cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of superficial hardness for multilayer platings

Abstract Superficial Vickers microhardness readings for multilayered (plated or coated) surfaces are interpreted. Test series of palladium, nickel and copper plated specimens (with or without hard or soft gold flash) were analyzed at small values (t/d
Astrocyte-derived lactosylceramide implicated in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. A new study has shown that the lipid lactosylceramide, produced by astrocytes, contributes to disease progression in a mouse model of MS.
Structural model updating using dynamic data

Parameter estimation through model updating is a powerful technique that has gained widespread popularity for condition assessment of aging infrastructure. Among the available techniques, the sensitivity method is perhaps the most popular approach to perform model updating in industrial-scale systems. However, convergence issues are inherent to the method, due to ill-conditioning of the sensitivity matrix and measurement errors. To overcome the afore-mentioned concerns, regularization techniques were successfully applied in simulated and experimental scenarios. Model updating is performed using the University of Central Florida Benchmark Structure which is a laboratory specimen intended to capture the behavior of short to medium span bridges. The finite element model of the Benchmark is updated using (1) a modal parameters-based and (2) a frequency response function (FRF)-based error functions where both methods consider sparse data. In the simulated study, the aim is to evaluate the robustness of both error functions under random noise and ill-conditioning. Finally, the methods are successfully validated using experimentally obtained dynamic data. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the FRF-based method is more robust under simulated noise and can handle more unknown parameters in the optimization problem. However, advantages and challenges inherent to each method are presented only in light of those experienced by the authors.
Hexosamine metabolism II. effect of insulin and phlorizin on the absorption and metabolism, in vivo, of d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine in the rat

Abstract 1. 1. Fasted rats, which had been treated with neomycin and injected with insulin or phlorizin, were administered solutions containing either d -[1-14C]glucosamine or N- acetyl- d -[1- 14 C ] glucosamine by stomach tube. 2. 2. Insulin did not affect the absorption coefficients of glucosamine or N-acetyl-glucosamine. The production of 14CO2, as a per cent of that absrobed, from d -[1-14C]-glucosamine was almost doubled in rats treated with insulin, but the increase was less marked in those given N- acetyl- d -[1- 14 C ] glucosamine . Insulin increased significantly the specific radiactivity of the hexose fraction of liver and small-intestinal tissue from rats administered d -[1-14C]glucosamine or N- acetyl- d -[1- 14 C ] glucosamine . There results are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin may alter in some tissues the cellular transport or metabolism of these amino sugars. 3. 3. Pholorizin stimulated the adsorption of glucosamine and markedly inhibited the absorption of N-acetyglucosamine. The percentage of absorbed radioactivity incorporated into the non-dialyzable fraction of serum from both amino sugars was increased. Pholorizin also increased significantly the dialyzable radioactivity of the small-intestinal tissue in rats administered N-acetylglucosamine but not glucosamine. Although the amounts of hexosamine, hexose and amino acid in the small intestinal tissues were not altered by pholorizin, the specific radioactivities of these fractions from the group of rats given N-acetylglucosamine were increased. These results suggest that pholorizin may alter the transport of N-acetylgucosamine and also its metabolism to non-dialyzable or macromolecular tissue hexosamine.
Embedding Reliable Numerical Analysis Capabilities into an Enterprise-Wide Information System

A simulation environment to support engineering design embedded in an enterprise-wide information system is presented. The environment consists of a set of structures and managers housing the problem definition, tools for controlling the simulation model construction and execution, and the interaction of simulation processes with the product data management system. The issues associated with the introduction of automated and adaptive geometry-based simulation processes into the engineering design process are emphasised.
An evaluation of high performance Fortran

High Performance Fortran (HPF) is evaluated by rewriting sequential model programs for Householder reduction, simulated annealing, and grid relaxation. The author concludes that HPF has severe conceptual and practical limitations.
Profiling the aminopropyltransferases in plants: their structure, expression and manipulation

Polyamines are organic polycations that are involved in a wide range of cellular activities related to growth, development, and stress response in plants. Higher polyamines spermidine and spermine are synthesized in plants and animals by a class of enzymes called aminopropyltransferases that transfer aminopropyl moieties (derived from decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine) to putrescine and spermidine to produce spermidine and spermine, respectively. The higher polyamines show a much tighter homeostatic regulation of their metabolism than the diamine putrescine in most plants; therefore, the aminopropyltransferases are of high significance. We present here a comprehensive summary of the current literature on plant aminopropyltransferases including their distribution, biochemical properties, genomic organization, pattern of expression during development, and their responses to abiotic stresses, and manipulation of their cellular activity through chemical inhibitors, mutations, and genetic engineering. This minireview complements several recent reviews on the overall biosynthetic pathway of polyamines and their physiological roles in plants and animals. It is concluded that (1) plants often have two copies of the common aminopropyltransferase genes which exhibit redundancy of function, (2) their genomic organization is highly conserved, (3) direct enzyme activity data on biochemical properties of these enzymes are scant, (4) often there is a poor correlation among transcripts, enzyme activity and cellular contents of the respective polyamine, and (5) transgenic work mostly confirms the tight regulation of cellular contents of spermidine and spermine. An understanding of expression and regulation of aminopropyltransferases at the metabolic level will help us in effective use of genetic engineering approaches for the improvement in nutritional value and stress responses of plants.
Involvement of protein kinase A in histamine-mediated inhibition of IL-2 mRNA expression in mouse splenocytes

The release of histamine from mast cells and basophils during allergic reactions can regulate functions of T cells and may influence the nature of the immune response to a given antigen. The effects of histamine on T lymphocytes are associated with its binding to H2-receptors linked with adenylate cyclase, elevation of cAMP levels and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In this report we explore the role of PKA in histamine-mediated effects on IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 protein secretion. Fresh isolated mouse splenocytes (C57Bl/6) were pretreated with histamine (10−4 M) for 1 h in the presence or absence of Rp-cAMPS (50 μM), an inhibitor of PKA regulatory subunit. The cells were then washed thoroughly and activated with plate-bound anti-CD3 (5 μg/ml), or PHA (1:100) or PMA+ionomycin (10 ng/ml, 1 μg/ml) for 6 h. Pretreatment with histamine inhibited IL-2 mRNA expression and secretion in cells activated with anti-CD3 or PMA, but not in cells activated with PMA+ionomycin. Rp-cAMPS prevented histamine-mediated suppression and did not itself affect IL-2 production. These results provide evidence that histamine affected IL-2 production when the cells were activated via the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex, but did not interfere with signal transduction pathways downstream of PKC leading to production of IL-2. These effects of histamine on IL-2 secretion and mRNA expression were mediated via PKA.
Early verb learners: creative or not?

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.trinity.edu/psych_faculty Part of the Psychology Commons Publication Details Childers, J. B. (2009). Early Verb Learners: Creative or Not? Invited commentary for L. R. Naigles, E. Hoff & D. Vear’s Flexibility in early verb use: Evidence from a multiple-n diary study in the Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 74, 133-39.
Social and cultural factors influencing the mental health of the aged.

This paper explores some of the influences of social structure upon the aged. The implications of individual changes in roles and patterns of group living are examined in relationship to the institutional organization and value system of American society.
Debe la América Latina temerle a China

Este articulo compara las condiciones de crecimiento economico de China y de la America Latina con el fin de evaluar los temores de que la economia china desplace a la latinoamericana en los proximos decenios. Las fortalezas de China se basan en el tamano de su economia, su estabilidad macroeconomica, la abundante mano de obra barata, la rapida expansion de la infraestructura fisica y la capacidad para innovar. Las debilidades de China tienen su origen en la poca separacion que existe entre el mercado y el Estado e incluyen la debil gobernabilidad corporativa, un sistema financiero fragil y una mala asignacion del ahorro. La America Latina y China comparten debilidades importantes: el imperio de la ley es debil, la corrupcion endemica y la escolaridad es baja y mal distribuida. Aunque los temores de desplazamiento de los sectores industriales y de la inversion extranjera son exagerados, China puede ser una fuente de inestabilidad financiera internacional con efectos potencialmente muy daninos para la America Latina.
A clinical scoring system predicts the yield of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopy may identify occult metastatic disease and prevent unnecessary laparotomy in some patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases but is unnecessary in the majority of individuals who undergo resection. The objectives of the current study were to assess the impact of laparoscopy after extensive preoperative imaging and to determine whether a preoperative clinical risk score can identify those patients most likely to benefit from the procedure. METHODS Between December 1997 and July 1999, 103 consecutive patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases underwent laparoscopy prior to planned laparotomy and partial hepatectomy. Surgical findings, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges were analyzed. Patients were assigned a clinical risk score (CRS) based on five factors related to the primary tumor and the hepatic disease. The likelihood of finding occult unresectable disease and the yield of laparoscopy were analyzed with respect to the CRS. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients (75%) underwent resection. Laparoscopy identified 14 of 26 patients with unresectable disease, 10 of whom were spared an unnecessary laparotomy. In patients who underwent biopsy only, the laparoscopic identification of unresectable disease shortened the hospital stay (1.2 ± 0.6 days vs. 5.8 ± 2.3 days; p = 0.0001) and reduced the total hospital charges by 55% (P = 0.0001). The CRS predicted the likelihood of occult unresectable disease, which was 12% in those with a score ≤ 2 but increased to 42% in those with a score > 2 (P = 0.001). If laparoscopy were used only in high risk patients (CRS > 2), 57 laparoscopies would have been avoided and the net savings doubled. CONCLUSIONS With extensive preoperative imaging, the vast majority of patients with potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases do not benefit from laparoscopy. However, in the minority of patients with occult unresectable disease, laparoscopy prevents unnecessary laparotomy and reduces hospital stay and the total hospital charges. The CRS, previously shown to predict survival after hepatic resection, identifies those high risk patients most likely to benefit from laparoscopy and may improve resource utilization. Cancer 2001;91:1121–8. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Wind Power: The Ultimate Renewable Energy Source

(2008). Wind Power: The Ultimate Renewable Energy Source. Weatherwise: Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 34-41.
Polymer waveguides useful over a very wide wavelength range from the ultraviolet to infrared

We have designed and fabricated polymer waveguides using the glassy polymers Cytop™ (a fluorinated polyether), PMMA C6 [poly(methyl methacrylate)], and Cyclotene™ 3022-35 (bisbenzocyclobutane). Since these materials exhibit excellent transparency over a wide wavelength range, and since the refractive index difference of Cytop™ and Cyclotene™ or Cytop™ and PMMA is greater than 0.19, both Cytop™/Cyclotene™/Cytop™ and Cytop™/PMMA/Cytop™ waveguide structures can be employed over a very wide wavelength range from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Efficient waveguiding is achieved for different light sources with 390, 633, 1064, 1310, and 1550 nm wavelengths.
Fluorescent Plastic Coatings For Improving Ultraviolet And Blue Response Of Cooled Silicon Charge-Injection Devices (CIDs)

One of the methods of enhancing the blue and UV sensitivity of a silicon array is the Viehmann technique of coating it with a thin plastic film which has been made fluorescent by the addition of one or more laser dyes. This report describes the preparation of such films and the performance characteristics of cooled silicon CIDs coated with them.
Globalization of financial markets

Abstract This paper examines the incentives for and impediments to globalization of financial markets. First, incentives for an optimal ownership structure, its implications for geographic dispersion of owners, and the implications for the derived demand for global trading in the firm's shares are analyzed. After a brief survey of the operating procedures and regulatory environments of the New York, London and Tokyo exchanges, various exchange rules, regulatory and tax parameters are analyzed from the perspective of contributing successful competition in a global market.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in a community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: A review of pathogenesis with a case for molecular mimicry

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has remarkable pathogenicity and can cause severe infections, such as necrotizing pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, and sepsis. To our knowledge, no case of CA-MRSA resulting in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) has been reported. Furthermore, no specific pathogenic link between these two disorders has been described. Staphylococcal sequence homologies and binding capabilities to plasma protein β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) may result in anti-β2-GPI antibody production. These antibodies represent the critical prothrombotic factor in pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome and CAPS. However, the development of CAPS requires additional prothrombotic activities. In our case, sepsis and CA-MRSA-induced leukocytolysis likely represent the activity required to transform a hypercoagulable state into the life threatening, diffusely thrombotic CAPS. The presence of anti-β2GPI-antibodies and diffuse microvascular occlusion are characteristic of CAPS. However, other life threatening syndromes cause microvascular thrombi and multiorgan failure, and more studies are needed to determine the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies and clinical syndromes consistent with CAPS in patients with staphylococcal infections.
The Computation of Optimal Control Limits for a Queue with Batch Services

We study the optimal control of a queueing system with Poisson input and a server capable of serving an infinite number of customers per batch. It is known that the optimal type of control policy is a control limit policy: service should begin if and only if the number of waiting customers is at least as large as some control limit. Our objective is to find the control limit that minimizes the long run average cost of waiting and service charges. We determine the cost as a function of the control limit, present properties of the cost function and optimal control limit, present easily computable upper and lower bounds for the optimal control limit and an algorithm for finding the optimal control limit.
Feline Myeloproliferative Disease. Changing Manifestations in the Peripheral Blood

A 4 1/2-year-old cat had myeloproliferative disease characterized by severe anemia. Peripheral blood had a profusion of relatively normal-appearing nucleated erythroid cells in all stages of development and a few primitive cells with nucleoli. The term "erythremic myelosis" best described the appearance of the peripheral blood. Two weeks later, the peripheral blood picture was that of regenerative anemia. During the next 2 months the cat made an apparent clinical recovery without treatment, but relapsed 3 months after the initial examination. One-fourth of the cells in circulation at the time of relapse contained nucleoli and appeared identical to those described in reticuloendotheliosis in cats. This transition suggested the progressive development of a greater degree of immaturity of erythroid precusors with time. The use of the term "reticuloendotheliosis" in conjunction with feline myeloproliferative disease was considered and determined inappropriate.
Particle Size of Roasted Soybeans and the Effect on Milk Production of Dairy Cows

Fifteen cows were used in an experiment with a 5 x 5 replicated Latin square design to quantify the effect of particle size of roasted soybeans on milk production and fecal excretion of soybeans. The five experimental periods were each 2 wk long. Diets contained (percentage of dry matter) 33% alfalfa silage, 17% corn silage, 30.6% high moisture ear corn, 18% soybeans, and 1.4% mineral supplement. The five dietary treatments included raw whole soybeans or roasted soybeans in four particle sizes (whole and half, half and quarter, quarter and smaller, and coarsely ground). Mean particle sizes of the raw soybeans and of the roasted soybeans in whole and half sizes were > 4.75 mm. Mean particle sizes of the roasted soybeans in half and quarter, quarter and smaller, and coarsely ground roasted soybeans were 2.92, 2.01, and 1.59, respectively. During the normal handling of roasted soybeans, a large number of seeds was broken into halves in the treatment with whole and half sizes (36%, wt/wt basis). Production of 3.5% fat-corrected milk was 35.4, 37.7, 37.2, 35.1, and 35.4 kg/d for cows fed raw soybeans; roasted soybeans in whole and half, half and quarter, and quarter and smaller sizes; and ground roasted soybeans, respectively. Cows that were fed raw soybeans excreted the largest amount of visible soybean particles in feces, and cows that were fed ground roasted soybeans had the least amount of soybeans in the feces (61.3 vs. 10.6 g of soybeans/kg of fecal dry matter). Roasted soybeans in half and quarter sizes are optimal for milk production.
Higher-order corrections for the quadratic Ising lattice susceptibility.

Four terms in the expansion for the zero-field susceptibility of the quadratic Ising lattice at criticality are known exactly. We have computed three additional terms in this expansion by analyzing Nickel's high-temperature series for this lattice with second-order homogeneous differential approximants and Pad\'e techniques. These three terms are found to vary as \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{1/4}$,t, and \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{5/4}$ with t=1-${T}_{c}$/T, and their respective coefficients are obtained to within 0.01% accuracy. It is shown that, if terms of the form \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{1/4}$ln\ensuremath{\Vert}t\ensuremath{\Vert} and \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{5/4}$ln\ensuremath{\Vert}t\ensuremath{\Vert} were present, their amplitudes would be less than ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ of the amplitudes of the \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{1/4}$ and \ensuremath{\Vert}t${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{5/4}$ terms, respectively. The results are in accord with the predictions of the renormalization group if irrelevant variables are neglected and indicate that, if singularities due to irrelevant variables are present, their associated exponents must exceed 2. The results are also used to predict the coefficients of the low-temperature series for this system. Agreement to as much as one part in ${10}^{5}$ with the known first eleven coefficients of this series is obtained.
Crystal growth of GaN by the reaction between gallium and ammonia

Abstract Optimum conditions for the growth of GaN crystals by flowing a mixture of NH3 and H2 over gallium are presented. Growth is thought to occur by a VLS mechanism. The addition of Bi or Sn to the solution was found to increase the number of crystallites nucleated. An unusual form of growth instability is described involving the flow of solution over the surface of the crystal in a thin film.
Improving the moisture resistance of adobe structures

Mud plasters or soil stuccos are commonly used to protect adobe walls from water erosion. Due to drying shrinkage cracks and high permeability, the commonly used soil stuccos are not durable. Stucco stabilizers such as Portland cement, lime and asphalt are expensive. An experimental study undertaken to evaluate some of the locally available, inexpensive, stucco stabilizers is reported here. Crack-resistant stucco compositions made with a cactus solution are described and techniques to make the stucco surface impervious to water are discussed. The results of durability tests involving simulated rainfall on stucco panels, and stucco applied to adobe walls, are presented. Recommendations for field practice are also given.
Mouse monoclonal antibodies induced by anti‐allotype antibody display internal images of the rabbit VHa1 allotype: Direct visualization by immunoelectron microscopy

We have previously shown that injection of adult rabbits with anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody (Ab) induces the expression of genetically unexpected Ig markers, i.e., a1 allotypic determinants. We now show that these rabbit Ig markers can also be induced in mice by a similar treatment; in the latter case the a1 determinants are located in the antigen-combining site and thus represent "internal images". Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were developed from mice treated with anti-allotype Ab. These mAb were reactive with all homologous and heterologous anti-a1 Ab but not normal Ig; efficiently inhibited the binding of rabbit a1 Ig to anti-a1 Ab; and elicited the production of anti-allotype Ab when injected into normal mice. To determine whether the a1-like determinants on these mAb were located in the antigen-combining site, immunoelectron microscopy was utilized to directly visualize Ab complexes. Complexes composed of intact Ab and anti-a1 Fab fragments yielded uniform binding patterns which were identical to those produced by anti-idiotypic reactions. In each case, an identical tip-to-tip binding configuration was observed with a single Fab fragment attached at an approximate 180 degree angle to the V region terminus of each Ab arm. In contrast, rabbit a1 Ig bound as many as two anti-a1 fragments per Ig arm; these fragments were attached laterally and at right angles to the intact molecule. These mAb thus provide the first direct evidence that Ab2 beta determinants are located in, or near, the antigen-combining site.
Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on rat brain sulfonylurea binding sites.

Abstract Both high and low affinity sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) reside on glucose responsive neurons where they influence cell firing and neurotransmitter release via the adenosinetriphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K + (katp) channel. Here, the effect of diabetes on [ 3 H] glyburide binding to SURs was assessed in male obesity-resistant Sprague-Dawley rats rendered diabetic with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.). Additional streptozotocin-treated rats were supplemented with insulin (1.5 U/kg/ day). Streptozotocin reduced plasma insulin to 13% of control associated with hyperglycemia (25.3 ± 1.7 mmol/1), while insulin lowered plasma glucose (9.56 ± 1.78 mmol/l) to near control levels (7.65 ± 0.22 mmol/l). Over 7 days, all streptozotocin-treated rats lost 12% of their initial body wt. while controls gained 1%. Despite equivalent wt. loss, streptozotocin-induced diabetes selectively increased high affinity [ 3 H] glyburide binding in the hypothalamic dorsomedial nuclei (DMN) and ventromedial nuclei (VMN) and lateral area (LH). This was prevented by insulin injections. Low affinity binding was similarly increased in the DMN and VMN, as well as two amygdalar subnuclei but decreased in the substantia nigra, pars compacta. Insulin fully prevented these changes only in the DMN and one amygdalar nucleus and the substantia nigra. Therefore, binding to (SURs) appears to be generally upregulated in the face of hypoinsulinemia with hyperglycemia and this is prevented by insulin treatment. These and other data suggest that this combination of abnormalities in diabetes should have an adverse effect on the glucose sensing capacity of the brain.
Convection in a slowly diffusing, weakly stratified salt field

Abstract We examine thermohaline convection in the small Lewis number limit for a background salt field with a weak gradient. As a result of small diffusivity, the problem cannot be reduced to a simple amplitude equation in the usual manner, but the salt field is described by an advection-diffusion equation coupled to an equation for the amplitude of the convective pattern.
New Color-Matching Ellipses

Three new sets of color-matching experiments have been made by three observers binocularly viewing a bipartite field (each half subtending 3°) of a three-primary colorimeter. Each set of color-matching data refers to 28 test colors scattered over the chromaticity gamut provided by the colorimeter. The luminance of each test color was 12 cd · m−2; the white surround (subtending 40°) was maintained at 6 cd · m−2. The elliptical cross sections (for Y = const) of the observed color-matching ellipsoids are compared with results previously published by MacAdam, and Brown and MacAdam. In view of the inherent experimental uncertainties of data of this kind, the new color-matching ellipses correlate well with those obtained by Brown, and Brown and MacAdam, but show significant deviations from those obtained by MacAdam’s observer P. G. Nutting, Jr. The discrepancies are puzzling. A note of caution is added with regard to the usefulness of color-matching ellipses in testing line elements. A set of color-matching ellipses can reveal only little of the visual mechanism that governs the precision of color matching and its assumed direct correlation with judging small color differences. It appears that fundamentally different line elements can reproduce almost equally well a given set of color-matching ellipses.
Structural basis of water-specific transport through the AQP1 water channel

Water channels facilitate the rapid transport of water across cell membranes in response to osmotic gradients. These channels are believed to be involved in many physiological processes that include renal water conservation, neuro-homeostasis, digestion, regulation of body temperature and reproduction. Members of the water channel superfamily have been found in a range of cell types from bacteria to human. In mammals, there are currently 10 families of water channels, referred to as aquaporins (AQP): AQP0–AQP9. Here we report the structure of the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) water channel to 2.2 A resolution. The channel consists of three topological elements, an extracellular and a cytoplasmic vestibule connected by an extended narrow pore or selectivity filter. Within the selectivity filter, four bound waters are localized along three hydrophilic nodes, which punctuate an otherwise extremely hydrophobic pore segment. This unusual combination of a long hydrophobic pore and a minimal number of solute binding sites facilitates rapid water transport. Residues of the constriction region, in particular histidine 182, which is conserved among all known water-specific channels, are critical in establishing water specificity. Our analysis of the AQP1 pore also indicates that the transport of protons through this channel is highly energetically unfavourable.
Effectiveness of a computational thinking (CS0) course on student analytical skills

: In this paper, we describe the content and evaluation of a Computational Thinking (CS0) course developed to improve the analytical problem solving of students participating in the course. The course is targeted to students who are mathematically under-prepared to enter our introductory programming sequence; however, it has recently been included in the University's general education curriculum so that students majoring in any discipline may take the course. Using the Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI) students in the CS0 class, along with students in an analogous level engineering class (FESP), were tested at the beginning of the course and again at the end, using different versions of the test. The improvement in scores was statistically significant when measured by both the student t-test and the Cohen d (effect size) for CS0 students but not for the FESP students, providing support that the course does, in fact, increase student analytical problem solving skills. Courses in Computational Thinking have demonstrated success in many schools; however, this research demonstrates its effectiveness in improving analytical skills in majors as well as non-majors.
Phase transitions and diffraction on kinked vicinal surfaces

Abstract Several aspects related to kinked vicinal surfaces are studied here. First, a symmetry classification of ordered kinked crystal surfaces is given. Possible second order (continuous) phase transitions are identified within the context of Landau-Lifshitz theory. In addition to the Ising and the X - Y model (with cubic anisotropy) universality classes, we obtain a special case in which transitions are in the Potts universality class. Transitions in the latter class do not occur on the stepped vicinal surfaces. Secondly, an expression for the diffraction intensity of the ordered kinked surface is derived. The Bragg peaks for the kinked surface are predicted to split into quadruplets and are calculated for a specific surface. Finally, an exact expression is obtained for the atomic pair correlation function. In the appropriate limits these expressions reduce to the corresponding formulae for the vicinal stepped surfaces.
MODELING FINANCIAL SERIES DISTRIBUTIONS: A VERSATILE DATA FITTING APPROACH

The empirical distribution of common stock returns is a subject of interest to many researchers, as it often determines the validity of theoretical models proposed in the economics and finance studies. This paper brings to the attention the availability of two flexible systems of distributions for fitting data: the Johnson system of distributions and the Tadikamalla–Johnson system of distributions. We explore the feasibility of fitting the empirical distributions of several financial series to these two systems of distributions. Both systems of distributions are highly flexible and capable of accommodating all possible skewness and kurtosis values. The probability density function and the cumulative distribution function take on simple closed forms and appropriate transformations of the data lead to normal/logistic distributions. In addition, the parameter estimation procedures are easy to implement. When the results are compared with those of other data fitting models, in all cases tested, the proposed distributions provide a good fit to the empirical distribution of data.
Stability and optimum design of arch-type structures

Abstract Based on the Euler-Bernoulli Theory of the nonlinear inextensible plane elasticae, the concept of funicular or momentless design for arches is reviewed and equations determining the buckling load and transitional bending moments are derived. The results obtained for the buckling load of perabolic arches differs considerably from those found in the literature. Finally, the shape and the variable cross-sectional area of a funicular arch of constant stress is determined.
An ab Initio Quantum Mechanical Model for the Catalytic Mechanism of HIV-1 Protease

The catalytic mechanism of the HIV-1 protease (HIV-PR) is studied through ab initio theoretical model calculations. This model consists of a formate/formic acid pair, a structurally important water molecule, and a formamide molecule. The proposed catalytic mechanism is composed of five steps, two of which are transition states separated by a third step (an intermediate state). The remaining two steps are related to product release. The overall forward hydrolysis reaction barrier is approximately 22 kcal/mol, with a reverse hydrolysis barrier of approximately 34 kcal/mol at the RHF/6-31G* level. The second transition state is related to a nucleophilic attack of the water molecule on the carbon atom of the substrate scissile bond, and is essential for the collapse of the substrate. That the transition state structures of HIV-PR have not been identified makes a theoretical study of this kind particularly valuable for understanding the HIV-PR mechanism.
Male dominance, female choice and male copulatory behavior in two species of voles (Microtus ochrogaster and Microtus montanus)

Female preferences for dominant males in prairie and montane voles were analyzed in two different test situations. In the first, prairie vole females preferentially spent time in proximity to dominant versus subordinate males which were housed behind a wire mesh screen. In a two-male tether test prairie voles females both preferentially associated and mated with dominant males. Montane voles, on the other hand, showed no preference in either test situation. The baseline copulatory behavior of naive montane vole males which became dominant differed significantly from those which became subordinate; no such differences were evident in the baseline copulatory behavior of naive praire voles. One hour following dominance testing, there was no difference evident between dominant and subordinate males of either species but there was a general facilitation of male copulatory behavior in both species, the effect being of greater magnitude in montane voles.
From Conservation to Environment: The Sierra Club and the Organizational Politics of Change

In the 1950s, the Sierra Club emerged as a leader of the nascent environmental movement. In challenging a proposal to build two dams within the boundaries of Dinosaur National Monument, the Club found its voice as a public advocate for the preservation of wilderness and in the process introduced a new type of politics to old conflicts over conservation. Born out of the Dinosaur dam conflict was a new environmentalism characterized by confrontation with state authorities and emotion-laden appeals to the public for political support. The Sierra Club's success in pioneering these strategies launched it to the forefront of the new movement, elevated its executive director David Brower to icon status among environmentalists, and affirmed the philosophy of Aldo Leopold as the moral compass of the movement. In this essay, I argue that interest group entrepreneurs ought to be considered alongside institutional actors as agents of change within processes of political development. As the case of the Sierra Club demonstrates, the internal organizational politics of a group can be just as important in establishing a trajectory of political development as are processes of policy feedback.
The Geometry of String Perturbation Theory

This paper is devoted to recent progress made towards the understanding of closed bosonic and fermionic string perturbation theory, formulated in a Lorentz-covariant way on Euclidean space-time. Special emphasis is put on the fundamental role of Riemann surfaces and supersurfaces. The differential and complex geometry of their moduli space is developed as needed. New results for the superstring presented here include the supergeometric construction of amplitudes, their chiral and superholomorphic splitting and a global formulation of supermoduli space and amplitudes.
A Hierarchy of Data-Based ENSO Models

Abstract Global sea surface temperature (SST) evolution is analyzed by constructing predictive models that best describe the dataset’s statistics. These inverse models assume that the system’s variability is driven by spatially coherent, additive noise that is white in time and are constructed in the phase space of the dataset’s leading empirical orthogonal functions. Multiple linear regression has been widely used to obtain inverse stochastic models; it is generalized here in two ways. First, the dynamics is allowed to be nonlinear by using polynomial regression. Second, a multilevel extension of classic regression allows the additive noise to be correlated in time; to do so, the residual stochastic forcing at a given level is modeled as a function of variables at this level and the preceding ones. The number of variables, as well as the order of nonlinearity, is determined by optimizing model performance. The two-level linear and quadratic models have a better El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) hindcas...
Interpretation of tissue artifacts in transbronchial lung biopsy specimens.

Abstract Proper interpretation of transbronchial biopsies is critical for appropriate patient management. Artifacts in lung tissue acquired during the biopsy procedure or subsequent processing may mimic "true" disease and potentially lead to incorrect diagnoses. In this study the interpretation of various artifacts in transbronchial biopsies will be correlated with the level of pathologist training and experience. Minced 1 to 2 mm fragments of normal lung tissue were processed to produce various tissue artifacts (atelectasis, sponge artifact, or bubble artifact). Seven hematoxylin-eosin–stained slides of various artifacts and three similar-appearing slides from "true" pulmonary diseases (lipoid pneumonia, usual interstitial pneumonia, and foreign body reaction) were evaluated by eight pathologists of different levels of training and experience. Most pathologists were unaware of the various artifacts in transbronchial biopsies and were occasionally able to differentiate them from true disease. Senior faculty frequently identified and correctly diagnosed the true pathology slides; however, they often failed to recognize artifacts. Junior faculty performed the best by correctly identifying the majority of true pathology and dismissed most artifacts. Junior and senior residents described the microscopic changes, but had more difficulty determining the significance of both true pathology and artifacts. Various artifacts in transbronchial biopsy specimens can create diagnostic dilemmas for all pathologists regardless of level of training. The elimination of these artifacts should reduce the possibility of biopsy misinterpretation. Ann Diagn Pathol 7:20-24, 2003. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Expression of the thyroid hormone receptor gene, erbAα, in B lymphocytes: alternative mRNA processing is independent of differentiation but correlates with antisense RNA levels

The erbAalpha gene encodes two alpha-thyroid hormone receptor isoforms, TRalpha1 and TRalpha2, which arise from alternatively processed mRNAs, erbAalpha1 (alpha1) and erb alpha2 (alpha2). The splicing and alternative polyadenylation patterns of these mRNAs resemble that of mRNAs encoding different forms of immunoglobulin heavy chains, which are regulated at the level of alternative processing during B cell differentiation. This study examines the levels of erbAalpha mRNA in eight B cell lines representing four stages of differentiation in order to determine whether regulation of the alternatively processed alpha1 and alpha2 mRNAs parallels the processing of immunoglobulin heavy chain mRNAs. Results show that the pattern of alpha1 and alpha2 mRNA expression is clearly different from that observed for immunoglobulin heavy chain mRNAs. B cell lines display characteristic ratios of alpha1/alpha2 mRNA at distinct stages of differentiation. Furthermore, expression of an overlapping gene, Rev-ErbAalpha (RevErb), was found to correlate strongly with an increase in the ratio of alpha1/alpha2 mRNA. These results suggest that alternative processing of erbAalpha mRNAs is regulated by a mechanism which is distinct from that regulating immunoglobulin mRNA. The correlation between RevErb and erbAalpha mRNA is consistent with negative regulation of alpha2 via antisense interactions with the complementary RevErb mRNA.
Effects of increased horizontal resolution on simulation of the North American Monsoon in the NCAR CAM3: An evaluation based on surface, satellite, and reanalysis data

Abstract Simulation of the North American monsoon system by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3) is evaluated in its sensitivity to increasing horizontal resolution. For two resolutions, T42 and T85, rainfall is compared to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite-derived and surface gauge-based rainfall rates over the United States and northern Mexico as well as rainfall accumulations in gauges of the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) Enhanced Rain Gauge Network (NERN) in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Simulated upper-tropospheric mass and wind fields are compared to those from NCEP–NCAR reanalyses. The comparison presented herein demonstrates that tropospheric motions associated with the North American monsoon system are sensitive to increasing the horizontal resolution of the model. An increase in resolution from T42 to T85 results in changes to a region of large-scale midtropospheric descent found north and east of the monsoon anticyclo...
Isolation of Z-DNA binding proteins from SV40 minichromosomes: evidence for binding to the viral control region

Summary Proteins dissociated from SV40 minichromosomes by increasing NaCl concentration were tested for their binding to Z-DNA [Br-poly(dG-dC)] and B-DNA [poly (dG-dC)]. Z-DNA binding proteins are largely released in 0.2 M NaCl whereas most B-DNA binding proteins are not released until 0.6 M NaCI. Incubation of SV40 minichromosomes with Z-DNA-Sephadex in low salt solution results in proteins with Z-DNA binding activity (PZ proteins). These proteins bind to negatively supercoiled DNAs containing left-handed Z-DNA but not to relaxed DNAs. They compete with anti-Z-DNA antibodies in binding to negatively supercoiled DNAs. The binding is tighter to negatively supercoiled SV40 DNA than to other plasmids, suggesting sequence-specific Z-DNA binding. PZ proteins binding to negatively supercoiled SV40 DNA interfere with cleavage at the Sph I sites, within the 72 by repeat sequences of the viral control region, but not with cleavage at the Bgl I site, at the origin of replication. Removal of PZ proteins also exposes the Sph I sites in the SV40 minichromosomes while addition of PZ proteins makes the sites inaccessible.
Runup and rundown generated by three-dimensional sliding masses

To study the waves and runup/rundown generated by a sliding mass, a numerical simulation model, based on the large-eddy-simulation (LES) approach, was developed. The Smagorinsky subgrid scale model was employed to provide turbulence dissipation and the volume of fluid (VOF) method was used to track the free surface and shoreline movements. A numerical algorithm for describing the motion of the sliding mass was also implemented. To validate the numerical model, we conducted a set of large-scale experiments in a wave tank of 104m long, 3.7m wide and 4.6m deep with a plane slope (1:2) located at one end of the tank. A freely sliding wedge with two orientations and a hemisphere were used to represent landslides. Their initial positions ranged from totally aerial to fully submerged, and the slide mass was also varied over a wide range. The slides were instrumented to provide position and velocity time histories. The time-histories of water surface and the runup at a number of locations were measured. Comparisons between the numerical results and experimental data are presented only for wedge shape slides. Very good agreement is shown for the time histories of runup and generated waves. The detailed three-dimensional complex flow patterns, free surface and shoreline deformations are further illustrated by the numerical results. The maximum runup heights are presented as a function of the initial elevation and the specific weight of the slide. The effects of the wave tank width on the maximum runup are also discussed.
Hydraulic jumps in an incompressible stratified fluid

A multi-layer model is used to describe a ‘two-dimensional’ continuously stratified fluid. We use a momentum theorem in each layer to derive an ordinary differential equation describing the vertical structure behind a jump. This equation is compared with the corresponding equation for continuous flow. As one would expect from the classical one-layer theory, they are identical up to second order for weak disturbances. The energy change across a jump is also derived. By requiring that energy be lost through a jump, we calculate when a weak jump is possible in general. Algorithms for computing jumps of arbitrary strength are given. To ensure that the flow after the jump is stable and also for a numerical reason to be stated in § 8, we require that the Richardson number after the jump be equal to or greater than S¼S. Numerical examples are given to show the range of parameters within which jumps are possible; the velocity profiles related to different kinds of jumps also appear. Since hydraulic jumps in a continuously stratified fluid have not yet been observed in any laboratory, it should be of interest to verify these calculations experimentally.
Intra-epidermal and intra-dermal sebocrine adenoma with cystic degeneration and hemorrhage.

Background: The ducts of eccrine glands may give rise to intra-epidermal, confluent epithelial and intra-dermal adenomas known as hidroacanthoma simplex, eccrine poroma, and dermal duct tumor, respectively. An apocrine and sebaceous counterpart of the eccrine poroma has been described by several authors as adnexal, poroma-like adenoma with apocrine and sebaceous differentiation or sebocrine adenoma. Methods: Using clinical history and routine histologic techniques, we describe a new lesion with features similar to sebocrine adenoma but representing the intra-epidermal and intra-dermal counterparts with cystic degeneration and hemorrhage. Briefly, an 84-year-old female presented with a 6mm dark tan papule on the neck that clinically appeared as an unusual macular seborrheic keratosis with underlying hemorrhage. Results: Histopathological examination showed a benign dermal cystic appendage tumor with pale polygonal cells, occasional non-keratinizing ducts, sebaceous differentiation and central hemorrhage with fibrin deposits. Serial sections did not reveal any epidermal connection. However, epithelioid cells with large nuclei in an intra-epidermal pagetoid pattern were focally seen. Conclusion: These findings represent a new cystic, hemorrhagic variant of sebocrine adenoma.