cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Random Feature Subset Selection for Analysis of Data with Missing Features

We discuss an ensemble-of-classifiers based algorithm for the missing feature problem. The proposed approach is inspired in part by the random subspace method, and in part by the incremental learning algorithm, Learn++. The premise is to generate an adequately large number of classifiers, each trained on a different and random combination of features, drawn from an iteratively updated distribution. To classify an instance with missing features, only those classifiers whose training data did not include the currently missing feature are used. These classifiers are combined by using a majority voting combination rule to obtain the final classification of the given instance. We had previously presented preliminary results on a similar approach, which could handle up to 10% missing data. In this study, we expand our work to include different types of rules to update the distribution, and also examine the effect of the algorithm's primary free parameter (the number of features used to train the ensemble of classifiers) on the overall classification performance. We show that this algorithm can now accommodate up to 30% of features missing without a significant drop in performance.
Aromatic oligomers that form hetero duplexes in aqueous solution.

The electron-deficient 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (Ndi) and electron-rich 1,5-dialkoxynaphthalene (Dan) have been shown to complex strongly with each other in water due to the hydrophobic effect as modulated through the electrostatic complementarity of the stacked dimer. Previously, oligomers of alternating Ndi and Dan units, termed aedamers, were the first foldamers to employ intramolecular aromatic stacking to effect the formation of secondary structure of nonnatural chains in aqueous solution. Described here is the use of this aromatic−aromatic (or pi−pi) interaction, this time in an intermolecular format, to demonstrate the self-assembly of stable hetero duplexes from a set of molecular strands (1a−4a) and (1b−4b) incorporating Ndi and Dan units, respectively. A 1-to-1 binding stoichiometry was determined from NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) investigations, and these experiments indicated that association is enthalpically favored with the tetra-Ndi (4a) and tetra-Dan (4b...
Cloud processing of aerosol as modeled by a large eddy simulation with coupled microphysics and aqueous chemistry

[1] Cloud processing of aerosol through both drop collision coalescence and aqueous chemistry is simulated with the aid of a large eddy simulation model and fully coupled components that represent (1) size-resolved aerosol, (2) size-resolved microphysics, and (3) the conversion of SO2 to sulfate via aqueous chemistry. Prior work with cloud parcel models has shown that the outcome of processing in a stratocumulus-capped marine boundary layer depends strongly on the cloud liquid water content, aerosol concentrations, trace gas concentrations, and contact time with a cloud. The current model represents spatial and temporal variability of these parameters at large eddy scales on the order of a few hundred meters and timescales on the order of a few seconds. A number of scenarios are presented here: (1) a case with relatively low aerosol concentrations in which aqueous chemistry processing does not substantially affect drizzle, (2) a case with intermediate aerosol concentrations of relatively large size in which drizzle is suppressed by aqueous chemistry, and (3) a case with intermediate aerosol concentrations of relatively small size in which drizzle is enhanced by aqueous chemistry. The simulations indicate that aqueous chemistry can modify the dynamics and microphysics of stratocumulus clouds and illustrate the complexity of the coupled system. This work suggests that parameterizations of the effects of cloud processing of aerosol require careful consideration of the myriad feedbacks in the cloudy boundary layer.
The study on composition changes of heavy oils during steam stimulation processes

Abstract Using the heavy oils obtained from Liaohe oilfields in China, we have conducted the aquathermolysis reaction in laboratory at 240 °C. The results showed that Liaohe heavy oils have been undergoing visbreaking in the process of steam-drive and steam stimulation. After reaction with steam, the viscosity of the heavy oil was reduced by 28–42% and the amount of the saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons increased, while resin and asphaltene decreased. The gas partition chromatography showed that the accumulated amount of carbon numbers increased, after reaction, the accumulated amount of carbon numbers less than C20 are 38.79–53.92%, and before reaction they are 13.30–20.92%. The results provided the basic data for heavy oil recovery by in situ catalytic method in production of heavy oil in oilfields.
Effects of liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate on macrophage function and endotoxin-induced mortality.

Dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP), encapsulated into liposomes, is known to eliminate splenic and hepatic macrophages. In the present study we investigated the time course of the effects of i.v. injected Cl2MDP-liposomes on macrophage function in rats from 2 h to 14 days postinjection. We further assessed the impact of Cl2MDP-liposomes on endotoxin-induced lethality. Magnetometry was used to measure uptake and distribution of magnetic particles in different organs and to non-invasively monitor cell organelle motion and disappearance of particles in Kupffer cells. Cl2MDP-liposomes administered to rats pre-injected with magnetic particles, resulted in a biphasic impairment of the cell organelle motion after 1 h and 48 h. At 8 h, retained particles started to leave the liver, indicating the begin of an irreversible damage to hepatic macrophages. The released magnetic material was redistributed and taken up primarily by spleen and bone marrow. Pretreatment with Cl2MDP-liposomes for 24 h and 48 h significantly depressed phagocytic capacity for magnetic particles in Kupffer cells. Again, this was compensated by an increased uptake by spleen, lungs, and bone marrow. Interestingly, i.v. administration of endotoxin after pretreatment with Cl2MDP-liposomes resulted in a significant reduction in mortality from 55% to 14%.
Numerical Methods for Propagating Imprecise Uncertainty

Since engineering design requires decision making under uncertainty, the degree to which good decisions can be made depends upon the degree to which the decision maker has expressive and accurate representations of his or her uncertain beliefs. Whereas traditional decision analysis uses precise probability distributions to represent uncertain beliefs, recent research has examined the effects of relaxing this assumption of precision. A specific example of this is the theory of imprecise probability. Imprecise probabilities are more expressive than precise probabilities, but they are also more computationally expensive to propagate through mathematical models. The probability box (p-box) is an alternative representation that is both more expressive than precise probabilities, and less computationally expensive than general imprecise probabilities. In this paper, we introduce a method for propagating p-boxes through black box models. Based on two example models, a new method, called p-box convolution sampling (PCS), is compared with three other p-box propagation methods. It is found that, although PCS is less expensive than the alternatives, it is still relatively expensive and therefore only justifiable when the expected benefits are large. Several directions for further improving the efficiency of PCS are discussed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Structures of human DNA polymerases ν and θ expose their end game

Although the two B-family human DNA polymerases, pol δ and pol e, are responsible for the bulk of nuclear genome replication, at least 14 additional polymerases have roles in nuclear DNA repair and replication. In this issue, newly reported crystal structures of two specialized A-family polymerases, pol ν and pol θ, expose these enzymes' strategies for handling aberrant DNA ends.
Formation of an anomalous acoustic plasmon in spatially separated plasmas

Abstract The collective excitation spectrum of a spatially separated, two-component, two-dimensional plasma is investigated within a generalized random-phase approximation. It is shown that in addition to the regular optical and acoustic plasmons, a high frequency mode may exist in such a system provided the separation between the two charge components exceeds a critical length. This mode is undamped in leading order and is linear in wave vector in the long wavelength limit. It may thus be viewed as “acoustic” in nature, and referred to as an Anomalous Acoustic Plasmon. The existence criteria for the regular acoustic plasmon, which is a low frequency damped mode, is also helped by the spatial separation since its phase velocity is enhanced with respect to its damping rate. The regular optical plasmon remains unaffected by the separation in leading order. Finally, the dynamical structure factor of the system is analyzed and the feasibility of observing these modes in InAs/GaSb superlattices or in multi-component inversion layers, is discussed.
Reply to Holtzman and Gallagher

To The Editor—We thank Holtzman and Gallagher for their interest in our work [1]. Consistent with our study, which identified antiretroviral (ARV) medication errors in 29% of admissions during the first hospital day [2], they report an error rate of 26% among hospitalized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients prescribed ARV medications at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA [1]. We would like to clarify a misunderstanding by Holtzman and Gallagher of our study methods. As we stated in the methods section of our paper, our study was a retrospective review of ARV medication errors, and not an evaluation of a pharmacist intervention [2]. Two clinical pharmacists retrospectively reviewed medical orders to identify ARV medication errors for study purposes, and were not present in real time to identify and correct medication errors. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, the HIV/AIDS service has a specialized clinical pharmacist who reviews all medications administered on the prior day. However, our study included not only patients admitted to the HIV/AIDS service, but also those admitted to medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, and psychiatry. These other services do not routinely include pharmacists on the rounding team. Since we did not specifically evaluate a clinical pharmacist intervention on medication orders, we offered clinical pharmacy review of medication orders as a possible reason for the decline in errors on the second day of hospitalization for two reasons: (1) prior studies have demonstrated the efficacy of clinical pharmacists in decreasing ARV medication errors [3], and (2) 64% of our study patients were admitted to the HIV/AIDS service, which has a dedicated HIV clinical pharmacist. Other interventions, both educational and technological, may also be important to correcting ARV medication errors that occur early in hospitalization.
Delayed neuronal injury induced by sub-lethal NMDA exposure in the hippocampal slice.

Abstract Stroke produces neuronal death by two general processes which differ in their temporal course. Acute neuronal death occurs within minutes, while delayed neuronal death evolves within 24 h. To better examine mechanisms of delayed death, we developed a new in vitro model of delayed neuronal injury using extended electrophysiological recordings in paired hippocampal slices. We exposed one hippocampal slice of each pair to 10 μMN-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) until the orthodromic CA1 PS disappeared. Thereafter, NMDA-treated slices regained near full recovery of PS amplitude within one hour. However, 10 h later, NMDA-treated slices demonstrated a rapid decline in PS amplitude of 82% ± 15. CA1 orthodromic evoked PS was lost completely at an average 12.4 ± 1.6 h after NMDA exposure. This sudden loss of response contrasted with paired, untreated slices, where CA1 PS could be elicited for 22.6 ± 4.0 h (P
Juvenile psychopathy and judicial decision making: an empirical analysis of an ethical dilemma

In the burgeoning juvenile psychopathy literature, there is a debate on whether it is appropriate to apply this construct to youths. Some have suggested that labeling children/adolescents as psychopathic might result in negative consequences, such as being recommended for more restrictive placements. However, the scant evidence is equivocal. This study provides additional insights on this issue by assessing judicial perceptions and recommendations to a hypothetical case. Results indicate that psychopathy influenced perceptions of amenability (eta = .12) and dangerousness (eta = .25), and recommendations for placement (eta = .11). More specifically, youth who were both labeled as psychopathic and ascribed psychopathic traits were viewed as less amenable to treatment and more dangerous and were more likely to be recommended for a restrictive placement than youth who were neither labeled nor described as such. The effect of psychopathy on placement recommendations, however, was not significant after controlling for perceptions of dangerous. This suggests that the influence of psychopathy on judicial restrictiveness may operate through the perceived dangerousness of the youth.
A vascular mechanistic approach to understanding Raynaud phenomenon

This article places Raynaud phenomenon in the context of a mechanistic understanding of cutaneous vasoconstrictive and thermoregulatory processes, describing how these processes might regulate the pathogenesis of Raynaud phenomenon and ultimately inform new approaches to its treatment. During exposure to cold, our bodies attempt to maintain normal core temperature by restricting heat loss through cutaneous vasoconstriction, and by increasing heat production through shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis. In selected areas of human skin (including on the fingers and toes), the vascular system has specialized structural and functional features that enable it to contribute to thermoregulation. These features include arteriovenous anastomoses, which directly connect the arterial and venous systems and bypass the nutritional capillaries supplying blood to the skin tissue. Of note, Raynaud phenomenon predominantly affects the arterial territories supplying these specialized areas of skin. Indeed, Raynaud phenomenon can be considered a disorder of vascular thermoregulatory control. This Review presents an understanding of Raynaud phenomenon in the context of vascular and thermoregulatory control mechanisms, including the role of unique thermosensitive vascular structural and functional specialization, and describes the potential role of thermogenesis in this disorder. This new approach provides remarkable insight into the disease process and builds a framework to critically appraise the existing knowledge base. This paradigm also explains the deficiencies in some current therapeutic approaches, and highlights new areas of potential relevance to the pathogenesis and treatment of Raynaud phenomenon that should be expanded and explored.
Un marco de referencia nuevo para la psiquiatría: la mente encuentra al cerebro. I. Los fundamentos científicos y humanos

Antecedentes. Los articulos de Kandel "Un marco de referencia intelectual nuevo para la psiquiatria" y "La biologia y el futuro del psicoanalisis: un marco de referencia nuevo para el psicoanalisis reconsiderado" son un intento de ubicar a la psiquiatria en el contexto de la biologia moderna concerniente a las relaciones entre mente y cerebro. Objetivo. Revisar las interpretaciones de Kandel sobre la naturaleza del hombre y la psiquiatria academica. Metodo. Preguntar por el lugar en que se originan los conceptos de "mente y cerebro", es decir, el proyecto elaborado previamente que permite tomar a los entes como objetos para la ciencia. Resultados. La psiquiatria solo encuentra lo que admite su tipo de representacion previamente como un objeto posible, o sea, Yo, sujeto, persona, conciencia, hombre. Aun la concepcion metafisica del hombre como animal racional fracasa en considerar la relacion de la esencia del hombre con el ser. Es esta comprension del ser que para Heidegger caracteriza mas profundamente al hombre: el Dasein (Ser-ahi). La esencia del Dasein radica en su existencia. Conclusiones. La psiquiatria como ciencia siempre parte de presupuestos que la psiquiatria misma no puede nunca justificar cientificamente. La psiquiatria hace aparecer al hombre solo en ese tipo de objetividad que esta constituida y mantenida por variadas objetivaciones cientificas.
Vascular tumor in metal-on-polyethylene THA requiring hemipelvectomy

Total hip arthroplasty with metal-on-polyethylene implants and metal-on-metal articulations have been an area of recent interest. This article describes a patient with a persistent small soft tissue mass on the anterior groin following total hip arthroplasty with negative findings on infection workup, including blood work and aspiration. Subsequent biopsy findings were consistent with organizing thrombus and necrosis. It then developed into an expansile soft tissue groin mass with significant femoral and pelvic bony destruction and soft tissue infiltration. Metallosis, the formation of a pseudocapsule, and aseptic lymphocyte vasculitis-associated lesions have also been an area of interest following adult hip reconstruction. Occasionally, the formation of subsequent lesions make revision surgery impossible to perform due to bony destruction and soft tissue limitations. Although few in number, most studies or cases that have linked metal-on-metal implants to pseudotumors have been treated with revision surgery and replacement of articulating surfaces. This case highlights a metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty with a mass presenting with pseudotumor-like characteristics. However, final histology demonstrated fibroadipose tissue with fat necrosis and fibrosis, thickened vascular vessels, and diffuse chronic inflammation with lymphocytic infiltrates, which are more consistent with an atypical inflammatory vascular tumor. The current case illustrates treatment difficulties and provides surgical options for when this event occurs. Although aseptic lymphocyte vasculitis-associated lesions have been observed with metal-on-polyethylene articulations, the multiorgan involvement in this case is unique. In this case, radical excision with hemipelvectomy and complex flap closure was a last resort treatment solution that staved off the prospect of patient mortality.
Adaptation and Consistency in the Disfluent Speech Behavior of Young Stutterers and Nonstutterers

Sixty children, from five to eight years of age, 30 stutterers and 30 nonstutterers, were studied with regard to the adaptation and consistency phenomena of their disfluent speech behavior. A set o...
Mural Painting as Inclusive Art Learning Experience

ABSTRACT A muralist/TA gives historical, theoretical, and practical insights into the role mural painting can play in inclusive education.
Bayesian analysis. III. Applications to NMR signal detection, model selection, and parameter estimation

Abstract The two preceding articles developed the application of Bayesian probability theory to the problems of parameter estimation, signal detection, and model selection on quadrature NMR data in some generality. Here those procedures are used to analyze free induction decay data, when the models are sinusoidal. The exact relationship between Bayesian probability theory and the discrete Fourier-transform power spectrum is derived, and it is shown that the discrete Fourier-transform power spectrum is an optimal frequency estimator for a wide class of problems. Signal detection and model selection problems are then examined, and examples are given that demonstrate the ability of Bayesian probability theory to determine the best model of a process even when more complex models fit the data better.
Vitamin A and risk of cancer

Although cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States today, it may be largely avoidable. This optimism derives from several types of epidemiologic studies, including observations of the differing international cancer mortality rates as well as international comparisons of cancer rates for different sites. In addition, migrant studies usually find that the cancer rates of migrants approach those of the host population within one to two generations. These observations support the theory that as a determinant of cancer, environment is a stronger factor than genetics. Doll and Peto (1) estimated that in the United States, tobacco is implicated in nearly a third of all cancer deaths while those factors which have generated the most public attentionthat is, food additives, occupational exposures, pollution, and industrial products-account for less than 8OJo of cancer deaths. The most intriguing conclusion in terms of cancer prevention was that dietary factors may be implicated in approximately 35% of all cancer deaths. Thus, through dietary manipulation, a large proportion of cancers may be preventable. In general, there are two ways to modify dietary intakes: either by advising people to give up those food items or dietary habits which appear to cause cancer or by adding protective agents to the diet. Since proscription of carcinogens seems less feasible than prescription of cancer inhibitors, dietary supplements may be more effective in reducing cancer risk than would restriction of certain foods and drinks. One of the nutritional factors which appears most promising as an antineoplastic agent is vitamig. A, either as retinol (preformed vitamin A, derived from animal sources) or beta-carotene (provitamin A, derived from vegetable sources). Surplus retinol is stored in the liver until needed, and an excess can produce liver toxicity and other harmful side effects (2). Upon absorption, beta-carotene is converted to retinol only as required by the body. Excess betacarotene circulates in the blood and is
Far Infrared Spectroscopy Using The UCSB Free Electron Laser

The design and power characteristics of the University of California, Santa Barbara free electron laser are reviewed. (AIP)
Functional management in matrix organizations

Six roles of functional managers are defined by analysis of a role relationship diagram. A time allocation survey shows that the time spent on two of the roles (task management and employee development) is independent of the functional manager level; the time spent on two of the roles (knowledge updating and technical consulting) decreases with the manager level; and the time spent on the remaining two roles (technical administration and organization development) increases with the manager level. Pros and cons and problems of matrix organizations are discussed from the perspectives of a functional management practitioner and various techniques for maximizing engineering productivity are suggested. Further studies are recommended, and a series of questions, which are relevant in all matrix organizations, is presented.
From Snapshots to Videotape: New Directions in Research on Gender Differences

This article identifies five answers to the question of whether there are sex differences in abilities and personality traits: the “sociobiology” argument, the “differently situated” argument, the “contingent” argument, the “no differences” argument, and the “disadvantage, not difference” argument. The multiplicity of arguments about sex differences derives from contrasting research paradigms in psychology. The individual differences model, stemming from the early days of scientific psychology, assumes a radical individualism in which mental abilities are made up of stable and unalterable individual characteristics that are not influenced by social factors; these characteristics are easily captured by quick, one-time, “snapshot” research methods. In contrast, the social psychological model considers the individual to be embedded in and influenced by the social situation. This article points out shortcomings of both models for the study of sex differences, and advocates instead a multi-level approach that considers both micro- and macro-level factors in shaping the behavior of both females and males. Videotape as a metaphor suggests new ways of thinking about research on women's lives.
A Configurable Pixel Cache for Fast Image Generation

This article describes an approach to fast image generation that uses a high-speed serial scan converter, a somewhat slower frame buffer, and a pixel cache to match the bandwidth between the two. Cache hit rates are improved by configuring the cache to buffer either 4 × 4 or 16 × 1 tiles of frame memory, depending on the type of operation being performed. For line drawing, the implenmention discribed can process 300,000 30-pixel vectors per second. For shaded polygons, the system can fill 16,000 900-pixel polygons per second. In addition to buffering pixel intensity data, the pixel cache also buffer z (depth) values, improving the performance of the z-buffer hidden-surface algorithm. By utilizing z-value caching, the system can process 5800 900-pixel shaded polygons per second with hidden-surface removed.
Fructose intake and cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type 1 diabetes: SEARCH for diabetes in youth study

Abstract Aims High consumption of dietary fructose has been shown to contribute to dyslipidemia and elevated blood pressure in adults, but there are few data in youth, particularly those at greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between fructose intake and CVD risk factors in a diverse population of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study, including 2085 youth ages 10–22 years with T1D, of which 22% were racial/ethnic minority and 50% were female. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess intake. Results Median daily fructose consumption was 7.9% of total calories. Fructose intake was positively associated with triglycerides ( p p Conclusion These data suggest that children with T1D should moderate their intake of fructose, particularly those with borderline or high triglycerides.
Positive and Negative Regulation of NF-κB by COX-2 ROLES OF DIFFERENT PROSTAGLANDINS

The prostaglandin H synthases (PGHS) catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, the committed step in prostanoid synthesis. Two forms of PGHS exist, PGHS-1 (COX-1) and PGHS-2 (COX-2). The gene encoding the latter form is known to be inducible by a number of stimuli including several inflammatory mediators. Recent evidence indicates that the inducible cyclooxygenase may have both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties through the generation of different prostaglandins. Previous reports indicate that the transcription factor NF-κB can function upstream ofCOX-2to control transcription of this gene and that the cyclopentenone prostaglandins can inhibit NF-κB activation via the inhibition of the IκB kinase. Thus, it is suggested that cyclopentenones feed back to inhibit continued nuclear accumulation of NF-κB. In this report we demonstrate COX-2 expression inhibits nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and we confirm that the cyclopentenone prostaglandins inhibit NF-κB. In addition, we show that prostaglandin E2 and its analogs promote the inherent transcriptional activity of the p65/RelA subunit of NF-κB in a manner independent of induced nuclear accumulation. Consistent with this evidence, prostaglandin E2 strongly synergizes with the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α to promote NF-κB-dependent transcription and gene expression. The data provide a molecular rationale to explain both the pro- and anti-inflammatory nature of COX-2.
Far-infrared dichroic bandpass filters.

Filters which serve as dichroic beam dividers are useful for certain types of far-infrared photometer. We have used inductive cross metal mesh as reflective coatings on solid dielectric Fabry-Perot etalons to produce dichroic filters with quality factors in the range 3 < Q < 10. These filters reflect strongly at frequencies below the bandpass and retain their well-defined bandpass at angles of incidence as large as 45°. They have been used to make an efficient far-infrared dichroic photometer with six frequency bands between 10 and 100 cm−1.
Adding High Level VoIP Facilities to the Unicon Language

Many programming languages have built-in functions for socket programming and data communications. These days, the Internet is widely used for voice communications that employ a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). A programming language with built-in VoIP functions can accelerate the development of voice enabled applications. Most programmers are familiar with manipulating files; making VoIP connections as simple to create and use as local files simplifies VoIP programming and its applications. This paper describes augmenting the Unicon programming language with very high level VoIP facilities.
Colocalization of BMP 7 and BMP 2 RNAs suggests that these factors cooperatively mediate tissue interactions during murine development.

Abstract Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) class of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-related molecules have been implicated in a variety of inductive processes throughout vertebrate development. The 60A subclass of BMPs contains at least four vertebrate members, BMPs 5–8. We have shown by library screening and in situ hybridization that of these four genes, BMP 7 is expressed earliest, in gastrulating embryos. Furthermore, BMP 7 transcripts are present at diverse sites throughout development, in a pattern consistent with a role in a variety of inductive interactions. Recent studies have shown that BMP 2/7 heterodimers have unique activities compared to the corresponding homodimers. For this reason, we compared the patterns of expression of BMP 2 and BMP 7 using in situ hybridization. Our results demonstrate that these BMPs are coexpressed in a number of tissues that are known to be the source of inductive signals, including the zone of polarizing activity and apical ectodermal ridge of the developing limb and the notochord, raising the possibility that BMP 2/7 heterodimers may mediate aspects of these tissue interactions. We also show that BMP 2 transcripts are restricted within the developing gut to dorsal endoderm, whereas sonic hedgehog has been localized to ventral and medial regions of the developing gut endoderm. These markers provide the first molecular evidence for dorsal/ventral polarity in the developing gut.
The toxin of diarrheic shellfish poisoning, okadaic acid, increases intestinal epithelial paracellular permeability

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diarrhea associated with shellfish poisoning is poorly understood. The responsible toxin, dinophysistoxin 1, has been identified as okadaic acid, a potent phosphatase inhibitor, but its effects on intestinal epithelia have not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of okadaic acid on intestinal epithelial function, both Cl- secretion and barrier function. METHODS: Cultured human intestinal epithelial T84 cell monolayers were used. The effect of okadaic acid on these monolayers was assessed by measuring electrophysiological parameters, lactate dehydrogenase release, and 22Na+ and [3H]mannitol flux rates. Protein phosphorylation studies were performed to identify potentially involved proteins. RESULTS: Okadaic acid does not directly stimulate Cl- secretion from intestinal epithelial cells. On the contrary, the response to well-characterized secretagogues is attenuated by okadaic acid. However, it does decrease transepithelial electrical resistance in a polarized fashion without inducing cytotoxicity. Sodium-mannitol flux studies suggest that the observed decrease in resistance is attributable to an increase in paracellular permeability. CONCLUSIONS: Okadaic acid, the toxin responsible for diarrheic shellfish poisoning, does not stimulate Cl- secretion but increases the paracellular permeability of intestinal epithelia. This alteration in intestinal epithelial physiology may contribute to the diarrhea of shellfish poisoning. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jan;112(1):100-8)
Splice loss in dispersion-modified single-mode silica fibers: effect of non-Gaussian fields

The nature of non-Gaussian fields in dispersion-modified single-mode silica fibers is examined to show the limitations of using two well-known Gaussian approximations for the theoretical prediction of splice loss caused by lateral and angular misalignments. To quantitatively evaluate this limitation, four dispersion-modified silica fiber designs were taken from the literature (a single-, a double-, a triple-, and a quadrupole-clad design) and splice losses calculated with Gaussian approximations were compared to that obtained by numerically integrating the overlap integral of the exact field distribution of the fundamental mode. The accuracy of each is discussed. >
Resonance Raman spectrum of selenium thin film

Abstract The resonance Raman spectrum of a selenium thin film at 20 K has been measured with the 514.5 nm excitation. A series of overtones, nv 7 ( n = 1–5), v 2 + nv 7 ( n = 0–3) and v 10 have been observed where v 7 , v 2 and v 10 are the fundamental vibrations of the Se 8 ring molecule. The broadness of these bands at 20K suggests that the thin film contains randomly orientated Se 8 ring molecules.
Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in children: can they do it?

Extensive clinical experience and many studies support the use of IV patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) and regional anesthesia techniques for the treatment of postoperative pain in children. In contrast, little has been reported about the ability of children to use patient-controlled epidural an
First excess levels of vector processes

This paper analyzes the behavior of a point process marked by a two-dimensional renewal process with dependent components about some fixed (two-dimensional) level. The compound process evolves until one of its marks hits (i.e. reaches or exceeds) its associated level for the first time. The author targets a joint transformation of the first excess level, first passage time, and the index of the point process which labels the first passage time. The cases when both marks are either discrete or continuous or mixed are treated. For each of them, an explicit and compact formula is derived. Various applications to stochastic models are discussed.
Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of l-trans-4-tetrazolylproline (ly300020): A novel systemically-active ampa receptor agonist

LY300020, a conformationally constrained, ω-tetrazole-containing analog of L-glutamic acid was prepared and has been shown to be a relatively potent, highly selective, systemically- active AMPA receptor agonist. The activity of LY300020 was shown to be highly stereoselective as its enantiomer, LY301900, was devoid of binding affinity at ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors.
PARALLEL EVOLUTION IN ECOLOGICAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS TO PRODUCE CRYPTIC DAMSELFLY SPECIES ACROSS THE HOLARCTIC

The damselfly genus Enallagma originated in the Nearctic, and two Nearctic lineages recently underwent radiations partly associated with multiple independent habitat shifts from lakes dominated by fish predators into lakes dominated by dragonfly predators. A previous molecular study of four Palearctic morphospecies and all representative Nearctic species identified the presence of two cryptic species sets, with each set having Palearctic and Nearctic representatives. However, the cryptic species within each set are not sibling species. Here, we present quantitative data on ecologically important larval morphologies and behaviors involved in predator avoidance and on adult male morphological structures involved in mate recognition to quantify the phenotypic relationships among these cryptic species sets. For the adult stage, our data indicate strong parallel evolution of the structures involved in specific mate recognition—the male cerci. For the larval stage, morphometric analyses show that the Palearctic species evolved a nearly identical morphology to the sibling-clade members in the Nearctic that live in waters where dragonflies are the top predators. This implicates the importance of dragonfly predation in the history of the Palearctic clade. Behavioral analyses suggest population differentiation in response to the actual predator environment in the Palearctic clade, consistent with the species differentiation seen in the Nearctic. Our results suggest parallel evolution of adult traits that influence specific mate choice and larval traits that influence ecological performance underlie the striking similarity of Enallagma species across continents. This concurrent parallel evolution in both stages of a complex life cycle, especially when both stages do not share the same selective environment, may be a very unusual mechanism generating cryptic species.
Toward the Development and Validation of a Measure of Cognitive Communication Competence.

The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of cognitive communication competence and begin the process of collecting evidence of its validity. A review of literature indicated four temporarily discrete mental processes essential to cognitive communication competence: 1) the anticipation of contextual variables that may potentially influence one's communication choices, 2) perception of the consequences of one's communication choices, 3) immediate reflection, and 4) general reflection upon the choices one has made. Subjects completed measures of Cognitive Communication Competence (CCCS), Self‐Monitoring, Interaction Involvement, and Communicative Knowledge. Results indicated a five factor solution which was not identical with the original conceptualized dimensions of the CCCS. The factor structure that emerged did reflect a temporal separation of cognitions but it also revealed different types of communication cognitions. Additionally, support was provided for the construct validity of the CCCS. Im...
Development of solar charging system for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles

In January 2009, Toyota City was chosen as Eco-Model City for the realization of low-carbon society. As a transport initiative for an Eco-Model City, Toyota City has installed charging facilities that utilize solar energy in order to promote the usage of eco-cars such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The new solar charging system for Toyota City that combines the solar power storage unit with commercial electricity has been developed.
The reaction of oxygen with silicon and germanium at elevated temperatures by weight loss measurement

Abstract Germanium and silicon single crystal wafers were masked with Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 respectively on their back faces, and their clean faces held close to a cold condensing surface. They were then heated by thermal radiation in oxygen atmospheres in the pressure range 10 −3 to 2 × 10 −2 Torr at temperatures sufficiently high that the reaction was limited by the sticking efficiency of oxygen on the clean wafer. The sticking coefficient of oxygen on germanium was found to be 0.033 for {111} {110} and {100} orientations, with higher values for {111} at 820°C as previously reported. The sticking coefficient of oxygen on silicon was found to be in the range 0.06 to 0.11 for {111} and {100} orientations with slightly lower values observed on two {110} samples. Higher values were obtained on pitted or matte surfaces.
Object-oriented program tracing and visualization

Conventional program analysis and presentation techniques are insufficient when dealing with object oriented concepts, but tool developers have nevertheless found a way to obtain and visualize OO traces. The approach presented combines static information with actual execution information to produce views that summarize the relevant computation. In developing this approach, the authors focused on reducing the search space for extracting dynamic program information and on creating visualizations that may improve a programmer's understanding of object behaviour in real world OO systems. They applied the research prototype, Program Explorer, to a real project outside IBM. Although Program Explorer was originally designed for C++, a version for IBM's System Object Model (SOM) has demonstrated that the concepts are applicable to OO languages in general.
Spot Weld Failure Prediction and Simulation in Crash Analysis

Weld failure/separation in vehicle body structures subjected to impact condition may results in component instability and thus reduced energy absorption. A new finite element method has been developed for modeling the behavior of spot welds in elastic, plastic and separation stages. This method can be used to simulate weld failure in vehicle crash analysis using a failure formulation derived from coupon test results. It is a generalized method and is intended to be applicable to any combination of the weld design parameters such as thickness, materials, coating and impact speed. The method has been validated on the crash tests on straight and S-type rails with a hat section. The CAE prediction based on the modeling procedure correlates well with the test results for all the rail crush cases. The welds are modeled using the beam-type spring element with the newly developed weld damage parameters. The baseline curves for the spring element and the detailed projection equations developed are provided in this paper. The presented method and major effect curves from the testing can also benefit the spot weld design and specification development.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Interest rates and budget deficits revisited–evidence from the G7 countries

This article revisits whether budget deficits affect interest rates, and broadens the literature by examining whether financial globalization has changed this relationship. A structural model of interest determination is extended to account for the fact that official capital flows are determined differently than private flows and is estimated for a 1960–2005 G7 panel. We find that deficits have a significant but small effect on long-term rates, but that this result depends on the fiscal concept used. Moreover, we find no evidence of structural change in interest rate determination in the recent decades, with the exception of an increased impact of insurance-related capital inflows in recent years.
Breast reconstruction: current and future options

When initiated by the devastating diagnosis of cancer, post ablative breast restoration has at its core the goal of restoring anatomic normalcy. The concepts of body image, wholeness, and overall well-being have been introduced to explain the paramount psychological influence the breast has on both individuals and society as a whole. Hence, a growing subspecialty has been established to recreate or simulate the lost breast. At least one third of breast cancer victims consider breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction post mastectomy may be offered at the time of mastectomy or delayed post mastectomy after adjuvant therapy. This may be utilizing autologous tissues or implants and each has risks and benefits, especially when considering adjuvant therapy. In addition, there has been a move away from a traditional mastectomy to less invasive, but still curative procedures, such as skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy. These procedures provide the breast envelope to facilitate reconstruction. This paper reviews the primary issues in breast reconstruction, as well as their psychologic, oncologic, and social impact.
The crosslinking and antimicrobial properties of tunichrome.

Tunichromes are small peptides containing one or more dehydrodopa derived units that have been identified in the blood cells of at least eleven species of tunicates. Incubation of tunichromes isolated from Ascidia nigra hemocytes (or model dopa-containing compounds) under oxidative conditions with either lysozyme, cytochrome c or ovalbumin resulted in a time-dependent polymerization of these test proteins to dimers, trimers, tetramers and potentially to other oligomers. These results indicate that the oxidation products of tunichromes possess inherent crosslinking properties. Hence it is possible that tunichromes participate in tunic production by forming adducts and crosslinks with structural proteins and/or carbohydrate polymers, similar to the well-understood process of insect cuticle hardening. Since such crosslinking potentials could also be beneficial for defense reactions against invading microorganisms, antibacterial activity of tunichromes was tested using both a radial diffusion assay and the Microtox® test. Tunichromes exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Photobacterium phosphorium. However, they did not show any antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus at the concentrations tested. We propose that the crosslinking and antimicrobial functions are both based on the reactivity of dehydrodopa units present in the tunichromes, and their subsequent ability to form highly reactive quinone methides.
Sex Differences in the Association of Thigh Fat and Metabolic Risk in Older Adults

We have previously shown a favorable association of subcutaneous leg fat with markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women. It is not known whether there is a sex dimorphism in the association of lower-body adiposity with reduced metabolic risk. Thus, our primary aim was to determine whether the favorable association of thigh subcutaneous fat, independent of abdominal fat, is also observed in older men. Mid-thigh and abdominal fat areas were measured by computed tomography (CT) in 108 older men and postmenopausal women (mean ± s.d.; 69 ± 7 years). Additionally, trunk and leg fat mass (FM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia were determined from oral glucose tolerance tests and lipid and lipoprotein measurements, respectively. Outcomes were fasted and postchallenge (area under the curve, AUC) insulin (INSAUC) and glucose (GLUAUC), product of the insulin and glucose AUC (INSAUC × GLUAUC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Consistent with our previous findings in postmenopausal women, adjusting for DXA trunk FM revealed a favorable association of DXA leg FM with the metabolic risk outcomes in both older men and postmenopausal women. Likewise, adjusting for CT abdominal visceral fat generally revealed a favorable association of CT thigh fat with metabolic risk outcomes in women, but not men. The discordance between the DXA and CT results in men is unclear but may be due to sex differences in visceral fat accrual. The mechanisms underlying the protective effect of thigh fat on metabolic risk factors need to be elucidated.