cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of HD-format 1280 x 1024 InAsSb-on-GaAs two-color MWIR/MWIR and SWIR/MWIR focal-plane array technology

We discuss our recent work in development of 1280 x 1024/12μm pitch bulk InAsSb MWIR/MWIR twocolor focal planes with cutoff wavelengths of 4.2μm and 5.1μm in the two bands as well as SWIR/MWIR focal planes with cutoff wavelengths of 3.0μm and 4.9μm. Barrier detectors based on the InAsSb materials system have recently been developed to realize substantial improvements in the performance of MWIR detectors operating in a single MWIR wavelength band, enabling FPA performance at operating temperatures as high as 150K. We have extended this detector architecture to encompass two-color detectors operating in a sequential mode utilizing back-to-back barrier devices. These detectors utilize the ternary alloy InAsSb materials system grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates as a pathway to cost-effective production of large-area focal-plane arrays. Based on extensive FPA characterization, NEDT values of 18.3mK (Band-1) and 14.2mK (Band-2) were measured under f/2.3 illumination at an array operating temperature of T = 120K, with high NEDT operabilities (2x median) of 99.93% and 99.7% in Band-1 and Band-2, respectively. No significant performance degradation was observed in epoxystabilized hybrids after 500 thermal cycles between 300K and 110K. Finally, we discuss the progress that has been made in SWIR/MWIR array development and present measurements of 1280 x 1024 FPA performance for SWIR/MWIR focal planes with cutoff wavelengths of 3.0μm and 4.9μm at T = 120K. NEDT values (f/2.3 illumination) of 18.5mK (SWIR) and 15.0mK (MWIR) and high operabilities of 99.96% (SWIR) and 99.3% (MWIR) for cutoff wavelengths of 3.0μm and 4.9μm were measured.
REGARDING AMORIS LAETITIA : ITS LANGUAGE, ITS RECEPTION, SOME CHALLENGES, AND AGNOSTICISM OF SOME OF THE HIERARCHY

ABSTRACT Five years after its promulgation, the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia is continuing to shape the church by reforming its pastoral ministry in particular, its work in marriage and family life. This essay looks at the key contents of the lengthy document by considering the rich language it uses as well as the varied imaginative modes of reception by bishops, theologians, and lay leaders. It investigates a sustained criticism that argues for further reform, though in line with the basic arguments of Amoris Laetitia. It notes, nonetheless, that in the United States some of the episcopacy display an indifference to the magisterial teaching and concludes suggesting that that indifference needs to be investigated.
Thermodynamics drives coenzyme redundancy in metabolism

Abstract Coenzymes redistribute a variety of resources (e.g., electrons, phosphate groups, methyl groups) throughout cellular metabolism. For a variety of reactions requiring acceptors or donors of specific resources, there often exist degenerate sets of molecules (e.g., NAD(H) and NADP(H)) that carry out similar functions. Several hypotheses can explain the persistence of coenzyme degeneracy, but none have been tested quantitatively. Here, we use genome-wide metabolic modeling approaches to decompose the selective pressures driving enzymatic specificity for coenzymes in the metabolic network of Escherichia coli. Flux balance modeling predicts that only two enzymes (encoded by leuB and pdxB) are thermodynamically constrained to use NAD(H) over NAD(P)H. In contrast, structural and sequence analyses reveal widespread conservation of residues that retain selectivity for NAD(H), suggesting that additional forces drive enzyme specificity. Using a model accounting for the cost of oxidoreductase enzyme expression, we find that coenzyme redundancy universally reduces the minimal amount of protein required to catalyze coenzyme-coupled reactions, inducing individual reactions to strongly prefer one coenzyme over another when reactions are near thermodynamic equilibrium. We propose that partitioning of flux across multiple coenzyme pools could be a generic phenomenon of cellular metabolism, and hypothesize that coenzymes typically thought to exist in a single pool (e.g., CoA) may exist in more than one form (e.g., dephospho-CoA).
Extent of tumor fibrosis/hyalinization and infarction following neoadjuvant radiation therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma.

Introduction Current standard of care for most intermediate and high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) includes limb-preserving surgical resection with either neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NRT) or adjuvant radiation therapy. To date, there have been a few studies that attempt to correlate histopathologic response to NRT with oncologic outcomes in patients with STS. Methods Using our institutional database, we identified 58 patients who received NRT followed by surgical resection for primary intermediate or high-grade STS and 34 patients who received surgical resection without NRT but did receive adjuvant radiation therapy or did not receive any radiation therapy. We analyzed four histologic parameters of response to therapy: residual viable tumor, fibrosis/hyalinization, necrosis, and infarction (each ratiometrically determined). Data were stratified into two binary groups. Unadjusted, 5- and 10-year overall survival, and relapsed-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Analysis of pathologic characteristics showed that patients treated with NRT demonstrate significantly higher tumor infarction, higher tumor fibrosis/hyalinization, and a lower percent viable tumor compared with patients not treated with NRT (p 12.5% tumor fibrosis/hyalinization have significantly higher overall survival and recurrence-free survival at 5 and 10 years. Discussion and conclusion We have identified three histopathologic characteristics-fibrosis, hyalinization, and infarction-that may serve as predictive biomarkers of response to NRT for STS patients. Future prospective studies will be needed to confirm this association.
16 – Design, processing, and characterization of triaxially braided natural fiber epoxy-based composites

In this chapter, we discuss the development of a triaxially braided natural fiber-based composite system. The composite is manufactured using triaxially braided regenerated cellulose fibers and a high biocontent epoxy resin in a resin infusion process. The cellulose fibers yield quasi-isotropic mechanical properties using longitudinal and + 60 and − 60 degrees bias yarns. The cellulose fibers possess a large degree of crystallinity and are more stable than other systems of regenerated natural fibers at high temperatures up to 360 °C (680 °F). This makes the fibers versatile in composite material fabrication. The composite materials fabricated are evaluated for static and dynamic mechanical properties along both the transverse and longitudinal orientations. An analytical approach for predicting the elastic properties of the composite is presented using a 3-layer discrete representation for the longitudinal and bias fibers. This combination of manufacturing approach and materials selected show the possibility of creating continuous fiber composites with repeatability properties using triaxially braided regenerated natural fibers and biobased polymeric epoxy materials.
Intimate Partner Violence and Safer Sex Negotiation: Effects of a Gender-Specific Intervention

This study examined the effects of a gender-specific HIV/STD prevention intervention with two dosage levels (four-session, eight-session) among women reporting physical abuse by a current or recent (past year) intimate partner. From 360 women included in the full randomized trial, we conducted subgroup analyses among 152 women who experienced partner physical abuse within the past year. Unprotected vaginal and anal sex occasions and negotiation skills were examined as outcomes. We also assessed whether the intervention increased previously abused women's subsequent risk of physical abuse. Among abused women, those in the eight-session, but not the four-session, intervention decreased their unprotected sex occasions or maintained consistent safer sex at both 1-month (OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 1.50-8.80) and 1-year (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.17-7.10) postintervention. In the short-term, abused women in both the four- and eight-session groups had a greater odds of using an alternative strategy (e.g., refusal, "outercourse," or mutual testing) and of having a safer sex discussion with their partners relative to their controls, and they scored higher on intention to negotiate safer sex. The intervention did not increase or decrease the incidence of subsequent abuse during the 1-year follow-up period. A gender-specific intervention that focuses on negotiation skills in the context of potentially abusive partners benefits, and does not appear to harm, recently abused women.
Back to the future? Directions for revenue management

A wide range of new industries will join airlines, hospitality and travel companies in embracing revenue management (RM) as an essential component of their business strategies. Large databases of consumer information developed to improve ‘customer relationship management’ (CRM) will provide inputs to consumer choice models, which will in turn allow prices to be set based on estimates of demand elasticity. At the same time, continued advances in optimisation techniques and computation speed will allow different price-product combinations to be offered to each individual consumer. Joint optimisation of price and inventory, combined with realtime updates based on the most current demand forecasts and available inventory, will generate incremental revenue gains that exceed those realised to date.
Analysis of n-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase in mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease)

Abstract Evidence is presented which indicates that the 15-fold increase in N- acetyl -β- d - glucosaminidase activity in the serum of a patient with mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease) resides in two enzyme forms having the electrophoretic characteristics of the bands normally seen in control serums. The increase, however, was most prominent (28 × normal) in the heat stable form (I2 or P) of the enzyme. In contrast, the decreased activity in the fibroblast cells from the same patient was found to be associated with multiple enzyme forms of N- acetyl -β- d - glucosaminidase clearly distinguishable from those normally seen in serum or fibroblast cells obtained from normal controls.
A Review of: “Is Consulting for You? A Primer for Information Professionals”

With a large number of library and information professionals retiring within the next couple of years, it is likely that an increased demand for consultants will occur. Fortunately for those consid...
An Explicit Formula for the Number of Solutions of X^2=0 in Triangular Matrices over a Finite Field

We prove an explicit formula for the number of $n \times n$ upper triangular matrices, over $GF(q)$, whose square is the zero matrix. This formula was recently conjectured by Sasha Kirillov and Anna Melnikov[KM].
Philosopher Kings?: The Adjudication of Conflicting Human Rights and Social Values

Philosopher Kings? The Adjudication of Conflicting Human Rights and Social Values, by George C. Christie, examines the attempts by courts to sort out conflicts involving freedom of expression, including religious expression, on the one hand, and rights to privacy and other important social values on the other. It approaches the subject from a comparative perspective, using principally cases decided by European and United States courts. A significant part of this book analyzes conflicts between freedom of expression and the right to privacy. In a world in which, freedom of expression and privacy are said to be of equal value, the book explores whether it is possible to develop, through case-by-case adjudication, a legal regime which can give clear direction as to what expression is or is not permitted. Otherwise, if such a regime proves impossible, in the guise of recognizing the equal value of expression and privacy, privacy may become de facto the preferred value.
[20] Anti-fusion protein antibodies specific for receptor subtypes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses anti-fusion protein antibodies specific for receptor subtypes. Immunocytochemistry of specific neurochemical markers has been very useful for the study of functional neuroanatomy and has been employed for the localization of presynaptic markers (such as neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and their synthetic enzymes) of chemically defined neurons. Several additional aspects of immunochemical detection provide distinct advantages over radioligand-binding autoradiography for the localization of neurochemical markers. First, whereas binding assays depend on a high-affinity radioligands, antibodies can be generated against many different types of molecules (e.g., receptors, transporters, synthetic enzymes, neurotransmitters, or neuropeptides), regardless of their ligand-binding properties. Second, spatial resolution at the light and electron microscopic levels is superior with immunocytochemical techniques, permitting more precise neuroanatomical localization and allowing more specific questions to be addressed. Third, immunocytochemical methods are readily adapted to multiple-label experiments, using immunofluorescent, silver-intensified immunogold, or immunoperoxidase methods. Molecular biological techniques can be used to raise antibodies against select regions of a receptor subtype. This process avoids several problems with antigen purification, as used in conventional immunological schemes, and produces greater antibody specificity.
Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy: Counting Noble Gas Atoms*

From its beginning, Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RIS) [1] has been recognized as a method for the ionization of matter which is spectroscopically selective and has one-atom sensitivity. Prior to the development of RIS for sensitive analytical purposes, similar laser ionization schemes were proposed [2] for the separation of isotopes. Two-step selective photoionization of Rb atoms was reported [3] by AMBARTSUMYAN, KALININ, and LETOKHOV in 1971. For further information on the history of RIS and the use of various laser methods for sensitive detection of atoms, the reader is referred to recent reviews [4–6].
On the relative immunogenicity of DR alloantigens: T cell recognition of HLA-DR2a and HLA-DR2b

The HLA-DR2 haplotype encodes two highly polymorphic DR molecules, DR2a and DR2b. Because little is known regarding the relative immunogenicity of different HLA-DR molecules, we have studied the T-cell recognition of DR2a and DR2b molecules from the DRw15, Dw2 haplotype. A series of DR2-specific alloreactive T-cell clones were analyzed with murine L-cell transfectants expressing either the DR2a or the DR2b molecules as stimulator cells in proliferation assays. Somewhat surprisingly, both DR2a and DR2b were capable of stimulating DR2-specific T-cell clones with equal magnitude and similar frequency. In addition, DR2a and DR2b are functionally distinct, that is, no clone was identified which was stimulated by both DR2a and DR2b molecules.
Health, Health Insurance, and Decision to Exit from Farming

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of health and health insurance on farmers’ exit decision-making process. Using data from 2000 to 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we tested the following three hypotheses: (1) Health condition affects farmers’ exit decision; (2) Having health insurance discourages farmers from exiting; (3) Obtaining health insurance helps farmers with physical health problems to continue farming. Empirical results indicated that having health insurance has a positive effect on encouraging farmers to continue farming regardless of health condition. The study results also suggested that farmer’s health condition and access to health insurance have noticeably larger marginal impacts on farmer’ exit decision than income and other commonly-considered socio-economic and demographic variables.
A Positive Spin on the Centromere

The properties of centromeric nucleosomes have been the subject of considerable debate and controversy. Furuyama and Henikoff (2009) now provide surprising evidence that centromeric nucleosomes wrap DNA in an orientation that is opposite to that of canonical nucleosomes.
Enforcing Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks

Spectrum sensing and sharing the sensing results is one of the most important tasks for the operation of a cognitive radio network. It is even more crucial in a multi-hop cognitive radio network, where there is no omni-present central authority. But since communicating the sensing results periodically to other users consumes significant amount of energy, users tend to conserve energy by not sharing their results. This non-cooperation will lead to lesser clarity in spectrum occupancy map. Therefore, appropriate strategies are required to enforce cooperative sharing of the sensing results. The classic Tit-For-Tat strategy cannot be used because punishing a node by not broadcasting the sensing results also affects other nodes. In this paper, we address this problem by exploiting the unique characteristics of cross-layer interaction in cognitive radios to sustain cooperative spectrum sensing. In this direction, we design a Cross-Layer game which is a combination of the spectrum sensing game in the physical layer and packet forwarding game in the network layer. In this strategy, users punish those who do not share their sensing results by denying to cooperate in the network layer. The Cross-Layer game is modeled as a noncooperative non- zero-sum repeated game and a Generous Tit-For-Tat strategy is proposed to ensure cooperation even in the presence of collisions and spectrum mobility. We prove that the Nash Equilibrium of this strategy is mutual cooperation and that it is robust against attacks on spectrum sensing and sharing session.
APL2 and AI: a study of search

The APL2 language and its environment offers a number of features which make it an effective vehicle for AI research and for the development of knowledge-based systems. In the language, general arrays can easily model various knowledge representations; it is easy to model parallel behavior; there are various ways to implement deductive reasoning: and there are some interesting features that support a functional style of programming. In the environment, editors, interactive graphics, and debugging tools provide excellent human interfaces; Fortran, REXX, and Assembler routines may transparently replace APL2 functions; relational tables which are subsets of APL2 arrays may be retrieved dynamically; and user-to-user shared variable processing can be used to model parallel behavior.In this paper, we will demonstrate the usage of APL2 for AI problems by presenting concise functional programs for searching a database of rules and facts. Various simple enhancements are shown which extend the scope of the programs to and/or, heuristic, bi-directional, and parallel search.
Incorporating Intermicellar Interactions in the Fitting of SANS Data from Cationic Wormlike Micelles

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) from cationic wormlike micellar solutions composed of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) and hexadecylpyridinium bromide (CPyBr) in deuterated water was studied at 40 °C as a function of surfactant and salt concentrations. Two scattering functions of semiflexible chains incorporating excluded volume effects, with and without the intermicellar interactions, were used in SANS data model fitting. Two needed changes were made in the well-accepted models. Extensive and systematic SANS data analysis suggests the robustness of these corrected scattering functions when the intermicellar interactions are included. The influence of the headgroups and ionic strength on the contour length and micellar flexibility of these two systems was demonstrated on the basis of the quantitative structural information obtained from the model fitting. Micellar flexibility was found to depend on surfactant concentration, even when intermicellar interactions were taken into account, desp...
INTERNATIONAL AND US MEDICAL GRADUATES IN US CITIES

Objectives This study examines the comparative distributions of postresident international medical graduates (IMGs) and US medical graduates (USMGs) in high and low poverty areas of US cities. Existing research has established that IMGs are more likely than USMGs to practice in urban areas, yet there is the question whether IMGs locate more frequently than USMGs in urban poverty areas.
METHANE CONSUMPTION IN CARIACO TRENCH WATERS AND SEDIMENTS

Detailed measurements of CH4 in the water column and sediments of the Cariaco Trench show that CH4 is non-conservative in both environments. Concentration differences between the sediments and adjacent overlying water suggest that the sediments are the source of the water column CH4. Co-metabolism of CH4 by sulfate reducers appears to be the CH4 sink in anoxic environments.
Flux pinning by grain boundaries in Pb—Bi alloy films

Abstract Grain-boundary flux pinning has been measured at 4·2 K and below in thin (0·04 to 2·6 μm thick) polycrystalline films of Pb—18% Bi alloy (k ≃ 7). Specimen geometry and grain alignment allow an easy separation of surface flux pinning and grain-boundary flux pinning. Measurements over a range of grain sizes (0·4 to 2·6 μm) indicate a specific flux pinning strength per effective grain-boundary area (2Q GB) of roughly 40 N m−2. This is of the order of magnitude predicted by the ‘electron scattering flux pinning’ (ESFP) model of Yetter, Thomas and Kramer (1982). Grain-boundary flux pinning in these films fails to scale with temperature.
A novel small protein associated with a conjugated trienoic chromophore from membranes of scallop adductor muscle: phosphorylation by protein kinase A.

Abstract Membranes enriched in sarcolemma from the cross-striated adductor muscle of the deep sea scallop have been found to contain a previously undescribed small protein of 6–8 kDa that can be released by treatment with organic solvent mixtures. This proteolipid co-purified with a non-amino acid chromophore containing a conjugated trienoic moiety. Although common in plants and algae, such a stable conjugated trienoic group is unusual for an animal cell. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was XEFQHGLFGXF/ADNIGLQ, which most strongly resembles sequences in the triacyl glycerol lipase precursor and the product of the human breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA 1, but does not show similarity to previously described proteolipids. The protein was found to be one of the major substrates in its parent membrane for the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A, which may imply a regulatory function for this molecule.
Vav3 Enhances Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Activity and Is Critical for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Growth and Survival

Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is treated by androgen deprivation; however, patients inevitably relapse with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC remains dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which may include constitutive, ligand-independent action of naturally occurring AR splice variants. For example, the AR splice variant AR3 (also termed AR-V7) is expressed in CRPC and is linked to poor prognosis. Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is an AR coactivator that is up-regulated in human prostate cancer compared with benign tissue and in preclinical models of CRPC. Vav3 confers castration-resistant growth to androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells. Despite the importance of AR coactivators in promoting CRPC, the potential role of these regulatory proteins in modulating AR splice variant activity is unknown. We examined the contributions of Vav3 to AR activity in two CRPC cell lines that naturally express relatively high levels of Vav3 and AR3. Vav3 or AR3 knockdown greatly attenuated cell proliferation, soft agar growth, and ligand-independent AR activity. Vav3 potently enhanced the transcriptional activity of AR3 and another clinically relevant AR splice variant, ARv567es. Vav3 knockdown resulted in lowered nuclear AR3 levels, whereas total AR3 levels remained similar. Conversely, overexpression of Vav3 resulted in increased nuclear AR3. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that AR3 and Vav3 interact. These novel data demonstrating physical and functional interactions between Vav3, a unique AR coactivator, and an AR splice variant provide insights into the mechanisms by which Vav3 exploits and enhances AR signaling in the progression to CRPC.
SUMMARY OF THE DSM-IV MOOD DISORDERS FIELD TRIAL AND ISSUE OVERVIEW

The DSM-IV Mood Disorders Field Trial addressed several issues concerning the relationship among major depression, dysthymia, recurrent brief depression, minor depression, and depressive personality disorder. The Mood Disorders Field Trial is a naturalistic, multisite study that investigated the diagnostic criteria for dysthymia, the reliability and validity of longitudinal course modifiers, the nosology of minor and recurrent brief depression, and the relationship between depressive personality disorder and dysthymia. Research on the nosology of chronic depressive disorders will, it is hoped, contribute to a better understanding of patho-physiology, etiology, and treatment. This article presents findings from the Field Trial as well as brief reviews of the other nine articles in this issue.
Determination of water contents in leaves by a near-infrared multispectral imaging technique

Abstract The kinetics of water desorption from olive leaves was studied using a near-infrared (NIR) multispectral imaging spectrometer. This imaging spectrometer is capable of sensitively and rapidly recording NIR spectral images of leaves because it was constructed with an acousto-optic tunable filter and an InGaAs focal plane array NIR camera. The high sensitivity and fast scanning ability of the imaging spectrometer make it suitable for kinetic determination. The kinetics of water desorption from olive leaves, determined by this multispectral imaging instrument, show that rate of water desorption is strongly dependent on the environment in which the leaves were stored. Water desorbed from leaves faster when leaves were stored under dry conditions. The rate for leaves stored in 0% humidity environment is 1.5× faster than those stored in 50% humidity.
The pure rotational spectrum of platinum monocarbide, PtC

Abstract The J = 1 ← J = 0 and J = 2 ← J = 1 rotational transitions of platinum monocarbide, PtC, have been recorded using the separated field pump/probe microwave optical double resonance technique and analyzed to determine the fine and hyperfine parameters for the X 1 Σ + ( v = 0) state. The 195 Pt ( I = 1/2) nuclear spin–rotation interaction parameter, C I eff , was determined to be +0.138(6) MHz. A comparison with other Pt-containing molecules and a proposed molecular orbital correlation diagram is given.
TAPRAV: a tool for exploring workload aligned to models of task execution

Existing analysis tools are not sufficient for exploring pupillary response, as the data typically needs to be explored in relation to the corresponding task's execution. To address this need, we have developed an interactive visualization tool called TAPRAV. Key components include (i) a visualization of the pupillary response aligned to the model of task execution, useful for making sense of the overall data set; (ii) an interactive overview+detail metaphor, enabling rapid inspection of details; (iii) synchronization with the video of screen interaction, providing awareness of the state of the task; and (iv) interaction supporting discovery driven analysis.
4735 Direct pej vs. transgastric pej for jejunal feeding: a retrospective analysis.

Background: D-PEJ may be performed with a high success rate in a cancer population (Shike, GIE,'96). However, jejunal feeding is more commonly achieved by inserting jejunal extension tubes or single-piece transgastric jejunal tubes (PEG-J). Data comparing D-PEJ and PEG-J techniques are lacking. Methods: Using the Mayo endoscopy database, we identified all patients referred for a D-PEJ since the implementation of this procedure at our institution. Medical records for D-PEJ patients were reviewed to assess technical success, complications, and need for repeat procedures. Patient satisfaction with D-PEJ was evaluated during standardized phone interviews. Patients were asked to rate pain and drainage at the feeding tube site on a 4-point scale (0-none, 1-mild, 2-moderate, 3-severe) and to give an overall rating of satisfaction on a 10-point scale (1-completely dissatisfied through 10-completely satisfied). A comparison group of patients with a PEG-J performed over the past 10 years were identified using our home enteral nutrition database. Data on these patients were collected prospectively by a dietitian during regular phone follow-ups and recorded on an enteral nutrition flow sheet. Results: D-PEJ placement was successful in 18 of 26 patients (69%) over a 12 month-period. Failure was secondary to an inability to transilluminate in six patients and small bowel stricturing in two. Pain (mean duration, 26 days) and drainage (mean duration, 52 days) at the tube site was rated as 2 or higher by 38% and 46% of patients, respectively. 85% of patients reported an overall satisfaction rating of 7 or higher. The comparison PEG-J group consisted of 21 patients (see table). Conclusions: 1. D-PEJ insertion is possible in the majority of patients requiring jejunal feeding. 2. The type and frequency of complications are similar with D-PEJ and PEG-J. 3. At 2 months, less frequent tube replacement was observed among patients undergoing D-PEJ. A longer follow-up period is required to assess whether this trend continues.
Dose-effect and dose-response relationships for lead in children

Lead absorption and prevention of the serious effects of lead poisoning are re-examined from the viewpoints of the critical organ and critical effect concepts and the associated dose-effect and doseresponse relationships. If the critical organ is the first affected and the critical effect is the first measurable adverse effect, intervention on this basis should prevent the occurrence of later, more serious effects. In the range of lead absorption of greatest current pediatric concern (blood lead in the range of 50 to 80 μg/dl), blood lead values are not a good predictor of critical effect, whereas chelatable lead is significantly and linearly related to evidence of critical effect on hemoglobin synthesis in the bone marrow. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin and δ-aminolevulinic acid and coproporphyrin in urine are indicators of this effect. The dose-response concept provides a better way of viewing the relationship between blood lead and measures of adverse effect than do the classifications of “sensitivity,” “specificity,” “false negatives,” and “false positives,” which are often employed in the evaluation of screening tests. The doseresponse concept recognizes the uniqueness of the individual and the presence of susceptible and resistant individuals in heterogeneous population groups. With the dose-response concept, individuals may be identified as reactors or nonreactors, according to whether they exhibit a particular effect. Among the various indicators of lead's critical (or first) effect on hemoglobin synthesis, erythrocyte protoporphyrin potentially is the most practical for monitoring children at high risk for plumbism.
Creating an expandable test executive for automated testing with LabVIEW Object-Oriented Programming (LVOOP)

Designing a test platform that provides automated test capability for multiple Units Under Test (UUTs) presents many unique challenges. Using LabVIEW Object-Oriented Programming (LVOOP) design principles along with Packed Project Libraries, TSC has designed a modular Test Executive (TE) architecture that allows us to easily add capability as test requirements change or expand. This is achieved by following a simple set of rules without recompiling the executable. As a result this flexibility provides long term supportability, improves operational readiness, and reduces total cost of ownership.
A multiprocessor testbed for exploring parallel algorithms in robot dynamics

A multiprocessor machine, KUMARAN, with six target processors for real-time applications and an additional processor using the Unix operating system for development purposes has been implemented at San Diego State University. The machine is used to explore and evaluate parallel algorithms in the area of robot dynamics. A particular approximate algorithm for general inverse dynamics is considered here. The algorithm is based on the execution of each iteration of the recursive Newton-Euler formula associated with a manipulator link on a separate CPU, while the inter-processor synchronization is completely removed. Several experiments were run using a PUMA 560 manipulator as a specific example. Experiments have shown surprisingly small differences between the approximate and exact solutions.
P2 flash visual evoked response delay may be a marker of cognitive dysfunction in healthy elderly volunteers.

In an earlier study, 31 healthy elderly volunteers had normal cognitive function as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Twenty-seven returned for further memory testing using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). The P2 latency of the flash visual evoked response was positively correlated with age (p = .0008), but was not significantly related to gender. Nine of these 27 putatively healthy subjects had a delayed P2, suggestive of dementia. Although unaware of any memory deficits, 5 of the 27 had WMS-R Visual Memory Span percentile scores 1 or more standard deviations less than age-matched controls. Four of the five also had a significantly delayed P2 component. This positive correlation, adjusted for age, between poor Visual Memory Span performance and a delayed P2 was statistically significant (p < .025). These findings suggest that a delayed P2 in putatively healthy subjects is indicative of a visuospatial deficit which might be a precursor of dementia later.
Highly potent propargylamine and allylamine inhibitors of bovine plasma amine oxidase

Abstract Propargylamine was reported many years ago to be a mechanism-based inhibitor of bovine plasma amine oxidase (BPAO), though the potency was modest and allylamine was a substrate. Herein, selected 3-substituted propargylamines and allylamines were found to be potent time-dependent inactivators of BPAO, exhibiting IC 50 values of 2–13 μM at 30 °C, making them the most potent BPAO inhibitors reported to date. The most potent compound, trans -3-chloroallylamine, was previously found not to inhibit the flavin-dependent monoamine oxidase (the cis isomer did), and thus appears to be a highly selective inhibitor.
Preparation and characterization of zirconia-phosphate aerogels

Zirconia-phosphate aerogels were prepared by two methods: a one-step sol-gel synthesis followed by supercritical drying and an incipient wetness impregnation synthesis of a calcined zirconia aerogel. These samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and 1-butene isomerization. We identified both the conditions when zirconia-phosphate aerogels possess Bronsted acid sites, and the phosphate species responsible for their generation.
Stereotyped and plastic song in adult indigo buntings, Passerina cyanea

Abstract The vocal behaviour of indigo buntings was studied by monitoring individual males in sound isolation boxes with a computer-assisted system. Yearlings and older adults sang ‘adult plastic’ song as well as stereotyped song. Distinguishing features of adult plastic song include: a larger syllable repertoire; variable syllable order; emphasis of the syllables that appear in the terminal sequence of stereotyped song; a high-frequency ‘S-note’ of variable morphology; calls; occasional production of syllables poorly formed, of intermediate form, or in combination; and low amplitude of delivery. Stereotyped and adult plastic songs were delivered in distinct bouts. Adult plastic songs of indigo buntings share many of the characteristics of early plastic songs of young birds. Several other extended-age learners also exhibit a complex, variable, and low amplitude adult singing behaviour, sometimes described as subsong, in addition to loud stereotyped song. Indigo buntings, and other species that can learn new songs as adults, may retain into adulthood developmental processes that in most species largely terminate with the onset of stereotyped song.
A novel polymorphism in the human acid sphingomyelinase gene due to size variation of the signal peptide region

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is the lysosomal enzyme required to hydrolyze sphingomyelin into ceramide and phosphocholine. In man, a deficiency of this enzymatic activity leads to Types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD), a panethnic disease with a relatively high incidence among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals. Analysis of the ASM cDNA and genomic sequences revealed a unique hexanucleotide sequence, CTGG(TC)(GT), located within the signal peptide region of the ASM polypeptide (corresponding to the hydrophobic amino acid sequence LVLALALALALA). Notably, five hexanucleotide repeat units were found in the full-length cDNA, while the genomic sequence contained six, suggesting that this region of the ASM gene may be polymorphic. PCR primers were designed to amplify the repeat region and over 700 normal and NPD ASM alleles were analyzed among Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Jewish populations. Five alleles were identified corresponding to nine, seven, six, five and four hexanucleotide repeats, respectively. The allele frequencies were similar among Jewish and non-Jewish populations and no differences were found among normal individuals and Type A and B NPD patients. Thus, it does not appear to be a common cause of NPD. This intriguing repeat polymorphism should be extremely useful to researchers interested in gene identification and characterization of the chromosomal region 11p15.1-p15.4, as well as individuals interested in the biology of this important lysosomal hydrolase.
Prediction of retention of hydroxyl aromatics in normal-phase liquid chromatography with slope-intercept relationships

Abstract Total solubility parameters for normal-phase n -heptane-2-propanol compositions were used to empirically predict the retention of unknown hydroxyl aromatic compounds at different mobile phase compositions on μBondapak NH 2 , CN and μPorasil columns. A single experimental k ′ value was needed to predict k ′ values at other mobile phase compositions for an unknown compound. The method of predicting retention was based on two linear relationships derived from the experimental data. A linear relationship was obtained from plots of log k ′ vs. log total solubility parameter of the mobile phase for standard hydroxyl aromatic compounds. Next, a linear relationship was obtained by plotting the slope as a function of the intercept from the slope and intercept values derived from the log k ′ plots. Combined, the two linear relationships permitted the prediction of retention at different mobile phase compositions for compounds structurally similar to the original data set.
Comparison of elbow contracture release in elbows with and without heterotopic ossification restricting motion.

We compared 16 patients with post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) restricting elbow motion (but not complete bony ankylosis) after elbow trauma with 21 patients with capsular contracture alone to test the hypothesis that HO is associated with diminished motion after release. Patients with burns or head injury were excluded. The preoperative flexion arc averaged 59° in the HO cohort and 52° in the capsular contracture cohort. The mean flexion arc after the index surgery improved by 54° to a mean arc of 113° in the HO cohort and by 35° to a mean of 87° in the capsular contracture cohort ( P = .02). After all subsequent procedures (including procedures to address residual stiffness in 1 patient in the HO cohort and 4 patients in the capsular contracture cohort), the flexion arc averaged 116° in the HO cohort and 98° in the capsular contracture cohort ( P = .19). Open release of post-traumatic elbow stiffness is more effective when HO hindering motion is removed than when there is capsular contracture alone.
The Future of Sentencing and Parole: A Delphi Reassessment of Sentencing and Parole Reforms:

The past decade has seen the rise and, more recently, the slowing of a national movement to reform criminal sentencing in the United States. In the early 1970s several states were in the process of enacting legislation or administrative changes in the imposition of criminal sanctions. Although the celeritous growth and spread of sentencing reform has abated in more recent years, there is still considerable activity in the area of sentencing reform.This work reports a comparison of expectations for reform held over time by both academics and agency practitioners. The objective of the research reported here was to determine how, if at all, perspectives on sentencing reform had changed, given an opportunity to review early reform efforts. To measure this change in expectations, a replication of our earlier Delphi with agency and academic experts (Travis & O'Leary, 1979) was conducted during 1983. Thus, we are able to compare estimates given five years earlier (1978) with these more recent estimates.This rese...
65Zn2+ transport by lobster hepato-pancreatic baso-lateral membrane vesicles

The lobster (Homarus americanus) hepato-pancreatic epithelial baso-lateral cell membrane possesses three transport proteins that transfer calcium between the cytoplasm and hemolymph: an ATP-dependent calcium ATPase, a sodium-calcium exchanger, and a verapamil-sensitive cation channel. We used standard centrifugation methods to prepare purified hepato-pancreatic baso-lateral membrane vesicles and a rapid filtration procedure to investigate whether 65Zn2+ transfer across this epithelial cell border occurs by any of these previously described transporters for calcium. Baso-lateral membrane vesicles were osmotically reactive and exhibited a time course of uptake that was linear for 10–15 s and approached equilibrium by 120 s. In the absence of sodium, 65Zn2+ influx was a hyperbolic function of external zinc concentration and followed the Michaelis-Menten equation for carrier transport. This carrier transport was stimulated by the addition of 150 μM ATP (increase in Km and Jmax) and inhibited by the simultaneous presence of 150 μmol l−1 ATP+250 μmol l−1 vanadate (decrease in both Km and Jmax). In the absence of ATP, 65Zn2+ influx was a sigmoidal function of preloaded vesicular sodium concentration (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 75 mmol l−1) and exhibited a Hill Coefficient of 4.03±1.14, consistent with the exchange of 3 Na+/1Zn2+. Using Dixon analysis, calcium was shown to be a competitive inhibitor of baso-lateral membrane vesicle 65Zn2+ influx by both the ATP-dependent (Ki=205 nmol l−1 Ca2+) and sodium-dependent (Ki=2.47 μmol l−1 Ca2+) transport processes. These results suggest that zinc transport across the lobster hepato-pancreatic baso-lateral membrane largely occurred by the ATP-dependent calcium ATPase and sodium-calcium exchanger carrier proteins.
Poly(1,2‐dimethyl‐5‐vinylpyridinium methyl sulfate). Part II. Polymer properties

Aqueous solutions of poly(1,2-dimethyl-5-vinylpyridinium methyl sulfate) have good viscosity stability at neutral or acid pH's at temperatures up to 100°C. Strongly basic solutions have poor viscosity stability even at room temperature. At the same ionic strength the relative effectiveness of three sodium salts in the reduction of polymer intrinsic viscosity was: sodium phosphate > sodium sulfate > sodium chloride. This trend toward lower intrinsic viscosities with increased ionic strength reversed itself at high ionic strengths. This polymer is very effective in the flocculation of 5% aqueous kaolin suspensions as indicated by several hundred-fold increases in the initial settling rates. A study of some of the important variables (polymer adsorption, polymer intrinsic viscosity, and agitation) related to this property is presented. The mechanism of flocculation is discussed.
A NEW GENUS OF BEAVER (RODENTIA, CASTORIDAE) FROM THE MIOCENE (CLARENDONIAN) OF NORTH AMERICAAND SYSTEMATICS OF THE CASTOROIDINAE BASED ON COMPARATIVE CRANIAL ANATOMY

ABSTRACT The cranium of the Barstovian castoroidine beaver Eucastor tortus (Leidy, 1858), and the Clarendonian species Eucastor burgensis Korth, 2002, Eucastor dividerus Stirton, 1935, Eucastor katensis Korth, 2002, and Dipoides tanneri Korth, 1998, are described and compared. The skull of E. tortus has traits that are similar to those of the Clarendonian Nothodipoides Korth, 2002, that are associated with tooth digging. Other species examined previously referred to Eucastor Leidy, 1858, are nearly identical in cranial morphology to D. tanneri and are similar to the skull of Hemphillian Dipoides Schlosser, 1902. Prodipoides, new genus, is named with Eucastor dividerus Stirton, 1935, as type species, to include the Clarendonian species as new combinations previously referred to Eucastor: Prodipoides burgensis (Korth, 2002), Prodipoides dividerus (Stirton, 1935), Prodipoides katensis (Korth, 2002), Prodipoides lecontei (Merriam, 1896), and Prodipoides phillisi (Wilson, 1968). Eucastor is limited to the nomi...
Experimental design for four mixture components with process variables

The experimental design to model the response of a mixture in four components in the presence of process variables is considered. Two different blocks of blends that are orthogonal for linear or quadratic blending are D-optimized. The two orthogonal blocks of blends are generalized and D-optimized in some cases (and possibly Doptimized in others) to deal with restrictions on the blending component proportions. The pair of orthogonal D-optimal blocks of blends can be used with an arbitrary number of process variables, and requires a reduced number of observations.
The worm and the protozoa: Stereotyped responses or distinct antigens?

Studies of parasitic diseases have provided the best in vivo correlates of the division of CD4+ helper T cells into distinct functional phenotypes, designated T(H)I and T(H)2, that mediate the balanced regulation of cellular and humoral immunity. In this article, Steven Reiner and Richard Locksley focus on why parasitic infections tend to generate such clearly polarized responses and emphasize that early events that mediate maturation signals towards T(H)1- or T(H)2-effector and memory cells remain incompletely defined. Effective vaccination that seeks to mold the developing immune response will need to consider the role of interleukins and various cell-surface molecules that have been identified, thus far, to influence CD4 subset differentiation.
Comparison of methods for 3D laser calibration

Depth estimation using a laser-based vision system requires calibration of both the laser and the camera. A Least-Square Error (LSE) method is compared with a geometric calibration. The LSE method incorporates the inherent non-linear behavior of lasers, while the geometric method does not. Therefore, the LSE method results in a smaller average error. The same LSE method can also be used for camera calibration. Using the calibrated laser and the calibrated camera, the depth map of a 3-D curved surface is obtained, using striped laser lines as a structured lighting source. This paper also proposes an easy way of solving the point correspondence problem.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.