cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designs with no three mutually disjoint blocks

Let D(v,b,r,k,@l) be any quasi-symmetric block design with block intersection numbers 0 and y. Suppose D has no three mutually disjoint blocks. We show that for a given value of y, there are only finitely many parameter sets of such designs. Moreover, the 'extremal' designs D have one of the following parameter sets: (1) v = 4y, k = 2y, @l = 2y - 1 (y >=2) (2) v = y(y^2+3y+1), k = y(y+1), @l =y^2+y-1(y>=2) (3) v = (y+1)(y^2+2y-1), k = y(y+1), @l =y^2 (y>=2) A computer search revealed only three parameter sets in the range 1=
Squeezing in fibers with optical pulses.

A novel method of squeezing with optical pulses in a fiber ring reflector is demonstrated experimentally. Squeezing of greater than 5 ± 0.3 dB has been observed. The pump is separated from the squeezed radiation with a fiber ring reflector and can be reused, in principle fully, as the local oscillator. The detection is at low frequencies (35–85 kHz) and is unaffected by guided-acoustic-wave Brillouin scattering.
Activated macrophages in human periodontitis.

Fifteen patients, eight males and seven females, ranging from 30 to 88 years of age with advanced periodontal disease were selected for this study. Biopsies and blood samples were taken of both normal and inflamed gingival tissues, and processed for detection of nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase activity in monocytes and macrophages. Activated macrophages, as indicated by their intense reaction to acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase, were found in the gingival epithelium, lamina propria, perivascular tissues and in the blood vessels in human chronic periodontitis. Blood smears of monocytes showed variability of stain intensity suggesting that their activation occurred in blood vessels where they marginate and emigrate into the perivascular tissues in chronic periodontitis. They then appear as macrophages that migrate through the connective tissue, penetrate the basement membrane and continue through the epithelium. The nonspecific esterase stain identified T-cells, by a singular dot-like gra...
Economic analysis of accountants' ethical standards: The case of audit opinion shopping

Abstract The public accounting profession presently employs a strict system of ethical standards that relies upon explicit rules plus monitoring and enforcement procedures that penalize violations of the rules. An alternative approach to ethical standards that the public accounting profession may wish to consider is a laissez faire approach. Instead of rules and penalties to enforce desired behaviors, the laissez faire approach utilizes moral training and leadership to motivate professional accountants to act in the public interest, for the sake of the profession as a whole. The theoretical basis for the laissez faire approach is a growing body of evidence in economics and related disciplines that people often take actions to further the collective welfare of a group despite a detrimental effect on their own selfish interests. This paper offers a framework for examining the relative economic merits of the strict and laissez faire approaches to ethical standards within the accounting profession. The framework is based on game theory, and the setting employed in the paper involves opinion shopping by audit clients. The paper finds that the effectiveness of a laissez faire approach to ethical standards, at least in the opinion-shopping scenario, is related to (a) the ethical climate, which refers to the likelihood a given independent auditor will choose the ethical action, (b) the frequency of independent auditor rotation, which reduces the economic advantage of being the incumbent auditor, (c) the explicitness of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which reduces uncertainty over whether or not a particular act is ethical, (d) the availability of opportunities to discuss ethical choices with rival auditors, and (e) disclosure requirements associated with auditor–client disputes over material accounting issues.
Higher order perturbation theory for the SU(3) skyrme model

Abstract We show that the results obtained by Yabu and Ando treating the symmetry breaking exactly can easily be reproduced by perturbation theory, carried out to next to leading order. An explanation is provided for the success of the Gell-Mann-Okubo mass formula in this model even though first order perturbation theory is inadequate. The important role of SU(3) 10 and 27 “impurities” in the octet baryon wavefunctions is pointed out. A number of observables are discussed in the framework of perturbation theory.
Responses of trigeminal units in the monkey bulbar lateral reticular formation to noxious and non-noxious stimulation of the face: Experimental theotheoretical considerations

Abstract The face of the lightly anesthetized macaque was stimulated with noxious and non-noxious natural stimuli and with brief electrical pulses. Unit responses were recorded extracellularly from somatosensory cells located in bulbar lateral reticular formation (LRF) regions which are ventromedially contiguous with the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. The following functional properties characterized the cells of the LRF. (1) They had a wide range of thresholds, latencies and stimulus following capacities. (2) They most frequently adapted slowly to stimulation although a variety of tonic and phasic response patterns was also observed. (3) They exhibited inhibitory as well as excitatory modes of action. (4) They did not have a clearly defined somatotopy. (5) They were innervated by projections from fields which varied considerably in size. (6) They revealed marked differences in modality and sensitivity in that some responded exclusively and other differentially to specific forms of painful and non-painful stimuli applied to their peripheral fields. The results closely correspond to those reported for LRF cells in other species and they support the recent proposal that the LRF has a fundamental role in the mediation of trigeminal pain operating in this capacity in conjunction with other nuclear zones of the medulla.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide regulation of AtT-20/D16v corticotrope cell proopiomelanocortin expression and secretion

The hypothalamic peptides pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAPs) may play central roles in the regulation of anterior pituitary gland function. The two pro-PACAP-derived peptides, PACAP38 and PACAP27, are posttranslationally processed from a common precursor molecule and share amino acid sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). To further evaluate and compare the physiological roles of these peptides, we have examined the short and long term effects of PACAP38, PACAP27, and VIP on POMC-related peptide production in the mouse AtT-20/D16v corticotrope cell line. Short term (0.5- to 5-h) treatment of AtT-20/D16v cells with PACAP38, PACAP27, or VIP elicited similar concentration-dependent and biphasic stimulation of ACTH release. Half-maximal stimulation of the higher potency phase was attained with 1-2 nM peptide; maximal secretion was observed at peptide concentrations greater than 100 nM. Similar 2- to 3-fold maximal stimulation of ACTH secretion was elicited by all...
A global lojasiewicz inequality for algebraic varieties

Let X be the locus of common zeros of polynomials f 1 ,..., f κ in n complex variables. A global upper bound for the distance to X is given in the form of a Lojasiewicz inequality. The exponent in this inequality is bounded by d min(n,k) where d=max(3, deg f i ). The estimates are also valid over an algebraically closed field of any characteristic
High tech or high touch? Efficient channel strategies for delivering financial services

Abstract With the progress of information technology, financial service institutions are restructuring their delivery channels. The delivery channel applications now range from direct sales and agency systems to all-electronic, customer-accessed networks. A key issue in the design of a delivery channel is achieving a proper mix of new technology and traditional human-centred delivery approach. Moreover, the delivery channel design should be properly matched with the characteristics of the service being offered. Based on a model of economic trade-offs, a theoretical framework, called the service channel strategies (SCS) approach, is proposed for identifying, analysing and designing appropriate delivery channel applications in the financial services industry. An example from banking is discussed to highlight the scope and normative focus of the proposed theoretical framework.
A statistical analysis of the assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics auroral specification

[1] The assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) technique utilizes a wide range of electrodynamics measurements to determine high-latitude maps of the electric potential, electron particle precipitation (average energy and total energy flux), and ionospheric conductance (Hall and Pedersen). AMIE does this by conducting a least squares fit to the difference between the data and a background model. This fit is then added to the background model. This allows for a very stable technique with even minimal amounts of data. The background models are typically statistical models that are driven by the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field or the hemispheric power index. This study presents results of a statistical validation of the AMIE conductance and particle precipitation calculations and quantifies how using ground magnetometer derived measurements improves upon the result obtained using only a background statistical model. Specifically, we compare AMIE using the Fuller-Rowell and Evans (1987) model of particle precipitation and ionospheric conductances to DMSP particle precipitation measurements during the period from May to November 1998. The conductances are derived from the particle precipitation using the Robinson et al. (1987) formulation. The Fuller-Rowell and Evans (1987) results show low (39-21% with increasing AE) energy flux integrals with respect to DMSP auroral passes and differences in mean electron energies. The AMIE runs, in which ground-based magnetometers were used to modify the particle precipitation using the formulation by Ahn et al. (1983) and Ahn et al. (1998), show significant improvement in correlation to the observational data. We show that it more accurately predicts the particle precipitation than when using only the background model, especially in the 1800-0300 MLT nightside sectors where solar conductance is not significant. In addition, the AMIE results show a clear increase in accuracy with increasing number of magnetometers in a sector.
Influence of training strength on amnesia induced by pretraining injections of cycloheximide

Abstract Cycloheximide-treated mice and saline controls were given one-trial training in a black and white, step-through, passive avoidance box. The following parameters were shown to affect the degree of amnesia in cycloheximide-treated animals: (a) shock intensity; (b) shock duration; (c) original latency to enter the shock compartment; and, (d) retention interval (periods used were 24 hr and 1, 2, and 3 weeks). When those parameters are measured and controlled, highly consistent amnestic effects can be obtained. In the present experiment, certain groups showed over 80% amnesia while the controls showed less than 2% amnesia. Amnesia could best be obtained in passive avoidance when animals were trained to just under the asymptote of the acquisition curve. Measures of inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide showed differences among 5 strains, but there were no significant individual differences within a strain.
Geochemistry of Oceanic Igneous Rocks—Ridges, Islands, and Arcs—with Emphasis on Manganese, Scandium, and Vanadium

A database on a number of elements in oceanic volcanic rocks is presented, including the principal major-element oxides-SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3(T), MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5 (where T refe...
Experimental determination of the fermi radius, velocity, and g factor in Pd and Pt

Modern techniques for the measurement of the de Haas‐van Alphen effect now allow many properties of the Fermi surface to be determined with great precision. In addition to the traditional measurements of extremal cross‐sectional areas, measurements of effective cyclotron mass, orbital g factor, and Dingle temperature have been made in palladium and platinum. From these measurements the Fermi radii, Fermi velocities, and density of states are calculated. Comparison of these data with recent band structure calculations gives estimates of the magnitude of the many‐body corrections. Such corrections include not only the effects of electron‐electron and electron‐phonon interactions but also the effects of the exchange enhancement due to short‐lived spin fluctuations.
The Variability of Practice Hypothesis: Further Tests and Methodological Discussion

Abstract In the present study experimental subjects practiced variations in movement distance and/or movement time during training trials on a closed timing task. Control subjects trained with single distance-time combinations. During transfer trials all subjects attempted (without knowledge of results) a distance-time combination that was different (except in the case of one control condition) from any performed during training. The results revealed that the timing accuracy of the two experimental conditions that practiced a variety of times was significantly poorer than that of most of the other conditions during the training phase. However, transfer analyses revealed several significant differences between the performance of variable-trained and constant-trained conditions, in all cases favoring the former. It was concluded that the transfer benefits of variable practice are (a) not due to the particular movement component selected for variation during training, and (b) to some extent always determined...
Movement and degradation of triazines, alachlor, and metolachlor in sandy soils

Abstract Four experiments conducted over a nine‐year period are summarized. The movement of alachlor, atrazine, simazine, cyanazine, and metolachlor were studied in a Coastal Plain, Evesboro loamy sand soil that had a water table near the surface. In two experiments atrazine and simazine were detected more frequently in the groundwater than metolachlor and cyanazine. There was no large difference in pesticide transport between conventional tillage and no‐tillage. In another experiment alachlor was detected in approximately 20% of the groundwater samples from May to July over a three‐year period. Several samples were above the EPA drinking water standard of two parts per billion. In the fourth experiment, all five herbicides moved below the root zone after a simulated rainfall (75 mm) five days after they were applied. Alachlor was detected more frequently in the lysimeters and groundwater than the other four herbicides. The research indicates pesticides may move to shallow groundwater by macropore flow in...
Candidate solutions to improve Wireless Mesh Networks WMNs performance to meet the needs of Smart Grid applications -Survey paper

market share of existing Smart Grid network installations is wireless mesh networks ( 1). The paper starts by justifying the selection of WMNs as opposed to any other communication techn ology based on quantifying the bandwidth/latency/QoS constraints of a number of Smart Grid applications. The main objective of this paper, however, is to discuss some optimization techniques that found in the literature and can be implemented to overcomesome of the challenges currently being faced by WM Ns deployment in Smart Grid's NANs. Hybrid WMN (HWMN) is proposed as an optimization on the topology level to leverage WMNs convergence. Distributed Autonomous Data Routing DADR, multigate and diversity routing are optimizations on the protocol level to minimize the down time of WMNs. Cognitive Radio is investigated as an optimization on the physical level . The paper also explores the feasibility of using Wireless Software DefinedNetworks WSDN to improve the overall visibility and manageability of WMNs.
Vibrations of nearly annular and circular plates

Abstract A general procedure is presented to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of nearly annular and circular plates. A straightforward perturbation procedure is used with a transfer of the boundary conditions to obtain solutions given by simple expressions. As well as yielding good accuracy quantitatively, the method accurately predicts qualitative behavior. Numerical results are presented for clamped elliptical and square plates.
Omental infarction: risk factors in children.

Abstract Purpose: A series of 4 cases of omental infarction are analyzed. It is shown that obesity, as well as idiosyncratic anatomy, are factors in the development of this rare clinicopathologic entity. Methods: The authors reviewed the preoperative and operative records of all patients. Results: All of the cases of omental infarction were seen in obese children. Other than persistent right-sided abdominal pain, there were no other signs or symptoms. None of the patients had an elevated white blood cell count, and none had fever. Conclusions: Computed tomography scanning is noted to be helpful in making the diagnosis. Laparoscopy is noted to be the procedure of choice, because standard incisions may preclude one from a proper exploration. J Pediatr Surg 38:233-235. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Synthesis of l-lyxo-Phytosphingosine and Its 1-Phosphonate Analogue Using a Threitol Acetal Synthon

The first synthesis of an isosteric phosphonate analogue of the aminotriol lipid phytosphingosine (3), together with an improved synthesis of (2S,3S,4S)-phytosphingosine (2), are described. A key intermediate is 3-pentylidene acetal 9, which was prepared in two steps from dimethyl 2,3-O-benzylidene-d-tartrate (7).
Extreme Daily Rainfall Event Distribution Patterns in Kansas

AbstractThe Rainfall Frequency Atlas (TP40) was last updated for Kansas in 1961, using weather data from 1911 to 1958. Rainfall information contained in the atlas is the basis for important engineering and hydrologic design decisions in the state. With growing concern about the effects of global climate change and predictions of more extreme weather events, it is necessary to explore rainfall distribution patterns using the most current and complete data available. In this study, extreme rainfall frequency was analyzed using daily precipitation data (1920–2009) from 24 stations in Kansas and 15 stations from adjacent states. The Weibull distribution was used to calculate the precipitation probability distribution frequency at each station. Weather station point data were spatially interpolated using kriging. The overall analysis showed an increase in extreme precipitation events in Kansas with extreme event values tending to increase in magnitude from the northwest to southeast part of the state. Comparin...
Selection of Jury Foremen as a Measure of the Social Status of Women

A measure of social status was proposed which employed the ratio of available jurors to the number raised to foremen. It was hypothesized the measure might determine the status of a minority or sub...
Fiber-end deformation effects in enlarged-end, fiber-reinforced composites

Composite materials reinforced by fibers with enlarged ends are known to have significantly better strength and toughness than those reinforced by flat-end fibers. The objective of this study is to develop an analytical model to determine the importance of deformation of the enlarged end on the reinforcement performance of ellipsoidal enlarged-end fibers. The resisting pullout load of the fiber is composed of a component due to interfacial bond at the fiber/matrix interface and a component due to mechanical anchorage at the embedded enlarged end of the fiber. The component due to mechanical anchorage at the enlarged end is due to both mechanical interlock and deformation of the enlarged end. In the past, little has been done to account for the deformation of the enlarged end. To account for this component of the mechanical anchorage resistance at the embedded enlarged end, a spring component is introduced to connect the embedded fiber with the enlarged ellipsoid. Analytical solutions were derived to predict the effects of the rigid enlarged end shape on the pullout load and stress distribution. These solutions were then compared to finite element solutions. It is shown that the shape of enlarged end has a significant influence on the stress distribution of the short fiber. Specially, the model demonstrates that the enlarged ends deform significantly for some shapes and are not effective for long fibers.
Spontaneous SUSY breaking in various dimensions

Abstract We generalize the ISS model of spontaneous supersymmetry breaking to lower dimensions. We also comment on the dynamics of the corresponding brane systems in string theory, and on possible applications to gauge/gravity duality.
Transcription from Heterologous rRNA Operon Promoters in Chloroplasts Reveals Requirement for Specific Activating Factors

The plastid rRNA (rrn) operon in chloroplasts of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), maize, and pea is transcribed by the plastid-encoded plastid RNA polymerase from a sigma70-type promoter (P1). In contrast, the rrn operon in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and mustard chloroplasts is transcribed from the distinct Pc promoter, probably also by the plastid-encoded plastid RNA polymerase. Primer-extension analysis reported here indicates that in Arabidopsis both promoters may be active. To understand promoter selection in the plastid rrn operon in the different species, we have tested transcription from the spinach rrn promoter in transplastomic tobacco and from the tobacco rrn promoter in transplastomic Arabidopsis. Our data suggest that transcription of the rrn operon depends on species-specific factors that facilitate transcription initiation by the general transcription machinery.
Structural basis for the root effect in haemoglobin.

The remarkable ability of Root effect haemoglobins to pump oxygen against high O2 gradients results from extreme, acid-induced reductions in O2 affinity and cooperativity. The long-sought mechanism for the Root effect, revealed by the 2 A crystal structure of the ligand-bound haemoglobin from Leiostomus xanthurus at pH 7.5, unexpectedly involves modulation of the R-state. Key residues strategically assemble positive-charge clusters across the allosteric β1β2-interface in the R-state. At low βH, protonation of the βN terminus and His 147(HC3)β within these clusters is postulated to destabilize the R-state and promote the acid-triggered, allosteric R→T switch with concomitant O2 release. Surprisingly, a set of residues specific to Root effect haemoglobins recruit additional residues, conserved among most haemoglobins, to produce the Root effect.
Cluster-Based Spatiotemporal Background Traffic Generation for Network Simulation

To reduce the computational complexity of large-scale network simulation, one needs to distinguish foreground traffic generated by the target applications one intends to study from background traffic that represents the bulk of the network traffic generated by other applications. Background traffic competes with foreground traffic for network resources and consequently plays an important role in determining the behavior of network applications. Existing background traffic models either operate only at coarse time granularity or focus only on individual links. There is little insight on how to meaningfully apply realistic background traffic over the entire network. In this article, we propose a method for generating background traffic with spatial and temporal characteristics observed from real traffic traces. We apply data clustering techniques to describe the behavior of end hosts as a function of multidimensional attributes and group them into distinct classes, and then map the classes to simulated routers so that we can generate traffic in accordance with the cluster-level statistics. The proposed traffic generator makes no assumption on the target network topology. It is also capable of scaling the generated traffic so that the traffic intensity can be varied accordingly in order to test applications under different and yet realistic network conditions. Experiments show that our method is able to generate traffic that maintains the same spatial and temporal characteristics as in the observed traffic traces.
Melting and alloying of Ni/Al nanolaminates induced by shock loading: A molecular dynamics simulation study

We demonstrate that shock-induced melting can play a key role in accelerating the initiation and propagation of self-sustained exothermic alloying reactions in nanostructured $\mathrm{Ni}∕\mathrm{Al}$ nanolaminates. Following a pronounced increase of the local pressure upon melting, due to structural expansion, enhanced material diffusion and intermixing around the molten regions accelerate self-sustained alloying reactions, leading to a pressure decrease. This competition between melting and alloying reactions leads to an oscillatory overall pressure as the melting and alloy formation fronts propagate.
Service Learning: The Process of Doing and Becoming an Occupational Therapist

ABSTRACT The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of entry-level occupational therapy students participating in a service-learning experience designed to provide preventive occupation-based social skills groups to low-income urban youth attending after-school care. Reflective journals and focus groups were used to study how the students made sense of their experience. Qualitative data analysis resulted in six major themes revealing the process of professional growth over the eight-weeks. Professional reasoning progressed from mechanical procedural reasoning to flexible forms of conditioning reasoning. Findings emphasize the critical role of active participation in real-life contexts on learning how to become an occupational therapist. Study findings provide a discussion about the possibilities of preparing future occupational therapy practitioners to address society's occupational needs in emerging practice areas.
One-Dimensional Semiconductor Heterostructures: Challenges and Opportunities

The boundary conditions for materials science and device physics in 1D semiconductors are dramatically different from their bulk counterparts. From a materials perspective, surface energetics dominates growth and structural integrity in 1D materials and helps extend their coherency limits for heterostructuring compared to bulk. From a device perspective, compositional changes along their 1D axis provide new control over charge transport, and their cylindrical structure allows for better electronic and optoelectronic device architectures. While we exploited interface engineering to provide new foundations for materials science in nanoscale 1D semiconductors and to perfect their crystal growth, we highlight below some of the opportunities made available by such advances and discuss the challenges that face their development a fundamental growth-device inter-relation level. We focus our discussion on bottom-up or vapor-liquid-solid 1D grown Ge/Si heterostructures.
trans-activation of PPARα and PPARγ by structurally diverse environmental chemicals

A large number of industrial chemicals and environmental pollutants, including trichloroethylene (TCE), di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and various phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, are nongenotoxic rodent hepatocarcinogens whose human health risk is uncertain. Rodent model studies have identified the receptor involved in the hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic actions of these chemicals as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), a nuclear receptor that is highly expressed in liver. Humans exhibit a weak response to these peroxisome proliferator chemicals, which in part results from the relatively low level of PPARalpha expression in human liver. Cell transfection studies were carried out to investigate the interactions of peroxisome proliferator chemicals with PPARalpha, cloned from human and mouse, and with PPARgamma, a PPAR isoform that is highly expressed in multiple human tissues and is an important regulator of physiological processes such as adipogenesis and hematopoiesis. With three environmental chemicals, TCE, perchloroethylene, and DEHP, PPARalpha was found to be activated by metabolites, but not by the parent chemical. A decreased sensitivity of human PPARalpha compared to mouse PPARalpha to trans-activation was observed with some (Wy-14, 643, PFOA), but not other, peroxisome proliferators (TCE metabolites, trichloroacetate and dichloroacetate; and DEHP metabolites, mono[2-ethylhexyl]phthalate and 2-ethylhexanoic acid). Investigation of human and mouse PPARgamma revealed the transcriptional activity of this receptor to be stimulated by mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, a DEHP metabolite that induces developmental and reproductive organ toxicities in rodents. This finding suggests that PPARgamma, which is highly expressed in human adipose tissue, where many lipophilic foreign chemicals tend to accumulate, as well as in colon, heart, liver, testis, spleen, and hematopoietic cells, may be a heretofore unrecognized target in human cells for a subset of industrial and environmental chemicals of the peroxisome proliferator class.
Mechanisms of pharmacological rescue of trafficking-defective hERG mutant channels in human long QT syndrome

Long QT syndrome type 2 is caused by mutations in the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG). We previously reported that the N470D mutation is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but can be rescued to the plasma membrane by hERG channel blocker E-4031. The mechanisms of ER retention and how E-4031 rescues the N470D mutant are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction of hERG channels with the ER chaperone protein calnexin. Using coimmunoprecipitation, we showed that the immature forms of both wild type hERG and N470D associated with calnexin. The association required N-linked glycosylation of hERG channels. Pulse-chase analysis revealed that N470D had a prolonged association with calnexin compared with wild type hERG and E-4031 shortened the time course of calnexin association with N470D. To test whether the prolonged association of N470D with calnexin is due to defective folding of mutant channels, we studied hERG channel folding using the trypsin digestion method. We found that N470D and the immature form of wild type hERG were more sensitive to trypsin digestion than the mature form of wild type hERG. In the presence of E-4031, N470D became more resistant to trypsin even when its ER-to-Golgi transport was blocked by brefeldin A. These results suggest that defective folding of N470D contributes to its prolonged association with calnexin and ER retention and that E-4031 may restore proper folding of the N470D channel leading to its cell surface expression.
Neutrino decay and spontaneous violation of lepton number

The orders of magnitude of decay rates for relatively light neutrinos are studied in the framework of the SU(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) gauge group. The assumption is made that a hierarchy parameter $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\approx}(\mathrm{muon}\mathrm{mass})\textdiv{}[\mathrm{some}\mathrm{new}\mathrm{mass}\mathrm{scale}(\mathrm{possibly}\mathrm{much}\mathrm{smaller}\mathrm{than}\mathrm{the}\mathrm{grand}\mathrm{unification}\mathrm{scale})])$ plays a meaningful role in the full theory. For orientation it is first noted that the traditional $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay channel as well as the $3\ensuremath{\nu}$ decay channel give neutrino lifetimes which for "typical" parameters are substantially longer than the age of the universe. Then we examine in detail some recent proposals which are claimed to result in greatly speeded-up decays into $\ensuremath{\nu}$+Majoron, where the Majoron is a true Goldstone boson associated with spontaneous breakdown of lepton number. In a theory in which the usual Higgs doublet is augmented by a complex singlet (1-2 model) it is noted that the decay width into $\ensuremath{\nu}$+Majoron actually vanishes to order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{5}$. In a theory where the doublet is augmented by a complex triplet (2-3 model) this decay is shown to vanish exactly, neglecting radiative corrections. A more general Majoron theory (1-2-3 model) is constructed and shown to also yield a vanishing tree-level decay rate for $\ensuremath{\nu}$+Majoron decay to order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{5}$. Finally, the tree amplitudes in the 1-2 and 1-2-3 models are shown to give decay widths for $\ensuremath{\nu}$+Majoron of order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{9}$ which correspond to lifetimes much greater than the age of the universe.
Electronic Structure Calculations of Σ5 Grain Boundaries in Cu

In a recent publication [1], we presented results of electronic-structure calculations on Σ5 grain boundaries in Cu. These calculations were performed using the real-space multiple-scattering theory (RSMST), a first-principles method which does not rely on translational invariance and Bloch’s theorem [2, 3], and hence avoids the problems associated with treating interfaces in a periodic repeating slab geometry. A brief summary of this method follows. The RSMST is based on the concept of semi-infinite periodicity (SIP), defined as the regular repetition along a given direction of a scattering unit (atom, planes of atoms, etc.), or a set of such units. Systems with SIP possess the property of removal invariance, which states that the scattering properties (scattering matrices) of any such system remain invariant when an integral number of scattering units is removed from, or added to, the free end of the system. Using this property in conjunction with multiple-scattering theory, one can determine the electronic Green function, and hence all one-particle quantities such as the density of states (DOS), directly in real space. The essence of the method consists in a prescription for the proper renormalization of the scattering properties of the boundary sites of a cluster of atoms. Unrenormalized or “bare” sites in the interior of the cluster describe the region of interest, such as a grain boundary, while the renormalized boundary sites represent the infinite medium surrounding the cluster. This “dressing up” of the cluster is done independently for each part of a system that is characterized by its own SIP, so that grain boundaries between essentially arbitrary crystal structures can be treated. The calculations described previously [1] used given atomistic configurations and electronic one-particle potentials and computed the local DOS at atoms of interest within the grain boundaries. We are currently extending our method to incorporate charge self-consistency and total-energy capabilities. In connection with this, we have implemented four different methods of expressing mathematically the invariance properties of semi-infinite systems, and are evaluating them for optimal rates of convergence and computational efficiency. Calculations on Cu (100) monolayers will be used to illustrate these methods.
Long work hours is associated with suboptimal glycemic control among US workers with diabetes.

Background Increasing numbers of US workers are diabetic. We assessed the relationship between glycemic control and work hours and type of occupation among employed US adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods Data were obtained from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A representative sample of employed US adults ≥20 years with self-reported type 2 diabetes (n = 369) was used. Two dichotomous glycemic control indicators, based on various HbA1c level cut-points, were used as dependent variables in weighted logistic regression analyses with adjustment for confounders. Results Adults working over 40 hr/week were more likely to have suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) compared to those working 20 hr or less (odds ratio = 5.09; 95% confidence interval: [1.38–18.76]). Conclusions Work-related factors, such as number of hours worked, may affect the ability of adults with type 2 diabetes to reach and maintain glycemic control goals. These factors should be considered in the development of workplace policies and accommodations for the increasing number of workers with type 2 diabetes. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:375–383, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The costs of chronic noise exposure for terrestrial organisms

Growth in transportation networks, resource extraction, motorized recreation and urban development is responsible for chronic noise exposure in most terrestrial areas, including remote wilderness sites. Increased noise levels reduce the distance and area over which acoustic signals can be perceived by animals. Here, we review a broad range of findings that indicate the potential severity of this threat to diverse taxa, and recent studies that document substantial changes in foraging and anti-predator behavior, reproductive success, density and community structure in response to noise. Effective management of protected areas must include noise assessment, and research is needed to further quantify the ecological consequences of chronic noise exposure in terrestrial environments.
Together under one roof: Combining collection and item level description through multiple metadata schemas

The Smithsonian’s Field Book Project presents a “fusion” of metadata standards to meet the access needs of a diverse user base and to set the framework for establishing best practices for managing field book collections. The key access challenges around field books stem from a lack of best practices when it comes to collection management and description. Field books are unique materials that sometimes fall under the auspices of departmental libraries or laboratories (item level description), sometimes archives (collection level description) and just as often can be found intermingled and uncataloged in museum collections and curators’ offices (little to no description). These varying forms of custodianship result in collection management and descriptive practices that are not consistent across or even within institutions. The Field Book Project draws on existing standards and community input to develop a structured online resource for contributing and locating field book content. This poster provides examples of user needs related to field books; illustrates the use of different metadata schemas within the system and how they have been linked together to bridge collection and item level descriptions; and invites discussion on the potential impacts in terms of establishing best practices, improving access, and leveraging the technological capabilities of XML to expand content and features in the future.
Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in High Dimensional Regression and Classification Settings

We focus on the problem of multi-party data sharing in high dimensional data settings where the number of measured features (or the dimension) p is frequently much larger than the number of subjects (or the sample size) n, the so-called p >> n scenario that has been the focus of much recent statistical research. Here, we consider data sharing for two interconnected problems in high dimensional data analysis, namely the feature selection and classification. We characterize the notions of ``cautious", ``regular", and ``generous" data sharing in terms of their privacy-preserving implications for the parties and their share of data, with focus on the ``feature privacy" rather than the ``sample privacy", though the violation of the former may lead to the latter. We evaluate the data sharing methods using {\it phase diagram} from the statistical literature on multiplicity and Higher Criticism thresholding. In the two-dimensional phase space calibrated by the signal sparsity and signal strength, a phase diagram is a partition of the phase space and contains three distinguished regions, where we have no (feature)-privacy violation, relatively rare privacy violations, and an overwhelming amount of privacy violation.
Solitary Retinovitreal Abscess as the Initial Manifestation of Cryptococcosis

Abstract In a 63-year-old white man with a history of long-term use of systemic corticosteroids for polyarteritis nodosa, progressive clouding of vision in the right eye developed over a 2-month period. Cytologic analysis of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of a solitary fluffy retinovitreal mass demonstrated Cryptococcus neoformans . Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid cultures were also positive for C. neoformans . Systemic antifungal therapy was given using amphotercin-B and 5-fluorocytosine. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed in the right eye within 8 months. Three small yellow retinal lesions, which later resolved, developed in the fellow eye.
Stress intensity factor solutions for two-dimensional elastostatic problems by the hypersingular boundary integral equation

The boundary element method is a numerical method that can be advantageously used for a wide range of engineering problems, including the stress concentration problems encountered in fracture mechanics. In linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), the stress intensity factor is an important parameter. Cracks, if present in the region experiencing the modes of deformation, increase the stress amplitude significantly and this high stress may lead to premature failure of the engineering components. If the value of the SIF is known, it is possible to predict whether the crack will propagate or not. As the conventional boundary integral equation (CBIE) degenerates when a mathematical crack is modelled, a previously developed dual boundary integral equation approach has been adopted in the current work. It utilizes the hypersingular boundary integral equation (HBIE) along with the CBIE. A weakly singular form of HBIE is utilized in the current work to eliminate the hypersingularity analytically. Stress intensit...
Fabrication of Resonator-Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (RQWIP) with 10.2 μm cutoff

Recently, we have developed a new detector structure, which is known as the resonator- QWIP or R-QWIP. With the new structure, we demonstrated quantum efficiency (QE) as high as 70% in single detectors and 30 - 40% in focal plane arrays (FPAs) with 9 μm cutoff. In this study, we designed a broadband, 10 μm cutoff R-QWIP FPA using a more accurate refractive index. To achieve the theoretical prediction, the substrates of the detectors have to be removed completely to prevent the escape of unabsorbed light out of the detectors. The height of the diffractive elements (DE) and the thickness of the active resonator must also be uniformly produced within 0.05 μm accuracy. To achieve these specifications, two optimized inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching processes are developed. Using these etching techniques, a number of single detectors were fabricated to verify the analysis before FPA production. In general, test data support the theoretical predictions.
College Enhancement Strategies and Socioeconomic Inequality

The study provides new information on the relationships between students’ socioeconomic backgrounds, utilization of college enhancement strategies, and subsequent 4-year college enrollment. Enhancement strategies represent student behaviors used to bolster the competitiveness of a college application, such as Advanced Placement exams and a variety of extracurricular activities. By drawing on two national datasets that span the 1990s (NELS) and the 2000s (ELS), the study uncovers how these relationships have changed during a period marked by escalating demand for college and growing class inequality. The findings provide partial evidence of class adaptation (Alon in Am Soc Rev 74:731–755, 2009) based on the combination of increased use of multiple enhancement strategies (“high overall use”) among higher SES students and increased influence of high overall enhancement strategy use in predicting college enrollment, particularly selective college enrollment. Implications are discussed in terms of the higher education system and pervasive social inequality.
Effective Risk-Based Monitoring

The time has come for the clinical research enterprise to apply risk-based monitoring (RBM) widely to the conduct of studies involving human subjects. The cost, length, and complexity of global trials present an obvious demand for this alternative to more expensive and time-consuming forms of site
Arsenic and Its Methylated Metabolites Inhibit the Differentiation of Neural Plate Border Specifier Cells

Exposure to arsenic in food and drinking water has been correlated with adverse developmental outcomes, such as reductions in birth weight and neurological deficits. Additionally, studies have shown that arsenic suppresses sensory neuron formation and skeletal muscle myogenesis, although the reason why arsenic targets both of these cell types in unclear. Thus, P19 mouse embryonic stem cells were used to investigate the mechanisms by which arsenic could inhibit cellular differentiation. P19 cells were exposed to 0, 0.1, or 0.5 μM sodium arsenite and induced to form embryoid bodies over a period of 5 days. The expression of transcription factors necessary to form neural plate border specifier (NPBS) cells, neural crest cells and their progenitors, and myocytes and their progenitors were examined. Early during differentiation, arsenic significantly reduced the transcript and protein expression of Msx1 and Pax3, both needed for NPBS cell formation. Arsenic also significantly reduced the protein expression of ...
On Smartphones, Twitter, and Patterns of International Conflict in Our Networked Age

Advances in information and communication technology are altering patterns of conflict in the post-World War II era. Smartphones are representative of advances in and the convergence of information and communication technologies. Focusing on smartphones offers a window through which to observe how smartphones contribute to changes in patterns of conflict. Smartphones influence patterns of conflict as agents when weaponized through publishing and republishing information, imagery, and interpretation of conflict events that reflect self / other narratives for the purpose of vitiating the authenticity of the other. The evolution in the meaning of combatant and non-combatant, hostile and non-hostile act will be illustrated through analysis of propaganda posters used during World War II followed by analysis of propaganda images published digitally in November 2012 by Hamas and the Israel Defense Force (IDF). In effect, smartphones enable ordinary non-combatants to become military sanctioned propagandists, standing shoulder to shoulder with military personnel in battles over narrative, authenticity, and identity.