cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of self‐injurious behavior in Prader–Willi syndrome

Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetic disorder caused by mutations to the q11-13 region on chromosome 15, commonly show severe skin-picking behaviors that can cause open wounds and sores on the body. To our knowledge, however, no studies have examined the potential neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Seventeen individuals with PWS, aged 6-25 years, who showed severe skin-picking behaviors, were recruited and scanned on a 3T scanner. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while episodes of skin picking were recorded on an MRI-safe video camera. Three participants displayed skin picking continuously throughout the scan, three participants did not display skin picking, and the data for one participant evidenced significant B0 inhomogeneity that could not be corrected. The data for the remaining 10 participants (six male, four female) who displayed a sufficient number of picking and nonpicking episodes were subjected to fMRI analysis. Results showed that regions involved in interoceptive, motor, attention, and somatosensory processing were activated during episodes of skin-picking behavior compared with nonpicking episodes. Scores obtained on the Self-Injury Trauma scale were significantly negatively correlated with mean activation within the right insula and left precentral gyrus. These data indicate that itch and pain processes appear to underlie skin-picking behaviors in PWS, suggesting that interoceptive disturbance may contribute to the severity and maintenance of abnormal skin-picking behaviors in PWS. Implications for treatments are discussed.
Offended Parties and Official Reactions: Victims and the Sentencing of Criminal Defendants

Theory and research in the field of deviance have generally neglected private parties who find the deviance of others personally offensive and problematic. This paper examines the victim's particip...
Chemical Bath Deposition of ZnO Nanowires at Near-Neutral pH Conditions without Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA): Understanding the Role of HMTA in ZnO Nanowire Growth

Chemical bath deposition (CBD) is an inexpensive and reproducible method for depositing ZnO nanowire arrays over large areas. The aqueous Zn(NO3)2−hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) chemistry is one of the most common CBD chemistries for ZnO nanowire synthesis, but some details of the reaction mechanism are still not well-understood. Here, we report the use of in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR−FTIR) spectroscopy to study HMTA adsorption from aqueous solutions onto ZnO nanoparticle films and show that HMTA does not adsorb on ZnO. This result refutes earlier claims that the anisotropic morphology arises from HMTA adsorbing onto and capping the ZnO {10 1 0} faces. We conclude that the role of HMTA in the CBD of ZnO nanowires is only to control the saturation index of ZnO. Furthermore, we demonstrate the first deposition of ZnO nanowire arrays at 90 °C and near-neutral pH conditions without HMTA. Nanowires were grown using the pH buffer 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) a...
Intensive probation: An examination of recidivism and social adjustment

Intensive supervision was began as an extension of regular probation for those offenders who needed closer surveillance. However, in the last decade, Intensive Supervision has been used increasingly as an alternative to incarceration in order to help alleviate the problem of overcrowding in our prisons. In the eight-year period from 1977 to 1985, the prison population of this country has increased 68 percent. In view of this, many states are using intensive supervision as one alternative to reduce commitment rates. This study examines the effectiveness of one such program called the Intensive Treatment Supervision Program which operates out of the Montgomery County Adult Probation Department, Dayton, Ohio. The performances of probationers on intensive supervision are compared to a group of probationers on regular supervision to determine whether intensive supervision, through improved service delivery, can have an impact on high risk probationers and serve as a basis for a program to divert offenders from overcrowded facilities.
Human activity recognition by smartphones regardless of device orientation

A new method for activity recognition using smartphones is proposed. Using three-axes accelerometer and gyroscope signals, the proposed system is able to identify low level activities with a high level of accuracy. The method works regardless of orientation of the device with respect to the body part to which it is attached. The algorithm achieves a high level of accuracy when trained on a small set of users and tested on an unknown user.
Targeting the Active Site Gate to Yield Hyperactive Variants of 5-Aminolevulinate Synthase

The rate of porphyrin biosynthesis in mammals is controlled by the activity of the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase (EC 2.3.1.37). Based on the postulate that turnover in this enzyme is controlled by conformational dynamics associated with a highly conserved active site loop, we constructed a variant library by targeting imperfectly conserved noncatalytic loop residues and examined the effects on product and porphyrin production. Functional loop variants of the enzyme were isolated via genetic complementation in Escherichia coli strain HU227. Colony porphyrin fluorescence varied widely when bacterial cells harboring the loop variants were grown on inductive media; this facilitated identification of clones encoding unusually active enzyme variants. Nine loop variants leading to high in vivo porphyrin production were purified and characterized kinetically. Steady state catalytic efficiencies for the two substrates were increased by up to 100-fold. Presteady state single turnover reaction data indicated that the second step of quinonoid intermediate decay, previously assigned as reaction rate-limiting, was specifically accelerated such that in three of the variants this step was no longer kinetically significant. Overall, our data support the postulate that the active site loop controls the rate of product and porphyrin production in vivo and suggest the possibility of an as yet undiscovered means of allosteric regulation.
Lambda repressor N-terminal DNA-binding domain as an assay for protein transmembrane segment interactions in Vivo

To understand the determinants of membrane protein interactions, we have developed an in vivo genetic assay system for detecting homodimerization of transmembrane (TM) segments from integral membrane proteins. Our approach is to generate gene fusions between potentially dimerizing TM segments and a cytoplasmic DNA-binding protein that lacks its intrinsic dimerization domain. This genetic approach allows us to screen and distinguish among known dimerizing domains and weakly dimerizing mutants, as well as non-dimerizing TM segments. We replaced the bacteriophage lambda cI repressor C-terminal dimerization domain with the human erythrocyte glycophorin A transmembrane segment (GpA TM). GpA TM forms SDS-resistant homodimers in vitro. Expression of this membrane-associated fusion in Escherichia coli conferred the same degree of immunity to lambda cI phages as the wild-type, intact lambda repressor. Single amino acid substitutions that disrupt the GpA TM dimer interface were introduced into the lambda-GpA TM fusion proteins. These mutations dramatically reduced immunity of E. coli to lambda cI, such that the efficiency of plating these phages increased by greater than 10,000-fold over that conferred by the wild-type lambda-GpA TM fusion. Introduction of the putatively non-dimerizing first TM from E. coli MalF into the lambda-TM fusion vector resulted in no immunity to lambda cI phages. Fusion of the homodimeric, periplasmically localized, mature alkaline phosphatase domain to the C terminus of the lambda-TM fusion proteins containing weakly to non-dimerizing TM segments restored immunity to lambda cI phages. Results from this in vivo genetic assay system demonstrate that (1) dimerization of the lambda cI DNA-binding domain can be promoted by dimerizing TM segments, (2) strongly, weakly, and non-dimerizing TM segments can be distinguished on the basis of their ability to confer immunity to lambda cI phages, and (3) introduction of a dimerizing periplasmic domain can provide functionality to lambda-TM fusions containing weakly to non-dimerizing TM segments.
Deconstructing the model minority myth and how it contributes to the invisible minority reality in higher education research

A better understanding of the model minority myth of Asian American and Pacific Islanders can help move toward generating an authentic understanding of these students.
Fine-structure interactions in the ground state of O2

Abstract To explore the effects of electron correlation on fine-structure constante, the spin-spin interaction λ ss in the 3 Σ − g ground state of O 2 is studied with single-configuration and configuration-interaction wave-functions of varying quality. All integrals are computed accurately to 10 −5 au.. It is found that λ ss = = 0.77 ± 0.02 cm − for all the single configuration functions studied (including a close approach to the) Hartree-Fock limit), but that configurational mixing lowers λ ss to 0.5 cm −1 . This reduction is brought about primarily by the double excitation π u π u →π g π g . Comparing our results with previous calculations and with the experimental data of Tinkham and Strandberg, we conclude that spin-orbit coupling plays a predominant role in determining the observed fine-structure splittings of O 2 .
Influence of Frozen Storage and Phosphate Predips on Coating Adhesion in Breaded Fish Portions

The influence of freeze thaw-cycles and the presence of phosphate on the adhesion of two commercially produced batterfry coatings to frozen fish portions were investigated. Prior to coating, one-half of the samples were treated with a 10% sodium tripolyphosphate predip. After coating, the samples were pre-fried and frozen. The storage conditions consisted of 1, 2 or 3 freeze-thaw cycles during a three-month period and storage at a constant temperature. Freeze-thaw cycles resulted in moisture loss from the breading, but did not influence coating loss. The presence of phosphates did not influence adhesion of batter fry coating. The type of batter (Tempura and Batter Fry) did not influence coating adhesion.
Nonlinear control of a hypersonic vehicle with structural flexibility

The design of a nonlinear robust adaptive controller for a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle model is considered in this work. Due to the complexity of a first-principle model of the vehicle dynamics, for design and stability analysis a simplified model is adopted, which nonetheless retains the dominant features of the higher fidelity model, including non-minimum phase behavior, flexibility effects and strong coupling between the engine and flight dynamics. A combination of nonlinear sequential loop-closure and adaptive dynamic inversion is adopted to design a dynamic state-feedback controller that provides stable tracking of velocity and altitude reference trajectories and imposes a desired setpoint for the angle of attack. The proposed methodology addresses the issue of robustness with respect to both parametric model uncertainty, which naturally arises in adopting reduced-complexity models for control design, and dynamic perturbations due to the flexible dynamics. Simulation results on the full nonlinear model are included to show the effectiveness of the controller.
Electronic structure of color center aggregates in potassium chloride

Abstract The x-ray photoemission spectrum of color center aggregates in potassium chloride has been recorded. In this paper, the position of the band gap states are compared with those of the F-center and the exciton band. It is shown that the observed distribution is due predominantly to colloidal potassium.
A short regiospecific total synthesis of furoventalene, a marine natural benzofuran

Synthesis of a naturally occurring irregular isoprenoid benzofuran, furoventalene (3), has been achieved in high yield via the nickel catalyzed coupling of 4-methyl-3-penten-1-ylmagnesium bromide (1) with 3-methyl-6-chlorobenzofuran (2).
Approaches to treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in the emergency department and the appropriate role of fluoroquinolones

The Emergency Department is a critical point of care for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The initial diagnosis, the decision to admit or discharge, the timing of initiating treatment, and appropriateness of the empirical therapy are key factors in successful management. Rising resistance rates to commonly used CAP antibiotics has complicated empirical treatment. Respiratory fluoroquinolones represent an important therapeutic option for patients with co-morbidities and risk factors for penicillin-, macrolide-, and multi-drug-resistant S. pneumoniae infections. Ensuring appropriate use is required to maintain their high level of effectiveness in key respiratory pathogens. Treatment guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Thoracic Society, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available to assist emergency physicians in developing clinical pathways to ensure appropriate use of available therapies.
Relative importance of male and territory quality in pairing success of male rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus)

We studied pairing success in male rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) in northern Alaska to learn whether males obtaining more females possessed phenotypic traits that influenced female choice directly, whether these traits permitted males to obtain territories favored by females, or whether both processes occurred. The number of females per male varied from zero to three. Several male and territory traits were significantly correlated with number of females per male. We used multiple regression to obtain a single measure of male quality and a single measure of territory quality. These measures of male and territory quality correlated with each other and with male pairing success. We used path analysis to separate direct effects of male quality on pairing success from indirect effects due to high-quality males obtaining high-quality territories. Both direct and indirect pathways had significant effects on pairing success, and direct and indirect effects of male traits on pairing success were about equal. This study illustrates an analytical approach for estimating the relative importance of direct and indirect causal relationships in natural systems.
Possible non-one-electron effects in the fundamental optical excitation spectra of certain crystalline solids and their effect on photoemission.

Intrinsic optical excitation spectrum of crystalline solids for hole or electron localization, considering many-body relaxation effects influencing photoemission
Thyroxine Therapy in Patients with Severe Nonthyroidal Illnesses and Low Serum Thyroxine Concentration

A randomized prospective study was done to assess the response of hypothyroxinemic patients with severe nonthyroidal illnesses to T4 therapy. Patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit who had a total serum T4 concentration less than 5 µg/dl were randomly assigned to a control (12 patients) or a T4 treatment group (11 patients).L-T4 in a dose of 1.5 µg/kg was given iv each day for 2 weeks. In the treatment group, serum T4 and free T4 concentrations significantly increased by day 3 and were normal on day 5. Serum TSH levels decreased significantly in the T4 treatment group, as did the TSH response to TRH. A significant rise in serum T3 occurred in the control group on day 7, but was delayed until day 10 in the treatment group. Mortality was equivalent in the 2 groups (75% control vs. 73% treatment). Regardless of group assignment, survivors and nonsurvivors were completely separable based on baseline T3 to T4 ratios [17.0 ± 1.8 (± SE) ng/ug in survivors vs. 7.0 ± 0.7 in nonsurvivors; P < 0.001]. An...
Spontaneous Inquiry Questions in High School Chemistry Classrooms: Perceptions of a Group of Motivated Learners.

This ethnographic research explores the perspectives of a subset of American suburban Midwestern high school chemistry students on the motivations for and implications of a particular form of classroom questioning behaviour. These students describe the intellectual curiosity that drives them to ask questions that are related to content but bring them beyond the delivered or expected curriculum. These same students explain that teacher and peer responses often encourage them to abandon their curiosity for social conformity. Although educators and policy makers call for the freedom to explore, test ideas, throw out conjectures and practice scientific discourse, these students suggest that the social atmosphere in high schools is stacked against scientific inquiry. They feel that their questions are not always valued, encouraged or given time to flourish. This study has significant implications for implementing the vision for scientific inquiry in high school science classrooms (NRC 2000).
Net Section Rupture in Tension Members with Connection Eccentricity

Tension members consisting of single and double angles, single channels, and similar sections are frequently used for lateral bracing and as truss elements. Such members will normally have eccentric connections, and it is often permitted by current design specifications, to neglect this eccentricity in the design of the member. In this paper, load tests were performed on three series of short tension member specimens to investigate the influence of varying connection eccentricity and length on the load capacity of the members. Rupture load capacity of the net section was observed to be significantly reduced with moderate connection eccentricity, and a net section efficiency factor is developed and proposed as a replacement for the current shear lag factor in determining the effective net area of a tension member.
Uses of Time-Series Designs for Formative Program Evaluation

Potential uses of time-series designs for formative program evaluation are illustrated, and the relationship between single-case experiments and quasi-experimental time-series designs is discussed. Four variations of time-series design are presented: interrupted time-series with follow-up, replicated time-series, step-wise time-series, and time-series with reversal patterns. Advantages and limitations of each design are considered in relation to program evaluation, and attention is given to special problems in using time-series data in organizational research.
Mode-I crack-tip stress fields for inhomogeneous orthotropic medium

Abstract Asymptotic analysis coupled with Westergaard stress function approach is used to develop quasi-static stress fields for a crack oriented along one of the principal axes of inhomogeneous orthotropic medium. In the formulation, four independent engineering constants, E11, E22, G12, ν12 are replaced by an effective stiffness E = E 11 E 22 , a stiffness ratio δ = (E11/E22), an effective Poisson’s ratio ν = ν 12 ν 21 , and a shear parameter k = (E/2G12) − ν. It is assumed that the effective stiffness varies exponentially along one of the principal axes of orthotropy. The first two terms in the expansion of stress field are derived to explicitly bring out the influence of non-homogeneity on the structure of the stress field. Using the derived stress field equations, the isochromatic fringe contours are developed to understand the variation of stress field around the crack-tip as a function of both orthotropic stiffness ratio and non-homogeneous coefficient.
Regulatory Climate and Electric Utility Capital Structure Decisions

A theoretical model of the role of regulatory climate in the capital structure decisions of regulated electric utilities is developed that indicates managers can mitigate the consequences of unfavorable regulation by increasing the proportion of debt in the capital structure. The increase in leverage is limited by increased bankruptcy risk with higher levels of debt. The model predicts that utilities will react to their regulatory climate by adjusting capital structure. This behavior may be an undesirable consequence of the regulatory process. Empirical support for the model, both cross sectional and over time, is provided.
Loss of DDT from Storage in Human Body Fat

BECAUSE DDT is highly soluble in lipids, and therefore stored preferentially in body fat, it is often said to “accumulate in fat”. This phrase incorrectly implies that the storage process is progressive and irreversible. Population surveys have shown no increase in DDT concentration in human fat from US residents over the past 15 yr of continuing contamination of food1–4. Feeding experiments have also demonstrated in several mammalian species, including man, that the storage process is reversible5–9. Identification of the metabolite DDA (bis[p-chlorophenylacetic acid]) in human urine demonstrated the existence of a mechanism for DDT excretion as early as 1946 (ref. 10).
Acute cardiovascular effects of methyl methacrylate monomer: characterization and modification by cholinergic blockade, adrenergic stimulation and calcium chloride infusion.

Abstract 1. 1. Methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) given by i.v. infusion to anesthetized dogs caused a sustained hypotension, bradycardia, reduction of cardiac output and stroke volume, and increased peripheral resistance. 2. 2. Epinephrine i.v. could reverse the hypotension but not the bradycardia; isoproterenol i.v. could reverse the bradycardia but not the hypotension. 3. 3. Bilateral cervical vagotomy prevented bradycardia but not other cardiovascular effects of MMA, and prevented all respiratory effects except hypoxemia. 4. 4. Calcium chloride i.v. reversed all circulatory changes except bradycardia; a combination of atropine and calcium reversed all cardiovascular changes from MMA.
Magnetic and structural study of FCC γ‐Fe precipitates in Cu

Magnetization, X-ray absorption fine structure, and resistivity measurements on two samples of Cu + 2.0 at% Fe are reported here. The first sample, prepared by annealing at 950 °C for 2 days followed by rapid quenching, consists of a random solid solution of Fe in Cu. The paramagnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law 10 K < T ≤ 300 K yielding an effective Fe moment of 1.9 ± 0.1 μ B and a Curie temperature -2.0 ± 2.0 K. The second sample, prepared using the heat treatment above followed by a second annealing at 620 °C for 2 h, consists of face-centered-cubic (FCC) y-Fe precipitates in the Cu matrix. The formation of the Fe precipitates reduces the electronic scattering, which is reflected in the resistivity behavior. The FCC atomic short-range order for the Fe is demonstrated with X-ray absorption fine structure. The paramagnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law 100 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K yielding an effective Fe moment of 1.8 ± 0.2 μ B and a Curie temperature - 58 ± 10K, consistent with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering. The results are discussed in the light of previous neutron investigations of the ordered magnetic structure.
Electrostatic interactions in macromolecules

Abstract Electrostatic effects in macromolecules depend on a delicate balance between charge-charge and charge-solvent interactions. The past year has seen continued development in the treatment of both charge distributions, and of solvent, along with significant improvements in the algorithms used. Methods that combine implicit solvent models, especially those based on Poisson and Poisson-Boltzmann formulism, with other theoretical methods, such as molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics, have become widely used. A combination of implicit solvent models with quantum mechanics is beginning to yield improved charge distribution schemes. Use of electrostatic models has improved solvent treatment in dynamics simulations, while dynamic methods have helped incorporate the effects of molecular motions into electrostatic calculations. Development of hybrid approaches and cross-checking of different models against each other will be a continuing theme in the study of macromolecular electrostatics.
Squeezed strings and Yangian symmetry of the Heisenberg chain with long-range interaction.

The exact and complete set of highest-weight eigenstates of the finite-size SU(n) Heisenberg chain with inverse-square exchange (ISE) are constructed using the occupation-number representation of the ``strings,'' which can be considered as the unbroken resonating-valence bonds. The string description, which is believed to be exact only in the thermodynamic limit for the Bethe ansatz solvable models, becomes exact for any size ISE model due to the squeezing effect of the strings in the ISE limit. This feature provides a basis for the realization of the Yangian symmetry in the ISE model.
Deep, zonal subequatorial currents.

Large-scale, westward-extending tongues of warm (Pacific) and cold (Atlantic) water are found between 2000 and 3000 meters both north and south of the equator in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They are centered at 5° to 8° north and 10° to 15° south (Pacific) and 5° to 8° north and 15° to 20° south (Atlantic). They are separated in both oceans by a contrasting eastward-extending tongue, centered at about 1° to 2° south, in agreement with previous helium isotope observations (Pacific). Thus, the indicated deep tropical westward flows north and south of the equator and eastward flow near the equator may result from more general forcing than the hydrothermal forcing previously hypothesized.
A domain-specific decision support system for knowledge discovery using association and text mining

We propose a novel association and text mining system for knowledge discovery (ASTEK) from the warranty and service data in the automotive domain. The complex architecture of modern vehicles makes fault diagnosis and isolation a non-trivial task. The association mining isolates anomaly cases from the millions of service and claims records. ASTEK has shown 86% accuracy in correctly identifying the anomaly cases. The text mining subscribes to the diagnosis and prognosis (D&P) ontology, which provides the necessary domain-specific knowledge. The root causes associated with the anomaly cases are identified by discovering frequent symptoms associated with the part failures along with the repair actions used to fix the part failures. The best-practice knowledge is disseminated to the dealers involved in the anomaly cases. ASTEK has been implemented as a prototype in the service and quality department of GM and its performance has been validated in the real life set up. On an average, the analysis time is reduced from few weeks to few minutes, which in real life industry are significant improvements.
Mesostructured silica supports for functional materials and molecular machines

Mesostructured silica thin films and particles prepared by surfactant-templated sol–gel techniques are highly versatile substrates for the formation of functional materials. The ability to deliberately place molecules possessing desired activities in specific spatially separated regions of the nanostructure is an important feature of these materials. Such placement utilizes strategies that exploit the physical and chemical differences between the silica framework and the templated pores. As an example of placement of pairs of molecules, donor and acceptor molecules can be targeted to different regions of mesostructured thin films and energy transfer between them can be measured. The results not only demonstrate the spatial separation but also are used as a molecular ruler to measure the average distance between them. Mesostructured silica is also an excellent support for molecular machines. Molecules that undergo large amplitude motion, when attached to the silica, can function as impellers and nanovalves when activated by light, electrical (redox) and chemical (pH, competitive binding) energy. Derivatized azobenzene molecules, attached to pore walls by using one of the placement strategies, function as impellers that can move other molecules through the pores. Rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes, placed at pore entrances, function as gatekeepers that can trap and release molecules from the pores when stimulated. Deliberately placed functional molecules on and in mesostructured silica offer many possibilities for both fundamental studies on the nanoscale and for applications in fields as diverse as fluidics, biological drug delivery and controlled release.
Opportunism and NGOs: Entrepreneurship and green north-south transfers

Abstract Through the lens of entrepreneurship, this paper applies the New Institutional Economics to examine two case studies of environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Latin America to clarify their political economic roles. Southern NGOs that rely on Northern donors are viewed as entrepreneurial economic entities producing international public goods. These nonprofit NGOs take their place alongside for-profit firms as contributors to economic production, employment, institutional innovation, and technology transfer. The theoretical framework proposed assumes that self-interested behavior coexists with loyalty, commitment, and altruism as well as opportunism.
Multiple Cranial Neuropathies Related to Wegener's Granulomatosis: An Unusual Presentation

Wegener’s granulomatosis is an uncommon, systemic vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomas of the respiratory tract, focal necrotizing vasculitis, and focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis.1-3 The prevalence in the United States is estimated to be three cases per 100,000.2 In 90% of patients, the first symptoms arise in the head and neck, with the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses being the most common head and neck sites.3 Other head and neck sites include the ear (usually middle ear), larynx, and oral cavity. The disease usually begins as a localized process, but can progress to a systemic disease that can be fatal due to renal and pulmonary involvement if left untreated.3
A Workflow-Based Test Automation Framework for Web Based Systems

Due to the high complexity involved in Web based distributed systems, it has been difficult to effectively perform the testing process with limited resources to obtain a more thorough coverage of testing. This might open the doors for potential security attacks. Testing such a system is complicated and expensive, and sometimes some tests may not be possible to perform due to the availability of resources. A workflow based test automation framework system was designed and implemented to conduct the test cases and demonstrate the concept. A tester can launch a testing process against a target system by clicking a few buttons on the user screens, and the framework of the workflow test automation system performs the entire testing job in the background. The workflow framework communicates with the participating testers performing testing processes, and provides feedback of each test in real time. The framework also allows plug-ins of a variety of testing workflow definitions for different testing processes.
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the prostate

The goal of this special issue of MAGMA is to provide an insight into the current status of MR imaging and spectroscopy as applied to the diagnosis and management of prostatic disease. The issue contains articles on current clinical approaches and cutting edge research...
Vegetation Response Following Invasive Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) Removal and Implications for Riparian Restoration

Using a retrospective study of tamarisk removal sites across five states in the southwestern United States, we investigated (1) decreases in tamarisk cover; (2) the effects of tamarisk removal on vegetation; and (3) whether cutting or burning tamarisk has differing effects on plant communities. Our study provides an important first step in recognizing the effects of removing a dominant invasive species on meeting long-term goals of riparian restoration. We found that (1) both cutting and burning reduced mean tamarisk foliar cover by 82–95%, and this reduction was sustained over time. (2) Native foliar cover was 2- to 3-fold higher on tamarisk removal sites, but total foliar cover remained 60–75% lower than on control transects. No trend toward increases in native cover was noted over time. When tamarisk was included in the analyses, diversity in tamarisk removal sites was 2- to 3-fold higher than in the control sites and vegetation communities differed between treated and untreated sites. When tamarisk was excluded from the analyses, diversity was not greater at tamarisk removal sites, and there were no community differences between the treated and untreated transects. Differences in diversity were found to be driven by differences in evenness; overall species richness did not change following tamarisk removal. Sites in the Mojave showed the strongest increase in native foliar cover and diversity, Chihuahuan-transition sites showed a slight increase, and sites on the Colorado Plateau showed no overall increase. (3) There were no differences between plant communities at burned and cut sites. Our research indicates that vegetation response to tamarisk removal is often negligible. Land managers should be prepared for persistent depauperate plant communities following tamarisk removal if additional restoration measures are not instigated.
Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor by angiotensin II in rat heart endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mitogen for endothelial cells and a vascular permeability factor. In this study we found that the addition of angiotensin II (AII) to rat heart endothelial cells induced VEGF mRNA production. VEGF mRNA levels reached a plateau within 2 h after the addition of AII and decreased after 4 h. The induction was superinduced by cycloheximide and blocked by actinomycin D. Losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, abolished the induction of VEGF mRNA by AII, whereas PD 123319, an AT2 receptor antagonist, had no effect on VEGF mRNA induction. H7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, blocked the induction. RT-PCR experiments showed two mRNA species (VEGF 120 and VEGF 164) in these cells and both species were stimulated by AII. Transient transfection experiment showed that VEGF promoter activity was increased 2.2-fold upon AII stimulation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed an enhanced binding of transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappa B. Immunoblot analysis showed that the amount of secreted VEGF was elevated in the medium 8 h after AII stimulation. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the upregulation of VEGF by AII may play a significant role in AII-induced hyperpermeability.
A contribution to the natural history of the white-tip shark, Pterolamiops longimanus (Poey)

Abstract Until recently little has been known about the common, pelagic shark, Pterolamiops longimanus . Data gathered during recent offshore cruises show it to be abundant and widely distributed in the warm waters of the western North Atlantic. It occurs at a wide range of salinities but withdraws from some waters when the temperature gets as low as about 21°C. It is rarely present in water shallower than about 100 fathoms. In a sample of 110 sharks few were over 250 cm in total length, although the maximum size reported in the literature is much longer. Fish and cephalopods are the most frequent food items in white-tip stomachs. White-tips are cautious, persistent, and sluggish in their behaviour. They are responsible for considerable damage to long line caught tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. Geographical sexual segregation is a feature of white-tip life history. Fragmentary data indicate that the mating and pupping season is in the late spring or early summer and that the gestation period is about one year. Females probably first mate at a length of about 200 cm, and probably bear young in alternate years thereafter. The number of pups per litter varies from 2 to 9 with a mean of about 6. Shark suckers ( Remora remora ), pilotfish ( Naucrates ductor ), dolphin ( Coryphaena hippurus ) and a copepod parasite or parasites are common associates of the white-tip.
Ultrafast nonlinear optical processes and free-carrier lifetime in silicon nanowaveguides

We report self-consistent femtosecond studies of two-photon absorption, optical Kerr-effect and free-carrier index and loss in silicon nanowaveguides using heterodyne pump-probe. Free-carrier lifetime was reduced to 33ps with only 8dB/cm added loss using proton bombardment.
Normal maturation of spatial QRS curve characteristics in early infancy.

Abstract QRS spatial curves for magnitude, velocity, and orientation (azimuth and elevation) were derived by digital computer analysis of corrected lead electrocardiographic recordings obtained from 12 normal 4-monthold infants. From each infant, recordings with the Frank, Schmitt SVEC-III, and McFee-Parungao axial system were obtained in succession. These curves were compared with similar curves derived from recordings obtained on the same group of infants during the first day of life. The major changes observed were a change in contour of the spatial magnitude curve, which in the neonatal period had 2 maxima, to a curve with a single peak; an increase in spatial magnitude and a modest increase in spatial velocity; and a leftward shift of initial depolarization forces and an inferior shift of those forces during the middle third of depolarization. These changes reflect the expected emergence of left ventricular electrocardiographic dominance. In contrast to the ECG's of older children and adults, however, anterior forces are still dominant at this age. Although differences in representation of spatial magnitude and velocity were observed among the 3 corrected electrocardiographic leads, orientation of successive instantaneous ventricular depolarization forces was recorded similarly by each. This suggests, that so long as one is familiar with the voltage registration characteristics of a given lead network, the choice of which one to employ is largely a matter of personal preference.
Recursive Integration Methodologies with Applications to the Evaluation of Multivariate Normal Probabilities

This paper considers the evaluation of probabilities defined in terms of the multivariate normal distribution. The multivariate normal distribution can have any covariance matrix and any mean vector. Probabilities defined by a set of inequalities of linear combinations of the multivariate normal random variables are considered. It is shown how these probabilities can be evaluated from a series of one-dimensional integrations. This approach affords a practical algorithm for the evaluation of these probabilities which is considerably more efficient than more direct numerical integration approaches. Consequently, it enlarges the class of probabilities of this kind which are computationally feasible.
Effect of Capillary Pressure on Phase Behavior in Tight Rocks and Shales

Phase behavior is important in the calculation of hydrocarbons in place and in the flow of phases through the rocks. Pore sizes can be on the order of nanometers for shale and tight-rock formations. Such small pores can affect the phase behavior of in-situ oil and gas because of increased capillary pressure. Not accounting for increased capillary pressure in small pores can lead to inaccurate estimates of ultimate recovery, and of saturation pressures. In this paper, capillary pressure is coupled with phase equilibrium equations, and the resulting system of nonlinear fugacity equations is solved to present a comprehensive examination of the effect of small pores on saturation pressures and fluid densities. Binary mixtures of methane with heavier hydrocarbons and a real reservoir fluid from the Bakken shale are considered. The results show that accounting for the impact of small pore throats on pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) properties explains the inconsistent gas/oil-ratio (GOR) behavior, high flowing bottomhole pressures, and low gas-flow rate observed in the tight Bakken formation. The small pores decrease bubble-point pressures and either decrease or increase dew-point pressures, depending on which part of the two-phase envelope is examined. Large capillary pressure also decreases the oil density in situ, which affects the oil formation volume factor and ultimate reserves calculations. A good history match for wells in the middle Bakken formation is obtained only after considering a suppressed bubblepoint pressure. The results show that the change in saturation pressures, fluid densities, and viscosities is highly dependent on the values of interfacial tension (IFT) (capillary pressure) used in the calculations.
Block Copolymers Synthesized by ROMP-to-Anionic Polymerization Transformation

A two-step site transformation technique is presented to convert from living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to living anionic polymerization of unsaturated monomers. This method permits the synthesis of well-defined diblock copolymers of controllable molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution, combining ROMP and anionically polymerizable monomers. The technique employs a functional terminating agent to add a styryl group to the end of the ROMP chain. The end group is then metalated to yield an active site for anionic polymerization, so that the ROMP chain acts as a macroinitiator from which the anionic block is grown. Both polycyclopentene/polystyrene and polynorbornene/polystyrene diblocks were successfully synthesized, and the method should be applicable to a broad range of monomers.
Decrement Curves for Power Systems

A set of decrement curves useful in determining the magnitude of short-circuit currents on power systems has been calculated, based upon assumptions somewhat different from those used for previous decrement curves. These changes are intended to increase in usefulness of such curves and extend their range of application. Proper selection of oil circuit breakers and the determination of relay setting may be facilitated by the use of these curves.
FORM AND COLOR IN AMERICAN INDIAN POTTERY NORTH OF MEXICO1

Common features in American Indian pottery are the facts that it was strictly hand made without use of any form of the potter's wheel and that it was never really glazed. Due to development of the art in different ways, it is possible to distinguish seven different districts in America. A consideration of the pottery of each district is presented.
Histidinemia and language development: A case report

Abstract A delayed-speech case was present in which the patient, a male with fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes was given a histidine loading test. The patient was about two and a half when the test was administered. The test yielded results consistent with increased histidine. The patient was not producing any consonant sounds at this age and only limited vowel sounds. At the age of three, the patient was placed on a low histidine diet. After being on the diet for a month another test was administered and the results showed no appreciable level of histidine. During the next few months the patient appeared to develop more interest in producing words and more consonant sounds are now being used. More spontaneous words were produced and his overall language development has improved. He is enrolled in a language development program and his progress has been satisfactory.
Membrane-reconstituted, purified H-2Kb specifically inhibits T-cell-target cell conjugate formation.

Abstract We report the use of a sensitive microassay to detect purified H-2K b antigens which have been functionally reconstituted into membrane vesicles of defined composition. The histocompatibility antigens have been purified by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography. The assay utilizes inhibition of specific conjugate formation between allogeneically primed ( H -2 d anti- H -2 b ) cytotoxic T cells and H -2 b target cells by the membrane-reconstituted H-2K b antigens. Cytoskeletal proteins were added to the H-2K b (and control H-2 k ) antigens. Sucrose density fractionation of reconstituted vesicles and Pronase E cleavage studies suggested that the cytoskeletal proteins aided in the incorporation and vectorial orientation of the antigens into large, cholesterol-containing membrane vesicles. As little as 6 ng purified H-2K b plus 28 ng cytoskeletal proteins in vesicles of defined lipid composition (0.28, 0.25, 0.47 mol fraction cholesterol, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, respectively) inhibited specific conjugate formation to 50% of the maximum inhibition observed. This inhibition was shown to be specific in two ways: (i) the same H-2K b -containing vesicles did not inhibit nonspecific conjugate formation, and (ii) control vesicles containing the same amounts of lipid, cytoskeletal proteins, and purified H-2 k proteins inhibited conjugate formation but only at significantly higher H-2 k concentrations, indicating the specificity of the response with the vesicles containing H-2K b .
Duration of expression and activity of Sleeping Beauty transposase in mouse liver following hydrodynamic DNA delivery.

The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system can direct integration of DNA sequences into mammalian genomes. The SB system comprises a transposon and transposase that “cuts” the transposon from a plasmid and “pastes” it into a recipient genome. The transposase gene may integrate very rarely and randomly into genomes, which has led to concerns that continued expression might support continued remobilization of transposons and genomic instability. Consequently, we measured the duration of SB11 transposase expression needed for remobilization to determine whether continued expression might be a problem. The SB11 gene was expressed from the plasmid pT2/mCAGGS-Luc//UbC-SB11 that contained a luciferase expression cassette in a hyperactive SB transposon. Mice were imaged and killed at periodic intervals out to 24 weeks. Over the first 2 weeks, the number of plasmids with SB11 genes and SB11 mRNA dropped about 90 and 99.9%, respectively. Expression of the luciferase reporter gene in the transposon declined about 99% and stabilized for 5 months at nearly 1,000-fold above background. In stark contrast, transposition-supporting levels of SB11 mRNA lasted only about 4 days postinfusion. Thus, within the limits of current technology, we show that SB transposons appear to be as stably integrated as their viral counterparts.
Integrated thermal-structural approach for shells of revolution

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