cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical Natural Language Processing: The REL System as Prototype

Publisher Summary A lot has been written and much work has been done on natural language as a means of communication with computers. Some of the problems involved in the development of systems with such a capability have been effectively solved; others, more difficult, have been more clearly delineated. It is now worthwhile to assess the current state of the art and future directions in this area of research. The interest here is to achieve an early operational system for natural language communication with computers. This chapter reflects this concern. The chapter constantly focuses on the question: What can be done now? The views here are based upon direct and successful experience with the problems discussed. The system for communicating with the computer in natural language discussed here, the REL (Rapidly Extensible Language) System, is in experimental operation and is nearing the transportable, prototype stage. This chapter calls on examples from this work to make the points clear and concrete. The question that is sought to be answered in this chapter is: How can a qualified professional effectively use the computer for relevant research with minimum constraints on the language of communication?
Update in nonneoplastic lung diseases.

Abstract Context.—Nonneoplastic lung diseases include a wide range of pathologic disorders from asthma to interstitial lung disease to pulmonary hypertension. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of many of these disorders may ultimately impact diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. It is important for the practicing pathologist to be aware of this new information and to understand how it impacts the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of these diseases. Objective.—To update current progress toward elucidating the pathophysiology of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as to present classification systems for pulmonary hypertension, asthma, and interstitial lung disease and describe how these advances relate to the current practice of pulmonary pathology. Data Sources.—Published literature from PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and primary material from the authors' institution. Conclusions.—Improved understan...
Prediction of the rates of fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy success by cumulus-coronal morphology in an in vitro fertilization program

Abstract Objective: To examine the relation between the grading of cumulus-coronal morphology at oocyte retrieval and the rates of fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy success in IVF-ET cycles. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University-affiliated medical center. Patient(s): Infertile women who underwent IVF-ET treatment. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fertilization and cleavage of the oocytes and the pregnancy outcome. Result(s): Mature grade 3 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) constituted the highest percentage among all grades and had a higher fertilization rate than COCs of other grades (77% versus 65%, 43%, and 28% for grades 2, 1, and 4, respectively). The cleavage and polyspermy rates did not correlate with cumulus-coronal morphology grading. The pregnancy rate was higher in cycles with >50% grade 3 COCs than in cycles with ≤50% grade 3 COCs (32% versus 16%). In cycles with >80% grade 3 COCs, the pregnancy rate was 57%. The correlation between the percentage of grade 3 COCs and the pregnancy rate was independent of patient age and the number of COCs retrieved. Conclusion(s): The cumulus-coronal morphology grade correlates with the fertilization rate but not with the cleavage or polyspermy rate. In vitro fertilization cycles that have a greater percentage of grade 3 COCs have an increased chance of resulting in pregnancy. The cumulus-coronal morphology grade predicts pregnancy success in IVF-ET cycles.
Hybrid solar cells using ZnO nanorods

ZnO nano rods were grown by aqueous chemical growth technique over ZnO seeds in mesh form deposited on ITO coated glass substrate. The structural and morphological analysis of the seed layer and the nano rods were studied, both the seed and the nano rods are crystalline in nature and majority of the planes are oriented along the C-axis. Over the nano rods layer P3HT (poly 3-hexylthiophene)/PCBM ((6, 6)-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester) blend, PEDOT: PSS (Poly ethylenedioxythiophene doped with poly styrene sulphonic acid) were successively spin coated and Gold was coated as the top electrode by electron beam evaporation. The Current (I) vs. Voltage (V) characteristics of the device was measured without illumination and with illumination. The device showed an ohmic behavior instead of rectifying behavior.
Cell-mediated immunity to Histoplasma capsulatum.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a facultative intracellular pathogen, and the causative agent of the most common systemic fungal infection. Over the past several years, many new insights have been learned concerning the biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of this microorganism. This review focuses on the immunology of host defense against H. capsulatum yeasts with emphasis on the development of cell-mediated immunity, and the strategies used by the fungus to survive and multiply within macrophages.
Disrupting information coding via block of 4-AP-sensitive potassium channels

Recent interest has emerged on the role of intrinsic biophysical diversity in neuronal coding. An important question in neurophysiology is understanding which voltage-gated ion channels are responsible for this diversity and how variable expression or activity of one class of ion channels across neurons of a single type affects they way populations carry information. In mitral cells in the olfactory bulb of mice, we found that biophysical diversity was conferred in part by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive potassium channels and reduced following block of those channels. When populations of mitral cells were stimulated with identical inputs, the diversity exhibited in their output spike patterns reduced with the addition of 4-AP, decreasing the stimulus information carried by ensembles of 15 neurons from 437 ± 15 to 397 ± 19 bits/s. Decreases in information were due to reduction in the diversity of population spike patterns generated in response to different features of the stimulus, suggesting that the coding capacity of a population can be altered by changes in the function of single ion channel types.
The Sf9 cell line as a model for studying insect octopamine-receptors

Abstract Adenylate cyclase-coupled octopamine (OA) receptors were demonstrated in the Sf9 insect cell line derived from Spodoptera frugiperda . This receptor-enzyme complex is membrane-associated, has a requirement for GTP and is forskolin-sensitive. In intact Sf9 cells, 100 μM OA produces a 3-fold increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. These cells do not exhibit adenylate cyclase sensitive to dopamine or serotonin. This binding site shows a high affinity for OA ( K a = 3.5 μ M), the formamidine, N -demethylchlordimeform, DCDM ( K a = 0.3 μ M) and the imidazoline, 2,3-xylylaminomethyl-2′-imidazoline, XAMI ( K a = 0.7 μ M) with a reduced affinity for α 2 -selective agonists such as clonidine and UK-14304. Of 24 putative antagonists tested in this system, ergotamine, phentolamine, (+)mianserin and RX821002A were the most effective. Other antagonists such as yohimbine, propranolol and (+)butaclamol were relatively ineffective. These responses differ considerably from the pharmacological profile for the cockroach nerve cord octopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase (OSAC) but are similar to previous results with the lepidopteran, Manduca sexta . There appears to be a closer pharmacological relationship of the Sf9 and cockroach OA receptor to the vertebrate imidazoline-preferring receptor (IPR) than the α 2 -adrenergic receptor. Studies on receptor dynamics indicated that the Sf9 OSAC undergoes agonist-induced desensitization. Therefore, based on these combined data, we propose the Sf9 cell line as a convenient model system for studying the pharmacology and dynamics of lepidopteran adenylate cyclase-coupled OA receptors.
The extended Graetz problem with prescribed wall flux

An analytical solution is obtained to the extended Graetz problem with prescribed wall flux, based on a selfadjoint formalism resulting from a decomposition of the convective diffusion equation into a pair of first-order partial differential equations. The solution obtained is simple, computationally efficient and in striking contrast with incomplete numerical efforts in the past.
In-situ impurity measurements in pdx edge plasma

Abstract The surface analysis station on PDX combines several surface analysis techniques (AES, XPS, and SIMS) for in-situ measurement of impurity fluxes in the edge plasma. The major impurities deposited on a sample surface during nondiverted PDX discharges are oxygen, titanium (limiter material), and chlorine. The impurity fluxes measured at different radial positions decrease by a factor of ten from the plasma edge to the wall. The sample surface collecting the impurity ions is located behind a circular aperture. The observed broadening of the deposition profile of Ti relative to the aperture diameter enables an estimate to be made of the ratio of charge state/energy of Ti ions in the edge plasma. Time-resolved analyses of the deposited impurities are presented which indicate that the time behaviour for various impurities may be quite different for different impurity species. This aspect is discussed in relation to probable impurity release mechanisms.
Chemical comminution of coal

The objective of the present research is to study the chemical reactivity of a mixture of methyl alcohol and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution in the temperature range 298 to 363 K, and a caustic concentration of 0 to 10 wt. %, on an Iowa bituminous coal. The sample studied was collected from coal zone 4, equivalent to most historical references to Laddsdale coal. The coals in this zone are typical high-sulfur, high-ash middle Pennsylvania Cherokee group coals. The apparent rank is high-volatile C bituminous coal. The relatively high content of sulfur and 23 other elements in these coals is related to near neutral (6-8) pH conditions in the depositional and early diagenetic environments, and to postdepositional sphalerite/calcite/pyrite/kaolinite/barite mineralization.
China's Neglected Informal Economy: Reality and Theory

The informal economy—defined as workers who have no security of employment, receive few or no benefits, and are often unprotected by labor laws—in China today accounts for 168 million of the 283 million urban employed, but the official statistical apparatus in China still does not gather systematic data on the informal economy. Part of the reason for the neglect is the misleading influence of mainstream economic and sociological theories, which have come from the “economic dualism,” “three-sector hypothesis,” and “olive-shaped” social structure theories that held great influence in the United States in the 1960s. This article reviews the core elements of that modernization model, the “revolution” in development economics that followed in the 1970s and 1980s, and the “counterrevolution” from neoclassical economics that came with the rising ideological tide of neoconservatism. The article argues for a balanced theoretical perspective that can more appropriately capture the realities of the informal economy ...
Manifestations of Contradiction: Lakes within the Production/Consumption Dialectic

Much emphasis within Marxist political ecology has focused on the social production of nature. Less attention, however, has been paid to the ways in which an emergent, material nature is an actor in the dialectic of its own appropriation. This paper examines the attempt to capitalize, under simultaneous processes of production and consumption, two proximate yet different Minnesota lakes. Lakes Elysian and Frances represent biophysical nature as process. Yet, their contrasting apparent states of permanence emerge from their dynamic relationships with agriculture, further affecting residential construction on their shores and lake association politics. Information collected from lakes surveys conducted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and personal interviews with lakes association members provide insight into relational processes that influence the appearance of these lakes. Using this investigation, efforts can be made to resist discourses and practices that reify the existence of “green” lakes as inevitable. It is suggested, then, that a new politics of lakes management should be mediated that is less dependent upon their capitalization.
Language, symbols, and the Nebraska Councils of Defense

Abstract The issue of language within the United States continues to be a matter of contention. Southwestern states, such as Arizona and California, currently wrestle with matters of English as the official language and setting limits upon bilingual education. Plaintiffs and defendants in court cases will communicate emotionally, forcefully and articulately, before the bench and in the public media, defending the moral and constitutional aspects of their beliefs. In these exchanges, the management of symbols most assuredly will be utilized to provide legitimacy. These are not the first incidents relating to language concerns and the manipulation of symbols. During and after World War I, the war to “make the world safe for democracy,” the issue of state sanctioned language was already being considered. This study will examine the issue of language, and the use of three classifications of symbols—myths, metaphors and scenarios—to evaluate the paradoxical attitudes and actions of the Nebraska State and County Councils of Defense during an era of perceived crisis.
Metabolism of the hamster pancreatic carcinogen methyl-2-oxopropylnitrosamine by hamster liver and pancreas.

Background. The mechanism whereby methyl-2-oxopropylnitrosamine (MOP) is activated remains unknown. To begin investigating this mechanism, we followed MOP disappearance during its incubation with liver and pancreatic slices and homogenates from Syrian hamsters and rats.
Children of alcoholics during the recovery process: alcoholic and matched control families

Children of relapsed and recovered alcoholic patients were compared with children from sociodemographically matched control families on a set of indices of emotional and physical status. The children of relapsed alcoholics evidenced more symptoms of emotional disturbance than did the control children. In contrast, the children of recovered alcoholics were functioning as well as the control children. Additional analyses showed that the emotional status of children was related to the emotional, physical, and occupational functioning shown by their alcoholic and their nonalcoholic parent, as well as to family life stressors.
Mobile phase effects on membrane protein elution during immobilized artificial membrane chromatography

The eluotropic strength of different mobile phases for eluting membrane proteins from immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography surfaces was studied. Two protein mixtures containing bovine pancreatic PLA2 were used in this study. Protein mixture I was PLA2 obtained from Sigma which contained approximately 5-10 major protein bands in electrophoretic gels. Protein mixture II was obtained from flesh bovine pancreatic tissue and contained > 100 proteins including the target protein, PLA2. After adsorbing Sigma PLA2 to IAM columns, the elution conditions common to conventional chromatographic methods were evaluated for their ability to selectively purify PLA2. Elution conditions tested were (i) detergent gradients, (ii) salt gradients used during ion-exchange chromatography, (iii) salt conditions used during hydrophobic interaction chromatography, (iv) acetonitrile gradients used during reversed-phase chromatography, and (v) a two-step gradient consisting of first a detergent gradient followed by an acetonitrile gradient. Based on silver-stained electrophoretic protein gels. PLA2 from protein mixture I was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity with 417-fold increase in specific activity in one step using elution condition (v), and PLA2 from protein mixture II was purified in one step (660-fold increase in specific activity) using elution condition (iv). Total protein recovery from IAM columns is 70-100%.
Blending world map projections with Flex Projector

The idea of designing a new map projection via combination of two projections is well established. Some of the most popular world map projections in use today were devised in this manner. One const...
Ultrasonic enhanced synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Pt–Co bimetallic nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Carbon material supported bi- or tri-metallic nanoparticles were usually used to replace noble metals, such as platinum, for improving catalytic performance and reducing the cost. In this paper, a carboxylate-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube supported bimetallic platinum–cobalt nanoparticles catalyst was synthesized using a simple one-step ultrasonic method. Electrochemical experiments showed that this catalyst exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity in acid solution for the oxygen reduction reaction. In detail, the onset potential and half-wave potential of this catalyst positively shifted compared with the commercial platinum/carbon catalyst. The as-prepared catalyst also presented a high mass activity. Additionally, it showed a four-electron reduction pathway for the oxygen reduction reaction and exhibited better stability (about 82.8% current density was maintained) than platinum/carbon during the current durability test.
NDT applications in a successful fracture critical bridge inspection program and anchor bolt inspection program

In 1978, Wisconsin Department of Transportation discovered major cracking on a two-girder, fracture critical structure, just four years after it was constructed. In 1981, on the same structure, now seven years old, major cracking was discovered in the tie girder flange of the tied arch span. This is one example of the type of failures that transportation departments discovered on welded structures in the 1970's and '80's. The failures from welded details and pinned connections lead to much stricter standards for present day designs. All areas were affected: design with identification of fatigue-prone details and classification of fatigue categories; material requirements with emphasis on toughness and weldability; increased welding and fabrication standards with licensure of fabrication shops to minimum quality standards including personnel; and an increased effort on inspection of existing bridges, where critical details were overlooked or missed in the past. FHWA inspection requirements for existing structures increased through this same time period, in reaction to the failures that had occurred. Obviously, many structures in Wisconsin were not built to the standards now required, thus the importance for quality inspection techniques. The new FHWA inspection requirements now being implemented throughout the nation require an in-depth, hands-on type inspection at a specified frequency, on all fracture critical structures. Wisconsin Department of Transportation started an in-depth inspection program in 1985 and made it a full time program in 1987. This program included extensive nondestructive testing. Ultrasonic inspection has played a major role in this type of inspection. All fracture critical structures, pin and hanger systems, and pinned connections are inspected on a five-year cycle now. The program requires an experienced inspection team and a practical inspection approach. Extensive preparation is required with review of all design, construction, and maintenance documents. An inspection plan is developed from the review and downloaded to a laptop computer. Inspection emphasis are on 'hands on' visual and nondestructive evaluation. Report documentation includes all design plans, pictorial documentation of structural deficiencies, nondestructive evaluation reports, conclusions, and recommendations. Planned changes in the program include implementation of an engineering work station as a 'single source' information file and reporting file for the inspection program. This would include scanning all current information into the file such as design, construction, and maintenance history. It would also include all inspection data with pictures. Inspections would be performed by downloading data onto a laptop and then uploading after completion of inspection. Pictures and nondestructive data would be entered by digital disks.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Trace element determination using a high yield electromagnetic isotope separator and neutron activation— the determination of cadmium

Abstract The use of isotope separators capable of producing high beam currents as applied to neutron activation analysis is discussed. The specificity of mass separation in this application allows beta or gross gamma counting to be used thereby providing increased sensitivity. The definition of instrument operational parameters and capabilities are discussed. Such parameters as yield, memory, resolution, overlap, and sputtering are considered. The optimized use of the mass separator as applied to the determination of cadium in submicrogram quantities is presented.
Structural and mechanistic underpinnings of the differential drug sensitivity of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer.

EGFR and other ErbB-family tyrosine kinases are overexpressed in many human tumors, and their aberrant expression and mutational activation is associated with the development, progression and aggressiveness of a number of malignancies. Thus the EGFR kinase has long been recognized as a potential drug target in oncology, and small-molecule inhibitors have been under development for more than two decades. As a result of their effectiveness in treating non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) driven by somatic mutations in the EGFR kinase, gefitinib and erlotinib were the first EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved for clinical use. Ironically, these drugs found their target against mutant forms of the EGFR kinase, which have altered enzyme active sites, and not against the wild type (WT) kinase against which their potency and selectivity was carefully honed. Here we review recent structural and enzymological studies that explore the exquisite sensitivity of a subset of these lung cancer mutants to gefitinib and erlotinib. We discuss available structural evidence for the mechanisms of activation of the EGFR kinase by these mutants, and compare it to physiologic activation of the kinase by ligand-induced dimerization. Finally, we consider the mechanisms by which the secondary T790M “gatekeeper” mutation confers resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib.
Modeling microstructure development in gray cast irons

Recent years have seen increasing use of solidification process modeling as a tool to aid in the analysis and elimination of manufacturing defects in castings. Grain size and other microstructural features such as second-phase morphology and distribution are the primary factors in determining the mechanical properties in cast metals. In this work, a representation of nucleation and growth kinetics for gray cast irons, based on a statistical description of the microstructure, has been coupled with a commercial finite-element method code for transient heat-flow calculation to determine microstructure. Features predicted include eutectic cell size, fractions of gray and white iron, graphite morphology, percent pearlite, percent ferrite, and pearlite spacing. The predicted microstructure can then be used to determine the strength and fatigue properties using published correlations. The theoretical development and results of the finite-elementbased model will be discussed and compared with experimental results.
MeroGel hyaluronic acid sinonasal implants: osteogenic implications.

Objectives/Hypothesis The study sought to evaluate the effects of MeroGel (Medtronic Xomed Surgical Products, Jacksonville, FL) hyaluronic acid sinonasal implants by using a mouse model. We expected that this material would dissolve, elicit minimal inflammation, and leave intact mucosa. However, pilot data showed that MeroGel may be osteogenic. The present work focuses on the description and quantification of these bony changes. Study Design Animal experiment. Methods The effects of MeroGel were evaluated using sinonasal and calvarial implants in C57BL/6 mice. The calvarial experiments employed both light microscopy (bone histomorphometry) and fluorochrome labeling (mineral apposition). Each implant study was subdivided into normal control animals, sham-operated control animals, a foreign body control, and MeroGel implants. MeroGel was also placed within subcutaneous pockets remote from bone. All mice were killed 1 month after surgery. Both percentage of bone area within the sinonasal cavity and total calvarial bone area were quantified and compared. Fluorochrome images and the subcutaneous implants were examined qualitatively. Results MeroGel placement engendered new bone formation within the nasal lumen of mice. Compared with normal control animals, sham-operated control animals, and a foreign body control, this increase was statistically significant. The calvaria from MeroGel-implanted mice were thickened as compared with normal animals, sham-operated control animals, and a foreign body control. Tetracycline labeling demonstrated mineral apposition along the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the calvaria and within enlarged marrow spaces. MeroGel placed subcutaneously did not engender bone formation. Conclusions MeroGel, a unique esterified form of hyaluronic acid, induced bone formation within the sinonasal cavity and on the calvaria of mice implanted with it. Our experiments suggest that, when placed adjacent to traumatized, remodeling bone, MeroGel may have osteogenic potential.
PRC…an energy exporter? Rejoinder

Abstract The 1986 drop in world oil price drastically reduced Chinese oil exports and forced the country to increase its exports of textiles, light industrial products and machinery to make up for lost foreign exchange earnings. Given the need for foreign exchange to finance crucial imports for the Four Modernizations Program, China is likely to maintain oil exports at the current level (over 30 million tons per year) for the foreseeable future. Whether it could reach its oil production target of 200 million tons by the year 2000 is unclear.
The impact of financial system development on business cycles volatility: cross-country evidence

Abstract This paper reveals cross-country evidence on how the development of the financial system affects business cycle's volatility. The link between credit markets and economic activity has been the focus of extensive literature, but no cross-country empirical study relating the volatility of economic fluctuations with the development of the financial system has yet been performed. More developed financial systems should imply a reduced impact of asymmetric information problems, as financial institutions become more capable of identifying projects with higher probability of failure. Using a generalized method of moments technique on cross-section set, this paper shows that countries with more developed financial systems have smoother economic fluctuations.
13-week inhalation toxicity study of dimethylformamide (DMF) in cynomolgus monkeys.

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the subchronic inhalation toxicity of dimethylformamide (DMF) in the cynomolgus monkey. Particular attention was paid to the liver since DMF has been shown to produce liver damage in rodents, dogs, and humans. Groups of three cynomolgus monkeys/sex/group received whole-body exposures for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks to 0,30, 100, or 500 ppm DMF. Evaluations for toxicity included body and organ weights, clinical observations, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and microscopic examinations. Clinical laboratory evaluations were conducted twice prior to the start of the study at exposure weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 and at necropsy. Semen, collected from male monkeys three times prior to the start of the study and weekly during the course of the study, was analyzed for sample volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology. In addition, daily vaginal swabs were obtained from all females prior to exposure to determine mean menses cycle length. Although there was a slight trend toward increased cycle length, this trend could not be definitely attributed to compound exposure. Based on extensive monitoring of the monkeys' clinical condition, semen quantity and quality, and clinical and pathological evaluations, no exposure-related adverse health effects were detected following exposure to concentrations of DMF ranging from 30 to 500 ppm for 13 weeks.
Anatomy of cultured mouse cerebellum. II. Organotypic migration of granule cells demonstrated by silver impregnation of normal and mutant cultures.

The architecture of presumptive cortex in whole mount Holmes impregnations of cerebellar cortex was reassessed in order to accomplish accurate identification of the granule cell neurons now known to be present there and to seek evidence concerning possible granule cell migration in vitro. The granule cells, although their processes failed to stain by Holmes' method, were recognized as a layer of naked nuclei of characteristic size, shape, and close packing. The gross foliar and sulcal architecture of cortex remained very immature, as it was when explanted. However, a substantial minority of cultures developed microscopic organotypic lamination characteristic of mature cortex, with molecular, granular, and Purkinje cell layers. All organotypically laminated areas showed anomalous twinning of the granular layer. In the reeler mutation of the mouse, the granule cell migration fails, producing an abnormal laminar pattern in adult cerebellum. Cultures of reeler cerebellum, although well developed in other respects, never showed any trace of cortical lamination, proving that the lamination seen in normal cultures must be produced by the migration which fails in reeler but succeeds in normal mice. This is reinforced by the twinning of the granular layer: any reasonable explanation requires organotypic migration of some of all granule cells. The preferred explanation involves specific geometrical deformation of the developing explant by angular rotation of presumptive cortex.
On Using Collocation in Three Dimensions and Solving a Model Semiconductor Problem

A research code has been written to solve an elliptic system of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of conservation form on a rectangularly shaped three-dimensional domain. The code uses the method of collocation of Gauss points with tricubic Hermite piecewise continuous polynomial basis functions. The system of equations is solved by iteration. The system of nonlinear equations is linearized, and the system of linear equations is solved by iterative methods. When the matrix of the collocation equations is duly modified by using a scaled block-limited partial pivoting procedure of Gauss elimination, it is found that the rate of convergence of the iterative method is significantly improved and that a solution becomes possible. The code is used to solve Poisson's equation for a model semiconductor problem. The electric potential distribution is calculated in a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure that is important to the fabrication of electron devices.
Alcohol Drinking and Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure With and Without Associated Coronary Artery Disease

Myocardial damage from heavy alcohol intake can cause the heart failure (HF) syndrome, but the relation of lighter alcohol intake to HF has rarely been studied. We examined the risk of HF hospitalization among 126,236 subjects who supplied data about alcohol during health examinations from 1978 to 1985. Among 2,594 subjects who were subsequently hospitalized for HF, record review established an association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and HF (CAD-HF) in 1,559 patients. Among the remaining 1,035 subjects who had HF (non-CAD-HF), we attempted determination of preponderant etiologic and contributory factors. Analyses used Cox models that were controlled for 7 covariates, with usual alcohol intake studied categorically compared with that in subjects who did not drink alcohol. Heavier drinkers (≥3 drinks/day) but not light to moderate drinkers had increased risk of non-CAD-HF; e.g., relative risk for subjects who reported ≥6 drinks/day was 1.7 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.6). This association of non-CAD-HF with heavy drinking was limited to subsets with cardiomyopathy or of unclear preponderant etiology. Alcohol drinking was inversely related to risk of CAD-HF (e.g., at 1 to 2 drinks/day, relative risk 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 0.7), with consistency across subgroups of age, gender, ethnicity, education, smoking status, interval to diagnosis, and presence or absence of baseline heart disease or systemic hypertension. Moderate drinking was inversely related to non-CAD-HF only in subjects who had diabetes mellitus (n = 252). In conclusion, heavy, but not light, alcohol drinking is associated with increased risk of non-CAD-HF and that apparent protection by alcohol drinking against CAD-HF risk provides confirmation of a protective effect of alcohol against CAD.
CHANGING VALUES OVER THE LAST HALF-CENTURY: THE STORY OF THURSTONE'S CRIME SCALES

In the late twenties, Thurstone (1727b) had subjects choose between all possible pairs of 19 crimes and offenses. Using the method of pair comparisons, he built a scale of crimes from the more serious as rape and homicide to the less serious as bootlegging and vagrancy. This study was one of the earliest quantitative studies of attitudes and was replicated 40 yr. later by Coombs ( 1967), who found changing patterns of attitudes reflecting changes in societal structure as evolved during the intervening years. The present study is a 50-yr.-later attempt to continue Thurstone's legacy. The analysis of contemporary data was complemented by reanalysis of the preceding studies using a more powerful computational model. The reanalysis of the data collected earlier also permitted the direct comparison between scales obtained from all three studies. METHOD
Performance timing for keyframe animation

Keyframing is a standard technique for generating computer animation that typically requires artistic ability and a set of skills for the software package being used. We are interested in addressing the needs of the novice animator who is not necessarily artistically skilled or familiar with keyframing interfaces. From our experience observing novice animators, it is clear that setting keyframe values is straightforward while specifying the keyframe timing is difficult and often time consuming. We present a novel method for novice users to time keyframes using gestures without changing the motion itself. The key to our approach is the separation of specification of keyframe values from the specification of keyframe timing. Our approach allows the user to "act-out" the timing information using a simple 2D input device such as a mouse or pen-tablet. The user's input is analyzed and features of the user's input are mapped to features of the keyframed motion. The keyframes are then distributed in time according to the timing of the user's input path. We have implemented the approach as a plugin to the AliasWavefront Maya modeling and animation package. We demonstrate the approach on several example scenes and discuss its strengths and limitations.
Transcription in yeast activated by a putative amphipathic α helix linked to a DNA binding unit

Gene activation by a DNA-binding regulatory protein in yeast requires the protein to have two components: one to recognize a specific DNA sequence and a second, the 'activating region', to interact with a general transcription factor or perhaps with RNA polymerase1,2. The activating regions that have been characterized are acidic3,4, and mutational analysis of one indicates that this acidity is important for activity6. Here we report the design of an artificial protein bearing a novel 15-amino acid peptide linked to a DNA binding fragment of the yeast regulatory protein GAL4 (refs 7–10). The synthetic peptide is acidic and should it form an α-helix, that helix would be amphipathic, having one hydrophilic face bearing the acidic residues, and one hydrophobic face11. When expressed in yeast, the artificial protein bearing this peptide efficiently activates the GAL1 gene which is ordinarily activated by GAL4 (refs 12, 13). An otherwise identical protein with the novel 15 amino acids in a scrambled order, and which is thus unable to form an amphipathic structure, does not activate GAL1 transcription.
Osmoregulation and gill Na, K-ATPase in the rock crab, Cancer irroratus: Response to DDT

Abstract 1. Hemolymph osmotic regulation by the rock crab, Cancer irroratus , was minimal over the salinity range 310–1000 mOs/kg. 2. There was no induction of gill Na, K-ATPase when the crabs were transferred to 50% seawater. 3. Gill Na, K-ATPase was inhibited by both in vitro and in vivo exposure to DDT. 4. 14 C-DDT administered via the vascular system was sequestered rapidly by the hepatopancreas. Depuration proceeded slowly. 5. The hepatopancreas metabolized the DDT primarily to DDE. Only small quantities of DDD and polar metabolites were detected.
Production of PGE2 increases in tendons subjected to repetitive mechanical loading and induces differentiation of tendon stem cells into non‐tenocytes

Whether tendon inflammation is involved in the development of tendinopathy or degenerative changes of the tendon remains a matter of debate. We explored this question by performing animal and cell culture experiments to determine the production and effects of PGE(2), a major inflammatory mediator in tendons. Mouse tendons were subjected to repetitive mechanical loading via treadmill running, and the effect of PGE(2) on proliferation and differentiation of tendon stem cells (TSCs) was assessed in vitro. Compared to levels in cage control mice, PGE(2) levels in mouse patellar and Achilles tendons were markedly increased in response to a bout of rigorous treadmill running. PGE(2) treatment of TSCs in culture decreased cell proliferation and induced both adipogenesis and osteogenesis of TSCs, as evidenced by accumulation of lipid droplets and calcium deposits, respectively. Effects of PGE(2) on both TSC proliferation and differentiation were apparently PGE(2)-dose-dependent. These findings suggest that high levels of PGE(2), which are present in tendons subjected to repetitive mechanical loading conditions in vivo as shown in this study, may result in degenerative changes of the tendon by decreasing proliferation of TSCs in tendons and also inducing differentiation of TSCs into adipocytes and osteocytes. The consequences of this PGE(2) effect on TSCs is the reduction of the pool of tenocytes for repair of tendons injured by mechanical loading, and production of fatty and calcified tissues within the tendon, often seen at the later stages of tendinopathy.
Hydrogen permeation through terbium doped strontium cerate membranes enabled by presence of reducing gas in the downstream

Abstract Hydrogen permeation through SrCe 1− x Tb x O 3− δ ( x = 0.025, 0.05 and 0.10) membranes using various gas streams as the sweep was investigated. Hydrogen impermeable SrCe 1− x Tb x O 3− δ membranes with air or inert gas in the downstream become hydrogen permeable when there is a reducing gas, such carbon monoxide or hydrogen, existing in the downstream. The membrane remains hydrogen permeable after the downstream sweep gas is changed from the reducing gas to the inert gas. This phenomenon is explained by the electronic conductivity of the materials. These results further confirm that SrCe 1− x Tb x O 3− δ (0.025 x 0.95 Tb 0.05 O 3− δ , increasing the downstream CO partial pressure from 0.001 to 0.1 atm leads to a small increase in hydrogen flux from 1.4 × 10 −2 to 1.6 × 10 −2 ml/cm 2 min. The hydrogen flux of SrCe 1− x Tb x O 3− δ increases with upstream hydrogen partial pressure.
Do Adolescents Engage in Delinquency to Attract the Social Attention of Peers? An Extension and Longitudinal Test of the Social Reinforcement Hypothesis

Although social-learning theory remains among the dominant perspectives in micro-level research concerning the causes of delinquency, research has yet to provide an adequate test of its social-reinforcement component using the methods required by the logic of operant psychology. The present article discusses the limits of existing attempts to test the social-reinforcement hypothesis, offers a new approach for testing it, and describes the use of panel data to provide such a test. In particular, the author examined (1) whether delinquency increases the amount of time a perpetrator's peers choose to spend with him or her, (2) whether such attention serves as a direct reinforcement prompting further delinquency from the perpetrator, and (3) whether such attention serves as a vicarious reinforcement prompting delinquency from audience members in proportion to their desire for informal socializing among peers. The results suggest support for vicarious, but not direct, social reinforcement.
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Antibody Positivity in Patients with Transverse Myelitis and No Visual Manifestations

Background and Purpose: To describe a subgroup of patients with IgG antibody to Aquaporin 4 Protein (AQP4) specific to neuromyelitis optica (NMO), who did not have clinical manifestations of optic nerve involvement at the time of diagnosis. Methods: Assessment of five patients (four African Americans and one Latino) with myelitis, who were NMO IgG antibody positive, who had no detected optic nerve involvement, over a span of one to eighteen years. Results: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated interleukin (IL6), oligoclonal bands (OCB), myelin basic protein (MBP), and elevated albumin and IgG index. Serology showed an association with antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody. Our patients responded well to acute treatment with intravenous corticosteroids and long-term treatment with oral prednisone and azathioprine. Conclusions: The aquaporin protein autoimmune disease previously identified as neuromyelitis optica (NMO) may more c...
Effect of pharmacological interference with various neuropathways on blockade of morphine-withdrawal hypothermia by morphine and by conditional stimulus.

Abstract Rats were given two equally spaced injections of morphine sulphate daily, each injection being paired with a bell sound. The morphine dose was gradually increased to 200 mg/kg per day. At 24 hr after withdrawal, all rats showed hypothermia which was reversed by either the bell sound or morphine. Morphine alone also produced an overshoot hyperthermia. The bell sound-induced alleviation of withdrawal hypothermia was blocked by pretreatment with mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg). phenoxybenzamine (2 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) and benztropine (0.625 mg/kg) but was not blocked by cyproheptadine (2 mg/kg) or propranolol (2 mg/kg). In contrast, morphine-induced hyperthermia during withdrawal was blocked by pretreatment with mecamylamine, phenoxybenzamine and cyproheptadine but was not blocked by haloperidol, benztropine, or propranolol.
Effect of elevated temperatures and low levels of trace metals on the growth and phenotypic development of Candida albicans

A combination of elevated temperatures (within the human febrile range) and trace metal chelation were investigated for their effects on the inhibition of growth and phenotypic development of the dimorphic yeast Candida albicans (strain 3153A). The ability of specific cations to relieve the phenotypic inhibition that occurred also was tested.
The software lifecycle with Ada: A command and control application

Ada has been described as the cure-all for future DoD software projects. However, Ada is just a tool. Only if Ada is properly used, will it help aid software engineers produce a better system. The key to developing a system successfully, is a combination of good software engineering with Ada, an incremental software development approach, rapid prototyping, identification of solutions to recurring design problems, and a team of “ego-less” professionals.This paper provides a specific case study of a system developed using Ada as a tool in the DoD community. An overview of an incremental software development is presented to demonstrate how Air Force Space Command is applying Ada to a command and control (C2) decision-making problem. Specific lessons learned are provided for future Ada projects.
Novel technique for crystal growth of superconducting ErBa2Cu3O7

Millimeter-sized crystals of ErBa2Cu3O7 were fortuitously grown while sintering a flat disk. It was possible to separate individual crystals from the sintered mass and measure their properties. The resistive transition and onset of magnetic transition of a single crystal was 93 K and the resistive transition width was < 1 K. Flux expulsion was observed and individual crystals could be levitated by a magnetic field. Crystals showed unusual growth features. They were heavily corrugated along the part of the crystal that grew parallel to the top surface of the disk and that coincided with thec axis of the unit cell. Crystals were characterized by X-rays, electron microscopy, and optical microscopy.
Removal of Nitrosamines from Waste Water by Potassium Ferrate Oxidation

Potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) is useful in the advanced treatment of waste water. Additional evidence of this capability is presented in this study. Potassium ferrate is a very strong oxidant and is highly soluble in water. The nitrosamine studied in this work was toxic and was a potent pancreatic tumorigen in laboratory animals. Nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens, are widespread throughout the environment and can be eliminated from waste water effluent by the action of potassium ferrate. Potassium ferrate and the nitrosamine was placed in aqueous solution and allowed to react to completion. Analysis by photospectroscopy revealed that the nitrosamine was completely degraded. This result suggests that potassium ferrate is useful for decontamination of some waste water collections.
A study of US online community journalists and their organizational characteristics and story generation routines

Scientific knowledge in the area of journalism has been predominantly a reflection of research on journalists from elite publications rather than journalists from smaller publications. This research seeks to create a foundation for future research through a web survey of online community journalists in the USA. This study measured the extent to which their perceptions and publications reflect organizational traits such as a reliance on routine sources, income derived from publication and employment of news staff. This descriptive research also found that most online community journalists had a degree, but not a degree in journalism and communication. Suggestions are put forth to further theory and research on community journalists.