cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can obstructive urolithiasis be safely excluded on contrast CT? A retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced and noncontrast CT.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to determine if contrast-enhanced CT can safely exclude obstructive urolithiasis in patients with flank plain. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis to compare the negative predictive values of contrast-enhanced and non-contrast CTs for the detection of obstructing urolithiasis. Methods Through report analysis, we identified all non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis performed on adult patients in the emergency department at a single, multi-site academic medical institution in 2017 with an indication of flank pain. The prevalence of obstructive urolithiasis in each group was calculated. We subsequently analyzed 200 consecutive studies from each of these groups (reported negative for obstructive urolithiasis) for negative predictive value calculation. Follow up abdominal imaging within 7 days from original presentation was used as a reference standard for analysis. Results In the noncontrast group, 1 study out of 200 was false negative (negative predictive value = 99.5%). In the contrast-enhanced group, there were no false negatives (negative predictive value = 100%). The prevalence of obstructive urolithiasis was 44.0% (351/797) in the noncontrast group and 18.7% (86/459) in the contrast-enhanced group. Conclusion Our results suggest that contrast-enhanced CT can safely exclude obstructing ureteral calculi in the setting of acute flank pain. This finding is of clinical relevance given the inherent benefit of IV contrast in diagnosing abdominopelvic pathology.
Drugs, Alcohol and Lynching and the Expansion of the Law and Order President, 1890-1933

This paper explores the expansion of the law and order presidency by examining the ways that early 20th century presidents used executive branch institutions to combat crime. After reconstruction, the Supreme Court ruled that the president’s power to maintain law and order and protect African Americans from racial violence violated the Constitution because the federal government could not police individual behavior. However, the rise of gambling, organized crime, kidnapping, automobile theft, drug usage, and prohibition led presidents to police individual behavior; create a federal bureau of investigations without congressional consent; and expand their power over federal law enforcement. However, the expansion of the president’s power over law enforcement was not absolute. While presidents claimed that they had the authority and power to stop individuals from drinking alcohol and using drugs, they also claimed they had no such authority to stop the racial massacres or the lynching of African Americans. Therefore, a paradox emerges for the law and order presidency as presidents expanded their federal law enforcement powers over the lives of individual citizens—while refusing to use that power to protect African Americans from racial violence.
Forming a Tie That Binds: Development Agreements in Georgia and the Need for Legislative Clarity

This article analyzes the utilization and validity of development agreements as land use tools in Georgia, one of the nation's fastest growing states. Given Georgia's recent and rapid growth, it provides a case study for the utilization and validity of development agreements in high-growth areas where traditional land use regulations remain the norm. Unfortunately, development agreements likely are not enforceable under Georgia's current legal framework. Georgia law, like that of many jurisdictions, is clear that local governments may contract only in accordance with express constitutional or legislative authorization. Because Georgia has no enabling statute expressly permitting local governments to enter into development agreements, such agreements run afoul of this requirement. Additionally, even assuming that development agreements were authorized, they likely violate Georgia's "binding contracts" prohibition, a version of the reserved powers doctrine that prohibits long-term contractual commitments that bind subsequent governing authorities in governmental matters. To overcome these obstacles, this article argues that Georgia should enact legislation expressly enabling local governments to enter into long-term development agreements. After discussing the potential benefits of such agreements, the article then analyzes the validity and enforceability of the agreements under the two doctrines mentioned above, concluding (as indicated) that the agreements would not be enforceable under Georgia's current legal framework. The article closes by offering a proposed legislative solution.
Role of biotechnology in phytoremediation

Abstract The importance of plants on the earth is well acknowledged to each one of us. The involvement of plants in remediating the harmful toxicants is called phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is one of the methods or processes of bioremediation in which plants and microbes are used to remediate or stabilize the environment from several pollutants. It is an ecologically maintainable process with cost-effective and carbon-neutral properties. Plants have the potential to hyperaccumulate different heavy metals, uptake of volatile toxicants, and sequestrate toxicants for the purpose of managing harmful pollutants. Construction of wetlands or swamps is also an approach to develop phytoremediation, as it has been capable of remediating wastewater with dilute concentrations of toxins such as “petroleum,” “hydrocarbons,” “chlorinated solvents, pesticides, explosives, heavy metals, and radio nucleoids. Plants with rapid/speedy growth having increased biomass reach up to the requirements of phytoremediation of large quantities of harmful metals. Recent studies show major improvement in understanding the mechanism of metal uptake and passage of pollutants in plants performing phytoremediation. The presence of contaminants in excess affects the biomass and growth of metal hyperaccumulator plants, and negatively impacts phytoremediation. To overcome this problem, genetically modified plants should be used. Transgenic plants for phytoremediation show distinctive features due to the existence of special gene sequencing. These plants are present in those regions where metal ores are present. These types of distinctive genes have resistance by which transgenic plants should grow efficiently. These phenomenon help in increasing the number of plant species used in phytoremediation. Hence, biotechnology plays a major role in promoting the maximum resistance expression of genes. Wastewater treatment is also possible through such biotechnological approaches. Some plants are known to have resistance under the presence of various microbes. Certain plant microbes also have the tendency to enrich the soil and promote phytoremediation. So genetically modified microbes also play well in this field of remediation. Therefore, this chapter will focus on the use of biotechnological practices to advance plant competency to endure various contaminants and phytoremediation potentiality and enlightens future confronts.
Carbon Bonding Environments in CVD Diamond Films Investigated via Solid-State NMR

Diamond films are typically produced by both plasma and thermally assisted CVD using methane as the carbon source in an excess of hydrogens. Although these films have been characterized using a wide variety of techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can yield valuable new information. Both hydrogen and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy can be used to examine polycrystalline diamond films2, even those with a hydrogen content of < 1%. NMR, however, has not been used extensively to date.
Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate-dependent and -independent Protein Phosphokinase Isoenzymes from Mammary Gland

Abstract Two protein phosphokinases (I and II) which show a high degree of substrate specificity for histones have been partially purified from rat mammary gland. Both enzymes are present in the cytosol, since 98% of the phosphoprotein kinase activity was recovered in the soluble fraction of mammary gland homogenates. Each enzyme incorporated the terminal phosphate of ATP into seryl and threonyl residues of all the histone fractions. The activity of protein kinase II was markedly stimulated by cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, and the apparent Km of the enzyme was 0.03 µm for this cyclic nucleotide. The enzyme was also activated by other cyclic nucleotides with apparent Km values in the range of 1 to 3 µm. Mammary protein kinase I was not activated by cyclic nucleotides. The sedimentation constant s20,w of protein kinase I was 2.3 S, whereas that of protein kinase II was 3.2 S, as determined in isokinetic sucrose density gradients. Analysis of the 32P-histone products by amino acid analysis, tryptic peptide mapping, and electrophoretic fractionation revealed that the reactivities of the two enzymes with histones were nearly identical. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate increased coordinately the rates of phosphorylation of all the major histone fractions by protein kinase II. This increase involved the increased rate of phosphorylation of the major phosphopeptide residues, and no new sites of phosphorylation were observed as a result of activation by this cyclic nucleotide.
PL03.1 Advances in chlamydia genetics – from understanding basic biology to vaccine design

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most widely disseminated bacterial sexually transmitted infection and a leading cause of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The last five years have witnessed a technological revolution in the analysis and characterisation of the function of chlamydia virulence factors and how they modulate host cellular functions. As a result, we are gaining unprecedented insights into the mechanisms underlying chlamydia-mediated inflammation and tissue damage as well as learning how chlamydia adapts to the human host environment. Prominent among these new technologies are methods to perform genetic and molecular genetic analysis in these bacteria, which until very recently were considered to be “genetically intractable”. I will review some of the key developments in the emerging field of chlamydia genetics and provide examples of how these approaches are leading to the discovery of new virulence factors and strategies used by this pathogen to modulate innate immune responses. Finally, I will discuss recent progress in how these molecular genetic approaches are being used for the design of new vaccines and to better understand adaptive and innate immune responses to chlamydia infections.
A Goodwillie-type Theorem for Milnor K-Theory

Goodwillie's rational isomorphism between relative algebraic K-theory and relative cyclic homology of a ring with respect to a nilpotent ideal, together with the -decomposition of cyclic homology, illustrates the close relationships among algebraic K-theory, cyclic homology, and dierential forms. In this paper, I prove a Goodwillie-type theorem for relative Milnor K-theory, working over a very general class of commutative rings, dened via the stability criterion of Van der Kallen. The theorem expresses relative Milnor K-theory exactly, rather than merely rationally, in terms of absolute Kahler dierentials. Early results of Van der Kallen and Bloch, involving K2, are special cases. The version of Milnor K-theory used is the nave one, dened in terms of tensor algebras, which generalizes Milnor's original denition for elds. The result likely generalizes in terms of de Rahm-Witt complexes by weak- ening some invertibility assumptions, but the class of rings considered is already more than suciently general for the intended applications. The main motivation for this paper arises from applications to the innitesimal theory of Chow groups, rst pointed out by Bloch in the 1970's, and prominent in recent work of Green and Griths. In this context, much can be accomplished geometrically with- out much K-theoretic sophistication, although the proper structural viewpoint really involves \deep, modern" methods and results such as Thomason's localization theorem. Milnor K-theory, by con- trast, is a simple type of \symbolic K-theory," meaning that it may be dened concretely in terms of group presentations, rather than requiring the more sophisticated homotopy-theoretic constructions of Quillen, Waldhausen, Bass, and Thomason. From this viewpoint, the theorem in this paper is \not very K-theoretic" in a modern sense, but is merely the answer to a particular group isomorphism problem. Early K-theory is replete with such problems, often involving messy, ad hoc proofs. The proof here is of a similar character, involving elementary but intricate symbolic manipulations. The advantage of this approach is that it is amenable to straightforward calculations, which modern K- theory often is not. The proof is by induction, beginning with Bloch's result for K2. Related results and geometric applications are discussed in the nal section.
Skeletal myoblasts transplanted in the ischemic myocardium enhance in situ oxygenation and recovery of contractile function.

It is unclear whether oxygen plays a role in stem cell therapy. Hence, the determination of local oxygenation (Po2) in the infarct heart and at the site of transplantation may be critical to study ...
Transport pathways in canine lingual epithelium involved in sweet taste

Les variations des courants de court-circuit enregistres au niveau d'une preparation d'epithelium lingual de chien placee dans une chambre d'Ussing, sont utilisees pour determiner la contribution des changements osmotiques des cellules gustatives a la reponse au D-glucose
Complications of renal cyst puncture

Abstract One hundred nineteen renal cyst punctures have been reviewed. There have been four complications (3.4 per cent), three requiring surgery. This should be expected, as all invasive diagnostic procedures core accompanied by some morbidity. The relative: benefit of nonoperative diagnostic procedures in differentiating benign renal cyst front adenocarcinoma is discussed.
The advantages and limitations of seeking sex online: a comparison of reasons given for online and offline sexual liaisons by men who have sex with men.

Abstract The Internet has developed as a major site for sexual activity, both cybersex and for making contacts for sex in real life (IRL). As part of a major study of HIV-risk behavior on the Internet and IRL, we obtained online responses from 1,017 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Open-ended questions solicited responses regarding whether respondents preferred to meet sexual partners first IRL (48.4%), on the Internet (31.6%), or “it depends” (20%), and “why?”. Data were analyzed by theme, with themes grouped into overarching domains. Data indicate that for those preferring the Internet, themes represented were ease of Internet use, its advantages for people who were shy, and its anonymity, safety, the excitement and opportunity for experimentation of Internet contact, ability to avoid interpersonal contact, and control of visuals and the environment. Reasons for preferring meeting IRL included some of the same themes but with an emphasis on the importance of a “real presence”...
Cataract and phthisis bulbi after laser photoablation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the visual and structural outcome of eyes that developed a dense cataract after laser photoablation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: A retrospective review of eight consecutive infants who developed dense cataract(s) after bilateral laser photoablation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity. Of the 10 eyes with cataract, five eyes were treated with a diode laser and five with an argon laser. The stage and zone of the retinopathy of prematurity, number of burns applied, time of onset of the cataract, clinical findings at the time of cataract surgery, and the course after cataract surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: Six eyes had zone 1 disease and four had zone 2 disease. The mean number of burns applied per eye was 2532 ± 856 (range, 1400 to 4500). A cataract was diagnosed a median of 13 weeks (range, 1 to 28 weeks) after laser photoablation. Nine of the 10 cataracts were sufficiently dense to preclude a view of the fundus. All 10 eyes had clinical signs suggestive of an inflammatory or ischemic process that included one or more of the following findings: corneal edema, pupillary membrane, iris atrophy, depigmentation of ciliary processes, pigment on the anterior lens surface, posterior synechiae, hyphema, and shallow anterior chamber. Nine eyes underwent cataract surgery. Five of the 10 eyes had retinal detachment ranging in severity from stage 4A to stage 5 at the time of cataract surgery. Nine of the 10 eyes progressed to phthisis bulbi and no light perception. CONCLUSIONS: A dense cataract developing in the eye of an infant after laser photoablation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity is associated with a poor visual prognosis. The constellation of associated clinical findings appears to be most consistent with anterior segment ischemia.
Isolation and characterization of a CHO amino acid transport mutant resistant to melphalan (l-phenylalanine mustard)

A mutant of Chinese hamster ovary cells, CHY-2, was isolated on the basis of its reduced ability to grow on a limiting concentration of leucine and was found to be defective in uptake of leucine via the sodium-independent L system. Consistent with published reports that the L system can mediate melphalan uptake, the D10 of the mutant for melphalan was increased threefold under conditions designed to limit drug uptake to the L system (brief exposure in sodium-free medium). Unlike a previously described melphalan-resistant CHO mutant (CHr), CHY-2 displays no cross-resistance to colchicine or puromycin. It differs from a second melphalan-resistant CHO mutant, melr, in its sensitivity to melphalan in the presence of high Na+, and from a melphalan-resistant mouse leukemic cell in possessing normal levels of intracellular glutathione. Thus, CHY-2 represents a new melphalan-resistant mutant class. The effect of the CHY-2 mutation is pleiotropic, involving significant reductions in amino acid uptake via the L, A and Ly+ (but not ASC) systems. The primary defect is unknown; however, the mutant possesses normal intracellular concentrations of Na+ and K+ and normal membrane fluidity. The growth rate of the mutant in standard medium is greatly reduced (generation time of 60 h vs. 24 h), although it can be improved by the addition of a supplement containing high concentrations of leucine, proline, and peptides.
Planning studies with an optimal control multisectoral dynamic economic model: The case of Sri Lanka

Abstract This article investigates the impact of different development scenarios on optimal investment strategy and economy of Sri Lanka and studies the potential of applying control theory techniques to economic planning. The multisectoral dynamic planning model is formulated as a linear quadratic tracking problem. Targets to be tracked define the development strategies: economic growth, trade deficit reduction, food self-sufficiency, and balanced growth. Besides providing insights into these strategies, empirical results show that the difficulty in setting inequality constraints and ensuring nonnegative solutions could undermine the linear tracking optimal control technique for development planning.
A MEASURE OF CONNECTIVITY FOR GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS

(1976). A MEASURE OF CONNECTIVITY FOR GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 362-370.
Simultaneous control of false positives and false negatives in multiple hypotheses testing

Multiple hypotheses testing is concerned with appropriately controlling the rate of false positives, false negatives or both when testing several hypotheses simultaneously. Nowadays, the common approach to testing multiple hypotheses calls for controlling the expected proportion of falsely rejected null hypotheses referred to as the false discovery rate (FDR) or suitable measures based on the positive false discovery rate (pFDR). In this paper, we consider the problem of determining levels that both false positives and false negatives can be controlled simultaneously. As our risk function, we use the expected value of the maximum between the proportions of false positives and false negatives, with the expectation being taken conditional on the event that at least one hypothesis is rejected and one is accepted, referred to as hybrid error rate (HER). We then develop, based on HER, an analog of p-value termed as h-value to test the individual hypotheses. The use of the new procedure is illustrated using the well-known public data set by Golub et al. [Molecular classification of cancer: class discovery and class prediction by gene expression monitoring, Science 386 (1999) 531-537] with Affymetrix arrays of patients with acute lymphoic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
A case for TOOLPACK

We propose a collaborative effort to develop a systematized collection of software tools for Fortran programming.
Solution structure of the carboxyl-terminal cysteine-rich domain of the VHv1.1 polydnaviral gene product: comparison with other cystine knot structural folds.

Polydnaviruses are an unusual group of insect viruses that have an obligate symbiotic association with certain parasitic wasps. These viruses are transmitted with the wasp egg during oviposition into lepidopteran insects, enabling the survival and development of the egg inside the host larvae. We report the three-dimensional structure of a novel polydnaviral cysteine-rich motif (cys-motif), identified as the carboxyl-terminal domain of a two cys-motif containing polydnaviral VHv1.1 gene product, abbreviated “C-term VHv1.1”. This 65-residue domain was identified experimentally by limited proteolysis of the full-length protein and was subsequently cloned in a bacterial expression system for NMR studies. The C-term VHv1.1 3D structure was determined in solution by two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy. Calculation of the structure was based on a total of 300 upper distance restraints and 20 dihedral angle constraints, and resulted in an ensemble of 25 representative conformers with an average rmsd of 0.47 A fr...
Catalytic effect of potassium on the rate of char-CO2 gasification

Abstract The effect of potassium on the rate of char-CO2 gasification at 800 °C was investigated. The instantaneous rate depends on both catalyst concentration ( K C ) and the internal porous structure of the solid. At low values of K C atomic ratio, the rate increases sharply with the addition of catalyst. As catalyst concentration is increased, the rate first levels off and then decreases. The levelling off is attributed to the saturation of the surface with catalytic sites. The subsequent decrease in rate seems to be due to the plugging of micropores by catalyst deposits. The reaction rate changes significantly during gasification and drops sharply before gasification is completed. The drop in rate before total conversion can be explained by catalyst accumulation and pore plugging.
Regional Science, Regional Scientists, and State Policy

This issue of the International Regional Science Review revisits the connections between regional science and policy. The general topic has been even featured before in this Journal. While supporting the field’s efforts in the direction of policy relevance in the context of a special issue of this Journal (vol. 18, no. 4), Haughwout (1995, p. 237 2 ) noted that criticism thrown at regional science includes that the field ‘‘is too abstract and narrowly focused and ignores the human dimension of spatial interactions.’’ In reply, he levels the argument (p. 238) that somehow ‘‘the employment experience of regional science graduates suggests that . . . those making hiring decisions at policy research institutions, at public policy schools, and in the public sector disagree.’’ My understanding is that the present discussion of the issue has a somewhat different twist. It is more positive and not lost in the thought of the ‘‘big question’’ that Isserman (1993, 1995) put before us—whether regional science had lost its seat at the policy table. As Haughwout hints, the field, in fact, had never been displaced nor was its seat even being threatened: the ‘‘crisis’’ was merely a misperception of the intentions and goals of regional science. Indeed, if attendance at recent North American Meetings of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) is any gauge, the field’s growth is outpacing inflation, let alone North America’s population. Yet, the topic of regional science’s intersection with public policy returns again and again, primarily via the voices of the presidents of the RSAI. With the hope of assuring that the world will not be imposed upon by yet another issue of this Journal on the topic of regional science and policy, in this article I probe the many ways in which a group perceived as ‘‘too abstract and narrowly focused’’ is, in fact, policy relevant, even when limited to a state level focus. I provide a few personal tales regarding the manner in which I obtained entree to policy makers who listened to what I had to contribute. I also serve up a couple of personal failures in the hope that they may be eye-opening lessons. The purpose of these stories is to help
Session 1: Advances in Bioenergy Feedstocks and Plant Science

While the stars of biofuel biotechnology are engineered conversion enzymes or microbes, at the root of all biofuels are biomass feedstocks. Whether ethanol, longer-chain alcohols, or biodiesel, the feedstocks for these platforms will mainly be higher plants well into the foreseeable future. Even though arguments surface for developing algal feedstocks, it remains to be seen whether infrastructure and capital costs for ponds and processing are prohibitively expensive for algae to become a feasible reality in the mid-to-long-range future. Researchers who made presentations in the Advances in Bioenergy Feedstocks and Plant Science session also understand the importance of emerging higher-plant feedstocks, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), as evidenced by four of the six papers that focused on this species. Considering that switchgrass can deliver approximately 600 gallons per acre [1] using today’s conversion technologies, approximately twice that of current corn-grainto-ethanol platforms, and that there are a plethora of biotechnology tools and developing germplasm resources, this focus is justified [2].
Maps as the progenitors of territorial disputes: Two examples from nineteenth‐century Southern Africa

Abstract Two German maps of southern Africa, one official, the other private, came to the attention of the British government in the 1890s and raised questions of boundary delineation. In both instances, they provoked a response—diplomatic dispute and internal policy decision—but in neither case did the maps do more. They actively initiated contention but were passive devices thereafter.
Systematic characterization of high mass accuracy influence on false discovery and probability scoring in peptide mass fingerprinting

Whereas the bearing of mass measurement error on protein identification is sometimes underestimated, uncertainty in observed peptide masses unavoidably translates to ambiguity in subsequent protein identifications. Although ongoing instrumental advances continue to make high accuracy mass spectrometry (MS) increasingly accessible, many proteomics experiments are still conducted with rather large mass error tolerances. In addition, the ranking schemes of most protein identification algorithms do not include a meaningful incorporation of mass measurement error. This article provides a critical evaluation of mass error tolerance as it pertains to false positive peptide and protein associations resulting from peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) database searching. High accuracy, high resolution PMFs of several model proteins were obtained using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR-MS). Varying levels of mass accuracy were simulated by systematically modulating the mass error tolerance of the PMF query and monitoring the effect on figures of merit indicating the PMF quality. Importantly, the benefits of decreased mass error tolerance are not manifest in Mowse scores when operating at tolerances in the low parts-per-million range but become apparent with the consideration of additional metrics that are often overlooked. Furthermore, the outcomes of these experiments support the concept that false discovery is closely tied to mass measurement error in PMF analysis. Clear establishment of this relation demonstrates the need for mass error-aware protein identification routines and argues for a more prominent contribution of high accuracy mass measurement to proteomic science.
Post‐intubation pulmonary function test in Guillain–Barré syndrome

The value of daily postintubation respiratory function tests in predicting duration of ventilation in 37 mechanically ventilated patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) was studied. Patients ventilated for less than 3 weeks were compared with those ventilated more than 3 weeks. Daily vital capacity and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were summed to an integrated pulmonary function (PF) score. We calculated the PF ratio, which represents the PF score at day 12 after intubation divided by the PF score on the day of intubation. The PF ratio was greater than 1 in all 10 patients ventilated less than 3 weeks and was less than 1 in 19 of 27 patients ventilated for longer (P = 0.0001, Fisher exact test). The sensitivity of a PF ratio less than 1 for predicting duration of ventilation greater than 3 weeks was 70%; the specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. This study thus suggests that serial postintubation respiratory tests can provide a measure of respiratory status in patients with GBS. These parameters may help predict duration of ventilation and need for tracheostomy. If, at day 12, the PF ratio is less than 1, it is highly unlikely that patients will be weaned within 3 weeks, and tracheostomy should be performed. If the ratio is greater than 1, tracheostomy should be deferred, because a substantial proportion of these patients may be successfully weaned from the ventilator within 3 weeks.
Bio-Inspired Synthesis of High-Performance Nanocomposite Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation

A biologically inspired synthesis method is presented as a new tool for the design of novel electrochemically active materials, focusing on the advantages for fuel cell development. The need for cost-effective, high-performance materials is driving contemporary fuel cell research, with the expectation that advances in synthetic methods will be necessary for commercialization of this energy technology. Highly active electrocatalysts for proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being developed, by combining a kinetically controlled synthesis method of the nanocrystalline metal catalyst with the mesoscale assembly of two morphologically different carbon building blocks of the supporting matrix. These methods provide access to new combinations of porosity, conductivity and electrochemical hydrogen oxidation. The relationships between the porous morphologies of the carbon matrices, the sizes of the platinum nanocrystals and their resulting electrochemical activities are discussed, correlating these with the relevant fuel cell principles.
A histologic analysis of the effects of stainless steel and titanium implants adjacent to tendons: an experimental rabbit study.

Purpose The current trend is to treat distal radius fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with either titanium or stainless steel plates. Both provide stable fixation; however, there is minimal evidence concerning the soft-tissue response to these materials. Our objective was to evaluate the response of adjacent extensor tendons to titanium and stainless steel in a rabbit in vivo model and to evaluate the influence of time. Methods Forty rabbits were divided into 5 groups of 8 rabbits each. Groups I and II had unilateral osteotomy of the distal radius followed by dorsal fixation with titanium and stainless steel plates, respectively. Groups III and IV had fixation with titanium and stainless steel, respectively, but without osteotomy. Group V had surgical dissection without osteotomy or plates. Two animals per group were killed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The specimens (distal radius, plate, overlying soft tissue, and extensor tendon) were harvested en bloc for histologic analysis. For interface preservation between implant and tissues the specimens were embedded in methylmethacrylate, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results Histologic analysis showed a fibrous tissue layer formed over both implants between the plate and the overlying extensor tendons in the groups treated with plating independently of the material and the presence or absence of osteotomy. This fibrous layer contained the majority of debris. Metallic particles were not observed in the tendon or muscle substance of any animals; however, they were visualized in the tenosynovium. Hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections of groups I through IV showed proliferative fibroblasts and metallic particles; however, this layer was not observed in group V. Statistical analysis did not show differences between the groups regarding the number of cells or metallic particles. Conclusions Our results indicate that both implants generated adjacent reactive inflammatory tissue and particulate debris. There was no difference in cell or particle number produced by both materials. There is a statistically significant increase in inflammatory cells with increasing time of implantation.
The institutional and macroeconomic determinants of stock market development in emerging economies

This article examines the institutional and macroeconomic determinants of stock market development using a panel data of 42 emerging economies for the period 1990 to 2004. This article finds that macroeconomic factors such as income level, gross domestic investment, banking sector development, private capital flows and stock market liquidity are important determinants of stock market development in emerging market countries. The results also show that political risk, law and order and bureaucratic quality are important determinants of stock market development because they enhance the viability of external finance. This result suggests that the resolution of political risk can be an important factor in the development of emerging stock markets.
Subsurface stress evaluations under rolling/sliding contacts

A computer model has been developed for evaluating the subsurface stresses incurred within rolling/sliding (elastic) contacts. The model involves first defining the stress tensor at any point (x, y, or z) beneath the surface in terms of the surface stresses. The stress tensors are analyzed to determine the maximum shear stresses and stress reversals. As a result of computations with the model, several observations were made. For example, the maximum reversing shear stresses are on the plane of the orthogonal shear stress. Further, the magnitude of these stresses is not altered by friction. However, under very high friction (typical of dry contact) surface stresses can dominate over subsurface stresses.
2- and 3-D simulations of magnetocentrifugal disk-winds: Acceleration and stability

Protostellar jets and winds are probably driven magnetocentrifugally from the surface of accretion disks close to the central stellar objects. The exact launching conditions on the disk, such as the distributions of magnetic flux and mass ejection rate, are poorly known. They could be constrained from observations at large distances, provided that a robust model is available to link the observable properties of the jets and winds at the large distances to the conditions at the base of the flow. We describe a set of 2D axisymmetric simulations that are able to follow the acceleration and propagation of the wind from the disk surface to arbitrarily large distances. After a typical 2D flow reaches the steady state, we impose on it nonaxisymmetric perturbations and follow numerically its 3D evolution. We find that the wind reverts quickly to its initial axisymmetric state, with no indication of rapid growth of instabilities leading to flow disruption. Our calculations strengthen the case for the magnetocentrifugal jet and wind launching.
Efficient Nonparametric Estimation from Kin–Cohort Data

In a Kin–Cohort design, genotype data are first obtained from a sample composed mostly of individuals who have experienced onset of a disease. Disease history data are then obtained from their relatives. The design is useful when examining the conditional distribution, given genotype, of phenotypes such as disease severity scores when some genotypes are rare. Here, the problem of combining the genotype data in the probands with the phenotype information in their relatives is considered. A class of unbiased estimators is described, the optimal member which reaches the semiparametric efficiency bound is identified, and results from simulation experiments are discussed.
Incorporation of air into a snack food reduces energy intake

Abstract This study investigated how the air content of a familiar snack food affected energy intake and whether varying the method of serving the snack modified intake. We tested two versions of an extruded snack (cheese puffs) that were equal in energy density (5.7 kcal/g), but differed in energy per volume (less-aerated snack: 1.00 kcal/ml; more-aerated snack: 0.45 kcal/ml). In a within-subjects design, 16 women and 12 men consumed the snacks ad libitum in the laboratory during four afternoon sessions. A standard volume (1250 ml) of each snack was served once in a bowl and once in an opaque bag. Results showed significant differences in intake of the two snacks by energy ( p =0.0003) and volume ( p
Blocking probability and fairness in two-rate Elastic Optical Networks

Routing and Spectrum Allocation (RSA) algorithms are used to compute both routing and spectrum allocation of connection demands in Elastic Optical Networks (EONs). A number of RSA algorithms have been proposed. Their performance is usually measured in terms of overall blocking probability. In this paper the authors pursue an additional performance indicator that is introduced to quantify the level of fairness (or unfairness) experienced by two types of demands, each type requiring a distinct spectrum bandwidth size. A new RSA algorithm is also proposed to jointly control blocking and fairness by partitioning the spectrum into dedicated and shared bands. Simulation results are used to estimate the trade-off between the blocking probability experienced by all demands and the level of fairness as it is achieved by a total of six RSA algorithms.
Histochemical studies on the distribution of urease, dopa oxidase and glucosan phosphorylase in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Most of the enzyme activity for urease, dopa oxidase and glucosan phosphorylase is contained in the granules in T. vaginalis. The nucleus lacks reaction in all cases, although a positive reaction in the nuclear membrane and perinuclear concentration of reactive granules is often seen.
Software process modeling for an educational software engineering simulation game

SimSE is an educational software engineering simulation game that uses a unique software process modeling approach. This approach combines both predictive and prescriptive aspects to support the creation of dynamic, interactive, graphical models for software engineering process education. This article describes the different constructs in a SimSE process model, introduces the associated model-builder tool, describes how we built an initial model of a waterfall process, and discusses the underlying trade-offs and issues involved in our approach. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of azo dyes and nitroaromatic compounds by bacterial enzymes from the human intestinal tract

Several anaerobic bacteria from the human intestinal tract are capable of reducing azo dyes and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to the corresponding aromatic amines with enzymes that have azo...
Recent experimental results on a-Si:H/a-Ge:H superlattice structures

Abstract The layer thickness dependence of the optical gap and the electrical resistivity in a-Si:H/a-Ge:H superlattices is found to be in good agreement with a 1D quantum well model. Thermalization lengths for photoexcitations are obtained from an analysis of the layer thickness dependence of the photoluminescence.
The use of DAPI for identifying and counting aquatic microflora1

A highly specific and sensitive fluorescing DNA stain, 4′6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was compared with acridine orange (AO) for counting aquatic microflora. Use of DAPI improved visualization and counting of <1-µm bacteria and blue-green algae in seston-rich samples and extended sample storage to at least 24 weeks.
Assessing the effect of publicly assisted brownfield redevelopment on surrounding property values

This study measures and compares the impact of publicly assisted brownfield redevelopment on nearby residential property values in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. It also examines the influence of land use, neighborhood characteristics, and other redevelopment factors on this impact. The research approach incorporates a hedonic method to quantify nearby property value effects at more than 100 brownfield projects, and stakeholder interviews are used to assess perceived impacts to real estate conditions. The results reveal that the spillover effect in terms of raising surrounding property values is significant in both quantity and geographic scope, as redevelopment led to a net increase of 11.4% in nearby housing prices in Milwaukee and 2.7% in Minneapolis. It also reveals that project size, value, and the amount of public funding have minor impacts on this effect; factors such as proximity to major roads, distance from rail, and higher incomes have greater positive impacts.
Insect-borne transmission of AIDS.

To the Editor.— Although Dr Drotman 1 correctly downplays the current evidence for mosquito-borne transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States, I believe that several pieces of information suggest a possible role for insect-borne spread in the tropics. 2 That 50 of 75 serum samples collected from healthy children in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1973 had antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) 3 indicates that transmission is wide-spread and may occur early in life; either heterosexual or homosexual transmission with subsequent vertical transmission is unlikely to account for such high prevalence of infection. Therefore, in contrast to Dr Drotman's assertion, HTLV-III infection may be common in preadolescent children. In a small study of HTLV-III antibody in healthy Zairians, 22% were positive and 29% had borderline results; all were immunologically normal. 4 Even in the absence of follow-up data, it is reasonable
A sequential distribution free pattern classification procedure

A sequential distribution free pattern classification procedure is presented to classify unknown samples into one of two inseparable classes for the case where the underlying probability density functions of the classes are unknown. The algorithm is formed from training sets of known classification. An estimate (on an expected value basis) is given of the probability of making an error in classification by using order statistics.
Heterogeneous real-time computing in radio astronomy

Modern computer architectures suited for general purpose computing are often not the best choice for either I/O-bound or compute-bound problems. Sometimes the best choice is not to choose a single architecture, but to take advantage of the best characteristics of different computer architectures to solve your problems. This paper examines the tradeoffs between using computer systems based on the ubiquitous X86 Central Processing Units (CPU's), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based signal processors, and Graphical Processing Units (GPU's). We will show how a heterogeneous system can be produced that blends the best of each of these technologies into a real-time signal processing system. FPGA's tightly coupled to analog-to-digital converters connect the instrument to the telescope and supply the first level of computing to the system. These FPGA's are coupled to other FPGA's to continue to provide highly efficient processing power. Data is then packaged up and shipped over fast networks to a cluster of general purpose computers equipped with GPU's, which are used for floating-point intensive computation. Finally, the data is handled by the CPU and written to disk, or further processed. Each of the elements in the system has been chosen for its specific characteristics and the role it can play in creating a system that does the most for the least, in terms of power, space, and money.
Elastic neutron-deuteron scattering

Abstract The process of elastic neutron-deuteron scattering is discussed from the standpoint of dispersion theory. Aside from the appearance of anomalous thresholds, there seems to be no difficulties in principle, although no derivation of the relations is attempted. Certain features of the process, such as the pick-up peak in the backyard direction, appear quite neatly and the general occurrence of such phenomena is discussed. The theory is developed for the general case, but our only application is to forward scattering at low energies where phase shift analyses are available. The agreement with experiment is quite good.
Dialytic Separation of Bundled, Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes from Carbonaceous Impurities

Separating functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from functionalized amorphous carbon is challenging, due to their polydispersity and similar physicochemical properties. We describe a single-step, dialytic separation method that takes advantage of the ability of heavily functionalized SWCNTs to bundle in a polar environment while maintaining their solubility. Experiments on functionalized SWCNTs were compared with functionalized, C60 fullerenes (buckyballs) to probe the general applicability of the method and further characterize the bundling process. This approach may simultaneously be used to purify a functionalization reaction mixture of unreacted small molecules and of residual solvents, such as dimethylformamide.
Molecular Requirements for Assembly and Function of a Minimized Human Integrin αIIbβ3

Abstract Integrin subunit compatibility within and between species plays a major role in heterodimer assembly and ligand specificity. As an example, human αIIb pairs only with human β3 and does not assemble a heterodimer with β3 from other species. We use interspecies subunit chimeras to identify molecular requirements for subunit compatibility and show that species-restricted heterodimer assembly depends on a unique hexapeptide VGSDNH in an extended loop of the hypothetical human β3 MIDAS domain. This allows us to express αIIb(1-233) and β3(111-318) as a soluble, mini-integrin that retains RGD-dependent ligand recognition. Thus, in the case of one integrin, αIIbβ3, the molecular requirements for integrin subunit compatibility and ligand recognition are intimately related.
The RAD2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: nucleotide sequence and transcript mapping

Abstract We have determined the nucleotide (nt) sequence of a segment of the yeast chromosome carrying the RAD2 gene. The coding region consists of 2925 bp and could encode a protein of 975 amino acids with a calculated M r of 111 100. A major transcriptional start point was mapped to a position of approx. 22 bp upstream from the first ATG codon. A number of minor transcriptional start points were also identified in this region, all of them 5' to the putative translational start codon. We noted a number of consensus nt sequences in the 5' and 3 ' non-coding regions of the RAD2, RAD1 and RAD3 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . In addition, three regions of amino acid sequence homology in the putative RAD1 and RAD2 polypeptides were observed.