cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A self-compensating built-in self-test solution for RF phased array mismatch

An RF Phased array can steer the direction of the beam electronically and it brings about benefits in terms of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and directivity. However, testing the phased array generally requires expensive and high performance RF equipment. This increases production test cost and hampers in-field calibration. We present a low-cost, self-compensating Built-In Self-test (BIST) and calibration solution for RF phased arrays. In our proposed method, we apply a sinusoidal test signal with unknown amplitude to the inputs of two adjacent phased array elements and measure the baseband output signal after down-conversion. Mathematical modeling of the circuit impairments and phased array behavior indicates that by using two distinct input amplitudes, both of which can remain unknown, it is possible to measure the important parameters of the phased array, such as gain and phase mismatch. The BIST circuits are designed and post layout simulations are performed with within-die and die-to-die process variations. Simulations confirm that the BIST circuit provides very accurate results without having to know sinusoidal signal amplitudes or the relation between them. Furthermore, a prototype four-element phased-array PCB was designed and fabricated for verifying our proposed method. With the proposed method, the phase difference between elements can be measured and calibrated with less than 1°error, which would allow for self-monitoring in 6-bit phased array applications.
Consensus Clustering + Meta Clustering = Multiple Consensus Clustering.

Consensus clustering and meta clustering are two important extensions of the classical clustering problem. Given a set of input clusterings of a given dataset, consensus clustering aims to find a single final clustering which is a better fit in some sense than the existing clusterings, and meta clustering aims to group similar input clusterings together so that users only need to examine a small number of different clusterings. In this paper, we present a new approach, MCC (stands for multiple consensus clustering), to explore multiple clustering views of a given dataset from the input clusterings by combining consensus clustering and meta clustering. In particular, given a set of input clusterings of a particular data set, MCC employs meta clustering to cluster the input clusterings and then uses consensus clustering to generate a consensus for each cluster of the input clusterings. Extensive experimental results on 11 real world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Affective Agency and Transformative Shame: The Voices Behind The Great Wall of Vagina

The Great Wall of Vagina, a polyptych consisting of four hundred labial plaster casts, publicly displays women's “privates” through a nine-meter artistic rendering of women's genital difference. On the occasion of the artwork's circulation, this article attends to the narratives crafted by the women who animate the Wall. Centering the women who make the project possible illustrates how affective intensities compel emotive discourses to circulate and to generate opportunities for shared bodily knowledges. The affective expressions of the women participating in the Wall not only invoke a sense of agency but also transform the contours of shame from private to public. To conclude, I suggest making vulvae visible builds contact zones wherein women are inspired to decouple notions of normality and bodily perception. By voicing their bodily affects, these women ask us to think carefully about what sensations, feelings, and matters of private concern might productively be brought into shareable and accessible ve...
ON A CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MULTIVARIATE LIFE DISTRIBUTIONS SNBU AND ITS CLOSURE PROPERTY

In this paper, some properties of the multivariate life distributions SNBU are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for the non-negative random vector T to be SNBU distribution is given. A definition of G-mapping is introducced. Some dosure properties of the SNBU distribution are derived.
The end of ottoman positivism: : The gökalp-al-husari debate of 1916

In the midst of World War I, a group of Ottoman scientists published a debate entitled “National Education” in the 1916 issue of the periodical Muallim (The Teacher). The exchange between the sociologist Ziya Gokalp (1876–1924) and the psychologist Satiʾ al-Husari (1882–1968) started out with different agendas for imperial education and culminated with an outburst regarding the definition of modern science. In his conclusive remarks, al-Husari declared: “I consider [his] way of thinking to be a form of metaphysics and mystics that resembles pantheism.” Al-Husari was a positivist who professed the exclusive authority of empirical data over all immaterial evidence acquired through metaphysics and mystical experience. Yet, his opponent was nothing less, and the accusation was all the more provocative because Gokalp believed that his positivist sociology could become the organizing principle of educational reform
2 $$\mathcal{R}$$-trivial Monoids

This chapter studies \(\mathcal{R}\)-trivial monoids, that is, monoids where Green’s relation \(\mathcal{R}\) is the equality relation. They form an important class of finite monoids, which have quite recently found applications in the analysis of Markov chains; see Chapter 14 The first section of this chapter discusses lattices and prime ideals of arbitrary finite monoids, as they shall play an important role in both the general theory and in the structure theory of \(\mathcal{R}\)-trivial monoids. The second section concerns \(\mathcal{R}\)-trivial monoids and, in particular, left regular bands, which are precisely the regular \(\mathcal{R}\)-trivial monoids.
Plotting the polyhedral geometry of a quadratic differential

We describe computations for plots of the polyhedral geometry of a quadratic differential and interpret the latter in the spirit of Riemannian geometry. In this expository paper, the graphics themselves are the end results.
Surgical resection of a solitary cutaneous mastocytoma with resolution of apnea and multi-system symptoms

Abstract Solitary cutaneous mastocytoma (SCM), one of the varieties of mastocytosis, presents as an about 2–4 cm long, reddish brown skin lesion with peau d'orange appearance. The lesion may erupt into blisters, urticaria or generalized cutaneous erythematous rash spontaneously, or upon stroking. The symptomatology is consequent to acute mast cell degranulation and histamine release. The standard treatment of SCM is non-surgical and includes H 2 blocking agents and topical steroids. We report a case of SCM in a 2 months old child, which presented with recurrent apnea and additional heterogeneous symptoms involving respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. The symptoms resolved completely with surgical excision of the lesion at age six months. Such atypical multi systemic clinical presentation with acute life threatening symptoms, as well as surgical excision as a successful therapeutic intervention were not reported before in SCM.
Abolishing Tau cleavage by caspases at Aspartate 421 causes memory/synaptic plasticity deficits and pre-pathological Tau alterations

TAU mutations are genetically linked to fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) and hyper-phosphorylated aggregates of Tau form neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) that constitute a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) and FTD. These observations indicate that Tau has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Tau is cleaved by caspases at Aspartate421, to form a Tau metabolite known as δTau; δTau is increased in AD, due to the hyper-activation of caspases in AD brains. δTau is considered a critical toxic moiety underlying neurodegeneration, which initiates and facilitates NFT formation. As Tau is a therapeutic target in neurodegeneration, it is important to rigorously determine whether δTau is a toxic Tau species that should be pharmacologically attacked. To directly address these questions, we have generated a knock-in (KI) mouse called TauDN-that expresses a Tau mutant that cannot be cleaved by caspases. TauDN mice present short-term memory deficits and synaptic plasticity defects. Moreover, mice carrying two mutant Tau alleles show increased total insoluble hyper-phosphorylated Tau in the forebrain. These data are in contrast with the concept that δTau is a critical toxic moiety underlying neurodegeneration, and suggest that cleavage of Tau by caspases represents a negative feedback mechanism aimed to eliminate toxic Tau species. Alternatively, it is possible that either a reduction or an increase in δTau leads to synaptic dysfunction, memory impairments and Tau pathology. Both possibilities will have to be considered when targeting caspase cleavage of Tau in AD therapy.
Liver Trauma and Transection of the Inferior Vena Cava: Sentinel contrast sign and hepatic perivenous tracking

CT of a child with severe liver trauma due to a seat belt injury demonstrated avulsion of a portion of the lateral segment of the left lobe of the liver. The location of nondependent extravasated contrast material aided in identification of the visceral fracture site (the sentinel contrast sign). Associated transection of the inferior vena cava was evidenced by hypoattenuating zones adjacent to all the major hepatic veins and vena cava (hepatic perivenous tracking). Recognition of these two signs is important so that the radiologist can help the surgeon select the optimal operative approach.
What Is the Optimal Criteria to Use for Detecting Periprosthetic Joint Infections Before Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The purposes of this study were to (1) test the accuracy of α-defensin and combined α-defensin-aspiration cultures in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) before revision total knee and hip arthroplasty and (2) evaluate Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria and α-defensin as predictors of successful reimplantation (second-stage) at 1 year after surgery. Methods We retrospectively evaluated a total of 97 synovial fluid aspirations performed between August 2014 and September 2016 before revision due to septic or aseptic failures (n = 70) or before second-stage (n = 27) joint arthroplasty. Revisions were categorized as either septic or aseptic according to the MSIS criteria. Synovial fluid was tested for α-defensin, cell count with differential, and cultures. Reimplantations were assessed for success or failure (defined as the need for reoperation due to infection) within 1 year after surgery. Results For septic and aseptic revision arthroplasty, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predicted value of α-defensin was 97% while for the combined α-defensin and aspiration culture, it was 96%, 100%, 100%, and 97%. Despite being performed with negative MSIS criteria and α-defensin test results, 11% (3/27) of reimplantations (second-stage) failed within 1 year postoperatively because of infection. Conclusion Alpha-defensin is an accurate diagnostic test for the diagnosis of PJI before revision arthroplasty. The combination of α-defensin and aspiration cultures has higher specificity and positive predictive value. MSIS criteria and α-defensin may help predict the success of reimplantations within 1 year after surgery.
A Split-Step Predictor–Corrector Method for Space-Fractional Reaction–Diffusion Equations with Nonhomogeneous Boundary Conditions

A split-step second-order predictor–corrector method for space-fractional reaction–diffusion equations with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions is presented and analyzed for the stability and convergence. The matrix transfer technique is used for spatial discretization of the problem. The method is shown to be unconditionally stable and second-order convergent. Numerical experiments are performed to confirm the stability and second-order convergence of the method. The split-step predictor–corrector method is also compared with an IMEX predictor–corrector method which is found to incur oscillatory behavior for some time steps. Our method is seen to produce reliable and oscillation-free results for any time step when implemented on numerical examples with nonsmooth initial data. We also present a priori reliability constraint for the IMEX predictor–corrector method to avoid unwanted oscillations and show its validity numerically.
Effects of zinc orthophosphate on the antibiotic resistant bacterial community of a source water used for drinking water treatment.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been shown to increase in abundance in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Metals are a known stressor for the selection of ARB and the ARGs they harbor, and zinc orthophosphate is one corrosion inhibitor added to finished drinking waters. The potential impact of zinc orthophosphate on antibiotic resistance in drinking water remains unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the possible effects of zinc orthophosphate on the relative abundance of ARB and ARGs. Increasing concentrations of zinc orthophosphate, ranging from 0 to 10 mg L−1 orthophosphate equivalence, were added to 1 L microcosms inoculated with source water and mixed for 14 days. Direct plating with nine antibiotics was performed on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 resulting in total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THC). Significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of ARB over time for rifampicin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and trimethoprim resistant heterotrophic bacteria during exposure to zinc orthophosphate. Quantitative-PCR revealed that there was also a significant difference in the absolute and relative abundance of intI1, sul2, and qacH genes, dependent on the concentration of zinc orthophosphate. Additionally, water treated with equivalent orthophosphate concentrations of zinc orthophosphate, zinc chloride, and sodium orthophosphate indicated that the zinc component of zinc orthophosphate was the selective pressure of antibiotic resistance through promoting growth. The corrosion inhibitor, zinc orthophosphate, selects for ARB and ARGs while sodium orthophosphate did not impact ARB and ARGs suggesting sodium orthophosphate or sodium silicate may be preferred corrosion inhibitors in controlling antibiotic resistance in DWDS.
A small-molecule LF3 abrogates β-catenin/TCF4-mediated suppression of NaV1.5 expression in HL-1 cardiomyocytes

Abstract Increased nuclear β-catenin interacting with T-cell factor 4 (TCF4) affects the expression of target genes including SCN5A in ischemic heart disease, which is characterized by frequent ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. A complex of β-catenin and TCF4 inhibits cardiac Na+ channel activity by reducing NaV1.5 expression through suppressing SCN5A promoter activity in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. LF3, a 4-thioureido-benzenesulfonamide derivative and an inhibitor of β-catenin/TCF4 interaction, has been shown to block the self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells. We performed studies to determine if LF3 can reverse suppressive effects of β-catenin/TCF4 signaling on the expression of NaV1.5 in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Western blotting and real-time qRT-PCR analyses showed that 10 μM LF3 significantly increased the expression of NaV1.5 but it did not alter β-catenin and TCF4 expression. Subcellular fractionation analysis demonstrated that LF3 significantly increased the levels of NaV1.5 in both membrane and cytoplasm. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that Na+ currents were significantly increased with no changes in the steady-state parameters, activation and inactivation time constants and recovery from inactivation of Na+ channel in HL-1 cells treated with LF3. Immunoprecipitation exhibited that LF3 blocked the interaction of β-catenin and TCF4. Luciferase reporter assays performed in HEK 293 cells and HL-1 revealed that LF3 increased the SCN5A promoter activity in HL-1 cells and prevented β-catenin suppressive effect on SCN5A promoter activity in HEK 293 cells. Taken together, we conclude that LF3, an inhibitor of β-catenin/TCF4 interaction, elevates NaV1.5 expression, leading to increase Na+ channel activity in HL-1 cardiomyocytes.
Spatiotemporal and Demographic Trends and Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Adults in the United States Based on 181 Million Hospitalization Records.

Background The US population is aging, with concurrent increases in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burdens; however, spatiotemporal and demographic trends in CVD incidence in the US elderly have not ...
Sirtuin 3 deficiency does not impede digit regeneration in mice.

The mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is thought to be one of the main contributors to metabolic flexibility–promoting mitochondrial energy production and maintaining homeostasis. In bone, metabolic profiles are tightly regulated and the loss of SIRT3 has deleterious effects on bone volume in vivo and on osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Despite the prominent role of this protein in bone stem cell proliferation, metabolic activity, and differentiation, the importance of SIRT3 for regeneration after bone injury has never been reported. We show here, using the mouse digit amputation model, that SIRT3 deficiency has no impact on the regenerative capacity and architecture of bone and soft tissue. Regeneration occurs in SIRT3 deficient mice in spite of the reduced oxidative metabolic profile of the periosteal cells. These data suggest that bone regeneration, in contrast to homeostatic bone turnover, is not reliant upon active SIRT3, and our results highlight the need to examine known roles of SIRT3 in the context of injury.
Abnormal cochleovestibular anatomy and imaging: Lack of consistency across quality of images, sequences obtained, and official reports.

Abstract Objectives There are significant variations across centers on how to acquire and interpret imaging of children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss and cochleovestibular abnormalities. This study assesses the quality of imaging, sequences included, and accuracy of official radiology reports, to determine if these children are being assessed appropriately. Methods This study is retrospective review of CTs and MRIs from 40 pediatric patients diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss and cochleovestibular structure/nerve abnormalities presenting to a tertiary referral academic center. Images were reviewed by two experienced neuroradiologists and a neurotologist. Findings were compared to official reports, when available. Results Twelve (30%) patients had an MRI only, while 28 (70%) had both an MRI and a CT. There were 3 (10.7%) CTs and 7 (17.5%) MRIs noted to be of poor quality. Children received an average of 6.8 (±2.7) CT acquisitions and 10.9 (±5.7) MRI acquisitions. There was non-concordance between the official report and expert review for 27 (71.1%) ears on CT and 27 (56.3%) ears on MRI. Conclusions These data demonstrate high variability in protocols and quality of medical imaging of children with sensorineural hearing loss. Interpretation of images is highly discordant between official reports and tertiary review. Given these results, we recommend that these children be imaged and evaluated at centers with neuroradiologists who are experienced in interpreting congenital abnormalities of the cochleovestibular system.
Genetically Modified Grains and the Consumer

Genetically modified (GM) grains meet a variety of responses from consumers worldwide, with such factors as religion, education, social economic status, safety, and personal assessment of the risk–benefit ratio influencing overall perception. While the scientific community is virtually indisputable with regard to the safety of GM crops, consumers are not entirely confident and remain divided over the subject. However, awareness has significantly increased alongside the ever-burgeoning growth and commercial sale of GM crops across the globe. The wide availability has especially fueled the debate over labeling of GM foods.
PSMA Theranostics: Review of the Current Status of PSMA-Targeted Imaging and Radioligand Therapy

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been the subject of extensive investigation in the past two decades as a promising molecular target for prostate cancer (PCa). Its appealing molecular features have enabled the development of a novel diagnostic and therapeutic—thus “theranostic”—approach to PCa. There is now substantial evidence of the high sensitivity of PSMA-targeted imaging for PCa lesions and growing evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of PSMA radioligand therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This article presents a broad overview of the current status of PSMA theranostics, including current evidence, potential clinical impact, and active areas of research.
Diagnosis and treatment of rare hereditary bleeding disorders

In this feature article,we focused on rare hereditary bleeding disorders with the exception of hemophilia,hereditary factor Ⅺ deficiency and von Willebrand's disease.In order to raise the awareness and promote the diagnosis rate of the rare hereditary bleeding disorders,we discussed the classification according the bleeding mechanism,clinical features and therapeutic advance. Key words: Bleeding disorders ; Hereditary disease; Rare disease
CoolCraig: A Smart Watch/Phone Application Supporting Co-Regulation of Children with ADHD

This paper presents the design and development of CoolCraig, a mobile application supporting the co-regulation of behaviors and emotions of children with ADHD. The application works in both a smartwatch, for children, and a smartphone for their caregivers. We describe a scenario of use for how CoolCraig can support co-regulation between children and their caregivers by following a goals-rewards system and tracking emotions and behaviors.
What PhD competencies should guide the preparation of nurse scientists

PhD Summit attendees, as part of moderated roundtable discussions, responded to two questions: What PhD competencies should guide the preparation of PhD prepared nurses to function in current and emerging roles? and How has innovation in programs and curricula changed the landscape to prepare and support PhD students for success? The purpose of this report is to summarize Summit discussion around these issues and assess the current relevance of 2010 AACN competencies and whether they are adequate to meet the needs of emerging nurse scientists.
Abstract 14521: Association of Serum Leptin and Abdominal Aortic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. Leptin may indirectly contribute to atherogenesis, but its role in RA is not clea...
Multiplex fluorescent immunocytochemistry for the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis: Determining optimal storage conditions

Background Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats that can be very difficult to definitively diagnose antemortem. Multiplex fluorescent immunocytochemical (MF-ICC) assays are emerging as useful diagnostic tests in veterinary medicine, particularly for fluid samples. Objective We aimed to develop and optimize an MF-ICC assay to detect feline coronavirus within macrophages, with the primary goal of determining the allowable/recommended sample storage conditions for clinical use of this assay. Methods A feline macrophage cell line was infected with the FIP virus. Following harvest into EDTA tubes (simulating typical clinical collection of effusion), cells were stored at 4℃, 22℃, and 37℃. For each temperature condition, slides for MF-ICC were made at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 days post-collection. To assess the stability of immunoreactivity following fixation, freshly harvested infected cells were fixed onto slides and maintained at 4℃ for 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks. All slides were analyzed by MF-ICC for the presence of mononuclear cells with co-expression of vimentin and coronaviral antigen. Results MF-ICC confirmed that cells tested positive for coronavirus at 4℃ through 3 days post-harvest, 22℃ through 48 hours post-harvest, and 37℃ through 24 hours post-harvest. The MF-ICC assay was successfully performed on fixed slides through the 12-week time point. This assay also demonstrated positive results on a clinical sample of abdominal fluid from a cat later confirmed to have FIP. Conclusions The MF-ICC assay described here offers a potentially specific and relatively stable antemortem diagnostic test for feline infectious peritonitis. Evaluation of this assay in clinical samples is ongoing.
Calculating Planning Data and Its Plausibility

The valuation of intangibles is discussed in the literature and by practitioners for transfer pricing purposes, whereby the emphasis is very often placed on deriving and determining the capitalization rate and selecting the method. One rarely finds, however, any comprehensive discussion on the assessment of the planning calculations in the literature. This is especially surprising as planning data has a significant influence on the results of the valuation. This chapter provides an overview of plausibility checking of planning data and the requirements associated with this. The considerations of the OECD on ex post adjustments of ex ante values are also presented in this connection.
Q-Methodology: A Technique to Assess Perceptions in Simulation Research.

SUMMARY STATEMENT Learner perceptions of simulation can be challenging to assess and are usually limited to qualitative strategies. Q-methodology is an exploratory, systematic research technique that combines quantitative and qualitative procedures to measure differences in subjectivity. This article briefly reviews Q-methodology, provides an example of how it could be applied to assess the affective domain of simulation-based learning, and discusses implications for the use of Q-methodology in future simulation scholarship.
Efficacy of oseltamivir treatment in influenza virus infected obese mice

Obesity has been epidemiologically and empirically linked with more severe disease upon influenza infection. To ameliorate severe disease, treatment with antivirals, such as the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, are suggested to begin within days of infection, especially in hosts at higher risk for poor outcomes. However, this treatment is often poorly effective and can generate resistance variants within the treated host. Here, we hypothesized that oseltamivir treatment would not be effective in genetically obese mice and would generate a more diverse and drug resistant viral population. We demonstrated that oseltamivir treatment does not improve viral clearance in obese mice. While no traditional variants associated with oseltamivir resistance emerged, we did note that drug treatment failed to quench the viral population and did lead to phenotypic drug resistance in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrate the blunted interferon response in obese hosts may be contributing to treatment failure, as type I interferon receptor deficient mice also fail to clear influenza virus infection upon oseltamivir administration. Together, these studies suggest that the unique pathogenesis and immune responses in obese mice could have implications for pharmaceutical interventions and the within-host dynamics of the influenza virus population.
Network Approaches to Representing and Understanding Personality Dynamics

Abstract From its emergence at the beginning of the 20th century, personality scientists pursued two goals—a nomothetic approach that investigated the structure of individual differences between people in a population and an idiographic approach that explored variation within a person relative to him or herself. Implicit in both was an assumption that dynamic processes underlay the emergence of personality within and across people, but available methods at the time precluded testing dynamic questions. In this chapter, we first track how the history of both nomothetic and idiographic perspectives impacted the study of personality structure and dynamics. Next, we review findings and unanswered contemporary questions regarding nomothetic and idiographic structure, processes, and dynamics. Finally, we conclude by arguing for an idiographic network approach to understanding personality, based in dynamic systems theory. We provide both theoretical questions for future research, some of which were proposed by early personality theorists but progressed slowly due to a lack of adequate methods, as well as cutting-edge techniques for actually testing them. We believe these methods are capable of moving the study of personality dynamics—and personality more broadly—forward.
Book review: UNDERSTANDING MUSIC WITH AI: Perspectives on Music Cognition Mira Balaban, Kemal Ebcioglu, and Otto Laske, editors (AAAI Press/MIT Press; Cambridge, MA; 1992)

Music has been influenced by technical advances throughout history. From catgut to copper wire, tubes to transistors, records to CD's, the marriage of music and technology has remained fairly stable, even though some purists would like a divorce. As the relatively new field of computer science has grown, computer music applications and systems have increased as well. Now music is being used both to illumine the fields of artificial intelligence and cognitive science as well as reap the benefits that research in these fields can offer. A collection of such works can be found in 'Understanding Music With AI'.
Myosin-specific adaptations of the motility assay.

Publisher Summary The ability to directly observe the behavior of single actin filaments as they are translocated by myosin has spawned a number of variations on the assay, which have contributed to a more detailed understanding of the molecular basis for the interaction of actin and myosin. This chapter presents myosin-specific adaptations of the motility assay. The motility assay is a quick and sensitive method to quantitate the interaction of myosin with actin. The motility assay is a versatile assay subject to many modifications depending on the system being studied. Some of the possible variations include assays with synthetic thick filaments, soluble myosin or its subfragments, native thick filaments, and smooth muscle and nonmuscle myosin II. The goal of most experiments, using the motility assay, is to quantitate the speed of actin filament sliding. This can be accomplished in several ways, such as by using a computer-assisted method for tracking moving objects or by using a virtually computer-driven method—the Expert Vision Motion Analysis System.
Constitutional Limits on the Right of Government Investigators to Interview and Examine Alleged Victims of Child Abuse or Neglect

Investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect presents unique challenges, particularly if parents or guardians are the alleged perpetrators. Those accused of harming the children are in a position to prevent the victims from getting access to the help they need to escape their abuser(s). The courts have not clearly defined the federal constitutional boundaries of searches and seizures in this context. The Supreme Court, in particular, has not weighed in on the constitutionality of warrantless searches and seizures in connection with abuse and neglect investigations. This lack of Supreme Court guidance has led to unpredictable and sometimes conflicting opinions from state and lower federal courts, particularly with respect to Fourth Amendment requirements in this context. This Article will examine whether court orders allowing searches and seizures in child abuse or neglect cases can be issued based on a standard lower than probable cause and still pass muster under the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, it discusses the special needs exception to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement and weighs arguments in favor of and in opposition to applying the special needs exception to child abuse and neglect investigations. Finally, the Article discusses whether searches without a warrant or other court order may be conducted in response to allegations of child abuse or neglect if the special needs exception does not apply.
The Electrodynamics of Low Dimensional Metals

I discuss the unusual electrodynamics observed in the metallic state of various low dimensional metals which at low temperatures develop charge density wave (CDW) and spin density wave (SDW) ground states. In all cases, we observe a low energy mode with a small spectral weight and a finite energy excitation. These results suggest a highly unusual metallic state. The findings will be contrasted with the theoretical models of low dimensional metals.
Government-Mandated Open Source Development: The Case Study of Venezuela

This research examines the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which because of high revenues from oil exports finds itself in the unique position of possessing the economic ability to support the development of an internal Information Economy. Simultaneously, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has established two government ministries, those of Science and Technology and Telecommunications and Informatics, and developed national policies, which directly encourage the development of an internal information economy. As an example of these efforts, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has chosen to encourage, develop, and support the use of Open Source operating systems and software for all of its government agencies and affiliated partners. Since the country has recently moved to nationalize its largest industry, oil, and its telecommunications sector, this move to Open Source is more significant than it might have been in a country with a less centralized, socialist government. This project looks at the initiatives that the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is proposing. This research hopes to find how the use of Open Source as a governmental mandate in public offices stimulates the creation of human resources, new technologies, and ultimately the development of a country.
Die jodometrische Bestimmung von Vanadinsäure, Chromsäure und Eisen nebeneinander

Es ist gezeigt worden, das Vanadinsaure, Chromsaure und Eisen nebeneinander genau nach einem jodometrischen Verfahren bestimmt werden konnen, das basiert ist auf der Verschiedenartigkeit der Reduktionswirkung von Bromwasserstoff- und Jodwasser- stoffsaure auf die fraglichen Stoffe. Der eine Bestandteil, das Chrom, wird in einer besonderen Probe durch Reduktion mit arseniger Saure bestimmt.
Computer ethics: Its birth and its future

This article discusses some ``historical milestones'' in computer ethics, as well as two alternative visions of the future of computer ethics. Topics include the impressive foundation for computer ethics laid down by Norbert Wiener in the 1940s and early 1950ss the pioneering efforts of Donn Parker, Joseph Weizenbaum and Walter Maner in the 1970ss Krystyna Gorniak's hypothesis that computer ethics will evolve into ``global ethics''s and Deborah Johnson's speculation that computer ethics may someday ``disappear''.
Learning from Examples with Information Theoretic Criteria

This paper discusses a framework for learning based on information theoretic criteria. A novel algorithm based on Renyi's quadratic entropy is used to train, directly from a data set, linear or nonlinear mappers for entropy maximization or minimization. We provide an intriguing analogy between the computation and an information potential measuring the interactions among the data samples. We also propose two approximations to the Kulback-Leibler divergence based on quadratic distances (Cauchy-Schwartz inequality and Euclidean distance). These distances can still be computed using the information potential. We test the newly proposed distances in blind source separation (unsupervised learning) and in feature extraction for classification (supervised learning). In blind source separation our algorithm is capable of separating instantaneously mixed sources, and for classification the performance of our classifier is comparable to the support vector machines (SVMs).
Calibrating computational feasibility by abstraction rank

We characterize computationally the functions provable in second order logic with set existence restricted to natural classes of first order formulas. A classification of first-order set-existence by implicational rank yields a natural hierarchy of complexity classes within the class of Kalmar-elementary functions: The functions over {0, 1}* constructively provable using set existence for formulas of implicational rank /spl les/k are precisely the functions computable in deterministic time O(exp/sub k/(n)), where exp/sub 0/=U/sub k/(/spl lambda/n.n/sup k/), and exp/sub k+1/=2(exp/sub k/)./sup 1/ In particular, set-existence for positive formulas yields exactly PTime. We thus obtain lean and natural formalisms for codifying feasible mathematics, which are expressive both in allowing second order definitions and reasoning, and in incorporating equational programming and reasoning about program convergence in a direct and uncoded style. Through a formula-as-type morphism, we also obtain a link with lambda definability, which we exhibit in the full paper: The functions over {0, 1}* definable in the polymorphic lambda calculus F/sub 2/ over a base of type of words, using first-order type-arguments of rank /spl les/k, are precisely the functions computable in deterministic time O(exp/sub k/(n))./sup 2/ The poly-time case was proved (directly) in [15].
β-Glycerophosphate and Thymolphthalein Monophosphate Compared as Substrates for Determining Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Serum

β-Glycerophosphate and sodium thymolphthalein monophosphate were compared clinically and methodologically as substrates for alkaline phosphatase assay. The relative simplicity of the thymolphthalein procedure, its adaptability to semi-automated and micro methods, and its apparent clinical reliability indicate that it is a better substrate for serum alkaline phosphatase assay than is β-glycerophosphate.
Lipoic Acid Reduces the Activities of Biotin-Dependent Carboxylases in Rat Liver

In the past, lipoic acid has been administered to patients and test animals as therapy for diabetic neuropathy and various intoxications. Lipoic acid and the vitamin biotin have structural similarities. We sought to determine whether the chronic administration of lipoic acid affects the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases. For 28 d, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of one of the following: 1) a small dose of lipoic acid [4.3 micromol/( kg.d)]; 2) a large dose of lipoic acid [15.6 micromol/(kg.d)]; or 3) a large dose of lipoic acid plus biotin [15.6 and 2.0 micromol/(kg.d), respectively]. Another group received n-hexanoic acid [14.5 micromol/(kg.d)], which has structural similarities to lipoic acid and biotin and thus served as a control for the specificity of lipoic acid. A fifth group received phosphatidylcholine in saline injections and served as the vehicle control. The rat livers were assayed for the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. Urine was analyzed for lipoic acid; serum was analyzed for indicators of liver damage and metabolic aberrations. The mean activities of pyruvate carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase were 28-36% lower in the lipoic acid-treated rats compared with vehicle controls (P < 0.05). Rats treated with lipoic acid plus biotin had normal carboxylase activities. Carboxylase activities in livers of n-hexanoic acid-treated rats were normal despite some evidence of liver injury. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were not significantly affected by administration of lipoic acid. This study provides evidence consistent with the hypothesis that chronic administration of lipoic acid lowers the activities of pyruvate carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase in vivo by competing with biotin.
Characterization of GSK-M, a glycogen synthase kinase from rat skeletal muscle.

Abstract A form of glycogen synthase kinase designated GSK-M 3 was purified 4000-fold from rat skeletal muscle by phosphocellulose, Affi-Gel blue, Sephacryl S-300 and carboxymethyl-Sephadex column chromatography. Separation of GSK-M from the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase was facilitated by converting the catalytic subunit to the holoenzyme form by addition of the regulatory subunit prior to the gel filtration step. GSK-M had an apparent M r 62,000 (based on gel filtration), an apparent K m of 11 ν m for ATP, and an apparent K m of 4 μM for rat skeletal muscle glycogen synthase. The kinase had very little activity with 0.2 m m GTP as the phosphate donor. Kinase activity was not affected by the addition of cyclic nucleotides, EGTA, heparin, glucose 6-P, glycogen, or the heat-stable inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase from rat skeletal muscle by GSK-M reduced the activity ratio (activity in the absence of Glc-6-P/activity in the presence of Glc-6-P × 100) from 90 to 25% when approximately 1.2 mol of phosphate was incorporated per mole of glycogen synthase subunit. Phosphopeptide maps of glycogen synthase obtained after digestion with CNBr or trypsin showed that this kinase phosphorylated glycogen synthase in serine residues found in the peptides containing the sites known as site 2, which is located in the N-terminal CNBr peptide, and site 3, which is located in the C-terminal CNBr peptide of glycogen synthase. In addition to phosphorylating glycogen synthase, GSK-M phosphorylated inhibitor 2 and activated ATP-Mg-dependent protein phosphatase. Activation of the protein phosphatase by GSK-M was dependent on ATP and was virtually absent when ATP was replaced with GTP. GSK-M had minimal activity toward phosphorylase b , casein, phosvitin, and mixed histones. These data indicate that GSK-M, a major form of glycogen synthase kinase from rat skeletal muscle, differs from the known glycogen synthase kinases isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle.
Tobamovirus infection is independent of HSP101 mRNA induction and protein expression

Heat shock protein 101 (HSP101) has been implicated in tobamovirus infections by virtue of its ability to enhance translation of mRNAs possessing the 5'Omega-leader of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Enhanced translation is mediated by HSP101 binding to a CAA-repeat motif in TMV Omega leader. CAA repeat sequences are present in the 5' leaders of other tobamoviruses including Oilseed rape mosaic virus (ORMV), which infects Arabidopsis thaliana. HSP101 is one of eight HSP100 gene family members encoded by the A. thaliana genome, and of these, HSP101 and HSP98.7 are predicted to encode proteins localized to the cytoplasm where they could potentially interact with TMV RNA. Analysis of the expression of the HSP100s showed that only HSP101 mRNA transcripts were induced significantly by ORMV in A. thaliana. The induction of HSP101 mRNA was also correlated with an increase in its protein levels and was independent of defense-related signaling pathways involving salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, or ethylene. A. thaliana mutants lacking HSP101, HSP98.7, or both supported wild-type levels of ORMV replication and movement. Similar results were obtained for TMV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants silenced for HSP101, demonstrating that HSP101 is not necessary for efficient tobamovirus infection.
NONLOCAL ACTION IN THE INDUCTION MOTOR

It is pointed out that local field-contact action depends entirely on field-energy momentum transfer to matter, orvice versa. Contact with stationary electromagnetic energy does not produce forces. With this in mind, the paper examines the electrodynamic operation of the common induction motor and concludes that the motor is not, and could not be, driven by local field-contact action.
Whole-body vibration-related health disorders in occupational medicine--an international comparison.

Workers with whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure are likely to report non-specific health complaints. Health and safety providers may not recognise such occupational injuries and may be unfamiliar with appropriate exposure assessment and prevention. This is a review of clinical studies, medical evidence, differential diagnostic evaluation protocols, surveillance programmes, national and international standards, and interventions recommendations utilising PubMed and other online resources. In summary, several studies show a clear trend: with increasing duration and intensity of occupational WBV exposure, primarily musculoskeletal or neurological disorders of the spine occur. Other organ damage has also been reported. In some European Union countries, spinal injury caused by WBV is recognised as an occupational disease and may be compensable. The WBV-related injury diagnosis includes a review of the work history, exposure assessment and differential diagnostic evaluation. WBV health surveillance should asse...
Predominance of Large-Scale Heterogeneity and the Shift of Velocity Anomalies between the Upper and Lower Mantle

Long-wavelength seismic velocity studies for the mantle indicate that mantle structure is dominated by very large-scale heterogeneity, shown predominantly by harmonic degrees l=1 and 2 for the whole mantle; near the surface l=5 and 6 produce a secondary peak. Dominance of these anomalies suggests the existence of similarly large-scale convection currents. The qualitative differences between the upper and the lower mantle are evident in the distribution of heterogeneity and in the shift of l=2 velocity variation components. Along with other geophysical observables such as attenuation parameters (Q) and viscosity, different styles of dynamics are implied for the upper and lower mantle. In particular, the shift of the l=2 velocity variation pattern is a fairly robust and common feature among recent three-dimensional Earth models and seems to favor the predominantly layered convection model. There is, however, evidence that the boundary layer between the upper and lower mantle, if it exists, is not as strong as those boundary layers at the top and the bottom of the mantle.
Reduction of arginine vasopressin binding sites in mouse lateral septum by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine.

Abstract The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin modulates neuroadaptive processes, including memory consolidation and functional tolerance to ethanol, by actions at CNS V1 receptors. Noradrenergic systems play a role in these actions of the peptide. To assess whether vasopressin may act presynaptically on catecholamine neurons, vasopressin receptors were measured by quantitative autoradiography in the lateral septum, an area that is innervated by catecholaminergic neurons and has a high density of V1 receptors, of control and 6-hydroxydopamine-treated mice. Vasopressin receptors were distributed non-uniformly throughout the lateral septum, with greater binding in the more caudal regions. Treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine lowered septal catecholamine levels and vasopressin binding, with a greater effect on binding in the intermediate and caudal portions of the lateral septum. Pretreatment with desmethylimipramine reversed the depletion of norepinephrine, and attenuated the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on vaspressin binding in the intermediate region, but was less effective in the caudal region of the lateral septum. The results suggest that a portion of septal vasopressin receptors are localized on the terminals of noradrenergic and, possibly, dopaminergic neurons, consistent with the hypothesis that certain neuroadaptive responses to vasopressin could be mediated by modulation of neurotransmitter release. In contrast to the results with 6-hydroxydomapine, treatment of mice with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, to destroy serotonergic terminals, did not alter vasopressin binding in the lateral septum.