cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congressional Enforcement Authority and Judicial Review

This Article systematically analyzes the delicate balance of congressional and judicial authority granted by the Reconstruction Amendments. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments vest Congress with powers to enforce civil rights, equal treatment, and civic participation. Their reach extends significantly beyond the Rehnquist and Roberts Courts’ narrow construction of congressional authority. In recent years, the Court has struck down laws that helped secure voter rights, protect religious liberties, and punish age or disability discrimination. Those holdings encroach on the amendments’ allocated powers of enforcement. Textual, structural, historical, and normative analyses provide profound insights into the appropriate roles of the Supreme Court and Congress in achieving aspirations of the Second Founding. The framework that emerges requires the judiciary to defer to legitimate legislative functions in enforcing racial equality, dignitary justice, and access to the ballot box. Congress’s discretion extends to safeguards for fundamental rights, civil liberties, and political representation. Rational basis review is appropriate when Congress advances autonomy, equality, and franchise. However, when courts safeguard equal enjoyment of fundamental rights against legislative encroachments, those three amendments require heightened judicial scrutiny of adverse state actions.
On Scattering for Small Data of $$\varvec{2 + 1}$$ 2 + 1 -Dimensional Equivariant Einstein-Wave Map System

We consider the Cauchy problem of $$2+1$$ equivariant wave maps coupled to Einstein’s equations of general relativity and prove that two separate (nonlinear) subclasses of the system disperse to their corresponding linearized equations in the large. Global asymptotic behavior of $$2+1$$ Einstein-wave map system is relevant because the system occurs naturally in $$3+1$$ vacuum Einstein’s equations.
Tree Species Diversity, Composition and Aboveground Biomass Across Dry Forest Land-Cover Types in Coastal Ecuador:

Tropical dry forests (TDF) are highly threatened ecosystems that are often fragmented due to land-cover change. Using plot inventories, we analyzed tree species diversity, community composition and...
The association between hippocampal volume and memory in pathological aging is mediated by functional redundancy.

Abstract Hippocampal neurodegeneration, a primary component of Alzheimer's disease pathology, relates to poor cognition; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. Using a sample of cognitively normal older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, this study aims to determine the topological properties of functional networks accompanying hippocampal atrophy in aging, along with their association to cognition and clinical progression. We considered two conceptually differing topological properties: redundancy (the existence of alternative channels of functional commutation) and local efficiency (the efficiency of local information exchange). Hippocampal redundancy, but not local efficiency, mediated the association between low hippocampal volume and low memory in both the whole sample and in s-amyloid positive participants. Additionally, participants with high hippocampal volume, redundancy, and memory clustered separately from those with low values on all three measures, with the latter group showing higher conversion rates to dementia within three years. Together, these results demonstrate that reduced hippocampal redundancy is one mechanism through which hippocampal atrophy associates with memory impairment in healthy and pathological aging.
The role of citizen reports in turtle nests discovery: the case of Samos Island, Greece

The geographical characteristics of the Greek coastline and the lack of effort in not urbanized or remote areas may hinder the localization of sea turtle nests. Citizen science campaigns and opportunistic observations are powerful tools to conduct monitoring in the areas with gaps of knowledge. Through an awareness campaign, a total of five nests were reported on Samos Island’s shoreline in 2018 and 2019. The nest inspection investigated the site characteristics and the reproductive outputs, which results are in accordance with previous studies on the species. The engagement of local communities from previously unsurveyed locations, such as in Samos Island, could assist the adequate enforcement of protection measures, filling the gap of information on nests distribution in remote locations.
Catecholamine uptake, melanization, and oxygen toxicity in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Abstract Oxygen sensitivity mutations of Cryptococcus neoformans were mapped to three genetic loci. Three oxygen-sensitive mutants had mutations that appeared allelic and exhibited albinism tightly linked to oxygen sensitivity; these three and a fourth exhibited defects in catechol uptake and catechol oxidation to melanin. Catecholamine metabolism appears to protect C. neoformans from oxidants.
Fracture toughness and slow crack growth behavior of Ni-YSZ and YSZ as a function of porosity and temperature

In this paper we report on the fracture toughness of YSZ and Ni-YSZ and slow-crack growth behavior of Ni-YSZ at 20C and 800C. Results are presented for tests carried out in air for YSZ and in a gas mixture of 4%H2 and 96%Ar for Ni-YSZ containing various levels of porosity. The double-torsion test method was utilized to determine the fracture toughness from the peak load obtained during fast loading test specimens that had been precracked, while crack velocity versus stress intensity curves were obtained in the double torsion using hte load relaxation method. It was found that fracture toughness of these materials decreases with temperature and int he case of Ni-YSZ it also decreases with increasing porosity. The effect of temperature and microstructure, which was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, on the fracture behavior of these materials, is discussed.
Designing hands-on lab exercises in the network security course

Hands-on experiences and practical skills obtained from working on lab assignments are an organic part in the teaching of the Network Security class for students to understand the underneath theoretic parts. This paper has provided the author's experience in designing lab projects in an appropriate level for undergraduate students. This paper presents in details about a security lab setup, lab rules to avoid potential illegal activities for security considerations, the grading policy, and the description of a term project including several successive exercises. From the student responses, the set of lab exercises equipped them with skills on how to identify system vulnerabilities and how to secure a computing system.
Behavior of Type 2 Steel Frames

In the design of steel building frames, various simplifying assumptions are usually introduced when determining member design forces. Typically, the beams are assumed to be either rigidly connected to the columns or simply supported. However, neither of these conditions is ever realized in actual frames. This paper describes the effects of connection flexibility on beam behavior; a parametric study is described for a family of 32 typical multistory frames representing several design philosophies. The study evaluates the adequacy of preliminary design methods for predicting both member forces and building drifts by comparing these parameters with those obtained from a linear elastic computer analysis which accounts for actual connection flexibility. Example results are shown indicating potential savings of steel from use of refined analytical methods.
Chemical hypoxia-induced increases in dopamine D1A receptor mRNA in renal epithelial cells are mediated by nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide (NO) and dopamine (DA) have similar effects on renal function, with both having natriuretic and diuretic effects mediated by vascular and tubular mechanisms. Renal ischaemia or hypoxia have been shown to influence the activity of both systems. However, it is not known whether there is any crosstalk between the NO and dopaminergic systems in the kidney. Here using the porcine proximal tubule-like renal epithelial LLC-PK 1 cell line as a model system, we determined whether exposure of cells to chemical hypoxia altered the steady-state levels of D 1A receptor mRNA and whether the changes involved the NO system. Exposure of LLC-PK 1 cells to chemical hypoxia resulted in a marked increase in D 1A receptor mRNA levels as measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The increased levels of D 1A receptor mRNA following hypoxia were blocked by the NO synthase inhibitors N G -nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) or N G -monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Further evidence that the NO system exerted positive effects on D 1A receptor gene expression came from finding that the NO donor sodium nitroprusside, the NO precursor L-arginine and the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) analogue 8-Br-cGMP all increased D 1A receptor mRNA levels in LLC-PK 1 cells. These results indicate that expression of the D 1A receptor in LLC-PK 1 cells can be positively regulated by the NO system. Such an interaction between the renal NO and DA systems may contribute to the reported protective effects that NO and DA exert upon the kidney under conditions of ischaemia.
Structural aspects of the human C5 gene. Intron/exon organization, 5'-flanking region features, and characterization of two truncated cDNA clones.

Human C5 cDNA fragments were used to identify five overlapping cosmid clones that spanned the entire C5 gene. Partial sequencing and Southern analysis of the clones were performed to identify intron/exon boundaries and to map intron size. The human C5 gene is 79 kilobases in length and is comprised of 41 exons. Comparison of C5 with the homologous family members C3 and C4 revealed striking similarities in exon size and number. Less, although significant similarities were also observed with the family member alpha 2-macroglobulin. The transcriptional start site for the C5 gene was observed as a doublet at positions 29 and 28 nucleotides upstream of the ATG start codon. The 5‘-flanking region of the gene contains sequences homologous with several known responsive elements, including interferon, interleukin-6, glucocorticoid, estrogen, NF-kappa B, and HNF-1. Two previously identified truncated cDNAs, pHC5A and pHC5B, contain 21 and 16 exons, respectively. The last exon in pHC5A, designated exon 21a, is a product of alternative splicing and is not present in the major full-length transcript. Truncation of pHC5A is the result of an alternative polyadenylation signal located in exon 21a. In pHC5B, exon 16 is extended on the 3‘ end by additional flanking genomic sequence that also contains an alternative polyadenylation signal.
Using landscape context to map invasive species with medium-resolution satellite imagery

The spread of invasive species is a global problem of major ecological and economic concern. Landscape level assessment of invasive spread is critical, but remote sensing (RS) analyses are often complicated by the spectral similarity of species and the need to balance spatial resolution with data storage and analysis complexity. One example is the ridge and slough landscape (RSL) of the Florida Everglades, where inflowing nutrients have facilitated large-scale cattail invasions. Hand delineation of aerial imagery has been successful in mapping cattail spread, but this technique requires considerable time and effort. Computerized classification of medium-resolution imagery would increase the ability of scientists to provide up-to-date data for water management decisions. Advances in RS technologies have created opportunities that were not previously available in landscapes such as the RSL—to automatically classify sawgrass and cattail communities with medium-resolution satellite imagery using knowledge of the invasion ecology of cattail and landscape context. We developed a computer-classification technique that provided measure of cattail expansion that matched ground-truthed data and show an increase in cattail area (similar to previous estimates), but a reduction in the rate of expansion over time. Although this technique can miss small patches of plants that might indicated new invasions, its rapid mapping can improve tracking of invasion fronts in the Everglades and other landscapes.
Target identification from radar signatures

Modern high resolution radar techniques and real time digital signal processing advances indicate the feasibility of extracting characteristic features of aircraft targets from their radar signatures. Two basic approaches have been suggested. The low frequency approach utilizes harmonically related radar frequencies with wavelengths comparable to the target dimensions. The microwave approach utilizes spread spectrum techniques to achieve high range resolution. Synthetic aperture processing can produce two dimensional images. Pattern recognition considerations include the development of training set data and selection of an optimum feature space. The development of a passive radar target identification system has application to military surveillance radars and civilian air traffic control systems.
Biosequence similarity search on the Mercury system

Biosequence similarity search is an important application in modern molecular biology. Search algorithms aim to identify sets of sequences whose extensional similarity suggests a common evolutionary origin or function. The most widely used similarity search tool for biosequences is BLAST, a program designed to compare query sequences to a database. Here, we present the design of BLASTN, the version of BLAST that searches DNA sequences, on the Mercury system, an architecture that supports high-volume, high-throughput data movement off a data store and into reconfigurable hardware. An important component of application deployment on the Mercury system is the functional decomposition of the application onto both the reconfigurable hardware and the traditional processor. Both the Mercury BLASTN application design and its performance analysis are described.
Effective Global Strategy Implementation: Structural and Process Choices Facilitating Global Integration and Coordination.

This article offers a contingency framework of global strategy implementation effectiveness on firm performance. The research question we seek to address is what the structural and process requirements are for MNEs to successfully implement global strategy through increased efficiency and effectiveness of integration and coordination across world markets. Our central premise is that MNEs’ capabilities in establishing supporting structural and process mechanisms will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of implementing their global strategies which would, in turn, lead to better firm performance.
A COTS component comprehension process

A process is proposed to support comprehension of COTS components. In this process, software developers build a COTS comprehension model to support component selection. We integrate the process with a UML component based software development approach. We illustrate our approach using a hotel reservation system.
Longitudinal Variations, the Opposition Effect and Monochromatic Albedos for Mars

Observations of Mars previously reported in 10 narrow bands between 3150 A and 1.06 μ and in UBV are analyzed for brightness variations which correlate with longitude of the central meridian. Such an effect is found for λ ⩾ 5000 A, with some evidence for such a correlation at λ = 4570 A. The data are then corrected to the mean (over longitude) brightness and a linear phase curve fitted to those observations with phase angle i⩾15°. An opposition effect (anomalous brightening at small phase angles) is found for wavelengths λ⩽5500A, in contrast to a result previously reported. The magnitude at zero phase, phase coefficient, and monochromatic albedo are computed for Mars as a function of wavelength.
Biological implants in sphincter augmentation offer a good short‐term outcome after a sphincter repair

Aim Long-term results of the overlapping sphincter repair (OSR) have been disappointing, attributed to poor tissue quality that deteriorates with time. Biological grafts enforce tissues. The aim was to compare functional outcome and quality of life at 1 year with and without Permacol® reinforcement to evaluate short-term benefit. Method From November 2007 to November 2008, women undergoing OSR using Permacol (group 1, n = 10) under institutional review board approval (safety trial) were age matched with patients from an institutional review board approved database (group 2, n = 10) who underwent the traditional OSR. Permacol mesh was placed under the two overlapped muscles. Group 2 underwent traditional repair. Preoperative and postoperative management of the groups was similar. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scale were used preoperatively and 1 year post-surgery. Results No significant differences in demographics, symptom duration, number of vaginal deliveries, comorbidities and symptom severity were noted. Group 2 underwent concomitant procedures. Group 1 reported no complications. Group 2 reported urinary retention and dehiscence. A significant difference was found in preoperative and postoperative FIQL subscales of coping/behaviour between groups. However, comparing the pre and post scores, significant improvements on FISI (P = 0.02), the CCFIS (P = 0.005) and two subscales of FIQL (coping/behaviour, P = 0.02, and embarrassment, P = 0.01) were found in group 1. Patient satisfaction was higher in group 1. Conclusion Biologic tissue enhancers (Permacol) do not add morbidity. Sphincter augmentation results in significant improvement in continence and quality of life scores compared with the preoperative scores in the short term over traditional repair. Long-term studies are needed to determine if this effect is sustained.
Characteristics of suicidality among adolescents

The identification of high-risk adolescent suicide attempters in a population of depressed and suicidal adolescents is of crucial importance. This retrospective study examined characteristics of suicidality (recent and lifetime, active and passive) and psychopathology (depression, aggression, impulsivity, stressful life events, SCL-90 dimensions) among four groups of depressed adolescent outpatients: (1) suicide attempters who required medical treatment (n = 84), (2) suicide attempters who did not require medical treatment (n = 57), (3) suicidal ideators who had never made a suicide attempt (n = 40), and (4) nonsuicidal patients (n = 44). Results indicate that the nonsuicidal group could be differentiated from the three suicidal groups on the basis of suicidality and psychopathology, and that the three suicidal groups could be differentiated from one another on the basis of suicidality but not psychopathology. These findings are discussed in terms of the usefulness of certain self-report measures of suicidality for identifying suicidal adolescents and for differentiating among them. Furthermore, the findings suggest that psychopathological factors do not determine which suicidal adolescents make a medically dangerous suicide attempt and which do not.
Systematic approach for validating Java-MongoDB Schema

MongoDB® product of 10gen, Inc is one of widely used NoSQL [No Structured Query Language] Database in industry and this paper discusses a systemic approach for validating the MongoDB NoSQL Schema in Java. This approach uses a user defined xml schema to compare against the MongoDB object before any data manipulation operation.
Pheochromocytoma – from genetics to clinical medicine

Published as part of the Frontiers of Hormone Research series, Pheochromocytoma: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management gives a brilliant multidisciplinary perspective. Internationally reputed authors contribute their expertise to subjects ranging from biochemistry and genetics to diagnostic imaging, medicine and surgery. This nine-chapter book is indispensable for both scientists and clinicians and will benefit both students and professionals working in genetics, internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology, oncology and diagnostic imaging.
Lipopolysaccharides inhibit lymphosarcoma cells of bone marrow origin

BACTERIAL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulate DNA synthesis specifically in B (thymus-independent) lymphocytes1–4, increase immunoglobulin synthesis and secretion in B cells5, and stimulate the immune response of antibody production to various antigens in the apparent absence of T (thymus-dependent) lymphocytes4,6–8. Recently a mouse B lymphosarcoma, PU-5-1, has been described which has surface immunoglobulin9, and produces a small amount of immunoglobulin (R. Asofsky, unpublished). Cells of this tumour were adapted to culture and tested for the LPS stimulation of immunoglobulin secretion. Surprisingly, growth of the tumour cells was inhibited by LPS, although there was no effect on mouse myelomas or T lymphomas. Inhibition also occurred with an Abelson leukaemia virus induced tumour believed to represent a B lymphoma10 or immature myelomonocytic neoplasm11. No effect was observed on the growth rate of a number of human B cell lines tested. LPS is not cytotoxic for the tumour cells: growth resumes when it is removed. Incorporation of precursors into DNA is inhibited before RNA and protein synthesis is affected. The active component of LPS seems to be the lipid A, as shown for its pyrogenic12, mitogenic8,13–15, and adjuvant8,13 properties.
CSF 5-HIAA correlates with neuroticism in depressed patients.

Background: To examine for relationships between neurotransmitters and personality. Method: 27 depressed patients had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolites measured and completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Result: CSF concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) correlated significantly with EPQ neuroticism scores. Conclusion: Central serotonin may play a role in neuroticism, a personality dimension predisposing to depression. Limitation: The positive correlation may partly reflect collinear relationships between both variables and anxiety/depression.
Experimental determination of ground-state correlation effects in molecular nitrogen.

High-energy (25--28-keV) electron-impact spectroscopy (HEEIS) has been used to measure a relatively complete Bethe surface for molecular nitrogen. This surface, placed on an absolute scale by Bethe-sum-rule normalization of the generalized oscillator strength (GOS), has been employed to obtain the x-ray incoherent scattering factor {ital S}({ital K}) as a function of the momentum transfer {ital K} by use of a sum rule of the GOS. Ground-state correlation effects on {ital S}({ital K}) were obtained by comparing the experimental results with theory based on a near-Hartree-Fock molecular wave function. The results are compared with recent theoretical calculations of valence-shell correlation effects. It is argued that x-ray and electron-scattering experiments offer the most sensitive tests currently available for valence-shell electron-correlation effects in the ground electronic states of molecules. The results obtained coupled with available theory suggest that correlation effects on the one-electron density play a dominant role in the determination of the total correlation energy of the nitrogen molecule.
Screening for urinary tract infection using Bac-T-Screen bacterium device

Abstract The Bac-T-Screen was used to process 795 urine specimens. Tests for urine specimens took slightly more than two minutes. The Bac-T-Screen predicted with 99 per cent accuracy if a specimen was negative for bacteriuria or pyuria. Thus, approximately one half of all carefully collected urine specimens need no further laboratory culture. In addition, the Bac-T-Screen detected bacteriuria with a sensitivity of 96 per cent at the 105 CFU/ml level of probability. Pyuria (1 +) was detected with a sensitivity of 98 per cent. The Bac-T-Screen can be used in an office practice as well as in the clinical laboratory.
Type I inositol-triphosphate receptor gene is alternatively spliced in human cerebral arteries.

Abstract Three distinct genes encode the three isoforms of the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor (type I, II and III) expressed in brain. Coupling domain of neuronal type I receptor contains a 117 nucleotide insert located between two cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation consensus sequences. By contrast, in nonneuronal tissues this insert is removed by alternative splicing. Neuronal tissue and cerebral arteries share the same embryologic origin. The present study was designed to characterize alternative splicing of the type I IP3 receptor gene in vascular tissue of human brain. Total RNA was isolated from human basilar and middle cerebral arteries and cerebellum. One μg of total RNA was reverse transcribed. First strand cDNA was obtained and used as a template in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were subcloned and sequenced. Specific mRNA for type I and II receptors were detected in human cerebral arteries. In vascular tissue, a short transcript was expressed indicating that the type I receptor was alternatively spliced. In contrast, only nonspliced isoform was detected in cerebellum. These results suggest that alternative splicing corresponds to differences in regulation of cerebrovascular and neuronal IP3 receptors.
Preliminary standardization of a new visuospatial memory test with six alternate forms

Abstract Neuropsychological instruments that can be used to measure changes in cognitive function over time are urgently needed. We report the development of a new test of visuospatial memory called the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) with six equivalent, alternate forms. The interform reliability of the test was first demonstrated in a between-groups investigation and then confirmed in a second study using a counterbalanced, repeated measures design. In the third study, BVMT scores were impaired in a sample of traumatically brain-injured adults and significantly correlated with scores derived from the Visual Reproduction subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale. The BVMT may be a valuable asset to neuropsychological examinations in studies of progressive dementia or treatment outcome.
Towards Single-Copy Gene Expression Systems Making Gene Cloning Physiologically Relevant: Lambda InCh, a Simple Escherichia coli Plasmid-Chromosome Shuttle System

We describe a simple system for reversible, stable integration of plasmid-borne genes into the Escherichia coli chromosome. Most ordinary E. coli strains and a variety of pBR322-derived ampicillin-resistant plasmids can be used. A single genetic element, a lambda phage, is the only specialized vector required. The resultant strains have a single copy of the plasmid fragment inserted stably at the lambda attachment site on the chromosome, with nearly the entire lambda genome deleted.
Muscarinic Receptors Mediate Carbachol-Induced Inhibition of Maximal Electroshock Seizures in the Nucleus Reticularis Pontis Oralis

Summary: Purpose: Previous reports from this laboratory indicated a role for N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors among the neuronal mechanisms of the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis (RPO) that regulate the tonic hindlimb extension (THE) component of maximal electroshock seizures (MESs) in rats. This study was intended to determine the role of cholinergic mechanisms in the RPO regulation of THE. Methods: Rats were surgically prepared with microinjection guide cannulas for the focal administration of drug solutions directly into the RPO. MES was induced with corneal electrodes. Results: RPO microinjection of carbachol significantly inhibited the incidence of THE. RPO microinjection of atropine by itself had no effect on the seizure response but significantly antagonized the anticonvulsant effect induced by RPO microinjection of carbachol. The selective nicotinic agonist dimeth-ylpiperizinium (DMPP) by itself had no effect on THE. RPO microinjection of 10 ng pertussis toxin by itself had no effect on THE but significantly antagonized the anticonvulsant effect induced by RPO microinjection of carbachol. Conclusions: RPO microinjection of carbachol inhibited the THE component of MESs in rats. The carbachol effect appeared to be mediated by muscarinic receptors as the anticonvulsant activity was antagonized by atropine, and the selective nicotinic agonist DMPP induced no anticonvulsant activity. Because pertussis toxin acts to inhibit muscarinic receptor-linked G proteins, the pertussis toxin antagonism of carbachol also supports a muscarinic mechanism of action.
Expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule CD56 is not associated with P-glycoprotein overexpression in core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with rearrangement of the core-binding factor (CBF) alpha or beta subunit gene has a favorable prognosis, but CD56 expression in CBFalpha-AML is associated with short disease-free survival. A proposed mechanism is overexpression of the multidrug resistance (MDR) protein P-glycoprotein (Pgp). CD56 expression, Pgp expression and function, and expression of the additional MDR proteins multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1), lung resistance protein (LRP) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were studied in pretreatment blasts from 25 CBF-AML patients. CD56 expression was frequent in CBFalpha but rare in CBFbeta, and Pgp expression and function were frequent in both subtypes. CD56 expression did not correlate with Pgp expression or function, nor with expression of the other MDR proteins. Treatment failure associated with CD56 expression in CBFalpha-AML is not likely attributable to Pgp.
Envisioning management of information

Abstract Organizations generate and dissipate information. The main argument of this paper is that managing the information generation-information dissipation-organization cycle is central to the performance of a modern organization. The two key goals in managing the cycle are to ensure that the cycle is positively reinforcing, and that generation and dissipation are balanced. A positively reinforcing cycle will result in a continuously learning, effective organization; a negatively reinforcing cycle, on the other hand, will result in a decadent, ineffective organization. A cycle in which generation and dissipation are balanced is functional; lack of balance manifests itself as dysfunctionalities such as information overload, information in jail, and misinformation. An organization is a cause as well as a consequence of information generation and dissipation. Consequently, the effectiveness of an organization depends upon the semiotics of the stimuli and agents used for information generation and dissipation. A manager who understands the stimuli, agents, and semiotics—tacitly or explicitly—will be more effective than one who does not. The role of a researcher is to explicate the tacit knowledge if it exists, and to develop new knowledge if it does not, and thereby to make the information generation-information dissipation-organization cycle more effective and efficient.
Upregulation of SOCS-3 and PIAS-3 impairs IL-12-mediated interferon-gamma response in CD56+ T cells in HCV-infected heroin users.

BACKGROUND CD56(+) T cells are abundant in liver and play an important role in host innate immunity against viral infections, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a common infection among heroin abusers. We thus investigated the in vivo impact of heroin use or heroin use plus HCV infection on the CD56(+) T cell frequency and function. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 37 heroin users with (17) or without (20) HCV infection and 17 healthy subjects were included in the study. Although there was no significant difference in CD56(+) T cell frequency in PBMCs among three study groups, CD56(+) T cells isolated from the heroin users had significantly lower levels of constitutive interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) expression than those from the normal subjects. In addition, when stimulated by interleukin (IL)-12, CD56(+) natural T cells from HCV-infected heroin users produced significantly lower levels of IFN-gamma than those from the normal subjects. This diminished ability to produce IFN-gamma by CD56(+) T cells was associated with the increased plasma HCV viral loads in the HCV-infected heroin users. Investigation of the mechanisms showed that although heroin use or heroin use plus HCV infection had little impact on the expression of the key positive regulators (IL-12 receptors, STAT-1, 3, 4, 5, JAK-2, and TYK-2) in IL-12 pathway, heroin use or heroin use plus HCV infection induced the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-3 (SOCS-3) and protein inhibitors of activated STAT-3 (PIAS-3), two key inhibitors of IL-12 pathway. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE These findings provide compelling in vivo evidence that heroin use or heroin use plus HCV infection impairs CD56(+) T cell-mediated innate immune function, which may account for HCV infection and persistence in liver.
Practice Effects Associated With Repeated Assessment of a Clinical Test of Reaction Time

Context: Researchers have confirmed that the ruler-drop test could be included as part of a multifaceted concussion-assessment battery and potentially as a way to track recovery from head injury. H...
Labor productivity, costs, and mine survival during a recession☆

Abstract The ability of a mine to survive cyclical downturns depends, according to economic theory, largely on its variable production costs. Since labor accounts for a sizeable share of the variable costs of mining, a mine that enters a recession with relatively high labor productivity and that manages during the recession to raise its labor productivity should be more likely than other mines to avoid cutbacks and closure. The US copper industry over the 1975–90 period provides empirical support for this expectation. But surprisingly, it also suggests that mine survival depends (a) more on labor productivity than variable costs, and (b) more on the ability of a mine to increase its labor productivity once in a recession than on a high level of labor productivity at the start of a recession. An important factor affecting the extent to which mines increase labor productivity once in a recession is the life expectancy of their reserves.
Identification of linear systems using polynomial kernels in the frequency domain

Abstract In prior work we presented an identification algorithm using polynomials in the time domain. In this article, we extend this algorithm to include polynomials in the frequency domain. A polynomial is used to represent the imaginary part of the Fourier transform of the impulse response. The Hilbert transform relationship is used to compute the real part of the frequency response and hence the complete process model. The polynomial parameters are computed based on the computationally efficient linear least square method. The order of the polynomial is estimated based on residue decrement. Simulated and experimental results show the effectiveness of this method, particularly for short input/output data sequence with high signal to noise ratio. The frequency domain polynomial model complements the time domain methods since it can provide a good estimate of the time to steady state for time domain FIR (finite impulse response) models. Confidence limits in time or frequency domain can be computed using this approach. Noise rejection properties of the algorithm are illustrated using data from both simulated and real processes.
Bilateral herniation of renal pelves A complication of cutaneous pyelostomy

The first reported case of bilateral herniations of the renal pelves as a complication of cutaneous pyelostomy is presented. We describe a modification of the original surgical technique that may prevent herniation, based on fixation of the pelvis to the lumbodorsal fascia as well as the cut edge of the pelvis to the skin. In our patient the bilateral herniations were corrected by repairing the fascial defects and suturing of the pelvis to the fascia.
On quadratic invariants and symplectic structure

We show that the theorems of Sanz-Serna and Eirola and Sanz-Serna concerning the symplecticity of Runge-Kutta and Linear Multistep methods, respectively, follow from the fact that these methods preserve quadratic integral invariants and are closed under differentiation and restriction to closed subsystems.
A diagnostic calculation of the general circulation of the atlantic ocean

Abstract The general circulation of the Atlantic Ocean is calculated from the low Rossby number equations of motions where all frictional terms except surface wind stress are neglected. Climatological sea surface wind stress, temperature, and salinity, and bottom topography are inputs to the calculation. Total transport is calculated by integrating the vertically integrated equations of motion along contours of constant planetary potential vorticity, f/H, where f is the Coriolis parameter and H is the local depth. The integration begins on the eastern boundary of the ocean where the total transport is assumed to be zero. Results are also obtained for three transport components; Ekman transport, thermohaline transport, and bottom velocity transport. Despite the rather crude 1° × 1° calculation grid, the results show considerable detail, particularly in the higher latitude Atlantic Ocean. The calculations yield about a 25 × 106m3s−1 transport through the Straits of Florida increasing to a maximum Gulf Stream transport of about 90; about 25 × 106m3s−1 of this is entrained flow from a Southwestward, nearly barotropic flow along the Middle Atlantic Bight continental slope. Unlike the wind-driven, constant depth, Sverdrup transport result, total transport streamlines are closed in the western boundary without need of bottom or lateral friction in the governing equations.
Stable LQG controllers

The optimal LQG controller is known to stabilize the closed loop if certain mild conditions are satisfied. The controller itself, however, may be unstable. The paper presents a method of selecting the weighting and covariance matrices such that the optimal controller is internally asymptotically stable. The method is very easy to apply and for stable open-loop system involves the solution of a single Lyapunov equation. >
An Acanthamoeba polyubiquitin gene and application of its promoter to the establishment of a transient transfection system

Abstract We have isolated and sequenced a 2388 bp polyubiquitin encoding genomic DNA from Acanthamoeba encompassing two complete and one incomplete ubiquitin units. Codon usage frequency shows extreme bias. The deduced amino acid sequences of each unit are identical to each other and the same as that deduced from a previously sequenced Acanthamoeba castellanii cDNA. The upstream region of this gene, which contained some putative regulatory modules, was recovered by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and subcloning. This upstream fragment was ligated to the CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) gene in a eukaryotic expression plasmid and successfully applied to the establishment of an Acanthamoeba transient transfection system. Transfection was performed by electroporation and the optimal voltage was 4500 volts/cm at capacitance 25 μ F. DEAE-dextran (25 μ g/ml) added into the electroporation buffer increased the transfection efficiency by about 45%. The CAT activity was proportional to the amount of DNA transfected and reached the peak level 48 h after transfection. CAT assays showed that the polyubiquitin gene upstream fragment contains a functional promoter which is about 2.5 times as strong as a viral RSV-LTR promoter when driving CAT expression in Acanthamoeba.
Fertility of mammalian spermatozoa: its development and relativity.

Spermatozoa leaving the testis of normal animals are not ready to fertilise oocytes. They gain this ability while passing through the epididymis. It is interesting that spermatozoa of most animals take about 10 days to pass through the epididymis despite huge interspecies variations in the length of the epididymal tubule (e.g. some 30–50 m in large farm animals and about 1 m in the laboratory mouse) (Robaire & Hermo, 1988). The site where the spermatozoa begin to acquire fertilising capacity varies according to species, but it is generally the corpus epididymis or the proximal segment of the cauda epididymis where a large proportion of the spermatozoa become fertilisationcompetent. The distal segment of the cauda epididymis is the principal site for the storage of mature spermatozoa. Prolonged sojourn in the cauda epididymis (and vas deferens), however, could be detrimental to the spermatozoa.
Genes in Police Files

Krimsky and Simoncelli build a convincing case that a cautious approach to forensic DNA data banks is essential to protect constitutional rights.
Inference Networks for Document Retrieval

The use of inference networks to support document retrieval is introduced. A network-basead retrieval model is described and compared to conventional probabilistic and Boolean models.
Black Males and Social Problems Prevention Through Afrocentric Socialization

Most Americans are aware of the high rates of social problems among Black Americans. For example, Blacks are disproportionately represented among Americans experiencing academic failure, teenage pregnancy, female-headed families, chronic unemployment, poverty, alcoholism, drug addiction, and criminal victimization (Poussaint, 1983; U.S. News and World Report, 1986). Consequently, there is a great deal of debate among politicians, journalists, academics, and ordinary citizens concerning the etiology of these problems. Those who attempt to explain the prevalence of these conditions among Blacks tend to argue one of three positions: genetic inferiority, culture of poverty, or racial oppression. Advocates of the genetic inferiority perspective argue that the high rates of social problems among Blacks is a product or expression of Black peoples' innate inferiority to Caucasians and other racial groups. Moreover, advocates of this perspective argue that Blacks possess genetic traits and characteristics that predispose them to engage in problematic behavior at higher rates than White (Garrett, 1961; Jensen, 1973). A major problem with genetic inferiority theories is that advocates of this perspective tend to differentially apply it in explaining the causes of social problems among various racial and ethnic groups. For example, White Americans have higher rates of academic failure, teenage pregnancy, female-headed families, drug addiction, and criminal involvement than do Europeans (Archer and Gartner, 1983; Time Magazine, 1985). However, the rate dif-
Regime Diagrams for K-Theory Dispersion

In atmospheric dispersion, the “non-Gaussian” effects of gravitational settling, the vertical gradient in diffusivity and the surface deposition do not enter uniformly but rather break up parameter space into several discrete regimes. Here, we describe regime diagrams that are constructed for K-theory dispersion of effluent from a surface line source in unsheared inhomogeneous turbulence, using a previously derived Fourier–Hankel method. This K-theory formulation differs from the traditional one by keeping a non-zero diffusivity at the ground. This change allows for turbulent exchange between the canopy and the atmosphere and allows new natural length scales to emerge. The axes on the regime diagrams are non-dimensional distance defined as the ratio of downwind distance to the characteristic length scale for each effect. For each value of the ratio of settling speed to the K gradient, two to four regimes are found. Concentration formulae are given for each regime. The regime diagrams allow real dispersion problems to be categorized and the validity of end-state concentration formulae to be judged.
Who Received Loans? Home Owners’ Loan Corporation Lending and Discrimination in Philadelphia in the 1930s:

The lending record of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) has received little attention compared with HOLC’s residential security maps. Specifically, the extent to which HOLC practiced racial and ethnic discrimination in the process of making and servicing more than a million loans to homeowners during the Depression has not been carefully examined. Using primary sources including HOLC publications, newspaper articles, 1930 census data, and mortgage records from Philadelphia, this research shows that HOLC did make loans to African Americans, Jews, and immigrants. Evidence suggests, however, that HOLC supported racial segregation in the process of reselling properties acquired through foreclosure.
Intermittent intravenous methotrexate in the treatment of advanced epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix and vulvovagina

Epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix and vulvovagina recurring after surgery or radiotherapy has been treated with methotrexate by several routes. Regional pelvic perfusion with methotrexate has its advocates, but most now feel that the possible benefits are outweighed by the risk of complication the current study evaluates the effects of intermittent intravenous methotrexate at 0.6 mg/kg twice weekly, continuing until toxicity develops. Among the 10 patients treated, there was only one objective response, and there were 2 subjective responses. Four patients became considerably worse by the treatment. Consequently, this form of therapy has been abandoned, and there still is no effective means of treating the patient in whom surgery and radiation therapy have failed or in whom the disease is too widespread for local methods of treatment.
Neutron depolarization measurements on amorphous RE-TM alloys

Abstract Neutron depolarization by transmission was measured vs. temperature for amorphous NdFe 2 , Tb 3 Fe and DyCu. For NdFe 2 and Tb 3 Fe, depolarization disappeared at temperatures higher than previously reported freezing temperatures; no depolarization was observed in DyCu. These results are discussed with reference to possible spin arrangements in these materials.
1,3,4‐Benzotriazepinones. Formation and rearrangement

Anthranilic hydrazide reacts with orthoesters to produce mixtures of 3 products: 3,4-dihyro-5H-1,3,4-benzotriazepin-5-ones (1), 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-4-quinazolinones (2) and 2-(2-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (4). The origin of these materials has been investigated. Product distributions depend on the nature of substituents, solvent and time. In ethanol benzotriazepinones are kinetically favored, but formed reversibly they subsequently rearrange to 2 and 4. Aminoquinazolinone formation is suppressed in aprotic solvents at moderate temperatures. Earlier failures to obtain 1 are due to its tendency to isomerize. Acid, base and thermal rearrangements have been observed. Mechanisms are proposed for the formation of 1, 2 and 4, and for the rearrangements of the benzotriazepinones. Pyrazolo- and imidazotriazepinones have been prepared from the corresponding o-aminoazole hydrazides.
Metabolism of thyrotropin releasing factor in two clonal cell lines of nervous system origin

Abstract Immunoreactive thyrotropin releasing factor (TRF) was detected in homogenates of two clonal cell lines, BN1010-1 and BN1010-3, derived from a rat central nervous system tumor. TRF was present in logarithmically-growing cells; daily medium changes with slightly acid culture medium (pH 6.8) greatly increased the TRF content of these cells. In contrast, TRF could not be detected in stationary phase cells. TRF peptidases were