cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rational preference : Decision theory as a theory of practical rationality

In general, the technical apparatus of decision theory is well developed. It has loads of theorems, and they can be proved from axioms. Many of the theorems are interesting, and useful both from a philosophical and a practical perspective. But decision theory does not have a well agreed upon interpretation. Its technical terms, in particular, ‘utility’ and ‘preference’ do not have a single clear and uncontroversial meaning. How to interpret these terms depends, of course, on what purposes in pursuit of which one wants to put decision theory to use. One might want to use it as a model of economic decision-making, in order to predict the behavior of corporations or of the stock market. In that case, it might be useful to interpret the technical term ‘utility’ as meaning money profit. Decision theory would then be an empirical theory. I want to look into the question of what ‘utility’ could mean, if we want decision theory to function as a theory of practical rationality. I want to know whether it makes good sense to think of practical rationality as fully or even partly accounted for by decision theory. I shall lay my cards on the table: I hope it does make good sense to think of it that way. For, I think, if Humeans are right about practical rationality, then decision theory must play a very large part in their account. And I think Humeanism has very strong attractions.
Police AED programs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Approximately 359,400 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States every year, and around 60% of them are treated by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. In order to alleviate the impact of this public health burden, some communities have trained police officers as first responders so that they can provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation to cardiac arrest patients. This paper is a review of the current literature on the impact of police automated external defibrillators (AEDs) programs in these communities. Methods and results A literature search of electronic journal databases was conducted to identify articles that evaluated police AED programs and quantified survival rates. The 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria were very heterogeneous in terms of study design, controlling for confounders, outcome definitions, and comparison groups. Two communities found a statistically significant difference in survival and 6 studies reported a statistically significant difference in time to defibrillation after the implementation of these programs. The weighted mean survival rate of the study groups was higher than that of the control groups ( p p Conclusions Though there are many challenges in initiating these programs, this literature review shows that time to defibrillation decreased and survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests increased with the implementation of police AED programs.
Does spatial heterogeneity and genetic variation in populations of the xanthid crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould) influence the prevalence of an introduced parasitic castrator

Abstract Potential differences between two populations of the xanthid crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould), in susceptibility to infection by an introduced (exotic) parasite, the sacculinid barnacle, Loxothylacus panopaei (Gissler) were investigated. The frequency of L. panopaei infection, which causes castration of the crab host, has risen to 80% during the last 4 yr in one population, while the second population has never been parasitized. Using eggs collected from females of both infected and uninfected populations, broods of larval crabs were reared through metamorphosis, and then placed in field enclosures at the site of the infected population where they were exposed to ambient levels of infective stages of the parasite. We used differences in infection levels among sibling hosts from each population to estimate the heritability (h 2 ) of susceptibility to parasite infection. Comparisons of infection levels between populations showed no significant differences, nor were there significant differences in parasitism levels among families within a population. The estimate of heritability for susceptibility to parasitic castration was low (h 2 = 0.10), and not significantly different from zero, suggesting little additive genetic variance. In a second experiment, we examined how levels of parasite infection within a single population were affected by the spatial distribution of the crab population. We placed susceptible juvenile R. harrisii in enclosures either 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 m from experimental aggregations of infected crabs, which acted as a potential source of infective parasite larvae. The spatial distribution significantly influenced levels of parasitic castration with significantly more infected juvenile crabs in enclosures nearest to experimental aggregations (0.1 m) than in enclosures 1.0 m and 10.0 m away. The lack of differences in susceptibility among populations, as well as families within populations, may be explained by several mechanisms including significant gene flow between populations and insufficient time for a measurable response to selection. The data are also consistent with the idea that equivalent generation times of host and parasite may allow the parasite to evolve infectivity as fast as the host can evolve resistance. The significant influence of the spatial distribution of the host population on the prevalence of the parasite suggests that both the rate of spatial spread and prevalence of this parasite in Chesapeake Bay may be influenced by the distance between aggregations of the host population.
Toward formalizing a validation methodology using simulation coverage

The biggest obstacle in the formal verification of large designs istheir very large state spaces, which cannot be handled even bytechniques such as implicit state space traversal. The only viablesolution in most cases is validation by functional simulation. Unfortunately, this has the drawbacksof high computationalrequirementsdue to the large number of test vectors needed, and the lack of adequate coverage measures to characterize the quality of a given testset. To overcome these limitations, there has been recent interest inhybrid techniques which combine the strengths of formal verification and simulation. Formal verification-based techniques are usedon a test model (usually much smaller than the design) to derive a setof functional test vectors, which are then used for design validationthrough simulation. The test set generated typically satisfies somecoverage measure on the test model. Recent research has proposedthe use of state or transition coverage. However, no effort has beenmade to relate these measures to the coverage of design errors. Furthermore, the derivation of the test model remains largely ad-hoc,with few formal guidelines.We demonstrate that under a given set of assumptions, transitiontours on test models can be used for complete validation of an implementation against a specification, for a large and important classof designs that includes many programmable/hardwired, general-purpose processors/DSPs. A by-product of this study is specificguidelines for deriving the test model, motivated by the requirement of providing complete coverage of all errors. We illustrate theapplication of our methodology on a pipelined implementation of the DLX processor.
Carboxylic acid- and hydroxy-functionalized alkoxyamine initiators for nitroxide mediated radical polymerization

Abstract A carboxylic acid-functionalized alkoxyamine and a primary hydroxy-functionalized alkoxyamine were synthesized and used as initiators in nitroxide mediated radical polymerization. Both initiators were used to polymerize styrene and t -butyl acrylate, resulting in polymers with well controlled molecular weights and low polydispersities (
Q-switch Nd:YAG laser welding of AISI 304 stainless steel foils

Conventional fusion welding of stainless steel foils (<100 {mu}m thickness) used in computer disk, precision machinery and medical device applications suffer from excessive distortion, formation of discontinuities (pore, void and hot crack), uncontrolled melting (melt-drop through) and poor aesthetics. In this work, a 15 ns pulsed, 400 mJ Nd:YAG laser beam was utilized to overcome these barriers in seam welding of 60 {mu}m thin foil of AISI 304 stainless steel. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructures while hardness and tensile-shear tests were used to evaluate the strengths. Surface roughness was measured using a DekTak profilometer while porosity content was estimated using the light microscope. Results were compared against the data obtained from resistance seam welding. Laser welding, compared to resistance seam welding, required nearly three times less heat input and produced welds having 50% narrower seam, 15% less porosity, 25% stronger and improved surface aesthetics. In addition, there was no evidence of {delta}-ferrite in laser welds, supporting the absence of hot cracking unlike resistance welding.
Colonoscopic bowel preparations--which one? A blinded, prospective, randomized trial.

For the past decade peroral, orthograde, polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solutions (PEG-ELS) have been the preferred bowel-cleansing regimens before diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the colon and rectum. The large volume and unpalatibility of these solutions may lead to troubling side effects and poor patient compliance. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine which of various colon-cleansing methods before colonoscopy would provide greater patient acceptance while maintaining similar or improved effectiveness and safety. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-nine patients undergoing elective ambulatory colonoscopy were prospectively randomized to one of three bowel preparation regimens. Group 1 received 41 of PEG-ELS (n=124). Group 2, in addition to PEG-ELS, received oral metoclopramide (n=99). Group 3 received oral sodium phosphate (n=106). All groups were evenly matched according to age and sex. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of all patients completed the preparation received. Sixteen percent of patients suffered significant sleep loss with a bowel preparation. When comparing the three groups, there was no difference in the assessment of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, anal irritation, or quality of the preparation. Compared with other preparations, oral sodium phosphate was better tolerated. More patients completed the preparation (P⩽0.001). Fewer patients complained of abdominal fullness (P⩽0.001). More patients were willing to repeat their preparation (P⩽0.02). Also, sodium phosphate was found to be four times less expensive than either of the PEG-ELS preparations. CONCLUSION: All regimens were found to be equally effective. Abdominal symptoms and bowel preparation were not influenced by the addition of metoclopramide. The oral sodium phosphate preparation was less expensive, better tolerated, and more likely to be completed than either of the other preparations.
Exposing Photo Manipulation from Shading and Shadows

We describe a method for detecting physical inconsistencies in lighting from the shading and shadows in an image. This method imposes a multitude of shading- and shadow-based constraints on the projected location of a distant point light source. The consistency of a collection of such constraints is posed as a linear programming problem. A feasible solution indicates that the combination of shading and shadows is physically consistent, while a failure to find a solution provides evidence of photo tampering.
Glycoprotein containing vesicles in the surface epithelial cells of the ascending colon of the rat.

Recently, radioautographic studies have shown that cell coat glycoproteins are transported to the cell surface by vesicles both in the amoeba (Flickinger, '75) and in the epithelial cells of the ascending colon of the mouse (Michaels and Leblond, 1976). In the current morphological and cytochemical study of the surface epithelial cells of the rat ascending colon, it is shown that filamentous material, resembling the cell coat, is contained in saccules toward the mature face of the Golgi apparatus and in vesicles close to the apparatus and near the terminal web. The vesicles are limited by a unit membrane composed of asymmetric osmiophilic leaflets and similar to the plasma membrane. When stained by the periodic acid-chromic acid-silver methenamine technique, silver was precipitated on the cell components containing the filamentous material indicating the presence of glycoproteins. Narrow invaginations from the cell surface that may correspond to vesicles undergoing exocytosis were also positive for glycoproteins. The distribution of the filamentous material that was glycoprotein positive parallels the pathway followed by material that had been found to be labeled with a tritiated glycoprotein precursor (3H-fucose) in the epithelial cells of the ascending colon of the mouse. It is suggested that the system of vesicles in the rat colon cells is acting in a manner similar to the vesicles in the mouse cells to transport cell coat glycoproteins from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface.
A correlation study of boron dimers and trimers

We have carried out ab initio molecular orbital studies of neutral and charged boron dimers and trimers, using a large basis set. Electron correlation effects are included through the techniques of fourth order many body perturbation theory. Results for total energies, geometries, binding energies, and binary fragmentation energies are presented, and where possible compared with published results. Stabilities of the geometries considered are further studied through a vibrational-mode analysis. The ground state of B2 is predicted to be a triplet; of B2−, a quartet, and of B2+ a doublet. The ground state of B3 is a triangular doublet, of B3− a linear singlet and of B3+ a triangular singlet.
Measurements of N2O isotopologues in the stratosphere: Influence of transport on the apparent enrichment factors and the isotopologue fluxes to the troposphere

[1] Stratospheric N2O is known to be enriched in the heavy isotopes 15N and 18O relative to tropospheric N2O, primarily because of the preferential photolysis of light isotopologues. We present measurements of δ15N, δ18O, and site-specific δ15N on N2O from 32 stratospheric whole air samples collected by the NASA ER-2 aircraft between 1997 and 2000 from 62°N to 89°N with N2O mixing ratios ranging from 51 to 313 ppbv. The relationships between the isotopic compositions and N2O mixing ratios show significant differences between aircraft deployments and with previous measurements for N2O 200 ppbv and N2O 200 ppbv we conclude that the fluxes to the troposphere estimated from these relationships and, therefore, the influence of stratosphere-to-troposphere transport on the isotopic compositions of N2O in the free troposphere are now relatively well quantified, leaving the isotopic compositions of the N2O sources as the remaining largest uncertainties in the global N2O isotope budget.
Expression of VACM-1/cul5 mutant in endothelial cells induces MAPK phosphorylation and maspin degradation and converts cells to the angiogenic phenotype

Abstract Vasopressin-activated calcium mobilizing receptor (VACM-1) is a member of the cullin gene family involved in ubiquitin–proteosome dependent regulation of cellular functions. Expression of VACM-1 cDNA in cos-1 cells in vitro decreases basal cAMP levels and inhibits growth. The expression of S730AVACM-1 mutant cDNA, which removes PKA-dependent phosphorylation site in the VACM-1 cDNA sequence, reverses this phenotype. Since the expression of VACM-1 protein in vivo localizes largely to the vascular endothelial cells, in this study, we examined the effects of S730AVACM-1 cDNA expression on cellular signaling in the rat endothelial cell line RAMEC. Our results indicate that expression of S730AVACM-1 cDNA in RAMEC promotes cellular proliferation and induces angiogenic growth patterns. Western blot analyses indicate that S730AVACM-1 cDNA transfected cells express increased levels of Nedd8 modified VACM-1 and have higher levels of phosphorylated MAPK protein when compared to controls. Furthermore, expression of S730AVACM-1 cDNA induces translocation of the endogenous early response gene, egr-1, to the nucleus and leads to morphological changes that involve actin rearrangement. Finally, expression of S730AVACM-1 cDNA in RAMEC decreases concentration of maspin, a putative anti-angiogenic factor with a tumor suppressor activity. These results show that VACM-1 protein regulates endothelial cell growth and may modulate angiogenesis by a mechanism that involves MAPK phosphorylation, nuclear localization of egr-1, maspin expression, and actin polymerization.
The essence of community

There is an increase of self interests and turf issues, in the health field. The reply to change is “We can't do that!” It reflects the inability and fear of exploring “ alternate scenarios ”. It demands dreaming, speculation and surprise. This response of politicians, unwilling to take risks, is an excuse for leadership, using polls of public opinion. A leader is a coach, enabler, facilitator to find new stories. Leaders are educators. Ordinary problems of people are ignored. Problems in communities are: food, shelter, health care, education, jobs, racism, and living with a diverse uncaring world. Ignoring this, makes people superfluous . Our preoccupation is with “I”, ignoring “WE”. An absence of the whole community . Seeing fragments, some say, is human nature. At our beginning levels …
Identification of Selective Sources: Partitioning Selection Based on Interactions

Abstract: Interspecific interactions are an inescapable reality in nature. The evolution of a species is largely determined by the environment, abiotic or biotic, in which selection occurs. Quantifying the magnitude of selection is crucial to understanding which aspects of the environment are important to the evolution of a species. Such knowledge is particularly important to fields such as conservation biology, which attempts to maintain a suitable environment for the prosperity of a species, or coevolution, where dynamics are determined by the strength of reciprocal selection between species. I present a general method by which selection due to interspecific interactions may be quantified. This technique is based on past quantitative genetic models of selection and can be used with other methodologies that build on these standard models. The approach may be expanded to account for n‐species interactions (e.g., a plant with two pollinators). Simulation studies conducted using this method indicate that th...
Cross-sectional area of the right and left internal jugular veins.

Abstract Objective: To compare the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) with the left internal jugular vein (LIJV) using two-dimensional ultrasound and to measure the response to the Valsalva maneuver in both the supine and Trendelenburg positions. Design: Prospective and randomized. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Participants: Fifty healthy adult volunteers. Interventions: The CSA of both the RIJV and LIJV was measured with a 5-MHz, two-dimensional surface transducer before and during a 10-second Valsalva maneuver with the subjects in the supine position, and then with the subjects in a 10° Trendelenburg tilt. Measurements and Main Results: After the baseline measurements were performed, the subjects were divided into two groups based on the CSA of the RIJV and LIJV. Group 1 had an LIJV CSA equal to or greater than that of the RIJV (n = 10) and group 2 had an LIJV CSA less than that of the RIJV (n = 40). Of the latter 40 patients, 17 (34%) had an LIJV CSA less than 50% of that of the RIJV. In both groups, the CSA of both veins increased significantly with the Valsalva maneuver, Trendelenburg tilt, and both maneuvers combined. Conclusion: The findings suggest that in one third of adults (34%), the LIJV is significantly smaller compared with the RIJV and, combined with operator inexperience, may influence the success rate and risk for complications. Thus, the use of ultrasound and maneuvers that increase CSA is suggested during LIJV cannulation.
Physician usage of technology and opportunities for continuous care management of pediatric asthma patients

This paper presents a qualitative study of the technology and communication means available for physicians in a metro-area pediatric pulmonary practice. We emphasize the design opportunities available for leveraging this technology to include continuous care and monitoring of pediatric asthma patients. These include building a web based system that focuses on communication between the caregiver and the physician, alerting physicians via email of positive responses by the parent to high interest questions and allowing for merging this system with the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.
Interface characterization of silicon epitaxial lateral growth over existing SiO/sub 2/ for three-dimensional CMOS structures

The silicon-silicon dioxide interface created by the epitaxial lateral growth of monocrystalline silicon (ELO) over existing thermally oxidized silicon was investigated using a novel device structure. This structure is proposed as the basic building block of technology for the fabrication of locally restricted three-dimensional integrated CMOS circuits, as well as advanced bipolar devices. Results are reported from the investigation of the surface states of this silicon-on-insulator (SOI) interface. It is demonstrated that these interfaces can exhibit characteristics comparable to those interfaces created by the thermal oxidation of silicon. The SOI interface surface state densities, as grown, were measured to be about 2*10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ eV/sup -1/ at midgap energies. It is believed that H/sub 2/ from the epitaxial growth ambient is trapped at the interface and neutralizes surface states. >
Editorial Introduction: The Evolution of the Concepts Correctional Organization and Organizational Change

The five papers in this special issue of the Criminal Justice Policy Review focus on the concepts of correctional organization and organiza tional change and reflect a sampling of theoretical and research efforts to understand these concepts at the micro and macro policy level. Each arti cle links us to definitions, studies, and debates that have evolved over the last forty years in criminology and criminal justice centering on the idea of the organization as a system. The "system theme" in the papers includes the conceptualization of the prison as a complex social system, theory and research on correctional and criminal justice system change, and the application of systems management principles to the improve ment of correctional/criminal justice agency operations.
Spin-labeled TMA analogs as probes to study the anionic site of acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract 1. 1. Spin-labeled analogs of tetramethylammonium (TMA) were synthesized to study the “topography” of the anionic site of the elective eel AChE. 2. 2. These compounds competitively inhibited the enzyme in a reversible manner. 3. 3. The effect of TMA, of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and of gallamine [1, 2, 3 Tris-(2-triethylammonium ethoxy)benzene triiodide] and the inhibition of AChE by the spin-labeled probes I and II has been studied using acetylthiocholine (ATCh) as substrate. 4. 4. Neither TEA nor gallamine antagonized the binding of spin-labeled I and II. On the other hand, TMA inhibited the binding of I and II.
The ionic nature of slow inward current and its relation to contraction.

In voltage clamp experiments on cat myocardium the slow inward current as affected by the extracellular calcium and sodium concentration was studied. In some of the experiments, contraction was simultaneously recorded and related to membrane potential and slow inward current. The following results were obtained: 1. The amplitude of the slow inward current decreases on lowering the extracellular calcium concentration. In zero calcium slow inward current is not observed. 2. The slow inward current is not affected by lowering the sodium concentration in the bathing solution to 10% of the normal concentration. 3. The membrane conductance is increased during the slow inward current by a factor of about 2 and not fully inactivated during maintained depolarization. 4. The threshold potential for both slow inward current and contraction is at −35 mV. 5. At potentials more positive than +80 mV (at 3.6 mM extracellular calcium) and more positive than +40 mV (at 0.9 mM calcium) the amplitude of the contraction declines. Also slow inward current reverses polarity at these potentials and calcium concentrations. 6. The amplitude of the steady state contraction rises with the amplitude of clamp depolarization in an S-shaped manner from threshold to the maximum of contraction at zero millivolt. Plotted in normalized fashion (maximum amplitude of contraction = 1), the curve relating amplitude of contraction to clamp potential is shifted by 6.6 mV in negative direction when the extracellular calcium concentration is reduced by a factor of 4. 7. Reduction of extracellular sodium results in large increase of amplitude of contraction. The plot of normalized amplitude of contraction vs. clamp potential is shifted towards negative membrane potentials and both, the reversal potential of slow inward current and the maximum amplitude of contraction, occur between +10 mV and +30 mV.
Something Went Wrong on the Way to the Courthouse

Almost without exception, law professors dismissed the possibility that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) might be unconstitutional - but something went wrong on the way to the courthouse. What explains the epic failure of law professors to accurately predict how Article 3 judges would approach the case? This essay identifies three distinct but complementary factors that might help explain the observed failure. First, instead of conducting a neutral assessment of the actual probabilities, law professors engaged in motivated reasoning, based on their preexisting political and policy preferences. Second, the psychology of constitutional law professors led them to massively overstate the probability of success and suppress any misgivings or cautious hedging. Third, once it became clear that the PPACA was in serious jeopardy, our nation's law professors decided to pursue politics by other means, and organized the academic equivalent of a vigilance committee.
Spectroscopy of Amplified Spontaneous Emission Laser Spikes in Polyhydroxyflavones

Research spectroscopy on some polyhydroxyflavones has revealed extraordinary wavelength red-shifts for the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) laser spikes, displaced from the corresponding proton-transfer fluorescence maxima. The shifts observed are 150 cm-1 for 3-hydroxyflavone, 740 cm-1 for 3,4‘,7-trihydroxyflavone, and 1070 cm-1 for 3,3‘,4‘,7-tetrahydroxyflavone in dioxane at 298 K (excited by the third harmonic of Nd:YAG laser, 15.5 mJ). The unorthodox shifts are interpreted as arising from intermolecular dipolar field perturbation effects associated with the high population of the proton-transfer tautomer lowest excited state. The zwitterion structure of the proton-transfer tautomer is treated as the origin of the extraordinarily large dipole moments, modulated by extra hydroxy group substitution. Variations of solvent dielectric constant, solute concentration, and the pumping Nd:YAG laser energy support the mechanism given for the ASE laser spike shift.
PREPARATION OF BUFFER LAYERS ON SAPPHIRE FOR HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTING THIN FILMS

Sapphire is a preferred substrate for high frequency applications where small dielectric constants and low loss tangents are required. It is also much cheaper than other oxide subsrates such as SrTiO3, LaAlO3, NdGaO3, MgO, and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for high Tc superconducting thin films. Unfortunately, sapphire is not chemically compatible with the high Tc superconductors at the processing temperature required to obtained good superconducting properties. As a result, an appropriate buffer layer on sapphire is required.
Polycondensation of squaric acid with N-alkylcarbazoles

1,2-Dihydroxycyclobutene-3,4-dione (squaric acid) was polycondensed with N-ethyl- and N-(1-butyl)carbazole in polyphosphoric acid to give polymers having 36–43% of 1,2-oriented squarate units. The polymers are insoluble in organic solvents or sulfuric acid. Condensation of 1,2-dichlorocyclobutene-3,4-dione (squaryl dichloride) with N-1-butyl-carbazole in nitrobenzene gave 100% of 1,2-oriented squarate units. This polymer is soluble in most organic solvents, and the molecular weight (¯Mw) is 1900 (DP=6). The electrical conductivity was low, <10−9 (ohm cm)−1, and did not increase on treatment with iodine.
Pseudomonas exotoxin-mediated delivery of exogenous antigens to MHC class I and class II processing pathways.

Peptides associated with class II MHC molecules are normally derived from exogenous proteins, whereas class I MHC molecules normally associate with peptides from endogenous proteins. We have studied the ability of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) fusion proteins to deliver exogenously added antigen for presentation by both MHC class I and class II molecules. A MHC class II-restricted antigen was fused to PE; this molecule was processed in a manner typical for class II-associated antigens. However, a MHC class I-restricted peptide fused to PE was processed by a mechanism independent of proteasomes. Furthermore, we also found that the PE fusion protein was much more stable in normal human plasma than the corresponding synthetic peptide. We believe that effective delivery of an antigen to both the MHC class I and class II pathways, in addition to the increased resistance to proteolysis in plasma, will be important for immunization.
Phasing RNA Polymerase II Using Intrinsically Bound Zn Atoms: An Updated Structural Model

Macromolecular assemblies as large as RNA polymerase II (Pol II) can be phased by a few intrinsically bound Zn atoms, by using MAD experiments as described here. A phasing effectiveness of 570 aa/Zn is attained for Pol II. The resulting experimental, unbiased electron density map is of such quality that it confirms the existing crystallographic model and further reveals structural regions not shown by model phases, thus updating the Pol II model at three sites. The mechanistically important fork loop-1 element is observed to be ordered in the absence of nucleic acids, suggesting additional insights into the mechanisms that maintain the stability of the transcription ternary complex and allow its release. Furthermore, a computational experiment with simulated MAD data sets demonstrates that 1 Zn site is able to provide adequate experimental phase information for as many as 1100 amino acids of polypeptide, under the conditions of the current synchrotron and detector technologies.
A SmartSpace for automation

A SmartSpace is an integrated, intelligent, environment that facilitates new dimensions of human interaction with computing and physical environments by leveraging emerging trends in pervasive computing. The SmartSpace for automation (SSA) proposed here facilitates interactions between humans and an automation system. Current human‐computer interaction (HCI) approaches for automation are based on a state‐transition paradigm using splintered devices that are attached locally to controllers. Such approaches are unlikely to extend to future generations of automation systems because of the fundamental limitations they impose on the tasks that can be accomplished, the lack of support for holistic system‐wide decision‐making, and the lack of a systematic framework that can guide the adoption of emerging pervasive devices for HCI activities. The approach we describe for developing an SSA is based on a goal‐seeking paradigm and emphasizes the explicit representation and resolution of uncertainties.
Chromosome mosaicism in hypomelanosis of Ito.

Our finding of chromosome mosaicism with a ring 22 in a retarded black boy with hypomelanosis of Ito prompted a review of this "syndrome." Most patients have a variety of non-dermal defects, particularly those affecting CNS function. Among karyotyped patients, most are chromosome mosaics of one sort or another. Hypomelanosis of Ito turns out to be a causable non-specific phenotype, i.e., a clinical marker for chromosome mosaicism of all different types in individuals with a dark enough skin to show lighter patches. Consequently, cytogenetic evaluation is indicated in all patients with this skin finding.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MORPHOGENETIC MECHANISMS WHICH CONTROL THE DEVELOPMENT OF ZONATION IN SEEDLING SHOOT APICAL MERISTEMS

The development of zonation in the shoot apical meristems of 28 species of cacti was examined. At germination the embryonic apex may have one of three types of organization: 1) tunica/corpus; 2) tunica/central mother cells/corpus; 3) tunica/central mother cells/peripheral zone/pith-rib meristem. Apices of the third type have complete zonation and undergo little or no further structural development. Both of the other types develop the missing zones. First, the apices become mitotically active, and peripheral zone characters develop in the outer corpus. Simultaneously, or slightly later, the central mother cells differentiate if they are not yet present. The final step is the formation of the pith-rib meristem. The sequence of appearance of the zones was constant throughout all species examined, but the time of appearance of only one zone could be correlated with any other morphogenetic process: the development of peripheral zone characteristics in the outer corpus occurs with or before the beginning of leaf production. The development of zonation appears to be independent of apical size, shape, or age, either real age or plastochron age. This has been interpreted to indicate that the metabolic mechanism controlling the development of zonation in shoot apical meristems is largely autonomous and independent of other aspects of morphogenesis occurring in the seedling. Also, the fact that leaf initiation and shoot axis production can both occur before the development of either the central mother cells or the pith-rib meristem indicates that neither of these zones is essential for these two apical morphogenetic activities.
Regional Inequality in China: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province

Most studies on regional inequality in China are based on macro regions and provinces. Studies on intraprovincial inequality remain limited, although there is a growing literature on Guangdong and Jiangsu. Zhejiang is a leading coastal province of China experiencing rapid economic growth and has been known for its Wenzhou model of development based on private enterprises. This paper uses time-series county data to examine regional inequalities in Zhejiang from 1952 to 1998, with a focus on the reform period of 1978–98. We find that intermunicipal and intercounty inequalities in Zhejiang increased substantially, and overall inequality also increased, especially in the 1990s when more radical market reforms were implemented. While cities like Hangzhou and Ningbo have maintained their higher level of wealth, some counties, particularly coastal counties in municipalities like Wenzhou and Taizhou, have recorded dramatic growth, centred on private enterprises. However, municipalities such as Quzhou, which were favoured by Mao's industrialisation policy, recorded slower growth, as did the traditionally poorer municipalities. We have analysed the role of localities, the state, and globalisation in the changing patterns of regional development in Zhejiang, with an emphasis on local agents of development.
Long-Term Outcome of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation for Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background The survival after lung and heart-lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has been reportedly the lowest among the major diagnostic categories of lung transplant recipients. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed for lung and heart-lung transplant recipients for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension from 1982 to 2006. The patients were divided into 2 groups, based on the era; group 1: 1982 to 1993, and group 2: 1994 to 2006. Since 1994, we have introduced our current protocols including prostaglandin E 1 and nitroglycerin for donor lung preservation, and lung protection with cold and terminal warm blood pneumoplegia as well as immunosuppression with alemtuzumab induction. These modifications were introduced in different years over a wide span of time (1994 to 2003). Results Group 1 had 59 patients (35 ± 1 years old, ranging 15 to 53, 20 male and 39 female) with 7 single lung, 11 double lung, and 41 heart-lung, whereas group 2 had 30 (43 ± 2 years old, ranging 17 to 65, 9 male and 21 female) with 2 single, 20 double, and 8 heart-lung transplantations. The recipient age was significantly ( p = 0.004) higher in group 2, and group 2 had significantly older (35 ± 3 vs 26 ± 1, p = 0.002) and more female donors (73% vs 41%, p = 0.007) compared with group 1. The actuarial survival was significantly ( p = 0.004) better in group 2 with 86% at 1 year, 75% at 5 years, and 66% at 10 years compared with group 1 with 58% at 1 year, 39% at 5 years, and 27% at 10 years. Conclusions With our current pulmonary protection and immunosuppression, the long-term outcome of lung and heart-lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is excellent.
First Report of Plasmodiophora brassicae on Cabbage in Eastern North Carolina.

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin, has occurred for at least 50 years in three counties in northwestern North Carolina, but has not been reported previously from eastern North Carolina, where most commercial cabbage is produced. In the fall of 1995, clubroot was observed in a direct seeded, commercial cabbage field in Plymouth, NC. Diseased cabbage plants were stunted and roots exhibited clublike swellings. Clubs were randomly harvested from roots of five plants to obtain a composite isolate to determine which race(s) of P. brassicae are infecting cabbage in eastern North Carolina. Three experiments were conducted, using the procedure of Williams (2). Four replicates of 10, 1-week-old seedlings of eight different crucifer cultivars were inoculated by dipping in a spore suspension (1 × 108 cysts/ml) of P. brassicae and planted in pasteurized potting mix. Seedlings dipped in sterile water served as controls. Inoculated seedlings were incubated in a greenhouse at 18 to 28°C for 6 to 8 week...
Immune responses to Clostridium difficile infection

Clostridium difficile is the causal agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections in the US. C. difficile has been known to cause severe diarrhea and colitis for more than 30 years, but the emergence of a newer, hypervirulent strain of C. difficile (BI/NAP1) has further compounded the problem, and recently both the number of cases and mortality associated with C. difficile-associated diarrhea have been increasing. One of the major drivers of disease pathogenesis is believed to be an excessive host inflammatory response. A better understanding of the host inflammation and immune mechanisms that modulate the course of disease and control host susceptibility to C. difficile could lead to novel (host-targeted) strategies for combating the challenges posed by this deadly infection. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the host inflammatory response during C. difficile infection.
Aftermath of Renaissance: Restudy of A Maori Tribe

This article reports on a return visit, made in 1958, to a Polynesian Maori tribe which the author had studied in 1928: the Ngatiporou of the isolated East Coast district in New Zealand. This tribe occupies bays and small valleys along a rugged coastline, backed by open grassy hills; high forested mountains further inland dry out the prevailing winds, minimizing precipitation. Among the fifty or so Maori tribes it was small and of no particular prestige. Yet, in the early twentieth century, when Maori survival in the face of encroaching whites seemed dubious, and their numbers had dropped below 50,000, its tribesmen pioneered a series of economic, political, and social experiments which led to modernization of land titles, effective farming, and revitalization of tribal and community life. By 1928, the Ngatiporou had become the focal group in what was being called a Maori renaissance, and even the most shattered and regressive tribes were beginning to follow their lead.
Mo–V–M–O (M = Te, W, Fe, Ga) catalysts for selective ammoxidation of propane

Abstract We report the incorporation of Ga, Fe, and W, well-known activity and selectivity promoters in lower alkane activation, into Te-free Mo–V–O M1 phase in order to improve its stability under propane ammoxidation conditions. The Mo–V–M–O (M = W, Fe, Ga) M1 phases displayed improved stability as compared to the parent Mo–V–Te–O M1 phase due to higher Tammann temperatures of M oxides and activity for direct conversion of propane to propene and acrylonitrile.
Building computing ethics from the ground up

In this paper we address the problem of introducing computer ethics to students. We believe that students need to be taught about ethics perhaps as early as elementary school when they are beginning to use computers.
A Forecasting Capability Study of Empirical Mode Decomposition for the Arrival Time of a Parallel Batch System

This paper demonstrates the feasibility and potential of applying empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to forecast the arrival time behaviors in a parallel batch system. An analysis of the workload records shows the existence of daily and weekly patterns within the workload. Results show that the intrinsic mode functions (IMF), products of the sifting/decomposition process of EMD, produce a better prediction than the original arrival histogram when used in a simple weight-matching prediction technique. Promising applications include the implementation of an EMD/neural network combination.
Extinction and reconditioning of behavior generated by a DRL contingency of reinforcement

Three groups of two rats each were given 300, 900, or 1500 water reinforcements for responses separated by at least 6 sec (DRL 6 sec). When reinforcement was subsequently withheld, resistance to extinction was generally low for all Ss, although there was some indication that it increased with the number of previous reinforcements. When reinforcement was again programmed, very rapid reconditioning was found for all Ss. The data are discussed in terms of the discriminative function of the reinforcing stimulus.
Historical Perspectives of Prolactin and Growth Hormone as Mammogens, Lactogens and Galactagogues : Agog for the Future!

Around 80 years ago researchers first established that the pituitary gland regulates mammary gland function as demonstrated by the ability of its extracts to promote both mammogenesis and lactogenesis in animal models. Little did they realize that in fact two hormones, prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), were contributing to these effects. By the mid 1930s PRL had been purified as a distinct lactogen, while the galactopoietic effect of GH was confirmed after its purification in the 1940s. Interest in these hormones initially centered about their potential for increasing milk production, while in the latter half of the twentieth century it became obvious that these hormones also had the potential to influence mammary cancer development. During the past 50 years large strides have been made into understanding how these hormones signal to, and within, cells of the mammary gland, paralleling rapid developments in the fields of cellular and molecular biology. In compiling this review we have summarized the progress that has been made to date regarding roles for these hormones in the mammary gland, with a goal of ensuring that some of the seminal literature is not diluted or forgotten. In doing so it is clear that there are lessons to be learned from past experiences, where new methods and technologies will continue to present exciting new opportunities to revisit lingering questions regarding these fascinating hormones and this fascinating organ.
Progress and potential of Drosophila protein interaction maps.

Protein-protein interactions mediate many important cellular processes and are central to the mechanisms by which most proteins function. Charting the interactions among the proteins involved in a process has been an essential step in characterising the function of proteins and pathways. The yeast two-hybrid system is one approach to detecting protein interactions that can now be scaled-up to assay large sets of proteins systematically, such as those being identified from genome sequencing efforts. The system has already been extensively used to acquire data that have enabled construction of large protein interaction maps (PIMs). When combined with other data, including data being generated by other functional genomics approaches, PIMs help assign function to new proteins and delineate functional networks. Hypotheses generated in such a manner often must be tested by additional experimentation, preferably in vivo. The model organism Drosophila melanogaster has a wealth of genetic and bioinformatic tools a...
Exceptionally aggressive pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip unresponsive to radiotherapy

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign neoplastic proliferation of synovial tissue which is typically localised and usually responds well to surgery and/or radiotherapy. We present a case of unusually aggressive of PVNS of the hip in a 73-year-old woman.
Pairwise covariance adds little to secondary structure prediction but improves the prediction of non-canonical local structure

Amino acid sequence probability distributions, or profiles, have been used successfully to predict secondary structure and local structure in proteins. Profile models assume the statistical independence of each position in the sequence, but the energetics of protein folding is better captured in a scoring function that is based on pairwise interactions, like a force field. I-sites motifs are short sequence/structure motifs that populate the protein structure database due to energy-driven convergent evolution. Here we show that a pairwise covariant sequence model does not predict alpha helix or beta strand significantly better overall than a profile-based model, but it does improve the prediction of certain loop motifs. The finding is best explained by considering secondary structure profiles as multivariant, all-or-none models, which subsume covariant models. Pairwise covariance is nonetheless present and energetically rational. Examples of negative design are present, where the covariances disfavor non-native structures. Measured pairwise covariances are shown to be statistically robust in cross-validation tests, as long as the amino acid alphabet is reduced to nine classes. An updated I-sites local structure motif library that provides sequence covariance information for all types of local structure in globular proteins and a web server for local structure prediction are available at http://www.bioinfo.rpi.edu/bystrc/hmmstr/server.php .
The Positivstellensatz and nonexistence of common quadratic Lyapunov functions

We provide an algorithm for establishing the nonexistence of a common quadratic Lyapunov function for switched LTI systems under arbitrary switching. We show that this nonex-istence question is equivalent to the emptiness of an associated semi-algebraic set. The celebrated Positivstellensatz from real algebraic geometry provides a complete characterization of when this set is empty. Finally, we obtain the desired certificates of set emptiness using sum of squares programming.