cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mining Non-Redundant Association Rules

The traditional association rule mining framework produces many redundant rules. The extent of redundancy is a lot larger than previously suspected. We present a new framework for associations based on the concept of closed frequent itemsets. The number of non-redundant rules produced by the new approach is exponentially (in the length of the longest frequent itemset) smaller than the rule set from the traditional approach. Experiments using several “hard” as well as “easy” real and synthetic databases confirm the utility of our framework in terms of reduction in the number of rules presented to the user, and in terms of time.
Rat kidney papilla contains abundant synaptobrevin protein that participates in the fusion of antidiuretic hormone-regulated water channel-containing endosomes in vitro

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) regulates renal water excretion by altering the permeability of the collecting duct to water. ADH-responsive epithelial cells are the major cell type lining kidney tubules in the inner medulla and papilla. ADH modulates apical membrane water permeability by the insertion and removal of vesicles containing aquaporin collecting duct water channel protein (now termed AQP-2). To identify and characterize proteins responsible for trafficking of AQP-2-containing vesicles, we utilized antibody and cDNA probes to synaptobrevin b (also termed VAMP-2, for vesicle-associated membrane protein 2), a protein that mediates synaptic vesicle exocytosis in the brain and whose structural homologs are now considered to be components of a complex responsible for intracellular vesicle fusion in all cells. We now report that rat kidney inner medulla and papilla contain abundant synaptobrevin protein. Only light endosomes, one of two types of purified papillary AQP-2-containing endosomes, possess synaptobrevin. Light endosomes fuse in vitro by means of an ATP-dependent process that is significantly inhibited when endosomes are preincubated with either anti-synaptobrevin antibody or tetanus toxin. These data define a functional role for a synaptobrevin protein in the fusion of endosomes in vitro. The presence of abundant synaptobrevin proteins in endosomes containing AQP-2 water channels, as well as insulin-sensitive glucose transporters [Cain, C. C., Trimble, W. S. & Lienhard, G. E. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 11681-11684], and in cells of Malpighian tubules responsible for urine formation in insects [Chin, A. S., Burgess, R. W., Wong, B. R., Schwartz, T. L. & Scheller, R. H. (1993) Gene 131, 175-181] suggests a specialized role for synaptobrevin in vesicle-mediated membrane transport modulated by peptide hormones.
Quasiconvex analysis of multivariate recurrence equations for backtracking algorithms

We consider a class of multivariate recurrences frequently arising in the worst-case analysis of Davis-Putnam-style exponential-time backtracking algorithms for NP-hard problems. We describe a technique for proving asymptotic upper bounds on these recurrences, by using a suitable weight function to reduce the problem to that of solving univariate linear recurrences; show how to use quasiconvex programming to determine the weight function yielding the smallest upper bound; and prove that the resulting upper bounds are within a polynomial factor of the true asymptotics of the recurrence. We develop and implement a multiple-gradient descent algorithm for the resulting quasiconvex programs, using a real-number arithmetic package for guaranteed accuracy of the computed worst-case time bounds.
Fermion-mediated interactions in a dilute Bose-Einstein condensate

We develop a diagrammatic perturbation treatment to calculate the zero-temperature equation of state of the dilute gas mixture of a single spin component Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) and a normal Fermi gas of indistinguishable (single spin) fermion particles. We find that the mean-field description breaks down near the mechanical instability related to the phase separation phenomenon. Our analysis shows that the instability is caused by the competition of the usual short-range and fermion-mediated boson-boson interactions, which result in a boson compressibility that diverges. In the low BEC-density limit, we show that the diagrammatic analysis simplifies, we sum part of the higher-order diagrams, and we discuss the effects of other higher-order contributions.
Castoreum and Steel Traps in Eastern North America

Historians and anthropologists have credited the invention of trapping beaver with castoreum bait and steel traps to the Indians of southeastern Canada in the 1790s. However, English trappers in Virginia used this technique before 1728, and the Indians of southeastern Canada were using it by 1756. It is suggested that the widespread adoption of castoreum and steel traps by Northeastern Indians in the 1790's was due to the collapse of the world fur market after the French Revolution.
Laparoscopic evaluation of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children

Background Routine contralateral inguinal exploration following unilateral herniorrhaphy in children remains controversial. Contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) incidence decreases from 80% in young infants to about 20% to 30% in the adult population. However, the incidence of a clinical hernia appearing subsequently following unilateral herniorrhaphy is 6% to 10%. Methods Fifty consecutive children were evaluated by diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) at the time of inguinal herniorrhaphy. Results The mean age was 3 years. Thirteen of 42 patients (31 %) with a symptomatic confirmed hernia had a contralateral PPV by DL. The mean operating time was 48 minutes. The sensitivity was 98% with a specificity of 100%. No child suffered a complication due to DL. Conclusions We found diagnostic laparoscopy in children with evidence of unilateral inguinal hernia (1) was safe, (2) revealed a 31% incidence of contralateral PPV, and (3) eliminated the need for contralateral exploration in 69%.
On melt layer stability following a plasma disruption

Abstract When hard plasma disruptions produce melting of a surface layer on first wall components, the melt layer is in general also subject to various forces. Among these, the forces produced by eddy currents and the magnetic fields are the most severe, and they may cause the removal of the melt layer. It appears that one of the most effective mechanisms for removal is by a Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Numerical results are presented for both the most critical wavenumber and its amplification exponent as a function of two parameters which account for the effect of viscosity and surface tension. The results given for the critical amplification exponent allow an easy assessment of the stability of a melt layer when the forces are known. Examples of such an assessment are given, and it is found that within the range of estimated eddy-current forces, the melt layer may or may not be stable. Hydrodynamic instabilities induced by flow and tangential forces appear to be less severe than the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.
Motion Planning Amid Transient Obstacles

Motion planning in the presence of time-dependent obstacles is studied. Many of the prior approaches to motion planning problems assume that the obstacles always exist in the environ ment, whether they are stationary or in motion. In this article, I consider the case that the environment contains obstacles whose existing periods are dependent on time i.e., they can appear and disappear in the environment. This formulation allows us to model a variety of time-varying situations that can arise in application domains. A concept similar to that of visibility is used to solve the problem. An algorithm is pre sented to generate a motion in such a dynamic domain, its time-minimality is proved, and computation time is analyzed.
Changing the Paradigm Trust and its Role in Public Sector Organizations

This article explores the feasibility of a trust-based organizational paradigm as a new model for public sector management. A conceptual model is developed from a literature review of more than 100...
An enzyme-coupled continuous fluorescence assay for farnesyl diphosphate synthases

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) catalyzes the conversion of isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate to farnesyl diphosphate, a crucial metabolic intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, ubiquinone and prenylated proteins; consequently, much effort has gone into developing inhibitors that target FDPS. Currently most FDPS assays use either radiolabeled substrates and are discontinuous, or monitor pyrophosphate release and not farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) creation. Here we report the development of a continuous coupled enzyme assay for FDPS activity that involves the subsequent incorporation of the FPP product of that reaction into a peptide via the action of protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase). By using a dansylated peptide whose fluorescence quantum yield increases upon farnesylation, the rate of FDPS-catalyzed FPP production can be measured. We show that this assay is more sensitive than existing coupled assays, that it can be used to conveniently monitor FDPS activity in a 96-well plate format and that it can reproduce IC50 values for several previously reported FDPS inhibitors. This new method offers a simple, safe and continuous method to assay FDPS activity that should greatly facilitate the screening of inhibitors of this important target.
Real-Time Species Distribution Profiling in PEFCs

Knowledge of the species, current, and high frequency resistance distributions within a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is critical to enable prediction of the local performance and accurately quantify various species transport parameters. In micro and portable fuel cell systems, precise knowledge of steady state and dynamic water transport is especially important. This paper examines the distributed prifile of water vapor and other gas phase species in a PEFC, using a novel real-time technique for in situ species distribution measurement within the reactant flow channels of an operating PEFC. This is accomplished with an Agilent Real-Time Gas Analyzer (RTGA) that enables continuous profiling of changing species mole fractions at many locations along the anode and cathode flow paths, and enables detailed understanding of the time scales of the various multi-phase dynamic transport phenomena. Additionally, the periodic presence of liquid water droplets in the cathode can be observed at high current density with this technique.© 2004 ASME
Housing and Social Support for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: State of the Research Literature and Directions for Future Inquiry

Youth who age out of the foster care system often experience a difficult transition to adulthood in several important domains, including housing. Although high rates of homelessness are well documented, scant research has examined how youth navigate housing and living arrangements in the immediate years following emancipation. In addition, little is known about the relationship between social support and housing stability for this population. In this paper, we argue that in policy and practice regarding emancipated foster youth there is a central tension between the goal of “self-sufficiency” and the practical need to maintain and create supportive social connections. We suggest that programs for emancipated youth could benefit from more research and policy attention on this tension and how it may play a role in housing outcomes. In building our argument, we first review the literature on housing and emancipated foster youth in the transition to adulthood period. Next, we discuss the body of research literature exploring the role and function of social support for youth who have aged out of care. We highlight how policies appear to favor the development of self-sufficiency for aged-out youth over the development of a social support network and suggest key directions for future research, policy and practice concerning emancipated foster youth and housing.
Increased Antiviral and Opsonic Activity of a Highly Multimerized Collectin Chimera

Altering the carbohydrate binding properties of surfactant protein D (SP-D) [e.g., by replacing its carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with that of either mannose binding lectin (MBL) or conglutinin] can increase its activity against influenza A virus (IAV). The current study demonstrates that the degree of multimerization of SP-D is another independent determinant of antiviral activity. A chimeric collectin containing the N-terminus and collagen domain of human SP-D and the CRD of MBL formed high-molecular-weight multimers similar to those previously described for human SP-D. Using several complementary assays, and diverse viral strains, the chimeric multimers showed greater anti-IAV activity than similarly multimerized preparations of SP-D or incompletely oligomerized preparations of the chimera. More highly multimerized preparations of the chimera also caused greater increases in uptake of IAV by neutrophils. These studies may have implications for development of collectins as therapeutic agents and understanding of natural variations in susceptibility to IAV infection.
Effects of positioning on respiratory measures in individuals with cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis.

Purpose:To examine the effect of positioning on respiratory measurements in individuals with cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis.Methods:Five individuals aged 17 to 37 years participated in an alternating treatment, single-subject design. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and chest wa
Interdisciplinary Explorations in the History of Children, Adolescents, and Youth--for the Past, Present, and Future.

The course "Growing Up in America: Past, Present, Future" took shape over several years. Its inspiration and development reflect my scholarly and personal interests. The course also self-consciously and explicitly plays off current affairs. Especially compelling is the incessant cry that today the young have lost that special privilege, protection, and innocence that at least some young persons had, it is claimed, at some better time before the present. Thus, for example, the rush of books with such titles as Children without Childhood, The Erosion of Childhood, and The Disappearance of Childhood. The questions and comparisons implicit in such books and in current debates are historical, regardless of how seldom they are posed explicitly or tested within a chronological or comparative frame. Although key questions about the history of childhood and youth resist easy resolution, scholars have made major advances in clarifying conceptions and assumptions, indeed, in defining the questions and ways to approach them.1 Along with many other historians trained after the 1 960s, I was influenced by the new social history. It laid the foundations for my long-term interest not only in the history of children and youth, families, gender, and schools but also in classroom
Simulating the development period of a parasite of sheep on pasture under varying temperature conditions

Abstract This paper uses regression and simulation to develop some stochastic models of time to completion of development (TTCOD) of a parasite of sheep on pasture under the influence of temperature in the presence of adequate moisture. A statistical distribution is fitted to the development of the parasite at the prevalent average temperature for the day. Approximate solutions using Newton–Raphson method, and MLE estimates were obtained for parameters, and Monte Carlo methods were used to simulate the distributions of development of the parasite at constant and varying temperatures, tracking the stochasticity of the completion of development of the parasite on pasture where its infectivity is a menace to livestock and livestock farmers. The simulated distribution provides a tool for predicting infectivity, which can lead to strategies for containing or eliminating infection.
Rational quadratic circles are parametrized by chord length

We show that the chord length parameter assignment is exact for circle segments in standard rational quadratic form.
Selecting and implementing support groups for bereaved adults.

Purpose: This paper offers a rationale for initiating bereavement support groups in sites providing cancer care and delineates models to implement them. Skills needed to lead a bereavement support group are identified, with emphasis on adding to staff members’ competency that has already been developed by facilitating groups for oncology patients and their families. Overview: Bereavement support groups are essential elements in the provision of comprehensive oncology care, though they are seldom offered by staff in the traditional hospital setting. It is important that the bereaved feel that there is a place in which they have the time and understanding required to work through the normal grieving process. Special requirements for facilitators include self-awareness of the impact of loss in their own lives and ability to tolerate both the emotions expressed in the grieving process and the often extended time period required for members' personal healing. Several bereavement support models, including the time-limited, ongoing, monthly, and self-help groups, are documented. Clinical Implications: Bereavement support is an essential element in the provision of comprehensive oncology care. Predictive models to identify individuals who are at higher risk for psychological distress could be used in oncology clinics to facilitate early referral or greater psychological support for family members. Staff members wishing to introduce this service can build on skills already developed leading traditional oncology support groups, and can utilize cofacilitation with a mental health professional to ease the anxiety of assuming a new role and obtain mentoring. Recruitment for a group might be achieved by inviting family members of patients who have died within a specific time frame or by issuing press releases to local papers and church bulletins. Offering bereavement support in the oncology setting is especially helpful to family members who might otherwise be unaware of such a service and who now have the opportunity to attend.
Measurement of the surface dilatational viscosity

Abstract The laminar shear flow of a drop between two parallel planes moving at constant velocities in opposite directions is analyzed in detail assuming that the interfacial behavior may be described by the linear newtonian surface fluid model. It is found that the period of circulation of a tracer particle in the equatorial plane at the drop surface may be used to calculate (3κ + 2ϵ) where κ is the surface dilatational viscosity and ϵ is the surface shear viscosity. A value for κ results after a separate measurement of ϵ using one of the previously proposed experiments appropriate to a liquid-liquid phase interface. The feasibility of this experiment has already been demonstrated by Rumscheidt and Mason. The analysis of their data for a water drop suspended in a silicone oil is presented.
Stability of solutions bifurcating from multiple eigenvalues

Let X and Y be real Banach spaces and G:X × R be a twice continuously differentiate function which is not necessarily linear. Suppose G(u0, α0) = 0 and the dimension of the null space of Gu(u0, α0) is m, where 1 ⩽ m < ∞. Usually, S = {(u, α):G(u, α) = 0}, in a neighborhood of (u0, α0), consists of a finite number of curves emanating from (u0, α0). We will determine the stability of points, (u, α), in S (i.e., the maximum of the real parts of the spectrum of Gu(u, α) for each (u, α) ∈ S) using a general perturbation theorem of Kato. Our results contain as a special case the stability theorems of Crandall and Rabinowitz for the case m = 1. We will also tie our stability theorems together with some bifurcation results of Decker and Keller. Finally we apply our results to systems of reaction diffusion equations.
The Effect of Age Discrimination Laws on Age-Earnings Profiles of Postsecondary Faculty

This study investigates the impact of the abolition of mandatory retirement on earnings profiles of faculty in postsecondary institutions. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) excluded faculty from the protection of age discrimination laws until January 1, 1994, due to perceived adverse effects of this legislation on the academic labor market. After 1994, research has found that more faculty are remaining employed beyond the age of 70 and more institutions are offering early retirement plans. This study adds to the literature by finding that the policy change has steepened age-earnings profiles for cohorts entering the labor market, suggesting a stronger job attachment, and, potentially, efficiency gains.
Formulation optimization for the nanoparticles-in-microsphere hybrid oral delivery system using factorial design.

Abstract The tremendous progress witnessed in the field of biotechnology with respect to discovery of therapeutic and antigenic proteins has propelled the need for development of suitable oral delivery devices for these and other macromolecules. In this study, we report the encapsulation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled gelatin nanoparticles into poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) microsphere (nanoparticle-in-microsphere oral delivery system, NiMOS) by double emulsion like technique and the influence of variables such as polymer concentration in organic phase, amount of nanoparticles added as internal phase, and the speed of homogenization on particle size of NiMOS using a 3 3 randomized full factorial design. A statistical model with interaction terms was derived to predict the particle size of the hybrid system. The results from multiple linear regression analysis and Student's t -test revealed that for obtaining large particles of NiMOS, a high polymer concentration and low speed of homogenization was necessary. In contrast, to obtain particles of smaller size, high speed of homogenization was found to be very important. The mathematical model obtained was validated for prediction of particle size. The encapsulation of gelatin nanoparticles in PCL microsphere was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy. Based on the statistical model we were also successful in producing NiMOS of less than 10 μm in size, which could be used as oral delivery system for therapeutic and antigenic macromolecules.
Post-translational processing of the natural human thyrotropin receptor: demonstration of more than two cleavage sites.

Epitope-mapped monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the TSH receptor (TSHR) were used as immunoblot probes to detect and characterize the molecular species of the receptor present in normal human thyroid tissue. In reduced membrane fractions, both full-length (uncleaved) holoreceptor and cleavage-derived subunits of the holoreceptor were detected. Uncleaved holoreceptor species included a nonglycosylated form of apparent molecular mass 85 kDa and two glycosylated forms of approximately 110 and 120 kDa. The membranes also contained several forms of cleavage-derived TSHR-α and TSHR-β subunits. TSHR-α subunits were detected by antibodies to epitopes localized within the amino terminal end of the TSHR ectodomain and migrated diffusely between 45–55 kDa, reflecting a differentially glycosylated status. TSHR-β subunits were detected by antibodies to epitopes within the carboxyl end of the TSHR ectodomain. Several species of TSHR-β subunit were present, the most abundant having apparent molecular masses of 50...
The Ethical Component 6F Marketing: An Eighteenth-Century View:

Conventionally, marketing activity is seen to occur in a market-directed economic system which is self-regulating; the market mechanism transforms private interests into public interest. The releva...
Characterization of the group-specific polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus.

Abstract The group-specific polysaccharide of the group B Streptococcus was isolated by nitrous acid extraction followed by gel filtration on Sepharose 6B and chromatography on DEAE-Bio-Gel A. It was composed of rhamnose, galactose, N -acetylglucosamine, and glucitol phosphate. Mild periodate oxidation of the polysaccharide resulted in a rapid reduction in molecular weight, indicating that the glucitol was located in the backbone of the polymer. High-resolution 31 P NMR showed the presence of a single type of phosphodiester bond in the molecule. Methylation analysis and several specific chemical degradations were done to determine sugar linkages. The basic structure of the group B polysaccharide consists of a backbone of 2-linked rhamnose, 2,4-linked rhamnose, and glucitol phosphate, and side chains of rhamnose(1 → 3)galactose(1 → 3) N -acetylglucosamine linked to the 4-position of a rhamnose in the backbone.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Marine and Botanical Oils: An 18-Month, Randomized, and Double-Blind Trial

Objective. To determine whether a combination of borage seed oil rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is superior to either oil alone for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients were randomized into a double-blind, 18-month trial. Mixed effects models compared trends over time in disease activity measures. Results. No significant differences were observed in changes in disease activity among the three randomized groups. Each group exhibited significant reductions in disease activity (DAS28) at 9 months (fish: −1.56[−2.16, −0.96], borage: −1.33[−1.83, −0.84], combined: −1.18[−1.83, −0.54]) and in CDAI (fish: −16.95[−19.91, −13.98], borage: −11.20[−14.21, −8.19], and combined: −10.31[−13.61, −7.01]). There were no significant differences in change of RA medications among the three groups. Reduced disease activity in study patients was similar to matched patients from an RA registry, and reduction in DMARD use was greater (P < 0.03) in study patients. Conclusion. All 3 treatment groups exhibited similar meaningful clinical responses after 9 months, improvements which persisted for 18 months, and a response similar to matched patients from an RA registry. Study patients were able to reduce DMARD therapy given in combination with TNF antagonists to a greater extent than registry patients. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Dr. John T. Sharp, M.D., a pioneer and innovator in the field of musculoskeletal radiology
Electronic Communication Networks, Market Makers, and the Components of the Bid-Ask Spread

We investigate why trading costs through Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs) are lower than trading costs with market makers through estimating the components of the bid-ask spread. Additionally, we show how the composition and size of bid-ask spreads change with the market environment. We find the adverse selection cost component of the bid-ask spread to be lower when ECNs are alone at the inside compared to when market makers are alone at the inside. The magnitude or size of the inside spread is largest during periods of high volatility but smallest when stock returns approach zero.
The Effect of Ultra Low Dose Epidural Analgesia on Newborn Breastfeeding Behaviors

Objective To determine whether a difference in breastfeeding behaviors could be observed between newborns whose mothers received epidural analgesia for labor pain relief and those newborns whose mothers received no pain medication in labor. Design There were two groups of neonates in this study. One group was born to mothers who received epidural analgesia, and one group was born to mothers who received no pain medication for labor. Both groups were observed for initial breastfeeding behaviors using the Premature Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale following birth and at 24 hours. Central nervous system functioning in the newborn was measured with the Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Score at 2 and 24 hours of age. Setting A large tertiary hospital in northeast Ohio. Participants Fifty‐six breastfeeding mother‐newborn dyads. All mothers were healthy multiparae who gave birth vaginally to normal, full‐term, healthy newborns. Main Outcome Measures Newborns were observed for rooting, latch on, sucking, swallowing, activity state, and neurobehavior. Results There were no statistically significant differences in breastfeeding behaviors at birth or at 24 hours of age. Conclusion A possible cause for the lack of significant results may have been the ultra low dose of bupivacaine and fentanyl used in this sample.
Occupation recorded on certificates of death compared with self-report: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Death certificates are a potential source of sociodemographic data for decedents in epidemiologic research. However, because this information is provided by the next-of-kin or other proxies, there are concerns about validity. Our objective was to assess the agreement of job titles and occupational categories derived from death certificates with that self-reported in mid and later life. Occupation was abstracted from 431 death certificates from North Carolina Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants who died between 1987 and 2001. Occupations were coded according to 1980 Bureau of Census job titles and then grouped into six 1980 census occupational categories. This information was compared with the self-reported occupation at midlife as reported at the baseline examination (1987–89). We calculated percent agreement using standard methods. Chance-adjusted agreement was assessed by kappa coefficients, with 95% confidence intervals. Agreement between death certificate and self-reported job titles was poor (32%), while 67% of occupational categories matched the two sources. Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.53 for technical/sales/administrative jobs to 0.68 for homemakers. Agreement was lower, albeit nonsignificant, for women (kappa = 0.54, 95% Confidence Interval, CI = 0.44–0.63) than men (kappa = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.54–0.69) and for African-Americans (kappa = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34–0.61) than whites (kappa = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57–0.69) but varied only slightly by educational attainment. While agreement between self- and death certificate reported job titles was poor, agreement between occupational categories was good. This suggests that while death certificates may not be a suitable source of occupational data where classification into specific job titles is essential, in the absence of other data, it is a reasonable source for constructing measures such as occupational SES that are based on grouped occupational data.
Brain-muscle-computer interface using a single surface electromyographic signal: Initial results

We review progress towards developing a new human-computer interface that uses only a single sEMG sensor to achieve complex control of external devices. The interface relies on an underlying neuromuscular result, in which we showed that the human neuromuscular system can simultaneously manipulate partial power in two separate frequency bands of a sEMG power spectrum at a single muscle site. Subjects are trained using visual feedback based operant conditioning. The two frequency bands can then be used as two separate control channels to achieve multidimensional control of external objects, using only a single measured sEMG signal. Our first results showed that subjects could hit targets on a computer screen in two-dimensions with a cursor. Cursor manipulation was then paired with a finite-state machine to achieve control of simulated and actual power wheelchairs. Work on brain-muscle-computer interfaces is still in its infancy, and fundamental questions must still be answered in terms of training, usability, and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. However, our early results show promise that these interfaces may provide a new option to benefit the lives of severely paralyzed persons.
On-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show a poor prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated on-treatment platelet reactivity (PR) and several gene polymorphisms related to PR in 130 patients undergoing PCI with and without COPD. Those with concomitant COPD showed higher on-treatment PR values both at the time of PCI and 1 month after. This finding may contribute to explain the poor prognosis of COPD patients after MI and PCI.
Feature detection with ultrasonic phase-dependent baseband echo separation

Ultrasonic feature detection is primarily based on the time-of-flight of the acoustic signals. Operating at their resonances, the transducers tend to produce long transients that exacerbate the effects of multi-echo interference and result in a loss of details and accuracy. In this work, a novel phase–dependent baseband model is developed to quantitatively describe the ultrasonic signals and the associated interference characteristics. A Fourier approximation algorithm is then applied to retrieve the timing information by separating the primary and secondary echoes from the received baseband echo signal to enhance the measurement resolution. The performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by both numerical and experimental examples.
Control of ovulation in mice by progesterone receptor-regulated gene networks

The mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) induces ovulation, a process during which a fertilizable oocyte is released from a mature ovarian follicle. Although ovulation is a physiologically well-characterized event, the underlying molecular pathways remain poorly understood. Progesterone receptor (PGR), which mediates the biological effects of the steroid hormone progesterone, has emerged as a key regulator of ovulation in mice. The development of a progesterone-receptor-null (Pgr-null) mouse model confirmed a critical role of this hormone in ovulation because in these mutant mice, mature pre-ovulatory follicles fail to release the oocytes. This animal model has thus presented a unique opportunity to study the molecular pathways underlying ovulation. Gene-expression profiling experiments by several groups, using the ovaries of Pgr-null mice, revealed novel gene networks, which act downstream of PGR to control ovulation. These genes encode diverse molecules such as proteases, transcription factors, cell-adhesion molecules, modulators of vascular activities and regulators of inflammation. Functional analyses using gene-knockout mouse models have confirmed that some of these factors play critical roles during ovulation. The knowledge gained from these studies has helped us to understand better the molecular mechanisms that facilitate the release of oocytes from pre-ovulatory follicles. Further analysis of the role of molecular regulators of ovulation will help identify useful molecular targets that would allow the development of improved contraceptives and new therapeutics for anovulatory infertility.
Pax-2 is required for mesenchyme-to-epithelium conversion during kidney development

The conversion of mesenchyme to epithelium during the embryonic development of the mammalian kidney requires reciprocal inductive interactions between the ureter and the responding metanephric mesenchyme. The Pax-2 gene is activated in the mesenchyme in response to induction and is subsequently down-regulated in more differentiated cells derived from the mesenchyme. Pax-2 belongs to a family of genes, at least three of which encode morphogenetic regulatory transcription factors. In order to determine the role of Pax-2 during kidney development, we have generated a loss-of-function phenotype using antisense oligonucleotides in mouse kidney organ cultures. These oligonucleotides can specifically inhibit Pax-2 protein accumulation in kidney mesenchyme cells, where the intracellular concentrations are maximal. The kidney organ cultures were stained with uvomurulin and laminin antibodies as markers for epithelium formation. With significantly reduced Pax-2 protein levels, kidney mesenchyme cells fail to aggregate and do not undergo the sequential morphological changes characteristic of epithelial cell formation. The data demonstrate that Pax-2 function is required for the earliest phase of mesenchyme-to-epithelium conversion.
A review of standardized tests of nonverbal oral and speech motor performance in children.

Purpose To review the content and psychometric characteristics of 6 published tests currently available to aid in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of motor speech disorders in children. Method W...
Divest Investment Banking from Financial Institutions

Congress must be applauded for the corporate governance reforms enacted in Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, although some areas involving Banks and Brokerage houses need further reform. This paper argues that we need to cancel the spirit of the 1999 repeal of the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act by forcing Banks and Brokerages to divest their investment banking divisions. The repeal was justified in 1999 during the bubble phase of the stock market on the grounds that the Glass-Steagall Act was outdated in the era of the Internet and new derivative financial instruments. In light of Enron and numerous accounting scandals we argue that a divestiture of financial institutions will benefit (i) the stockholders of financial institutions, (ii) employees of financial institutions, (iii) stockholders of other corporations, (iv) management of other corporations, and (v) general public. It will curb some powers of the top management of financial corporations, and hence we expect them to oppose any breakup. We ague that the divestiture will be simpler, low cost and much easier to enforce than complex "Chinese Wall" type separations and self regulations proposed by the top management of financial corporations. Divestiture will remove a basic conflict of interest embedded in their structure. It will let SEC focus on finding the crooks and not get bogged down in micromanaging internal memos going back and forth within financial institutions.
Long-Term Clinical Experience With a Steroid-Eluting Active Fixation Ventricular Electrode in Children

In this study, the first study performed in pediatric patients, we assessed the safety and efficacy of a steroid-eluting active fixation ventricular electrode in 18 children. Our study shows that steroid-eluting active fixation leads are safe and effective in children, and suggests that these leads with their easy implantation and low chronic threshold values may be considered as the first choice in this age group.
MED4/345: Computer-Administered Formative Quizzes in a Basic Science Course

INTRODUCTION: Computer-administered quizzes were introduced into a Cell Biology and Histology course to provide students a means to assess their progress in the course and faculty the opportunity to monitor students' mastery of the course content. METHODS: The computer quizzes, including graphics, were presented on-line using LXR software (www.lxrtest.com) for specific time periods (7 - 14 days) during the course. The aim of this effort was to provide students formative assessment and assistance with pacing their study of course materials. Each computer quiz consisted of 20 - 30 questions with images. Extra credit was earned for each quiz if 70% of the items were answered correctly. The quizzes were served over the campus network to as many as 70 computer workstations, distributed to various locations in our department and the library. Each quiz was accessible once, by a unique user name and password for each student and a time limit set, allowing up to 90 seconds for each question. Feedback was given to the student for each question; the correct answer and a formative instructional statement intended to reinforce the fact or concept being evaluated. Global feedback on each quiz was provided for the entire class. This feedback was delivered on-line, on the course's web site. RESULTS: We have found that computer-administered course examinations are an efficient and acceptable means of assessing students' learning formatively. They permit a quick examination of the students' mastery of the course content. Such an approach allows for appropriate feedback to be provided in a timely manner and, if needed, instruction could be modified. No serious problems were encountered during the three years we have administered over 4,000 individual quizzes on-line. Greater than 90% of the students elected to participate in this optional activity with more than 85% receiving extra credit for their overall course grade. The computer quizzes were accepted by the students as a useful activity to pace their study and helpful to provide feedback about their mastery of the course content. DISCUSSION: We have gained confidence through the experience of administering quizzes on-line over our Local Area Network. Our plans are to develop the quizzes and full examinations to be delivered over the Web. Web-based examining has the obvious advantage of using unlimited and cross-platform workstations. However, we are cautiously optimistic about this approach. We recognise that one of the main obstacles in examining over the Web is the potential of collusion or plagiarism. Students that choose the option to take their examination off-campus cannot be checked if they used course notes and/or other resources to answer the questions during the exam. Thus, the control of examination behavior is potentially a serious problem to overcome. []
A Frequent, Naturally Occurring Mutation (P130T) of Human Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen Is Compensatory for Immature Secretion Phenotype of Another Frequent Variant (I97L)

A frequent mutation at codon 97 of human hepatitis B virus core antigen has been shown to cause an “immature secretion” phenotype, featuring nonselective and excessive secretions of virions containing immature viral genome. Our current study demonstrates that this abnormality can be efficiently offset by another frequent core mutation, P130T.
Primary cerebral leiomyosarcoma

A case of a rare primary cerebral leiomyosarcoma in an 8-year-old male is described. The patient presented with a new-onset seizure disorder and was found to have a rapidly expanding left parietal extra-axial lesion, documented by radiological imagings. The patient underwent surgical resection of the leiomyosarcoma, as well as adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He is still surviving to date in stable neurological condition. The clinical presentation, surgical procedure, pathological findings and post-operative clinical course will be reported. The possible etiology of this rare extra-axial neoplasm is discussed.
Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based Optical Access/Metro Ring Networks

A novel unidirectional path switched ring (UPSR) based on optical orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technologies is introduced. Two types of reservation-based and token-based multiple access control (MAC) protocols are proposed and compared.
A stochastic model for fault propagation, in combinational circuits

The authors present a new stochastic model for fault propagation in combinational circuits that is sensitive to the structural characteristics of the circuit. Under random testing, fault propagation through a circuit is modeled as a branching process. Due to the presence of fanout, a fault on a gate at level l, once activated, will generate a number of copies of itself, called descendants, at level l+1. Similarly, due to the presence of reconvergent fanout, a fault may cease to propagate. An activated fault is detected if at least one of its descendants is active at the primary outputs. For a fault on a gate at level l, the authors present basic results on the distribution of the number of next-level descendants and the number of kth-level descendants, k>or=l. The importance of these results lies in the fact that they are sensitive to the circuit structure and play a basic role in design for testability. >
Maleic acid-induced proximal tubulopathy: Na:K pump inhibition.

Maleic acid (MA) administration to experimental animals induces a rapid, reversible, complex dysfunction of the renal tubule resembling Fanconi9s syndrome. The intent of this work was to characterize the changes in the Na:K pump along the nephron during the development and recovery from MA injury to better define the site of damage and to correlate the observed changes in Na:K pump function with alterations in metabolic function. Male Sprague Dawley rats were studied before and 2 and 24 h after the injection of MA (100 mg/kg iv). MA induced an early and reversible decline in Na:K pump activity in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) from 2,324 +/- 61 to 1,446 +/- 55 pmol/mm.h (P
JavaWIDE (Wiki Integrated Development Environment: redesigning CS1 distance education labs

Over the past decade, applications have been moving from the desktop into the cloud. After extensive searching, only one integrated development environments (IDE) has emerged that works in cloud computing. The Java Wiki Integrated Development Environment (JavaWIDE) is the new online IDEs, and it is designed to be simple enough for novice programmers to use. The emergence of this tool was the key design element into redesigning CS1 Labs for a distance education course without losing the necessary functionality of a face-to-face instructor.
Partial Compliance with Affirmative Action Bans: Evidence from University of California Admissions

Even under an affirmative action ban, there remains scope for universities to offer minority applicants less overt admission preferences since such practices would be difficult to detect. This paper finds that the majority of University of California campuses reduced, though did not fully eliminate, the use of admission preferences for minority applicants after California’s ban on affirmative action. By comparing estimates from alternative fixed effect strategies for dealing with applicant unobservables, the paper also demonstrates how one can effectively sign the bias of OLS estimates of minority admission preferences. These results suggest that OLS estimates are likely to be downward biased.
The New Christian Right and Mainline Protestantism: The Case of the Reformed Church in America

Much has been written about the New Christian Right (NCR) in recent years. An important question which has received considerable speculation but little systematic analysis is the extent of influence the NCR has exerted on the membership of mainline Protestant denominations. The present study examines the penetration of the NCR social and political agenda into one mainline Protestant denomination, the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Specifically, we (1) locate issues which identify RCA members in agreement with the NCR, (2) suggest the likely size of this group within the RCA, and (3) identify their behavioral and social characteristics. Data for the study come from a nationwide survey of the RCA taken during 1986. Findings indicate that the influence of the NCR in the RCA is relatively small and not heavily concentrated in any particular social or demographic group. Moreover, behavioral variables were found to be the strongest predictors of one 's level of agreement with the NCR. The analysis is followed by a discussion of the NCR's future in the RCA and other denominations.