cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case-Based Framework for Interactive Capture and Reuse of Design Knowledge

Aerospace design is a complex task requiring access to large amounts of specialized information. Consequently, intelligent systems that support and amplify the abilities of human designers by capturing and presenting relevant information can profoundly affect the speed and reliability of design generation. This article describes research on supporting aerospace design by integrating a case-based design support framework with interactive tools for capturing expert design knowledge through “concept mapping.” In the integrated system, interactive concept mapping tools provide crucial functions for generating and examining design cases and navigating their hierarchical structure, while CBR techniques facilitate retrieval and aid interactive adaptation of designs. Our goal is both to provide a useful design aid and to develop general interactive techniques to facilitate case acquisition and adaptation. Experiments illuminate the performance of the system's context-sensitive retrieval during interactive case adaptation and the conditions under which it provides the most benefit.
Antihypertensive agents and arterial stiffness: relevance to reducing cardiovascular risk in the chronic kidney disease patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Arterial stiffness is a sign of diffuse adventitial macrovascular disease. The purpose of the present review is to discuss, in patients with chronic kidney disease, the pathophysiology of increased arterial stiffness, the role of antihypertensive therapy on reduction of arterial stiffness, and the clinical ways by which the prognostication of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease can be refined using arterial stiffness monitoring. RECENT FINDINGS: Arterial stiffness is increased with increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In patients with chronic kidney disease some unique factors further increase the risk of arterial stiffness, and include volume overload, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, anemia, and dysregulated mineral metabolism. Arterial stiffness is increased even in patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure reduction when accompanied by a reduction in arterial stiffness is associated with improved prognosis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can preferentially improve arterial stiffness, which may be an additional mechanism of cardiovascular protection with these agents. SUMMARY: The impact of improvement in arterial stiffness with antihypertensive agents on cardiovascular outcomes needs well designed clinical trials.
Homotopy continuation based prediction of azeotropy in binary and multicomponent mixtures through equations of state

A method to compute all the azeotropes in homogeneous binary and multicomponent mixtures for entire two-phase pressure range is described. The method is based on solving the necessary condition of azeotropy for all the possible solutions through homotopy continuation approach. The method is mathematically guaranteed to predict all the possible azeotropes and is in close agreement with experimental data for any equation of state that can adequately represent the phase behavior. Both vapor and liquid phase non-idealities are incorporated using fugacity coefficients from the Peng–Robinson–Stryjek–Vera equation of state with the Wong–Sandler mixing rules. The method is also capable of predicting the value of bifurcation pressure where homogeneous azeotropes will appear or disappear. Polyazeotropy in binary mixtures is a singular case of vapor-liquid equilibrium and can also be computed by solving the necessary condition of azeotropy in binary mixtures for multiple solutions through homotopy continuation based approach. The approach can also systematically search the entire two-phase pressure range for the appearance, disappearance and persistence of azeotropy and polyazeotropy in binary and multicomponent mixtures.
The relationship between dermal pressure ulcers, oxygenation and perfusion in mechanically ventilated patients.

Summary Background: More than 1.5 million hospitalized patients develop dermal pressure ulcers (DPUs) annually, which increases cost and prolongs length of stay. Mechanically ventilated patients may be at a high risk for DPU development, but research has not focused on the prevalence of dermal pressure ulcers in this population or the factors associated with dermal pressure ulcer development. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dermal pressure ulcers in subjects receiving mechanical ventilation and to describe the relationship between systemic oxygenation, tissue perfusion, and the prevalence of dermal pressure ulcers. Methods: Subjects from an Intensive Care Unit in a Midwestern hospital in the United States were recruited into this descriptive, correlational study following intubation. Variables included: demographics, general subject status (weight, serum albumin), ventilatory status, oxygenation status (arterial blood gas analysis including concentration of hydrogen ions, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, and amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin), perfusion status (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, urine output), and skin condition. The Braden Scale was used to measure the risk of skin breakdown, with any skin breakdown being classified in stages ranging from I to IV (I having minimal breakdown, IV having maximal breakdown). Braden Scores range from 6 to 23, with a score of 6 indicating high risk and a score of 23 indicating low risk. Data were collected every other day after admission to the Medical Intensive Care Unit until extubation, transfer, or death. Results: Subjects ( n = 40) were primarily Caucasian (77.5%), having a mean age of 56.4 years (±14.6 years). Half of the sample was male (50%). Twenty percent of the sample developed DPUs. A Pearson's correlation identified the significant associations between the Braden Score and MAP, PaCO 2 , largest weight fluctuation in a 3-day period, and change in weight from admission to discharge. Surprisingly, the lowest Braden Score was not significantly associated with the development of DPUs. Conclusions: Mechanically ventilated patients are vulnerable to developing dermal pressure ulcers as evidence by 20% of the subject population developing a dermal pressure ulcer. The most significant factors related to a low Braden Score in this group are fluid shifts and fluid weight gain. This may be an important predictor of dermal pressure ulcers not currently assessed clinically.
Host cell receptors for two strains of Sindbis virus.

Experiments were performed to determine whether neuronal cells have different numbers of receptors for a neurovirulent and an avirulent strain of the same virus and whether neurotropic strains of different viruses share the same cellular receptors. Attempts were also made to characterize the receptors for the two strains of Sindbis virus on viable cells by studying their enzyme sensitivity.
Towards Integrating Real-Time Crowd Advice with Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning is a powerful machine learning paradigm that allows agents to autonomously learn to maximize a scalar reward. However, it often suffers from poor initial performance and long learning times. This paper discusses how collecting on-line human feedback, both in real time and post hoc, can potentially improve the performance of such learning systems. We use the game Pac-Man to simulate a navigation setting and show that workers are able to accurately identify both when a sub-optimal action is executed, and what action should have been performed instead. Demonstrating that the crowd is capable of generating this input, and discussing the types of errors that occur, serves as a critical first step in designing systems that use this real-time feedback to improve systems' learning performance on-the-fly.
Multi-batch catfish production and economic analysis using alternative (low-cost) diets with corn gluten feed and traditional diets with meat and bone meal

Abstract We conducted concurrent feeding trials for one growing season with channel catfish in ponds in Mississippi and Arkansas to evaluate the production and economic effects of alternative (low-cost) feeds containing 28 or 32% protein and alternative (corn gluten feed) or traditional (porcine meat, bone and blood meal) protein sources. Supplemental lysine was added to all diets except the 32% protein traditional diet to meet the available lysine requirement for catfish. Higher concentrations of dicalcium phosphate were also included in the alternative diets to meet the available phosphorus requirement for catfish. Fish were stocked in a multi-batch system and the same diets and general management protocols were used at both sites. At harvest, there were no differences in the total amount of feed fed, yield of market-size fish, mean weight of market-size fish, feed conversion, survival, carcass yield, or fillet yield among dietary treatments at both sites. There were some differences in processing yield and fillet composition, but the main diet effect was the higher yield of fingerlings fed diets with 32% protein compared to 28% protein in the Arkansas trial. The 28% protein alternative (corn gluten feed) diet would result in the best Year 1 cash flow because the yield of marketable fish was the same, at a lower total feed cost. However, the lower yield of fingerlings fed 28% protein diets will weaken the farm's balance sheet and show reduced profitability. Second-year performance and economics of understocked fish fed 28% protein diets are unknown.
A Field Guide to Recent Species of Naturalism

This review of recent work in the philosophy of science motivated by a commitment to 'naturalism' begins by identifying three key axioms and one theorem shared by philosophers thus self-styled. Owing much to Quine and Ernest Nagel, these philosophers of science share a common agenda with naturalists elsewhere in philosophy. But they have disagreed among themselves about how the axioms and the theorems they share settle long-standing disputes in the philosophy of science. After expounding these disagreements in the work of Boyd, Giere, Laudan, and Kitcher, I argue that naturalism needs to look for more than mere consistency in its foundations. 1 Realism's need for naturalism 2 Naturalism without realism 3 Naturalism is in the details 4 Naturalism for all seasons 5 Naturalism and knowledge 6 Naturalism's Darwinian roots
Nonstochastic magnetic reversal in artificial quasicrystalline spin ice

We have measured the isothermal DC magnetization of Penrose P2 tilings (P2T) composed of wire segments of permalloy thin film. Micromagnetic simulations reproduce the coercive fields and “knee anomalies” observed in experimental data and show magnetic shape anisotropy constrains segments to be single-domain (Ising spins) at low fields, similar to artificial spin ice (ASI). Mirror symmetry controls the initial reversal of individual segments oriented parallel to the applied field, followed by complex switching of multiple adjacent segments (“avalanches”) of various orientations such that closed magnetization loops (“vortices”) are favored. Ferromagnetic P2T differ from previously studied ASI systems due to their aperiodic translational symmetry and numerous inequivalent pattern vertices, which drive nonstochastic switching of segment polarizations.
Infrared Quenching and a Unified Description of Photoconductivity Phenomena in Cadmium Sulfide and Selenide

Infrared quenching, superlinearity, temperature dependence, and slow $S$-shape growth of photocurrent in cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide crystals may all be associated with the filling and emptying of a specific set of defect levels, as indicated by the location of the calculated electron Fermi level. Infrared quenching of photoconductivity occurs only when the Fermi level lies less than 0.8 ev from the conduction band in CdS, or less than 0.6 ev in CdSe; superlinear photoconductivity occurs only when the Fermi level varies between 0.6 and 0.8 ev from the conduction band in CdS, or between 0.3 and 0.6 ev in CdSe; the photosensitivity decreases rapidly as the Fermi level drops further than 0.6 ev from the conduction band in CdS with increasing temperature, or further than 0.3 ev in CdSe; a slow, $S$-shaped growth of photocurrent is observed when the Fermi level rises between 0.8 and 0.6 ev from the conduction band in CdS, or between 0.6 and 0.3 ev in CdSe.
Ribonucleic Acids of the Ilyanassa Embryo

From the Ilyanassa embryo an RNA component having a base composition similar to that of DNA has been separated by elution from a methylated albumin column. This material is judged to be a messenger RNA.
Response to comments on laser electron acceleration in vacuum

Response is made to criticisms on Haaland's paper on acceleration of electrons by laser beams in vacuum. All claims by critics are refuted.
Effect of cyclophosphamide on the in vitro production of immune globulins by lymphoid tissue in allograft rejection.

SummaryImmune globulin synthesis by sensitized lymph nodes, obtained from mice treated with cyclophosphamide, following the application of subcutaneous grafts of sarcoma I was studied by the technique of radi-oimmunoelectrophoresis. There was complete suppression of labeling of 7S γ1 during the homograft reaction as well as almost complete suppression of immunoglobulin synthesis during the first 7 days after grafting. Labeling of 7S γ2 and IgM appeared on the 10th day after the application of the graft. These findings differed from those obtained with untreated tumor-bearing murine hosts.
Dianion Stabilization by (M(C5(CH3)5)2)+: Theoretical Evidence for a Localized Ring in (DDQ)2-.

Organic dianions have been stabilized by (M(C5(CH3)5)2)+, where M is iron or cobalt. This has allowed the structural and spectroscopic characterization of these dianions. The structure of (M(C5(CH3)5)2)2+ (DDQ)2-, where DDQ is 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone, has been determined by x-ray crystallography. The structure of (DDQ)2-is consistent with ab initio molecular orbital calculations that suggest a localizd as opposed to a delocalized (aromatic) ring structure.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis methods for general decision models

Probabilistic sensitivity analysis has previously been described for the special case of dichotomous decision trees. We now generalize these techniques for a wider range of decision problems. These methods of sensitivity analysis allow the analyst to evaluate the impact of the multivariate uncertainty in the data used in the decision model and to gain insight into the probabilistic contribution of each of the variables to the decision outcome. The techniques are illustrated using Monte Carlo simulation on a trichotomous decision tree. Application of these powerful tools permits the decision analyst to investigate the structure and limitations of more complex decision problems with inherent uncertainties in the data upon which the decisions are based. Probabilistic sensitivity measures can provide guidance into the allocation of resources to resolve uncertainty about critical components of medical decisions.
Direct Detection of Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation through an Optical Sampling Orifice: Spatially Resolved Emission Studies of Argon Resonance Lines from an Inductively Coupled Plasma

Optical spectra are observed through a sampling orifice inserted directly into an inductively coupled plasma. The optical system does not use lenses, mirrors, or windows so that vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths as low as the ionization energy of Ar (78.7 nm) can be detected. These lines are readily observed with lateral spatial resolution. The intensity of Ar I 106.67 nm is studied for various plasma operating parameters and observation positions. The number density for the upper state for this line (3P1) is estimated to be of the order of 1011 cm-3 in the axial channel, which is similar in magnitude to the populations of the nearby metastable Ar levels measured previously. The Ar I line at 104.82 nm is self-reversed, indicating that Ar resonant radiation can definitely be trapped in the inductively coupled plasma. The results support the radiation trapping hypothesis but do not quantitatively determine the magnitude of energy transfer from the induction region to the axial channel by this mechanism.
Crystal structure at 2.5 A resolution of zinc-substituted copper amine oxidase of Hansenula polymorpha expressed in Escherichia coli.

Copper amine oxidases (CAOs) catalyze the two-electron oxidation of primary amines to aldehydes, utilizing molecular oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor. To accomplish this transformation, CAOs utilize two cofactors: a mononuclear copper, and a unique redox cofactor, 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ or TOPA quinone). TPQ is derived via posttranslational modification of a specific tyrosine residue within the protein itself. In this study, the structure of an amine oxidase from Hansenula polymorpha has been solved to 2.5 A resolution, in which the precursor tyrosine is unprocessed to TPQ, and the copper site is occupied by zinc. Significantly, the precursor tyrosine directly ligands the metal, thus providing the closest analogue to date of an intermediate in TPQ production. Besides this result, the rearrangement of other active site residues (relative to the mature enzyme) proposed to be involved in the binding of molecular oxygen may shed light on how CAOs efficiently use their active site to...
Exploring the Family Album: Social Class Differences in Images of Family Life*

Based on an analysis of twenty family albums, this study investigates how social class affects the family's portrayal of kin and friendship networks as well as its geographical boundaries. The results suggest the visual collections of middle-class families are more likely to present a kin oriented image of family life, include friends, and portray the family as a system with broad geographical boundaries than those of the working-class. Theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed.
Aggression heightened by alcohol or social instigation in mice: reduction by the 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist CP-94,253.

Rationale: Models of heightened aggression may be particularly relevant in exploring pharmacological options for the clinical treatment of aggressive and impulsive disorders. Objectives: To investigate and compare the effects of a 5-HT1B selective agonist, CP-94,253, on aggression that was heightened as a result of 1) social instigation or 2) alcohol treatment. Methods: Male CFW mice were administered 1.0 g/kg EtOH and were subsequently confronted by an intruder in their home cage. In a separate experimental procedure, resident male mice were instigated to aggressive behavior by brief exposure to a provocative stimulus male. To test the hypothesis that activation of the 5-HT1B receptor subtype would preferentially attenuate heightened aggression, in comparison to the moderate levels of species-typical aggressive behaviors, the selective agonist, CP-94,253 (1.0–30 mg/kg, IP), and antagonists to the 5-HT1B (GR 127935; 10 mg/kg, IP) and the 5-HT1A receptor (WAY 100,635; 0.1 mg/kg IP) were used. Results: CP-94,253 suppressed non-heightened aggressive behavior (ED50=7.2 mg/kg ). GR 127935, but not WAY 100,635 shifted the ED50 for CP-94,253 to 14.5 mg/kg. Importantly, the anti-aggressive effects of CP-94,253 were not accompanied by locomotor sedation. Alcohol-heightened and instigation-heightened aggression were suppressed at lower doses than those necessary to suppress non-heightened aggression (ED50=3.8 and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively). Conclusions: The current results support the hypothesis that activation of 5-HT1B receptors modulates very high levels of aggressive behavior in a pharmacologically and behaviorally specific manner.
Relationships of psychosocial factors to dietary intakes of preadolescent girls from diverse backgrounds

Family and personal factors that might be related to the development of food selection and eating patterns have not been well studied in children. The aim of this study was to examine whether such psychosocial factors differ in girls from four culturally diverse Girl Scout troops and how these factors are associated with dietary intakes. The social measures and dietary assessments were all obtained at baseline on subjects who were participating in a small nutrition education programme. The programme enrolled girls and one parent for each girl from four Girl Scout troops in Detroit, Michigan. The social factors assessed included girls' emotionality and use of food to regulate emotions, their general attitudes about health, eating and body image, and self-perceptions of their competence. Dietary intakes also were assessed in both the girls and their parents. There were large differences between troops in ethnicity and parent education level, and there were differences in dietary intakes as well. The psychosocial factors assessed in this study, however, did not differ significantly by troop. When the psychosocial factors were examined for their relationships to dietary factors, there was an indication that families which reported higher self-competence and academic competence in their daughters also had healthier eating patterns in their daughters. This was a small study, but the data suggest that simple comparisons between ethnic groups may not adequately capture the complexity of family and psychosocial factors contributing to good dietary practices.
The differences that methods make: Cross-border power flows and accounting for carbon emissions from electricity use

Abstract How much carbon was emitted due to consumption of electricity in each US state in 1999? This paper presents three alternative methods for answering this question, each of which is conceptually sound and sums to the same national total, yet each produces very different estimates of individual state emissions. These differences result from alternative assumptions taken to account for emissions associated with interstate electricity trade—power, and hence emissions, produced in one state but consumed in another. The methods described here demonstrate large effects that alternative methodological choices can have on our understanding of a state's carbon emissions levels, and on the incentive structures for states to enact supply and/or demand-side carbon reduction policies. Of the three methodologies, one is characteristic of standard carbon emissions accounting practice, one of life-cycle assessment, and one is an integrated approach, of which I argue that it is superior because it registers state carbon emissions change arising from change in both electricity production and consumption, thus creating incentive for states to enact a full range of progressive energy policies. Though developed here at the state scale, the issues engaged are relevant to carbon analysis and policy formation at scales ranging from the local to the international.
Thermal reactivity of Group 9 transition metal pinacolate complexes: heterocumulene cleavage and CO bond formation

Abstract The reactions of Group 9 transition metal pinacolate complexes Cp*M(pin) (M=Co (1), Rh (2), Ir (3)) with heterocumulenes (YCZ) are described. In these transformations the CZ bond of the heterocumulene is cleaved, and the pinacolate ligand is incorporated into an organic heterocycle (pin)CY. In some cases a clean organometallic product of the general formula Cp*MZ2CY is also produced. The regiochemistry of these reactions has been explored and found to follow expected trends, and evidence suggests a mechanism involving initial heterocumulene insertion into an MO bond yielding a 7-membered metallacycle, followed by 1,2 elimination.
Does Online Outshine?: Online vs. Campus-Based Degree Withdrawal and Completion Rates within an MBA Program

This study examined how the method of instructional delivery, face-to-face or online, affected withdrawal and persistence/completion the rates of students who matriculated in either the campus-based or online track of the same Masterâ€™s of Business Administration program. A quantitative investigation was conducted to analyze the academic and demographic characteristics of degree-seeking students at a large university in the United States. Demographic variables included age and gender. Academic-related variables included program delivery mode, undergraduate grade point average, admission test scores, and grade point average at time of withdrawal or completion.
Photoluminescence and X-ray diffraction study of highly uniform silicon and GexSi1-x epitaxial layers

Abstract Germanium-silicon multiple quantum well structures have potential applications in both near- and far-IR detectors. In this paper, we report on the uniformity of multiple quantum well structures grown by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition. Growth of structures with the desired periodicity was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry. Photoluminescence measurements showed two peaks associated with recombination of excitions in the quantum wells. Measurements of the peak energy as a function of radial position on the wafer showed a systematic shift which is consistent with an increase in germanium fraction and an increase in quantum well thickness toward the wafer edge. The magnitude and direction of the shift are also consistent with Monte Carlo simulations of the layer uniformity. The observed uniformity appears to be sufficient for the fabrication of IR detectors.
Delayed cardioprotection is mediatedvia a non-peptide δ opioid agonist, SNC-121, independent ofopioid receptor stimulation

Acute cardioprotection is mediated primarily through δ opioid receptor stimulation independent of μ or κ opioid receptor stimulation. Delayed cardioprotection is mediated by δ opioid receptor agonists but ambiguity remains about direct receptor involvement. Therefore, we investigated the potential of SNC-121, a non-peptide δ opioid agonist, to produce delayed cardioprotection and characterized the role of opioid receptors in this delayed response. All rats underwent 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. SNC-121 induced a signiﬁcant delayed cardioprotective effect. To determine the nature of this SNC-121-induced delayed cardioprotection, rats were treated with speciﬁc opioids receptor antagonists and underwent pertussis toxin (PT) treatment prior to opioid agonist stimulation. Control rats were injected with saline and allowed to recover for 24 hours. Pretreatment and early treatment with opioid receptor antagonists failed to inhibit the delayed protective effects of SNC-121, as did pretreatment with PT. Treatment with a free radical scavenger, 2-mercaptopropionyl glycine, at the time of opioid stimulation attenuated the delayed cardioprotective effects of SNC-121. These data suggest that delayed cardioprotection is stimulated via non-peptide δ opioid agonists by a mechanism unrelated to opioid receptor activation. The mechanism appears to be a non-opioid receptor mediated production of reactive oxygen species that triggers the signaling cascade leading to delayed cardioprotection.
Self-Knowledge and Rationality

There have been several recent attempts to account for the special authority of self-knowledge by grounding it in a constitutive relation between an agent’s intentional states and her judgments about those intentional states. This constitutive relation is said to hold in virtue of the rationality of the subject. I argue, however, that there are two ways in which we have self-knowledge without there being such a constitutive relation between first-order intentional states and the second-order judgments about them. Recognition of this fact thus represents a significant challenge to the rational agency view.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy: quantum holography for real.

Information can be encoded in electron waves on a surface using electronic holograms constructed from single molecules. The information is stored in two spatial dimensions and one energy dimension, and is read with a scanning tunnelling microscope.
Intervening with foster infants' caregivers: Targeting three critical needs

This article presents the theoretical and empirical rationale for an intervention that targets three critical needs of infants and young children in foster care. First, foster children tend to give behavioral signals that lead even nurturing caregivers to provide non-nurturing care. Foster parents, therefore, need services that help them to reinterpret children's behavioral signals. Second, some caregivers are not comfortable providing nurturance. When surrogate caregivers do not provide nurturance to foster children, their children are at risk for a range of problematic outcomes. The second intervention component, therefore, targets caregiver difficulties in providing nurturance. Third, foster children are at risk for behavioral and biobehavioral dysregulation as the result of disrupted relationships with previous caregivers. The final intervention component helps caregivers provide children with a predictable interpersonal environment such that children develop better regulatory capabilities. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Pairing theorem of graph eigenvalues: Its new proof and a generalization

Each undirected graph has its own adjacency matrix, which is real and symmetric. The negative of the adjacency matrix, also real and symmetric, is a well-defined mathematically elementary concept. By this negative adjacency matrix, the negative of a graph can be defined. Then an orthogonal transformation can be readily found that transforms a negative of an alternant graph to that alternant graph: (−G) G. Since the procedure does not involve the edge weights, the pairing theorem holds true for all edge-weighted alternant graphs, including the usual “standard” graphs.
Does Myostatin Induce Insulin Resistance

Bonala et al. (1) report that high glucose or fat increases myostatin protein expression in muscle and surprisingly liver (cells and tissue) and that myostatin induces insulin resistance. Their myostatin antiserum used for Western blotting and possibly ELISAs (not discussed) recognizes a reported 26-kDa protein under reducing conditions despite a predicted and empirically determined 12.5-kDa mass (2, 3). This group previously reported that the antiserum recognizes the same 26-kDa protein in mstn−/− muscle extracts (4). Zimmers et al. (3) also identified this protein in wild-type and mstn−/− mice, although their antiserum detected only a 12.5-kDa band in wild-type mice. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the lack of myostatin mRNA in liver. These findings together suggest that Bonala et al. (1) did not quantify myostatin as their antiserum appears to cross-react with an unknown protein. There is also concern with their use of recombinant myostatin made in bacteria, which cannot form the critical disulfide necessary for myostatin maturation. These recombinants may function as dominant negatives and were reported to inhibit C2C12 proliferation whereas different sources of recombinant myostatin generated in eukaryotes stimulate it (5). In fact, concentrations used by Bonala et al. (1) were supraphysiological, 100-fold higher than the functional concentrations of recombinant myostatin made in eukaryotes, which greatly exceeds the nanomolar affinity range of ActRIIb. This use of highly questionable reagents in turn questions many of the authors' conclusions. It also adds confusion to the field, and unless the reagents can be finally validated, their use should be discontinued.
Proteomic Analysis of KvLQT1 and HERG-associated Proteins

Background: We have generated LQT1 and LQT2 rabbit models by over-expressing the Flag-tagged pore mutant KvLQT1-Y315S or HERG-G628S, in the heart of transgenic rabbits. We undertook a proteomics approach in order to identify KvLQT1 as well as HERG-interacting proteins and differences in protein expression in the hearts of these transgenic rabbits.Methods: Triton X-100 solubilized heart membranes were subjected to immuno-precipitation using anti-FLAG antibody. The FLAG-immunoprecipitated KvLQT1 and HERG-bound complexes were resolved by SDS-PAGE and stained with Commassie blue. Upon resolution, 15 protein bands each corresponding to KvLQT1 and HERG-interacting proteins were obtained. Individual protein bands were destained, excised and digested with trypsin. The resulting peptide mixtures were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The results from mass spectra were searched against the mouse, rat, and human genomic data base using the SEQUEST software. 2-D DIGE technique in conjunction with proteomic studies was employed to investigate the differences in protein expression in the hearts of transgenic rabbits.Results: Our results revealed that both channels were precipitated. In addition, several unique potential KvLQTI and HERG-interacting proteins along with the previously known KvLQT1-interacting protein such as calmodulin, and HERG-interacting proteins, such as Hsc70 and Hsp90 were detected. Our results also showed that there were four protein bands with varying molecular weights which were common for KvLQT1 and HERG-bound complexes, suggesting potential common KvLQT1 and HERG-interacting proteins. Furthermore, the results of 2D-DIGE have revealed the upregulation of several proteins in KvLQT1 transgenic rabbit heart.Conclusions: We have identified potential unique proteins that interact with either KvLQT1 or HERG, as well as the several potential proteins that interact with both of these channels. These interacting proteins might play an important role in regulating the trafficking and localization of these channels.
Effect of surface roughness on single cryogen droplet spreading

Cryogen spray cooling is an auxiliary procedure to dermatologic laser surgery, which consists of precooling the superficial skin layer (epidermis) during laser irradiation of subsurface targets to avoid nonspecific epidermal thermal damage. While previous studies have investigated the interaction of cryogen sprays with microscopically smooth human skin models, it is important to recognize that real human skin surface is far from smooth. With the objective to provide physical insight into the interaction between cryogen sprays and human skin, we study the effect of surface roughness on the impact dynamics of single cryogen droplets falling on skin models of various roughnesses (0.5-70 μm ). We first develop a theoretical model to predict the maximum spread diameter (D m ) following droplet impingement based on a similarity approximation to the solution of a viscous boundary layer that incorporates friction as the major source of viscous dissipation on a rough surface. Then, we measure the droplet diameter, impact velocity, and D m of cryogen droplets falling by gravity onto skin models. Experimental data prove that the proposed model predicts D m with good accuracy, suggesting that the effects of surface roughness and friction on D m are properly taken into account for the range of surface roughness studied herein.
N2 escape rates from Pluto's atmosphere

Abstract Hydrodynamic escape of N2 molecules from Pluto's atmosphere is calculated under the assumption of a high density, slow outflow expansion driven by solar EUV heating by N2 absorption, near-IR and UV heating by CH4 absorption, and CO cooling by rotational line emission as a function of solar activity. At 30 AU, the N2 escape rate varies from ( 4 − 6.4 ) × 10 26 molecules s −1 in the absence of heating, but driven by an upward thermal heat conduction flux from the stratosphere, for lower boundary temperatures varying from 70–100 K. With solar heating varying from solar minimum to solar maximum conditions and a calculated lower boundary temperature, 88.2 K, the N2 escape rate range is ( 1.8 − 6.7 ) × 10 27 molecules s −1 , respectively. LTE rotational line emission by CO reduces the net solar heat input by at most 35% and plays a minor role in lowering the calculated escape rates, but ensures that the lower boundary temperature can be calculated by radiative equilibrium with near-IR CH4 heating. While an upward thermal conduction heat flux at the lower boundary plays a fundamental role in the absence of heating, with solar heating it is downward at solar minimum, and is, at most, 13% of the integrated net heating rate over the range of solar activity. For the arrival of the New Horizons spacecraft at Pluto in July 2015, predictions are lower boundary temperature, T 0 ∼ 81 K , and N2 escape rate ∼ 2.2 × 10 27 molecules s −1 , and peak thermospheric temperature ∼ 103 K at 1890 km, based on expected solar medium conditions.
On the Dimensional and Hierarchical Structure of Affect

Green, Goldman, and Salovey (1993) challenged the view that “positive affect” and “negative affect” are largely uncorrelated dimensions. On the basis of factor analytic studies of happiness and sadness, and of positive and negative emotional activation (PA and NA), they claimed that a “largely bipolar structure of affect” (p. 1029) emerges when random and nonrandom error are taken into account. A reappraisal of their own findings and confirmatory analysis of additional data do not support this claim. Happiness and sadness form a largely unidimensional bipolar structure, but PA and NA are relatively independent. However, exploratory analyses yield a three-level hierarchy incorporating in one structure a general bipolar Happiness-Versus-Unhappiness dimension, the relatively independent PA and NA dimensions at the level below it, and discrete emotions at the base. We emphasize the heuristic value of a hierarchical perspective.
DEBONDING IN COMPOSITE MICROSTRUCTURES WITH MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS

This paper describes the development of the Voronoi cell finite element model (VCFEM) with interfacial decohesion for simulating debonding induced microstructural damage in fiber reinforced composites. Normal and tangential cohesive zone models at the matrix-fiber interface are used to describe the onset and growth of damage along the inclusion-matrix interface. It is shown that the initiation and especially the propagation of debonding depends not only on the total cohesive energy, but also on the shape of the traction-displacement curve. The model is used to study the influence of various local morphological parameters on damage evolution by interfacial debonding. A special function of various geometric parameters is developed to predict the location of debonding in microstructures with varying morphology. Various numerical examples are solved to establish the effectiveness of the model.
Assessing Metacognitive Skills Using Adaptive Neural Networks

Abstract The assessment of student's levels of metacognitive knowledge and skills is critical in determining their ability to effectively perform complex cognitive tasks such as solving mathematics or reading comprehension problems. In this paper, we use an adaptive multiplayer perceptron model to categorize participants based on their metacognitive awareness and perceived use of reading strategies while reading. Eight hundred and sixty-five middle school students participated in the study. All participants completed a 30-item instrument- the Metacognitive Awareness-of-Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI). We used adaptive multi-layer perceptron models to classify participants into three groups based on their metacognitive strategy awareness levels using thirteen and nine attributes representing problem-solving and support reading strategies. The architecture for the neural network models is based on the input data. The number of units in the input layer is equal to the number of attributes and the number of units in the output layer is equal to the number of categories. We classified participants into three categories based on the level of awareness. The models are evaluated using the measures such as user's efficiency and Kappa coefficient that are obtained from the error matrix. We obtained an overall efficiency of 86.92 and 81.89 percent with 13 and 9 input features, respectively. The results indicate that once the network is trained, it can be used to assess student's metacognitive awareness and use of reading strategies with the help of observed attributes.
Economic theory as a human tool

The essay is a short analysis of the place of economic theory in the general social order. There is nothing strange and peculiar about its place. It rather fits in perfectly and is providing an exceptionally useful function in the social order.
Contemplating Ratings: An Examination of What the MPAA Considers “Too Far for R” and Why

This study examined the MPAA's assertion that sexual and violent content are treated equally when rating a film. It was hypothesized that sex and violence are not treated equally based on a content analysis of 210 sequences from 13 films consisting of material present in unrated or NC-17-rated—but not in R-rated—versions of the same film. It was hypothesized that more sexual sequences than violent sequences would be removed from R-rated films. The findings supported the hypotheses.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors Are Associated With Increased Arterial Stiffness in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH CVD study

OBJECTIVE To evaluate if presence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and their clustering as metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased arterial stiffness and accelerated progression over time among youth with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Longitudinal study of 298 youth with type 1 diabetes (age 14.5 years; 46.3% female; duration 4.8 years), with two research visits conducted 5 years apart. CV factors included: waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), fasting lipids (HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol [LDL-c], triglycerides), albumin/creatinine ratio, and HbA 1c . MetS was based on Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified for youth. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the carotid–femoral segment was measured by tonometry. Mixed models were used to assess the rate of progression in PWV and the association between CV factors and PWV over time. RESULTS PWV increased significantly over time (0.145 m/s/year; P P = 0.0035), large waist ( P P = 0.0003) at baseline were each associated with worse PWV over time. These baseline factors, however, did not significantly influence the rate of progression. Increases in waist circumference ( P P = 0.0156), and declining glucose control (HbA 1c ; P = 0.0419) were independently associated with higher PWV over time. CONCLUSIONS Presence, clustering, and worsening of CV risk factors are associated with increased arterial stiffness over time in youth with type 1 diabetes. Whether improvement in CV risk factors early in life will slow the progression of arterial stiffness and reduce the burden of CV disease in this population requires further study.
Function of the separate kidneys in hypertension of unilateral renal origin.

Summary Renal hemodynamics show variations between the two kidneys in essential hypertension, in predominantly unilateral pyelonephritis, and in lesions of one or both main renal arteries. In rare instances of main renal artery stenosis and perhaps more commonly in renal artery branch lesions, renal hemodynamics may be equal in the two kidneys. Taken by itself, then, renal hemodynamic determinations are of limited value in determining underlying pathology but will usually indicate the presence of unilateral renal disease. Their major contribution is in establishing the presence of bilateral renal disease by demonstrating that function is decreased in both kidneys. The pattern of deereased urinary volume and urinary sodium concentration in a kidney compared to its mate, as described by Howard, reflects excessive sodium reabsorption in the presence of relatively unimpaired load. Direct determination of this phenomenon by measurement of glomerular filtration rate and calculation of sodium excretion fraction is preferable, since the latter is a more reliable physiologic reference point than arbitrary criteria for minimum differences in urinary volume and sodium concentration. Since decrease in sodium excretion fraction is characteristically found with renal artery stenosis, the most common cause of renal hypertension, this pattern is helpful in identifying such patients. However, other renal lesions may give this pattern, where the kidney is not responsible for hypertension. Also, renal artery lesions responsible for hypertension may exist without giving marked disparities in sodium excretion fractions between the two kidneys. Functional comparison of the separate kidneys cannot be expected to identify a kidney which is responsible for hypertension. At best, the patterns of functional disparity that have been described may help to differentiate the various anatomic lesions that are known to exist in patients with hypertension. Since no instance has been recorded in which a kidney with sodium, solute, and water excretion and hemodynamics equal to its mate has been shown to be responsible for hypertension, knowledge of the functions of the separate kidneys is essential whenever hypertension of unilateral renal origin is under consideration.
Associations Between Phonology and Syntax in Speech-Delayed Children

Interactions between phonology and syntax are inspected in continuous speech samples from 30 speech-delayed children. Two types of interactions are examined: The co-occurrence of speech and languag...
IP resilience within an autonomous system: current approaches, challenges, and future directions

Network survivability is gaining increasing attention from the Internet research community. The ubiquity of IP services has fueled increasing interest in ensuring their dependability, by making IP networks more disruption-tolerant. After providing a brief overview of how routing is accomplished in the Internet, this article reviews how the protocols react to failures or changes in network state within an autonomous system. The problems associated with current restoration schemes, with respect to newer and more stringent requirements posed by emerging services such as voice over IP, are identified. We present an overview of the schemes proposed to ameliorate fault recovery and critique their contributions. We also outline future research directions for improving IP resilience.
Ge:Ga photoconductor arrays: Design considerations and quantitative analysis of prototype single pixels

Abstract We have conducted a series of experiments on Ge:Ga photoconductors to quantitatively understand how monolithic two-dimensional arrays of this material will perform. Various single pixel prototypes were built and tested in terms of responsivity and detective quantum efficiency, and the results are plotted and compared with the expected absorption efficiency for these devices. All tests were conducted at 89.9 μm. wavelength (bandwidth = 11.9 μm), using standard transimpedence amplifiers and low background conditions. The best performance was obtained for a 2 mm long “longitudinally-contacted” detector that was not mounted inside of an integrating cavity: responsivity = 5.2 A/W, and detective quantum efficiency = 7.7%. The configuration of this device is easily expanded into a two-dimensional format.
Exactly soluble diffeomorphism invariant theories

A class of diffeomorphism invariant theories is described for which the Hilbert space of quantum states can be explicitly constructed. These theories can be formulated in any dimension and include Witten's solution to 2+1 dimensional gravity as a special case. Higher dimensional generalizations exist which start with an action similar to the Einstein action inn dimensions. Many of these theories do not involve a spacetime metric and provide examples of topological quantum field theories. One is a version of Yang-Mills theory in which the only quantum states onS3×R are the θ vacua. Finally it is shown that the three dimensional Chern-Simons theory (which Witten has shown is intimately connected with knot theory) arises naturally from a four dimensional topological gauge theory.