cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Optimal Architecture for Efficient Simple-Cycle Gas Turbine Engines

Increasing efficiency of gas turbine engines by way of irreversibility minimization has been the underlying objective in the development of a variety of simple, regenerative, and combined cycles. The approach thus far has been to conceptualize new cycles, or choose existing cycles, perform exergy analyses, and make modifications to minimize irreversibility. In this paper we take a fundamentally different approach by developing a thermodynamic framework that defines the principles governing the minimization of irreversibility and uses these principles to deduce an optimal architecture for simple-cycle gas turbine engines. No engine cycle/design is assumed in the beginning. The benefit of this approach is two-fold. First, it explains the factors affecting irreversibility in gas turbine engines. Second, it defines an optimal architecture for simple-cycle engines based on the chosen constraints (e.g., polytropic efficiency of compression and expansion processes, blade temperature limits, etc.) having an efficiency greater than any preconceived cycle/architecture with the same constraints.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Identification of ubiquinone binding proteins in ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase by arylazido ubiquinone derivative.

Abstract A functionally active arylazido-1-[ 14 C]-β-alanine ubiquinone derivative has been synthesized for the identification of the ubiquinone binding protein in ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase. After photolysis, the 14C activity was found to be specifically associated to proteins with mobilities relative to cytochrome c of 0.841 and 0.475 in the sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the Weber and Osborn system. These two proteins have previously been identified as b cytochromes. The 14C activity distribution pattern was observed to be identical in the presence or absence of phospholipids during the photolysis. Antimycin A also produces no change in the 14C activity distribution among the proteins of this enzyme complex.
Stretch activation of GTP-binding proteins in C2C12 myoblasts

Abstract Mechanical stimulation has been proposed as a fundamental determinant of muscle physiology. The mechanotransduction of strain and strain rate in C2C12 myoblasts were investigated utilizing a radiolabeled GTP analogue to detect stretch-induced GTP-binding protein activation. Cyclic uniaxial strains of 10% and 20% at a strain rate of 20% s−1 rapidly (within 1 min) activated a 25-kDa GTPase (183 ± 17% and 186 ± 19%, respectively), while 2% strain failed to elicit a response (109 ± 11%) relative to controls. One, five, and sixty cycles of 10% strain elicited 187 ± 20%, 183 ± 17%, and 276 ± 38% increases in activation. A single 10% stretch at 20% s−1, but not 0.3% s−1, resulted in activation. Insulin activated the same 25-kDa band in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed a panel of GTP-binding proteins in C2C12 myoblasts, and tentatively identified the 25-kDa GTPase as rab5. In separate experiments, a 40-kDa protein tentatively identified as Gαi was activated (240 ± 16%) by 10% strain at 1 Hz for 15 min. These results demonstrate the rapid activation of GTP-binding proteins by mechanical strain in myoblasts in both a strain magnitude- and strain rate-dependent manner.
Fluid Drop-Like Transition of Erythrocytes under Shear

Red cells dispersed in a continuous medium of high viscosity possess the flow properties of fluid drops. The cells at rest are biconcave, while under shear they become progressively deformed into prolate ellipsoids, their long axis aligned parallel to the flow direction. The red cell membrane rotates around the hemoglobin like a tread of a tank. At high rates of shear this mechanism greatly reduces viscosity at all hematocrit values.
Serum complement activity and serum enzymes in rats after a subcutaneous injection of toxin prepared from Pasteurella multocida type D.

Toxin produced by Pasteurella multocida type D was investigated for its effect on serum complement and serum biochemistry in rats. Rats were given a sublethal single subcutaneous injection of D toxin equivalent to 0.2 μg/kg of body weight. Serum obtained 1,3,5 and 7 days post-treatment was tested for complement activity, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Serum complement titers were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) at all times after injection of toxin compared to rats injected with diluent and tested at the same intervals. Bilirubin was decreased but both control and D toxin-treated rats had low concentrations of bilirubin in their sera. The other biochemical constituents measured had no consistent pattern that would indicate liver damage in the rats.
Evaluation of Sorption Coefficients for Pyroxasulfone, s-Metolachlor, and Dimethenamid-p:

Sorption coefficients were evaluated for pyroxasulfone, s-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-p across 25 soil types with different chemical and physical properties to better understand how soil properties influence the binding of pyroxasulfone in different soils. Sorption coefficients were determined using a batch equilibrium method to evaluate relative differences in binding among the three herbicides. Based on water solubility values, we would have expected the relative order of binding to be dimethenamid-p (1450 mg L⁻¹ at 20°C), s-metolachlor (530 mg L⁻¹ at 20°C), and pyroxasulfone (3.49 mg L⁻¹ at 20°C) in order of increasing binding. However, when sorption coefficients were calculated, we observed the order of pyroxasulfone = dimethenamid-p < s-metolachlor in the order of increasing binding. The average Kd (sorption coefficient) values were 1.7, 2.3, and 4.0 L kg⁻¹ for pyroxasulfone, dimethenamid-p, and s-metolachlor, respectively. Although dimethenamid-p has water solubility values that are over 400 times greater than pyroxasulfone, there was no statistical difference in binding between pyroxasulfone and dimethenamid-p. s-Metolachlor binding was statistically greater than both pyroxasulfone and dimethenamid-p. Across all soil chemical and physical properties, sorption coefficients for all three herbicides were highly and statistically correlated to soil organic matter. Sand and silt were also statistically correlated to binding, although these correlations could be explained by the high correlation of organic matter to these properties. Evaluation of sorption coefficients indicates that pyroxasulfone is most prevalent in the soil solution where herbicides are available for plant uptake. Reduced soil binding and greater activity at the target site could contribute to comparable weed control efficacies of pyroxasulfone even when applied at lower use rates compared to either s-metolachlor or dimethenamid-p.
Firm strategy and the Canadian Voluntary Climate Challenge and Registry (VCR)

The Canadian VCR is a climate change mitigation program that relies on firms' desire to signal environmental responsibility to external stakeholders through voluntary information disclosure. We analyze indicators of strategic behavior through three measures of engagement with the VCR program (annual participation behavior, quality of action plans and repeat participation), and test for differences in these measures among firms subjected to different regulatory climates that arise over time, across provinces and across economic sectors. Our findings suggest an increased perception of a regulatory threat in later years, as evidenced by an increase in participation rates, higher quality of action plans and higher rates of repeat participation. We also find higher levels of engagement with the VCR program in provinces with large petroleum (Alberta) and manufacturing (Ontario) industries and that have established provincial level greenhouse gas reporting mechanisms, and in certain sectors such as petroleum, electric utilities and to some extent services. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Treatment of experimental mann-williamson ulcers with anterior pituitary-like hormone (Antuitrin-S.)

1. 100% of a series of 7 control Mann-Williamson dogs developed ulcers, with average survival time of 53 days. 2. The average survival time of 19 dogs treated daily with 1 cc. of Antuitrin-S. was 97 days. Three dogs failed to develop ulcers, dying of inanition.
Utility of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography as Part of the Pre-Liver Transplant Evaluation: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy

Background Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is commonly used to risk stratify patients in the cardiac evaluation prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Data remain limited regarding the accuracy to predict obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using this approach. Hypothesis We hypothesize that DSE may have limitations in the investigation of underlying CAD in patients with end-stage liver disease. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent OLT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 1998 and 2010 was performed. Sixty-six underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within 1 year of DSE and were included in our study. Based on DSE results, patients were stratified into 1 of 3 groups: nonischemic, ischemic, and indeterminate. The relationship between DSE, ICA, and death from all cause and cardiac-related cause with a minimum 3-year follow-up period were analyzed. Results A total of 66 patients were included in our cohort. There was no difference in age, gender, severity of liver disease, and echocardiographic findings among the groups. Forty-three percent of patients (n = 12) with an abnormal result on DSE were found to have moderate or severe obstructive CAD on cardiac catheterization, whereas 49% of patients (n = 17) with a normal finding on DSE had moderate or severe CAD. Of 5 patients who died from a documented cardiac etiology, 3 had normal stress test results, 1 had abnormal findings, and 1 had an indeterminate DSE result. When compared with ICA, our study demonstrated that DSE has a sensitivity of 41.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.61), specificity of 47.1% (95% CI: 0.30-0.65), positive predictive value of 40.0% (95% CI: 0.23-0.59), and negative predictive value of 48.0% (95% CI: 0.31-0.66) in identification of underlying CAD. Conclusions Although widely used, DSE may not always accurately reflect the severity of obstructive CAD in patients undergoing OLT.
Clinical experiences in the education of teachers 1

This paper presents the argument that the two views of appropriate clinical experiences most commonly held by teacher educators are both limited and lacking vision and are, therefore, ineffectual in shaping the training experiences of beginning teachers. After an examination of relevant research in the areas of teacher effectiveness, behaviour acquisition, classroom characteristics, instructional supervision and concept acquisition an augmented view of clinical experiences is offered. This view suggests the importance of the potential effect of the clinical setting on the beginning teacher and the need to provide the novice with the opportunity to develop a conceptual framework which will allow meaningful interpretation of events observed in clinical settings. 1. This paper was presented as an Invited Address at the Ohio Conference on Teacher Education, Columbus, Ohio, April 1979. The author would like to acknowledge both the substantive contributions and manuscript review offered by Walter Doyle.
Collision induced intersystem crossing the photophysics of glyoxal vapor excited at 4358 Å

Abstract The yields, lifetimes and spectra of singlet 1Au (S1) and triplet 3Au (T1) emissions from glyoxal vapor (0.003 to 10 torr) have been measured after initially pumping levels about 1000 cm−1 above the S1 zero-point level with the 4358 A Hg line and with flash excitation centered at 4345 A. Only S1 emission is observed at the lowest pressures. The singlet fluorescence contains appreciable structure from the zero-point level even when the hard sphere collision interval exceeds the radiative lifetime calculated from the absorption coefficient. Implications of long lifetimes (due to S1 - T1 vibronic interactions) are not confirmed by pulsed excitation studies. Both S1 and T1 emissions are observed at pressures above about 0.1 tert and both are self-quenched. However, added gases such as cyclohexane, argon, and helium selectively quench only S1 emission. This quenching is collision-induced S1→T1 intersystem crossing with cross sections of order 0.1 hard sphere for transitions from the S1 zero-point level. The triplet yield in 0.2 torr of pure glyoxal is probably near unity, and the subsequent crossing T1 → S0, if it occurs, lies in the statistical limit. Indications of fast nonradiative decay from high triplet vibrational levels are seen in the phosphorescence yields. Self-quenching of the triplet state appears to be associated with the photochemical activity of glyoxal.
The role of shopping sophistication in creating satisfying purchase outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: are sophisticated consumers more likely to be satisfied with their purchases? Are consumers who are more knowledgeable more apt to feel in control of their purchase decisions? Are they more likely to believe the transaction was fair? Are they less likely to have cognitive dissonance post‐purchase?Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study examining the role of consumer sophistication on consumers' purchase satisfaction was conducted with a national sample of approximately 700 home purchasers.Findings – The results revealed that shopping sophistication is a key determinant of whether consumers are satisfied with their purchase experience. Sophistication not only seems to affect satisfaction but also customer perceptions of control, fairness and dissonance.Practical implications – Implications for marketing strategy and suggestions for future research are discussed.Originality/value – This paper suggests that perception of soph...
Scientific cognition: human centered but not human bound

While agreeing that cognition in the sciences is usefully thought of as involving processes encompassing both humans and artifacts, I object to attributing cognitive states to extended systems. I argue that cognitive states, such as “knowing”, should be confined to the human components of cognitive systems. My argument appeals to the large dimensions, both spatial and temporal, of many scientific cognitive systems, the existence of epistemic norms, and the need for agents in science.
Adsorptive Characteristics of Dust and Fumes The Strength of the Bond in Relation to Tissue Reaction

Abstract Adsorption is considered herein as a factor in the pneumoconioses. The strength of the adsorptive bonds is one aspect which may be relatable to the fibrogenic activity of the dusts. To investigate this characteristic, globulins were adsorbed onto 14 different dusts. A constant determined from the adsorption isotherm was used as an index of the strength. Dusts known to be less active in evoking the production of fibrous tissue exhibited either strong or weak bonds. The active dusts, quartz, cristobalite, and asbestos, fell in between. These results support the hypothesis. Furthermore, they fit into some of the presently accepted concepts about the pneumoconioses.
Serological Analysis of Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus-Encoded Proteins in Infected Barley

Abstract Polyclonal antisera raised against proteins or peptides corresponding to barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) open reading frames were used in immunoblot experiments to investigate the in vivo expression of BSMV-encoded proteins during infection of barley. Six of the seven putative gene products, whose functional roles have been defined in previous genetic studies, were detected at one or more stages of infection in barley tissue sampled at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days postinoculation (DPI). The αa, βa, βb, βd, γa, and γb gene products were observed during the course of infection, but a protein corresponding to the βc gene could not be identified. The 130-kDa αa and the 74-kDa γa proteins, which comprise the essential BSMV-encoded replicase components, differed in the time course of their expression and in their subcellular distribution. The highest concentration of the αa protein coincided with the appearance of leaf symptoms at 4 DPI and declined gradually as infection progressed. The αa protein was found primarily in the soluble protein fraction but some of the protein was also found in the membrane and cell wall fractions. In contrast, the γa protein peaked in concentration later at 7 to 10 DPI and was more abundant in membranous fractions. The cysteine-rich 17-kDa γb protein was located predominantly in the soluble fraction and its concentration remained relatively constant during the course of infection. The 25-kDa capsid protein (βa) was present in the highest amounts in the soluble fraction at 4 DPI and it continued to increase in abundance throughout the sampling period. The transiently expressed 58-kDa βb protein, which like βc and βd is required for systemic infection, was most abundant at the onset of symptoms, but declined precipitously in concentration as the infection progressed. Although larger amounts of βb were present in the soluble fraction, the cell wall fraction contained a substantial portion estimated to be 30 to 40% of the protein. Affinity-purified antisera raised against a peptide corresponding to the hydrophobic 14-kDa βd ORF revealed the presence of a BSMV-specific protein of the predicted size in membrane and cell-wall fractions. Like the βb protein, the level of the βd protein decreased dramatically as infection progressed, suggesting that the synthesis of these two proteins is coordinately expressed from the RNAβ subgenomic RNA.
The indirect k-ary n-cube for a vector processing environment☆

Abstract In an earlier paper we introduced an indirect binary n -cube memory server network which has adaptive properties making it useful in a parallel vector processing environment. The memory server network, due to a special choice in the design of the basic switch node, has the property that N vector processors issuing vector fetches with similar strides are forced into lock step after an initial startup investment. In this paper we extend this work to the case of the indirect k -any n -cube. As this network has a more favorable memory latency scaling of log k N , one expects that the short vector performance will be improved as k is increased for a given N . We find this to be the case. We also find that the cost of the memory server system scales in a manner which prefers modest values of k above 2.
An improved Krasnosel'skii theorem for nonclosed sets in the plane

Let S be a nonempty bounded set in R2 whose complement consists of a finite number of locally compact components. Assume that every 3 or fewer points in S see a common point via S. Then for some point p in cl S, the set A ≡ {s ∶ s in S and (p,s]⪿ S} is nowhere dense in S. The number 3 is best possible.
A ROENTGENOGRAPHIC FILM DENSITY MEASUREMENT OF HUMAN BIOLOGIC STRUCTURES.

Abstract 1. 1. With a conventional source of illumination as one of several standards for the examination of roentgenograms, a quantitative modification of the roentgenographic image of human biologic structures has been observed and measured in dental roentgenograms of variable density. 2. 2. Further observations have been made under the provisions stipulated and a light-density roentgenogram of a biologic structure has experimentally demonstrated acceptable outline form of the specimen, a measurable lack of definition/detail of component structures, inadequate contrast, and an incorrect diagnostic impression of mineralization. A dark-density roentgenogram of the same biologic structure has experimentally presented a measurable diminution of the outline form of the specimen and internal structures, adequate contrast, and an incorrect diagnostic impression of demineralization or resorptive processes. An optimal-density roentgenogram of the experimental biologic structure has established accurate outline form of the specimen, acceptable definition/detail of component structures, adequate contrast, and a correct diagnostic impression of mineralization. 3. 3. In addition to other technical factors, serial or periodic roentgenograms should be of uniform film density for the observation and evaluation of any tissue change.
Anatomic and Technical Predictors of Stent Malposition During Implantation for Vascular Obstruction in Patients With Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease

Objectives We evaluated the anatomic and technical factors predicting stent malposition and embolization in patients undergoing endovascular stent implantation for relief of noncoronary vascular obstruction. Background Endovascular stent implantation provides a highly effective, minimally invasive solution to vascular obstruction in patients with structural heart disease. However, stent implantation is technically challenging and stent embolization occurs in up to 5.5% of cases. Methods We reviewed patient and procedural characteristics of all endovascular stent implantations performed for relieving noncoronary vascular obstruction from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2009. Univariate and multivariate predictors of stent malposition or embolization were explored through logistic regression methods. Results During the 10-year study period, 429 stents were implanted. Of these, 399 were placed for relief of vascular obstruction in 267 patients during 322 procedures. Initial implantation failure occurred in 33 patients (8.3%), including stent malposition in 18 (4.5%) and stent embolization in 15 (3.8%). Patient size and vascular obstruction caused by external compression or a vascular fold were independent predictors of stent malposition or embolization. All malpositioned and embolized stents were successfully managed without surgery, and none resulted in death, sustained hemodynamic instability, or important vascular injury. Conclusions Endovascular stent implantation is a highly effective and safe means of relieving noncoronary vascular obstruction in patients with congenital and acquired structural heart disease. Stent embolization occurs in approximately 3.8% of implantation procedures but can be managed successfully without surgical intervention. Anatomic and technical factors predict stent malposition, and consideration of these factors may improve procedural results.
Use of Humor at Work: Predictors and Implications:

This study examined 359 business school graduates' self-reported sense of humor, the use of humor at work, and perceptions of their supervisors' use of humor. Regression analyses indicated subordin...
Single-antibody, targeted nanoparticle delivery of camptothecin.

We have developed a new method for assembling targeted nanoparticles that utilizes the complexation between targeting agents that contain boronic acids and polymer–drug conjugates that possess diols. Here, we report the first in vivo, antitumor results of a nanoparticle formed via this new assembly methodology. A nanoparticle consisting of a mucic acid polymer conjugate of camptothecin (CPT), MAP–CPT, and containing on average one Herceptin antibody is investigated in nude mice bearing HER2 overexpressing BT-474 human breast cancer tumors. Nontargeted MAP–CPT and antibody-containing MAP–CPT nanoparticles of ca. 30–40 nm diameter and slightly negative zeta potential show prolonged in vivo circulation and similar biodistributions after intravenous tail vein injections in mice. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the nontargeted and Herceptin-containing MAP–CPT nanoparticles is found to be 10 and 8 mg of CPT/kg, respectively, in mice. Mice bearing BT-474 human breast tumors treated with nontargeted MAP–CPT nanoparticles at 8 mg of CPT/kg show significant tumor growth inhibition (mean tumor volume of 63 mm3) when compared to irinotecan at 80 mg/kg (mean tumor volume of 575 mm3) and CPT at 8 mg/kg (mean tumor volume of 808 mm3) at the end of the study. Herceptin antibody treatment at 5.9 mg/kg results in complete tumor regressions in 5 out of 8 mice, with a mean tumor volume of 60 mm3 at the end of the study. Mice treated with MAP–CPT nanoparticles at 1 mg of CPT/kg do not show tumor inhibition. However, all mice receiving administrations of MAP–CPT nanoparticles (1 mg of CPT/kg) that contain on average a single Herceptin molecule per nanoparticle (5.9 mg of Herceptin equivalent/kg) show complete tumor regression by the end of the study. These results demonstrate that the antitumor efficacy of nanoparticles carrying anticancer drugs can be enhanced by incorporating on average a single antibody.
Non-target host risk assessment of the idiobiont parasitoid Bracon celer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for biological control of olive fruit fly in California

Abstract Non-target risk posed by an African parasitoid, Bracon celer Szepligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), was assessed for a classical biological control program against olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae), in California, USA. Behavioral and reproductive responses to non-target tephritid species were tested with beneficial (Chaetorellia succinea [Costa] and Parafreutreta regalis Munro) (Tephritidae: Tephritinae) and native (Rhagoletis fausta [Osten Sacken]) (Tephritidae: Trypetinae) fruit fly species in successive no-choice and choice experiments under close confinement in quarantine. Non-target host-plant substrates exposed to B. celer were yellow-starthistle flower heads containing C. succinea, Cape ivy stem galls containing P. regalis, and bitter-cherry fruit containing R. fausta. The parasitoid probed all three infested non-target plant substrates, but significantly less than olives infested with B. oleae. It produced offspring from P. regalis in Cape ivy stem g...
Scopolamine alters rhesus monkey performance on a novel neuropsychological test battery

Abstract Rhesus monkeys (6) were trained on a test battery including cognitive tests adapted from a human neuropsychological assessment battery (CANTAB; CeNeS, Cambridge, UK) as well as a bimanual motor skill task. The complete battery included tests of memory (delayed non-match to sample, DNMS; self-ordered spatial search, SOSS), reaction time (RT), motivation (progressive ratio; PR) and fine motor coordination (bimanual). The animals were trained to asymptotic performance in all tasks and then were administered two of the four CANTAB tasks on alternate weekdays (PR/SWM; DNMS/RT) with the bimanual task being administered on each weekday. The effect of acute administration of scopolamine (3–24 μg/kg, i.m.) on performance was then determined. Although performance on DNMS was impaired there was no interaction of drug treatment with retention interval, suggesting that scopolamine does not increase the rate of forgetting in this task. Scopolamine administration produced a decrement in SOSS performance that was dependent on task difficulty as well as dose. Scopolamine also impaired motor responses, resulting in increased time required to complete the bimanual motor task and increased movement time in the RT task. Performance in the PR task was decreased in a dose-dependent fashion by scopolamine. The results suggest that scopolamine interferes with memory storage and motor responses but not memory retention/retrieval or vigilance. The findings demonstrate that the test battery is useful for distinguishing the effects of neuropharmacological manipulation on various aspects of cognitive performance in monkeys.
Analysis of pressures produced during maxillary edentulous impression procedures

Abstract A method for measuring pressures produced during edentulous impression procedures has been described. An oral analogue was constructed, and an electric motor was used to carry loaded impression trays to place to minimize variables. Impressions of the analogue were then made by dentists in a clinical manner to establish the validity of the laboratory results. The influence of several impression materials and tray modifications upon these pressures was determined.
Composition Operators on Spaces of Fractional Cauchy Transforms

For α > 0, the Banach space \({\mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\) is defined as the collection of functions f which can be represented as integral transforms of an appropriate kernel against a Borel measure defined on the unit circle T. Let Φ be an analytic self-map of the unit disc D. The map Φ induces a composition operator on \({\mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\) if \({C_{\Phi}(f) = f \circ \Phi \in \mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\) for any function \({f \in \mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\). Various conditions on Φ are given, sufficient to imply that CΦ is bounded on \({\mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\), in the case 0 < α < 1. Several of the conditions involve Φ′ and the theory of multipliers of the space \({\mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\). Relations are found between the behavior of CΦ and the membership of Φ in the Dirichlet spaces. Conditions given in terms of the generalized Nevanlinna counting function are shown to imply that Φ induces a bounded composition operator on \({\mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\), in the case 1/2 ≤ α < 1. For such α, examples are constructed such that \({\| \Phi \|_{\infty} = 1}\) and \({C_{\Phi}: \mathcal{F}_{\alpha} \rightarrow \mathcal{F}_{\alpha}}\) is bounded.
Absolute judgment of more than 32 categories /5 bits/ with a unidimensional visual stimulus.

In a series of four experiments using line length and bisected length stimuli, performance was well above the commonly accepted maximum of nine to 15 categories. Channel capacity (measured by an information analysis) for the median Ss in the last two studies was 28 and 45 categories. These results suggest that previous research on channel capacity should be re-examined.
An inverse-cascade model for self-organized critical behavior

We introduce an inverse-cascade model to explain self-organized critical behavior. This model is motivated by the forest-re model. In the forest-re model trees are randomly planted on a grid, sparks are also dropped on the grid resulting in res in which trees are lost. In the inverse-cascade model single trees are introduced and these combine to form larger and larger clusters. This is the inverse cascade and gives a power-law (fractal) frequency-size distribution of clusters. Model res eliminate trees from all cluster sizes but signicant numbers of trees are lost only from the largest clusters and this loss terminates the power-law scaling. Finally, our model illustrates important dierences between critical and self-organized critical behavior. c 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Some applications of universal holomorphic motions

For a closed subset E of the Riemann sphere, its Teichmuller space T (E) is a universal parameter space for holomorphic motions of E over a simply connected complex Banach manifold. In this paper, we study some new applications of this universal property.
The Effect of Treadmill-based Incremental Leg Weight Loading Training on the Balance of Stroke Patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the ankle of the affected side on hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance. [Subjects] In this study, 30 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into an incremental weight load group (IWLG, n=15) and a no-load group (NLG, n=15). [Methods] The IWLG performed gait training on treadmills for four weeks wearing a sandbag weighing 3% of the body weight on the affected side ankle, followed by wearing a sandbag weighing 5% of the body weight from the 5th week. The NLG performed similar training without sandbags. [Results] Both the IWLG and the NLG showed significant improvements in balance ability. The IWLG showed a larger decrease in the area and length of movement of the center of pressure in static standing positions after the experiment although the difference was not significant. [Conclusion] We recommend, utilizing the treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the affected side ankle as a clinical intervention for improving hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance ability.
Pigmented variants of Tolypocladium inflatum in relation to cyclosporin A production.

We have isolated four distinct colony types of the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum, the producer of the immunosuppresive agent cyclosporin A: morphologically normal white, red, and orange colonies and morphologically diverse tiny brown colonies. In liquid cultures, white normal and brown colonies developed into yellow broths. The broth of the brown colony had a low final pH and low cyclosporin production, whereas orange and red colonies had dark brown and even black broths with higher final pH and high cyclosporin production. The specific production of cyclosporin A by the red colony was three times that of the white normal colonies.
Pharmacodynamic modeling of the effect of changes in the environment on cellular lifespan and cellular response

Lifespan-based pharmacodynamic (PD) models of cellular response assume that the lifespan of cells is predetermined at the time of cellular production, despite recognized changes in the cellular environment following production that may alter the survival of the cells. This work extends previously proposed cellular lifespan PD models to incorporate environmental effects on the cell lifespan by considering two basic classes of models from survival analysis: accelerated life and relative risk models. Cellular responses using both model classes were simulated using a steady-state cellular production rate with changes in the environmental effects resulting from three different basic profiles. The environmental effect models were also fitted to the red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration data from six sheep following hematopoietic ablation by busulfan administration. The simulations indicated that the basic shapes of the cellular responses were different between the accelerated life and relative risk models. Due to the more direct physical interpretation, relatively simple steady-state relationship between the cellular response and environmental effects, and the ability to reduce the model to a “point” baseline lifespan distribution, the accelerated life model appears to be a more realistic and flexible model. The analysis of the sheep RBC and hemoglobin data indicated that the environmental effect began to decrease the survival of cells 1–2 weeks following initiation of ablation and that the average “severity” of the environmental effect increased 3.49 (29.5%) (mean (C.V.)) fold under the accelerated life model. Alternative models without an environmental effect did not describe the observed data as well. The proposed environmental effect cellular lifespan PD models allow for the incorporation of arbitrary changes in the conditions of the cellular environment and modeling of environmentally dependent cellular survival. These PD models have potential applications in hematological management of end-stage renal disease, transfusion medicine, and patients undergoing chemotherapy, among other diseases and therapies.
Hardening of the Attitudes: Americans' Views on the Death Penalty

American support for the death penalty has steadily increased since 1966, when opponents outnumbered supporters, and now in the mid-1990s is at a near record high. Research over the last 20 years has tended to confirm the hypothesis that most people's death penalty attitudes (pro or con) are based on emotion rather than information or rational argument. People feel strongly about the death penalty, know little about it, and feel no need to know more. Factual information (e.g., about deterrence and discrimination) is generally irrelevant to people's attitudes, and they are aware that this is so. Support for the death penalty has risen for most major felonies. Youth is seen as much less of a mitigating factor than it was 35 years ago, but most people still oppose the execution of the mentally retarded. As crime rates have risen despite repeated promises by politicians to “get tough on crime,” the death penalty has become an increasingly prominent issue in electoral politics, suggesting that public opinion should be an issue of central importance for research. We suggest that future research should focus more explicitly on racial attitudes, on comparisons of the death penalty with specific alternatives, and on the emotional aspects of attitudes toward the death penalty.
Commentary on: Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction

In their article titled, “Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction,” Ibrahim et al provide a review of the literature supporting the scientific rationale for the role of stem cells in facial aesthetic treatments and highlight the very important point that, although stem cells are a promising technology for plastic surgeons, the widespread marketing of these treatments has far outpaced the reality of the data supporting clinical efficacy for cosmetic applications. As a scientific investigator and director of an adipose stem cell research laboratory, I recognize the therapeutic potential of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) populations that can be derived from autologous tissue, easily isolated, cryopreserved, and rapidly expanded in culture. Moreover, these MSC populations are potent producers of growth factor and demonstrate true multilineage potential.1 I am a firm believer that a better understanding of the biology of stem cells will lead to valuable new therapies in plastic surgery, and I remain a staunch advocate for advancing this field. As a member of the plastic surgery community and Chair of the Task Force on Stem Cells and Fat Grafting, a joint effort between the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic …
Mining relevant text from unlabelled documents

Automatic classification of documents is an important area of research with many applications in the fields of document searching, forensics and others. Methods to perform classification of text rely on the existence of a sample of documents whose class labels are known. However, in many situations, obtaining this sample may not be an easy (or even possible) task. We focus on the classification of unlabelled documents into two classes: relevant and irrelevant, given a topic of interest. By dividing the set of documents into buckets (for instance, answers returned by different search engines), and using association rule mining to find common sets of words among the buckets, we can efficiently obtain a sample of documents that has a large percentage of relevant ones. This sample can be used to train models to classify the entire set of documents. We prove, via experimentation, that our method is capable of filtering relevant documents even in adverse conditions where the percentage of irrelevant documents in the buckets is relatively high.
Computation of switching noise in PCBs for digital packages

Simultaneous switching noise in printed circuit boards for digital packages is computed using a hybrid technique which combines electromagnetic analysis (3D FEM) and circuit simulation (HSPICE) for fast and efficient time and frequency domain analysis.
What Good Is This Thing Called Intelligence and Why Bother to Measure It

This article contains a review of issues and documentation concerning the possibility of "measuring " the intelligence of students. The construct validity of "intelligence, " the role of cultural context as a modifier of the meaning of test results, and the lack of meaningful predictive validity of IQ tests are discussed. A discussion of the utility of the intelligence construct and IQ measures, and their relationship to the design of beneficial pedagogy follows. Based on reviews of empirical evidence, it is concluded that the measurement of intelligence as practical, at present, makes no contribution to the design of instruction that is beneficial to students, as far as academic achievement is concerned. The main effects of the present popular intelligence measures are found to be negative.
Analysis of Thalassiosira pseudonana Silicon Transporters Indicates Distinct Regulatory Levels and Transport Activity through the Cell Cycle

An analysis of the expression and activity of silicon transporters (SITs) was done on synchronously growing cultures of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana to provide insight into the role these proteins play in cellular silicon metabolism during the cell cycle. The first SIT-specific polyclonal peptide antibody was generated and used in the immunoblot analysis of whole-cell protein lysates to monitor SIT protein levels during synchronized progression through the cell cycle. Peaks in SIT protein levels correlated with active periods of silica incorporation into cell wall substructures. Quantitative real-time PCR on each of the three distinct SIT genes (TpSIT1, TpSIT2, and TpSIT3) showed that mRNA levels for the most highly expressed SIT genes peaked during the S phase of the cell cycle, a period prior to maximal silicon uptake and during which cell wall silicification does not occur. Variations in protein and mRNA levels did not correlate, suggesting that a significant regulatory step of SITs is at the translational or posttranslational level. Surge uptake rates also did not correlate with SIT protein levels, suggesting that SIT activity is internally controlled by the rate of silica incorporation. This is the first study to characterize SIT mRNA and protein expression and cellular uptake kinetics during the course of the cell cycle and cell wall synthesis, and it provides novel insight into SIT regulation.
Same-day initiation of the transdermal hormonal delivery system (contraceptive patch) versus traditional initiation methods.

Abstract Introduction Published comparisons of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) initiation methods demonstrate that OCP initiation at the office visit (���Quick Start���) resulted in higher continuation rates into the second cycle. This trial was performed to investigate whether Quick Start with the contraceptive patch would provide similar results. Materials and Methods Sixty women were randomized to initiate use of the contraceptive patch using Quick Start (Group 1, n =30) or on the first day of their next menses (Group 2, n =30). Telephone contact at 6 weeks occurred to ensure that the second cycle had been initiated. A single follow-up visit was scheduled after completion of the third patch cycle. Results Continuation rates for Groups 1 and 2 were 97% and 93% (p=1.0), respectively, into the second cycle, and 93% and 90%, respectively, into the third cycle (p=1.0). Only approximately half of the subjects planned to continue using the patch after the study. Conclusion Quick Start for the contraceptive patch did not improve continuation rates into the second or third cycle.
‘South Africa On-call’: Information Technology and Labour Market Restructuring in South African Call Centres

Benner C. (2006) ‘South Africa on-call’: information technology and labour market restructuring in South African call centres, Regional Studies 40, 1–16. The dramatic global growth of call centres represents a potentially valuable employment opportunity for South Africa, as the country is gaining visibility as a viable site for off-shored business from the USA and Europe. South Africa's growth potential, however, is constrained by low educational levels of potential call centre workers, a lack of customer service management skills, and inattention to the temporal challenges of call centre work, including career trajectories for workers in the industry and evolutionary trends in the industry itself. To address this, the South African government must do more than market the country internationally. It must develop a more comprehensive approach that takes a longer-term perspective and embraces human capacity development as a central element of an economic upgrading strategy. Benner C. (2006) ‘L'Afrique du Su...
Multiple crossbar network integrated supercomputing framework

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, site of one of the world's most powerful scientific supercomputing facilities, a prototype network for an environment that links supercomputers and workstations is being developed. Driven by a need to provide graphics data at movie rates across a network from a supercomputer to a scientific workstation, the network is called the Multiple Crossbar Network (MCN). It is intended to be a coarsely-grained, loosely-coupled, general-purpose multicomputer framework that will vastly increase the speed at which supercomputers communicate with each other in large networks. The components of the network are described, as well as work done in collaboration with vendors who are interested in providing commercial products.
“Freeloading” in the Skinner Box Contrasted with Freeloading in the Runway

Three groups of rats were allowed to make either 0, 40 or 285 rewarded bar-pressing responses and then were given a choice between eating pellets from a dish (freeloading) or pressing the bar. 3 independent groups (Ss randomly assigned) were allowed to make either 0, 40, or 285 rewarded runs in a 4-ft. runway and then were given a choice between freeloading in the start box or running the maze. For all 6 groups a “total time” score was obtained which reflected the average time taken to stop freeloading and perform either one bar-pressing response or one run to the goal box. The 3 runway groups showed a marked tendency toward higher total time scores with increasing amounts of training whereas the three Skinner-box groups showed a trend in the opposite direction.
What does Reflection from Cloud Sides tell us about Vertical Distribution of Cloud Droplet Sizes

Cloud development, the onset of precipitation and the effect of aerosol on clouds depend on the structure of the cloud profiles of droplet size and phase. Aircraft measurements of cloud profiles are limited in their temporal and spatial extent. Satellites were used to observe cloud tops not cloud profiles with vertical profiles of precipitation-sized droplets anticipated from CloudSat. The recently proposed CLAIM-3D satellite mission (cloud aerosol interaction mission in 3-D) suggests to measure profiles of cloud microphysical properties by retrieving them from the solar and infrared radiation reflected or emitted from cloud sides. Inversion of measurements from the cloud sides requires rigorous understanding of the 3-dimentional (3-D) properties of clouds. Here we discuss the reflected sunlight from the cloud sides and top at two wavelengths: one nonabsorbing to solar radiation (0.67 μm) and one with liquid water efficient absorption of solar radiation (2.1 μm). In contrast to the plane-parallel approximation, a conventional approach to all current operational retrievals, 3-D radiative transfer is used for interpreting the observed reflectances. General properties of the radiation reflected from the sides of an isolated cloud are discussed. As a proof of concept, the paper shows a few examples of radiation reflected from cloud fields generated by a simple stochastic cloud model with the prescribed vertically resolved microphysics. To retrieve the information about droplet sizes, we propose to use the probability density function of the droplet size distribution and its first two moments instead of the assumption about fixed values of the droplet effective radius. The retrieval algorithm is based on the Bayesian theorem that combines prior information about cloud structure and microphysics with radiative transfer calculations.