cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Referential Consistency As a Criterion of Meaning

This paper describes a logically compelling criterion of meaning — that is, a necessary condition of meaning, one which is non-arbitrary and compelling. One cannot not accept the proposed criterion without self-referential inconsistency. This “metalogical” variety of self-referential inconsistency is new, opening a third category beyond semantical and pragmatical forms of self-referential inconsistency. It is argued that such a criterion of meaning can serve as an instrument of internal criticism for any theoretical framework that permits reference to a class of objects. The paper combines the concern of the logical empiricists to formulate a rigorous meaning criterion, with the analytical interest in identifying and eliminating self-defeating statements through an analysis of the referential structure of theories. The paper is followed by a list of other publications by the author that further develop and extend the ideas presented here.
Why Is It Getting Harder To Apply Software Architecture

We currently find ourselves in a surprising situation: we understand software architecture fairly well, but we find it difficult to put it into practice. This is because most software developers work within iterative processes that focus attention on what’s new, and because factory-inspired metaphors encourage ever-quicker movement from feature requests to deployed code. How did that happen? Explores changes in software development management and reports on where it is headed in the near future.
SU(3) vs. SU(2) fermions in optical lattices: Color-Hall vs. spin-Hall topological insulators

We contrast topological insulating phases of SU(3) and SU(2) fermions in optical lattices under artificial magnetic fields. For this purpose, we compare the phase diagram of chemical potential vs. color-flip fields for SU(3) colored fermions (D 10 representation) for fixed color-orbit coupling to the phase diagram of chemical potential vs. spin-flip fields for SU(2) spin- fermions (D 1 representation) for fixed spin-orbit coupling. To classify the emergent topological phases, we obtain the Chern matrix and identify three distinct topological invariants for SU(3) colored fermions: the charge-charge, the color-charge and the color-color Chern numbers. This is in sharp contrast to the SU(2) spin- case, where only two topological invariants are necessary: the charge-charge and the spin-charge Chern numbers. Although we focus on SU(3) colored and SU(2) spin- fermions, our results indicate the existence of three independent Chern numbers associated with the quantum Hall response for higher fermionic irreducible representations D p and D p 0 (p > 1) of SU(2) and SU(3), respectively. We suggest to investigate this comparison using the internal states of ultracold Fermi atoms ytterbium-173 and strontium-87 .
Abstract 3487: A novel role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) for augmentation of chemotherapeutic drug efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) is a non-selective cation channel that is triggered by agonists like cannabidiol (CBD). Chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) are routinely used for treatment of Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients however, these drugs are usually resisted and show limited efficacy and more side effects at higher doses. In the present study, we analyzed the ability of TRPV2 activation in enhancing the chemotherapeutic efficacy in TNBC cells. Interestingly, we found that TRPV2 is significantly up regulated in primary and metastatic breast tumor tissues compared to normal breast tissues using tissue microarray analysis. In addition, using publically available Kaplan Miere Plotter datasets, we found that estrogen receptor (ER) negative patients with higher TRPV2 expression levels and committed to anti-tumor chemotherapy have significantly higher survival than patients committed to anti-tumor chemotherapy but have lower TRPV2 expression levels. Our in vitro studies showed that TNBC cells subjected to combination treatment of CBD and DOX show enhanced proliferation inhibition compared to cells treated with DOX only . Analysis of molecular mechanisms showed higher levels of cleaved PARP and cleaved Caspase-3 in combination treatment compared to Dox alone. Further studies revealed that CBD activates more uptake of DOX into TNBC cells. This increased uptake was abrogated upon treatment with specific TRPV2 blocker. Furthermore, TRPV2 blocker inhibited the increased levels of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 in the combination treatment. By using two orthotopic mouse model, we showed that mice treated with CBD in combination with doxorubicin have significantly less tumor weight, fewer Ki67 and CD31 positive cells, and significantly higher level of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP compared to the mice treated with CBD or DOX alone. This study suggests the use of TRPV2 agonists as an adjuvant therapy to improve the anti-tumor chemotherapeutic efficacy especially in TNBC patients. Citation Format: Mohamad M. Elbaz, Mohd W. Nasser, Helong Zhao, Ramesh K. Ganju. A novel role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) for augmentation of chemotherapeutic drug efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3487. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3487
Computational Aspects of Three-Valued Logic

This paper investigates a three-valued logic L3, that has been introduced in the study of natural language semantics. A complete proof system based on a three-valued analogon of negative resolution is presented. A subclass of L3 corresponding to Horn clauses in two-valued logic is defined. Its model theoretic properties are studied and it is shown to admit a PROLOG-style proof procedure.
Modeling and Optimization of Supercritical Phase Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) processes are becoming more attractive due to the stringency of environmental regulations, decreasing fossil fuel reserves and development of technologies. It is a potential answer to meet many future energy needs and may provide a carbon neutral alternative depending on the feedstock origin. Conventional FTS processes like gas phase (fixed bed reactor) and liquid phase FTS (slurry reactor) suffer from low reaction rates and a wide range of products. It has been proven experimentally that modifications to the FTS reactor configuration and optimization of the operating conditions can result in significant enhancement of middle distillate products while also significantly reducing the production of undesirable methane. In this paper, a systems engineering analysis of the the economic and environmental viability of a novel supercritical phase FTS technology is presented.
Full 3D Rigid Body Automatic Motion Correction of MRI Images

We demonstrate the first successful automatic motion correction of 3D MRI data with rigid body motion in all six degrees of freedom. An existing 2D retrospective technique is extended to 3D with a shear-based factorization of 3D rotations and simultaneous optimization of motion corrections in all six degrees of freedom. Tests on motion corrupted 3D brain images from elderly research subjects show dramatic improvements in image quality.
The Influence of Monolith Physical Properties and Integrity on Diffusional Leaching Behavior of Asphaltic Pavements Constructed with MSW Combustion Bottom Ash

Abstract The leaching of two municipal solid waste bottom ash constituents (relatively mobile Cl and relatively immobile Ca) was used to evaluate the effects of bituminous pavement physical properties (bottom ash substitution, asphalt cement content, voids, microcracking, bituminous polymer aging) and monolith integrity on diffusional leaching parameters such as cumulative release (B t,Cl , B t,Ca ), tortuosity (τ), chemical retention (R Cl , R Ca ), and effective diffusion coefficients (pD e,Cl , pD e,Ca ). For intact laboratory monoliths, mix design parameters such as increasing asphalt cement content and increasing bottom ash substitution both were directly related to increases in B t,Cl , and B t,Ca , and to increased τ. While increasing the bottom ash loading increased the driving gradient for chloride and calcium, the concomitant increase in asphalt cement content increased τ. For laboratory monoliths subjected to accelerated aging so as to predict future environmental performance, τ was found to be influenced only by monolith microcracking. For pavements subjected to field aging in a test road, no differences could be seen between cores evaluated just after road construction and cores evaluated after 1.25 years of service life. During the 1.25 year study period, some beneficial increases in tortuosity, probably from densification, occurred. For compacted granularized pavements where monolith integrity is lost, the presence of asphalt cement in the bottom ash pore structure and on the particle surface still limited diffusional release. The tortuous, hydrophobic nature of the intact monolith system controls diffusion at the macroscale level. The presence of asphalt cement on the particle surface and in the internal pore structure of the bottom ash particles also controls diffusion at the microscale level, even in compacted granularized specimens.
Cornering and wear behavior of the Space Shuttle Orbiter main gear tire

One of the factors needed to describe the handling characteristics of the Space Shuttle Orbiter during the landing rollout is the response of the vehicle's tires to variations in load and yaw angle. An experimental investigation of the cornering characteristics of the Orbiter main gear tires was conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility. This investigation compliments earlier work done to define the Orbiter nose tire cornering characteristics. In the investigation, the effects of load and yaw angle were evaluated by measuring parameters such as side load and drag load, and obtaining measurements of aligning torque. Because the tire must operate on an extremely rough runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), tests were also conducted to describe the wear behavior of the tire under various conditions on a simulated KSC runway surface. Mathematical models for both the cornering and the wear behavior are discussed.
Genetic Regulation of Development in Sorghum bicolor (VIII. Shoot Growth, Tillering, Flowering, Gibberellin Biosynthesis, and Phytochrome Levels Are Differentially Affected by Dosage of the ma3R Allele

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] homozygous for ma3R lacks a type II, light-stable phytochrome of 123 kD and has a number of phenotypic characteristics consistent with the absence of functional phytochrome B. We have used plants heterozygous at Ma3 (Ma3/ma3R and ma3/ma3R) to determine the effect of dosage of ma3R on plant growth, flowering, gibberellin (GA) levels, and content of the 123-kD phytochrome. Both Ma3/ma3R and ma3/ma3R produced the same number of tillers per plant as their respective homozygous non-ma3R parents. Height of the heterozygotes was intermediate between the homozygous parents, although it was more similar to the non-ma3R genotypes. In both field and growth-chamber environments, the timing of floral initiation and anthesis in the heterozygotes also was intermediate, again more similar to non-ma3R plants. In Ma3/ma3R, levels of GA53, GA19, GA20, and GA1 were almost exactly intermediate between levels detected in Ma3/Ma3 and ma3R/ma3R plants. Immunoblot analysis indicated that there was less of the 123-kD phytochrome in Ma3/ma3R than in homozygous Ma3, whereas none was detected in ma3R/ma3R. The degree of dominance of Ma3 and ma3 over ma3R varies with phenotypic trait, indicating that mechanisms of activity of the 123-kD phytochrome vary among the biochemical processes involved in each phenotypic character. Although the heterozygotes were similar to homozygous Ma3 and ma3 plants in growth and flowering behavior, Ma3/ma3R contained 50% less of the bioactive GA (GA1) than non-ma3R genotypes. Thus, sensitivity to endogenous GAs also may be regulated by the 123-kD phytochrome. To fully regulate plant growth and development, two copies of Ma3 or ma3 are required to produce sufficient quantities of the light-stable, 123-kD phytochrome.
Point-based policy iteration

We describe a point-based policy iteration (PBPI) algorithm for infinite-horizon POMDPs. PBPI replaces the exact policy improvement step of Hansen's policy iteration with point-based value iteration (PBVI). Despite being an approximate algorithm, PBPI is monotonic: At each iteration before convergence, PBPI produces a policy for which the values increase for at least one of a finite set of initial belief states, and decrease for none of these states. In contrast, PBVI cannot guarantee monotonic improvement of the value function or the policy. In practice PBPI generally needs a lower density of point coverage in the simplex and tends to produce superior policies with less computation. Experiments on several benchmark problems (up to 12,545 states) demonstrate the scalability and robustness of the PBPI algorithm.
MCMC-based Multiview Reconstruction of Piecewise Smooth Subdivision Curves with a Variable Number of Control Points

We investigate the automated reconstruction of piecewise smooth 3D curves, using subdivision curves as a simple but flexible curve representation. This representation allows tagging corners to model non- smooth features along otherwise smooth curves. We present a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo approach which obtains an approxi- mate posterior distribution over the number of control points and tags. In a Rao-Blackwellization scheme, we integrate out the control point lo- cations, reducing the variance of the resulting sampler. We apply this general methodology to the reconstruction of piecewise smooth curves from multiple calibrated views, in which the object is segmented from the background using a Markov random field approach. Results are shown for multiple images of two pot shards as would be encountered in archae- ological applications.
Nonlinear model predictive control of end-use properties in batch reactors under uncertainty

There are significant incentives in controlling the end-use properties in batch reactors to reduce the variability in the final product quality specifications. Here we define an approach for controlling the properties within a desired target region, instead of a set point, with an economic objective and with consideration of the model uncertainty. The approach to handling process-model mismatch is based on determining the uncertainty in the predicted final values of the properties, in the form of elliptical confidence regions. The controller then ensures that the complete confidence region is within the target set. A semi-infinite programming problem is solved to find the input values for the rest of the batch, utilizing techniques that reduce the complexity of the problem. An emulsion polymerization process for styrene is chosen as a case study and the methods developed here are demonstrated on this challenging example process.
Discovery of New Candidate Vega-type Systems from IRAS and the 2 Micron All-Sky Survey

We obtained J (1.25 μm), H (1.65 μm), and Ks (2.17 μm) photometry from the 2 Micron All-Sky Survey and 12, 25, 60, and 100 μm photometry from the IRAS Faint Source Catalog of 2834 field stars. We identified in this sample 296 main-sequence (luminosity class IV, IV-V, or V) stars. We searched the sample of main-sequence stars for excess 12 μm emission with respect to J, H, and Ks photospheric emission. We discovered eight systems with 12 μm excess emission newly reported here. These excesses are likely to be from Vega-type circumstellar dust, but small-aperture photometry is needed to confirm their nature. Preliminary models that assume the excesses are circumstellar show the dust to be located ~1-10 AU from the stars, where it is heated to "terrestrial" temperatures, ~200-500 K. Colder dust might also exist in the systems but below the IRAS sensitivity limit. The exception is HD 93331 (B9.5 V), previously known for its IRAS far-infrared excess.
Automated knowledge acquisition for design and manufacturing: The case of micromachined atomizer

In order to remain competitive in the global market, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are developing a process-based, knowledge-driven product development environment with emphasis on the acquisition, storing, and utilization of manufacturing knowledge. This is usually achieved by using the symbolic artificial intelligence (AI) approach. Specifically, knowledge-based expert systems are developed to capture human expertise, mostly in terms of IF–THEN production rules. It has been recognized that the development of symbolic knowledge-based expert systems suffers from the so-called knowledge acquisition bottleneck. Knowledge acquisition is the process of collecting domain knowledge and transforming the knowledge into a computerized representation. It is a challenging and time-consuming process due to the difficulties involved in eliciting knowledge from human experts. This paper presents an automated approach for knowledge acquisition by integrating neural networks' learning ability and fuzzy logic's structured knowledge representation. Using this approach, knowledge is automatically acquired from data and represented using humanly intelligible fuzzy rules. The approach is applied to a case study of the design and manufacturing of micromachined atomizers for gas turbine engine. The influence of geometric features on the performance of the atomizers is investigated. The results are then compared with those obtained using traditional regression analysis approach (abstract mathematical models). It was found that the automated approach provides an efficient means for knowledge acquisition. Since the fuzzy rules extracted are easy to understand, they can be used to allow more clear specification of manufacturing processes and to shorten learning curves for novice manufacturing engineers.
A Path-based Approach to Random Walks on Landscapes, with Applications to How Proteins Evolve New Function

Random walks on multidimensional landscapes are important to many areas of science and engineering. In particular, properties of adaptive trajectories on fitness landscapes determine population fates and thus play a central role in evolutionary biology. To this end we have developed a path-based approach to continuous-time random walks on discrete state spaces. I will describe an efficient numerical algorithm for calculating statistical properties of the stochastic path ensemble, including distributions of path lengths, times, and spatial structures. This approach, based on general techniques from statistical physics, is applicable to state spaces and landscapes of arbitrary complexity and structure. It is especially well-suited to quantifying the diversity of stochastic trajectories and repeatability of evolutionary events. After demonstrating our approach on two reaction rate problems, I will present a biophysical model that describes how proteins evolve new functions while maintaining thermodynamic stability. Our methodology reveals several distinct modes of adaptation depending on key biological and biophysical properties of the protein, reproducing important observations from directed evolution experiments.
Between Political Religion and Politicized Religion: Interwar Fascism and Religion Revisited

The following article surveys the relationships between fascist ideology and religion in interwar Europe. First, it provides a working definition for the term ‘clerical fascism’ through the exploration of 14 case studies presented at the 2006 international workshop on Clerical Fascism in interwar Europe. Next, it argues that fascism, understood as a syncretic coalition between political and politicized religion, improves the analytical understanding of how fascist movements and religious entities extended collaborations. This approach enables us to study not only how fascist and religious forces respond to political opportunities but also how these collectivities reshape political context in their favor and create new opportunities. In most cases, battles over two key factions, the ‘custody of youths’ and the ‘rebirth of nations’, provided both political and politicized camps with opportunities to cooperate or struggle.
Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in Minichannel Heat Sinks With Turbulent Flow Using H2O–Al2O3 Nanofluids

Heat transfer enhancement associated with use of a nanofluid coolant is analyzed for small electronic heat sinks. The analysis is based on the e-NTU heat exchanger methodology and is used to examine enhancement associated with use of H 2 O―Al 2 O 3 nanofluids in a heat sink experiencing turbulent flow. Predictive correlations are generated to ascertain the degree of enhancement based on the fluid's thermophysical properties. The enhancement is quite small, suggesting the limited usefulness of nanofluids in this particular application.
Intense nitrogen cycling in permeable intertidal sediment revealed by a nitrous oxide hot spot

Approximately 40% of the total global rate of nitrogen fixation is the result of human activities, and most of this anthropogenic nitrogen is used to fertilize agricultural fields. Approximately 23% of the applied agricultural nitrogen is delivered to the coastal zone, often reducing water quality and driving eutrophication. Nitrogen cycling in coastal sediments can mitigate eutrophication by removing bioavailable nitrogen. However, some of these processes generate nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, as a by-product. Here we report the discovery of a nitrous oxide production hot spot in shallow barrier island sands. Nitrous oxide concentrations, production and consumption rates, vertical diffusion fluxes, and flux to the atmosphere were measured across triplicate depth profiles. Using a mass balance approach, rates of net nitrous oxide production were estimated to be 40 µmol m−2 d−1. This production was driven by a hot spot of nitrate consumption that removed bioavailable nitrogen from the coastal environment at a rate of 10 mmol m−2 d−1, a rate that is comparable with the highest rates of denitrification reported for coastal sediments.
Oxidative stress induces apoptosis of MCF7 cells treated by HDAC inhibitors (655.13)

When MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells were treated by HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), SAHA or THS79-12, considerable portions of MCF7 cells became floated and underwent apoptosis. While annexin A1 w...
Building the ACS Exams Anchoring Concept Content Map for Undergraduate Chemistry

The ability to coherently assess content knowledge throughout an entire undergraduate career represents a significant advantage for programmatic assessment strategies. Chemistry, as a discipline, has an unusual tool in this regard because of the nationally standardized exams from the ACS Exams Institute. These exams are norm-referenced and allow chemistry departments to make comparisons between the performance of their own students relative to national samples; however, currently there appears to be no systematic means for noting students' content knowledge growth over a four-year degree. The Exams Institute is undertaking the task of organizing content along an anchoring concept or "big ideas" framework to facilitate this type of analysis.
Children's response speed as a function of delay of reward at different distances from the goal and incentive value

Fifty-six kindergarten children were each administered 19 immediately-rewarded trials followed by nine trials with delayed reward on a lever-pulling apparatus. The Ss formed four groups according to incentive value and distance of delay from the goal. The starting speed of children decreased after the introduction of delay. The inhibiting effect of delay was significant only near the goal. The incentive variable did not enter into any significant relationship.
Low energy chemical sputtering of ATJ graphite by atomic and molecular deuterium ions

We present experimental chemical sputtering results for D+, D2+ and D3+ ions incident on ATJ graphite in the energy range 5–60 eV D−1, and compare them with simulations for deuterated amorphous carbon impacted by neutral D, D2 and D3. The measured methane yields/D for the different species compared at the same energy/D diverge below about 60 eV D−1, the incident triatomic molecular ions leading to the largest yields/D, and the atomic ions to the smallest, reaching a factor of two difference at 10 eV/D. The measured yields/D are in reasonable agreement with molecular dynamics simulations over the entire calculated energy range. The model surfaces were prepared by D, D2 and D3 impacts in a way that mimics the experiment. For D2 incident at energies below 15 eV/D, the simulations show a strong dependence of the sputtering yields on the vibrational state of the incident projectile.
Heat transfer during impact

Abstract The amount of heat transferred by conduction during the impact of a spherical particle with a surface depends on the thermophysical and mechanical properties of the two colliding media. Other factors, such as the surface properties (e.g. roughness, contamination, stress state, radius of curvature) and the velocity and direction of the impact, also influence the heat transfer. The available theoretical treatment of the heat transfer is based on the Hertzian theory of elastic contact, where the two colliding media are treated as two elastic half-spaces. In this study experiments are performed to measure the amount of heat transfer during impact of metallic spherical particles with small metallic collectors embedded in low thermal conductivity substrates. Convective heat transfer has been eliminated by performing the experiment in a vacuum chamber. However, radiative heat transfer is present and an effort has been made to minimize it by using highly reflective surfaces. The experimental results show that the measured heat transferred per impact is higher than that predicted by the Hertzian theory of elastic impact. The plastic deformation induced in the collector due to the relatively high velocity of impact causes an increase in the contact area and the impact duration. We analyze the heat transfer during plastic impact and discuss the role of other non-ideal conditions such as the flexibility of the support and the obliqueness of the impact.
Developmental changes in metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated calcium homeostasis.

Neurons of the chick cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM), require eighth nerve activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) for maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis. Interrupting this activation results in an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) followed by cell atrophy, degeneration, and death of many neurons. Although these phenomena are well characterized in late embryonic and posthatch chicks, little is known about the role of mGluRs and calcium homeostasis during the development of synaptic activity in NM. Using Fura-2 imaging, fluorescent immunohistochemistry, and Western immunoblotting, we investigated (1) the expression and function of group I mGluRs and their role in calcium regulation during development of NM, and (2) the expression of two other key molecules involved in regulating neuronal [Ca2+]i : inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCAs). Confocal imaging of Fluo-3-labeled NM was used to investigate the kinetics of global NM neuron calcium signals. Measurements were made at four ages that extend from before synaptic function begins in NM, through functional onset, to mature patterns of spontaneous activity, namely, embryonic days (E) 10, 13, 15, and 18. mGluR5, mGluR1, and SERCA expression peaked at E13 and then decreased with age. IP3R expression increased to peak at E18. [Ca2+]i response to mGluR activation increased with age. The rise time of [Ca2+]i signals in NM neurons did not change with development, but E13 neurons were slower to reestablish baseline [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the mGluR-mediated calcium homeostasis of NM neurons develops in parallel with synaptic activity and appears to be refined with increasing synaptic activity. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:95–106, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Low-Viscosity Polyether-Based Main-Chain Benzoxazine Polymers: Precursors for Flexible Thermosetting Polymers

A pioneering class of proccessable thermoplastic/thermosetting crossover polymers made of commercially available chemicals has been developed. The striking feature of this class of polymers is its inherently low viscosity at room temperature that facilitates the processability. The polymers have been synthesized from the polycondensation reaction of bisphenol A, formaldehyde, and amine-terminated poly(ether diamine). The structure of the polymers has been confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The polymers are cross-linked via thermal treatment to produce tough and flexible thermosetting materials without using any external initiators, accelerators, catalysts, or reactive diluents. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR are used to study cross-linking behavior of these polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to study the phase behavior of the cross-linked polymers as a function of poly(ether diami...
Kidney function and the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with cardiovascular disease risk among patients with type 2 diabetes is unclear. Here we prospectively investigated the race-specific association of estimated GFR with the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke among 11,940 Caucasian and 16,451 African-American patients. During mean follow-up of 6.1–6.8 years, 6647 coronary heart disease and 2750 stroke incident cases were identified. Age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios of coronary heart disease associated with baseline estimated GFR (90 or more, 75–89, 60–74, 30–59, and 15–29ml/min per 1.73m 2 ) were 1.00, 1.04, 1.13, 1.37, and 2.07 (significant trend) for African Americans, and 1.00, 1.09, 1.10, 1.31, and 2.18 (significant trend) for Caucasians, respectively. A significantly increased stroke risk was observed among both African-American and Caucasian participants with an estimated GFR under 60ml/min per 1.73m 2 . When using the updated mean values of estimated GFR, these significant associations became stronger. Participants with mildly decreased estimated GFR (60–89ml/min per 1.73m 2 ) during follow-up were also at a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Thus, even mildly reduced estimated GFR at baseline (under 75ml/min per 1.73m 2 ) and during follow-up (under 90ml/min per 1.73m 2 ) increased the risk of incident coronary heart disease and stroke among both African-American and Caucasian type 2 diabetes patients.
ROAD PRICING--SHOULD AND MIGHT IT HAPPEN?

This article discusses recent attempts to implement a federally sponsored road pricing demonstration in the United States. It examines reasons for the attempts, pointing to several enduring traffic related problems; the greater effectiveness and flexibility of road pricing compared to other measures; and the proven feasibility of area licenses as in Singapore. The generally negative reaction of city decision-makers to road pricing is specified, particularly concerns about harm to businesses, interference with the right to travel and discrimination against the poor. Some lessons for further attempts at implementation of road pricing include more attention to contingency planning for worst possible outcomes; the design of parking permit programs which might lead the way to road pricing; and the selection of recreational rather than downtown sites for first attempts at innovative parking permit and road pricing schemes.
2,6-Di(4-t-butylphenyl)phenyl-group 13 organometallic compounds

Reaction of MX 3 (M = Al, Ga, In; X = Br, Cl) with RLi (R = 2,6-(4- t -BuC 6 H 4 ) 2 C 6 H 3 ) affords RGaCl 2 · OEt 2 , 1 , RAlBr 2 · OEt 2 , 2 , R 2 GaCl, 3 , and R 3 In, 4 . These sterically demanding compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The geometry about the metal centers in 1 and 2 is best described as distorted tetrahedral while the coordination about the gallium atom in 3 is distorted trigonal planar. Compound 4 , with the indium atom in a trigonal planar environment, is noteworthy as the first example of a tris( m -terphenyl)group 13 metal compound. The propeller arrangement of the three ligands in compound 4 serves to virtually encapsulate the metallic center.
Rate coefficient for the reaction of CH3O with CH3CHO at 25 °C

Abstract The rate coefficient ratio for the reaction of methoxy radicals with acetaldehyde and oxygen at 25 °C was determined by photolyzing azomethane in the presence of acetaldehyde and oxygen. The quantum yields for two of the products of the oxidation of the acetyl radicals, peracetic acid and CO2, were obtained. The methoxy radicals are generated from the methylperoxy radicals initially produced: The methoxy radical is then scavenged by either acetaldehyde or O2: An analysis of the CO2 quantum yield Φ {CO2} in terms of a mechanism proposed earlier allows us to estimate k2/k3 = 14 with about a 20% uncertainty. This, together with a recent determination of k3 = 3.6 × 105 M−1 s−1 at 298 K, gives k2 = 5.0 ± 1.0 × 106 M−1 s−1.
Kinetics of Interactions between Drugs and Receptors: Stochastic Conception

Abstract The formation and decomposition of drug-receptor complexes are described by a random birth and death process. This concept makes the deterministic model precise and allows, in particular, consideration of the probability of the biological effect. For the analysis of the process, a new technique that accelerates convergence of the Monte-Carlo method for processes with a high rate of change, and a technique of determination of association constants using observation of evolution of concentrations are described. The similarity between deterministic and stochastic models is discussed.
Ingestion of starch-rich meals after exercise increases glucose kinetics but fails to enhance muscle glycogen replenishment in horses.

Abstract Fatiguing exercise substantially decreases muscle glycogen concentration in horses, impairing athletic performance in subsequent exercise bouts. Our objective was to determine the effect of ingestion of starch-rich meals after exercise on whole body glucose kinetics and muscle glycogen replenishment. In a randomized, cross-over study seven horses with exercise-induced muscle glycogen depletion were either not fed for 8 h, fed half of the daily energy requirements (∼15 Mcal DE) as hay, or fed an isocaloric amount of corn 15 min and 4 h after exercise. Starch-rich meals fed after exercise, when compared to feed withholding, resulted in mild to moderate hyperglycemia (5.7 ± 0.3 vs. 4.7 ± 0.3 mM, P 0.05). It is concluded that after substantial exercise-induced muscle glycogen depletion, feeding status only minimally affects net muscle glycogen concentrations after exercise, despite marked differences in soluble carbohydrate ingestion and availability of glucose to skeletal muscle.
Institutional Review Board approval for prospective experimental studies on infants and children.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The Declaration of Helsinki requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for experimental studies on human subjects. The authors questioned whether published prospective surgical experimental studies document IRB approval for infants and children. Methods: Prospective studies were identified in 5 surgical and 2 major pediatric journals from 1997 through 1999. Documentation of IRB approval was recorded. Results were analyzed using Pearson χ 2 tests and a multivariate regression model. Statistical significance was defined as P less than.05. Results: A total of 149 prospective experimental studies on pediatric subjects were evaluated; the majority being interventional or therapeutic studies (105 of 149). More than 75% were from academic medical centers (125 of 149), grant-supported (110 of 149), and appeared in surgical journals (110 of 149). Slightly less than 25% of studies (40 of 149) documented IRB approval. Observational studies, grant support, and publication in nonsurgical journals all correlated positively with IRB approval and were statistically significant variables ( P P P P Conclusions: The majority of prospective pediatric studies in the surgical journals omit IRB documentation. Strict requirements for specific IRB approval and documentation in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki would allow higher ethical standards for the clinical investigation of infants and children. J Pediatr Surg 36:205-208. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Joint TGF-β Type II Receptor-Expressing Cells: Ontogeny and Characterization as Joint Progenitors

TGF-β type II receptor (Tgfbr2) signaling plays an essential role in joint-element development. The Tgfbr2(PRX-1KO) mouse, in which the Tgfbr2 is conditionally inactivated in developing limbs, lacks interphalangeal joints and tendons. In this study, we used the Tgfbr2-β-Gal-GFP-BAC mouse as a LacZ/green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based read-out to determine: the spatial and temporally regulated expression pattern of Tgfbr2-expressing cells within joint elements; their expression profile; and their slow-cycling labeling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Tgfbr2-β-Gal activity was first detected at embryonic day (E) 13.5 within the interphalangeal joint interzone. By E16.5, and throughout adulthood, Tgfbr2-expressing cells clustered in a contiguous niche that comprises the groove of Ranvier and the synovio-entheseal complex including part of the perichondrium, the synovium, the articular cartilage superficial layer, and the tendon's entheses. Tgfbr2-expressing cells were found in the synovio-entheseal complex niche with similar temporal pattern in the knee, where they were also detected in meniscal surface, ligaments, and the synovial lining of the infrapatellar fat pad. Tgfbr2-β-Gal-positive cells were positive for phospho-Smad2, signifying that the Tgfbr2 reporter was accurate. Developmental-stage studies showed that Tgfbr2 expression was in synchrony with expression of joint-morphogenic genes such as Noggin, GDF5, Notch1, and Jagged1. Prenatal and postnatal BrdU-incorporation studies showed that within this synovio-entheseal-articular-cartilage niche most of the Tgfbr2-expressing cells labeled as slow-proliferating cells, namely, stem/progenitor cells. Tgfbr2-positive cells, isolated from embryonic limb mesenchyme, expressed joint progenitor markers in a time- and TGF-β-dependent manner. Our studies provide evidence that joint Tgfbr2-expressing cells have anatomical, ontogenic, slow-cycling trait and in-vivo and ex-vivo expression profiles of progenitor joint cells.
Neural Response Time of Stutterers and Nonstutterers in Selected Oral Motor Tasks

Neural response time (NRT) was compared for 12 adult stutterers and 12 matched normal speakers on two verbal tasks (production of /pae/ and /bae/) and one oral, nonverbal task (lip closure) in response to visual and auditory stimulation. The auditory response stimulus was presented separately to the left and right ears, and the visual stimulus to both eyes. NRT was defined as the time interval between stimulus offset and the onset of electromyographic (EMG) activity from orbicularis oris superior muscle. Results show, in general, that stutterers are slower in NRT for all response tasks in both stimulus modes. Significant differences were found, however, for only the auditory mode. Analyses of the differences between and within groups for response tasks and stimulus modes are discussed in terms of recent research in and theory of timing disturbances in stuttering.
Geometric stabilization of a quadrotor UAV with a payload connected by flexible cable

This paper deals with dynamics and control of a quadrotor UAV with a payload that is connected via a flexible cable, which is modeled as a system of serially-connected links. It is shown that a coordinate-free form of equations of motion can be derived for an arbitrary number of links according to Lagrangian mechanics on a manifold. A geometric nonlinear control system is also presented to asymptotically stabilize the position of the quadrotor while aligning the links to the vertical direction. These results will be particularly useful for aggressive load transportation that involves deformation of the cable. The desirable properties are illustrated by a numerical example and a preliminary experimental result.
STUDIES OF VALIDITY FOR THE PRISON CONTROL SCALE

Locus of control seems to be important in the adjustment of prisoners both during incarceration and upon release. The Prison Control Scale is one of two measures of locus of control specific to prisons. This paper is an account of validity studies conducted on the scale. Assessments included four tests of construct validity and one each of concurrent and known-groups validity. The results support the validity of the scale. Suggestions for further scale assessment and other research are briefly discussed.
Grid coding: A technique for extraction of differences from scenes

Abstract A technique employing coded grids in order to spatially modulate regions where changes occur is described. The technique allows rapid subtraction of two-dimensional information formats or rapid extraction of changes which occur between successive frames of information. It is amenable to processing by optical spatial filtering, digital computer or direct scanning methods.
Online prognostics of aircraft turbine engine component's remaining useful life (RUL)

Prognostics refers to the estimation of remaining useful life (RUL) of components of a system after a fault has been identified. Online prognostics indicates the estimation of RUL every time a new health data is provided to the user. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) based approach is proposed for designing a prognostic system for aircraft turbine engine. A trained ANN is developed to estimate the health parameters such as component efficiency (η) and flow capacity (γ). The ANN was trained for a very small value of mean squared error (MSE). Then a forecasting (prediction) method is used to model the trend of estimated health parameters. The model is developed by autoregressive technique (AR) and all the data processing is done online. The proposed prognostic system also compute the distribution of the end of life (EoL) estimation of the failed component. The EoL and RUL estimation are implemented by modeling the health data using moving window and progressive window. The standard deviation (σ) of the distribution of estimated EoL indicates that progressive window performs better than the moving window with a σ reduction factor of 0.6 and 0.5 for η and γ respectively.
Photosensitivity of 6-azathymine and its effect on the formation of photoproducts of thymine and cytosine.

Abstract Frozen solutions of radioactively-labeled thymine, cytosine or 6-azathymine have been irradiated either alone or in the presence of equimolar concentrations of azathymine, and the resultant photoproducts were isolated and purified by paper chromatography. The presence of azathymine in the irradiation mixtures decreased the amount of both thymine and cytosine converted into photoproducts. Radioactive azathymine irradiated in the presence of cytosine was more reactive photochemically, and a similar but smaller effect was observed when in combination with thymine.
Durability of Polymer Infused Roots Used for Soil Stabilization

AbstractPolymer-infused plant roots can be created without soil excavation by infusing polymer into the roots of plants through the easily accessible above-surface plant stems. Efficacy of this technique for use in soil stabilization applications involves assessing the durability of polymer-infused plant roots. Polymer content was determined for infused Artemisia annua plant roots. Durability of these polymer-infused roots was evaluated by mass loss resistance and strength loss resistance of acid-treated samples. Durability in the context of soil stabilization applications was determined by comparing the shear strength of aged samples. Polymer infusions improved the durability of the plant material. Infused plant stems incubated in acid for 15 weeks lost 29% mass, whereas noninfused stems lost 60% mass. Infused roots incubated in acid for 24 h retained a tensile strength of 25 MPa, whereas noninfused acid-treated roots had a tensile strength of 12 MPa. In comparison to plant roots that provided no enhance...
Influence of Lift Moment in Determining MAWL

An experiment was performed to determine whether maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) estimates were consistent with previously reported values when the MAWL was determined without visual feedback during the weight adjustment period. Twelve healthy male students performed four lifting tasks similar to those often performed in previous psychophysical studies: floor to knuckle at 1 lift per min, floor to knuckle at 4.3 lifts per min, knuckle to shoulder at 1 lift per min, and knuckle to shoulder at 4.3 lifts per min. When compared with the previous studies with similar box dimensions, similar trends between the conditions were present, but a slight reduction in weight was usually chosen by the participant in this study. However, the results of this study agreed with previous psychophysical studies when the distance of the load from the spine (moment arm) was taken into consideration by either comparing the MAWLs with those of a large box or by comparing load moments. Hence this study shows that eliminating visual feedback during the adjustment periods did not significantly alter the MAWLs from previous studies. It also indicates that one must use caution when applying the MAWL in the workplace because the MAWL is very sensitive to moment arm.
Magnetic behavior of dilute Cu(Mn) alloys at very low temperatures

The static magnetization of dilute Cu(Mn) alloys with Mn concentrations between 4.2 and 106 ppm has been measured between 10 mK and 0.4 K in fields between 1 and 200 Oe. Magnetic ordering is observed and attributed to impurity-impurity interactions. However, a concentration-independent Weiss constant and a decreasing moment per impurity in the low-field, low-temperature limit are evidence for the increasing importance of single-impurity effects with characteristic temperatureT k ∼ 2 mK.
Civil Service, Collective Bargaining and Personnel-Related Impediments To Effective State Management: a Comparative Assessment

Based on the responses of managers in ten states, this article examines various personnel-related problems as impediments to effective state management. Substantial proportions of managers in all o...
The Developmental Roles of the State: Moving Beyond the Developmental State in Conceptualizing Asian Political Economies

This article examines the role the state has played in the development of a variety of Asian nations through a series of “paired comparisons” to evaluate the model of the developmental state that has become prevalent in the analysis of East Asian political economy. The cases included in the study indicate that neither the state nor the market (as argued by neoclassical economists) can explain developmental outcomes by itself. Too many strong and interventionist states succeeded to gainsay the idea that economic competitiveness can be manipulated. However, the statist faith in strong and autonomous developmental states does not fare very well either. Strong states failed as well as succeeded. In fact, the strongest and most autonomous states may well be in the greatest danger of degeneration because they can resist pressures for change and can use their powers to become a “predator” over society. In addition, quite a few of these mini case studies directly imply that the nature of society is an important variable in deter-mining how well a political economy operates. Thus, the case for “bringing society back in” appears to be a strong one.