cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro transcription and start site selection in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

We have used the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to establish both a biochemical and genetic system to study the roles of general transcription factors in transcription initiation. Extracts were prepared that faithfully transcribed S. pombe promoters and the results confirm that, in contrast to the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in vitro transcription in S. pombe initiates near to the TATA element. S. pombe transcription relies on upstream activation sequence elements and these can be replaced successfully with sites for binding Gal4-VP16 activators. Although it is mammalian-like in these respects, S. pombe initiation uses an unusual scanning mechanism. This directs initiation, preferentially using purines, within a narrow window approximately 25-40 base-pairs downstream from the edge of the TATA element. Genetic experiments showed that this scanning mechanism was associated with the properties of the TFIIB polypeptide. When human TFIIB was expressed in S. pombe, it was accepted by the endogenous transcription machinery and caused initiation to be restricted to the closer edge of this window, corresponding to the distance in humans. Preliminary experiments suggested that S. cerevisiae TFIIB was not accepted. The results enlarge the potential for using fission yeast to study the properties of general transcription factors such as TFIIB in choosing the sites at which transcription initiates.
Pathogenic tau species drive a psychosis-like phenotype in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Psychotic Alzheimer's disease (AD+P) is a rapidly progressive variant of AD associated with an increased burden of frontal tau pathology that affects up to 50% of those with AD, and is observed more commonly in females. To date, there are no safe and effective medication interventions with an indication for treatment in this condition, and there has been only very limited exploration of potential animal models for pre-clinical drug development. Pathogenic tau is over represented in the frontal cortex in AD+P, especially in females. In order to develop a candidate animal model of AD+P, we employed a tau mouse model with a heavy burden of frontal tau pathology, the rTg(tauP301L)4510 mouse, hereafter termed rTg4510. We explored deficits of prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (PPI), a model of psychosis in rodents, and the correlation between pathogenic phospho-tau species associated with AD+P and PPI deficits in female mice. We found that female rTg4510 mice exhibit increasing PPI deficits relative to littermate controls from 4.5 to 5.5 months of age, and that these deficits are driven by insoluble fractions of the phospho-tau species pSer396/404, pSer202, and pThr231 found to be associated with human AD+P. This preliminary data suggests the utility of the rTg4510 mouse as a candidate disease model of human female AD+P. Further work expanded to include both genders and other behavioral outcome measures relevant to AD+P is necessary.
Convective Burning in Gaps of PBX 9501

Impact or thermal ignition of high explosives results in deformation that can lead to fracture. Fracture, combined with high pressure, dramatically increases the available surface area and potentially changes the mode of combustion. Recent impact and cook-off experiments on PBX 9501 (HMX, octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine, with a binder) have shown complex cracking patterns caused by impact or pressurization. Fast reactive waves have been observed to propagate through the cracks at about 500 m/s. We present experiments that investigate the propagation of fast reactive waves in cracks of PBX 9501, focusing on the reactive wave velocity and on the interplay of pressure and crack size. Experiments at initial pressures of 6.0 MPa reveal monotonic reactive wave propagation velocities of around 7 m/s for a 100 μm slot. We observe reactive wave velocities as high as 100 m/s in experiments at initial pressures of 17.2 MPa and various slot widths. Similar experiments at lower pressure exhibit oscillatory reactive wave propagation in the slot with periodic oscillations whose frequencies vary with combustion vessel pressure. This is the first reported observation of oscillatory combustion in cracks of an energetic material such as PBX 9501. Threshold pressure experiments for combustion propagation into closed-end slots of PBX 9501 find that combustion propagates into 2 mm, 1 mm, 100 μm, 50 μm, and 25 μm slots at approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.9, 1.6, and 1.8 MPa, respectively.
Mobility degradation in a quantum well heterostructure of a GaAs/AlGaAs prototype

Mobility degradation of a quasi‐two‐dimensional electron gas in a high electric field as shown to arise from the asymmetry in the distribution function of electrons. The critical field for the onset of appreciable mobility degradation is given by e*=kBT/el=vsat/2μ0, where T is the lattice temperature, l the mean free path, μ0 the low field ohmic mobility, and vsat the saturation velocity. High mobility materials are vulnerable to mobility degradation particularly at low temperature. The effective electron temperature in a protruded distribution undergoes a transition from quadratic to linear behavior as the electric field is increased. This behavior is consistent with the most recent experimentally observed behavior of GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures and can be usefully applied to the design of devices operating at high electric field.
Analysis of radiation from arbitrarily oriented wire antennas over imperfect ground (Sommerfeld formulation): SomArb

The program is for analysing radiation from antenna arrays of arbitrarily oriented thin-wire antennas over the plane surface of an imperfectly conducting earth. The solution is that obtained from the E-field integral equation by the method of moments. The effects of the imperfectly conducting earth are accounted for exactly by using the Sommerfeld formulation.
Generation of active RC filters: signal flow graph approach☆

Abstract In this paper a method is presented which allows one to generate all basic signal flow graphs (SFG) for a given decomposition of the denominator of a biquadratic section. This approach is based on a binodal representation of a RC network with operational amplifiers (op amp) and classification of biquadratic sections. The classification is made with respect to a type of the SFG representation and a type of the passive RC circuits associated with the op amp. A program has been written for an exhaustive generation of graphs representing the assumed decomposition of the denominator. The circuits have identical properties with respect to passive elements.
A micro-level analysis of social structure and social control: Intrastate use of jail and prison confinement

(1990). A micro-level analysis of social structure and social control: Intrastate use of jail and prison confinement. Justice Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 325-340.
Vector potential Green's function for a radially directed line dipole in open space

A vector potential Green's function for a radially directed line dipole (Figure 1) is derived. Methods for obtaining two-dimensional Green's functions are available for the z-directed line current and for the OS-directed line dipole. With the results of this article available, the set of Green's functions for two-dimensional sources in cylindrical coordinates is complete.
Dielectric properties of mouse lymphocytes and erythrocytes

In order to study the effect of the nucleus on dielectric behavior of the whole cell, permittivity (dielectric constant) and conductivity of mouse lymphocytes and erythrocytes were measured over a frequency range from 0.1 to 250 MHz. Erythrocytes (spherocytes) showed a single dielectric dispersion, which was explained by a single-shell model that is a conducting sphere covered with a thin insulating shell. On the other hand, lymphocytes showed a broad dielectric dispersion curve which was composed of two subdispersions. The high-frequency subdispersion, which was not found for erythrocytes, was assigned to the Maxwell-Wagner dispersion of the nucleus occupying about 65% of the total cell volume. Analysis of the lymphocyte dispersion was carried out by a double-shell model, in which a shelled sphere, i.e., nucleus, is incorporated into the single-shell model. The following electrical parameters were consequently estimated; the capacitance of the plasma membrane, 0.86 microF.cm-2; the conductivity of the cytoplasm, 3.2 mS.cm-1; the capacitance and conductance of the nuclear envelope are, respectively, 0.62 microF.cm-2 and 15 S.cm-2, and the permittivity and conductivity of the nucleoplasm are 52 and 13.5 mS.cm-1.
MICROSEGREGATION IN CONVENTIONAL SI-DOPED LEC GAAS

Abstract The dopant distribution in 〈100〉 Si-doped GaAs was quantitatively analyzed using NIR transmittance measurements with a spatial resolution of better than 2 μm. Microsegregation inhomogeneities, in the form of striations, are found to be random and discontinuous; they are identified predominantly as abrupt dopant concentration decreases resulting from temporal, localized back melting associated with turbulent convection in the melt. Variations in free charge carrier density associated with the striations approach in many instances two orders of magnitude and are thus by a factor of ten larger than anticipated and reported in the open literature for Si and Ge. Periodic striations normally associated with rotational crystal pulling are absent.
Self-consistent semirelativistic pseudopotential calculation of the energy bands, cohesive energy, and bulk modulus of W

The energy bands, equilibrium lattice constant, cohesive energy, and bulk modulus of tungsten have been calculated using our new semirelativistic pseudopotential. The agreement with experiment is exceptionally good. This can be attributed to the pseudopotential containing all relativistic effects, except spin-orbit, to order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the fine-structure constant, and to our taking the exchange-correlation potential to be ${V}_{\mathrm{xc}}^{\mathrm{val}}={V}_{\mathrm{xc}}({\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\mathrm{total}})\ensuremath{-}{V}_{\mathrm{xc}}({\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\mathrm{core}})$ rather than ${V}_{\mathrm{xc}}^{\mathrm{val}}={V}_{\mathrm{xc}}({\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\mathrm{val}})$.
Spontaneous fission in the heavy elements

Investigations of mass and kinetic-energy distributions from spontaneous fission have been extended in recent years to an isotope of element 104 and, for half-lives, to an isotope of element 108. The results have been surprising in that spontaneous fission half-lives have turned out to be much longer than expected and mass and kinetic-energy distributions were found to abruptly shift away from those of the lighter actinides, showing two modes of fission. These new developments have caused a re-evaluation of our understanding of the fission process, bringing an even deeper appreciation of the role played by nuclear shell effects upon spontaneous fission properties.
Biomarkers in ACS and heart failure: should men and women be interpreted differently?

BACKGROUND: Sex-based differences exist in the circulating concentrations of certain novel and established biomarkers in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and heart failure (HF). However, to date, few studies have compared the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these markers in men vs women. CONTENT: This mini-review contains a discussion of the published reports of studies that have explored whether differences in biomarker concentrations exist between men and women with ACS or HF. It also examines those studies that have compared the utility of biomarkers for diagnosis or risk stratification in women vs men. Because biomarkers are often used to make therapeutic and triage decisions in patient care, the potential clinical implications for any observed differences in biomarker reference limits for men and women is discussed. SUMMARY: Although the concentration distributions may differ between men and women for certain biomarkers in clinical use, the clinical implications of these observations remain unclear. Because elements of the pathophysiology of ACS and HF may differ between the sexes, further research is needed to better evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of biomarkers in men vs women.
Associations between criteria air pollutants and asthma.

The evidence that asthma is increasing in prevalence is becoming increasingly compelling. This trend has been demonstrated not only in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and several other Western countries. In the United States, the increase is largest in the group under 18 years of age. There is mounting evidence that certain environmental air pollutants are involved in exacerbating asthma. This is based primarily on epidemiologic studies and more recent clinical studies. The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 provides special consideration to the class of outdoor air pollutants referred to as criteria pollutants, including O3, sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), NOx, CO, and Pb. Standards for these pollutants are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with particular concern for populations at risk. Current evidence suggests that asthmatics are more sensitive to the effects of O3, SO2, PM, and NO2, and are therefore at risk. High SO2 and particulate concentrations have been associated with short-term increases in morbidity and mortality in the general population during dramatic air pollution episodes in the past. Controlled exposure studies have clearly shown that asthmatics are sensitive to low levels of SO2. Exercising asthmatics exposed to SO2 develop bronchoconstriction within minutes, even at levels of 0.25 ppm. Responses are modified by air temperature, humidity, and exercise level. Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested that exposure to PM is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in the general population and that hospital admissions for bronchitis and asthma were associated with PM10 levels. In controlled clinical studies, asthmatics appear to be no more reactive to aerosols than healthy subjects. Consequently, it is difficult to attribute the increased mortality observed in epidemiologic studies to specific effects demonstrated in controlled human studies. Epidemiologic studies of hospital admissions for asthma have implicated O3 as contributing to the exacerbation of asthma; however, most study designs could not separate the O3 effects from the concomitant effects of acid aerosols and SO2. Controlled human clinical studies have suggested that asthmatics have similar changes in spirometry and airway reactivity in response to O3 exposure compared to healthy adults. However, a possible role of O3 in worsening atopic asthma has recently been suggested in studies combining allergen challenge following exposure to O3. Attempts at identification of factors that predispose asthmatics to responsiveness to NO2 has produced inconsistent results and requires further investigation. In summary, asthmatics have been shown to be a sensitive subpopulation relative to several of the criteria pollutants. Further research linking epidemiologic, clinical, and toxicologic approaches is required to better understand and characterize the risk of exposing asthmatics to these pollutants.
Diblock Copolymers Containing Metal Complexes in the Side Chain of One Block

The synthesis of novel block copolymers with metal complexes in the side chain of the polymer and their bulk self-assembly are described. Atom transfer radical polymerization plus postpolymerization chemistry were used to synthesize these novel diblock and four-arm star diblock copolymers. One block was functionalized with an asymmetric ruthenium(II) bisterpyridine complex containing a C16 alkyl chain in the 4‘ position. 1H NMR and FT-IR were used to monitor the postpolymerization chemistry, while polarized optical microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the self-assembled structures. The diblock copolymer microphase separated in the bulk to form a structure-within-structure morphology “cylinders in a sea of rods” that have spacings of 38 and 5.7 nm, respectively, and the C16 chains were crystalline. The star copolymer was birefringent in the bulk, gave a SAXS signal corresponding to 38 nm, and had crystalline C16 side chains; however, no...
Factors that influence the severity of recurrent hepatitis c virus following liver transplantation

Poor outcomes following OLT for HCV disease have been associated with several host, viral, and non-host/non-viral factors. As is evident from the literature, there is confounding data in favor of and against these factors in the pathogenesis of severe recurrent HCV. Nevertheless, from a viral perspective, the patient most likely to achieve a good outcome following OLT is someone with low-level (< or = 10(9) copies/mL) HCV RNA viremia both pre- and post-OLT and a genotype other than lb. In terms of host factors, the patients with best outcomes are: whites, men, less than 49 years of age, receiving a donor liver less than 40 years of age, not coinfected with CMV, and have low HAI or histologic activity indices during the early stage of follow-up. Host recipient immune homology may or may not be a major factor in outcomes. A non-host, non-viral factor favoring less severe recurrence of HCV is a shorter warm ischemia time. Finally, features that may influence outcomes over which there is no control include: recipient age, recipient gender, and donor age (in the case of cadaveric donors). Unfortunately, the best-case scenario is uncommon.
The AACC Leadership Competencies: Pennsylvania's Views and Experiences

Community colleges in the United States are facing a shortage of leaders because many current leaders will retire within the next 10 years (Weisman & Vaughn, 2007). Student diversity, technological advancement, and increased accountability have expanded the required skill-set of community college leaders. To aid the next generation of leaders in meeting these various institutional challenges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has developed a competency framework for community college leaders (AACC, 2005). The present study investigated how community college presidents, vice presidents, and deans working in Pennsylvania viewed the leadership competencies identified by AACC as important for effective community college leadership. In addition, the community college leaders were asked to identify experiences that they found supportive in developing the AACC leadership competencies. According to the results, participants most valued the communication competency and least valued the professi...
Single crystal X-ray structures of the two 4-heptadecyl derivatives of (1R,5S)-3,6,8-trioxabicylo[3.2.1]octane

The single crystal structures of the two diastereomeric 4-heptadecyl derivatives of (1R,5S)-3,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane have been determined by X-ray diffraction to be (1R,4R,5S)-heptadecyl-3,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (I) and (1R,4S,5S)-4-heptadecyl[3,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (II), respectively, which have an exo or axial 4-heptadecyl group, and an endo or equatorial 4-heptadecyl group, respectively. The structures of I and II had been suggested by their phase-sensitive 2D NOESY 1H-NMR spectra, but are now established unambiguously. These optically pure non-ionic lipid-like amphipathic molecules (I and II) represent the first 3,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes for which single crystal structures have been solved. Crystals of both isomer I and isomer II were orthorhombic with space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), and had unit cell dimensions of a = 9.586, b = 43.14, c = 5.289 A, and a = 7.34, b = 51.8, c = 5.636 A, respectively. The structures of I and II were both solved by using direct methods to R = 0.045 and R = 0.086, respectively. Both I and II pack in stacked bilayers with interdigitating and tilting hydrocarbon chains. The molecular and hydrocarbon cross sections are I: S = 50.70 A2, sigma = 19.00 A2; and II: S = 41.37 A2, sigma = 18.26 A2.
Diagnostic accuracy of thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging.

Myocardial thallium-201 (Tl-201) imaging performed in conjunction with exercise stress has enhanced the accuracy of detecting coronary artery disease among patients with chest pain. Sensitivity and specificity of qualitative visual Tl-201 scintigraphy for detection of coronary artery disease average 84% and 87%, respectively. Quantitative analysis of planar Tl-201 scintigrams has yielded sensitivity and specificity in the 90% range. Single photon emission computed tomographic imaging is associated with even higher sensitivity but with specificity in the 82-85% range. Perfusion defects representing ischemia can now be distinguished from scar by demonstration of delayed Tl-201 redistribution or enhanced uptake after reinjection of a second dose of Tl-201. Stenoses of the left circumflex coronary artery are less easily detected than lesions of the right and left anterior descending coronary arteries. False-positive Tl-201 perfusion defects may occur as a result of attenuation artifacts, most often caused by overlying breast tissue or by a high left hemidiaphragm. Patient motion during acquisition of single photon emission computed tomographic images results in artifactual defects on reconstruction. Abnormal Tl-201 uptake has been noted in patients with (1) left bundle branch block and normal coronary arteries, (2) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and (3) progressive systemic sclerosis.
Multilevel computational processes for visual surface reconstruction

Abstract A computational theory of visual surface reconstruction is presented. This theory extends in a natural way the multilevel structure of the earliest processing stages in vision to later stages that reconstruct full, retinocentric surface representations from local information about surface shape at scattered locations. The surface reconstruction problem is formulated as a variational principle describing the equilibria of a thin flexible plate. Optimal discrete approximations to the variational principle are obtained via the finite element method which utilizes local (finite element) representations of surfaces. The resulting discrete problem takes the form of a large, sparse system of linear equations. A multilevel algorithm for quickly solving a hierarchy of discrete problems is described and its performance is demonstrated by examples involving depth constraints from stereopsis.
Negative intraoral air pressures of deaf children with cochlear implants: physiology, phonology, and treatment.

The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine deaf children’s use of negative intraoral air pressures (–Po’s) from a physiological and a phonological perspective, with the hope of gathering insight into the strategies these children use to produce speech. A secondary purpose was to compare the effectiveness of two methods of treating these deviant productions. Subjects were four profoundly deaf children, age 6:6–9:2, who used cochlear implants and had demonstrated persistent use of –Po’s. –Po’s were collected during production of CV syllables with initial [p] and [b] and a variety of vowel contexts. Two of the children used –Po’s more often before low than high vowels. We suggest that this vowel-based pattern may result when deaf children learn to lower their larynges in response to visible jaw lowering cues. Another child presented with a pattern of more frequent –Po’s before front than back vowels, suggesting that she may have expanded her pharynx anteriorly as she attempted to achieve an ant...
The Importance of Workplace Bullying to Vocational Psychology Implications for Research and Practice

Workplace bullying is a significant problem in many adult work settings. Much of the research has been conducted by organizational psychologists. It is important for vocational scholars and practitioners to be knowledgeable about the phenomena of workplace bullying, as they are in a position to contribute to the literature base and to counsel perpetrators and targets of workplace bullying. Further, integration of workplace bullying constructs may improve the predictive ability of vocational theories. The authors discuss research findings related to workplace bullying that are relevant to the field of vocational psychology and formulate recommendations for both research and practice. Research on workplace bullying by vocational scholars could lead to a better understanding of individual career development and improved worker interventions.
Bh?vaviveka'sPraj?prad?pa: A Translation of chapter two: ?Examination of the traversed, the untraversed, and that which is being traversed?

L'A. publie sa propre traduction anglaise du chapitre II du «Mūla-madhyamaka-kārikā» de Nāgārjuna, fondateur de l'ecole Madyamaka, tel qu'il figure dans le commentaire de Bhāvaviveka intitule «Prajnāpradīpa», existant dans sa version tibetaine
Comprehension processes during large scale maintenance

We present results of observing professional maintenance engineers working with industrial code at actual maintenance tasks. Protocol analysis is used to explore how code understanding might differ for small versus large scale code. The experiment confirms that cognition processes work at all levels of abstraction simultaneously as programmers build a mental model of the code. Cognition processes emerged at three levels of aggregation representing lower and higher level strategies of understanding. They show differences in what triggers them and how they achieve their goals. Results are useful for defining core competencies which maintenance engineers need for their work and for documentation and development standards. >
The uncertainty of it all

The amygdala is clearly implicated in the processing of biologically relevant stimuli, particularly those that can lead to a state of fear. A new study by Herry, Bach and colleagues using both mouse and human subjects seemingly throws a wrench in the spokes by demonstrating that the amygdala is sensitive to non-biologically relevant stimuli (i.e. tones) when they occur in an unpredictable fashion. The implications of this finding for understanding the role of the amygdala in vigilance, threat assessment and anxiety are considered here.
Optimizing fixed and variable compensation costs for employee productivity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to determine the optimal balance between fixed and variable compensation costs incurred by a firm.Design/methodology/approach – In 2004 Burke and Terry used an economic framework to demonstrate how variable pay can reduce operating leverage and hence increase a firm's value. Their theme is extended to develop a conceptual framework for ascertaining the optimal balance between fixed and variable pay components.Findings – As demonstrated with an example, the choice between fixed and variable pay affects the firm's employee productivity, operating leverage, market risk, cost of capital, and cash flows. The ultimate choice of the variable and fix compensation “mix” should meet the goal of management – maximizing the firm value, and hence the shareholders' wealth.Practical implications – Evidence suggests there is a growing use of variable pay schemes in firms to increase employee motivation and productivity.Originality/value – The framew...
Conjugate convex functions, duality, and optimal control problems I: Systems governed by ordinary differential equations

This paper presents a general and complete duality theory for optimal control of systems governed by linear ordinary differential equations with a convex cost criterion. Existence theorems for optimal control problems are obtained using the duality theory and a direct relationship between duality and Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is exhibited. Finally, applications to decomposition of optimal control problems are presented.
Bleeding risk and platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation

Bleeding risk and platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation
Fragmentation of protonated thioether conjugates of acrolein using low collision energies

The protonated mercapturic acid conjugate of acrolein, S-(3-oxopropyl)-N-acetyl-L-cysteine (I), undergoes facile retro-Michael loss of acrolein in the gas phase. To determine whether extensive loss of acrolein would impede structural characterization of acrolein-peptide adducts, fragmentation reactions of a series of conjugates, formed by 1,4-Michael addition of acrolein to peptides and cysteine derivatives, were investigated at collision cell potentials up to −50 V using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Differences in fragmentation dynamics suggest protonation at the sulfur of the N-acetylcysteine conjugate I facilitates retro-Michael elimination of acrolein with a low activation energy relative to other fragmentations. Analogous fragmentation was eliminated after borohydride reduction of the aldehyde to an alcohol. Retro-Michael fragmentation was not significant for acrolein conjugates of glutathione derivatives, suggesting that proton sequestration occurs in peptides with multiple amide linkages even when the peptide does not contain a basic amino group. An unexpected outcome of these experiments was the observation of a facile gas-phase cleavage of peptides on the N-terminal side of S-(3-oxopropyl)cysteine residues. Such fragmentation behavior may prove useful for locating cysteine residues in peptides.
Flexible time management in data stream systems

Continuous queries in a Data Stream Management System (DSMS) rely on time as a basis for windows on streams and for defining a consistent semantics for multiple streams and updatable relations. The system clock in a centralized DSMS provides a convenient and well-behaved notion of time, but often it is more appropriate for a DSMS application to define its own notion of time---its own clock(s), sequence numbers, or other forms of ordering and times-tamping. Flexible application-defined time poses challenges to the DSMS, since streams may be out of order and uncoordinated with each other, they may incur latency reaching the DSMS, and they may pause or stop. We formalize these challenges and specify how to generate heartbeats so that queries can be evaluated correctly and continuously in an application-defined time domain. Our heartbeat generation algorithm is based on parameters capturing skew between streams, unordering within streams, and latency in streams reaching the DSMS. We also describe how to estimate these parameters at run-time, and we discuss how heartbeats can be used for processing continuous queries.
Reading Their Book of Faith: North American Muslims and Their Interpretations of the Qur’an in the Post 9/11 Era

: This article seeks to provide an overarching view of the North American Muslim conversation about interpreting the Qur’an in a post 9/11 world. While most Western critiques of Islam focus on reading the texts of Islam, the author argues that one must also listen to the contemporary intra-Muslim conversation about their own text, in order to faithfully understand the Muslim perspective. In this conversation, the author provides evidence for a plurality of social-political views among Muslims and notes that the post 9/11 North American context is alive and well with such faith conversations.
Endogenous small RNAs and antibacterial immunity in plants

Small RNAs are non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that control gene expression by mediating mRNA degradation, translational inhibition, or chromatin modification. Virus-derived small RNAs induce silencing of viral RNAs and are essential for antiviral defense in both animal and plant systems. The role of host endogenous small RNAs on antibacterial immunity has only recently been recognized. Host disease resistance and defense responses are achieved by activation and repression of a large array of genes. Certain endogenous small RNAs in plants, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are induced or repressed in response to pathogen attack and subsequently regulate the expression of genes involved in disease resistance and defense responses by mediating transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene silencing. Thus, these small RNAs play an important role in gene expression reprogramming in plant disease resistance and defense responses. This review focuses on the recent findings of plant endogenous small RNAs in antibacterial immunity.
Demand Pacemaker Arrhythmias from Intermittent Internal Short Circuit in Bipolar Electrode

This report presents the clinical manifestations of an intermittent short circuit within a bipolar pacing catheter when used for bipolar ventricular demand pacing. The intermittent short circuit caused periodic pacemaker failure, while the associated abrupt changes in voltage between the anode and the cathode created “false signals” that were sensed by the demand generator. Unipolarization either with the tip or proximal electrode as the cathode did not eliminate the disturbance caused by “false signals” when pacing on demand. However, fixed-rate pacing in this situation resulted in absolutely regular pacing when either the tip or the proximal electrode was the cathode. During the short circuit the unipolar ventricular electrograms from the tip and proximal electodes became identical, with the bipolar voltage zero. The cause of the intermittent internal short circuit in this report was defective insulation, probably from over-use and repeated handling of the temporary catheter. Routine electrical testing of pacing catheters for continuity of individual electrodes and for shorting is recommended. The diagnosis of functional defects in pacing catheters may become increasingly important if degenerative changes develop in catheters that have been in the heart for many years.
Induction of mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase by thyroid hormone: Comparison of the euthyroid and the thyroidectomized rat☆

Abstract After the administration of a single-dose of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) the liver mitochondrial l -α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (LM-GPDH) gradually increases in both the euthyroid and the thyroidectomized rat, and the induction reaches its peak 48 hours after the injection. The second dose of T 3 is a more effective inducer to increase LM-GPDH activity in the euthyroid rat than the first dose of T 3 , while the effectiveness of first and second doses of T 3 to the thyroidectomized rat is essentially the same. The administration of ethionine along with the second dose of inducer inhibits the further increase of LM-GPDH for both the euthyroid and the thyroidectomized rat. Puromycin can block the increase of LM-GPDH caused by second dose of T 3 to the euthyroid rat. Administration of actinomycin D after the induction peak initiated by a single dose of T 3 caused a significant increase in LM-GPDH activity in the euthyroid rat but not in the thyroidectomized rat. Actinomycin D prevented the induction produced by a second dose of T 3 as early as 3.5 days after first T 3 administration in the thyroidectomized rat; however, this inhibition could only be observed until 5.5 days after the first T 3 administration in the euthyroid animal. The biological half-life of the induced LM-GPDH in the euthyroid animal is 7 days, which appears longer than the 3.5 day half-life found for the thyroidectomized rat. The life-time of mRNA (messenger RNA) specific for LM-GPDH synthesis was found to be 5.5 days for the euthyroid rat and 3.5 days for the thyroidectomized rat. The present observations suggest that thyroid hormone may directly or indirectly maintain a stable supply of functioning mRNA for the synthesis of LM-GPDH.
Distributed Throughput Optimization for Large-Scale Scientific Workflows Under Fault-Tolerance Constraint

With the advent of next-generation scientific applications, the workflow approach that integrates various computing and networking technologies has provided a viable solution to managing and optimizing large-scale distributed data transfer, processing, and analysis. This paper investigates a problem of mapping distributed scientific workflows for maximum throughput in faulty networks where nodes and links are subject to probabilistic failures. We formulate this problem as a bi-objective optimization problem to maximize both throughput and reliability. By adapting and modifying a centralized fault-free workflow mapping scheme, we propose a new mapping algorithm to achieve high throughput for smooth data flow in a distributed manner while satisfying a pre-specified bound of the overall failure rate for a guaranteed level of reliability. The performance superiority of the proposed solution is illustrated by both extensive simulation-based comparisons with existing algorithms and experimental results from a real-life scientific workflow deployed in wide-area networks.
Market‐oriented is more than being customer‐led

Connor, in ‘Customer-led and market-oriented: A matter of balance’, argues, among other things, that we propose that market oriented businesses focus on future customer needs to the neglect of current customer needs, that market oriented businesses over-emphasize marketing activities in their value chains, that market oriented businesses emphasize generative learning to the neglect of adaptive learning, and that only large companies have the resources to become market oriented. These arguments are largely unfair extrapolations of our position and reflect a superficial understanding of the nature and benefits of being market oriented. We use this response to clarify our position on these issues. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mantle flow deflected by interactions between subducted slabs and cratonic keels

Subducting slabs can influence mantle flow, but the importance of neighbouring continental cratons is little understood. Geodynamical modelling, constrained by seismic data that identify regions of mantle flow beneath the Caribbean–South American Plate margin, shows that the deep-rooted South American craton acts to deflect and enhance mantle flow into a narrow channel.
Binding of estrogen and progesterone-BSA conjugates to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the effects of the free steroids on GAPDH enzyme activity: physiological implications.

Abstract In this study rat brain solubilized plasmalemma-microsomal fractions (B-P3) or cytosolic fractions were applied to P-3-BSA (progesterone linked to BSA at C-3 position) and E-6-BSA (17β-estradiol linked to BSA at C-6 position) affinity columns. It is interesting that a 37 kDa protein was retained by both columns which was identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by N-terminal sequencing. The 37 kDa protein (GAPDH) was not retained by either a control BSA conjugated affinity column or a corticosterone-BSA affinity column. E-6-BSA bound to GAPDH with higher binding affinity than P-3-BSA or T-3-BSA (testosterone linked to BSA at C-3 position) affinity columns. In addition, the binding of 17β-E-6-BSA to GAPDH was impeded by free estrogen (17β-estradiol) completely. Binding studies of E-6-BSA and P-3-BSA to commercial GAPDH from rabbit skeletal muscle using radiolabeled ligand binding assays revealed that P-3-BSA had 10× lower GAPDH binding affinity than E-6-BSA. Next, the effects of estrogen and progesterone on GAPDH activity were studied. Rapid and significant increases in Vmax and changes in Km were observed by the addition of 10 nM estradiol, whereas 100 nM progesterone decreased only Vmax significantly. Testosterone, corticosterone, 17α-estradiol, and diethylstilbestrol did not affect the enzyme activity. The results indicate that GAPDH is a target site for 17β-estradiol and progesterone and suggest possible roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism and synaptic remodeling in which GAPDH has been reported to be involved.
John A. Buzacott and His Pioneering Contributions to Manufacturing and Service Systems

John A. Buzacott is a pioneering and premier contributor to the field of production and operations management. He has been a principal architect of the development of a unified framework and a rigorous engineering foundation for many of the major approaches currently used in the design, planning, and control of manufacturing and service systems. His innovative use of stochastic models to explain many phenomena occurring in manufacturing and service organizations has distinguished him not only as a great researcher but also as a great teacher. His contributions have inspired scholars throughout the world. We provide an overview of John's research works and accomplishments.
Bicriteria network flow problems: Integer case

Abstract We consider a bicriteria network flow problem with flow variables restricted to integer values. The set of efficient solutions to the problem can be obtained by adopting a bicriteria integer programming technique. The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique which capitalizes on the network structure and the unimodular property of the incidence matrix. The procedure uses efficient solutions to the continuous version of the bicriteria network flow problem and parametric programming in order to generate the efficient solutions to the bicriteria integer network flow problem. The performance of the algorithm is also discussed.
The meaning of symptoms in 10 women with somatization disorder and a history of childhood abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the associated experiences and illness behavior in patients with somatization disorder and a history of childhood abuse. DESIGN: In-depth interviews were conducted with patients who had somatization disorder and a history of childhood abuse; qualitative content analysis was then performed. SETTING: Patients were recruited from 2 primary care teaching practices. PARTICIPANTS: Physicians were asked to refer patients suspected of having both conditions, yielding 21 potential participants. Eight declined, and 3 did not meet standardized screening questionnaire criteria, yielding 10 women who participated in the study. Participants and nonparticipants had a similar range of socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: An analysis of the interviews yielded 22 themes. Seven themes relevant to understanding the link between illness behavior and abuse were the abuse experiences, emotional and behavioral reactions to the abuse, relationship of abuse to somatoform symptoms, relationship of abuse to health care use, attempts to tell about the abuse, relationships with physicians, and physician behavior. Childhood attempts to tell adults about the abuse resulted in threats of punishment, contributing to lifelong patterns of secrecy, even with physicians. Six women reported having childhood physicians who were family members, friends, or the abuser's physician, reinforcing their subsequent secrecy. The women reported that their current physicians denied their physical pain as adults, just as the abusers denied their emotional and physical pain in childhood. Seven women reported decreased health care use once they associated symptoms with abuse experiences. Nine women reported spousal abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Somatization and childhood abuse may involve a paradoxical pattern of hiding feelings and reality, while seeking acknowledgment of suffering. Patient insight may decrease health care use. Therefore, the exploration of patient experiences may be useful for women with somatization disorder and a history of childhood abuse. The risks of spousal abuse and denial and rejection in the physician-patient relationship could also be important. Language: en
Hypoglossal nerve palsy from cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: 3 case reports ☆ ☆☆

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involvement of the cervical spine is a well-known but perhaps underappreciated phenomenon. Neurologic complications of this involvement include pain, myelopathy, and cranial nerve (CN) palsies. However, hypoglossal nerve palsy (CN XII) is rarely diagnosed. Mechanical nerve injury, either from vertical odontoid subluxation or pannus formation, is the suspected mechanism. We present 2 cases of hypoglossal nerve palsy attributed to cervical spine involvement of RA and 1 case of postoperative tongue weakness after cervical fusion in a patient with long-standing RA. These cases show a potentially devastating complication of RA that may be underdiagnosed. Therapy involving the cervical spine must be prescribed with caution in this patient population.
2.6.3 Workshops and Forums for Engineering and Management of Complex Systems1

Characteristics of complex systems and systems engineering practices are reviewed. A workshop program (WES-21) sponsored by the U. S. Navy for promoting wise technology investments in the engineering and management of complex systems in the 21st century is described. Topics and results from the three annual workshops held in 1994, 1995, and 1996 are discussed. Due to changes in the way the Department of Defense (DoD) acquires goods and services, the third workshop was designed to couple the group discussions closely with the DoD mandated concepts of Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD). The Lean Aircraft Initiative (LAI) program, which is independent of WES 21, is also discussed. LAI is aimed at lean manufacturing principles and practices.
The Dual-Measurement Procedure for Eliminating Systematic Interference

A special "dual-measurement" procedure has been introduced for eliminating systematic interference in electromagnetic measurements. This interference has its origin in the same source as the measured signal and is usually picked up by the cables, chassis, and objects other than the sensor. The interference, when superimposed on the signal being measured, obscures the signal and degrades the accuracy of the measurement. The use of the dual-measurement procedure can notably reduce the systematic interference and greatly improve the clarity and accuracy of the measurement.
Parents and their minor children: familial politics in the middle Maghrib in the eighth/fourteenth century

In this essay I reconstruct a dispute that occurred in the middle Maghrib during the first half of the eighth/fourteenth century among members of a wealthy family with strong ties to the state. The pre mortem transfer of shares of a mill to minor children, one male and the other female, carried out ca. 705/1305 became problematic 20 years later, long after the children's father had died. The widowed mother used her position as legal guardian to prevent her daughter – now grown up and married – from exercising effective control over her shares of the mill; eventually, the mother sold her daughter's shares of the mill to her son, a jurist employed by the state. When her attempts to settle the dispute within the family proved unsuccessful, the daughter took her case to a sharī a court judge; the latter solicited the legal advice of a muftī, who called for nullification of the sale. The case sheds light on the operation of the Islamic legal system, points to the willingness of legal actors to uphold the rights of a female against a powerful male relative, and suggests that Muslim judges enjoyed a relatively large measure of judicial autonomy.
Numerical study of random surface scattering using Coifman wavelets

The scattering of electromagnetic waves from one-dimensional rough surfaces is studied numerically using Coifman wavelets. Owing to the orthogonality, vanishing moments and multiresolution analysis of wavelets, sparse impedance matrices have been obtained. More importantly, the coiflets allow the development of a high accuracy one-point quadrature formula, which reduces the computational effort in filling the matrix entries. Excellent agreement of the proposed approach with existing approaches was observed.
Perspectives on Science Writing

(1979). Perspectives on Science Writing. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 16-20.