cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunoaffinity chromatography of diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate phosphorylase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) phosphorylase has been isolated previously using classical protein isolation techniques [A. Guranowski and S. Blanquet (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3542-3547]. A protein A-Sepharose immunoaffinity column was prepared to simplify the purification procedure. The immunoaffinity column was prepared using specific polyclonal antibodies to Ap4A phosphorylase covalently coupled to protein A-Sepharose with dimethyl pimelimidate by a modification of the procedure of C. Schneider et al. [(1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 10,766-10,769]. The specific activity of the immunoaffinity-purified enzyme showed an increase equivalent to the specific activity obtained by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite columns.
Supercritical CO2 conjugate heat transfer and flow analysis in a rectangular microchannel subject to uniformly heated substrate wall

Abstract In this paper, a conjugate heat transfer and fluid flow analysis for supercritical CO2 (sCO2) was numerically investigated in a rectangular microchannel subject to uniform heat flux on the bottom of the substrate wall. The study was conducted to explore and quantify the effect of a sharp variation of sCO2 transport properties, Reynolds number and operational pressure conditions on the fluid flow and heat transfer in the pseudo-critical region and within close range of the Critical Point (CP). The numerical results indicate that the large variation of sCO2 properties within close range of the CP affects the heat transfer and flow along the channel. The local flow and heat transfer analyses demonstrate that the wall shear stress and heat flux are an increasing function of operating conditions especially for operational pressures higher than the critical pressure. The results show that the large variation of Nusselt number disappears for high operating pressures. It was also shown that the Nusselt Number is not affected by the Reynolds number in the laminar regime at high operating pressures.
Ecological complexity and contingency: Ants and lizards affect biological control of the coffee leaf miner in Puerto Rico

Abstract Complexity and contingency frame much of current thinking in population and community ecology. The coffee pest, Leucoptera coffeella, is particularly problematical in Puerto Rico, but is usually held under control in Mexico. A variety of arboreal ants are effective predators in Mexico, but are limited in an indirect fashion by the common aggressive arboreal ant, Azteca sericeasur. In Puerto Rico this species does not occur, suggesting that the small arboreal ants might be more effective predators there than in Mexico. However, the contingency of large population densities of Anoline lizards is well-known as a major biological control force for the leaf miner. Ants, especially the non-native Wasmannia auropunctata, have a negative effect on the lizards. Surveying ants and coffee leaf miners in 25 coffee farms in Puerto Rico, we investigate the effect of ants, in particular W. auropunctata, on the coffee leaf miner, and find that this ant species has a positive relationship with the miner. In a more detailed spatial study of two farms, surveys of anoline lizards show no significant negative relationship between the lizards and W. auropunctata on a per plant basis. However, we found a significantly lower abundance of lizards on patches dominated by this ant, suggesting that W. auropunctata indirectly protects the coffee leaf miner against this potential lizard predator. Thus, the structural complexity of a trait-mediated indirect effect occurs both in Mexico and Puerto Rico and potentially limits the effectiveness of biological control elements, but the contingencies are distinct in the two sites.
$2n$ Quasihole States Realize $2^{n-1}$-Dimensional Spinor Braiding Statistics in Paired Quantum Hall States

By explicitly identifying a basis valid for any number of electrons, we demonstrate that simple multi-quasihole wavefunctions for the $\nu=1/2$ Pfaffian paired Hall state exhibit an exponential degeneracy at fixed positions. Indeed, we conjecture that for $2n$ quasiholes the states realize a spinor representation of an expanded (continuous) nonabelian statistics group $SO(2n)$. In the four quasihole case, this is supported by an explicit calculation of the corresponding conformal blocks in the $c={1\over2}+1$ conformal field theory. We present an argument for the universality of this result, which is significant for the foundations of fractional statistics generally. We note, for annular geometry, an amusing analogue to black hole entropy. We predict, as a generic consequence, glassy behavior. Many of our considerations also apply to a form of the (3,3,1) state.
Biomimetic Colorants and Coatings Designed with Cephalopod-Inspired Nanocomposites

Brilliant and dynamic colors in nature have stimulated the design of dyes and pigments with broad applications ranging from electronic displays to apparel. Inspired by the nanostructured pigment gr...
Digital anthropometric volumes: Toward the development and validation of a universal software.

Purpose Anthropometry is a method for quantifying body size and shape often used to derive body composition and health risk prediction models. Recent technology advancements led to development of three-dimensional (3D) optical scanners that can overcome most of the limitations associated with manual anthropometric data collection. However, each of the currently available devices offers proprietary measurements that do not match conventional anthropometric definitions. The aim of the current study was to develop and then evaluate the precision and accuracy of new "universal" 3D optical analysis software that calculates digital anthropometric volumes using identical standard landmarks across scanners. Methods Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) total body and regional volume and fat mass reference measurements and 3D optical scans from two proprietary devices were collected from 356 participants to evaluate the robustness of total body and regional volume and fat mass measurements calculated by the developed software. Linear regression modeling with threefold cross validation was used to evaluate total body and regional fat masses from 3D scans. Results Total body and regional volumes measured by DXA and ADP had strong associations with corresponding estimates from the commercial 3D optical scanners coupled with the universal software (e.g., R2 = 0.98 for Styku and R2 = 1.00 for SS20, for both DXA and ADP comparisons). Regional body volumes also had strong correlation between DXA and the 3DO scanners (e.g., for arm, leg and trunk, respective R2 s of 0.75, 0.86, and 0.97 for Styku and 0.79, 0.89, and 0.98 for SS20). Similarly, there were strong associations between DXA- measured total body and regional fat mass and 3D optical estimates calculated by the universal software (e.g., for total body, arm, leg and trunk, respective R2 s of 0.86, 0.72, 0.77, and 0.88 for Styku and 0.84, 0.76, 0.78, and 0.85 for SS20). Absolute differences in volumes and fat mass between the reference methods and the universal software values revealed underlying proprietary scanner differences that can be improved when designing future devices. Conclusions The current study suggests that, when compared against values calculated using DXA and ADP, the universal software was able to measure total and regional body volumes reliably from scans obtained by two different scanners. The universal software, with future refinements, combined with potential optical scanner design improvements, creates new opportunities for developing large multicenter anthropometric databases with uniformly defined body dimensions that can be used for modeling health risks. Clinical trial registration id Shape Up! Adults Study, NCT0363785.
Effect of Non-Gaap Emphasis and Voluntary Disclosures on Nonprofessional Investor Decision Making in the Equity Crowdfunding Environment

While the JOBS Act expanded the ability of startups to raise equity crowdfunding capital, concerns have been raised about nonprofessionals’ ability to evaluate such offerings. In 2x2x2 experiment, we examine how two novel crowdfunding disclosure choices, the nature of managemnt’s responses to online questions (detailed or vague) and the level of attestation (audit or review), can interact with financial projections frequently used by startups (GAAP or non-GAAP emphasis) to impact nonprofessionals’ investment decisions. When the information environment is weaker due to managemnet’s vague responses to online questions, nonprofessionals invest more when GAAP versus more favorable non-GAAP metrics are emphasized, given weaker assurance due to a mandatory review. When the information environment is stronger due to detailed responses, investors invest more when non-GAAP versus GAAP metrics are emphasized, but only when the firm also chooses stronger assurance (a voluntary audit). Findings suggest nonprofessionals use sophisticated valuation models when evaluating equity crowdfunding.
Are Machine Learning Cloud APIs Used Correctly

Machine learning (ML) cloud APIs enable developers to easily incorporate learning solutions into software systems. Unfortunately, ML APIs are challenging to use correctly and efficiently, given their unique semantics, data requirements, and accuracy-performance tradeoffs. Much prior work has studied how to develop ML APIs or ML cloud services, but not how open-source applications are using ML APIs. In this paper, we manually studied 360 representative open-source applications that use Google or AWS cloud-based ML APIs, and found 70% of these applications contain API misuses in their latest versions that degrade functional, performance, or economical quality of the software. We have generalized 8 anti-patterns based on our manual study and developed automated checkers that identify hundreds of more applications that contain ML API misuses.
Losing to Win: Why Congressional Majorities Play Politics Instead of Make Laws

Why did congressional Democrats vote in 2007 to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq when President George W. Bush vowed to veto their effort? Why did congressional Republicans vote to repeal the Afforda...
Asexual freshwater snails make poor mate choice decisions

Once-useful traits that no longer contribute to fitness tend to decay over time. We address whether the expression of mating-related traits that increase the fitness of sexually reproducing individuals but are likely less useful or even costly to asexual counterparts seems to exhibit decay in the latter. Potamopyrgus antipodarum is a New Zealand freshwater snail characterized by repeated transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction. The frequent coexistence of sexual and asexual lineages makes P. antipodarum an excellent model for the study of mating-related trait loss. We used a mating choice assay including sexual and asexual P. antipodarum females and conspecific (presumed better choice) vs. heterospecific (presumed worse choice) males to evaluate the loss of behavioural traits related to sexual reproduction. We found that sexual females engaged in mating behaviours with conspecific mating partners more frequently and for a greater duration than with heterospecific mating partners, while asexual females seemed to lack the ability to make a choice. These results suggest that selection acting to maintain mate choice in asexual P. antipodarum is weak or ineffective relative to sexual females and that asexual reproduction likely contributes to the evolutionary decay of behavioural traits in this system.
Recent Trends in Frameless and Mask Less Patient Motion Compensation in External Beam Radiation Therapy

Recently, frameless and mask less patient motion correction systems based on image-guided robot positioning have been proposed for patient motion compensation in radiation therapy. A majority of these works utilize rigid kinematic mechanisms for motion correction. However, these rigid mechanical components interfere with the therapeutic radiation beam. In addition, they share their complete workspace with the patient’s body (risking safety), and their constant curvature components are hardly suitable for manipulating the soft tissues of the human body. In this report, we highlight some recent advancement that aim to stem these issues in our line of work: these systems utilize soft mechanisms for patient motion compensation in robotic radiation therapy. Essentially, we propose a soft parallel multi degree of freedom robot to counterbalance the currently prevalent rigid immobilization and patient motion correction mechanisms in head and neck external beam cancer therapy. This work is a key abridgment of recent developments in our mechanisms evolution. Within the bounds here set, this framework is intended to provide precise manipulation in lieu of the rigid platforms that are used today. Our goal is to edge open the door a little further towards in parallel soft actuation mechanisms that provide better patient comfort, radiation transparency, and precise immobilization.
US adolescents’ friendship networks and health risk behaviors: a systematic review of studies using social network analysis and Add Health data

Background. Documented trends in health-related risk behaviors among US adolescents have remained high over time. Studies indicate relationships among mutual friends are a major influence on adolescents' risky behaviors. Social Network Analysis (SNA) can help understand friendship ties affecting individual adolescents' engagement in these behaviors. Moreover, a systematic literature review can synthesize findings from a range of studies using SNA, as well as assess these studies' methodological quality. Review findings also can help health educators and promoters develop more effective programs. OBJECTIVE. This review systematically examined studies of the influence of friendship networks on adolescents' risk behaviors, which utilized SNA and the Add Health data (a nationally representative sample). METHODS. We employed the Matrix Method to synthesize and evaluate 15 published studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, retrieved from the Add Health website and 3 major databases (Medline, Eric, and PsycINFO). Moreover, we assigned each study a methodological quality score (MQS). RESULTS. In all studies, friendship networks among adolescents promoted their risky behaviors, including drinking alcohol, smoking, sexual intercourse, and marijuana use. The average MQS was 4.6, an indicator of methodological rigor (scale: 1-9). CONCLUSION. Better understanding of risky behaviors influenced by friends can be useful for health educators and promoters, as programs targeting friendships might be more effective. Additionally, the overall MQ of these reviewed studies was good, as average scores fell above the scale's mid-point. Language: en
A Comparative Study of Nocturnal Emissions

AbstractThe range of possible experiences that sexually mature males can have regarding nocturnal emissions has been neglected in the literature since Kinsey's findings were published in 1948. The present study, conducted by questionnaires, found that males generally have received little information about nocturnal emissions, resulting in negative feelings about them. This occurred despite the presence or absence of the experience. Contrary to expectations, this investigation found a higher percentage of males who had never had a nocturnal emission than was reported by Kinsey. Implications for the educational, medical, and counseling fields are noted.
Managerial Motives in Mergers: Propensity Score Matching Approach

Recent research finds that managers of public firms overpay for acquisitions relative to private equity acquirers and that the public acquirer ulterior motives explain the apparent overpayment. I find that, in sharp contrast to the existing literature, the difference in what public firm managers are willing to pay for their targets can be attributed to efficiency motives (using the propensity score matching to remove a significant amount of bias from the sample allows for cleaner comparisons). Additional support for these results is found by examining transactions in which both public and private equity firms are bidding on the same target. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic resistance in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. I. Analysis of the mechanism of LeR resistance using radiation chimeras

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that has been extensively studied in the rat. The Lewis rat is highly susceptible to the induction of EAE, while the Lewis resistant (LeR) rat is known to be resistant. In this paper, we demonstrate that the LeR rat, which was derived from the Lewis strain by inbreeding of fully resistant animals, is histocompatible with the Lewis strain. Radiation chimeras, a tool for distinguishing between immunologic and nonimmunologic resistance mechanisms, were utilized to analyze the cellular mechanisms involved in genetic resistance to EAE. By transplanting bone marrow cells from LeR rats into irradiated Lewis recipients, Lewis rats were rendered resistant to EAE induction. Likewise, transplanting Lewis bone marrow cells into irradiated LeR recipients rendered LeR rats susceptible. Mixed lymphoid cell chimeras using bone marrow, spleen, and thymus cells in Lewis recipient rats revealed individual lymphoid cell types and cell interactions that significantly affected the incidence and severity of EAE. Our results suggest that LeR resistance is mediated by hematopoietic/immune cells, and that cells located in the spleen appear to play a critical role in the resistance/susceptibility to EAE induction. Depletion of splenic adherent cells did not change the patterns of EAE resistance. In vivo cell mixing studies suggested the presence of a suppressor cell population in the LeR spleen preparations which exerted an inhibitory effect on Lewis autoimmune responses. Thus, the mechanism of LeR resistance appears to be different from that in other EAE-resistant animals.
Predicting protein secondary structure content. A tandem neural network approach.

Abstract A priori knowledge of secondary structure content can be of great use in theoretical and experimental determination of protein structure. We present a method that uses two computer-simulated neural networks placed in “tandem” to predict the secondary structure content of water-soluble, globular proteins. The first of the two networks, NET1, predicts a protein's helix and strand content given information about the protein's amino acid composition, molecular weight and heme presence. Because NET1 contained more adjustable parameters (network weights) than learning examples, this network experienced problems with memorization, which is the inability to generalize onto new, never-seen-before examples. To overcome this problem, we designed a second network, NET2, which learned to determine when NET1 was in a state of generalization. Together, these two networks produce prediction errors as low as 5.0% and 5.6% for helix and strand content, respectively, on a set of protein crystal structures bearing little homology to those used in network training. A comparison between three other methods including a multiple linear regression analysis, a non-hidden-node network analysis and a secondary structure assignment analysis reveals that our tandem neural network scheme is, indeed, the best method for predicting secondary structure content. The results of our analysis suggest that the knowledge of sequence information is not necessary for highly accurate predictions of protein secondary structure content.
Use of gene knockout mice to establish lipase function.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of gene knockout technology to generate transgenic mice with defective expression of specific lipase genes and the use of these animals to address the physiologic function of these proteins. The utilities for production of gene knockout mice are manifold. First, gene knockout mice can be produced as an animal model for human diseases. A second utility for the production of knockout mice is to explore the physiologic function and significance of specific genes. One approach to address the physiologic function of the pancreatic carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) is to produce animals defective in expression of the CEL gene. Production of CEL gene knockout mice was accomplished by homologous recombination of an exogenously added disrupted CEL gene with the endogenous CEL gene in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. The CEL gene targeted ES cells were then used to produce a mouse model with defective CEL gene expression. These animals are useful for determining the significance of the cholesterol esterase in lipid metabolism, including its function in dietary fat and cholesterol absorption.
Angina pectoris. V. Giant R and receding S wave in myocardial ischemia and certain nonischemic conditions.

Abstract 1. 1. Increase in the R wave and decrease in the S wave have been clinically observed with myocardial infarction and during episodes of the variant form of angina pectoris. 2. 2. The same changes have been reproduced in experiments with animals by acute ischemia. 3. 3. The electrocardiographic changes were most marked from the center of the ischemic area, where ischemia is most severe, and became progressively smaller as recorded toward the periphery. 4. 4. The term “giant R” wave has been used to describe this marked increase in amplitude of the R wave. 5. 5. The giant R wave has been demonstrated during severe attacks of the variant form of angina pectoris. As pain subsided, the R wave gradually returned to the preattack level. These findings are similar to those observed in experiments on animals after ligation of a large coronary artery and release of the ligation. 6. 6. Hemorrhagic hypotension following coronary occlusion resulted in increased severity of ischemia. There was an additional increase in the R wave and the S wave receded or disappeared. These changes were reversed with return to normal systemic pressure by transfusion. 7. 7. In ischemia with S-T depression due to hemorrhagic hypotension, a decrease in the R wave and an increase in the S wave sometimes occur. This is similar to findings in severe classic angina pectoris. R and S wave changes in ischemia with S-T depression are opposite to those seen in ischemia with S-T elevation. 8. 8. Injection of potassium and sodium in various concentrations directly into a coronary artery produced characteristic R and S changes under nonischemic conditions. High concentration potassium or low concentration sodium resulted in increased amplitude of R waves and decreased amplitude of S waves. Low concentration potassium or high concentration sodium resulted in reduced amplitude of R waves and increased amplitude of S waves. Five per cent glucose in water injected directly into the coronary artery produced a large increase in the amplitude of the R wave and a marked receding or disappearance of the S wave, together with the appearance of S-T depression. 9. 9. Among the explanations for these changes in the R and S waves, the possible role of the membrane action potential, of electrical conductivity of the extracellular medium and of the propagation process have been discussed. 10. 10. Increases in the R wave and decreases in the S wave are noted in severe acute ischemia and may have great clinical significance. When decrease in the R wave and increase in the S wave occur, ischemia probably is less severe in that particular part of the heart. 11. 11. Similar changes in the R and S waves can occur with electrolyte alterations without ischemia.
A multimodal communication program for aphasia during inpatient rehabilitation: A case study

BACKGROUND: Communication is essential for successful rehabilitation, yet few aphasia treatments have been investigated during the acute stroke phase. Alternative modality use including gesturing, writing, or drawing has been shown to increase communicative effectiveness in people with chronic aphasia. Instruction in alternative modality use during acute stroke may increase patient communication and participation, therefore resulting in fewer adverse situations and improved rehabilitation outcomes. The study purpose was to explore a multimodal communication program for aphasia (MCPA) implemented during acute stroke rehabilitation. MCPA aims to improve communication modality production, and to facilitate switching among modalities to resolve communication breakdowns. METHODS: Two adults with severe aphasia completed MCPA beginning at 2 and 3 weeks post onset a single left-hemisphere stroke. Probes completed during each session allowed for evaluation of modality production and modality switching accuracy. RESULTS: Participants completed MCPA (10 and 14 treatment sessions respectively) and their performance on probes suggested increased accuracy in the production of various alternate communication modalities. However, increased switching to an alternate modality was noted for only one participant. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation of multimodal treatment during inpatient rehabilitation is warranted. In particular, comparisons between multimodal and standard treatments would help determine appropriate interventions for this setting.
Changes in the Relative Structure of Wages and Employment: A Comparison of Canada, France and the United States

Standard economic models suggest that adverse demand shocks will lead to bigger employment losses if institutional factors like minimum wages or trade unions prevent real wages from declining. Some analysts have argued that this insight explains the dichotomy between the United States, where real wages of less-skilled workers fell over the 1980s and aggregate employment expanded vigorously, and Europe, where real wages of less-skilled workers were constant and employment was stagnant. We test this hypothesis by comparing recent changes in wage and employment rates for different age and education groups in Canada, France and the United States. We argue that similar trade and technology shocks that led to falling real wages for less-skilled workers in the United States have affected Canada and France. Consistent with the view that labor market institutions in these countries inhibit wage flexibility, we find that the relative wages of less-skilled workers fell somewhat less in Canada than in the United States during the 1980s and did not fall at all in France. Nevertheless, we find similar patterns of employment changes by skill group in the three countries.
Curve‐Fitting: Modeling Spectra

Practical advice on fitting peak models to data is given—how to choose the peak shapes, which algorithms to use, the sensitivity of different parameters to initial conditions, avoiding overfitting. Perhaps the most important advice of all discusses the frequently applied tactic of smoothing prior to fitting. Keywords: peak fitting; curve fitting; modeling; deconvolution; nonlinear; Levenberg–Marquardt; Chi squared; Gaussian; Lorentzian; parameterization
What's your diagnosis?: Dermal Lesions, Hemorrhage, and Limb Swelling in Laboratory Axolotls

What's your diagnosis?: Dermal Lesions, Hemorrhage, and Limb Swelling in Laboratory Axolotls
Evolution of the perlecan/HSPG2 gene and its activation in regenerating Nematostella vectensis.

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2)/perlecan gene is ancient and conserved in all triploblastic species. Its presence maintains critical cell boundaries in tissue and its large (up to ~900 kDa) modular structure has prompted speculation about the evolutionary origin of the gene. The gene’s conservation amongst basal metazoans is unclear. After the recent sequencing of their genomes, the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis and the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens have become favorite models for studying tissue regeneration and the evolution of multicellularity. More ancient basal metazoan phyla include the poriferan and ctenophore, whose evolutionary relationship has been clarified recently. Our in silico and PCR-based methods indicate that the HSPG2 gene is conserved in both the placozoan and cnidarian genomes, but not in those of the ctenophores and only partly in poriferan genomes. HSPG2 also is absent from published ctenophore and Capsaspora owczarzaki genomes. The gene in T. adhaerens is encoded as two separate but genetically juxtaposed genes that house all of the constituent pieces of the mammalian HSPG2 gene in tandem. These genetic constituents are found in isolated genes of various poriferan species, indicating a possible intronic recombinatory mechanism for assembly of the HSPG2 gene. Perlecan’s expression during wound healing and boundary formation is conserved, as expression of the gene was activated during tissue regeneration and reformation of the basement membrane of N. vectensis. These data indicate that the complex HSPG2 gene evolved concurrently in a common ancestor of placozoans, cnidarians and bilaterians, likely along with the development of differentiated cell types separated by acellular matrices, and is activated to reestablish these tissue borders during wound healing.
Multi-electronic effects in uranium dioxide from X-ray Emission Spectroscopy

Abstract X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES) and Bremstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy (BIS), two electron-in/photon-out measurements, have been used to probe multi-electronic effects in the important actinide compound, uranium dioxide (UO 2 ). The new observables in the XES are a distinct satellite, a core-to-core-transition, and the lack of a spin-orbit-split satellite peak. New XES data for 4f and 4p derived transitions are presented and discussed. Electron shielding in the 4d 5/2 main and satellite XES peaks is discussed in light of the experimental observations.
Discriminant analysis of urethral pressure profilometry data for the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence.

Summary. Urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) has been advocated for the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence (GSI) but no published data exist to define clearly the criteria of measurement that should be used. The aim of this study was to examine the value of UPP in the diagnosis of GSI. Data from 102 urodynamically normal women and 70 women with GSI were compared. Thirty UPP variables from the resting and stress profiles were examined. The urodynamic diagnosis was made on the basis of a pad test, uroflowmetry and videocystourethrography. Each UPP variable was examined singly and thereafter all the measurements were examined by discriminate analysis. The single most discriminatory UPP variable was ‘area under the stress profile’ but the overlap between normal and GSI patients was too great to allow the test to be used diagnostically. Discriminate analysis resulted in correct classification in 78% of cases. On the basis of these results, UPP is not an accurate test for the diagnosis of GSI.
Casino, Asbury Park, NJ

A meditation on a contemporary seaside ruin, which shows how the ruin of an old boardwalk arcade can serve as a symbol for one community's rise and fall as well as the nation's promise and failures in the wake of 9/11 and in light of our current economic crisis.
Characterization of lens capsule collagen: evidence for the presence of two unique chains in molecules derived from major basement membrane structures.

Abstract A collagen fraction representing two-thirds of the collagenous sequences in bovine lens capsules has been isolated following limited pepsin digestion and purified by DEAE- and carboxymethyl-cellulose chromatography in native form. The denaturation products of this collagen contain two types of components. The more acidic components (C and 50K1) are, respectively an α-chain-sized collagenous polypeptide and a mixture of smaller molecular weight proteolytic cleavage products of the C chain. The more basic components (80K and 50K2) represent, respectively, a collagenous polypeptide with an apparent Mr = 80,000 and a mixture of smaller molecular weight components derived through proteolysis of the 80K component. The C chain and 80K components are unique with respect to chromatographic properties, amino acid composition, and cyanogen bromide cleavage products. These data are interpreted to indicate that lens capsule basement membrane collagen molecules collectively contain at least two genetically distinct collagen chains: the C chain representing the collagenous domain of one type of chain and the 80K component representing the major portion of the collagenous domain of a second type of chain, designated the D chain.
Mother-child play and emerging social behaviors among infants from maltreating families.

Mother-child play of 12-month-old infants (N=130) from maltreating (N=78) and non-maltreating (N=52) families was analyzed as a context that integrates infants' developing social and cognitive skills. Play was coded from semistructured and unstructured play paradigms. No group differences were found in infants' play maturity. Infants from abusing families demonstrated more imitative play than infants from non-maltreating families, and engaged in less independent play than infants from both neglecting and non-maltreating families, suggesting a delay in emerging social behaviors. Mothers from abusing and non-maltreating families differed in attention directing behaviors. Maternal behaviors predicted child play style variables, but did not mediate the effects of maltreatment. Findings discuss the influence of an early maltreating environment upon the development of the emergent self. Implications for early intervention are underscored. Language: en
AgreementMaker: efficient matching for large real-world schemas and ontologies

We present the AgreementMaker system for matching real-world schemas and ontologies, which may consist of hundreds or even thousands of concepts. The end users of the system are sophisticated domain experts whose needs have driven the design and implementation of the system: they require a responsive, powerful, and extensible framework to perform, evaluate, and compare matching methods. The system comprises a wide range of matching methods addressing different levels of granularity of the components being matched (conceptual vs. structural), the amount of user intervention that they require (manual vs. automatic), their usage (stand-alone vs. composed), and the types of components to consider (schema only or schema and instances). Performance measurements (recall, precision, and runtime) are supported by the system, along with the weighted combination of the results provided by those methods. The AgreementMaker has been used and tested in practical applications and in the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative (OAEI) competition. We report here on some of its most advanced features, including its extensible architecture that facilitates the integration and performance tuning of a variety of matching methods, its capability to evaluate, compare, and combine matching results, and its user interface with a control panel that drives all the matching methods and evaluation strategies.
The Potential Application of Expert Systems in Dairy Extension Education

Abstract The application of artificial intelligence technologies encompasses a number of fields with opportunities for exploiting these tools to solve real world problems that traditional programming environments do not offer. Expert systems offer a structured approach to knowledge representation and use techniques to manipulate data in ways that may generate inferences not explicitly programmed. When encoded in an expert system, rules help guide the user through masses of data and the expert's reasoning strategies and rules captured in die system. An expert system approach to problem solving provides a flexible yet structured approach to many problems that extension specialists ("experts in a field") now solve relatively routinely. The data-intensive nature of dairy herd management analysis offers numerous opportunities to apply expert system concept to the monitoring and controlling of herd performance. The ability to query the expert system rule structure during a consultation provides the user the opportunity to view the flow of the rules used during the session, thereby increasing the user's expertise and providing an instructional experience. The expert system development process is necessarily iterative and therefore demands a highly flexible programming environment. An overview of factors to consider when evaluating the potential for using an expert system for a particular application and factors to consider when selecting an expert systems programming environment will be discussed.
Manipulating atoms and molecules with a scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract We report recent developments in the manipulation of atoms and molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces using a scanning tunneling microscope. We demonstrate that individual adsorbates can be positioned with atomic precision with the “sliding process” in which the tip is dragged in close proximity atop the adsorbed atom or molecule. Using this process we have successfully built simple structures from Xe atoms on the Ni(110) surface as well as from CO molecules and Pt atoms on a Pt(111) substrate.
Micro-Raman spectroscopic investigation of dental calcified tissues.

The purpose of this study was to determine if dental calcified junctions (DEJs/CDJs) in human teeth contain different compositional phases compared to the adjacent dental calcified tissues. Peak positions and intensities were determined from micro-Raman spectra for PO and the CH modes and compared among the mineralized tissues and their junctions. Values of width were determined from the intersections of intensity regression lines through the junctions and in the adjacent tissues. The peaks were measured in 1-μm steps along a l00-μm line across the junction. High-resolution analysis revealed that PO band peaks for dentin, the DEJ, enamel, the CDJ, and cementum were at the same position (959 cm−1), while for the CH stretching mode a significant shift of 4.6 cm−1 was found between enamel, the DEJ, and dentin. The mean width of the DEJ was 7.6 (± 2.8) μm using the PO band and 8.6 (± 3.6) μm using the CH stretching mode. Across the DEJ, the mineral content monotonically decreased from enamel to dentin while the organic component monotonically increased. The DEJ width was in agreement with prior nanoindentation studies. No width estimate was possible for the CDJ because the compositional differences between cementum and dentin were small. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 69A: 286–293, 2004
Modelling of microdischarge devices: plasma and gas dynamics

Microdischarge devices (MDs) share many properties with their macroscopic counterparts while having unique features resulting from their ability to sustain large current densities and power depositions on a continuous basis at pressures approaching atmospheric. The dynamics of cylindrical, metal–dielectric–metal sandwich MDs sustained in Ar having characteristic sizes of a few hundred micrometres have been computationally investigated using a plasma-transport model which includes gas dynamics. We found that these devices closely resemble negative glow discharges, as they are sustained by, and particularly sensitive to, ionization resulting from secondary electron emission from the cathode. Since these MDs operate on a cw basis with large current densities and power deposition, gas heating and flow dynamics are important considerations in optimizing their electrical and kinetic properties. For example, the formation of excimer species is particularly sensitive to gas heating and rarefaction due to their dependence on three-body formation processes. Scalings of MDs with pressure, current and secondary emission coefficient are discussed.
Behavioral Complications of Drug Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

A variety of neuropharmacologic agents, including anticholinergic drugs, amantadine hydrochloride, levodopa, selegiline, bromocriptine, and pergolide, are now available for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Of patients treated with dopaminergic agents, 30% develop visual hallucinations, 10% exhibit delusions, 10% have euphoria, 1% have mania, 10% to 15% experience increased anxiety, 15% have confusional periods, and a few exhibit altered sexual behavior. Anticholinergic drugs have a greater tendency to produce confusional states than dopaminergic compounds. Elderly patients and those with underlying dementia are most likely to have untoward side effects with anti-parkinsonism treatment. Dosage reduction is the optimum management strategy, although anti-psychotic agents may be necessary in patients with delusions, and lithium may help control drug-induced mania. Dopaminergic agents share the property of stimulation of D2 dopamine receptors, and this action may play an essential role in mediating their neuropsychiatric effects.
SUPER-REGULARITY IN LOCAL RINGS

for which the bi-functor Extz(-, -) is non-vanishing) is quite independent from the weak (or Tor -) dimension of A (i.e. the last integer n for which the bi-functor Tort (-, -) is non-vanishing). En this note we show that equality of these dimensions in local rings is related to phenorn- ena of finiteness of prime ideals. We recall that a ring A is coherent if its finitely generated ideals are finitely pre- sented. A coherent local ring A of (finite) global dimension equal to its Tor-dimen- sion will be called super-regular. This restriction on the definition to local rings is necessitated as super-regularity is not stable under localizations, among other mis- behaviours. Nevertheless, we can state Theorem. The
Multiphase sine-shaper circuit

This paper describes a method of generating multiple sine waves of the same frequency but at different phases. The circuit, relying upon bipolar transistors, is compact and easily produces several phases. The amplitude and the frequency of the sine waves can vary while keeping the phase angle between the different waves constant. A four phase circuit was built on a linear integrated circuit array using bipolar transistors. A similar circuit, also built on the same array, provided temperature compensation. The integrated circuit provided three sine waves to control an induction motor. The phase differences between the three output phases were less than one degree, and amplitude differences were within two percent.
A Light Addressable Photoelectrochemical Cyanide Sensor

A sensor is demonstrated that is capable of spatial discrimination of cyanide with use of only a single stationary sensing element. Different spatial regions of the sensing element are light activated to reveal the solution cyanide concentration only at the point of illumination. In this light addressable photoelectrochemical (LAP) sensor the sensing element consists of an n-CdSe electrode immersed in solution, with the open-circuit potential determined under illumination. In alkaline ferro-/ferricyanide solution, the open-circuit photopotential is highly responsive to cyanide, with a linear response of (120 mV) log [KCN]. LAP detection with a spatial resolution of ±1 mm for cyanide detection is demonstrated. The response is almost linear for 0.001−0.100 m cyanide with a resolution of 5 mV.
Efficacy and safety of injectable mixed collagenase subtypes in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Purpose To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of an injectable mixed subtype collagenase for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture (DC). Methods Patients with flexion deformities of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of 20° or greater were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients completing this phase could enter an open-label extension phase. The primary efficacy variable was clinical success: contracture correction to within 5° of normal (normal, 0°). Additional efficacy variables included the time and number of injections required to achieve success in the primary joint. Recurrence of contracture to 20° or greater in successfully treated joints and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Results Thirty-three of 35 patients (mean ± SD, 61 ± 9 y) entering the double-blind phase completed the study; 19 of them entered the open-label extension. In the double-blind phase, clinical success of the primary joint was achieved in 16 of 23 patients receiving 1 injection and in 21 of 23 patients receiving 3 injections. No placebo-treated patients achieved joint correction. In the open-label extension, 17 of 19 patients achieved clinical success in at least 1 joint. The mean number of injections for clinical success in the double-blind and extension phases was 1.5 and 1.4, respectively; the time to clinical success ranged between 1 and 29 days. Overall, of 62 joints (31 MCP, 31 PIP) treated in 35 patients, 54 joints achieved clinical success. Over the 24-month follow-up period after the last injection, 5 joints had a recurrence. The most frequent treatment-related AEs were local reactions to injections. AEs were mild and resolved over several weeks. There were no serious treatment-related AEs. Conclusions The collagenase injections safely and effectively corrected MCP and PIP contractures in patients with 1 or more DC-affected joints. Recurrence rates after treatment appear to be low. Data suggest that this collagenase appears to be a viable nonsurgical treatment option for DC. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic I.
Broadband tuning of the Los Alamos free-electron lasers and potential applications

Abstract We examine the prospects for broadband wavelength tuning on the two new free-electron lasers (FELs) presently under construction at Los Alamos: the APLE prototype experiment (APEX) (formerly known as HIBAF) and the advanced FEL (AFEL). Both of these devices are driven by photoelectric injectors, and both facilities should operate initially in the 3 to 5 μm range. We present results of theoretical studies of extended tuning ranges for these facilities. We also briefly discuss the feasibility of using the light from these devices to carry out applications experiments such as DNA spectroscopy, photospallation, and band-gap measurements in solids.