cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional numerical analysis of non-isothermal melt spinning with and without phase transition

A model and simulation method are developed for two-dimensional non-isothermal melt spinning of a visco elastic melt. The visco elastic stress is evaluated from a non-isothermal Giesekus constitutive equation developed by application of the pseudo-time method to the isothermal form of the model [J. Non-Newt. Fluid Mech. (2001)]. The crystallization kinetics is described with the model proposed by Nakamura et al. [J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 17 (1973) 1031], whereas the crystallization rate, which is a function of both temperature and molecular orientation, is evaluated according to the equation proposed by Ziabicki [Fundamentals of Fiber Formation, Wiley, New York, 1976]. The set of non-linear governing equations is solved by using the DEVSS-G/SUPG finite element method. Melt spinning is simulated for two different polymers: amorphous polystyrene and fast-crystallizing Nylon-6,6. The analysis demonstrates that although the kinematics in the thread-line are approximately one-dimensional, the radially non-uniform thermal history, caused by the leading order variation of the temperature gradient ∂T/∂r, gives rise to radially non-uniform visco elastic stresses. This stress gradient results in radially non-uniform molecular orientation and a strong radial variation in crystallinity for Nylon-6,6. The radially non-uniform stress profiles obtained from the simulations are in good agreement with experimental results for melt spinning of polystyrene. Simulations of Nylon-6,6 show that the thermally-induced crystallization depends strongly on the choice of the Avrami index n, and a sharp increase in crystallinity due to stress-induced crystallization is predicted only when the molecules are highly oriented in the drawing direction at high drawing speeds. The significant influences of visco elasticity, air drag, and operating conditions on non-isothermal melt spinning dynamics also are predicted.
The influence of sampling a Gauss-Markov process over a finite time for estimation and prediction

The statistical problem of estimating the bandwidth parameter of a Gauss-Markov process from a realization of fixed and finite duration T at selectable sampling interval Δ is addressed in this paper. As the observation time, T, is fixed and finite, the variance of estimated autocorrelation and continuous-time parameter does not vanish as Δ approaches 0. This necessitates a second order Taylor expansion in deriving the parameter estimator bias and variance, which produces significantly more accurate bias and variance results than a first order one does. Using likelihood ratio methods, we also show that even the large sample distributions of β estimator are better modeled by a gamma than by a normal form. According to the gradient change of the variance, a key result is that three sample regions, which are termed finite, large and very large, corresponding to substantial, gradual, and very slight decrease in variance of the parameter estimator respectively, are quantified. In terms of analysis BW, the three regions are (-23,-35), (-35,-55) and (-55,-∞) dB. The characterization of the trade off between the variance decrease and sampling rate results in a practical guideline for choosing sampling rate. To demonstrate the practical value of our results, we apply them to the noise prediction problems of a time invariant GM processes. Using moment generating functions, we are able to arrive at explicit and accurate relations between, the set of variables (Δ, T, β) and m-step prediction performance. In particular, we show that prediction performance is highly robust with respect to estimation accuracy of β. This is significant, in that it allows one to use a surprisingly small observation time, T , and still achieve nearly optimal performance associated with perfect knowledge of β.
An interoperable context sensitive model of trust

Although the notion of trust is widely used in secure information systems, very few works attempt to formally define it or reason about it. Moreover, in most works, trust is defined as a binary concept--either an entity is completely trusted or not at all. Absolute trust on an entity requires one to have complete knowledge about the entity. This is rarely the case in real-world applications. Not trusting an entity, on the other hand, prohibits all communications with the entity rendering it useless. In short, treating trust as a binary concept is not acceptable in practice. Consequently, a model is needed that incorporates the notion of different degrees of trust. We propose a model that allows us to formalize trust relationships. The trust relationship between a truster and a trustee is associated with a context and depends on the experience, knowledge, and recommendation that the truster has with respect to the trustee in the given context. We show how our model can measure trust and compare two trust relationships in a given context. Sometimes enough information is not available about a given context to evaluate trust. Towards this end we show how the relationships between different contexts can be captured using a context graph. Formalizing the relationships between contexts allows us to extrapolate values from related contexts to approximate the trust of an entity even when all the information needed to calculate the trust is not available. Finally, we show how the semantic mismatch that arises because of different sources using different context graphs can be resolved and the trust of information obtained from these different sources compared.
Analysis of an Impinging Two-Dimensional Jet

Heat transfer in jet impingement is a complicated phenomenon and a general analytical solution is not available. Typical jet impingement studies are conducted experimentally and best-fit correlations are proposed (Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [2]; Beitelmal [3]; Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [4]; Schauer and Eustis [7]; McMurray, Myers, and Uyehara [8], Gardon and Akfirat [9]). Separate solutions for the stagnation region and the wall jet region are then combined to determine the overall heat transfer solution for the impinging jet. In this paper, stagnation and wall jet region solutions for a two-dimensional jet normally impinging on a flat surface are developed using heat transfer relations available in the literature. These solutions are analyzed and compared to previous experimental results (Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [2]; Beitelmal [3]). The potential flow assumption is used for the fluid dynamics analysis at the stagnation region. For the wall jet region, a comparison was achieved through consideration of the classical analytical solution for parallel flow over a flat plate. Analytical solutions as well as semiempirical solutions for the stagnation region and the wall jet reported by previous investigators were also considered. Predictions for heat transfer in the stagnation region using potential flow assumptions were found to be accurate to within 20%. For the wall jet region, previous correlations predicted by McMurray, Myers, and Uyehara [8] and Nizou [10] were found to be the most accurate. At large values of x∕D, the heat transfer properties in the wall jet are shown to be very similar to those of a turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate. Such a simplified analysis in different regions of an impinging jet using some basic fluid dynamics assumptions can greatly facilitate a prediction of the local Nusselt number.
Work role characteristics, family structure demands, and work/family conflict.

This study examines relationships between work role characteristics family structure demands and work/family conflict. The analyses use data from 757 married men and 270 married women interviewed in the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey. The findings indicate that amount and scheduling of work time job demands and the presence of children in the home are related to work/family conflict among men and women. Perceived control over the work situation buffers some relationships between work role characteristics and work/family conflict. Work role characteristics and family structure demands contribute additively to work/family conflict; family structure demands do not exacerbate relationships between work role characteristics and work/family conflict. (authors)
Euler equations analysis of the initial roll-up of aircraft wakes

A new approach has been developed to study the initial roll-up of aircraft wakes. This approach is based on the solution of the three-dimensional Euler equations subject to inflow and initial conditions predicted by a vortex-lattice method. This procedure allows for the solution of this complex problem without any empirical inputs. However, valid solutions are limited to those flowfields generated by wings which are free of flow separation. Results are presented for four configurations: a rectangular wing with part span flap, a rectangular wing, a typical transport-type configuration and a fighter configuration. In addition, an assessment of an 'unsteady 2-D analogy' was undertaken using the 2-D time accurate Euler equation solutions in crossflow planes. In general, predictions from the 2-D unsteady analogy coincided with the 3-D results which were found to be in good agreement with available experimental data.
The Impact of Structural Vibration on Flying Qualities of a Supersonic Transport

A piloted simulation experiment has been conducted in the NASA Langley Visual/Motion Simulator facility to address the impact of dynamic aeroelastic effects on flying qualities of a supersonic transport. The intent of this experiment was to determine the effectiveness of several measures that may be taken to reduce the impact of aircraft flexibility on piloting tasks. Potential solutions that were examined included structural stiffening, active vibration suppression, and elimination of visual cues associated with the elastic modes. A series of parametric configurations was evaluated by six test pilots for several types of maneuver tasks. During the investigation, several incidents were encountered in which cockpit vibrations due to elastic modes fed back into the control stick through involuntary motions of the pilot''s upper body and arm. The phenomenon, referred to as biodynamic coupling, is evidenced by a resonant peak in the power spectrum of the pilot''s stick inputs at a structural mode frequency. The results of the investigation indicate that structural stiffening and compensation of the visual display were of little benefit in alleviating the impact of elastic dynamics on the piloting tasks, while increased damping and elimination of control-effector excitation of the lowest frequency modes offered great improvements when applied in sufficient degree
Subset specificity of antilymphocyte antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus. Preferential reactivity with cells bearing the T4 and autologous erythrocyte receptor phenotypes

The relative specificity of systemic lupus erythematosus antilymphocyte antibodies for T cell subsets bearing the OKT4, OKT8, or autologous erythrocyte rosette (A-RFC) markers was examined in complement-dependent microcytotoxicity assays and by indirect immunofluorescence. Target cells included normal OKT4+ or OKT8+ T cell clones established from mitogen-activated blasts, resting or phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral T cells highly enriched for OKT4+ cells or OKT8+ cells, and A-RFC+ and A-RFC- populations. In the majority of sera, cytotoxicity for T4+ cells was greater than that for T8+ cells regardless of cellular activation status. Overall cytotoxicity was considerably higher for activated cells, however, especially when warm assay temperatures were used. A-RFC+ targets were more reactive than nonrosetting T cells, and this was associated with strikingly higher relative fluorescence intensity of IgM staining. Despite these consistent differences in relative cytotoxicity or staining, antibody titers against all cell types were strongly correlated in individual sera. Absorption experiments failed to demonstrate distinct antibody specificities for T4+ and A-RFC+ cells. These data suggest that the major determinant of cytotoxic reactivity may be a single or limited number of surface antigens common to all T cells. Superimposed on this dominant system(s) is a special reactivity with certain distinct subsets and with activated T cells generally.
In vitro synthesis and processing of ribosomal RNA in the housefly ovary

Musca domestica ovaries labeled in vitro with 3H-uridine transcribe and process ribosomal RNA. The molecular weights of rRNA precursors, intermediates and products observed are: 38S (2.85 × 106), 32S (1.85 × 106) 30S (1.66 × 106), 28S (1.42 × 106), 20S (0.76 × 106) and 18S (0.70 × 106). Incubation of prelabeled ovaries with actinomycin D inhibits transcription and allows complete processing of 38S precursor through intermediates into 28S and 18S RNA in 40 min. The 38S RNA is cleaved into a 32S and 20S RNA. The 32S intermediate is further processed to a 30S precursor of mature 28S rRNA and the 20S RNA serves as a precursor to 18S RNA. The half-life of the 38S precursor has been calculated as 12 min. Approximately 26% of precursor molecular weight is lost during processing to mature rRNA. The results obtained demonstrate the production of insect 28S RNA through a 32S RNA intermediate using an in vitro system which allows complete processing of rRNA.
A rhetorical perspective for teaching the solo performance of Shakespearean dramatic literature

A rhetorical perspective of Shakespeare's plays, or understanding how the playwright developed and guided audience perception, can provide the oral interpreter with a conceptual foundation for performance. The teacher of interpretation of Shakespearean dramatic literature can combine the teaching of rhetorical perspective with a developmental teaching strategy for translating Shakespeare's dramatic literature into solo performance.
Extraction of multiple coupled line parameters using FDTD simulation

A general characterisation procedure based on the extraction of a 2n-port admittance matrix corresponding to n uniform coupled lines using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique is presented. The frequency-dependent normal mode parameters are obtained from the 2n-port admittance matrix, which in turn provide the frequency-dependent distributed inductance and capacitance matrices. To illustrate the technique, several practical coupled line structures, including a three-line structure, have been simulated. It is shown that the FDTD-based time domain characterisation procedure is an excellent broadband simulation tool for modelling and characterisation of multiconductor coupled transmission lines.
Power-Transformed Linear Quantile Regression With Censored Data

We propose a class of power-transformed linear quantile regression models for survival data subject to random censoring. The estimation procedure follows two sequential steps. First, for a given transformation parameter, we can easily obtain the estimates for the regression coefficients by minimizing a well-defined convex objective function. Second, we can estimate the transformation parameter based on a model discrepancy measure by constructing cumulative sum processes. We show that both the regression and transformation parameter estimates are strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. The variance–covariance matrix depends on the unknown density function of the error term, so we estimate the variance by the usual bootstrap approach. We examine the performance of the proposed method for finite sample sizes through simulation studies and illustrate it with a real data example.
Apolipoprotein J inhibits the migration, adhesion, and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Purpose: Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is expressed during tissue injury and remodeling and has been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation. Recently, the gene for ApoJ was identified as upregulated in distal anastomotic intimal hyperplasia after prosthetic arterial grafting. In this study we investigate the effect of ApoJ on VSMC migration, adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression. Methods: To study the effect of ApoJ on cell migration, we used a microchemotaxis chamber with an intervening 8-μm pore semipermeable polycarbonate membrane. Assays were performed with ApoJ alone (1-50 μg/mL) or in combination with platelet-derived growth factor homodimer bb (PDGF-bb; 10 ng/mL) or 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS; n=8) in the lower wells. The influence of extracellular matrix interactions on ApoJ and chemotaxis was studied in a similar way, except membranes were collagen coated. Furthermore, cells were exposed to ApoJ 15 minutes before or after seeding on the coated membrane (n = 10). The influence of ApoJ on cell adhesion to collagen was assessed with cell exposure to ApoJ 15 minutes before or after seeding on a collagen-coated membrane (n = 10). Migration and adhesion were quantified by counting the number of cells per three independent high-power fields with light microscopy. The effect of ApoJ in 0.4% FBS with or without PDGF-bb on VSMC proliferation (n = 12) was assessed by means of [Methyl- 3 H] thymidine incorporation. The transcriptional profile of VSMCs in 2% FBS exposed to ApoJ and a control for 24 hours was analyzed with an oligonucleotide microarray containing 12,560 genes. Results: ApoJ alone was not chemotactic for VSMCs. Without collagen, ApoJ decreased the migration of VSMCs toward 2% FBS by 96% or more starting at 10 μg/mL ( P P P P P P P Conclusion: ApoJ is a potent inhibitor of VSMC migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Its genetic targets are linked to cell senescence and differentiation. Therefore, ApoJ may play a role, in part, in modulating the VSMC response to injury. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:716-23.)
Is the Austrian business cycle theory still relevant

We compile econometric evidence from the latest available time series data on US savings, consumption, interest rates, and gross domestic product (GDP) to test a reduced form model of the Austrian Business Cycle Theory (ABCT). We build indexes that mimic the gap between the market and natural rates of interest and, using this gap as a proxy for expansionary policy, uncover evidence that changes in reserves lead to changes in real GDP in the manner predicted by ABCT. In addition, we establish that the pattern of endogenous changes in output, from positive to negative, also conforms to the predictions of ABCT. Thus, by incorporating improvements with regard to data and methods over the few other examples of econometric work in this area, we provide more distinctive evidence on ABCT relative to competing theories of the business cycle than has been done previously.
Synthesis of N6,N6‐Dialkyladenine Nucleosides Using Hexaalkylphosphorus Triamides Produced in Situ

Reactions between secondary amines and phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) leads to the formation of the corresponding tris(dialkylamino)phosphines or hexaalkylphosphorus triamides [HAPT: (R2N)3P]. Reaction of silyl-protected 2'-deoxyinosine and acetyl-protected inosine with the in situ formed HAPT and iodine (I2) leads to the formation of N6,N6-dialkyl adenosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine. In some cases the stoichiometry of the amine is important as also the use of a tertiary amine base. The effect of amine stoichiometry on the reaction of HAPT with I2 has been studied by 31P{1H} NMR.
The PLM Homotetramer has a Structural Basis that Parallels that of PLB: The Leucine Zipper

Phospholemman (PLM or FXYD1) interacts with and inhibits the sodium potassium ATPase (mainly by reducing its Na affinity), an effect that is relieved by PLM phosphorylation. This is analogous to phospholamban (PLB) regulation of SERCA. Like PLB, PLM is thought to also form homo-oligomers, although the structural basis for this oligomerization is still unknown. Here we use both a computational and FRET approach to address this. Alanine substitutions of leucine and isoleucine residues in the PLM transmembrane segment were examined for their effect on PLM-PLM FRET. We found that substitutions at I23, I26, L30 and L33 all significantly reduce FRET, but not so for I29 and L36. In parallel experiments, we used Rosetta to model the PLM oligomer. Mapping of experimental data onto Rosetta models favored tetramer configuration for this oligomer rather than a trimer or pentamer. In the tetramer model, the I23, I26, L30 and L33 residues all face and interact with an adjacent PLM subunit, whereas the I29 and L36 residues face the center of the tetramer and appear unlikely to be involved in the stabilization of the tetramer structure. Additionally, the core of the tetramer is lined with hydrophobic residues and is spatially constricted, suggesting that the PLM tetramer does not function as a channel. We conclude that the PLM homo-oligomer is a tetramer with a structural basis that parallels that of PLB: the leucine zipper.
Movies, Open Mic, Social Media, and More: Public Information Events

From a standing-room-only screening of Chasing Ice to a day of science communication workshops to new events such as Open Mic Night and AGU Cinema, AGU's Public Information office presented a range of events at this year's Fall Meeting, all designed to encourage and highlight ways that Earth and space scientists can share their research.
The Training of George K. Kambara, MD

George K. Kambara has been a leader in ophthalmic education and practice on the West Coast. His choice of ophthalmology arose in part because of his experience running an eye, ear, nose, and throat clinic while interned as a Japanese American during World War II. His training took him from San Francisco, to the Tule Lake Relocation Center, to the Memphis Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, to the University of Wisconsin, and eventually back to Los Angeles. He saw both sides of discrimination, as a Japanese American in California and as a "white" in the South. He was turned down for positions that he should have had based on his education, but he was also supported by many individuals who put aside public fears to help him. His story shows a triumph of the spirit, but is also a reminder of dark times that should not be forgotten.
Vacuum behavior in quantum chromodynamics. II

Vacuum polarization contributions due to fermions or scalars produced by gluon background-field fluctuations indicate vacuum instability in quantum chromodynamics; the instability is quantitatively related to pair-creation processes. The results extend previous work on gluonic contributions, and generalize the similar quantum-electrodynamic results of Euler and Heisenberg and Schwinger.
Immobility reactions in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) less than 7 days old: Resolution of a paradox

Abstract Twelve domestic chickens showed virtually no immobility reactions until the age of 9 days when tested repeatedly on a flat surface. However, twelve chicks did show pronounced immobility reactions as early as 1 day of age when tested repeatedly on a cloth surface which slightly contoured the chick's body. It was suggested that previous failures to observe immobility reactions in chicks less than 7 days old were due to inappropriate testing conditions and not to the absence of fear (a presumed substrate of the reaction), insufficient hormonal functioning, or non-functioning ‘releasing nervous mechanisms’. Young chicks do indeed become immobile if effector disruption is prevented and/or if increased physical contact during induction augments fear or produces a ‘prolonged zero’ in the animal's defensive distance.
Associative processing with coupled oscillators

We discuss the opportunities of performing associative processing based on the phase locking of coupled oscillators. The use of coupled oscillators, rather than Boolean logic, provides for implementations using emerging nano-technology such as magnetic spin torque oscillators and resonant body transistor oscillators, which each have the potential of lower energy operations and higher density scaling than traditional CMOS solutions.
A probe antenna for in situ measurement of the complex dielectric constant of materials

A new probe for the in situ measurement of the complex dielectric constant of materials in the microwave frequency region is described. The probe uses two stub antennas mounted on a cylinder. The cylinder is inserted in the material and the transmission coefficient between the two antennas is measured. By comparing this signal with that predicted from a numerical model of the probe obtained by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method we can determine the dielectric constant of the material. The measurement setup and numerical model of the probe are described and several measurement examples in natural and artificial media are presented.
The Chinese Communist Party: Recruiting and Controlling the New Elites

This article explores two interrelated aspects of the new dynamics within the CCP leadership – the new elite groups and the new ground rules in Chinese politics. The first shows profound changes in the recruitment of the elite and the second aims to reveal the changing mechanisms of political control and the checks and balances of the Chinese political system. The article argues that the future of the CCP largely depends on two seemingly contradictory needs: how broad-based will the Party’s recruitment of its new elites be on the one hand and how effective will the top leadership be in controlling this increasingly diverse political institution on the other. The emerging fifth generation of leaders is likely to find the challenge of producing elite harmony and unity within the Party more difficult than their predecessors. Yet, the diverse demographic and political backgrounds of China’s new leaders can also be considered a positive development that may contribute to the Chinese-style inner-Party democracy.
Knowledge and reasoning in graph theory research (abstract only)

Grapple [1] is an expert system for graph theory investigation. Grapple embodies a model of research which encodes graph theory knowledge and reasoning gleaned from textbooks and practicing researchers. The model consists of five steps: I. Reaching the frontier; II. Exploration; III. Discovering regularity; IV. Conjecture formulation; V. Proof.Step I models the acquisition of foundational knowledge in the research domain. This includes specific knowledge about particular graphs, classes of graphs, and related theorems. In step II the knowledge gained in step I is used to generate data relating graphs, their properties, and theorems. Properties are computed for example graphs in certain classes. Graphs are matched with hypotheses to determine which graphs and theorems “belong” to each other. Step III checks for patterns in the results obtained in step II. A search is made for regularities between and within classes and among related theorems. Step IV is the heart of the model, the conjecture formulation process. In this step perceived regularities are recast as conjectures. The two primary difficulties are to determine a reasonable scope for the conjecture, that is, a hypothesis, and finding the correct statement of the perceived regularity, that is, a conclusion. Step V is proof. Formal theorem proving has a rich literature and is not discussed here.Much specific knowledge is captured in the model. This includes how to construct individual graphs and their representations, and a taxonomy of classes of graphs together with algorithms for determining membership. Also required is the knowledge of a wide range of graph theoretic properties together with means to determine their values for specific graphs. At a more abstract level there are theorems which describe attributes of graph classes, relate members of one class to members of another, and relate properties to other properties.In general, there is no smooth progression from step I to step V of the research process. This is reflected in Grapple's non-linear control mechanism. A set of rules are used to judge when a transition is made between one step and another. These rules capture metaknowledge about the research process and are based on anecdotal experiences with an expert graph theorist. Eight principles of control have been identified which guide the research process.
Blocking Early GABA Depolarization with Bumetanide Results in Permanent Alterations in Cortical Circuits and Sensorimotor Gating Deficits

A high incidence of seizures occurs during the neonatal period when immature networks are hyperexcitable and susceptible to hypersyncrhonous activity. During development, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in adults, typically excites neurons due to high expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1). NKCC1 facilitates seizures because it renders GABA activity excitatory through intracellular Cl− accumulation, while blocking NKCC1 with bumetanide suppresses seizures. Bumetanide is currently being tested in clinical trials for treatment of neonatal seizures. By blocking NKCC1 with bumetanide during cortical development, we found a critical period for the development of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate synapses. Disruption of GABA signaling during this window resulted in permanent decreases in excitatory synaptic transmission and sensorimotor gating deficits, a common feature in schizophrenia. Our study identifies an essential role for GABA-mediated depolarization in regulating the balance between cortical excitation and inhibition during a critical period and suggests a cautionary approach for using bumetanide in treating neonatal seizures.
Genomic mapping of RNA polymerase II reveals sites of co-transcriptional regulation in human cells

Transcription by RNA polymerase II is regulated at many steps including initiation, promoter release, elongation and termination. Accumulation of RNA polymerase II at particular locations across genes can be indicative of sites of regulation. RNA polymerase II is thought to accumulate at the promoter and at sites of co-transcriptional alternative splicing where the rate of RNA synthesis slows. To further understand transcriptional regulation at a global level, we determined the distribution of RNA polymerase II within regions of the human genome designated by the ENCODE project. Hypophosphorylated RNA polymerase II localizes almost exclusively to 5' ends of genes. On the other hand, localization of total RNA polymerase II reveals a variety of distinct landscapes across many genes with 74% of the observed enriched locations at exons. RNA polymerase II accumulates at many annotated constitutively spliced exons, but is biased for alternatively spliced exons. Finally, RNA polymerase II is also observed at locations not in gene regions. Localizing RNA polymerase II across many millions of base pairs in the human genome identifies novel sites of transcription and provides insights into the regulation of transcription elongation. These data indicate that RNA polymerase II accumulates most often at exons during transcription. Thus, a major factor of transcription elongation control in mammalian cells is the coordination of transcription and pre-mRNA processing to define exons.
Abnormal nitric oxide production in aged rat mesenteric arteries is mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived peroxide.

Previous work in our laboratory showed increased basal periarterial nitric oxide (NO) and H2O2 concentrations in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, characterized by oxidant stress, as well as impaired flow-mediated NO production that was corrected by a reduction of periarterial H2O2. Aging is also associated with an increase in vascular reactive oxygen species and results in abnormal vascular function. The current study was designed to assess the role of H2O2 in regulating NO production during vascular aging. In vivo, real-time NO and H2O2 concentrations were measured by microelectrodes in mesenteric arteries of retired breeder (aged; 8–12 mo) and young (2 to 3 mo) Wistar-Kyoto rats under conditions of altered flow. The results in aged rats revealed elevated basal NO (1,611 ± 286 vs. 793 ± 112 nM, P < 0.05) and H2O2 concentrations (16 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 1 μM, P < 0.05) and a flow-mediated increase in H2O2 but not NO production. Pretreatment of aged rats with the antioxidant apocynin lowered both basal H2O2 (8 ± 1 μM) and NO (760 ± 102 nM) to young levels and restored flow-mediated NO production. Similar results were obtained with the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor gp91ds-tat. In addition, acute incubation with topical polyethylene-glycolated catalase lowered the baseline NO concentration and restored flow-mediated NO production. Taken together, the data indicate that elevated baseline and suppressed flow-mediated NO production in aged Wistar-Kyoto rats are mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived H2O2.
When Two Factors Don’t Reflect Two Constructs: How Item Characteristics Can Produce Artifactual Factors

Factor analyses of scales that contain items written in opposite directions sometimes show two factors, each of which contains items written in only one direction. Such item direction factors have been found in scales of affect and personality that have been used in organizational research. We discuss how patterns of subject responses to items that vary in direction and extremity can produce an arttfactual two factor structure in the absence of multiple constructs. Response patterns are demonstrated in Study 1 with job satisfaction data gathered from employed subjects. The production of two factors is illustrated in Study 2 with simulated data based on item response characteristic equations.
Foreign Interest Remittances by the United States, 1785–1787: A Story of Malfeasance

In servicing the foreign-held debt of the United States during 1785–1787, public policy delegated a considerable portion of the process to private businessmen. The results certainly question the efficacy of the private conduct of public affairs in the financing of the new American nation.
Microstructural examination of low activation ferritic steels following irradiation in ORR at 330 and 400 °C to ∼10 dpa

Microstructural examinations are reported for a series of low activation steels containing Mn following irradiation in the Oak Ridge Reactor at 330 and 400 °C to ∼10 dpa. Alloy compositions included 2% Cr, 9% Cr and 12% Cr steels with V to 1.5% and W to 1.0%. Results include compositional changes in precipitates and microstructural changes as a function of composition and irradiation temperature. It is concluded that temperatures in ORR are on the order of 50 °C higher than anticipated.
Phosphorylation of the serine 60 residue within the Cdx2 activation domain mediates its transactivation capacity

Abstract Background & Aims: Cdx2 is critical in intestinal proliferation and differentiation. Modulation of Cdx2 function in response to cellular signaling is to be elucidated. We hypothesize that phosphorylation of the Cdx2 activation domain can modulate its function. Methods: The Cdx2 activation domain was delineated in transient transfections using different portions of Cdx2 fused to the Gal4-DNA binding domain. In vivo phosphorylation was studied by metabolic labeling with 32 P-orthophosphate. To study a potential phosphorylation site, polyclonal antibodies were generated: CNL was raised against amino acids 54–66 of Cdx2 and P-Cdx2-S60 against the same epitope in which serine 60 was phosphorylated. Results: A critical region for transactivation resides within amino acids 60–70. Substitution of serine 60 with alanine reduces incorporation of 32 P-orthophosphate substantially. S60-phosphorylation decreases Cdx2 transactivation. Phosphorylation of serine 60 can be inhibited with the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors PD98059 or UO126. P-Cdx2-S60 recognizes phosphorylated serine 60 mainly in proliferative compartment of the intestinal epithelial layer. In contrast, CNL recognizes Cdx2 predominantly in the differentiated compartment. Conclusions: The Cdx2 activation domain is phosphorylated at serine 60 via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. S60-phosphorylated and S60-nonphosphorylated Cdx2 have different transcriptional activity, as well as different spatial expression patterns in the intestinal epithelium. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;121:1437-1450
5 Birth cohort effect and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract PURPOSE: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising in the US. Since HCC typically affects older people, this increase could have resulted from a shift in the population distribution to older age groups (age-effect). Alternatively, this could be due to an environmental exposure among successive cohorts (birth-cohort or period-effect). We conducted a study to disentangle these factors. METHODS: Using data from the SEER program, 5-year birth-cohorts were constructed for cases ages 20 and older diagnosed with HCC between 1974–98. HCC incidence was plotted as a function of 5-year age groups for each 5-year birth-cohort. Poisson regression analysis was used to quantify the significance of age and birth-cohort on the incidence of HCC. RESULTS: Between 1974–98, 11,710 individuals were diagnosed with HCC who were born between 1885–1974. A progressive increase in HCC incidence was observed for ages 45 years and older; however, a significant shift of cases toward younger age groups was seen in 1994–98 compared to 1974–78. In the birth-cohort analyses, older age group curves were generally higher than those of younger age groups (age-effect). However, most age curves were pointing upwards in the direction of more recent birth-cohorts, suggesting a birth-cohort effect. The absence of leveling off in most age curves indicated the lack of a period-effect. This birth-cohort effect was most evident for those born between 1910–1934. Results from the Poisson regression analysis confirmed age at diagnosis and birth-cohort to be independent predictors of HCC incidence. More recent birth-cohorts had a higher incidence of HCC, regardless of age group. The odds of developing HCC increased by 3% for each successive more recent 5-year birth-cohort, and 9% for each 5-year increase in age at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: A progressive shift towards younger age groups has accompanied the increase in HCC. Cohorts born after 1910 are at higher risk, irrespective of age, than those born earlier. Environmental exposures acquired at a younger age (e.g., Hepatitis C) could explain these findings.
Improved test and maintenance via concurrent engineering

This paper focuses on how concurrent engineering principles can have a positive impact on mission effectiveness. The paper discusses concurrent engineering, the traditional test program set (TPS) development process, and an advanced TPS development process. It also shows how these positive effects can be measured by the user of a product. >
Extrinsic calibration of a single line scanning lidar and a camera

Lidar and visual imagery have been broadly utilized in computer vision and mobile robotics applications because these sensors provide complementary information. However, in order to convert data between the local coordinate systems, we must estimate the rigid body transformation between the sensors. In this paper, we propose a robust-weighted extrinsic calibration algorithm that is implemented easily and has small calibration error. The extrinsic calibration parameters are estimated by minimizing the distance between corresponding features projected onto the image plane. The features are edge and centerline features on a v-shaped calibration target. The proposed algorithm contributes two ways to improve the calibration accuracy. First, we use different weights to distance between a point and a line feature according to the correspondence accuracy of the features. Second, we apply a penalizing function to exclude the influence of outliers in the calibration data sets. We conduct several experiments to evaluate the performance of our extrinsic calibration algorithm, such as comparison of the RMS distance of the ground truth and the projected points, the effect of the number of lidar scan and image, and the effect of pose and range of the calibration target. In the experiments, we show our extrinsic calibration algorithm has calibration accuracy over 50% better than an existing state of the art approach. To evaluate the generality of our algorithm, we also colorize point clouds with different pairs of lidars and cameras calibrated by our algorithm.
Fundamental Study of Clay: XIII, Drying Behavior and Plastic Properties

The effects of nonionic, anionic, and cationic surface-active agents on yield point, plasticity, drying and firing shrinkage, dry and fired density, and rate of drying have been experimentally determined. These and other factors have been correlated on the basis of a comprehensive theory of the plastic properties and drying behavior of clay-water masses.
The Rise and Fall of the Manorial System: A Theoretical Model

European economic history has always been concerned with the grand theme of the rise of the Western World. Sometimes this is put in terms of the transition from feudalism to capitalism and, if a Marxian dialectician is present, eventually to socialism. The literature is essentially the product of historians and as such is particularistic. No consistent theoretical foundation runs through it, except perhaps the Marxian one. The result is a chaotic output for which generalization is difficult, and in which bits and scraps of evidence are proffered for almost every specific explanation. This has helped the Marxist explanation to survive since, despite its evident shortcomings, it does provide a single path through the wilderness of medieval and modern European economic history.
'I beg your pardon?': the preverbal negotiation of failed messages.

This longitudinal study of how preverbal infants communicate with their mothers utilized the situation in which the infant was seated in a highchair at lunchtime. This situation predisposed infants to use communication as a means, since they were often unable to achieve their goals without assistance. It was found that infants' communicative attempts were often unsuccessful; the present study focussed on how infants and mothers worked to establish the infants' intents after communication failures. In the preverbal negotiation of failed messages infants direct communicative behaviours to their mothers which their mothers fail to comprehend immediately, NEGOTIATIONS occur when mothers help infants make their intents clear. Negotiation episodes have four components: the infant's initial signal, the mother's comprehension failure, infant repairs and episode outcome. Changes in these components provide much information about how infants' communicative skills evolve during the transition to a linguistically based communication system. Negotiation episodes are contrasted with episodes called IMMEDIATE SUCCESSES in which the mother readily comprehends the intent behind the infant's signal, and MISSED ATTEMPTS in which the mother fails to pick up on the infant's signal. Taken together these three types of communicative episode reveal a degree of persistence and creativity on the part of the preverbal infant that is surprising in the light of prior research. Such episodes further reveal that the course of preverbal communication is NOT smooth.
The Differentially Discriminating Properties of Alcohol Expectancies for Female and Male Drinkers

Alcohol expectancies are the anticipated outcomes of consuming alcohol. In this study, a variety of alcohol expectancies were found to discriminate between problem- and non-problem-drinking college students. In addition, the author discovered that the expectancy profile that distinguished female problem drinkers from female nonproblem drinkers was relatively distinct from the profile that separated these types of drinkers among men. The alcohol expectancy with the strongest discriminating value among the women was “arousal and power,” whereas for the men it was “physical and social pleasure.” The author discusses the implications of these findings for counseling problem-drinking women and men.
Self shadowing and local illumination of randomly rough surfaces

This paper develops an analytic model for self shadowing and local illumination of rough surfaces. The surface is assumed homogeneous, isotropic, and smooth microscopically, with a Gaussian height field. The total reflection is decomposed into single and multiple scattering. A shadowing factor is derived as a function of surface roughness, and color variation due to multiple scattering is described. This model is compared to previous models and the effects of surface roughness are studied via rendered images.
Characterization of Serological Responses to Pertussis

We have compared the use of five nonvaccine antigens to the use of conventional vaccine antigens, pertussis toxin (PT), and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) for the serological diagnosis of pertussis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The nonvaccine antigens included the catalytic region of adenylate cyclase toxin (CatACT), the C-terminal region of FHA (C-FHA), lipooligosaccharide (LOS), the peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL), and the BrkA protein. The serological responses of individuals with culture-confirmed pertussis were compared to those of adults with no recent history of a coughing disease. An immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA for PT was the most sensitive (92.2%) test for the serodiagnosis of pertussis. Of the nonvaccine antigens, ELISA for IgG responses to CatACT (sensitivity, 62.8%), C-FHA (sensitivity, 39.2%), and LOS IgA (sensitivity, 29.4%) were less sensitive but could also distinguish culture-positive individuals from control individuals. The use of a combination of multiple ELISA targets improved the sensitivity of the assay for serological diagnosis. Elevated IgG and IgA antibody titers persisted for more than a year in the individuals with culture-confirmed pertussis.
Continuous Nasogastric Infusion Feedings of Infants of Low Birth Weight

This preliminary experience with a small group of babies showed that continuous nasogastric infusion of milk can represent a safe and effective means of sustaining growth in infants of very low birth weight.
Distributed QoS-aware scheduling algorithm for WDM optical interconnects with arbitrary wavelength conversion capability

We study scheduling problems in bufferless time slotted WDM optical interconnects with wavelength conversion ability. We consider the case when the connection requests have different priorities and give algorithms that are a ware of the quality of service (QoS) requirements. The wavelength conversion considered in this paper is the general case of limited range wavelength conversion with arbitrary wavelength conversion capability, as limited range wavelength conversion is easier to implement and more cost effective than full range wavelength conversion, and it also includes full range wavelength conversion as a special case. We show that the problem of maximizing network throughput and giving service differentiation can be formalized as finding an optimal matching in a weighted bipartite graph. We then give an optimal distributed scheduling algorithm called the Downwards Expanding algorithm that runs in O(k/sup 2/) time to find such a matching, where k is the number of wavelengths per fiber.
Electronic Structure and Bonding in Crystalline Y10[SiO4]6N2

The electronic structure and bonding of the complex ceramic crystal Y10[SiO4]6N2 is studied by a first-principles method. It is shown that this crystal is an insulator with a direct band gap of 1.3 eV. It has some unique properties related to the one-dimensional chain structure in the c-direction and the planar N-Y bonding in the x-yplane.