroaluminate glasses. Up to eight distinct oxygen sites are identified, with the chemical shift and quadrupolar coupling parameters determined for each. Previous assignment of the B-O-B and Si-O-B resonances has been found to be incorrect. In contrast to standard models of glass structure, three-coordinated boron mixes with the silicon oxide network to a great extent. Sodium borosilicate glasses with low-sodium content are likely to be phase-separated on the nanoscale. Those with intermediate sodium content form homogeneous glasses with boron atoms distributed evenly in the SiO 2 network. A boron avoidance rule analogous to the aluminum avoidance rule may apply in this region, when BO 4 groups are abundant Adding excess sodium cations to the system may again lead to compositional heterogeneity. The existence of diborate group as the basic building unit in glasses with appropriate sodium content is not well supported. The network-forming cations in sodium boroaluminate glasses are well mixed, with no Al-O-Al resonance observed by MQMAS. The effect of cation type and thermal history on glass structures is also discussed.
Scattering analysis of mixed metallic/uniaxial objects using surface integral equations accelerated by adaptive cross approximation algorithm

Accurate and cost-effective simulation of electromagnetic wave interactions with composite bodies that consist of conductors and complex materials with a variety of constitutive relationships has been of considerable interest owing to the wide application of materials in a variety of radar targets. Among these complex materials, anisotropic materials [1–3] have been one of the most promising topics in electromagnetic research. A variety of approaches have been developed to analyze these problems, such as the method of moments (MoM), the finite element method (FEM) and the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. When the dielectric objects are homogeneous or piecewise homogeneous, MoM based on surface integral equations (SIE) is preferred because it limits the discretization of unknown quantities to the surfaces of the objects. Despite this, the traditional MoM incurs a very high computational cost and memory requirement. Recently, the adaptive across approximation (ACA) algorithm [4] has been proposed to reduce this cost. This reduction is achieved through linear algebra manipulation of the MoM impedance matrix. To date, this algorithm has been applied to low-frequency and full-wave EM problems including conducting objects, in which computational complexity is O(N log N) as compared with O(N 2 ) of the traditional MoM. In this paper, we adopt the ACA algorithm to calculate electromagnetic scattering from three-dimensional (3D) bodies consisting of both conducting and uniaxial anisotropic parts. The Poggio-Miller-Change-Harrington-Wu-Tsai (PMCHWT) equations and the electric field integral equation (EFIE) are formulated for uniaxial anisotropic media and conducting objects, respectively. The ACA algorithm is utilized to accelerate the matrix-vector multiplication in the iterative solution process. Numerical results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithm.
Pregnane X receptor activation ameliorates DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease via inhibition of NF-κB target gene expression

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) expression was shown to be protective in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanism by which PXR provides protection remains unclear. Wild-type and Pxr-null ...
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Release during the Rat Estrous Cycle and after Ovariectomy, as Estimated with Push-Pull Cannulae

A push-pull perfusion (PPP) system was used to carry out the first examination of LHRH release from the mediobasal hypothalami (MBH) of conscious, freely moving rats during stages of the estrous (E) cycle and after ovariectomy (Ovx). Female rats received push-pull cannula (PPC) implants into the MBH and then were allowed to recover for 2–10 weeks before PPP experiments. During that time, E cycles were determined by daily inspection of vaginal smears. After exhibiting two consecutive E cycles, rats were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters between 0830–1030 h and subjected to PPP of the MBH and hourly bleeding for more than 6 h. LHRH and LH levels were determined by RIA in perfusates and plasma, respectively. PPP and bleeding sessions were performed on the afternoon of proestrus (Pro; n – 10), diestrous day I (DI; n – 5), diestrous day II (DII; n – 5), estrus (E; n – 5), or more than 28 days after Ovx (n – 5). LHRH output was detectable in at least some samples in all rats whose PPC tips resided within...
Cognitive Abilities: Use of Family Data as a Control to Assess Sex and Age Differences in Two Ethnic Groups:

Four cognitive factors were extracted from test data obtained on 997 families (3,268 individuals) in Hawaii. Factor loading profiles for the two largest ethnic groups (Caucasians and Japanese) are nearly identical, as are profiles for three different age groups. Age curves are presented for factor scores and for four specific cognitive tests. The younger respondents on the age curves are biological offspring of older respondents represented on the same curves, facilitating an unusual control for between-family variance. When the data were stratified by ethnicity, differential rates of cognitive development were indicated.
Coadaptive aiding and automation enhance operator performance.

Objective:In this work, we expand on the theory of adaptive aiding by measuring the effectiveness of coadaptive aiding, wherein we explicitly allow for both system and user to adapt to each other.Background:Adaptive aiding driven by psycho- physiological monitoring has been demonstrated to be a highly effective means of controlling task allocation and system functioning. Psychophysiological monitoring is uniquely well suited for coadaptation, as malleable brain activity may be used as a continuous input to the adaptive system.Method:To establish the efficacy of the coadaptive system, physiological activation of adaptation was directly compared with manual activation or no activation of the same automation and cuing systems. We used interface adaptations and automation that are plausible for real-world operations, presented in the context of a multi–remotely piloted aircraft control simulation. Each participant completed 3 days of testing during 1 week. Performance was assessed via proportion of targets su...
Extra-anatomic aortic bypass via sternotomy for complex aortic arch stenosis in children.

Abstract Objective: Recurrent aortic narrowing after repair of aortic coarctation or interrupted aortic arch, as well as diffuse, long-segment aortic hypoplasia, can be difficult to manage. Extra-anatomic ascending aorta–descending aorta bypass grafting through a sternotomy is an alternative approach for this problem. Methods: Since 1985, 19 patients aged 2 months to 18 years (mean 10.7 years) underwent extra-anatomic bypass with 10- to 30-mm Dacron grafts. The initial diagnosis was coarctation with hypoplastic arch in 15, interrupted aortic arch in 3, and diffuse long-segment aortic hypoplasia in 1. Seventeen of the children had a total of 22 previous operations: transthoracic interposition or bypass graft (n = 7), end-to-end anastomosis (n = 7), subclavian arterioplasty (n = 6), and synthetic patch (n = 2). The mean time from initial repair was 8.0 years (range 0.6-18 years). Three children had previous sternotomies. Cardiopulmonary bypass was avoided in all but 6 patients (5 with simultaneous intracardiac repairs). Results: No hospital or late deaths occurred. On follow-up from 4 months to 14.7 years (mean 7.9 years), no reoperations for recurrent stenosis were performed. Two patients have arm-to-leg pressure gradients: 20 mm Hg at rest in 1 patient and a 60–mm Hg systolic exercise gradient with no resting gradient in the other. One patient required exclusion of an aortic aneurysm at the old coarctation repair site 13 years after extra-anatomic bypass. Three children had subsequent successful cardiac operations. Conclusions: Extra-anatomic bypass is an effective and relatively easy approach for selected cases of complex or reoperative aortic arch obstruction. It should be considered as an alternative operative technique for complex aortic arch reconstruction. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;120:885-90)
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced DNA cleavage in human articular chondrocytes may involve multiple endonucleolytic activities during apoptosis.

Apoptosis has been documented in chondrocytes both in the growth plates of young, healthy cartilages and in osteoarthritic cartilages; little, however, is known about apoptosis in chondrocytes of normal adult articular cartilage. For the current study, apoptosis in adult chondrocytes was evaluated by labeling DNA fragments using the ISEL in situ end labeling of 3'-recessed strand breaks) or TUNEL (5'-recessed or blunt-ended strand breaks with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling) techniques in primary cultures of chondrocytes in monolayer. Apoptosis was induced in the chondrocytes by either Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta), or anti-Fas antibody but only after 48 hours in culture. At 4 and 24 hours, there was no detectable DNA fragmentation. With TNF alpha, IL1 beta, and anti-Fas antibody, chondrocytes show evidence of at least two types of DNA strand breaks within the same cell (as assessed by simultaneous labeling with ISEL and TUNEL). Therefore, some pathways leading to apoptosis in chondrocytes appear to involve more than one type of endonuclease activity. When the chondrocytes were cultured as explants with the articular matrix intact (ex vivo), neither IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, the anti-Fas antibody, nor fibronectin fragments were able to induce apoptosis in the chondrocytes. In normal human adult cartilage that was untreated and uncultured (in situ), DNA fragmentation was undetectable; however, a significant number of chondrocytes in osteoarthritic cartilage did contain strand breaks. These data suggest that apoptosis occurs in chondrocytes in which the matrix has been disrupted experimentally or destroyed by the osteoarthritic disease process. The results of these studies suggest that the ECM may be an essential survival factor for chondrocytes.
Dnmt1 deficiency leads to enhanced microsatellite instability in mouse embryonic stem cells

DNA hypomethylation is frequently seen in cancer and imparts genomic instability in mouse models and some tissue culture systems. However, the effects of genomic DNA hypomethylation on mutation rates are still elusive. We have developed a model system to analyze the effects of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) deficiency on DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We generated sibling ES cell clones with and without functional Dnmt1 expression, containing a stable reporter gene that allowed us to measure the slippage rate at a mononucleotide repeat. We found that Dnmt1 deficiency led to a 7-fold increase in the microsatellite slippage rate. Interestingly, the region flanking the mononucleotide repeat was unmethylated regardless of Dnmt1 status, suggesting that it is not the local levels of DNA methylation that direct the increase in microsatellite instability (MSI). The enhanced MSI was associated with higher levels of histone H3 acetylation and lower MeCP2 binding at regions near the assayed microsatellite, suggesting that Dnmt1 loss may decrease MMR efficiency by modifying chromatin structure.
Moore's law meets Shannon's law: the evolution of the communication's industry

Summary form only given, as follows. The insatiable demand for data and connectivity at the user level, driven primarily by the everincreasing horsepower of the desktop computer, has dramatically impacted the evolution of the communications market. In a period of 20 years we have progressed from 300 baud modems to multi-terabit fiber backbones. However, the downside to rapid evolution is that it often creates industry fragmentation and broad market swings. The presenter will briefly review the history of the communications industry demonstrating how it has evolved in relation to the desire and need to move vast amounts of data swiftly and costeffectively. He will also examine the industry today - what new demands and requirements are testing today?s designers, how the current technology constraints are being addressed, and how and where Intel intends to play. Finally, he will discuss the complex requirements of the communications industry moving into the future and the likely direction of potential solutions to meet these rapidly changing demands.
Toward a Theory of Situation Awareness in Dynamic Systems

This paper presents a theoretical model of situation awareness based on its role in dynamic human decision making in a variety of domains. Situation awareness is presented as a predominant concern in system operation, based on a descriptive view of decision making. The relationship between situation awareness and numerous individual and environmental factors is explored. Among these factors, attention and working memory are presented as critical factors limiting operators from acquiring and interpreting information from the environment to form situation awareness, and mental models and goal-directed behavior are hypothesized as important mechanisms for overcoming these limits. The impact of design features, workload, stress, system complexity, and automation on operator situation awareness is addressed, and a taxonomy of errors in situation awareness is introduced, based on the model presented. The model is used to generate design implications for enhancing operator situation awareness and future directio...
Inversion of induction logs based on maximum flatness, maximum oil, and minimum oil algorithms

Inversion of induction logs does not yield unique solutions of formation resistivity profiles because of noise. In this work, three algorithms are used to invert induction logs. The first algorithm employs the maximum flatness criterion that is aimed at obtaining a formation resistivity profile that is as close to a constant as possible. The second is the maximum oil algorithm that has the objective of yielding the highest resistivity profile in the reservoir. The third is the minimum oil algorithm aimed at finding the lowest resistivity profile. All three algorithms are subject to the condition that the resulting computed log must agree with the field log within a preset value. These algorithms are stable because noise and depth shift in the field log have little effect on the result.
A critical review of the literature on spreadsheet errors

Among those who study spreadsheet use, it is widely accepted that errors are prevalent in operational spreadsheets and that errors can lead to poor decisions and cost millions of dollars. However, relatively little is known about what types of errors actually occur, how they were created, how they can be detected, and how they can be avoided or minimized. This paper summarizes and critiques the research literature on spreadsheet errors from the viewpoint of a manager who wishes to improve operational spreadsheet quality. We also offer suggestions for future research directions that can improve the state of knowledge about spreadsheet errors and mitigate spreadsheet risks.
A rotation and scale invariant descriptor for shape recognition

We address the problem of retrieving the silhouettes of objects from a database of shapes with a translation and rotation invariant feature extractor. We retrieve silhouettes by using a “soft” classification based on the Euclidean distance. Experiments show significant gains in retrieval accuracy over the existing literature. This work extends the use of our previously employed feature extractor and shows that the same descriptor can be used for both texture [3] and shape recognition.
A Continuum Model for Water Transport in the Ionomer-Phase of Catalyst Coated Membranes for PEMFCs

We study the problem of water transport in the ionomer-phase of catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), where microscopic-scale phenomena at the distribut...
Subjectivity and Memory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses whether the kind of pervasive background coloration that seems to characterize moods and other affective states has any functional role in cognition and, if so, whether such roles can be studied empirically. First, it seems somewhat surprising that the question has not received more attention. Bartlett placed vague, largely affective, general impressions of the whole of a past event (which he called attitudes) at the center of his theory of reconstructive memory. This aspect of his theory is virtually the one that has not led to further research in the past ten years. Four common beliefs can be offered as reasons for this neglect. First, internal experience is private. Second, to the extent that feelings function as background gestalts, they could not be modeled even if they were not private. The third and fourth reasons are that background feelings and moods are not causal agents in cognitive activity (i.e., they are epiphenomenal) and, in any case, questions concerning them cannot be empirical. It is these two assumptions that are disagreeable. First, even if feelings do have epiphenomenal origins, once had they could then become useful. Second, if some hypothesized aspect of mental functioning cannot be modeled, it can still be tested indirectly by designing experiments that may preclude alternative accounts to those invoking the proposed construct. This chapter outlines some ways in which phenomena related to mental states may be involved in the representation and recall of text and real events.
A Glimpse into Dorso-Ventral Patterning of the Drosophila Eye

During organogenesis in all multi-cellular organisms, axial patterning is required to transform a single layer organ primordium into a three-dimensional organ. The Drosophila eye model serves as an excellent model to study axial patterning. Dorso-ventral (DV) axis determination is the first lineage restriction event during axial patterning of the Drosophila eye. The early Drosophila eye primordium has a default ventral fate, and the dorsal eye fate is established by onset of dorsal selector gene pannier (pnr) expression in a group of cells on the dorsal eye margin. The boundary between dorsal and ventral compartments called the equator is the site for Notch (N) activation, which triggers cell proliferation and differentiation. This review will focus on (1) chronology of events during DV axis determination; (2) how early division of eye into dorsal and ventral compartments contributes towards the growth and patterning of the fly retina, and (3) functions of DV patterning genes. Developmental Dynamics 241:69–84, 2012. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in Parkinson’s disease

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) commonly include a number of sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). RLS occurs in about 20 % of PD patients in most studies, but idiopathic RLS does not seem to precede the development of PD. In fact there is some evidence that idiopathic RLS may prevent the subsequent development of PD. In cases of PD/RLS the PD usually presents first, and RLS may represent one of many non-motor features associated with PD. Although common, RLS is usually not a major contributor to sleep deprivation or functional impairment in the PD population. PLMS are seen in many neurodegenerative disorders, as well as idiopathic RLS. Most studies report higher rates of PLMS in PD, but polysomnography studies suggest relatively little impact of PLMS on other sleep measures. The response of both PD and RLS to dopaminergics is of great interest, especially given the lack of overt dopamine pathology in RLS.
Towards Quality and Consistency in Indian Engineering Education

The educators of India's young engineers on are embarking on the recognized standard of practice for achieving consistently top notch engineers - namely, outcomes-based education (OBE). Visits to eight institutions around the country provided an interesting opportunity to learn first-hand how motivated faculty are to foster student success and implement the OBE. This paper touches on some philosophical differences between Indian and U.S. based accreditation agency parameters and an analysis of some practices in India that could result in shortcomings froman accreditation visit.
9 – Improving the environmental performance of heavy-duty vehicles and engines: key issues and system design approaches

: This chapter reviews key issues in improving the environmental performance of heavy-duty vehicles and engines. it discusses the impact of emissions and fuel economy regulations as well as the range of design options and technological innovations required to reduce emissions, maximize engine efficiency, and improve fuel economy. Subsystem interactions and trade-offs in product attributes are illustrated in an engine system design approach.
Occurrence of Blood Group Specific Substances in Gastric Juice of Patients with Pernicious Anemia

ConclusionThe gastric juice of patients suffering from pernicious anemia contained blood group specific substances at least in the same large amounts as normal gastric juice in spite of the fact that there was no free hydrochloric acid or pepsin present in the specimens. Eleven of the 12 patients were proved to belong to the so-called secretor group, while one was a non-secretor.
Large-scale aircraft design using SU2

This paper discusses the use of the continuous adjoint methodology for the design of transonic aircraft configurations. The objective of the present study is to illustrate that, despite the fact that continuous adjoint does not provide the numerically exact gradient of a discrete objective function, it is an excellent choice for large-scale optimization with complex geometries due to the accuracy of the computed gradients, the robustness of the method, and its efficiency in terms of memory and compute time. This is demonstrated through a series of detailed design studies on the NASA Common Research Model, which provides a challenging problem due to its geometric complexity and the large, unstructured meshes employed. All design work is completed with the SU2 software suite: an opensource, integrated analysis and design tool for solving complex, multi-disciplinary problems on unstructured computational grids.
The Public Relations of Interviewing

The relationships between interviewers and prospective respondents are crucial to the success of every marketing research project.Based on the results from a recent study, this article explores som...
Structure and stability of an amorphous water–methane mixture produced by cold compression of methane hydrate

In a process similar to the formation of high-density amorphous ice, amorphous methane hydrate was formed by the pressure-induced collapse of crystalline methane clathrate at 32 kbar and 100 K. This produced a regular array of methane embedded within cavities in an amorphous water network. In situ annealing results in further densification into a more disordered and higher density amorphous state before crystallization into ice VIII and hexagonal clathrate. Whereas the very high-density amorphous form of pure water undergoes a glass transition near 130 K at low pressure and crystallizes over a broad pressure range at \ensuremath{\sim}160 K, the amorphous network of the water--methane binary system exhibits a region of metastability that persists up to 220 K between 15 and 40 kbar. It appears that in this system the connectivity of the water network exhibits sufficiently low mobility so as to inhibit the diffusion and phase separation of the constituents until 220 K, where the high-pressure ice VIII crystallization can occur. The structure of the amorphous form is studied by neutron diffraction and the hydration of methane in this disordered water network is more closely related to the small clathrate cage than the large.
Counting Critical Points of Real Polynomials in Two Variables

The graph of a real function of two variables can be thought of as a landscape with hills, valleys, lakes and passes. If the lakes are drained and the landscape is an average one, the only level spots will be the tops of the hills, the bottom of the lakes, and the passes. Suppose now that the function is a polynomial. The problem is to count the numbers of peaks, pits and passes, and relate these numbers to the degree of the polynomial. This topic was investigated in 1989 at the ten-week Summer Research Institute in Mathematics at Mount Holyoke College, where the first version of this paper was written. Four undergraduates between their junior and senior years collaborated on the project. They were directed by Alan Durfee of the mathematics faculty at Mount Holyoke. The Institute was supported by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program of the National Science Foundation, and the New England Consortium for Undergraduate Science Education. The topic was suggested by V. I. Arnold of Moscow State University especially for our research group. This apparently simple problem turned out to be quite complicated, and led us in many interesting directions. We especially thank Arnold for giving us such an inspiring topic. In more mathematical terms, the problem is the following: Given a real polynomial of two variables with only nondegenerate critical points, relate the numbers of local maxima, minima and saddles of the polynomial to its degree. There are two aspects of this problem, examples and theory. First, the examples: We searched through polynomials of low degree, looking for patterns. We looked at perturbations of a polynomial with a degenerate critical point. We looked in calculus books, but these contained only simple polynomials suitable for hand computation. We did, however, find an inspiring example in a journal article, a polynomial with just one critical point, a local maximum, but not an absolute maximum (see the end of Section 6). How does one find information about a polynomial starting with its equation? We used computer graphics packages (Mathematica and MacFunction) to make contour plots and three-dimensional graphics of our polynomials. This required skill. An inappropriate scale for the range of a 3D-picture of a polynomial may show a flat space where in fact there are two summits and a saddle. Contour plots have the same problem. However, graphics did help us in understanding our task. A second method was to use computer algebra (again, Mathematica) to find the common zeros of the two partial derivatives of the polynomial and hence the critical points. We mechanized the whole process by programming the computer to
In calmodulin-IQ domain complexes, the Ca(2+)-free and Ca(2+)-bound forms of the calmodulin C-lobe direct the N-lobe to different binding sites.

We have investigated the roles played by the calmodulin (CaM) N- and C-lobes in establishing the conformations of CaM–IQ domain complexes in different Ca2+-free and Ca2+-bound states. Our results indicate a dominant role for the C-lobe in these complexes. When the C-lobe is Ca2+-free, it directs the N-lobe to a binding site within the IQ domain consensus sequence. It appears that the N-lobe must be Ca2+-free to interact productively with this site. When the C-lobe is Ca2+-bound, it directs the N-lobe to a site upstream of the consensus sequence, and it appears that the N-lobe must be Ca2+-bound to interact productively with this site. A model for switching in CaM–IQ domain complexes is presented in which the N-lobe adopts bound and extended positions that depend on the status of the Ca2+-binding sites in each CaM lobe and the compositions of the two N-lobe binding sites. Ca2+-dependent changes in the conformation of the bound C-lobe that appear to be responsible for directed N-lobe binding are also identi...
Context as a mediator in film projects: lessons from Cleopatra to John Carter

Context may be an important factor in understanding project management practices in both traditional and non-traditional project areas. It may not only be important in the type of practices that are appropriate but also the form these practices take as well as their challenges. One such non-traditional and unexplored context is filmmaking. Two case studies are explored. The first is Cleopatra, a film made over 50 years ago and the second John Carter, a more recent film that opened in 2012. What becomes apparent from the case studies of film projects separated by five decades is that the context of filmmaking is challenged by at least nine key factors including feasibility, governance, evidence, risk, teams, scheduling, metrics, scope and control.
Consideration of the Temporal Relationship Between Surgery and Radiation Therapy

Patients with an impending or realized pathologic fracture from metastatic bone disease often benefit from surgical intervention in combination with radiation therapy. Although this bimodality therapy improves patient outcomes and implant survival, the addition of radiotherapy has the potential to increase the risk for postoperative complications.
Conclusion: The End of British Rule and the Frontier Legacy

The final year of British rule on the North-West Frontier witnessed upheaval, change, and continuity as well. Whereas in 1939, politics in the settled areas of the province were firmly in the hands of the local Congress party, at the end of the war Congress was locked in battle with the upstart Muslim League, which held power in Peshawar between 1943 and 1945. Crucial to both a united India and a cornerstone of a potential Pakistan, the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), including the tribal areas, was plunged into the center of the growing conflict between the British, Congress, and the Muslim League. Likewise, although they had read the writing on the wall, British officials in Peshawar and Delhi had maintained total control over tribal policy during the Second World War. This now came to an end. The advent of an interim government at the center in September of 1946, and the growth of increasingly acrimonious political parties willing to take their message into Malakand and Waziristan meant that the cordon the British tried to maintain between the settled and tribal areas of the NWFP was terminated. As the speed of events rapidly outpaced the prognostications of both officials and politicians, the last British rampart within the Frontier crumbled away.
Complete currarino triad presenting with diarrhea in a 7-month-old girl

The Currarino triad is a complex genetic disorder characterized by multiple caudal anomalies. Currarino et al first described this syndrome in 1981 as a sacral bony defect, presacral mass, and an anorectal malformation. Patients with this disorder usually present with constipation and characteristic radiological findings. Early diagnosis is vital for improving patient prognosis and quality of life. We report a case of complete Currarino triad in a 7-month-old girl with an unusual presentation of diarrhea, who was later found to have an imperforate anus with rectoperianal fistula, a presacral lipomyelomeningocele, and sacral hypoplasia.
Environmental Toxicologic Pathology and Human Health

Abstract A major effort during the past 50 years has been to identify carcinogens and toxins that occur in the environment and workplace, through the use of animal models. The first large-scale testing program was initiated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the 1970s as part of a congressionally mandated war on cancer. In 1978 the bioassay program, as it was known, was transferred to the National Toxicology Program, located within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). To date, over 500 two-year toxicity and carcinogenicity studies have been conducted by the NCI/NTP and numerous environmental and workplace hazards have been identified, resulting in decreased human exposure. A similar number of studies have been conducted by other countries. Improvements in study design, animal models, study evaluations and reporting, quality assurance procedures, and risk assessment methodologies have also occurred as part of this effort. Toxicity and carcinogenicity studies conducted worldwide are used for regulatory decisions in numerous countries. Currently efforts are underway to harmonize diagnostic criteria and terminology for rodent studies for the global community, and to find ways to refine studies and reduce the number of animals used to identify potential human hazards.