cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying object technology to software analysis and maintenance system development

Object-oriented database management system (DBMS) technology promises to meet the requirements of software systems in which large amount of complex stored and computed data with rich interconnections are shared by multiple interactive tools. Software analysis and maintenance is such a software system. Analyzing and maintaining a large amount of code is an essential but very expensive and time-consuming activity in large corporations. A software analysis and maintenance system called SAMS is being developed to apply object-oriented DBMS technology to provide a solution to the problem of analysis and maintenance of a large amount of code. SAMS is a system with an object-oriented model-based architecture. SAMS tools semiautomatically construct an object-oriented model of software from the specifications of programming languages and software domain models. This object-oriented model is realized by a commercial object-oriented DBMS and is automatically populated by objects that compose the software systems under maintenance. Various analysis and maintenance tools are implemented as the methods of the persistent objects in the database and therefore are fully integrated. The approach, architecture, and an overview of the functionality of SAMS are presented. Experiences in using object-oriented DBMS technology to develop large sophisticated systems such as SAMS are discussed.
Exploring the structural complexity of intermetallic compounds by an adaptive genetic algorithm.

Solving the crystal structures of novel phases with nanoscale dimensions resulting from rapid quenching is difficult due to disorder and competing polymorphic phases. Advances in computer speed and algorithm sophistication have now made it feasible to predict the crystal structure of an unknown phase without any assumptions on the Bravais lattice type, atom basis, or unit cell dimensions, providing a novel approach to aid experiments in exploring complex materials with nanoscale grains. This approach is demonstrated by solving a long-standing puzzle in the complex crystal structures of the orthorhombic, rhombohedral, and hexagonal polymorphs close to the ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{2}{\mathrm{Co}}_{11}$ intermetallic compound. From our calculations, we identified the hard magnetic phase and the origin of high coercivity in this compound, thus guiding further development of these materials for use as high performance permanent magnets without rare-earth elements.
Activation Energies for Zener Relaxation in α-AgCd

Activation energies for Zener relaxation have been measured from 15.0 to 39.6 at% Cd in Ag with a torsion pendulum, and compared with recent diffusion data over the same range of concentrations. Over most of the range the relaxation energies are approximately 1.5 kcal/mol less than the energy of the faster diffuser; as the solubility limit is approached, however, this energy difference increases. As in earlier work, the relaxation times are approximately equal to the extrapolated mean times of stay of the faster diffuser, indicating that Zener relaxation measures the diffusion of the more mobile component of the solid solution. Mit einem Torsionspendel wurden die Aktivierungsenergien fur Zener-Relaxation in einem Bereich von 15,0 bis 39,6 At% Cd in Ag gemessen und mit den Ergebnissen aus Diffusionsmessungen uber den gleichen Konzentrationsbereich verglichen. Uber den grosten Teil des Bereiches sind die Relaxationsenergien etwa 1,5 kcal/Mol kleiner als die Energie der schneller diffundierenden Atome. Dieser Energieunterschied steigt jedoch an, sobald man sich der Loslichkeitsgrenze nahert. Ebenso wie in fruheren Arbeiten sind die Relaxationszeiten naherungsweise gleich den extrapolierten mittleren Verweilzeiten der schneller diffundierenden Atome. Dieses deutet darauf hin, das durch die Zener-Relaxation die Diffusion der beweglicheren Komponente in der „Losung” gemessen wird.
Procion dyes as matrix markers in growing bone and teeth.

Twelve mono- and dichloro-s-triazinyl dyes were selected to ascertain the vital-staining characteristics of these dyes, to evaluate the toxicity, and to establish an optimal rate of doseage for use with several animal species. In addition to these dyes (also known in the dye industry as Procion compounds), tetracycline hydrochloride and a hematoporphyrin derivative were also studied. the experimental animals used were mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, and monkeys. The agents were given in a single dose or multiple doses at selected time intervals, after which the experimental animals were sacrificed and the tissue removed for examination. The tissues were examined grossly and with various microscopic methods, and after being placed in clearing solutions for various time periods. The dyes selectively stained bone, dentin, and cementum, which were being formed at the time of administration. Certain dyes have marked advantages over others, not only in staining characteristics but also in toxicity and fluorescence.
Simulation of spreading of precursing Ag films on Ni(100)

Abstract The diffusion of Ag away from partially wetting Ag particles on Ni(1 0 0) substrates, to form so-called precursing films, has been studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations. The maximum thickness of the precursing film is one Ag monolayer at the edge of the particle. An analysis of the time dependence of the concentration gradient in the film shows that the kinetics of film growth may be described by diffusional processes, with a diffusivity that is significantly coverage dependent. No ordered surface phases, or evidence of surface alloying of the Ag with the Ni substrate have been found. It is also shown that the coverage dependence of diffusivity can be interpreted only qualitatively in terms of simple diffusive processes in the limits of high and low coverage.
Reversal of fortune: plant suppression and recovery after vole herbivory

It is not clear how plant species preferred as forage by rodents persist in prairie vegetation. To test permanence of suppression of wet-mesic prairie vegetation by vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) herbivory in synthetic experimental communities, access treatments were reversed after 9 years of vole exclusion or access. Between 1996 and 2004, rye grass Elymus virginicus (Poaceae) and tick-trefoil Desmodium canadense (Fabaceae) achieved mean cover of up to 30 and 25%, respectively, in plots where voles were excluded, but disappeared from plots where voles had access. To determine whether these species remained vulnerable to vole herbivory as established adults, and to determine whether the species could recover if vole herbivory were removed, access treatments were reversed at the end of the 2004 growing season and monitored through 2007. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated dramatic vole suppression of established E. virginicus, but not D. canadense, indicating continuing vulnerability of the grass but not of the adult legume. Release from vole herbivory resulted in re-growth of rye, but not tick-trefoil, which was apparently suppressed by established vegetation. Two additional common planted species did not respond to treatment reversal, nor did 11 much less common planted species that comprised a minor portion of the vegetation. Dominant perennial black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa (Asteraceae) did not change in plant numbers by year or treatment, but expanded or contracted in stems per plant and cover as E. virginicus was suppressed or released by vole herbivory or its absence. Results indicate that preferred food plants may persist through capacity to quickly recover during periods of relative vole scarcity, or reach a refuge in maturity.
Compression of mortality: myth or reality?

The concept of the rectangularization of the human survival curve has received considerable attention in discussions of the past and future course of life expectancy and survival changes for the United States population especially at later ages. Surprisingly few empirical studies of rectangularization have been made. In this article [the authors] examine several aspects of this issue as they relate to changes in life expectancy survival and compression of ages at death during the twentieth century and specifically during the period 1962-1979. These studies provide evidence that rectangularization has had little impact on the population or mortality dynamics of the elderly. (EXCERPT)
Development of Photon Pair Sources Using Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate Waveguides and Fiber Optic Components

We developed a photon pair source that consists of fiber optic components and a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal with integrated waveguides. Photon pair coincidence count experiments were performed, and a heralding efficiency of 68% was measured.
Ethanol fails to modify [3H]GR65630 binding to 5-HT3 receptors in NCB-20 cells and in rat cerebral membranes.

Low concentrations of ethanol have been found to enhance the electrophysiologic effect of serotonin (5-HT) acting at 5-HT3 receptors on NCB-20 cells. To determine whether this action of ethanol reflects a change in the agonist-receptor interaction, the effect of ethanol (100 mm) on agonist and antagonist binding to 5-HT3 receptor was studied in vitro in membranes from NCB-20 cells and from cortex plus hippocampus of rat. The antagonist [3H]GR65630 was used to label 5-HT3, recognition sites. Ethanol did not change the characteristics of saturable [3H]GR65630 binding in either membrane preparation. In competition studies, the agonists 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT completely inhibited the binding of [3H]GR65630 to NCB-20 cell membranes, while in brain membranes the maximum displacement of specific [3H]GR65630 binding by 5-HT was approximately 30%. Ethanol decreased the affinity of the receptor for 2-methyl-5-HT, but not to 5-HT in NCB-20 cells, and had no effect on agonist binding in brain membranes. The results indicate that enhancement of 5-HT responses at 5-HT3 receptors by ethanol is not a result of changes in the equilibrium binding characteristics of the agonist.
Police civil liability for inappropriate response to domestic assault victims

Abstract Over the last several years, the criminal justice system has encouraged survivors of domestic abuse to report their victimization to law enforcement authorities. While some pieces of evidence suggest that police are more sensitive to the plight of domestic survivors, law enforcement response remains incomplete and problematic. This article explores this issue, focusing on police civil liability for inappropriate response to domestic violence. It discusses a specific legal remedy—the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment—highlighting the circumstances under which police are held liable when they fail to prevent victims' injuries because of their inappropriate response to domestic violence. The article concludes that police need more training and education on family abuse so they can become more responsive to victims of domestic violence.
Late-Onset Anorexia Nervosa in Schizophrenia: a Case Report

The authors report a case of a woman with chronic schizophrenia who developed anorexia nervosa in middle age. The reported rarity of this diagnostic combination and the need to be aware of treatment issues in all patients with coexisting psychoses and eating disorder symptoms are discussed.
The third SIGKDD workshop on mining temporal and sequential data (KDD/TDM 2004)

In this short report, we provide a summary of the results, issues, and research directions on mining temporal and sequential data, discussed in TDM-2004, held in conjunction with the 10-th ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD-2004) on August 22, 2004 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
Auto Ads Execution in the United States and Around the World: A Census Comparison in a Major U.S. Magazine, and a Sample Comparison in Major World Magazines

With the financial troubles facing the big three auto manufacturers in the United States, designing the right advertisement could make a big difference. This study highlights differences in the messages that exist among the U.S., Japanese, and European auto ads in the United States by analyzing the verbal and nonverbal information that appeared in all auto ads in Time magazine over the last eight years. Content analysis revealed differences among the auto ads with regards to size of advertisement and automobile size and color. Similarities were found with the importance of price and automobile performance. A second study was conducted to compare a random sample of twenty auto ads from the following four countries: the United States, Japan, Germany, and the Middle East. Differences were revealed with respect to number of propositions, length of an ad, color of automobiles, color of background, and use of human models in the advertisements.
Resampling approach for anomaly detection in multispectral images

We propose a novel approach for identifying the 'most unusual' samples in a data set, based on a resampling of data attributes. The resampling produces a 'background class' and then binary classification is used to distinguish the original training set from the background. Those in the training set that are most like the background (i e, most unlike the rest of the training set) are considered anomalous. Although by their nature, anomalies do not permit a positive definition (if I knew what they were, I wouldn't call them anomalies), one can make 'negative definitions' (I can say what does not qualify as an interesting anomaly). By choosing different resampling schemes, one can identify different kinds of anomalies. For multispectral images, anomalous pixels correspond to locations on the ground with unusual spectral signatures or, depending on how feature sets are constructed, unusual spatial textures.
Adherence of pediatric patients to automated peritoneal dialysis

Little information is available on adherence to a home automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) prescription for children with end-stage renal disease. We have therefore retrospectively reviewed HomeChoice PRO Card data from patients <21 years of age who received home APD. Adherence was characterized as occurring ≥95%, 90–94%, or <90% of time by dividing the frequency of each of four measured prescription variables (sessions/month, duration of each session, number of cycles/session, volume of dialysate/session) by the prescribed frequency and multiplying by 100. The relationship between treatment adherence and patient age, gender, race and if the patient had received training, respectively, was assessed. Of the 51 patients (57% male), with a mean age at peritoneal dialysis (PD) onset of 11.8 ± 5.3 years, 28 (55%) were adherent for all variables. No difference in mean age or if patients were trained existed between the two groups. Males were more likely to be non-adherent (p = 0.026) as were African Americans (p = 0.048). The majority of patients were adherent to duration (96%) and number of cycles (92%), whereas non-adherence was more common with number of sessions (82%) and dialysate volume (78%). In conclusion, 45% of the pediatric patients in our study cohort exhibited some non-adherence to their prescribed APD regimen, emphasizing the value of closely monitoring the performance of home dialysis in children.
Scalable simulation of large-scale wireless networks with bounded inaccuracies

Discrete event network simulators have emerged as popular tools for verification and performance evaluation for various wireless networks. Nevertheless, the desire to model such networks at high fidelity implies high computational costs, prohibiting most researchers from simulating wireless networks with thousands of nodes. There have been attempts on performance optimizations for large-scale wireless network simulation, but they have not appropriately modeled accumulation of weak interference, thereby suffering inaccuracies which may be magnified by upper layer protocols. This paper presents analysis of the effects of common optimization techniques for large-scale wireless network simulation on the overall network performance and also proposes modifications and novel techniques that introduce only limited inaccuracies or no additional inaccuracy at all. The study quantifies the effects of those optimizations on the simulation results for given thresholds and network parameters, and also identifies thresholds tolerable to most network studies. The experimental results show that these optimizations can improve the runtime performance of an already efficient wireless network simulator substantially, by a factor of up to 55 for wireless networks with 3200 nodes without compromising accuracy of the simulation results.
On Koch's postulates, causality and genetics of cardiomyopathies.

Almost a century ago, a German scientist Robert Koch (1843y1910) established four criteria necessary to prove the causality of a micro organism in a disease. First, the micro-organism must be found in all cases. Second, it must be isolated from the host (and cultured in the laboratory). Third, the micro-organism must recapitulate the disease when introduced to an experimental animal. Fourth, the micro-organism must be recoverable from the experimental animal. Koch's postulates, originally used to establish causality in infectious diseases, also apply to determining causality in a wide variety of human diseases including genetic disorders. The recent completion of the draft sequence of the human genome and identi®cation of a large number of sequence variations have further emphasized the utility of the Koch's postulates in establishing causality in genetic disorders. Even in the most straightforward of genetics diseases, such as single gene disorders, identi®cation of the mutation in affected members of a large family and exclusion of the candidate mutation in normal individuals provide strong evidence in favor of but do not prove causality. This evidence is less assuring of causality when the candidate mutation is identi®ed in only a few affected members such as in a small family or a large family with low penetrance. In such
Comparing Risky Decision Making Under Conditions of Real and Hypothetical Consequences

Abstract In a series of three experiments, subjects made risky decisions under conditions of hypothetical or real consequences. Task variations across experiments included: (1) type of risk (monetary gambles or investments of time and effort), (2) within-subject and between-subjects manipulations of consequence condition, and (3) single or multiple decisions. The hypothesis of no difference between choices in real and hypothetical consequence conditions was retained in each experiment. Supplemental analyses ruled out various “artifactual” interpretations of the null results. Discussion focused on conditions in which researchers can and cannot infer decision makers’ actual risk preferences from their responses in laboratory tasks.
Chemical shift mapping of the RNA-binding interface of the multiple-RBD protein sex-lethal

The Drosophila protein Sex-lethal (Sxl) contains two RNP consensus-type RNA-binding domains (RBDs) separated by a short linker sequence. Both domains are essential for high-affinity binding to the single-stranded polypyrimidine tract (PPT) within the regulated 3' splice site of the transformer (tra) pre-mRNA. In this paper, the effect of RNA binding to a protein fragment containing both RBDs from Sxl (Sxl-RBD1 + 2) has been characterized by heteronuclear NMR. Nearly complete (85-90%) backbone resonance assignments have been obtained for unbound and RNA-bound states of Sxl-RBD1 + 2. A comparison of amide 1H and 15N chemical shifts between free and bound states has highlighted residues which respond to RNA binding. The beta-sheets in both RBDs (RBD1 and RBD2) form an RNA interaction surface, as has been observed in other RBDs. A significant number of residues display different behavior when comparing RBD1 and RBD2. This argues for a model in which RBD1 and RBD2 of Sxl have different or nonanalogous points of interaction with the tra PPT. R142 (in RBD2) exhibits the largest chemical shift change upon RNA binding. The role of R142 in RNA binding was tested by measuring the Kd of a mutant of Sxl-RBD1 + 2 in which R142 was replaced by alanine. This mutant lost the ability to bind RNA, showing a correlation with the chemical shift difference data. The RNA-binding affinities of two other mutants, F146A and T138I, were also shown to correlate with the NMR observations.
Squeezing the most from a gravitational wave detector network

Laser-interferometric gravitational wave detectors are the most sensitive position meters ever operated, already pushing precision measurement to the standard quantum limit (SQL). Squeezed light may soon see its first practical application as a means to reach beyond the SQL. A growing network of kilometer-scale detectors will provide source localization on the sky, allowing detailed electromagnetic observations to follow any gravitational wave detection. Adding a proposed detector in India will greatly improve the ability of the world-wide network to localize sources and significantly increase the network's scientific output.
From princely fiefdoms to Soviet nations: interethnic border conflicts in the North Caucasus and the village of Lesken

This article examines interethnic border conflicts that accompanied the Soviet division of the North Caucasus into ethno-territorial autonomous districts after the Civil War. It traces the tumultuous, and often violent, events that led to the transfer of the ethnically Ossetian village of Lesken from the Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Oblast to the North-Ossetian Autonomous Oblast. The essay shows how the Soviet-sponsored ethnicization of territory exacerbated interethnic tensions in a multiethnic region that defied neat delimitation into coherent ethno-national administrative units. It highlights the ‘dual-assimilation’ that accompanied the introduction of the national principle and the delimitation of national borders. Ethno-national mobilization of populations in defence of their ‘national’ territory from neighbouring ethnic groups, though achieved for reasons of daily survival, represented an initial lesson in the importance of national identity in the modernizing Soviet state, as villagers learned to sp...
A CFD Study of the Flow Field, Resultant Force, and Aerodynamic Torque on a Symmetric Disc Butterfly Valve in a Compressible Fluid

The flow field, resultant force, and aerodynamic torque on a butterfly valve with a symmetric disc are studied computationally at disc positions 45° and 70° over a range of operating pressure ratios that include subsonic and supersonic flow states. The aerodynamic torque coefficients were predicted using a k-e RNG turbulence model and were compared to test data at both 45° and 70° over a range of operating pressure ratios. The numerical results were generally in good agreement with test data, although a few disparities existed. The computational results were obtained using Fluent 6.0 and were performed on a Dell Precision workstation with dual Xeon processors.© 2006 ASME
Use of Computational Tools to Enhance the Study of Psychrometric Processes for Buildings in an Air Conditioning Course

The use of computational tools such as Mathcad or Microsoft Excel to enhance the students' understanding of the physics behind psychrometric processes in buildings in an air conditioning technical ...
The evaluation of school-based violence prevention programs: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Youth violence and related aggressive behaviors have become serious public health issues with physical, economic, social, and psychological impacts and consequences. This study identified and evaluated the characteristics of successful school-based violence prevention programs. METHODS: Twenty-six randomized controlled trial (RCT), school-based studies that were designed to reduce externalizing, aggressive, and violent behavior between the 1st and 11th grades were analyzed for assessing the effects of 5 program characteristics by comparing results of intervention groups to control groups (no intervention) after intervention using a meta-analysis. Electronic databases and bibliographies were systematically searched, and a standardized mean difference was used for analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between interventions, although programs that used non-theory-based interventions, focused on at-risk and older children, and employed intervention specialists had slightly stronger effects in reducing aggression and violence. Interventions using a single approach had a mild positive effect on decreasing aggressive and violent behavior (effect size =-0.15, 95% CI =-0.29 to -0.02, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous individual study findings, this meta-analysis did not find any differential effects for 4 of the 5 program characteristics. In addition, the significant effect noted was contrary to expectation, exemplifying the complexity of identifying effective program strategies. This study adds to the current literature by assessing the program characteristics of RCT studies in an effort to determine what factors may affect school-based violence prevention program success. Language: en
Discriminating suicide ideation among high-risk youth.

: This study examined the hypothesis that among one group of high-risk youth—potential high school dropouts — key psychosocial factors would distinguish adolescents endorsing high suicide ideation from those who do not. Survey data compared high-risk youth with high suicide ideation (n = 43) with randomly selected samples of high-risk (n = 43) and “typical” youth (n = 42) without high suicide ideation. Repeat sampling of comparison groups verified results. Compared to high-risk and typical youth without suicide ideation, high-risk youth with high suicide ideation reported more psychosocial distress, problems with drug involvement, and disrupted family relations. They also described more unmet school goals and perceived a greater likelihood of dropping out of school. Discriminant analysis revealed that depression and low self-esteem were most effective in distinguishing between high-risk youth with and without high suicide ideation: family strain, anger, stress, and drug involvement also were differentiating factors. Implications for school-based screening and prevention programs are discussed within the context of the findings. (J Sch Health. 1994; 64(9): 361–367)
The effects of soybean agglutinin binding on the corneal endothelium and the re-establishment of an intact monolayer following injury – A short review

Abstract This short review summarizes the localization and effects of the plant lectin soybean agglutinin (SBA) on the injured and non-injured organ-cultured rat corneal endothelium. Although the tissue exists as a non-cycling monolayer on the posterior corneal surface a circular freeze injury promotes wound repair as cells initiate DNA synthesis, mitosis and migration. As a result, by 24 h post-injury, endothelial cells express a surface protein that binds SBA in a diffuse punctate pattern, which by 48 h after injury, becomes confined to the cell periphery. As healing proceeds, SBA binding dramatically declines, such that, only scattered binding is observed by 72 h after wounding. In non-injured organ-cultured endothelia, weak SBA binding appears 24 h after explanation but becomes prominently detected around the cell periphery by 48 h. Incubating injured or non-injured endothelia in SBA leads to alterations in their cellular appearance due to the fact that lectin exposure results in the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Although this does not affect migration, treatment with either SBA or N -acetylgalactosamine (the SBA binding sugar) does interfere with the reestablishment of cell–cell contact. It is postulated that the surface protein that binds SBA is expressed during conditions that are stressful to the tissue. During organ-culture the protein's appearance suggests a cellular response to explantation in order to enhance or maintain monolayer integrity. In wound repair its appearance may serve to establish preliminary cell–cell contact during the restoration of the endothelial monolayer.
Synthesis of 13C‐ and 14C‐Labeled methanesulfinic and methanesulfonic acids

The enzyme catalyzed displacement of the methyl sulfonyl group from pentachlorophenyl methyl sulfone, the m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid oxidation of methyl mercaptan and the reaction of methyllithium with sulfur dioxide are methods described for the synthesis of isotopically labeled methanesulfinic acid. The first two methods can be carried out on a milligram scale and are suitable for high specific activity preparations while the latter method is suitable for preparations on a gram scale. Conditions are also given for the preparation of isotopically labeled methanesulfonic acid.
INFLUENCE OF MUSIC ON WINGATE ANAEROBIC TEST PERFORMANCE

While several studies have investigated the effects of music on cardiovascular endurance performance and perceived exertion during exercise of moderate intensity, few studies have investigated such effects on supramaximal exercise bouts. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether music affects performance on the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Each of the 12 men and 3 women were required to report to the laboratory on two occasions, once for tests in the music condition and once for tests in the nonmusic condition. Conditions were randomly ordered. All music selections were set at the same tempo. On each test day subjects performed a series of three Wingate Anaerobic Tests with 30-sec. rests in between. On Test 3 subjects were asked to continue pedaling until fatigued. Mean Power Output, Maximum Power Output, Minimum Power Output, and Fatigue Index were compared between conditions for each test using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Time to fatigue on Trial 3 compared by analysis of variance gave no significant differences between conditions for any measures.
Refined fiber laser model

With modification, a recently proposed laser array model is found to agree quantitatively with fiber laser experiments. Comparisons of transient behavior, stable dynamical states, and transitions are made using both previously published and new experiments. While the original model agrees well for fibers with relatively low losses, achieving quantitative agreement over a wide range of operating conditions requires more physically appropriate descriptions of gain dynamics. The refined model is derived, and its predictions are found to be in excellent agreement with experiments.
Citizenship Prepaid: Water, Calculability, and Techno-Politics in South Africa*

Since the first general elections in 1994, the post-apartheid state has been faced by widespread non-payment of service charges in townships, often interpreted as a ‘culture of non-payment’ held to stem from the anti-apartheid rent boycotts of the 1980s. After the spectacular failure of a campaign to encourage payment for services, and in a context of neoliberal reforms prescribing ‘cost recovery’, many municipalities resorted to the large-scale deployment of prepaid meters, devices that self-disconnect households following non-payment. This article focuses on Operation Gcin'amanzi (Zulu for ‘Save Water’), a controversial large-scale project initiated by the recently corporatised utility, Johannesburg Water, to install prepaid water meters in all Soweto households. Taking this project and the protests against it as a point of departure, I trace the history of prepayment technology in South Africa from its initial development as a depoliticising device in the context of the rent boycotts, to its present de...
Imaginary robot: Concept and application to robotic system modeling

A new dynamic model which represents an exact linearization scheme with a simplified nonlinear feedback is presented in this paper. To realize this model for robotic systems, the output function should be chosen so that a special decomposition of the total inertial matrix is satisfied. The concept of an imaginary robot is introduced to achieve the formulation and to solve the realization problem. Two illustrative examples are given in the paper, one for the Stanford arm and the other for a PUMA type of robots.
Sensor control for open skies: a marriage of commercial and military technology

In recent years Fairchild, as other aerospace corporations, has conducted internal reviews focused on commercialization of products originally developed for military applications. These efforts have yielded several products which marry the flexibility and cost incentives found in commercial systems with the uncompromising reliability required by demanding military environments. As a case in point, this paper will discuss a commercialized variant of Fairchild's Reconnaissance Mission Analysis & Planning System used in conjunction with our Reconnaissance Management System products to provide a comprehensive sensor control, data annotation, and mission planning functional for airborne reconnaissance operations in support of the Treaty on Open Skies.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The logic of chromatin architecture and remodelling at promoters

The regulation of gene transcription involves a dynamic balance between packaging regulatory sequences into chromatin and allowing transcriptional regulators access to these sequences. Access is restricted by the nucleosomes, but these can be repositioned or ejected by enzymes known as nucleosome remodellers. In addition, the DNA sequence can impart stiffness or curvature to the DNA, thereby affecting the position of nucleosomes on the DNA, influencing particular promoter 'architectures'. Recent genome-wide studies in yeast suggest that constitutive and regulated genes have architectures that differ in terms of nucleosome position, turnover, remodelling requirements and transcriptional noise.
Bleomycin in xeroderma pigmentosum.

A child with multiple squamous cell carcinomas associated with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) was treated with Bleomycin on a twice weekly schedule utilizing a dosage of 30 mg/m2. Satisfactory clinical responses of facial and scalp lesions were observed. A total cumulative dose of 441 mg (630 mg/m2) was administered before fatal pulmonary toxicity occurred after 18 weeks of therapy. Postmortem examination revealed a diffuse pulmonary disease consisting of atypical desquamative alveolitis and interstitial inflammatory changes with varying degrees of fibrosis.
Managing Effective Information Services for End-Users in Academic Sci-Tech Libraries

Effective information services support the mission of the university, invrease productivity of the library's clientle, improve credibility of the library and librarian, and produce strong advocates of library priorities within the university community. Methods of identifying user groups are described, as are examples of user-oriented services (isntructional programs, reference service, computer searching, current awareness services, provision of documents, photocopy services, intra-university delivery, and collection development). The importance of communication skills in achieving these objectives is emphasized. Such key factors as seclection and training of staff and the importance of well-informed interactions with other library staff are discussed.
Demultiplexing, orientation selectivity, and spatial filters in color vision

Chromatic-achromatic demultiplexing is the only model that merges three neurophysiological characteristics found only after precortical levels of vision processing in primates: (1) orientation selectivity, (2) interaction of on and off cells, and (3) color decoding. For example, a demultiplexing cortical unit is selective to purely achromatic changes only when they take place at its preferred orientation, but its signal is chromatic-achromatic ambiguous for any other angle; this hypothetical unit is fed with outputs from alternate rows of on and off color- opponent neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). It has a spatial sensitivity profile well described by either difference-of-Gaussian models, Gabor-like models or n-derivative-of- Gaussian models that include orientation tuning. In consequence, current models of spatial filtering and orientation tuning of cortical neurons can be consistently connected with the chromatic-achromatic dimensions through the multiplexing model.
Correlating and predicting psychiatric symptom ratings: Spearmans r versus Kendalls tau correlation

Simple correlations play a large role in the analysis of psychiatric data. They are used to predict outcome, validate new instruments, establish treatment efficacy and find symptom patterns. Researchers and data analysts often face a question about which correlation coefficient to use in a study but are often unaware of the strengths and weaknesses of the alternative correlation measures. The presence of outliers, nonconstant variance, skewed distributions and unequal n are common in psychiatric data and this poses severe problems for many classic statistical methods. We compare Pearson, Spearman and Kendall's correlation coefficients using a large sample of subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who were evaluated with 7 different psychiatric rating scales. Samples sizes ranging from 8 to 50 were evaluated using bootstrapping methods. The criteria for evaluation of the correlations were the type I error rates, power, bias and confidence interval width. Pearson's r did not always control for false positives at the nominal rate and was often unstable. Spearman's r performed better than Pearson's but provided a biased estimate of the true correlation. Spearman's r was also difficult to interpret. Our results suggest that Kendall's tau(b) has many advantages over Pearson's and Spearman's r; when applied to psychiatric data, tau(b) maintained adequate control of type I errors, was nearly as powerful as Pearson's r, provided much tighter confidence intervals and had a clear interpretation.
Oral ketamine produces a dose-dependent CNS depression in the rat

The oral to parenteral potency of ketamine to produce central nervous system (CNS) depression was estimated in rats using a behavioral scale. As a function of dose, ketamine produces CNS depression that ranges from ataxia to anesthesia by either route of administration. The oral ED50 value for ketamine was 120 mg/kg (82.2-159.2, 95% CI) while the intravenous ED50 value was 3.7 mg/kg (2.4-5.1, 95% CI). Oral ketamine produces CNS effects comparable to intravenous ketamine, although the drug is approximately 32 fold less potent by the oral route.
Poly(oxanorbornenedicarboximide)s dendronized with amphiphilic poly(alkyl ether) dendrons

Attaching dendritically branched side chains to each repeat unit of a linear polymer produces molecular building blocks of nanometer-sized dimensions called dendronized polymers. The structure of these complex molecular architectures is highly tunable and, therefore, of interest for a wide range of potential applications. The first examples of dendronized polymers prepared by living ring-opening metathesis polymerization of oxanorbornenedicarboximide macromonomers with poly(alkyl ether) dendrons are reported. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments on bulk samples confirm that the diameter of the individual cylindrical polymers can be tailored by the choice of dendron generation or the length of the hydrocarbon peripheral group. Analysis of the SAXS data based on a core-shell model indicates that although the diameter of the cylinder increases with generation, the size of the core does not change; this suggests that these dendrons only loosely encapsulate the polymer backbone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3221–3239
Entrapment of phenylalanine hydroxylase in a polyacrylamide matrix.

Abstract Rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase has been shown to be competitively inhibited by p -chlorophenylalanine. More than 90% inhibition was produced by Ag + , Cu + , Cu 2+ , and Hg 2+ . It is assumed that these metal ions do not exert their action via sulfhydryl groups since iodoacetate is without effect. The observed inhibition might be due to competition with the enzyme's iron atoms by interfering with electron transport or to inactivation of the pteridine cofactor. Inhibition of hydroxylation by ammonium persulfate was caused by oxidation of the cofactor, 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6, 7-dimethyl-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydropteridine; no inhibition occurred in the presence of an excess of dithiothreitol. Approximately 35% of the hydroxylating activity was retained in a polyacrylamide matrix after photocatalytic polymerization. The progressive loss of phenylalanine hydroxylase activity with increasing concentrations of acrylamide was attributed to denaturation.
Arabidopsis HEMERA/pTAC12 Initiates Photomorphogenesis by Phytochromes

Light plays a profound role in plant development, yet how photoreceptor excitation directs phenotypic plasticity remains elusive. One of the earliest effects of light is the regulated translocation of the red/far-red photoreceptors, phytochromes, from the cytoplasm to subnuclear foci called phytochrome nuclear bodies. The function of these nuclear bodies is unknown. We report the identification of hemera, a seedling lethal mutant of Arabidopsis with altered phytochrome nuclear body patterns. hemera mutants are impaired in all phytochrome responses examined, including proteolysis of phytochrome A and phytochrome-interacting transcription factors. HEMERA was identified previously as pTAC12, a component of a plastid complex associated with transcription. Here, we show that HEMERA has a function in the nucleus, where it acts specifically in phytochrome signaling, is predicted to be structurally similar to the multiubiquitin-binding protein, RAD23, and can partially rescue yeast rad23mutants. Together, these results implicate phytochrome nuclear bodies as sites of proteolysis.
Effect of isoproterenol on glucose turnover and insulin secretion in the normal dog.

Abstract Infusion of epinephrine in the dog causes a sustained hyperglycemia without increasing plasma insulin, whereas infusion of isoproterenol causes a transient hyperglecemia and increased plasma insulin. To investigate the basis for these differences, rates of hepatic glucose production and overall glucose uptake were determined using a primer-constant infusion of [3- 3 H]glucose in normal dogs, and these were correlated with plasma insulin levels. Infusion of epinephrine (0.2 μg/kg/min) for 3 hr caused a prompt and persistent hyperglycemia. Concomitantly glucose production was increased but returned to normal by 90 min. Plasma insulin and glucose uptake did not increase. Isoproterenol infusion (0.2 μg/kg/min) for 3 hr caused a transient hyperglycemia. Glucose production and uptake were increased during the entire period. Plasma insulin was also elevated. The transient hyperglycemic response to isoproterenol, therefore, is not due to inadequate glucose production. Infusion of the beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol, prevented the hyperglycemia and increased hepatic glucose production normally produced by isoproterenol.
Cranial implant modification.

Abstract This technique combines the heat-cured resin system with an autopolymerizing resin system (Cranioplast). Cranioplast has been used since the early 1950s. 12 Clinical trials have shown that it evoked the least severe inflammatory response when compared with other autopolymerizing methyl methacrylate systems. 8 The advantage inherent in this technique is the ability to go to the operating room with a prefabricated heat-cured acrylic resin prosthesis and alter the implant with Cranioplast for excellent adaptation to the defect. The technique provides a well-fitting cranial implant prosthesis with good cosmetic results.
Photo-induced isotopic fractionation of stratospheric N2O

This paper shows that N_2O isotopic fractionation in the stratosphere may be understood within the limits of the standard photochemical models if mass-dependent photodissociation rates for the various N_2O isotopomers are incorporated. Thus, we conclude that there is no demonstrable reason to invoke a significant chemical source of N_2O in the middle atmosphere. This paper presents a general theory for isotopomer dependent photodissociation rates that accounts for the isotopic fractionation observed in stratospheric N_2O and how photodissociations appear to be both a source and a sink of N_2O in the middle atmosphere. Photo-induced isotopic fractionation effects (PHIFE), explain the distinct fractionation signatures found for ^(15)N/^(14)N and ^(18)O/^(16)O ratios in both laboratory and remote sensing measurements. Furthermore, PHIFE predicts substantially different isotopic fractionations in the stratosphere for the isotopomers ^(15)N^(14)N^(16)O and ^(14)N^(15)N^(16)O, which have identical molecular weights but different isotopic substitution sites. Modeling results based on this theory suggest that there is no demonstrable reason to invoke a significant chemical source of N_2O in the middle atmosphere and that N_2O multi-isotope correlations should prove a useful measure of stratospheric air parcel history.
The expressed fears of young children.

Seventy-eight four-through-six-year olds were studied with a contextual play technique in order to gain insight into their expressed fears in several everyday contexts. A few sex and age differences were apparent. A discussion on the potential usefulness of the contextual play method for research with young children was included.
Polysiloxane dizwitterionomers. II. Morphology

Small-angle x-ray and electron microscopy were used to study the morphology of polysiloxane dizwitterionomers. As in other polyelectrolytes, the zwitterions aggregate into ionic domains. In this case the domains are lamellar in nature and are in parallel arrays. The distance between these ionic regions is inversely proportional to the dizwitterion concentration in the polymer; their thickness is independent of the ionic concentration and is about 7 A.
Weak‐Electrolyte Models for the Mixed‐Alkali Effect in Glass

A weak electrolyte model for the mixed-alkali effect on electrical conductivity and ionic mobility in glass was developed for the dilute foreign alkali region. The basic assumptions are (a) that alkali transport in single-alkali glasses is due to a small concentration of mobile species and (A) adding small amounts of foreign alkali suppresses, by mass action, the mobile species concentration. The model was developed explicitly for the case where the mobile species are interstitial cations or cation pairs and was applied to analysis of conductivity data for 0.242(K2O +Na2O)–0.758SiO2 glasses in the dilute Na+ region. The analysis allows the fraction of mobile cations in the single-alkali glass to be calculated. This varies from 0.5% at 25° to 6% at 500°C for 0.242K2O–0.758SiO2 glass and is in good agreement with estimates of the extent of dissociation from internal friction data and an ionic jump model of conductivity.