cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Approval Regulation and Endogenous Consumer Confidence: Theory and an Analogies to Licensing, Safety and Financial Regulation”

Safety regulation – in the form of pre-market approval, licensure, screening, and product entry limitations – governs numerous market realms, including consumer finance. In this article, we ask whether the effects of safety regulation go beyond safety and affect consumers' beliefs about the distribution of products they can use. We model “approval regulation,” where a government regulator must approve the market entry of a product based upon observable, unbiased, and non-anticipable experiments. We show that even if regulator and firm disagree about only quality standards, the disagreement induces the firm to provide more information about its product than it would in the absence of regulation. Put differently, purely first-order disagreements in regulation generate second-order consequences (more certainty about product quality). These second-order consequences of regulation are sufficient to generate first-order effects among end-users (more consumption of superior products), even when users are risk-neutral. In other words, even if approval regulation produces little or no improvement in safety or quality, it still aggregates information useful to “downstream” product users; these users will exhibit higher consumption and will more readily switch to superior products. In contrast with libertarian analyses of entry regulation and licensure, the model predicts that entry restrictions may be associated with greater product or service utilization (consumption) as well as with greater price sensitivity among consumers. Because contemporary cost–benefit analyses ignore these second-order effects, they are unlikely to capture the possible confidence effects of approval regulation.
The Effect of Premium Cotton on the Pricing of Textile Products: A Marketplace Analysis of Sheets

The development of genetically modified cotton seeds that produce cotton with a variety of enhanced characteristics has increased the need for a greater understanding of factors underlying the marketing of premium cottons. The purpose of this study is to determine what price difference, if any, exists between sheets made from conventional cotton and premium cotton. A hedonic framework provided the theoretical basis for the empirical analysis. Information on prices and characteristics of sheets was collected from the Internet sites of retailers who had a license for Supima® cotton. Sheets made from premium cotton had significantly higher prices than sheets made with conventional cotton. The results contribute to the literature on fiber branding and pricing and provide insight on factors that influence the price consumers are asked to pay for sheets.
Compact real-time matched-filter optical processor

A matched filter optical processor is described that is compact, lightweight, and operates in real time. The use of lightweight reflection hologram lenses as the Fourier transforming elements allows for compact folded light paths. The holographic optical elements were designed and analyzed using a holographic optics ray-tracing computer program (HOAD). It was predicted that compact holographic optics can perform satisfactorily for input imagery of moderate space-bandwidth product; high performance can be achieved if longer focal lengths (1 meter) are allowed. A photoconductor-thermoplastic (PTP) device at the input plane of the processor provides for real-time data insertion. Data is scanned or imaged from an incoherent source onto the PTP device, which forms a phase recording that modulates the coherent illumination at the processor input. The PTP device operates in real-time and can be erased and reused many times. Compact optical processors of the type described are particularly well suited to applications such as space vehicle data processing or terrain-matching for terminal guidance.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Induction of Persistent Sodium Current by Exogenous and Endogenous Nitric Oxide

Most voltage-gated Na+ channels inactivate almost completely at depolarized membrane potentials, but in some cells a residual Na+ current is seen that is resistant to inactivation. This persistent Na+ current can have a profound impact on the electrical behavior of excitable cells, and the regulation of this property could have important biological consequences. However, the biological signaling mechanisms that regulate the persistence of Na+ channels are not well understood. This study showed that in nerve terminals and ventricular myocytes nitric oxide (NO) reduced the inactivation of Na+current. This effect was independent of cGMP, was blocked byN-ethylmaleimide, and could be elicited in cell-free outside-out patches. Thus, a reactive nitrogen species acts directly on the channel or closely associated protein. Persistent Na+current could also be induced by endogenous NO generated enzymatically by NO synthase (NOS). Application of ionomycin to raise the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in myocytes activated NOS. The NO produced in response to ionomycin was detected with an NO-sensitive fluorescent dye. Persistent Na+ current was enhanced by the same treatment, and NOS inhibitors abolished both the elevation of NO and the induction of persistent Na+current. These experiments show that NO is a potential endogenous regulator of persistent Na+ current under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Identifying neurocognitive phenotypes in autism

Autism is a complex disorder that is heterogeneous both in its phenotypic expression and its etiology. The search for genes associated with autism and the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie its behavioural symptoms has been hampered by this heterogeneity. Recent studies indicate that within autism, there may be distinct subgroups that can be defined based on differences in neurocognitive profiles. This paper presents evidence for two kinds of subtypes in autism that are defined on the basis of language profiles and on the basis of cognitive profiles. The implications for genetic and neurobiological studies of these subgroups are discussed, with special reference to evidence relating these cognitive phenotypes to volumetric studies of brain size and organization in autism.
Equid play ethogram

Abstract An ethogram of play behavior among equids was developed. Several key English-language studies on equids were reviewed to derive a preliminary inventory of specific behaviors to be included in the ethogram. Our primary observations were based on a herd of semi-feral Shetland-type ponies kept at New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA. Greater than 100 h of direct observation and photo-documentation focused specifically on play in order to identify play behaviors to be added to the preliminary inventory and to obtain detailed descriptions of each behavior. Additionally, these observations were supplemented with photographs obtained during several years of observational study of this herd for other purposes, and with the cumulative equid observational experience and study notes of the principal investigator with other equid species. An initial draft was sent out to 18 equine behavior colleagues for review. A total of 38 individual behaviors classified into four distinct categories were included in the ethogram. These included object play (14 entries), play sexual behavior (3 entries), locomotor play (14 entries) and play fighting (7 entries). All of the behaviors catalogued from direct observation of the herd were also found in the equid literature. The resulting ethogram offers a practical tool as a field guide or reference for quantitative research and other studies of equid play behavior as well as for teaching of equid behavior.
Trustworthy computing in a multi-core system using distributed scheduling

Hardware Trust is an emerging problem in semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) security due to widespread outsourcing and the stealthy nature of hardware Trojans. Conventional post-manufacturing testing, test generation algorithms and test coverage metrics cannot be readily extended to hardware Trojan detection. As a result there is a need to develop approaches that will ensure trusted in-field operation of ICs, and more generally trust in computing. We present a distributed software scheduling prototype, TADS (Trojan Aware Distributed Scheduling), to achieve a Trojan-activation tolerant trustworthy computing system in a multi-core processor potentially containing hardware Trojans. TADS is designed to be transparent to applications and can run on general purpose multicore PEs without modifications to the operating system or underlying hardware. TADS can, with high confidence, continue to correctly execute its specified queue of job subtasks in the presence of hardware Trojans in the multi-core PEs while learning the individual trustworthiness of the individual PEs. Specially crafted self-checking subtasks called bounty hunters are introduced to accelerate PE trust learning. Also, by learning and maintaining individual PE trustworthiness, the scheduler is able to achieve Trojan containment by scheduling subsequent job subtasks to PEs with high learned trust.
Muscle Isoactin Expression during in Vitro Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from mouse blastocysts. ES cells can differentiate into complex embryoid bodies (EBs) which exhibit many of the characteristics of 4-10-d embryos, including areas which rhythmically contract. The expression of the four muscle isoactins was examined in EBs by using transcript-specific probes for each of the muscle actin mRNAs and selectively reactive MAbs to muscle actins. Northern blot analyses from undifferentiated ES cells and EBs after 5, 10, 15, and 20 d in suspension culture demonstrated that no muscle actin transcripts could be detected in the undifferentiated cells, whereas during differentiation, the vascular and enteric smooth muscle isoactin mRNAs were easily detected. To further define the pattern of expression, polymerase chain reaction analyses were carried out on RNA isolated from individual EBs. The data indicated that all four muscle-specific actin genes are transcribed. We also demonstrated the presence of muscle actins in at least two distinct cell populations within the EBs using selectively reactive MAbs. Fibroblast-like cells exhibit significant levels of the two smooth muscle actins (vascular and enteric) localized to stress fibers. In addition, one or both of the striated muscle actins (cardiac and skeletal) are expressed in cardiomyocyte-like cells. As is the case in embryonic heart, α-smooth muscle actin and the striated muscle actin(s) are incorporated into well organized sarcomeres in these cardiomyocyte-like cells. Thus, differentiating EBs provide an in vitro system to study both striated and smooth muscle cell gene expression.
Freezability of Bovine Spermatozoa in Tris-Buffered Yolk Extenders Containing Different Levels of Tris, Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Ions

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of different species of ions and osmotic pressure on survival of bull spermatozoa during freezing to − 196 C. Replacing 20 to 80% of the Tris-buffered 20% yolk extender with isosmotic NaCl, KCl, or CaCl 2 solutions was found to be harmful. Potassium was more harmful than Na or Ca at the highest level of replacement. When either 10 or 20% by volume of a 0.25 m Tris-buffered 1% yolk extender was replaced with isosmotic Na and K chloride and citrate salt solutions, survival of spermatozoa during freezing was not affected. Replacement of 50% or more of the Na citrate with K citrate in 1 and 20% yolk-citrate extenders reduced sperm cell survival before and after freezing. These results indicate that the optimum levels of Na and K in extenders for freezing spermatozoa are less than the normal intracellular concentrations of these ions. Osmotic pressure of a 0.25 m Tris-buffered 20% egg yolk extender (freezing point depression, 0.55C) was increased by adding NaCl, KC1, and CaCl 2 singly and in all combinations. As the osmotic pressure increased, motility of the spermatozoa after freezing declined in a linear manner, regardless of the tonicity contributed by each cation.
FORCED SYNCHRONIZATION OF EUKARYOTIC CELLS

A comprehensive mathematical model of the budding yeast cell cycle, accounting for several dozen published experiments, has thirty five variables and one hundred and forty parameters.5 Detailed models describing cell cycle regulation in other organisms have also a large number of variables and parameters. Complexity rises further upon integrating the cell cycle network to other pathways in the cell. For some practical and theoretical issues, abundant complexity in realistic models can be tackled by studying first a functional subset of a model to understand the mechanism of a concerned process, and then by revealing the conditions of its occurrence in a detailed model. Here we review this approach applied to the problem of cell synchronization. Using analytic results obtained from a minimal model, we simulate cell synchronization in comprehensive mathematical models for budding and fission yeast cell cycles. Our results demonstrate that an experimental method based on periodic forcing of the synthesis of ...
The Joint Inference of Topic Diffusion and Evolution in Social Communities

The prevalence of Web 2.0 techniques has led to the boom of various online communities, where topics spread ubiquitously among user-generated documents. Working together with this diffusion process is the evolution of topic content, where novel contents are introduced by documents which adopt the topic. Unlike explicit user behavior (e.g., buying a DVD), both the diffusion paths and the evolutionary process of a topic are implicit, making their discovery challenging. In this paper, we track the evolution of an arbitrary topic and reveal the latent diffusion paths of that topic in a social community. A novel and principled probabilistic model is proposed which casts our task as an joint inference problem, which considers textual documents, social influences, and topic evolution in a unified way. Specifically, a mixture model is introduced to model the generation of text according to the diffusion and the evolution of the topic, while the whole diffusion process is regularized with user-level social influences through a Gaussian Markov Random Field. Experiments on both synthetic data and real world data show that the discovery of topic diffusion and evolution benefits from this joint inference, and the probabilistic model we propose performs significantly better than existing methods.
Adsorption of fluoride onto crystalline titanium dioxide: effect of pH, ionic strength, and co-existing ions.

Abstract Adsorption of fluoride from water onto titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was investigated. The sorbent was crystalline TiO2 composed of mostly anatase with a specific surface area of 56 m2/g. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm experiments were performed using an aqueous solution with bicarbonate alkalinity representative of natural waters. Adsorption kinetics data showed that maximum adsorption of fluoride occurred within 3 h, following a pseudo-second order kinetics model. Adsorption isotherm data followed the Langmuir equation, indicating favorable adsorption of fluoride onto TiO2, while results from the Dubinin–Radushkevich model are indicative of physical adsorption of fluoride. Adsorption of fluoride increased with decreasing solution pH. Maximum adsorption of fluoride occurred within the pH range of 2–5, while approximately 75% of maximum adsorption was obtained in the pH range of 7–8 with rapidly declining adsorption above pH 9. The pHpzc data for TiO2 indicated the preferred adsorption of fluoride onto the acidic surface of TiO2. Higher bicarbonate concentrations in solution increased the solution pH which was conducive to a decrease in adsorption of fluoride onto the surface of TiO2 at higher pH. Overall, the solution pH was the main factor controlling the uptake of fluoride by TiO2.
On grid refinement at point singularities for h-p methods

The h-p method for solving partial differential equations uses discretizations where the grid size h and the polynomial degree p are varied to obtain the most efficiency in the computing of approximate solutions. It has been known for many years that increasing p can dramatically improve efficiency and that the current common practice of keeping p = 1 is a particularly poor choice. For problems with singularities, good efficiency requires that the grid be refined near the points with singularities so the h-p method also requires a grid refinement scheme. We compare two such schemes here which we call E-Refinement (proposed by Babuska and colleagues recently) and Q-Refinement (proposed by Rice in the 1960's). Both of these schemes have been shown to have asymptotically optimal order of convergence. The actual behaviours of these two schemes are quite different in practice and the mechanisms for choosing good values of h, p and the grid refinement parameters are also quite different. This paper presents the results of a systematic experimental study of these two methods and discusses the difficulty of choosing highly efficient h, p and grid refinement parameters. Our study confirms that these two refinements are of approximately equal efficiency given such good choices. The data suggest that the Q-Refinement is more efficient but the advantage is not dramatic given the uncertainties inherent in choosing numerical methods for practical applications. We conclude that it is substantially simpler to make good choices for the Q-Refinement than for the E-Refinement.
Linear dependence of surface drag on surface viscosity.

Flow at an air-water interface is limited by drag from both the two-dimensional surface and three-dimensional subphase. Separating these contributions to the interfacial drag is necessary to measure surface viscosity as well as to understand the influence of the interface on flow. In these experiments, a magnetic needle floating on a monolayer-covered air-water interface is put in motion by applying a constant magnetic force, ${F}_{m}.$ The needle velocity varies exponentially with time, reaching a terminal velocity ${F}_{m}/C,$ in which C is the drag coefficient. C is shown to be linearly proportional to the monolayer surface viscosity, ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{s},$ for dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers in the condensed phase by comparison to surface viscosity measured by channel viscometry.
Sequencing of inspection operations subject to errors

Abstract The problem of sequencing inspection operations subject to errors in order to minimize the expected sum of inspection and penalty costs is formulated. Three basically different types of sequences (complete, fixed and variable) are defined. The paper presents methods for computing the optimal solution for each type, and a family of heuristics for the variable sequence problem. These methods are based on a branch and bound approach and involve recursive calls to a sequence evaluation function.
Extraperitoneal laparoscopic lymph node staging: the University of Southern California experience.

Abstract Objectives. To describe our experience with extraperitoneal lymph node staging in gynecologic oncology. Materials and methods. The extraperitoneal approach was performed to assess the lymph node histology in patients with gynecologic malignancies. The nodes are approached from a lateral approach after dissecting open the extraperitoneal space bluntly and with insufflation. Bilateral aortic nodes are taken from a left-sided or right-sided approach depending on the patient's characteristics. Results. Forty-six patients underwent this procedure over a 2.5-year period. Thirty-seven patients had cervical cancer. The median BMI was 27.1 (17.7–38.1). The median lymph node yield was 14 (0–60). Two patients had disruption of the peritoneum such that the aortic lymphadenectomy had to be completed transperitoneally. No patients required laparotomy. No patients required transfusion. Discussion. This technique permits histologic evaluation of the retroperitoneal nodes with minimal risk of intraabdominal adhesions. Recovery is rapid and further therapy can be prescribed shortly. The data on the nodes can assist in treatment planning.
Nd:YAG laser irradiation in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling induces deep and spatially selective photocoagulation in animal models

Successful laser treatment of haemangiomas requires selective photocoagulation of subsurface targeted blood vessels without thermal damage to the overlying epidermis. We present an in vivo experimental procedure, using a chicken comb animal model, and an infrared feedback system to deliver repetitive cryogen spurts (of the order of milliseconds) during continuous Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Gross and histologic observations show deep-tissue photocoagulation is achieved, while superficial structures are protected from thermal injury due to cryogen spray cooling. Experimental observation of epidermis protection in chicken comb animal models suggests selective photocoagulation of subsurface targeted blood vessels for successful treatment of haemangiomas can be achieved by repetitive applications of a cryogen spurt during continuous Nd:YAG laser irradiation.
Grinding-induced texture in ferroelastic tetragonal zirconia

This paper reports on ceria- and yttria-doped tetragonal polycrystalline zirconia ceramics ground at temperatures at high as 1100{degrees}C. X-ray diffraction revealed that the intensity ratio {ital I}{sub (002)}/{ital I}{sub (200)} increased (to as high as {approx} 4.5) compared with that from the as-sintered surfaces ({approx} 0.55). The enhancement in {ital I}{sub (002)}/{ital I}{sub (200)} at temperatures well above the {ital m} {r arrow} {ital t} transition temperature shows that it is not related to transformation, reversible or otherwise, but can be explained by ferroelastic domain switching.
Teaching Evaluation Using Evaluability Assessment

A case is made for using the technique of evaluability assessment to introduce students to the field of evaluation. Procedures for directing, instructing, and supervising evaluability assessments in the classroom setting are described, along with techniques for adapting the method to the students' level of training, mix of experiences, and duration of the class. Evaluability assessment is a useful exercise that assists students in applying their research skills to real program needs. Twenty local evaluability assessments, course evaluations, and subsequent contact indicate that this approach is beneficial for student professional development and is a useful service for program stakeholders.
Systematic evaluation of candidate ligands regulating ectodomain shedding of amyloid precursor protein.

Despite intense interest in the proteolysis of the β-Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) in Alzheimer’s disease, how the normal processing of this type I receptor-like glycoprotein is physiologically regulated remains ill-defined. In recent years, several candidate protein ligands for APP, including F-spondin, Reelin, β1 Integrin, Contactins, Lingo-1, and Pancortin, have been reported. However, a cognate ligand for APP that regulates its processing by α- or β-secretase has yet to be widely confirmed in multiple laboratories. Here, we developed new assays in an effort to confirm a role for one or more of these candidate ligands in regulating APP ectodomain shedding in a biologically relevant context. A comprehensive quantification of APPsα and APPsβ, the immediate products of secretase processing, in both non-neuronal cell lines and primary neuronal cultures expressing endogenous APP yielded no evidence that any of these published candidate ligands stimulate ectodomain shedding. Rather, Reelin, Lingo-1, and Pa...
Adaptive optimal estimation control strategies for systems of simultaneous equations

Abstract The choice of control strategies to improve estimation of the parameters in a model of a simultaneous equations system with time-varying parameters is considered. Open-loop feedback (OLF) sequential procedures for handling nonlinear restrictions on reduced form parameters implied by the structural form are suggested, and the combination of sequential estimation and design control strategies feature a marked improvement in the behavior of estimates over the nonsequential [open-loop (OL)] formulation. The maximum accuracy control problem considered in this paper can also be treated as an initial phase of a forecasting and/or stochastic control problem. This will avoid solution to a more difficult problem such as the dual control problem.
Solid and fluid phases in smectic layers with tilted molecules

A recent theory of two-dimensional melting is applied to freely suspended liquid-crystal films with a tilt degree of freedom. As many as seven distinct phases are possible, including those we identify with smectic-$A$, -$B$, -$C$, and -$H$ liquid crystals. Some of these phases may survive when stacked to form bulk smectics.
Electrophysiological distinctions between the taste and smell of amino acids in catfish

VERTEBRATES possess two principal systems, olfaction and taste, adapted to respond to peripheral chemical excitation. Olfaction in terrestrial vertebrates is the more acute chemosensory system, having lower thresholds to volatile stimuli than the gustatory thresholds to nonvolatile compounds1,2; thus, olfaction was termed the ‘distance’ sense and gustation the ‘contact’ sense. With fishes, however, chemical stimuli are present in the aqueous medium and it is difficult to distinguish between olfactory and gustatory stimuli or to explain the development of two chemical senses in the primitive aquatic vertebrates. Fishes exhibit important morphological distinctions between olfactory and gustatory systems both at the periphery and centrally3, and yet, in catfish, amino acids are the most effective stimuli known for both systems4,5. This sensory overlap does not reflect a simple duplication of receptor function, however, as the olfactory and gustatory systems of catfish differ in amino acid sensitivity, specificity and response characteristics, which could allow for the functional separation of the chemical senses in an aquatic environment.
An update on the genetics of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

Abstract Objectives: To summarize the current data suggesting that Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is inherited and genetic. Methods: The extant literature on family studies, segregation analyses, candidate genes studies and linkage studies of GTS was reviewed and summarized. Results and conclusions: There is considerable data that suggests that: (1) genetic factors play an important role in the manifestation of GTS; (2) several genes are important with some possibly having major effect; and (3) several regions of the genome have been identified as potential locations of these susceptibility genes.
Evolutionary Significance of Photoreceptors: In Retrospect

This essay presents an updating of the author's theory that there are two major lines in the evolution of photoreceptors, one ciliary and the other rhabdomeric (microvillar). Arguments are presented for rejecting a new and alternative theory of Salvini-Plawen and Mayr (1977) that photoreceptors have arisen many times, independently of one another, and that there are no major lines in the evolution of light-sensitive organelles. Arguments are also advanced against the theory of Vanfleteren and Coomans (1976) and others that microvillar photoreceptors are induced by ciliary structures
Electronic spectra of copper(II) dithiocarbamates

The electronic spectra of a number of copper(II) dithiocarbamates have been investigated. The elusive low-lying xy → z2 transition predicted theoretically has been observed. While ligand field calculations considering only the nearest neighbor sulfur atoms around the Cu(II) ion give a fair account of the electronic spectra, inclusion of the effects of the trans-annular atoms leads to pronounced improvement of the correspondence between calculation and experiment. Geometric distortions cannot account for this improvement.
Small-sample techniques for comparing several logistic regression slopes to a standard

In experiments from the life sciences, application of logistic regression techniques is common. Often it is imperative to compare the slopes of several of logistic regressions to that of a standard. In this article we define a test statistic based on the difference of minimal sufficient statistics and we represent two techniques for dealing with this problem for small samples. In the first approach we use the distribution function of the statistic and propose a pivoted small-sample procedure. In the second approach we use step-down permutation test. We compare these methods with existing asymptotic methods and show that the proposed methods outperform their competitors in terms of both Type I error and marginal power. The research is motivated by a problem in plant pathology which we include as our data example.
Modeling Thermal Conductivity Dryout Curves from Soil-Water Characteristic Curves

AbstractA new approach is proposed for modeling thermal conductivity dryout curves (TCDCs) using measurements of soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) for coarse-grained unsaturated soils. The approach is based on observation of similitude between a bimodal formulation of the SWCC in the form S(ψ) and the TCDC in the form λ(ψ). The model may be used in either an empirical curve-fitting capacity to best-fit measured thermal conductivity data or in a predictive capacity to estimate a TCDC from a measured SWCC. Applying the model in a curve-fitting capacity facilitates numerical modeling of heat transfer problems by providing a continuous function for the TCDC. Applying the model in a predictive capacity potentially has broad applications because the SWCC is readily measured or estimated in practice, but the TCDC is not. Performance and characteristics of the model are evaluated by comparison with SWCCs and TCDCs measured for a suite of sands. Predicted thermal conductivity is within 10% of measured value...
Between Feminism and Orthodox Judaism: resistance, identity, and religious change in Israel

Using methods of sociological analysis, Yael Israel-Cohen's study brings some new dimensions to the complex issue of feminism and Orthodox Judaism. Based on her doctoral research, her discussion is...
Resilient Propulsion Control Research for the NASA Integrated Resilient Aircraft Control (IRAC) Project

Gas turbine engines are designed to provide sufficient safety margins to guarantee robust operation with an exceptionally long life. However, engine performance requirements may be drastically altered during abnormal flight conditions or emergency maneuvers. In some situations, the conservative design of the engine control system may not be in the best interest of overall aircraft safety; it may be advantageous to "sacrifice" the engine to "save" the aircraft. Motivated by this opportunity, the NASA Aviation Safety Program is conducting resilient propulsion research aimed at developing adaptive engine control methodologies to operate the engine beyond the normal domain for emergency operations to maximize the possibility of safely landing the damaged aircraft. Previous research studies and field incident reports show that the propulsion system can be an effective tool to help control and eventually land a damaged aircraft. Building upon the flight-proven Propulsion Controlled Aircraft (PCA) experience, this area of research will focus on how engine control systems can improve aircraft safe-landing probabilities under adverse conditions. This paper describes the proposed research topics in Engine System Requirements, Engine Modeling and Simulation, Engine Enhancement Research, Operational Risk Analysis and Modeling, and Integrated Flight and Propulsion Controller Designs that support the overall goal.
Comparison of different isotropic elastoplastic models at finite strains used in numerical analysis

Several thermodynamically consistent isotropic elastoplastic models at finite strains, that are based on the multiplicative decomposition of the total deformation gradient, are analyzed and compared. It occurs that some of them, that are often used in numerical calculations and cited in literature, are completely equivalent and give the same results, despite quite different structures of the final equations. However, not all models for isotropic elastoplasticity at finite strains that are based on the multiplicative decomposition of the total deformation gradient, and the same elastic and plastic constitutive equations are equivalent because of different equations for the plastic rotation tensor. Comparison of some models showed their dependency on equations for the plastic spin. Such equations are often accepted as assumptions that help to construct an effective numerical algorithm. It is shown that the assumption of a zero modified plastic spin for a thermoelastoplastic model, with the thermal deformation gradient, leads to a new, very effective finite element procedure that is similar to the case of small strains. The derivation and details of such a numerical algorithm are given. A two-dimensional thermoelastoplastic problem at finite strains is solved.
Therapeutics in Huntington’s Disease

There is no specific treatment for Huntington’s disease (HD). Its many symptoms of motor, psychiatric, and cognitive deterioration are managed with symptomatic relief, rehabilitation, and support. The only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HD is an antichoreic agent, tetrabenazine, but this drug is used sparingly because of uneasiness regarding its propensity to cause depression and suicidality in this population, which is already at risk for these complications. Neuroleptics are still first-line treatments for chorea accompanied by comorbid depression and/or behavioral or psychotic symptoms, as is often the case. Psychiatric features, which have a significant impact on a patient’s professional and personal life, often become the major focus of management. In addition to neuroleptics, commonly used medications include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and psychostimulants. In contrast, few treatment options are available for cognitive impairment in HD; this remains an important and largely unmet therapeutic need. HD patients typically lack insight into their disease manifestations, failing to recognize their need for treatment, and possibly even arguing against it. Multipurpose medications are employed advantageously to simplify the medication regimen, so as to facilitate compliance and not overwhelm the patient. For example, haloperidol can be prescribed for a patient with chorea, agitation, and anorexia, rather than targeting each symptom with a different drug. This approach also limits the potential for adverse effects, which can be difficult to distinguish from the features of the disease itself. With HD’s complexity, it is best managed with a multidisciplinary approach that includes a movement disorders specialist, a genetic counselor, a mental health professional, a physical therapist, and a social worker for support and coordination of services. As the disease progresses, there may be need for other specialists, such as a speech and occupational therapist, a nutritionist for weight loss, and ultimately, a palliative care specialist.
Rapid assignment of protein side chain resonances using projection-reconstruction of (4,3)D HC(CCO)NH and intra-HC(C)NH experiments.

Abstract The reconstruction of higher-dimensional NMR spectra from projections can provide significant savings in instrument time. Here, we demonstrate its application to the (4,3)D HC(CCO)NH and intra-HC(C)NH experiments. The latter experiment contains a novel intra-residue filter element, which selectively correlates the side chain resonances with the corresponding intra-residue amide resonances. Compared to the conventional HC(C)NH experiment, the intra-HC(C)NH experiment reduces the spectral complexity and thus the minimum number of projections required for artifact-free reconstruction by half. The use of the projection–reconstruction technique allows rapid data collection and unambiguous assignment of aliphatic side chain nuclei at high resolution.
Structure of Monolayer and Multilayer Magnesium Chloride Films Grown on Pd(111)

The structures of magnesium chloride thin films grown on a Pd(111) surface have been studied using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), temperature-programmed desorption, and Auger electron spectroscopy. At coverages slightly less than 1 monolayer a Pd(111)−(4×4)−MgCl2 LEED pattern is observed by LEED that correlates with a coincident lattice match between Pd(111) and the (0001) or (001) face of either α or β close-packed MgCl2, respectively. At full monolayer coverage, the existence of significant attractive adsorbate−substrate interactions is sufficient to induce a lattice compression of 0.36 A in the MgCl2 ionic solid in order to maximize the surface coverage. This more compressed structure gives rise to a Pd(111)−(√13×√13)R13.9°−MgCl2 overlayer. Upon deposition of thicker films the bulk structure is recovered, producing a simple MgCl2−(1×1) LEED pattern characteristic of the (001) orientation of crystalline MgCl2. This transition is consistent with the greater strength of interactions between succe...
Subcutaneous Injection Immunotherapy for Optimal Effectiveness

Immunotherapy by the subcutaneous injection of increasing doses and then maintenance doses of extracts of inhalant allergens has been practiced for 100 years. Controlled clinical trials have established its efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis, asthma, and stinging insect sensitivity, and there are preliminary data to suggest a favorable response in some patients with atopic dermatitis. The response to subcutaneous injection immunotherapy is dose dependent. Disease-modifying actions include blocking development of new sensitivities in monosensitized patients, blocking progression to asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis, and persistence of treatment effects for up to 7 to 10 years after an initial course.
Coal tar phototoxicity: kinetics and exposure parameters

We examined two manifestations of coal tar phototoxicity: delayed erythema and skin pain (tar smarts) by quantifying the amount (dose) of UVA and exposure conditions required to induce these phenomena in normal human skin. The minimal UVA dose required to induce delayed erythema (minimal phototoxic dose or MPD) and the minimal UVA dose required to induce an immediate smarting reaction (minimal smarting dose or MSD) were recorded in 32 subjects in a variety of settings. A log-log dose-response model described the relation between the interval of time tar was left on the skin and lowering of MPD. We examined 4 different methods of tar removal and showed that several methods using more than water alone were equally effective-judging by resultant phototoxicity. The time between tar removal and UVA irradiation is important. Even 30 mm was sufficient for the MPD to increase from 3.77 ± 1.55 to 6.1 ± 4.0 J/cm 2 ( p
Error in the correlation corrections for neon polarizability due to the use of a commuting potential

Abstract Using the Varied-Portions Approach (VPA) we evaluate the error made in the calculation of the polarizability of neon when using a commuting potential in place of the Hartree-Fock potential.
Morphology predicts BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma: an interobserver reproducibility study

Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) with BRAF V600E mutation are morphologically distinctive. They are typically classic or tall cell variants, show infiltrative borders, and are associated with desmoplasia/fibrosis, psammoma bodies, and well-developed nuclear features of papillary carcinoma. We hypothesize that morphologic features of PTC can help in the prediction of BRAF V600E mutation, and we evaluate the accuracy and the interobserver reproducibility of such prediction. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections from 50 PTCs comprising of 26 mutation-positive and 24 mutation-negative tumors were examined. BRAF V600E mutation was predicted correctly in 42/50 tumors (accuracy, 84 %) with 96 % sensitivity, 71 % specificity, and 78 % positive and 94 % negative predictive values (NPV). Subtle nuclear features of PTC (n = 10) had the highest (100 %) negative predictive value followed by well-circumscribed non-infiltrative tumor borders (17/22 mutation-negative tumors, 95 % NPV). The positive predictive value of infiltrative tumor borders (21/28 [75 %] mutation-positive), desmoplasia/fibrosis (23/31 [74 %] mutation-positive), and psammoma bodies (13/20 [65 %] mutation-positive) increased to 100 % when all three features were present (n = 8/8 mutation-positive). To assess interobserver reproducibility, two pathologists blinded to the mutational status evaluated 30 PTCs (15 mutation-positive and 15 mutation-negative) after self-training on 10 PTCs with known BRAF V600E mutational status (five mutation-positive and five mutation-negative). The prediction of the mutation was achieved with substantial agreement (κ value, 0.79) and accuracy (25/30, 83 %). This study demonstrates that BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma can be predicted on morphology with accuracy and with substantial interobserver agreement.
Conditional expression of foreign genes by temperature-sensitive mutants of vaccinia virus

Abstract To assess the utility of two temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant vaccinia viruses as vectors for the conditional in vitro expression of recombinant foreign genes, we have studied the kinetics of expression of foreign genes incorporated into these viruses. At nonpermissive temperature, 40°C, these viruses were defective either in DNA synthesis or in virus assembly. Foreign gene expression was affected by the nature of the ts lesion and by the nature of the vaccinia promoter positioned upstream from the foreign gene. With both vector viruses, a foreign gene controlled by the p7.5 early-late promoter was expressed at both 33° and 40°C. With the DNA synthesis-defective vector virus, foreign gene expression controlled by the p11 DNA synthesis-dependent late promoter was inhibited at 40°C, but could be turned on by shift to 33°C. This ts expression system provides an alternative to use of drugs that inhibit DNA synthesis as a means for experimental manipulation of gene expression. Both vector viruses can be used with existing vaccinia virus expression technology.
Increased efficiency of immunotherapy using irradiated tumor cells.

The efficacy of irradiated tumor cells combined with chemotherapy or non-specific immunostimulation with complete Freund's adjuvant was tested in a model of minimal residual tumor-bearing syngeneic mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were innoculated in the right rear leg with live tumor cells from a methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma. The tumor was resected when it reached 0.7 cm in diameter and animals were treated with doses of irradiated tumor cells (XTC) from the primary tumor ranging in number from 1×103 to 9×103. Best survival was noted using 5×103 XTC combined with irradiated tumor cells of liver or pulmonary metastases origin, complete Freund's adjuvant or cytoxan. The combination of irradiated tumor cells of metastatic origin did not enhance the therapeutic effect of XTC alone. Freund's adjuvant was not of benefit in enhancing the efficacy of XTC. However, improved survival was noted when chemotherapy in the form of cytoxan was used to supplement XTC. Our data suggests that XTC is more efficacious as a mode of immunotherapy than are live tumor cells. The dose of XTC used is critical in determining its effect. Chemotherapy appears to enhance the benefit of XTC.
Determinants of US consumer mobile shopping services adoption: implications for designing mobile shopping services

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine critical determinants of US consumers' intentions to use mobile shopping services and to provide implications for retailers and mobile marketers in order to offer mobile shopping services that meet consumers' quality expectations.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 400 mobile services users drawn from a purchased consumer panel participated in an online survey. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was adapted and incorporated with attitude and hedonic performance expectancy. Two steps of structural equation modeling were used to validate the measurement model and test the hypothesized relationships.Findings – The study found that utilitarian and hedonic performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions are critical determinants of US consumers' intentions to use mobile shopping services. Effort expectancy is a driving factor affecting utilitarian and hedonic performance expectancy of mobile shopping...
On computation and resource management in an FPGA-based computation environment

The idea of managing the comprising computations of an application executed in an FPGA-based system is presented. An efficient algorithm for exploiting the timing slack of building blocks of the application is proposed. The slack of these blocks can be utilized by replacing them with slower but "cheaper" modules and by assigning the computations to the proper resources. Thus, our approach manages the comprising computations and system resources at the same time. This is performed without compromising the timing constraints of the application and can lead to significant improvements in power dissipation, computation accuracy or other design metrics based on the application domain. Our algorithm is well-suited for arbitrary tree computations. Moreover, it delivers solutions that are desirably close to the optimal solution. Experimental results for a number of object tracking applications executed on resources embedded in cameras, show a significant amount of slack utilization.
Crown profile models based on branch attributes in coastal Douglas-fir

Abstract Crown size and crown dimensions are important variables for imparting biological realism to individual-tree growth models. Models for estimating crown profile in Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were developed from attributes of individual whorl branches, including basal diameter, total length, angle of origin, and height from ground. The prediction system consisted of four equations to predict whorl branch basal diameter, branch length, branch angle of origin, and corresponding crown radius. The system is entered with three standard individual tree measurements: diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, and height to crown base. Four approaches were developed for modeling crown profile with this system of equations, distinguished by parameter estimation method, modeling data subset, and the specific form by which whorl branch diameter was represented (mean vs maximum diameter). A system-of-equations parameter-estimation technique (modified three-stage least squares) was applied to account for the correlation of error terms across the equations, and this procedure was compared with ordinary and nonlinear least squares methods. The resulting crown profile prediction systems were evaluated under both theoretical and empirical criteria. The recommended system appears to perform well against validation data on both an equation (branch) level and system (crown profile) level.