cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interpretation of laser radar images by a knowledge-based system

This paper presents a knowledge-based system to interpret laser radar (ladar) images. The objective of this research is to detect and recognize man-made objects in outdoor scenes. Our system applies themultisensor fusion approach to multiple ladar modalities to improve both segmentation and interpretation. The segmentation modules are written in C. The knowledge-based interpretation system is constructed usingKEE and Lisp. Low-level attributes of image segments (regions) are computed by the segmentation modules and then converted to theKEE format. The interpretation system applies forward chaining in a bottom-up fashion to derive object-level interpretation from input generated by low-level processing and segmentation modules. The interpretation modules detect man-made objects from the background using low-level attributes. Segments are grouped into objects, which are then classified into predefined categories (vehicles, ground, etc.). The efficiency of the interpretation system is enhanced by transferring nonsymbolic processing tasks to a concurrent service manager (program). Experimental results using ladar data are presented.
Association of γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity with treatment and clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C (HCV)

Increased γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity is associated with liver injury and with mortality in the general population. Less is known about its association with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) outcomes. We examined GGT as a predictor of both virological response to treatment and long-term clinical outcomes in the Hepatitis C Anti-viral Treatment Against Cirrhosis Trial (HALT-C). HALT-C enrolled patients with advanced liver disease (Ishak fibrosis score ≥3) in two phases: a lead-in to establish lack of sustained viral response with full dose pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin followed by a 3.5-year randomized trial with low-dose IFN. Low-dose IFN did not prevent liver disease progression, and patients were then followed for up to an additional 5 years off therapy. Analyses were performed for 1,319 patients who had GGT measured prior to initiation of treatment. Increases in risk with each increase in quintile of GGT (10-57, 58-89, 90-139, 140-230, 231-2,000 IU/L) were determined by logistic regression for treatment response or Cox regression for clinical outcomes. Baseline GGT was associated with male sex, nonwhite ethnicity, diabetes and insulin resistance, interleukin (IL)28B rs12979860 CT and TT genotypes, and numerous markers of liver disease injury and severity. In the lead-in phase, increasing GGT was strongly associated with diminished week 20 response, end of treatment response, and sustained virological response in both univariate and multivariate analyses controlling for factors known to be associated with treatment response (P < 0.0001). GGT was also associated with all clinical outcomes in univariate and multivariate analysis (P < 0.05) except for hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.46 in multivariate analysis). Conclusion: GGT is an independent predictor of both virological response and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced liver disease due to HCV. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
Photoelectron diffraction and photoelectron holography study of a Ge(111) high-temperature surface phase transition

Abstract Further evidence for a reversible high-temperature surface-disordering phase transition at ∼1060 K on Ge(111) has been found using Ge 3p X-ray photoelectron diffraction (a short-range order probe of surface structure that is sensitive to the first 3–5 spheres of neighbors) and photoelectron holography (a recently suggested direct 3D imaging technique). Azimuthal diffraction data at takeoff angles of θ = 19° (including nearest-neighbor forward-scattering directions and yielding high surface sensitivity) and θ = 55° (for which second-nearest-neighbor forward-scattering directions and more bulk sensitivity are involved) show abrupt drops in intensity of ∼30%–40% over the temperature interval of 900–1200 K. Photoelectron holographic near-neighbor images at temperatures both below and above the transition region furthermore indicate an identical near-neighbor structure for all atoms present in ordered sites. These combined diffraction and holography data show that by 1200 K, the Ge(111) surface is covered by a completely disordered overlayer of 2.0–2.5 Ge monolayers in thickness. The rate of growth of this overlayer with increasing temperature is also in excellent agreement with recent medium-energy ion scattering results, although the thicknesses we find for the overlayer are 1.5–2.0 times larger. A more detailed analysis of the θ = 19° and the θ = 55° data also suggests the possible presence of a partially disordered interface between the liquid-like overlayer and the bulk, also of 2 Ge monolayers in thickness and consisting of laterally strained domains.
Tactile and chemical perception in earthworms —I. Responses to touch, sodium chloride, quinine and sugars

Abstract An investigation into the sensitivity of the body wall of earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris and Allolobophora longa ) reveals that there are certain regional differences. The entire body surface of the earthworm is sensitive to the addition of sodium chloride solutions, and to touch stimulation. Adaptation to touch is rapid, but to salt is slow. The prostomial region is sensitive to these stimuli and also to sucrose, glycerol and quinine. These regional differences, it is suggested, are reflections of the requirements of the animal to appreciate changing environmental conditions, and the localization of food selection.
Hycanthone Analogs: Dissociation of Mutagenic Effects from Antischistosomal Effects

N-Oxidation at the diethylamino group of hycanthone, of lucanthone, and of two chlorobenzothiopyranoindazoles resulted in a marked reduction in mutagenic activity, while antischistosomal activity was retained or even enhanced. Introduction of chlorine into the 8-position of benzothiopyranoindazoles reduced acute toxicity but had no effect on chemnotherapeutic potency. These dissociations of biological activities indicate that safer antischistosomal compounds of this class can be developed.
The Effects of Children and Employment Status on the Volunteer Work of American Women

Competing demands from work and family make it difficult for women to do volunteer work. An analysis of data from the Young Women's Cohort of the National Longitudinal Survey (1978-1991) shows that homemakers are more likely to volunteer than are full-time workers, followed by part-time workers. Mothers of school-age children are the most likely to volunteer, followed by childless women and mothers of young children. Mothers of school-age children are even more likely to volunteer if they are homemakers, and mothers of pre-school children are even less likely to volunteer if they work full-time.
Some properties of a liver protein that activates glycogen synthase b

A soluble protein has been identified in rat liver that increases the activity of glycogen synthase without causing synthase b to a conversion. The effect of the activator is to increase synthase b activity in the presence of saturating amounts of UDP-Glc and Glc-6-P. The activator is heat sensitive and does not have protease activity. The effect of the activator is linearly proportional to the amount assayed to a saturable level and its effect is not mimicked by other proteins associated with the control of glycogen metabolism (e.g., phosphorylase).
Faculty and Student Assessment of and Experience with Incivility in Nursing Education

Academic incivility is a significant problem and reports of discord on college campuses underscore the need for addressing uncivil behaviors in a forthright manner. In this study, 504 respondents from 41 states--194 nursing faculty, 306 nursing students, and 4 who did not specify their status--completed the Incivility in Nursing Education survey. The most frequently cited uncivil student behaviors included holding distracting conversations, using computers unrelated to class, and demanding make-up examinations and grade changes. The uncivil student behaviors occurring most frequently were arriving late for class, holding distracting conversations, and being unprepared. The uncivil faculty behaviors most frequently cited included making condescending remarks, making rude gestures or comments, and exerting superiority over others. The uncivil faculty behaviors occurring most frequently included ineffective teaching methods, arriving late for scheduled activities, and deviating from the syllabus and changing class assignments. Student and faculty uncivil behaviors were viewed similarly by both groups.
Proton Radiotherapy: The Biologic Effect of Treating Alternating Subsets of Fields for Different Fractions

Purpose/Objective(s): It is common practice in proton radiotherapy to deliver only a subset of all fields in the treatment plan on any given treatment day (‘‘batched’’ field delivery). This results in variation in the daily dose to normal tissues which may have a detrimental biologic effect. We analyze this effect for a small group of patients for each of four cancers commonly treated with proton radiotherapy; prostate, chordoma of the skull base and cervical spine, pancreas, and lung.
Detection of alkoxyl and carbon-centered free radicals in coronary sinus blood from patients undergoing elective cardioplegia.

Abstract Confirmation of the involvement of free radicals in postischemic injury in heart has been elusive. The present study was performed to determine the presence of free radicals in coronary sinus bloo patients undergoing elective open heart surgery and cardioplegia. Six patients who were scheduled for nonurgent elective open heart surgery were used in this study. Coronary sinus blood samples were withdrawn at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min post-cross-clamp and immediately mixed with isosmotic α-phenyl-tert-Butylnitrone (PBN) and then centrifugated to obtain plasma. Plasmam samples were extacted with toluene and analyzed using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. We observed ESR spectra consistent with the formation of alkoxyl and carbon-centered radical adducts of PBN (aN = 13.6 G, aβH = 1.9 G, and aN = 14.1 G, aβH = 4.2 G) in six of six patients. We obtained complete free radical production time courses during reperfusion from five patients, and all demonstrated a biphasic profile with an initial burst from 5 to 10 min followed by a second maxima at 25 min. Total PBN-adduct production during reperfusion increased in patients subjected to longer aortic cross-clamp times (global ischemia). These data demonstrate that postcardioplegia free radical production is detectable in coronary sinus blood using an ex vivo spin-trapping technique and that the extent of formation may be related to the severity of ischemia.
Building a virtual community of engineering education research scholars

Summary form only given. The annals of research on engineering education (AREE) is an experiment in collaborative scholarship linking education researchers across disciplinary boundaries in order to provide access to the latest education research and offer guidance on education research methodology. AREE is a collaborative venture of the Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education and leading journals of education research in engineering and science fields. This session will a) provide a history of AREE, b) review its successes and the remaining challenges it faces in building a collaborative community of discipline-based education researchers, and c) report on a user-survey of participating authors. The session will be highly interactive as we seek audience input on on the a) strategies to follow-up on the ideas identified in the survey of participating authors, b) identification of the scholarly information and tools needed by the engineering education research community, c) alternative strategies to achieve AREE's goals, and d) practical models for sustaining AREE into the future.
Delayed Serum Sickness-Like Transfusion Reactions in a Multiply Transfused Patient

The clinical features and progress of a patient with a fatal myeloproliferative disease are reported. Her care required frequent transfusions of red cell products and components. These transfusions were followed, after varying intervals, by fever, arthralgia, myalgia, headache and pericarditis. These reactions could be avoided by transfusing plasma-free products, and were ameliorated by systemic steroids. This patient, then, is the first reported case of delayed, serum sickness-like transfusion reactions. During the course of her illness she was demonstrated to have antibodies to immunoglobulins. The role of these antibodies, if any, is uncertain.
AF64A: An Active Site Directed Irreversible Inhibitor of Choline Acetyltransferase

Ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A, MEChMAz) has been proposed as a cholinergic neuron-specific neurotoxin. We report that in further studies on its mechanism of action incubation of the cholinergic neuroblastoma X glioma cell line, NG-108-15, with 100 microM AF64A resulted in a rapid decrease in cellular choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity which preceded cytotoxicity. Thus, a 60-85% decrease in ChAT activity was measured within 5 h of AF64A exposure, whereas cell lysis (measured as the release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase into the medium) did not become apparent until 18 h of AF64A exposure. This led us to examine the effects of AF64A on partially purified ChAT. We report a concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of partially purified ChAT by AF64A that could not be reversed by dialysis but could be prevented by coincubation of the enzyme and AF64A with choline but not with acetyl-coenzyme A. We present kinetic evidence that choline and AF64A compete for the same site on the enzyme. In addition, thiosulfate, which inactivates the aziridinium ion, eliminated AF64A's capacity to inhibit the enzyme. AF64A also irreversibly inhibited partially purified choline kinase and acetylcholinesterase but not lactate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, carboxypeptidase A, or chymotrypsinogen, enzymes that do not use choline as a substrate or product. Thus, the data suggest that AF64A acts as an irreversible active site directed inhibitor of ChAT and possibly other enzymes recognizing choline.
Quantum mechanical calculations on the reaction of ethoxide anion with O,S-dimethyl methylphosphonothiolate

Abstract Density functional and correlated ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been carried out in an effort to understand the reaction of ethoxide with O , S -dimethyl methylphosphonothiolate, a model compound for the potent chemical warfare agent VX. The results clearly indicate that ethoxide will preferentially attack opposite the more apicophilic methoxide ligand but that ensuing pseudorotations of the initial trigonal bipyramidal intermediate will lead to both P–O and P–S bond cleavage processes. However, the P–O cleavage pathway is found to be reversible and slightly endothermic while the P–S cleavage pathway is irreversible and highly exothermic. Under equilibrating conditions, the reaction will therefore lead to exclusive formation of the P–S bond cleavage products, making ethoxide a potentially useful nucleophile for the detoxification of VX.
Controlled synthesis of differently textured Sm(Fe, Ti)/sub 12/ sputtered films

It was shown that Sm(Fe/sub 1-x/Ti/sub x/)/sub 12/, x<or=0.01, film samples can be synthesized systematically with differing crystallite textures to vary the crystallite orientations and the sample coercivities. Texturing can be switched from
Effect of Sarkosyl on chromatin and viral RNA synthesis. The isolation of SV40 transcription complex.

The endogenous RNA polymerase activity of mouse nuclei is enhanced several-fold by the anionic detergent Sarkosyl. The action of Sarkosyl is exerted primarily on the α-amanitin sensitive form of the enzyme. This detergent causes the release of nearly all the protein associated with cellular DNA but does not release initiated RNA polymerase. Sarkosyl was also able to activate the RNA polymerase activity from mitotic cells, in which transcription of the highly condensed chromatin is minimal. The use of this anionic detergent has also permited the extraction of a nucleoprotein complex from Simian Virus 40 (SV40) infected monkey cells. Molecular hybridization experiments have established the viral specificity of the RNA synthesized in vitro by the endogenous polymerase present in this complex.
High spatial and temporal resolution photon/electron counting detector for synchrotron radiation research

Abstract This paper reports on the development of a high resolution electron/photon/ion imaging system which detects events with a timing accuracy of
On Induced Ramsey Numbers for Graphs with Bounded Maximum Degree

For graphsGandHwe writeG?indHif every 2-edge colouring ofGyields an induced monochromatic copy ofH. The induced Ramsey number forHis defined asrind(H)=min{|V(G)|:G?indH}. We show that for everyd?1 there exists an absolute constantcdsuch thatrind(Hn,d)?ncdfor every graphHn,dwithnvertices and the maximum degree at mostd. This confirms a conjecture suggested by W. T. Trotter.
On the circulation of the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn

Abstract The planetary-scale atmospheric circulations of Jupiter and Saturn are discussed in terms of basic fluid dynamics. Owing to the great size of these planets, effects of rotation are even more pronounced than in the case of the Earth. There is evidence in the case of Jupiter that hydromagnetic effects may have to be taken into account.
A new experimental method for investigating the nucleation kinetics of solids in supercooled liquid Si

In this paper, we first describe and then demonstrate the soundness of a new experimental method that is designed to deliver a wide range of accurately measured nucleation rates of solids in supercooled liquid Si. The method utilizes thin-film processes, as well as laser-quenching and detection techniques, in order to first induce isothermal transformation and then extract the corresponding solid nucleation rates over a frequency range potentially greater than ten orders of magnitude. The technological and scientific gains that can result from acquiring such information are discussed.
Quantitative evaluation of image enhancement algorithms

Functional evaluation of image processing algorithms is to determine how well they process images. The evaluation is, therefore, closely related to the assessment of image quality. The commonly used metrics are signal-to-noise ratio, mean square error, absolute error, and correlation. Unfortunately, these measures cannot adequately describe the visual quality of a processed image and, thence, may not properly evaluate the algorithms. This paper presents a new quantitative method for evaluating image enhancement (noise reduction) filters by proposing a new image quality metric. This approach is based on the psycho-visual study of noise sensitivity of human vision and a study of the performance of enhancement filters. The image quality metric is defined with respect to image intensity changes called the spatial activity. The functional evaluation of an enhancement filter uses this quality metric and includes quantitative measures of the filter's noise removal ability and the filter-caused distortion. It is shown that, to produce a good visual image quality, a filter should have both better noise reduction ability in low spatial activity regions and less distortion in high spatial activity regions.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Does there exist a sensible quantum theory of an "algebra-valued" scalar field?

Consider a scalar field \ensuremath{\varphi} in Minkowski spacetime, but let \ensuremath{\varphi} be valued in an associative, commutative algebra openA rather than openR. One may view the resulting theory as describing a collection of coupled real scalar fields. At the classical level, theories of this type are completely well behaved and have a global symmetry group which is a nontrivial enlargement of the Poincar\'e group. (They are analogs of the new class of gauge theories for massless spin-2 fields found recently by one of us, whose gauge group is a nontrivial enlargement of the usual diffeomorphism group.) We investigate the quantization of such scalar field theories here by studying the case of a \ensuremath{\lambda}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field, with \ensuremath{\varphi} valued in the two-dimensional algebra generated by an identity element e and a nilpotent element v satisfying ${v}^{2}$=0. The Coleman-Mandula theorem, which states that the symmetry group of a nontrivial quantum field theory cannot be a nontrivial enlargement of the Poincar\'e group, is evaded here because the finite ``extra'' symmetries of the classical theory fail to be implemented in the quantum theory by unitary operators and the infinitesimal symmetries (which can be represented in the quantum theory by quadratic forms) connect the one-particle Hilbert space to multiparticle states. Nevertheless, we find that the conventional Feynman rules for this theory lead to vacuum decay at the tree level and fail to yield a well-defined S matrix. Some alternative approaches are investigated, but these also appear to fail. Thus, although the classical theory is perfectly well behaved, it seems that there does not exist a sensible quantum theory of an algebra-valued scalar field.
Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study of Intravenous Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus and Acute Repetitive Seizures in Dogs

Background Status epilepticus (SE) and acute repetitive seizures (ARS) are common canine neurologic emergencies. No evidence-based studies are available to guide treatment in veterinary patients. Parenteral levetiracetam (LEV) has many favorable properties for the emergency treatment of seizures, but its safety and efficacy in dogs for SE and ARS are unknown. Hypothesis Intravenous LEV is superior to placebo in controlling seizures in dogs with SE or ARS after treatment with IV diazepam. Animals Nineteen client-owned dogs admitted for SE or ARS. Methods Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked study. Dogs with SE or ARS were randomized to receive IV LEV (30 or 60 mg/kg using an adaptive dose-escalation approach) or placebo, in addition to standard of care treatment. They were monitored for at least 24 hours after admission for additional seizures. Results The responder rate (defined as dogs with no additional seizures after administration of the study medication) after LEV was 56% compared with 10% for placebo (P = .06). Dogs in the placebo group required significantly more boluses of diazepam compared with the LEV group (P < .03). Seizure etiologies identified were idiopathic epilepsy (n = 10), inflammatory central nervous system disease (n = 4), intracranial neoplasia (n = 2), hepatic encephalopathy (n = 1), and 2 dogs had no cause determined. No serious adverse effects were attributable to LEV administration. Conclusions and Clinical Importance LEV was safe and potentially effective for the treatment of SE and ARS in these client-owned dogs. Larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.
Ureteral Obstruction Due to Calculi in the Early Postoperative Period in Renal Cadaveric Transplantation: A Case Report and Discussion of Ureteral Obstruction in the Renal Transplant Patient

We report a case of obstruction secondary to multiple ureteral calculi on postoperative day 3 after cadaveric renal transplantation. Treatment consisted of ureterolithotomy with stenting of the ureteroneocystotomy and convalescence was otherwise unremarkable. Obstructive complications of the ureter after renal transplantation are reviewed.
Random sequential adsorption of parallel squares

The random sequential adsorption of parallel (aligned) squares is studied by computer simulation. A new precise value of the maximum (jamming) coverage is found: ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{J}}$=0.562 009\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000 004. The dynamics for times t\ensuremath{\gtrsim}6000 agree with Swendsen's prediction ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{J}}$-\ensuremath{\theta}(t)\ensuremath{\sim}c(lnt)/t. Various two-point correlation functions are measured, and the effects of the finite size and the discretization of the adsorbing surface are also investigated.
Influence of laminar flame speed on the blowoff velocity of bluff-body-stabilized flames

The water injection technique is used to determine the blowoff Velocities of bluff-body-stabilized flames supplied with flowing combustible mixtures. The fuels employed include gaseous mixtures of methane, propane, and hydrogen with air. Additional tests are conducted using vaporized gasoline, kerosine (Jet A), and diesel oil (DF2). The apparatus normally comprises a flameholder in the form of a hollow cone which is mounted at the center of a circular pipe with its apex pointing upstream, but in some tests a rectangular working section is used in conjunction with two-dimensional, V-gutter flameholders. The results of the experiments generally confirm theoretical predictions in showing that peak blowoff velocity increases with increase in laminar flame speed.
A message-passing algorithm for wireless network scheduling

We consider scheduling in wireless networks and formulate it as a Maximum Weighted Independent Set (MWIS) problem on a "conflict" graph that captures interference among simultaneous transmissions. We propose a novel, low-complexity, and fully distributed algorithm that yields high-quality feasible solutions. Our proposed algorithm consists of two phases, each of which requires only local information and is based on message-passing. The first phase solves a relaxation of the MWIS problem using a gradient projection method. The relaxation we consider is tighter than the simple linear programming relaxation and incorporates constraints on all cliques in the graph. The second phase of the algorithm starts from the solution of the relaxation and constructs a feasible solution to the MWIS problem. We show that our algorithm always outputs an optimal solution to the MWIS problem for perfect graphs. Simulation results compare our policies against carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) and other alternatives and show excellent performance.
Transient effects on microchannel electrokinetic filtering with an ion-permselective membrane.

The electrokinetics and hydrodynamics in a hybrid microfluidic/nanofluidic pore network configuration and its effect on the concentration enrichment of charged analytes are described. A hydrogel microplug, photopolymerized in a microfluidic channel, with negative surface charge serves as a nanoporous membrane and dictates the electrokinetic behavior within the adjoining microchannel compartments. The nanoporous hydrogel with a mean pore size on the order of the electrical double layer thickness imparts ion-permselectivity (cation-selectivity) to the migration of ionic species which, under the influence of an applied electrical field, drives concentration polarization in bulk solution near the interfaces between the two microchannel compartments and the hydrogel-based nanopores. The concentration enrichment efficiency for charged analytes depends on this concentration polarization, which strongly affects the distribution of local electrical field strength. In addition, electroosmotic flow in the device pla...
TWO NEW SPECIES AND A NEW COMBINATION IN HOUSTONIA (RUBIACEAE) FROM MEXICO

Houstonia sharpii andH. kingii are described from Mexico. The new combinationH. xestosperma is proposed.
Lymphoid cell line identification and the detection of cross contamination.

Four lymphoid cell lines, presumably recent derivatives from non-neoplastic human tonsils, were identified in actuality as established Burkitt, lymphoma and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) when tested by chromosome banding and typing for HLA antigens. Additionally, the morphology, growth characteristics, tumorigenicity, expression of Epstein-Barr virus antigens and surface membrane immunoglobulins (SmIg) of the four lymphoid cell lines confirmed the correct identifications. In determining the possiblity of cross contamination, the most reliable criteria for the identification of lymphoid cell lines were found to be HLA antigenic profile, karyotype, cellular morphology, and growth characteristics.
Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Experience Reduced Control of Isotonic Force

Background Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure can result in diverse and extensive damage to the central nervous system, including the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex. Given that these brain regions are involved in the generation and maintenance of motor force, we predicted that prenatal alcohol exposure would adversely affect this parameter of motor control. We previously reported that children with gestational alcohol exposure experience significant deficits in regulating isometric (i.e., constant) force. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these children exhibit similar deficits when producing isotonic (i.e., graded) force. Methods Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and typically developing children completed a series of isotonic force contractions by exerting force on a load cell to match a criterion target force displayed on a computer monitor. Two levels of target force (5 or 20% of maximum voluntary force) were investigated in combination with varying levels of visual feedback. Results Compared with control children, children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure generated isotonic force signals that were less accurate, more variable, and less complex in the time domain. Specifically, interactions were found between group and visual feedback for response accuracy and signal complexity, suggesting that these children have greater difficulty altering their motor output when visual feedback is low. Conclusions These data suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure produces deficits in regulating isotonic force, which presumably result from alcohol-related damage to developing brain regions involved in motor control. These children will most likely experience difficulty performing basic motor skills and daily functional skills that require coordination of finely graded force. Therapeutic strategies designed to increase feedback and, consequently, facilitate visual-motor integration could improve isotonic force production in these children.
Evolution of surface topography in pulsed-laser-deposited thin films of MoS2

Abstract Films of MoS 2 were grown at various thickness onto silicon substrates at room temperature using pulsed laser deposition. Planar and cleaved cross-sectional samples examined in a scanning electron microscope showed that very thick films (thicker than about 450 nm) transitioned from being fully dense to having extensive porosity. The porosity is directly correlated with the accumulated incorporation of spherical particles within the film. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results from samples of differential thicknesses, acquired from early and later stages of deposition, showed that the volume fraction of the particles increased with the thickness. Decreasing the energy density of the laser beam by underfocusing relative to the target was shown to decrease dramatically the number of particles. Simulation of the deposition process by adding digitized, binary TEM images of the differential thickness samples, to an equivalent thickness of 450 nm, indicated that the porosity begins at a total particle projected area fractio of about 35%.
Purification of Allergenic Macromolecular Compounds Isolated from Air-borne Particles on Thin-Layer and Preparative Chromatography

Abstract The chemical isolation of two allergic macromolecular compounds from airborne particles has been reported. In recent work, thin-layer chromatography requiring only minute amounts of substrate has met the need for rapid purification of these compounds without structural alteration. To obtain quantities of pure compounds, a preparative method was developed by which relatively large amounts of material can be handled with excellent resolution in a very short time.
Latino Panethnicity: Reality or Methodological Construction?

Abstract In Census 2000, approximately 15 percent of all Latinos identified panethnically: that is, they did not mark whether they were Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or another national group but rather identified themselves in general terms such as “Hispanic” or “Latino.” This was a 200 percent increase over the 1990 Census. Scholars have pointed to two explanations for Latino panethnic identification: first, that panethnicity is a meaningful identity stemming from shared backgrounds and structural commonalities and the need to unite politically and, second, that Latino panethnicity is a methodological artifact of the way that racial and ethnic data are currently collected. In this paper, we describe past research on Latino ethnic identity, document contemporary expressions of Latino panethnicity, and assess whether panethnicity is a genuine, meaningful identity for some Latinos and stems from methodological factors. Our assessment of Census 2000, the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey, the 2002 National S...
Tropopause height and zonal wind response to global warming in the IPCC scenario integrations

[1] The change in the extratropical circulation under global warming is studied using the climate models participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) fourth assessment report. The IPCC models predict a strengthening and a poleward shift of the tropospheric zonal jets in response to global warming. The change in zonal jets is also accompanied by a strengthening and a poleward and upward shift of transient kinetic energy and momentum flux. Similar changes in circulation are simulated by a simple dry general circulation model (GCM) when the height of the tropopause is raised. The similarity between the simple GCM and the IPCC models suggests that the changes in midlatitude circulation are predominantly driven by a rise in the height of the tropopause, and that other factors such as increased moisture content and the change in the low-level pole-to-equator temperature gradient, play a secondary role. In addition, the variability about the ensemble-mean of the zonal wind response is significantly correlated with the variability of the tropopause height response over the polar cap, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.
How sigma docks to RNA polymerase and what sigma does

It is clear that multiple sites of interaction exist between sigmas and core subunits, likely reflecting the changing pattern of interactions that occur sequentially during the complex process of holoenzyme formation, open promoter formation, and initiation of transcription. Recent studies have revealed that a major site of interaction of Escherichia coli sigma factors is the amino acid 260-309 coiled-coil region of the beta' subunit of core RNA polymerase. This region of beta' interacts with region 2.1-2.2 of sigma(70). Binding of this region of beta' to sigma(70) triggers a conformational change in sigma that allows it to bind to a -10 nontemplate promoter DNA strand oligonucleotide.
Purification of gelatin-specific neutral protease from human skin by conventional and high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Human skin, maintained in serum-free organ culture, secretes a neutral metalloendopeptidase which is remarkably specific for gelatin. Because the product peptides from the action of collagenase on collagen become denatured into random coil polypeptides of 25 000 and 75 000 daltons at physiological temperature, it is thought that this “gelatinase” is the second, and possibly the only other enzyme in the pathway of extracellular collagen degradation. New types of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns have enabled us to improve the yields of active gelatinase from skin culture medium. Raw medium, which has been dialyzed and lyophilized, is fractionated with ammonium sulfate, and applied to Pharmacia Blue Sepharose in a batch step. The 0.4 M sodium chloride eluate is then subjected to gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200, followed by gradient elution from Amicon Green Sepharose. The fractions with gelatinolytic activity are applied to a Bio-Rad TSK-Phenyl-5PW HPLC column for mild hydrophobic chromatography with a gradient of decreasing ammonium sulfate concentration. In the final step, the enzyme is applied to a Pharmacia Mono-Q FPLC column and eluted with a gradient of sodium chloride. At this point, the enzyme appears as two bans, corresponding to enzymatic activity zymograms on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Anti-arthritic effect of bee venom.

Bee venom, administered subcutaneously, suppressed the development of carrageenan-induced paw edema and adjuvant arthritis in the rat in a dose-related manner. A single dose of bee venom administered subcutaneously the day before or on the day of injection of complte Freund's adjuvant (CFA) effectively suppressed the development of polyarthritis. This suppressive effect decreased progressively as dosing was delayed. Bee venom was found to be most effective when mixed and injected (sub-plantar) together with CFA, the disease-inducing agent. Similarly, antigens such as egg albumin, when incorporated into CFA, and injected into the hind paw, prevented the development of arthritis. These results suggest that at least two mechanisms are involved in the anti-arthritic action of bee venom: (1) alteration of the immune response, probably via antigen competition; and (2) an anti-inflammatory action via corticosteroids or through an as yet undetermined mechanism.
Alterations in chromatin are associated with increases in collagen III expression in aging nephropathy

Aging nephropathy is a slowly progressive fibrotic process that affects all compartments of the kidney and eventually impairs kidney function; however, little is known about the mechanisms that contribute to this process. These studies examined the epigenetic control of expression of collagen III (Col3a1), a matrix protein that contributes to kidney fibrosis. Using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay of kidneys harvested from 4- and 24-mo-old ad libitum-fed F344 rats, we found increased transcription of Col3a1 that was associated with increased RNA polymerase II recruitment despite elevated posttranslational histone modification (H3K27me3) normally associated with gene silencing. A reduction in the density of another repressive modification (H3K9me3) at the Col3a1 locus in aged rats suggests that cooperation between Polycomb- and heterochromatin-mediated systems are required to maintain repression of the Col3a1 gene. These findings demonstrate alterations in epigenetic control of gene expression in association with the fibrosis of aging nephropathy.
Tyrosine hydroxylase-synthesizing cells in the hypothalamus of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster): sex differences in the anteroventral periventricular preoptic area and effects of adult gonadectomy or neonatal gonadal hormones.

The vertebrate hypothalamus and surrounding region contain a large population of cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme for synthesis of dopamine and other catecholamines. Some of these populations are sexually dimorphic in rats. We here examined sex differences in TH-immunoreactive populations in the forebrain of gonadally intact and gonadectomized prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a species that sometimes shows unusual sexual differentiation of brain and behavior. A sex difference was found in the anteroventral periventricular preoptic area (AVPV; likely analogous to the rat rostral A14) only in gonadectomized subjects, which was due to a 50% reduction in the number of TH-immunoreactive cells after castration in males. There was no significant sex difference or effects of gonadectomy on the number of TH-immunoreactive cells in the anteroventral preoptic area (AVP), periventricular anterior hypothalamus (caudal A14), arcuate nucleus (A12), zona incerta (A13), or posterodorsal hypothalamus (A11). In a second experiment, testosterone propionate (TP; 500 μg), diethylstilbestrol (DES; 1 μg), or estradiol benzoate (EB; 30 μg) injected daily during the first week after birth each significantly reduced later TH expression in the AVPV of females by approximately 40–65% compared to oil-treated controls. Unlike rats, therefore, a sex difference in TH expression in the prairie vole AVPV is found only after removal of circulating gonadal hormones in males. Furthermore, unlike our previous findings on the generation of sex differences in extra-hypothalamic arginine-vasopressin expression in prairie voles, TH expression in the AVPV of female prairie voles can be highly masculinized by neonatal exposure to either aromatizable androgens or estrogens. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
A naturally derived, cytocompatible, and architecturally optimized scaffold for tendon and ligament regeneration

Tissue-engineered tendon scaffolds have the potential to significantly improve the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, especially those associated with tumors, trauma, and congenital deficiencies where autograft or allograft tissue might not be available in sufficient quantity for reconstruction. In this study, a tendon scaffold was produced that: (1) has decreased/absent cellular material histologically, as well as significantly decreased DNA content in comparison with the material it is derived from-fresh-frozen flexor digitorum profundus tendon; (2) is cytocompatible in vitro; (3) has been modified to produce increased pore size and porosity; (4) retains 76-78% of the tensile properties of the material it is derived from; (5) is readily infiltrated by fibroblast-like, mononuclear host cells; and (6) does not exhibit a host-cell-mediated foreign-body immune response after implantation in vivo.
Effects of mutations causing hypokalaemic periodic paralysis on the skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes

1A truncated form of the rabbit α1S Ca2+ channel subunit (α1SΔC) was expressed with the β1b, α2δ and γ auxiliary subunits in Xenopus laevis oocytes. After 5–7 days, skeletal muscle L-type currents were measured (469 ± 48 nA in 10 mm Ba2+). All three of the auxiliary subunits were necessary to record significant L-type current. A rapidly inactivating, dihydropyridine-insensitive endogenous Ba2+ current was observed in oocytes expressing the auxiliary subunits without an exogenous α subunit. Expression of full-length α1S gave 10-fold smaller currents than the truncated form. 3Three missense mutations causing hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (R528H in domain II S4 of the α1S subunit; R1239H and R1239G in domain IV S4) were introduced into α1SΔC and expressed in oocytes. L-type current was separated from the endogenous current by nimodipine subtraction. All three of the mutations reduced L-type current amplitude (∼40% for R528H, ∼60–70% for R1239H and R1239G). 4The disease mutations altered the activation properties of L-type current. R528H shifted the G(V) curve ∼5 mV to the left and modestly reduced the voltage dependence of the activation time constant, τact. R1239H and R1239G shifted the G(V) curve ∼5–10 mV to the right and dramatically slowed τact at depolarized test potentials. 5The voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation was not significantly altered by any of the disease mutations. 6Wild-type and mutant L-type currents were also measured in the presence of (—)-Bay K8644, which boosted the amplitude ∼5- to 7-fold. The effects of the mutations on the position of the G(V) curve and the voltage dependence of τact were essentially the same as in the absence of agonist. Bay K-enhanced tail currents were slowed by R528H and accelerated by R1239H and R1239G. 7We conclude that the domain IV mutations R1239H and R1239G have similar effects on the gating properties of the skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes, while the domain II mutation R528H has distinct effects. This result implies that the location of the substitutions is more important than their degree of conservation in determining their biophysical consequences.
A flexible benefits tax credit for health insurance and more.

ABSTRACT: This essay outlines a concept for a “flexible benefits” tax credit for expanding health insurance coverage and other purposes such as retirement savings plans (with potential withdrawals ...
A 1 watt, 3.2 VDC, high efficiency distributed power PHEMT amplifier fabricated using LTCC technology

A 1 watt distributed PHEMT amplifier, that operates from 800 MHz to 2.1 GHz, with a 3.2 Volt DC supply has been developed using a novel new approach. The amplifier was designed to provide high efficiency operation, targeted for broadband wireless applications. Key to the amplifier's performance, is a novel broadband impedance matching transformer, fabricated using LTCC technology, as well as a low loss tapered drain network. The class B design has 50 /spl Omega/ terminal impedances and built-in bias decoupling.
Elliptic filter design for a class of generalized halfband filters

In multirate processing, symmetric finite impulse response halfband filters constitute an important class of filters that are useful for sampling rate alteration by a factor of two. Generalizing the notion of halfband filters to include infinite impulse response filters, a class of generalized halfband filters is examined and its properties are studied. The filters are efficient and have low roundoff noise. A filter design program has been developed to design a special class of elliptic filters taking into account restrictions due to the generalized halfband characteristics. The procedure adapts the results of elliptic filter design [10] to this special case. It is shown that if the passband and stopband edge frequencies are related, then these filters are computationally efficient even when no sampling rate change is needed.
Reply to the comments by Morrison

The scaling theory is further explained in relation to the enthalpy of mixing for binary mixtures. The stability criterion is shown to explain certain qualitative features relating the signs of the enthalpy of mixing and the volume of mixing to the type of phase behaviour in accordance with Morrison’s conclusion. (AIP)
Referring as a collaborative process.

In conversation, speakers and addressees work together in the making of a definite reference. In the model we propose, the speaker initiates the process by presenting or inviting a noun phrase. Before going on to the next contribution, the participants, if necessary, repair, expand on, or replace the noun phrase in an iterative process until they reach a version they mutually accept. In doing so they try to minimize their joint effort. The preferred procedure is for the speaker to present a simple noun phrase and for the addressee to accept it by allowing the next contribution to begin. We describe a communication task in which pairs of people conversed about arranging complex figures and show how the proposed model accounts for many features of the references they produced. The model follows, we suggest, from the mutual responsibility that participants in conversation bear toward the understanding of each utterance.
Campus Recreational Sports Internships: A Comparison of Student and Employer Perspectives:

The purpose of this study was to examine differences between senior-level students and campus recreational sport directors in their perceptions of recreational sport management internships. Using a web-based survey of 48 items, the study explored how students and practitioners differed in their view regarding the role of the internship experience, role of the internship agency, intern abilities, and factors in selecting an internship. Overall, the results of the study revealed that students and practitioners were in agreement with the majority of items asked (39 of 48 items). Nine significant differences were found and discussed in the paper.