cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of two command language user interfaces for a CNC machine

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines are common pieces of equipment in manufacturing plants. In recent years, CNC-user interfaces have been evolving from CNC command languages to menu-based and direct-manipulation interfaces. However, there have been few efforts to evaluate CNC-user interfaces and to develop design strategies to improve their usability. An experiment is reported comparing the effectiveness of two user-interface layouts for a CNC-milling machine. One user-interface layout was a simulation of a popular interface for a CNC-milling machine. The second layout was designed after analyzing the command language characteristics, the button grouping, and the finger movements required to operate the first interface. Then, both layouts were compared in terms of time to complete a set of benchmark tasks, number of errors generated, and users' preferences. Four factors were manipulated: (1) users' level of expertise. (2) layouts, (3) tasks, and (4) trials. It was found that both groups of subjects completed the tasks faster using Layout 2 rather than Layout 1. Similarly, subjects' responses to a questionnaire indicated that Layout 2 was preferred over Layout 1 in almost all of the usability categories studied.
Second language learners’ interpretation of reflexive anaphora in VP-ellipsis: A relevance theory perspective

Abstract Twenty-eight intermediate and 22 advanced L2 learners (the experimental groups) and 20 native speakers of English (the control group) participated in a study that investigated second language learners’ interpretation of reflexives in the VP-elliptical sentences. Seventeen experimental sentences in a null context, 17 experimental sentences followed by a referential context favoring the “strict” reading interpretation, 17 experimental sentences followed by a non-referential context not favoring the “strict” reading interpretation, and 51 filler items were presented to the participants using a judgment task in which each sentence is followed by two alternative interpretations [Frazier, L., & Clifton, C. (2000) On bound variables interpretations: The LF-only hypothesis. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 29, 125–139]. The results indicate that adult L2 learners’ interpretation of such construction in English was constrained by the minimal processing cost and contextual effects of Relevance Theory (RT). They interpreted the reflexive in a null context “sloppily”, indicating the constraints of the minimal processing cost of RT. The contextual effects of RT were shown in their “strict” reading of the reflexive in a referential context.
The defects of the Draft African Union Convention on the Establishment of a Credible Legal Framework for Cybersecurity

Within the past decade, Africa has witnessed a phenomenal growth in telecommunications and Internet penetration. Statistical data indicates that Internet users in Africa grew from 4,514,400 million people in 2000 to 167, 335, 676 million people in June 2012[1]. Naturally, the spread of telecommunications technologies and Internet penetration in African states has also raised concerns for cybersecurity at both national and regional levels. At the regional level, the Africa Union Commission and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has developed a draft regulatory framework on cybersecurity which is known as the Draft Convention for the Establishment of a Credible Legal Framework for Cybersecurity in Africa. The Convention is intended to harmonize the laws of African states on electronic commerce, data protection, cybersecurity promotion and cybercrime control. This paper briefly discuses some of the defects of the Draft Convention with respect to the promotion of cybersecurity and cybercrime control. The paper also offers some suggestions on possible remedies that would enhance the effectiveness of the Draft Convention towards promoting cybersecurity in Africa.
Stabilizing Interactions In TNF Ligand-receptor Binding

High-affinity binding of extracellular protein ligands belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily to their conjugate transmembrane cell surface TNF receptors initiates the extrinsic signaling cascade that results in apoptotic cell death. Intriguingly, despite a high-degree of structural homology among the family of ligands and receptors, the ligand binding is both high-affinity and has high-specificity. As yet, it is poorly understood what confers this specificity. Starting from the crystal structures for the TRAIL-death receptor 5 and LTα-TNF receptor 1 complexes, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the stabilizing interactions between these ligand-receptor pairs. Additionally, we simulated both complexes with destabilizing point mutations. The simulation results yield insight into published experimental data as well as the underlying mechanism of high affinity ligand-receptor binding.
Thermodynamic modeling of the Al–Mg–Na system

Abstract Sodium is an undesired impurity element in aluminum–magnesium alloys. In the present work, the binary Al–Na and Mg–Na systems were modeled by computational thermodynamics using the CALPHAD approach. Self-consistent thermodynamic parameters of the binary systems were obtained. Combined with the Al–Mg modeling in the literature, the phase equilibria of the ternary system were calculated using Thermo-Calc software. Isothermal and isopleth sections of the ternary system as well as the liquidus projection were presented. The present work contributes to the thermodynamic database developments and the study of the impurity effects on processing of aluminum and magnesium alloy systems.
Catalogers in Academic Libraries: Their Evolving and Expanding Roles.

Catalogers in academic libraries who belong to ALA’s Technical Services Division were surveyed to determine if and how their job functions have changed over the past ten years. The 271 respondents indicated a change from print to electronic formats, involvement of nonprofessionals in higher levels of cataloging, a trend toward outsourcing (particularly, copy cataloging and foreign-language materials), and more cataloging of specialized items, audiovisual materials, and digital documents by professional librarians. The latter now use their expertise to edit problematic records, engage in managerial tasks, catalog and attempt authority control of Internet resources, do Internet training or Web page design, and use HTML. More and more catalogers are involved in activities formerly in the domain of systems librarians (selecting and implementing catalog products, database maintenance, etc.).
Effects of three-dimensional angiography on the coiling of cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE To assess how information acquired with three-dimensional angiography (3DA) affects the endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms.METHODS The role of 3DA in 50 aneurysm cases was assessed with respect to five predetermined factors, i.e., whether 3DA facilitated treatment, modified the
Molecular Dynamics Study of Dendrimer Molecules in Solvents of Varying Quality

The properties of dendrimers (“starburst” molecules) under varying solvent conditions are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The dendrimers are found to have a compact (space filling) structure under all solvent conditions, with a radius of gyration which scales with the number of monomers as RG ∝ N1/3. For high generation number dendrimers, there is a distinct region of constant monomer density. The density in this region depends only on the solvent quality and is independent of the generation number. When the contributions of the different generations to the overall density profile are separated, we find that the monomers which belong to the first few generations are stretched and spatially localized. Later generations are less localized and penetrate well into the central regions of the dendrimer. The different primary branches (“dendrons”) of the dendrimers are found to be segregated. The amount of spatial overlap between the different dendrons decreases with increasing generation number of...
Unpacking liability of foreignness: identifying culturally driven external and internal sources of liability for the foreign subsidiary

Abstract Unpacking the box of liability of foreignness, we are forced to realize that there are some costs that can be ascertained and there are other costs that are not subject to objective quantification. Country and cultural differences manifest both in readily discernable and in more tacit societal practices and individual variation. This paper links well-established streams of literature concerning foreign direct investment (FDI), corruption, and cross-cultural differences in an effort to provide a basis for explanation and future testing of certain cultural sources of liability of foreignness. Foreign firms are disadvantaged in comparison to native firms by gaps in understanding caused by cultural variation that impacts both the firm's external and internal environments. In the environment external to the firm, cultural differences are reflected in varying levels of transparency related to the state's institutional practices and procedures. Less transparent markets are associated with higher levels of tacitness, and increased corruption is a significant indicator of the resulting institutional inefficiency. In the internal firm environment, cultural differences manifest in observable behavior differences and less observable values differences of individuals. The degree of the external and internal cultural understanding gap will be determined through comparison of the cultural orientation of the parent firm in its native country with the culture of the host country of the subsidiary. Finally, given that transparency/corruption is the societal embodiment of individual cultural differences, a correlation is expected between corruption levels and value orientations in each subsidiary.
Resistance to powdery mildew in rose

SUMMARY Resistance and susceptibility of rose species and varieties to the powdery mildew fungus Sphaerotheca pannosa were tested on detached leaflets in Petri plates. Strains of the pathogen from greenhouse plants were maintained under aseptic conditions on rose shoots growing in agar medium in glass vials. Biological specialization in S. pannosa was confirmed; the strain on Rosa virginiana did not infect common rose varieties. Variation in susceptibility of commonly cultivated rose varieties to another strain of mildew was demonstrated, and resistance increased with age of leaf. Germination and prepenetration development of the fungus were not related to disease resistance. Fewer fungus haustoria developed normally in epidermal cells of resistant than of susceptible rose varieties. The relative importance of morphological barriers and internal resistance factors is discussed. Attempts failed to infect freshly isolated or long established callus tissue cultures of several rose varieties.
The Postoperative Cardiac Patient

The number of children surviving medical management and surgical repair of congenital heart lesions has steadily increased. Children with complex heart defects are therefore seen with increasing frequency in emergency departments. This article reviews the epidemiology of congenital heart disease, some common types of surgical repair, and a few postoperative complications and their management.
Diagnosis and management of periodic hypothermia

Hypothermia, defined as a core temperature below 35°C, can occur in a variety of clinical settings, including environmental exposure, shock, infection, metabolic disorders (such as hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and Wernicke encephalopathy), malnutrition, and alcohol or drug toxicity. Typically, hypothermia should resolve with treatment of the underlying disorder. However, in rare cases patients experience recurrent episodes of hypothermia in the context of a stereotyped syndrome due to a hypothalamic lesion, which can be either congenital or acquired. The episodes are characterized by progressive confusion and a decreased level of arousal, hypothermia, and eventual resolution with a return to baseline. Additional clinical findings during episodes may include diaphoresis, asterixis, bradycardia, and thrombocytopenia. These recurrent episodes represent periodic hypothermia.
Autonomous flight in GPS-denied environments using monocular vision and inertial sensors

Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission.
Experimental retinal detachment in the cone-dominant ground squirrel retina: Morphology and basic immunocytochemistry

The cellular responses of the cone-dominant ground squirrel retina to retinal detachment were examined and compared to those in rod-dominant species. Retinal detachments were made in California ground squirrels. The retinas were prepared for light, electron, and confocal microscopy. Tissue sections were labeled with antibodies to cone opsins, rod opsin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, synaptophysin, cytochrome oxidase, and calbindin D 28K. Wax sections were probed with the MIB-1 antibody to detect proliferating cells. By 10 h postdetachment many photoreceptor cells in the ground squirrel already show structural signs of apoptosis. At 1 day many photoreceptors have collapsed inner segments (IS), yet others still have short stacks of outer segment discs. At 3 days there is a marked increase in the number of dying photoreceptors. Rod and medium-/long-wavelength opsins are redistributed in the cell membrane to their synaptic terminals. At 7 days photoreceptor cell death has slowed. Some regions of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) have few photoreceptor somata. IS remnants are rare on surviving photoreceptors. At 28 days these trends are even more dramatic. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells do not expand into the subretinal space. The outer limiting membrane (OLM) appears flat and uninterrupted. Muller cells remain remarkably unreactive; they show essentially no proliferation, only negligible hypertrophy, and there is no increase in their expression of GFAP or vimentin. Horizontal cells show no dendritic sprouting in response to detachment. The speed and extent of photoreceptor degeneration in response to detachment is greater in ground squirrel than in cat retina-only a small number of rods and cones survive at 28 days of detachment. Moreover, the almost total lack of Muller cell and RPE reactivity in the ground squirrel retina is a significant difference from results in other species.
The Superoxide Synthases of Plasma Membrane Preparations from Cultured Rose Cells

Preparations of plasma membranes isolated from cultured rose (Rosa damascena Mill. cv Gloire de Guilan) cells synthesized O2- when incubated with either NADH or NADPH, as measured by an O2--specific assay based on the chemiluminescence of lucigenin. The activities were strongly dependent on the presence of Triton X-100. The Km for NADH was 159 [mu]M; that for NADPH was 19 [mu]M. Neither NADH- nor NADPH-dependent activity was inhibited by azide, an inhibitor of peroxidase, nor by antimycin A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport; both activities were inhibited by 30 to 100 nM diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of the mammalian NADPH oxidase. The NADH- and NADPH-dependent activities could be distinguished by detergent solubilization and ultracentrifugation: the NADH-dependent activity sedimented more easily, whereas the NADPH-dependent activity remained in suspension. One or both of these enzymes may provide the O2- seen when plant cells are exposed to pathogens or pathogen-associated elicitors; however, plasma membranes from rose cells treated with a Phytophthora elicitor had the same activity as control cells.
Splenic torsion in a two-year-old Great Dane

Presentation A two-year-old neutered female Great Dane presented with a ten-day history of lethargy and intermittent vomiting. The vomiting had initially responded well to symptomatic management with antacids and antiemetics; however the dog had developed abdominal discomfort 24 hours prior to presentation and was referred as an emergency. Immediately prior to presentation the owner reported the dog as passing very dark and discoloured urine.
Tabu based Search for discovering Regular Plans in mobile clients

In a mobile computing system, broadcasting has become one of the most interesting and challenging research issue. The server continuously broadcasts data to mobile users. The data can be inserted into customized size relations and broadcasted as Regular Broad cast Plan (RBP) with multiple channels. Two algorithms, the Basic Regular (BRA) and the Partition Value Algorithm (PVA), can provide a static and dynamic RBP construction with multiple constraints solutions respectively. Servers have to work with many broadcasting plan operations. The operations become more complicated when there are many kinds of services. The Tabu Search algorithm (TSRP) can discover RBPs basically with the minimum number of channels. In addition, with the move operations it can also discover more than one RBPs with minimum number of channels including different composition RBPs. Theorems can provide direct conditions that can state the existence of the necessary criteria of having RBP and RBPs with different composition without considering those criteria. From all the above modern servers can be upgraded in regards to RBPs discovery with fewer channels. This will also strengthen self-monitoring providing energy saving with many accessible channels.
Enhancing a current leakage path using a novel dual source heating system

Thermal laser stimulation (TLS) implemented under testing has become an important failure analysis technique for System-on-Chip (SoCs). This technique ensures that devices under testing (DUT) can enter particular modes, which turn on certain circuit blocks when performing TLS. However, from foundry's perspective, TLS operated under testing may not be a cost-effective solution as numerous design and test resources are required. This paper proposes a novel dual source heating system which can localize defects without utilizing any vectors by using a thermal laser in combination with a heating plate connected to a temperature controller. In this study, a defective SoC was globally heated using the heating plate to enhance the leakage path by changing the properties of the chip. Meanwhile, active or passive devices inside the defective SoC were locally heated using the thermal laser to enhance the defect detection capability by changing the electrical behaviors of the active or passive devices. Using this technique, a silicon defect located in an embedded functional circuit block of the defective SoC was successfully isolated without pausing the sample at any certain vectors.
Growth factor gene expression by intimal cells in healing polytetrafluoroethylene grafts

Abstract Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation resulting in intimal hyperplasia is a major cause of late graft failure. In baboons, healing 60 μm internodal distance polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts form an intima composed of proliferating smooth muscle cells with a luminal lining of endothelium. The presence of intimal smooth muscle cell proliferation underneath an intact endothelium, without platelet adherence, suggests that intimal cells rather than platelets may provide the growth factors regulating the smooth muscle cell proliferation. This idea is supported by the observation that, when segments of graft and artery are excised and perfused ex vivo, there is greater mitogenic activity present in the graft perfusate compared to artery perfusate. Two factors expressed by vascular wall cells and known to influence smooth muscle cell growth in vitro are platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-β 1 . The expression of these growth factors was measured by Northern blot analysis of total ribonucleic acid extracted from thoracic aorta and the intima of 6-week thoracoabdominal polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, and from smooth muscle cell cultured from the aorta and polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Growth of the cultured smooth muscle cell was arrested in serum-free conditions for 3 days and then stimulated with 10% fetal calf serum. Twenty-four hours later, the smooth muscle cells were harvested. Probing the blots for platelet-derived growth factor-A, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and transforming growth factor-β 1 messenger ribonucleic acid revealed that in vivo, the graft intima expressed more platelet-derived growth factor-A than the aorta. Both tissues expressed very low levels of platelet-derived growth factor-B, and they both expressed variable levels of transforming growth factor-β 1 . In vitro, smooth muscle cell from both graft intima and aorta had the capacity to express platelet-derived growth factor-A, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and transforming growth factor-β 1 messenger ribonucleic acid. These findings support the concept that the intimal cells express known growth factor genes and that smooth muscle cell proliferation observed in healing grafts may be regulated by factors from the cells within the vessel wall rather than from platelets. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:580-5.)
Isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (Map) from feral cats on a dairy farm with Map-infected cattle.

Paratuberculosis is an economically important disease of dairy cattle caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The role of nonruminant, nondomestic animals in the epidemiology of paratuberculosis in cattle is unclear. To examine nonruminant, nondomestic animals for the presence of Map, 25 feral cats, nine mice (species unknown), eight rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), six raccoons (Procyon lotor), and three opossums (Didelphis virginiana) were collected from a midwestern dairy with known Map-infected cattle. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was isolated from the mesenteric lymph node from seven of 25 (28%) feral cats. Ileum was culture-positive for three of these seven cats, and an isolation of Map was also made from the ileum of one of nine (11%) mice. Tissue samples from other species were negative as determined by Map culture; microscopic lesions consistent with paratuberculosis were not seen in any animal. Restriction fragment polymorphism analysis of isolates from cats a...
Mixed-mode fracture of orthotropic functionally graded materials using finite elements and the modified crack closure method

Abstract A finite element methodology is developed for fracture analysis of orthotropic functionally graded materials (FGMs) where cracks are arbitrarily oriented with respect to the principal axes of material orthotropy. The graded and orthotropic material properties are smooth functions of spatial coordinates, which are integrated into the element stiffness matrix using the isoparametric concept and special graded finite elements. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) for mode I and mixed-mode two-dimensional problems are evaluated and compared by means of the modified crack closure (MCC) and the displacement correlation technique (DCT) especially tailored for orthotropic FGMs. An accurate technique to evaluate SIFs by means of the MCC is presented using a simple two-step (predictor–corrector) process in which the SIFs are first predicted (e.g. by the DCT) and then corrected by Newton iterations. The effects of boundary conditions, crack tip mesh discretization and material properties on fracture behavior are investigated in detail. Many numerical examples are given to validate the proposed methodology. The accuracy of results is discussed by comparison with available (semi-) analytical or numerical solutions.
Perturbed Amelogenin Protein Self-assembly Alters Nanosphere Properties Resulting in Defective Enamel Formation

Dental enamel is a unique composite bioceramic material that is the hardest tissue in the vertebrate body, containing long-, thin-crystallites of substituted hydroxyapatite. Enamel functions under immense loads in a bacterial-laden environment, and generally without catastrophic failure over a lifetime for the organism. Unlike all other biogenerated hard tissues of mesodermal origin, such as bone and dentin, enamel is produced by ectoderm-derived cells called ameloblasts. Recent investigations on the formation of enamel using cell and molecular approaches have been coupled to biomechanical investigations at the nanoscale and mesoscale levels. For amelogenin, the principle protein of forming enamel, two domains have been identified that are required for the proper assembly of multimeric units of amelogenin to form nanospheres. One domain is at the amino-terminus and the other domain in the carboxyl-terminal region. Amelogenin nanospheres are believed to influence the hydroxyapatite crystal habit. Both the yeast two-hybrid assay and surface plasmon resonance have been used to examine the assembly properties of engineered amelogenin proteins. Amelogenin protein was engineered using recombinant DNA techniques to contain deletions to either of the two self-assembly domains. Amelogenin protein was also engineered to contain single amino-acid mutations/substitutions in the amino-terminal self-assembly domain; and these amino-acid changes are based upon point mutations observed in humans affected with a hereditary disturbance of enamel formation. All of these alterations reveal significant defects in amelogenin self-assembly into nanospheres in vitro. Transgenic animals containing these same amelogenin deletions illustrate the importance of a physiologically correct bio-fabrication of the enamel protein extracellular matrix to allow for the organization of the enamel prismatic structure.
Binary DNA Nanostructures for Data Encryption

We present a simple and secure system for encrypting and decrypting information using DNA self-assembly. Binary data is encoded in the geometry of DNA nanostructures with two distinct conformations. Removing or leaving out a single component reduces these structures to an encrypted solution of ssDNA, whereas adding back this missing ‘‘decryption key’’ causes the spontaneous formation of the message through self-assembly, enabling rapid read out via gel electrophoresis. Applications include authentication, secure messaging, and barcoding.
Levetiracetam as a treatment for tardive dyskinesia: a case report.

Tardive dyskinesias (TD) from antipsychotic medications have no clearly effective treatment. We present a patient with TD whose dyskinesias resolved with levetiracetam therapy. The agent may have an antidyskinetic effect through calcium channel blockade in the striatum. A 60-year-old woman with chronic depression and borderline personality disorder presented with a 3-month history of abnormal movements of the tongue, mouth, and hands. Five months earlier, adjunctive antidepressant treatment with lithium carbonate (300 mg per day) was discontinued after 10 years because of improvement in depression. Dyskinesias began 4 weeks later and progressed to subjective maximum within 1 month. Vitamin E (1600 IU per day) was administered for 2 months without effect. A 1-month trial of haloperidol (5 mg per day) 4 years earlier produced identical movements that resolved completely upon discontinuation of haloperidol. Medical and family history were negative for movement disorders (including dyskinesias) or other …
Future implications of eHealth interventions for chronic pain management in underserved populations

SUMMARY Many underserved communities, especially those in rural settings, face unique challenges that make high quality healthcare less accessible. The implementation of eHealth technologies has become a potentially valuable option to disseminate interventions. The authors’ work in rural Alabama Federally Qualified Health Centers provide insights into the access to technology as well as the likelihood of utilizing eHealth technology in underserved communities. This paper will review current challenges related to digital dissemination of behavioral health interventions for chronic pain. Two major concerns are the lack of technological resources and the lack of appropriate materials for patients who may have low levels of reading, health and/or digital literacy. We will propose some recommendations to address common barriers faced by those providing care.
Comparison of Insall-Salvati Ratios in Children With an Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear and a Matched Control Population

OBJECTIVE. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is an increasingly recognized cause of knee pain in young patients and in athletes in particular and can be detected non-invasively with MRI. Anecdotal information suggests that patella alta may be more common in the setting of this injury, but no study has documented this phenomenon. This study sought to test whether an ACL tear is associated with an increased Insall-Salvati ratio suggestive of patella alta. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Measurements of patellar height, patellar tendon length, and the Insall-Salvati ratio obtained from MRI of the knee were compared for 34 children with an arthroscopically proven ACL tear (mean age ± SD, 12.4 ± 1.4 years) and 36 control subjects with normal knee examinations (12.8 ± 2.1 years); these measurements were performed independently by two observers. RESULTS. Patellar tendon length (47.6 ± 6.6 mm vs 40.4 ± 5.7 mm) and patellar position calculated as the Insall-Salvati ratio (1.16 ± 0.16 vs 0.99 ± 0.14) were significa...
β-Carotene, Carotenoids and the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

The importance of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to the atherosclerotic process has led to the examination of beta-carotene as a possible preventive agent. Several epidemiologic studies show an inverse association between serum/adipose beta-carotene levels and coronary heart disease risk. Randomized clinical trials, however, have not shown any benefit, and perhaps even an adverse effect, of beta-carotene supplementation. A number of possible confounding factors may explain the inconsistency between the trials and epidemiologic evidence. Other carotenoids that are correlated with beta-carotene both in the diet and in the blood might be important factors, as might other plant-derived compounds. Alternatively, low serum carotenoid levels may reflect either increased lipoprotein density or the presence of inflammation, both factors emerging as important novel risk factors for coronary heart disease. Whereas the trial results support no preventive role for beta-carotene, the epidemiologic evidence does generally support the idea that a diet rich in high carotenoid foods is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Value creation and corporate diversification: the case of Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Abstract We provide clinical evidence of corporate restructuring at Sears, Roebuck & Co., beginning with the firm's 1981 diversification into financial services by acquiring Coldwell, Banker & Co. and Dean Witter, Reynolds Inc. The initial purchases resulted in a wealth gain to shareholders of approximately $400 million. Anticipated synergies did not materialize, however, and Sears’ retail performance deteriorated. Coincident with pressure from institutional investor activists in 1992, Sears announced the divestiture of financial services and a refocusing on retail operations. This led to a $1.113 billion gain for shareholders. Despite more than $1.5 billion in gains over the entire diversification/divestiture period, Sears’ shareholders suffered a significant opportunity loss when compared with a portfolio of focused firms.
The role of postsynaptic potential decay rate in neural synchrony

Integrate-and-fire neurons have been used widely to model large-scale networks with temporal dynamics. Previous work has focused on temporal delays in modulating synchronization behavior; not much attention has been given to the postsynaptic potential (PSP) decay rate. In this paper, we show that varying the PSP decay rate has the same effect as adjusting the axonal conduction delay. The decay rate can be adjusted independently at different locations in the neuron, allowing precise fine tuning of synchronization behavior. Also, because the adjustments can be local and small, this process can be more efficien t than adjusting the larger-scale axonal delays.
SRp20 and CUG-BP1 Modulate Insulin Receptor Exon 11 Alternative Splicing

The insulin receptor (IR) exists as two isoforms, IR-A and IR-B, which result from alternative splicing of exon 11 in the primary transcript. This alternative splicing is cell specific, and the relative proportions of exon 11 isoforms also vary during development, aging, and different disease states. We have previously demonstrated that both intron 10 and exon 11 contain regulatory sequences that affect IR splicing both positively and negatively. In this study, we sought to define the precise sequence elements within exon 11 that control exon recognition and cellular factors that recognize these elements. Using minigenes carrying linker-scanning mutations within exon 11, we detected both exonic splicing enhancer and exonic splicing silencer elements. We identified binding of SRp20 and SF2/ASF to the exonic enhancers and CUG-BP1 to the exonic silencer by RNA affinity chromatography. Overexpression and knockdown studies with hepatoma and embryonic kidney cells demonstrated that SRp20 and SF2/ASF increase exon inclusion but that CUG-BP1 causes exon skipping. We found that CUG-BP1 also binds to an additional intronic splicing silencer, located at the 3' end of intron 10, to promote exon 11 skipping. Thus, we propose that SRp20, SF2/ASF, and CUG-BP1 act antagonistically to regulate IR alternative splicing in vivo and that the relative ratios of SRp20 and SF2/ASF to CUG-BP1 in different cells determine the degree of exon inclusion.
Scheduling Projects with Stochastic Activity Duration to Maximize EPV

Although uncertainty is rife in many project management contexts, little is know about adaptively optimizing project schedules. We formulate the problem of adaptively optimizing the expected present value of a project's cash flow, and we show that it is practical to perform the optimization. The formulation includes randomness in activity durations, costs, and revenues, so the optimization leads to a recursion with a large state space even if the durations are exponentially distributed. We present an algorithm that partially exorcises the "curse of dimensionality" as computational results demonstrate. Most of the paper is restricted to exponentially distributed task durations, but we sketch the adaptation of the algorithm to approximate any probability distribution of task duration.
DracoSTM: a practical C++ approach to software transactional memory

Transactional memory (TM) is a recent parallel programming concept which reduces challenges found in parallel programming. TM offers numerous advantages over other synchronization mechanisms, yet many current TM systems require complex hardware, programming language extensions, specific compiler support or enforce impractical software design, making these models unrealistic as an immediate TM solution for early adopters. Our new software transactional memory (STM) system, DracoSTM, is a high performance lock-based C++ STM research library. DracoSTM uses only native object-oriented language semantics, increasing its intuitiveness for developers while maintaining high programmability via automatic handling of composition, locks and transaction termination. DracoSTM is the STM first solution to (1) implement both direct and deferred updating and (2) enable run-time alternation between these updating policies. DracoSTM requires no language extension, specific development environment or platform, widening its usability and increasing the novelty of its design. This paper describes DracoSTM from an architectural infrastructure viewpoint. TM-specific and library-specific aspects are discussed, as are their cross-cutting design concerns. Finally, performance benchmarks are presented, showing DracoSTM outperform another high performing C++ STM library, by upwards of two orders of magnitude.
Cellular Localization and Antigenic Characterization of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Glycoproteins

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the genus Nairovirus of the family Bunyaviridae, causes severe disease with high rates of mortality in humans. The CCHFV M RNA segment encodes the virus glycoproteins G(N) and G(C). To understand the processing and intracellular localization of the CCHFV glycoproteins as well as their neutralization and protection determinants, we produced and characterized monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for both G(N) and G(C). Using these MAbs, we found that G(N) predominantly colocalized with a Golgi marker when expressed alone or with G(C), while G(C) was transported to the Golgi apparatus only in the presence of G(N). Both proteins remained endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H sensitive, indicating that the CCHFV glycoproteins are most likely targeted to the cis Golgi apparatus. Golgi targeting information partly resides within the G(N) ectodomain, because a soluble version of G(N) lacking its transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains also localized to the Golgi apparatus. Coexpression of soluble versions of G(N) and G(C) also resulted in localization of soluble G(C) to the Golgi apparatus, indicating that the ectodomains of these proteins are sufficient for the interactions needed for Golgi targeting. Finally, the mucin-like and P35 domains, located at the N terminus of the G(N) precursor protein and removed posttranslationally by endoproteolysis, were required for Golgi targeting of G(N) when it was expressed alone but were dispensable when G(C) was coexpressed. In neutralization assays on SW-13 cells, MAbs to G(C), but not to G(N), prevented CCHFV infection. However, only a subset of G(C) MAbs protected mice in passive-immunization experiments, while some nonneutralizing G(N) MAbs efficiently protected animals from a lethal CCHFV challenge. Thus, neutralization of CCHFV likely depends not only on the properties of the antibody, but on host cell factors as well. In addition, nonneutralizing antibody-dependent mechanisms, such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, may be involved in the in vivo protection seen with the MAbs to G(C).
The Swiss Value Added Tax after 5 Years

This article brings up to date the development of the Swiss value added tax, with discussion of the status of the plans to convert the legal basis from an ordinance to a law, a summary of the tax, and data for numbers of firms, taxable and non-taxed sales, in total and by class of firm, and reference to current problems with the tax.
Ambulation aid for nonweightbearing foot and ankle injuries. Suggestion from the field.

Patients with injuries that preclude one leg from bearing weight frequently must use crutches. The difficulties of crutch ambulation are apparent to anyone who has used crutches for more than a few hours. Crutch ambulation is cumbersome and tiring. Using crutches strains the patient's body, often causing muscle aches and stiffness. Also, the activities of patients on crutches are limited. Their ambulation is compromised, and they have difficulty carrying things and working with their hands because their hands are not free. The purpose of this article is to describe a brace that allows patients with distal lower limb injuries to walk without the conventional use of crutches. The brace holds the knee in 90 degrees of flexion, places the patient's weight primarily on the knee and distal portion of the shank, and transmits his weight through a pedestal to the floor (Fig. 1).…
Should Cyber-Insurance Providers Invest in Software Security?

Insurance is based on the diversifiability of individual risks: if an insurance provider maintains a large portfolio of customers, the probability of an event involving a large portion of the customers is negligible. However, in the case of cyber-insurance, not all risks are diversifiable due to software monocultures. If a vulnerability is discovered in a widely used software product, it can be used to compromise a multitude of targets until it is eventually patched, leading to a catastrophic event for the insurance provider. To lower their exposure to non-diversifiable risks, insurance providers may try to influence the security of widely used software products in their customer population, for example, through vulnerability reward programs. We explore the proposal that insurance providers should take a proactive role in improving software security, and provide evidence that this approach is viable for a monopolistic provider. We develop a model which captures the supply and demand sides of insurance, provide computational complexity results on the provider's investment decisions, and propose different heuristic investment strategies. We demonstrate that investments can reduce non-diversifiable risks and can lead to a more profitable cyber-insurance market. Finally, we detail the relative merits of the different heuristic strategies with numerical results.
Effect of Various Food Substances on Longevity and Fecundity of Trichogramma

Potential food substances were evaluated for their effect on Trichogramma fecundity and longevity. The materials tested included 5 protein diets with an agar base, glucose, fructose, cotton-plant nectar, honey, beef extract in various combinations with honey, and water. The protein formulations and the water did not increase adult fecundity and longevity vs. unfed Trichogramma . Fructose, cotton-plant nectar, honey, and beef extract in various combinations with honey were equally nutritious. There were no significant differences in fecundity and longevity in an experiment comparing unfed Trichogramma vs. ones observed to have fed during a 1.5-h period on honey, 1.0% beef extract, and fructose.
Roles of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 Ancillary Factors in the Regulation of Eukaryotic Protein Synthesis Initiation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a possible mechanism of protein synthesis inhibition by eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2) kinases, heme-regulated protein synthesis inhibitor, and double-stranded RNA-activated inhibitor; it discusses the roles of four eIF-2 ancillary protein factors in the complex regulation of protein synthesis initiation in animal cells. The loss of interaction of eIF-2α(P) with Co-eIF-2B and Co-eIF-2C has been suggested as the mechanism of protein synthesis inhibition by eIF-2 kinases. However, a direct evidence that the formation of eIF-2α(P) and consequent loss of interaction of eIF-2α(P) with Co-eIF-2B and Co-eIF-2C are the sole cause of protein synthesis inhibition in heme-deficient reticulocyte lysates is still lacking. The four eIF-2 ancillary factors, Co-eIF-2A, Co-eIF-2B, Co-eIF-2C, and reversal factor, have been characterized by their effects on eIF-2 activity in vitro. The requirement for Co-eIF-2A for protein synthesis in reticulocyte lysates is shown by using antibodies. It has not yet been possible to reconstitute from purified components an efficient protein-synthesizing system with which to examine the requirements for specific factors in overall peptide chain initiation.
Effects of dairy biomass protein on ruminal fermentation and site and extent of nutrient digestion by lambs.

Twelve ruminally and abomasally cannulated lambs (27 +/- 1.16 kg) and 16 intact lambs (28 +/- 1.49 kg) were used in two trials to study the influence of dairy biomass (a cheese processing wash water sludge) as a protein source in medium-concentrate diets. In Trials 1 and 2, lambs were assigned to one of three concentrate diets containing 0, 10 or 20% biomass with an additional positive control diet in Trial 2. Biomass provided 27.4 and 52.7% of the CP in 10 and 20% biomass treatments, respectively. Diets were similar in N content and were fed at 3.5% of initial BW (as fed). Apparent ruminal OM and N digestibilities were lower (P less than .10) in lambs receiving 20% biomass than in lambs fed 0 or 10% biomass. Postruminal N digestibility was higher (P less than .10) for lambs fed 20% biomass. Apparent OM and N digestibilities in both trials were reduced (P less than .10) in lambs fed 20% biomass. Apparent OM and N digestibilities in both trials were reduced (P less than .10) in lambs receiving 10% biomass compared to lambs fed other treatments. Plasma urea N concentration (mg/dl) was higher (P less than .10) at 3 and 9 h after feeding in lambs receiving 10 and 20% biomass compared with control lambs. Although N retention was unchanged, fecal N excretion was higher (P less than .10) and urinary N excretion was lower (P less than .10) in lambs consuming 10 and 20% biomass treatments. Non-ammonia N and feed N flow (g/d) were higher (P less than .10) in abomasal contents of lambs consuming 20% biomass vs other dietary treatments but N digestibility was decreased. In conclusion, digestibility was decreased and site of N digestion was altered by feeding biomass.
Basolateral membrane H-OH-HCO3 transport in the proximal tubule

This review focuses on the basolateral membrane mechanisms of H-OH-HCO3 transport in the proximal tubule. The mechanism that has the greatest transport capacity and mediates most of transepithelial H-HCO3 transport is the electrogenic, Na-3HCO3 cotransporter. This transporter has been extensively characterized in the salamander, rat, and rabbit proximal tubule, and has now been found in a number of other epithelia that effect transepithelial NaHCO3 transport. Transporter rate is sensitive to intra- and extracellular [Na], intra- and extracellular [HCO3]/pH, and cell voltage. Adaptations in transporter activity have been demonstrated in chronic metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, chronic respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, and chronic hyperfiltration. In addition to the Na-3HCO3 cotransporter, the basolateral membrane possesses both Na-dependent and -independent Cl-HCO3 exchangers, a H leak, and in the S3 proximal tubule an Na-H antiporter. The role of these H-OH-HCO3 transport mechanisms in transcellular HCO3 and Cl absorption and pHi defense is discussed.
AN INTEGRATED GLOBAL AND FUZZY REGIONAL APPROACH TO CONTENT-BASED IMAGE RETRIEVAL

This paper proposes an effective and efficient approach to content-based image retrieval by integrating global visual features and fuzzy region-based color and texture features. The Cauchy function is utilized to fuzzify each independent regional color and texture feature for addressing the issues associated with the color/texture inaccuracies and segmentation uncertainties. The overall similarity measure is computed as a weighted combination between global and regional similarity measures incorporating all features. Our proposed approach demonstrates a promising performance on an image database of 1000 general-purpose images from COREL, as compared with some variants of the proposed method and some peer systems in the literature.
A comparison of autoepistemic logic and default logic both generalized so as to allow quantified variables to cross modal scopes

Default logic and autoepistemic logic are both generalized so as to allow universally quantified variables to cross modal scopes whereby the Barcan formula and its converse hold. This is done by representing the fixed point equation for default logic and the fixed point equation for the kernel of autepistemic logic both as reflective equivalences of the modal quantificational Logic Z. The two resulting systems, called quantified default logic and quantified autepistemic logic, are then compared by deriving metatheorems of Z that express their relationships. The main result is to show that every solution to the reflective equivalence for quantified default logic is a strongly grounded solution to the reflective equivalence for quantified autepistemic logic. This generalizes previous work relating default logic and autepistemic logic to the case where universally quantified variables cross modal scopes. It is further shown that quantified default logic and quantified autepistemic logic have exactly the same solutions when no default has an entailment condition. Finally it is noted that quantified default logic and quantified autepistemic logic are particularly powerful logics since the disjunction of all the solutions of a particular subcase of each is equivalent to parallel circumscription with circumscribed, variable, and fixed predicates.