cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determinants in HIV-2 Env and tetherin required for functional interaction

The interferon-inducible factor BST-2/tetherin blocks the release of nascent virions from the surface of infected cells for certain enveloped virus families. The primate lentiviruses have evolved several counteracting mechanisms which, in the case of HIV-2, is a function of its Env protein. We sought to further understand the features of the Env protein and tetherin that are important for this interaction, and to evaluate the selective pressure on HIV-2 to maintain such an activity. By examining Env mutants with changes in the ectodomain of the protein (virus ROD14) or the cytoplasmic tail (substitution Y707A) that render the proteins unable to counteract tetherin, we determined that an interaction between Env and tetherin is important for this activity. Furthermore, this Env-tetherin interaction required an alanine face in the tetherin ectodomain, although insertion of this domain into an artificial tetherin-like protein was not sufficient to confer sensitivity to the HIV-2 Env. The replication of virus carrying the ROD14 substitutions was significantly slower than the matched wild-type virus, but it acquired second-site mutations during passaging in the cytoplasmic tail of Env which restored the ability of the protein to both bind to and counteract tetherin. These results shed light on the interaction between HIV-2 and tetherin, suggesting a physical interaction that maps to the ectodomains of both proteins and indicating a strong selection pressure to maintain an anti-tetherin activity in the HIV-2 Env.
Nonneoplastic effects of vinyl chloride in mouse lung

Abstract In a previous study, a high incidence of pulmonary tumors (alveologenic neoplasia in mouse lung exposed to vinyl chloride at heavy dose (2500 and 6000 ppm) for long durations (5 and 6 months) was reported ( Y. Suzuki, 1978, Environ. Res. 16, 285–301 ). In the present study, nonneoplastic effects in mouse lung were investigated by light and electron microscopy. As major light microscopic alterations, proliferation and hypertrophy of the terminal bronchiolar cells, consisting of ciliated and Clara cells, hypersecretion of the epithelial mucin in the goblet cells of both the bronchial and the proximal bronchiolar epithelium, hyperplasia of alveolar epithelium, mobilization of alveolar macrophages, and occasional presence of peribronchial or bronchiolar chronic inflammation, were observed. Electron microscopically, Clara cells of the terminal bronchiolar epithelium showed proliferation of the rough and smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and appearance of large and abnormally shaped mitochondria. Similar alterations were found in the ciliated cells. Submicroscopic changes of pulmonary alveoli were represented by focal thickening of the basement membrane, multiple foci of hyperplastic type II cell (the precondition of the alveologenic tumor), active discharge of osmiophilic lamellar bodies from the type II cell and phagocytosis of the bodies by macrophages, appearance of cholesterol crystalloids in the macrophages, degeneration of alveolar septal cells and occasional appearance of a large nucleus with swelling of the capillary endothelium.
Intravenous injection of evans blue labels magnocellular neuroendocrine cells of the rat supraoptic nucleus in situ and after dissociation

Previous work has demonstrated that intravenous injection of neuronal tracers, e.g. horseradish peroxidase or Fast Blue, can retrogradely label neurons in brain areas that project outside the blood-brain barrier, e.g. magnocellular neuroendocrine neurons of the hypothalamus. Here we have shown that 24 h after intravenous injection of the fluorescent retrograde tracer Evans Blue, the same population of magnocellular neuroendocrine neurons is labeled in the paraventricular, supraoptic and accessory magnocellular nuclei. Parvicellular neuroendocrine cells in the paraventricular nuclei are also labeled. Most Evans Blue-labeled magnocellular neuroendocrine cells in the supraoptic nucleus could be stained immunocytochemically for neurophysins, suggesting that these neurons continue to produce their peptide hormones after taking up the fluorescent dye. Ultrastructural observation of supraoptic cells retrogradely labeled with Evans Blue shows that 95% of the neurons appeared healthy. There was no ultrastructural evidence of degeneration, hyperstimulation, or interruption of the axoplasmic flow. Labeling the neuroendocrine cells with Evans Blue did not alter the size of magnocellular cells, the animal's fluid balance or ingestive behavior. Following enzymatic/mechanical dissociation of the supraoptic nucleus from animals that had been injected with Evans Blue 24 h previously, phase-bright neurons that often contained fluorescent material were observed, thus identifying these neurons as neuroendocrine. Recording from identified neuroendocrine cells showed that these neurons generated spontaneous or current-evoked overshooting action potentials with an afterhyperpolarization and had negative resting membrane potentials. Action potential broadening, a feature of magnocellular neurons, was observed during bursts of action potentials elicited by depolarizing current injection. Taken together, this work would suggest that Evans Blue is non-toxic at the doses used and that it provides a method to identify single neuroendocrine cells in primary cell cultures made from adult hypothalamus for voltage-clamp recordings.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for stones in middle third of ureter (overlying pelvic bone).

Abstract Objective . To compare the results of using Dornier HM3 and Medstone STS lithotriptors to treat a ureteral stone overlying the pelvic bone (mid third of ureter) requiring the patient to be in the prone position. Method . The ease of use with each lithotriptor was evaluated and a retrospective review of the results using a Dornier HM3 in 53 patients and a Medstone STS in 143 patients was performed. The chi-square test was used to determine statistical difference. Results . With single stones, the re-treatment rate, the post-ESWL secondary procedure rate, and the stone-free rate were 6 percent, 13 percent, and 75 percent, respectively, with the Dornier, and 6 percent, 8 percent, and 80 percent, respectively, with the Medstone. There was no statistically significant difference between these outcome results (p > 0.05). Conclusion . The prone position was difficult to achieve with the Dornier HM3, while the Medstone STS, a tubeless lithotriptor, allowed easy positioning of the patient in the prone position on its flat table. Satisfactory results were achieved using either machine.
The General Theory of Markov Processes According to Doeblin

This paper is based on DOEBLIN'S paper [1] cited in the Bibliography. Although this work probably represents his crowning achievement in the theory of Marker processes, it is little known and almost never used, even when it is occasionally included in the references as a collector's item. (For what is generally known as DoE~LI~'S theory see [2] and [3, Chapter 5].) The present author gave a course on the material of [1] in the spring of 1951 at Columbia University and the lecture notes were mimeographed for limited circulation. The version presented here is an expanded one over these notes, with a number of new results added, but it treats only that part of his theory which may be called the descriptive foundations, stopping short of the principal limit theorem. One reason for doing so is that the presentation of the latter hard theorem still leaves much to be desired, while the part given here seems to have reached a stage where it assumes a quite independent place in the general theory. It is hoped that the appearance in print of this will encourage further research towards various limit theorems in the general context. It does not seem necessary to detail the differences between this presentation and DOV~BLIN'S own, since the latter is easily accessible for the sake of comparison. The curious reader may also consult the notes mentioned above which are closer to the original. I shall therefore limit myself to a few remarks. In w 1--2 my work has been mainly that of organization and clarification. Proposition 5 is due to BLACXW~LL and Proposition 6 to myself, both of which are given new proofs here. Propositions 18 and 19 summarize some basic properties of a specially important type of space; the resemblance of Proposition 18 to the classical theorem of Cantor's on nested sequences of closed sets is notable. 66 3--4 contain substantial enlargements. In particular in 6 3 the arithmetical study in Propositions 34 to 37 (ending in Proposition 45 in w 4) is new. In 6 4, Definitions 10 and 11 as well as Propositions 41 and 43 are new, leading to a more stringent definition of our H which resembles DOEBLIN'S D, our D being his @. With the present definition the conjecture "D = H" was first proved by H. KEST~N (private communcation 1962) and became Proposition 48. In w 5, the proofs of Propositions 50 and 51 are both simpler than DOEBLIN'S original ones, the first due to T. E. HARRIS (private communication 1955). In the remainder of this section we review briefly a constructive definition of Markov processes in the general case considered here. The reader is supposed to * This research is supported in part by the Office of Scientific Research of the United
Serum cystatin C is an independent predictor of total homocysteine levels in stable Korean renal transplant recipients with normal serum creatinine.

Abstract Objectives: To examine the determinants of fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels such as cystatin C, serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from Cockroft-Gault equation, albumin, plasma folate, vitamin B 12 , and pyridoxal-5`-phosphate (PLP) among Korean renal transplant recipients (RTR) with normal SCr levels (≤1.4 mg/dL). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Nephrology and Transplant Service, Catholic University Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Participants: Fifty-one chronic stable Korean RTR with normal SCr levels (≤1.4 mg/dL) 6 months or more following transplantation. Measures: Medical record review, anthropometric measurements, and overnight (10 to 14 hours) fasting blood samples for measurement of plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B 12 , PLP, SCr, albumin, and cystatin C. Results: General linear regression model including age, gender, vitamin status, and measurements of renal function showed that cystatin C and folate were independent predictors of tHcy levels. The partial regression coefficient for folate was −0.444 ( P P 12 , PLP, age, and gender were not independent predictors of tHcy levels in this model. Conclusion: Both cystatin C and folate status were major independent determinants of fasting tHcy levels in the subgroup of Korean RTR with normal SCr. © 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Certain Properties of the Causal Agent of Experimental Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in Mice

SummaryThe present study concerns itself with a titration of the encephalitogenic activity of mouse brain which induced acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in mice. In this regard the active agent revealed a potency higher than that hitherto described for the guinea pig receiving homologous tissue. The encephalitogenic factor was found not in the supernate but in the sediment after centrifugation at 8000 G; nor was it detected in a dialysate of mouse-brain tissue. Mouse brain was encephalitogenic in a heterologous species of animal and heterologous tissues were similarly encephalitogenic in the mouse; the disorder thus brought about by either was indistinguishable from that induced in mice by means of mouse brain.
POTENTIAL RAPID BIOASSAY FOR ALIMET® USING A METHIONINE ESCHERICHIA COLI AUXOTROPH

A potential rapid bioassay for methionine hydroxy analog (MHA) feed additive (ALIMET®) was examined using a methionine auxotroph E. coli strain. Bacterial cells were grown in minimal media containing a concentration range of 0 to 26.8 μM of either L-methionine or MHA as ALIMET®. Increasing either methionine or MHA concentration increased the growth rate of the methionine auxotroph. The estimated substrate affinities for methionine compared to MHA were not significantly different (P > 0.13) and the maximum growth rate estimates were also similar (P > 0.34). Methionine and MHA standard curves yielded linear responses (R2= 0.96) to increasing concentrations of the respective substrate. Based on these results it appears that the E. coli methionine auxotroph would have potential utility for further development of a rapid bioassay of ALIMET®.
A variation-tolerant scheduler for better than worst-case behavioral synthesis

There has been a recent shift in design paradigms, with many turning towards yield-driven approaches to synthesize and design systems. A major cause of this shift is the continual scaling of transistors, making process variation impossible to ignore. Better than worst-case (BTW) designs also exploit these variation effects, while also addressing performance limits due to worst-case analysis. In this paper we first present the variation-tolerant stallable-FSM architecture, which provides fault detection and recovery, allowing circuits to be clocked at better than worst-case delays. Then we propose the BTW scheduler, a 0-1 integer linear programming (ILP) scheduling algorithm with the objective of minimizing the expected latency, to provide a high-level synthesis aid for the stallable-FSM architecture. We implemented the algorithm and ran it through many benchmarks, comparing the results with scheduling algorithms based on worst-case analysis. Our results were promising, showing up to 41% latency reduction for the BTW scheduler, and up to 43% latency reduction when combined with the variation-tolerant architecture.
Decay of ordered and chaotic systems.

We study the decay of classical systems with regular and chaotic dynamics by investigating the escape of a particle from a container with a small hole. For the case of ergodic motion, we find an exponential decay law, whereas the nonchaotic system decays according to a power law.
Subjective evaluation of HEVC and AVC/H.264 in mobile environments

This paper compares the quality of AVC/H.264 and HEVC encoded video in low bandwidth mobile environments. In this study, the focus within the mobile environment is smart phones. The key characteristics of a smart phone are smaller screen size, which is usually 3.5 inches diagonal to 5.0 inches diagonal for high end smart phones and typical cellular network bandwidth, which is 3G or faster. Subjective evaluations were conducted to evaluate the user experience on a mobile device with a small screen size and video coded at 200 and 400 Kbps. The studies showed compelling evidence that a user's experience in low bandwidth mobile environments is very similar between HEVC and AVC/H.264. The results suggest the benefits of HEVC over AVC/H.264 in a mobile environment with lower video bitrates and resolutions are not as clear.
Obliterative bronchiolitis or chronic lung allograft rejection: A basic science review

f t m I [ c d m l t b T r c O e ronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), or its pathoogic equivalent, obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), reains a major obstacle to long-term graft and patient urvival after lung transplantation. Rapid-onset airway bstruction with subsequent stabilization, slow and nexorable decrease in airflow, or acute-onset respiraory insufficiency after years of normal lung function uggest a spectrum of graft–host responses to injury. lthough previous reviews have covered nomenclature, isease description, and risk factors of BOS, in this rticle, we will focus on the cellular mechanisms that ause rejection, although these remain somewhat eluive. Much of the basic knowledge of antigen recogniion and of T-cell host response to injury has come from tudies outside the field of lung allograft rejection. The current paradigm for the pathogenesis of OB has volved from basic animal models and from clinical nvestigations. Animal models commonly studied inlude orthotopic lung and heterotopic trachea translantation in porcine and rat recipients, as well as the eterotopic mouse tracheal model. Although, anatomially, orthotopic models more closely resemble the ascularized lung allograft, they do not uniformly deelop histopathologic OB. Heterotopic models are not rimarily revascularized and lack a communicating air– umenal interface; however, they do reproduce the istopathologic lesion of OB. The allograft airway fibrois that develops in these models often is termed bliterative airways disease (OAD). The pathogenesis of OB probably involves upstream vents initiated at lung implantation and followed temorally by the development of allospecific immune esponses to graft antigens that lead to lymphocyte
A Potential Role for Interleukin-8 in the Metastatic Phenotype of Breast Carcinoma Cells

This study shows a strong correlation between the metastatic potentials of breast carcinoma cell lines and their ectopic expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Correlations exist for both constitutive and induced levels of IL-8 released. A correlation was also observed between cell morphology, metastatic potential, and IL-8 profile. Metastatic lines are fusiform in appearance, whereas, nonmetastatic lines are epithelioid. The metastatic potential of two breast carcinoma lines was examined using an orthotopic model of spontaneous metastasis. Metastatic cells formed rapidly growing, poorly differentiated primary tumors that metastasized. Nonmetastatic cells formed rapidly growing differentiated primary tumors that did not produce detectable metastases. Comparison of IL-8 expression by the parental cells and cell cultures developed from primary and metastatic tumors, demonstrates that IL-8 released by cultured cells from the primary tumor is higher than that of the parental cells, and IL-8 released by cultured cells derived from the metastatic lung tumors is greater than that released by cultured cells derived from the primary tumor. These data demonstrate a strong correlation between the metastatic phenotype of a cell and its IL-8 expression, suggesting a role for IL-8 in promoting the metastatic potential of breast tumor cells.
A blackboard approach to modeling expertise in corporate settlement decisions

: The SKADE system models expertise in corporate settlement decisions using the blackboard approach. The full model has four knowledge sources: General Counsel, Attorney, Manager and Insurance Adjuster. The combined expertise from each of these is required to make the settlement decision. A control component in the model coordinates the activities of the various knowledge sources. Based on the latest data entries on the blackboard, the control selects and executes the next knowledge source. The blackboard model reproduces the experts' opportunistic reasoning processes by the interaction between the various knowledge sources. The results of analyses of a hypothetical case through a series of experiments with the SKADE system indicate that the blackboard is an appropriate model for development of multiple cooperative expert systems in the settlement decision domain. Compared to straight rule-based models, this blackboard provides more efficient problem solving. The initial success with the blackboard model suggests that further work needs to be done to see whether more complex models can be built to incorporate a broader range of determinants of settlement decisions.
Synthesis and characterization of Nafion®-MO2 (M = Zr, Si, Ti) nanocomposite membranes for higher temperature PEM fuel cells

Abstract Nafion ® -MO 2 (M = Zr, Si, Ti) nanocomposite membranes were synthesized with the goal of increasing the proton conductivity and water retention at higher temperatures and lower relative humidities (120 °C, 40% RHs) as well as to improve the thermo-mechanical properties. The sol–gel approach was utilized to incorporate inorganic oxide nanoparticles within the pores of Nafion ® membrane. The membranes synthesized by this approach were completely transparent and homogeneous as compared to membranes prepared by alternate casting methods which are cloudy due to the larger particle size. At 90 °C and 120 °C, all Nafion ® -MO 2 sol–gel composites exhibited higher water sorption than Nafion ® membrane. However, at 90 °C and 120 °C, the conductivity was enhanced in only Nafion ® -ZrO 2 sol–gel composite with a 10% enhancement at 40% RH over Nafion ® . This can be attributed to the increase in acidity of zirconia based sol–gel membranes shown by a decrease in equivalent weight in comparison to other nanocomposites based on Ti and Si. In addition, the TGA and DMA analyses showed improvement in degradation and glass transition temperature for nanocomposite membranes over Nafion ® .
Weld metal composition change during conduction mode laser welding of aluminum alloy 5182

Selective vaporization of volatile elements during laser welding of automotive aluminum alloys affects weld metal composition and properties. An experimental and theoretical study was carried out to seek a quantitative understanding of the influences of various welding variables on vaporization and composition change during conduction mode laser welding of aluminum alloy 5182. A comprehensive model for the calculation of vaporization rate and weld metal composition change was developed based on the principles of transport phenomena, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The calculations showed that the vaporization was concentrated in a small high-temperature region under the laser beam where the local vapor pressure exceeded the ambient pressure. The convective vapor flux driven by the pressure gradient was much higher than the diffusive vapor flux driven by the concentration gradient. The computed weld pool geometry, vaporization rates, and composition changes for different welding conditions agreed well with the corresponding experimental data. The good agreement demonstrates that the comprehensive model can serve as a basis for the quantitative understanding of the influences of various welding variables on the heat transfer, fluid flow, and vaporization occurring during conduction mode laser welding of automotive aluminum alloys.
Membrane Hydrocarbon Thickness Modulates the Dynamics of a Membrane Transport Protein

Nitroxide spin labels were incorporated into selected sites within the β-barrel of the bacterial outer-membrane transport protein BtuB by site-directed mutagenesis, followed by chemical modification with a methanethiosufonate spin label. The electron paramagnetic resonance lineshapes of the spin-labeled side chain (R1) from these sites are highly variable, and have spectral parameters that reflect secondary structure and local steric constraints. In addition, these lineshape parameters correlate with crystallographic structure factors for Cα carbons, suggesting that the motion of the spin label is modulated by both the local modes of motion of the spin label and the local dynamics of the protein backbone. Experiments performed as a function of lipid composition and sample temperature indicate that nitroxide spin labels on the exterior surface of BtuB, which face the membrane hydrocarbon, are not strongly influenced by the phase state of the bulk lipids. However, these spectra are modulated by membrane hydrocarbon thickness. Specifically, the values of the scaled mobility parameter for the R1 lineshapes are inversely proportional to the hydrocarbon thickness. These data suggest that protein dynamics and structure in BtuB are directly coupled to membrane hydrophobic thickness.
Scleroderma renal crisis

Objectives: To discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and outcomes of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), a serious yet potentially treatable complication of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). Methods: A PubMed search for articles published up until April 2014 was conducted using the following
Neon Abundances in the H II Regions of M33

We present neon abundances for 25 H II regions of M33, measured from line profiles of the mid-infrared transitions of [Ne II] and [Ne III] taken with the Infrared Space Observatory Short-Wavelength Spectrometer. The distribution of neon abundances as a function of galactocentric radius is best described as a step, -0.15 dex relative to the solar neon abundance from 0.7 to 4.0 kpc and -0.35 dex from 4.0 to 6.7 kpc, with estimated intrinsic scatter of 0.07 dex. The nearly flat neon abundance distribution differs from the steep oxygen abundance gradient found by previous investigators. Unless the oxygen abundance determinations are wrong, the chemical evolution of the galaxy has been radially dependent.
Positron emission tomography imaging of (2R,3R)-5-[18F]fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol in rat and monkey brain: a radioligand for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter

Abstract Introduction The regional brain distribution of (2 R ,3 R )-5-[ 18 F]fluoroethoxy-benzovesamicol ((−)-[ 18 F]FEOBV), a radioligand for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), was examined in vivo in mice, rats and rhesus monkeys. Methods Regional brain distributions of (−)-[ 18 F]FEOBV in mice were determined using ex vivo dissection. MicroPET imaging was used to determine the regional brain pharmacokinetics of the radioligand in rat and rhesus monkey brains. Results In all three species, clear heterogeneous regional brain distributions were obtained, with the rank order of brain tissues (striatum>thalamus>cortex>cerebellum) consistent with the distribution of cholinergic nerve terminals containing the VAChT. Conclusions (−)-[ 18 F]FEOBV remains a viable candidate for further development as an in vivo imaging agent for positron emission tomography (PET) studies of the VAChT in the human brain.
Computation of photoelectron counting distributions by numerical contour integration

Cumulative distributions of the number of photoelectrons ejected during a fixed interval can be computed by numerical contour integration in the complex plane when the light incident upon the detector is a combination of coherent light and incoherent background light with arbitrary spectral density. The integrand involves the probability-generating function of the distribution, and a method for computing it in terms of the solution of a certain integral equation is described. The method is related to those for the estimation of a stochastic process in the presence of white noise. An approximation valid for large values of the time–bandwidth product is also described.
Nucleation Experiments with Monodisperse NaCl Aerosols

Abstract Nucleation experiments with monodisperse NaCl aerosols showed good agreement with the Kohler theory relating the critical super-saturation Sc to the dry size. Aerosols produced by condensing NaCl showed the same Sc as those produced by evaporating aqueous NaCl solution droplets. This indicates that if there is an energy barrier in going from a dry NaCl particle to a solution droplet, this energy barrier is small. The fact that the evaporation aerosol particles are cubical crystals and the condensation aerosols are amorphous spheres is shown to make no difference in the nucleation threshold. The investigation also gives insights into the performance of the equipment used, especially the commercial electrostatic aerosol classifier and the vertical flow thermal diffusion chamber developed in this laboratory. When operating this chamber in the isothermal mode, a 36% upper limit was found on the uncertainty in Sc due to index of refraction sensitivity in sizing the water drops. Within this range of un...
Storage space vs handling work in container terminals

Abstract This paper describes handling and storage strategies for export containers at marine terminals and quantifies their performance according to the amount of space and number of handling moves they require. Identifying a “best” strategy is complicated because the optimization problem is combinatorial in nature—strategies are characterized, among other things, by the order in which future ship arrivals claim preferential space in the storage area. Given a certain traffic, the paper first examines the minimal storage space needed to implement the recommended strategies. This analysis may be of use for long-term planning, helping, for example, with the selection of a handling technology, site locations, or proposed service expansions. At the operational level (i.e. for a given traffic and amount of storage space), the paper also describes how to minimize and predict the amount of handling work.
Review of research on lightning-induced voltages on an overhead line

Two methods of analysis of the voltage induced on an overhead line by a lightning stroke to a nearby ground have been widely used. These analyses are based on modelling lightning return stroke as well as on coupling the electromagnetic fields of the stroke channel to the line. The return-stroke models and models of the coupling mechanisms of these two methods are reviewed.
Molecular motors: DNA gets a little cagey.

DNA self-assembly is the basis for building three-dimensional structures. Now it is possible to use DNA as 'fuel' to change the shape of these nanostructures.
Convergence Study of Message Passing in Arbitrary Continuous Bayesian Networks

Pearl's traditional message passing algorithm developed in 1980s is the first exact inference algorithm for Bayesian networks (BNs). Although it originally was developed for discrete polytree networks only, it has been used widely in networks with loops by providing approximate solutions. In such case, messages propagated in the loops are not exact and this method is called loopy belief propagation. Loopy propagation usually converges and when it converges, it provides good approximate solutions. However, when dealing with arbitrary continuous Bayesian networks, message representations and manipulations need special cares because continuous vairables may have arbitrary distributions and their dependency relationships could be nonlinear. In this paper, we propose a loopy message passing mechanism for arbitrary continuous Bayesian networks called Unscented Message Passing (UMP-BN). UMP-BN combines Pearl's algorithm and an efficient nonlinear transformation technique called Unscented Transformation to provide estimates of the first two moments of the posterior distributions for any hidden continuous variable. We study its convergence properties by investigating various typical situations with different networks. The numerical experiments show promising results.
TWO DECADES OF CHANGE IN DISTRIBUTION OF EXOTIC PLANTS AT THE DESERT LABORATORY, TUCSON, ARIZONA

ABSTRACT A gridline survey for exotic plant species was undertaken in 1983 and repeated in 2005 at the Desert Laboratory, a 352-ha natural area just west of downtown Tucson, Arizona, USA. Coordinate data gathered during the surveys were used to plot distributions, determine frequencies (number of coordinate locations), and assess percent change. Fifty-two exotic species were encountered in all, 34 in the first survey, 44 in the second. The proportion of ornamental exotics doubled over time, reaching 50% in 2005. Casual, naturalized, and invasive exotics comprised 44%, 40%, and 15% of species found during the surveys. Minimum residence time increased significantly from casual to naturalized to invasive species, suggesting that the longer a species was present, the more likely it was to surmount barriers to naturalization and invasion. In both 1983 and 2005, casual, naturalized, and invasive species differed in mean frequency by an order of magnitude, with casual species having the lowest frequencies and in...
Quasinormal modes of the Bardeen black hole: Scalar perturbations

The purpose of this paper is to study quasinormal modes (QNM) of the Bardeen black hole due to scalar perturbations. We have done a thorough analysis of the QNM frequencies by varying the charge $q$, mass $M$ and the spherical harmonic index $l$. The unstable null geodesics are used to compute the QNM's in the eikonal limit. Furthermore, massive scalar field modes are also studied by varying the mass of the field. Comparisons are done with the QNM frequencies of the Reissner-Nordstrom black hole.
Characteristics of Commercial Nonfat Dry Milk for Cottage Cheese

Summary Thirty samples of commercial low-heat nonfat dry milk were subjected to bacteriological, chemical, and physical tests to determine their uniformity. Cottage Cheese was made from 17 of the samples to determine the curd-making properties. Results are presented for standard plate, direct microscopic, psychrophilic, and coliform counts, titratable acidity, lactic acid, ash, calcium, nitrogen, whey protein nitrogen, dispersibility, and rennet curd tension. Powders obtained from different plants varied considerably, whereas those received from the same plant over a 4-mo. period were relatively uniform. About 90% of the samples contained sweet-curdling organisms which were resistant to 80°C. for 10 min. Considerable differences were observed in the Cottage Cheese-making properties of the reconstituted milks. There was no apparent relationship between curd quality and cooking time, or between any of the bacteriological, chemical, and physical properties and the curd-making characteristics of the powders. Cutting the curd at lower than normal titratable whey acidities resulted in a marked reduction in the time required for cooking the cheese. This was done without any impairment to curd quality of nonfat dry milks containing relatively low whey protein nitrogen, and low rennet curd tension values.
Effects of Potassium Chloride on Properties of Country-Style Hams

Sixteen fresh hams were dry-cured over a go-day period using four curing formulations based on total and partial replacement of NaCl with KC1 (0, 33.3, 66.7 and 100.0%). Total weight loss, moisture, fat, pH, firmness, color, total Cl− and residual NO−2 were not different among treatments at the end of the aging period. Hams with reulacement levels of 66.7 and 100% KCl, when compared to the control, had higher levels of residual NO−3, less aged flavor, were more cohesive and were unacceptable due to extreme bitterness. Samples cured with 33.3% KCl were not different from the control, except for a slight degree of bitterness. Replacement of up to one-third of the NaCl in country-style hams with KC1 appears feasible and could substantially lower the total Na+ content.
Bacitracin: A New Antibiotic Produced by a Member of the B. subtilis Group

A new antibiotic "bacitracin" has been recovered from a strain of the B. subtilis group of organisms. It is neutral, water-soluble, non-toxic and relatively heat stable. In vitro it is active chiefly against Grampositive organisms, but the gonococcus and meningococcus are susceptible to its action. It is also active in vivo against experimentally produced hemolytic streptococcal infections in mice and gas gangrene infections in guinea pigs. Clinical use in hemolytic streptococcal and staphylococcal infections in man have given encouraging results.
An investigation into the application of a graphical, rule-based system utilizing reversible data structures as a possible model for human pedigree systems (abstract)

Pedigrees are widely used tools for genetic analysis of population, both human and animal. A pedigree consists of a finite and standardized set of symbols arranged in a two-dimensional format. The placement of each symbol is determined by the familial relationships in the represented groups. As such, the pedigree can be considered a pictograph. A pedigree also represents by inference the degree of genetic relationship between the individuals included. The analysis of genetic relationships, including risk assessment, inbreeding coefficients, linkage analysis, and other techniques, have been and continue to be vital components of the practice of both clinical and research-oriented genetics.A number of attempts have been made to computerize the production of pedigrees. These efforts have in common the ability to produce a pedigree from an extensive written family history. These systems are generally limited in their ability to represent complex pedigree structures. These complex structures result from two common types of events, inbreeding and multiple marriages. Also most systems lack an interactive user interface. The requisite data is entered into a textual database and the system generates the pedigree from the file. A graphic-oriented, real-time pedigree generator is not available at this time.This study will ascertain a suitable method for the computer representation of pedigree information, such that data in a graphic format can be represented in non-graphic format and vice versa. Control and presentation of the input into the graphical side of the system is critical. Only valid pedigrees should be allowed to be generated. The data structures chosen to accomplish this must be powerful enough to encode the desired complex relationships of interest. These structures must symbolically capture the additional genetic meaning. Also, the inferences drawn from the structures will aid in the analysis of the genetic relationships. This research will also investigate methods utilizing artificial intelligence techniques to perform the analysis and control of the pedigree.
Polarized fluorescence study of Cr3+ through a stress-induced phase transition in SrTiO3

Abstract We have studies the fluorescence of Cr3+ doped SrTiO3 for both E∥ [111] and E⊥[111] under uniaxial stress ‖[111] at 4.2°K. The different intensity ratios for the two polarizations verify the tetragonal to trigonal phase transition under stress. The relative positions of Ē and 2Ā levels in the trigonal phase are determined The variation of critical stress with temperature is discussed.
Corrigendum in “Just Relax: Convex Programming Methods for Identifying Sparse Signals in Noise” [Mar 06 1030-1051]

This correspondence closes a gap in the proof of the main lemma from the paper "Just relax: Convex programming methods for identifying sparse signals in noise" (2006).
Effect of laser fluence on surface microstructure of alumina ceramic

The present study discusses the microstructure development during surface modifications of alumina ceramic using high power continuous wave Nd:YAG laser. Laser fluence influenced the microstructure in terms of changes in morphology and (1 1 0) crystallographic texture of the surface grains. The microstructural observations can be used to establish the guidelines for optimising the laser fluence to achieve the desired morphology of the surface grains and extent of texture in the surface modified alumina ceramic.
The TCR's sensitivity to self peptide–MHC dictates the ability of naive CD8 + T cells to respond to foreign antigens

The strength with which complexes of self peptide and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins are recognized by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) dictates the homeostasis of naive CD8(+) T cells, but its effect on reactivity to foreign antigens is controversial. As expression of the negative regulator CD5 correlates with self-recognition, we studied CD5(lo) and CD5(hi) naive CD8(+) T cells. Gene-expression characteristics suggested CD5(hi) cells were better poised for reactivity and differentiation than were CD5(lo) cells, and we found that the CD5(hi) pool also exhibited more efficient clonal recruitment and expansion, as well as enhanced reactivity to inflammatory cues, during the recognition of foreign antigen. However, the recognition of complexes of foreign peptide and MHC was similar for both subsets. Thus, CD8(+) T cells with higher self-reactivity dominate the immune response to foreign antigens, with implications for T cell repertoire diversity and autoimmunity.
The Hurwitz Metric

In 1904 Hurwitz considered the extremal problem of maximizing \(\left| f'(0) \right| \) over all holomorphic functions in \({\mathbb {D}}\) such that \(f(0)=0\) and \(f(z) \ne 0,1\) for \(0<|z|<1\), and presented an upper bound. In 1907 Caratheodory established the sharp version of Hurwitz’ Theorem by demonstrating that \(|f'(0)| \le 16\). A natural generalization of Hurwitz’ extremal problem leads to a conformal metric in any region \(\Omega \subsetneq {\mathbb {C}}\) called the Hurwitz metric. Basic properties of the Hurwitz metric are investigated.
Kinetic disposition and distribution of timolol in the rabbit eye. A physiologically based ocular model

Abstract This paper presents a physiologically-based mathematical model which describes the disposition of timolol in the rabbit eye. In vitro uptake experiments were utilized to obtain estimates for the various transport and equilibrium tissue distribution coefficients. Two approaches were used to evaluate the uptake data. Initially, the ocular tissues and incubation medium were considered as well-stirred compartments. Alternatively, the iris and lens were viewed as geometric membranes, where the uptake of timolol was governed by simple passive diffusion of drug through the entire tissue. The results clearly indicate that the compartmental treatment of the lens is inappropriate. Consequently, the characterization of ocular drug distribution in the lens should involve a consideration of diffusion through the entire structure. No discernable differences, however, were observed for the iris using either approach, suggesting that the compartmental view may be a valid approximation in this case. In vivo concentration-time profiles were constructed for the cornea, iris, lens, aqueous and vitreous humors following topical dosing with a solution of timolol. Good agreement between the model-predicted and experimental data is observed for both the iris and aqueous humor. However, the magnitude of the iridal transport parameter, estimated from the uptake studies, was not sufficient to account for the early peak concentration observed for the iris. In this and most other ocular models, drug is assumed to enter the iris predominantly by exchange with the aqueous humor. To explain the relatively early peak time, an alternate route for drug entry is proposed. The existence of such a pathway is consistent with other reports in the literature, as well as the rapid peak levels observed here for both the vitreous humor and lens.
The accuracy of formant frequency measurements: a comparison of spectrographic analysis and linear prediction.

The accuracy of spectrographic techniques and of linear prediction analysis in measuring formant frequencies is compared. The first three formant frequencies 90 synthetic speech tokens were measure...
Student Perspectives on Transfer and Articulation: Implications for Teacher Education Pedagogy and Practice

This study introduces students' perspectives into the knowledge base on community college teacher education and transfer to the four-year college. There is currently widespread agreement that community colleges are an essential resource for diversifying the teaching force and improving teacher retention. While data on enrollment, alignment, and credentialing abound; however, students' own accounts of the factors that enhance or obstruct their training and transfer are absent from the literature. This research presents the findings of an interview study conducted with 20 urban community college education majors who transferred to a four-year college within their public university system. As they emphasize what actually takes place inside the college classroom, these accounts are particularly pertinent to the work of teacher educators.
Erratum to “Effects of neighborhood racial composition on birthweight” [Health & Place 15/3 (2009) 814–821]

Erratum to ‘‘Effects of neighborhood racial composition on birthweight’’ [Health & Place 15/3 (2009) 814–821] Nancy E. Reichman a, , Julien O. Teitler , Erin R. Hamilton c a Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 97 Paterson Street, Room 435, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA b School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA c Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station G1800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
Inner-shell excitation--ionization in potassium by electron impact

Abstract A new autoionization peak in potassium at 20 eV is attributed to excitation of the 3p 5 4s 2 -levels at 18.72 and 18.98 eV. Metastable ions contribute to the total ionization cross section for energies above 24.4 eV.
STATISTICAL ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDYING COLLEGE STUDENT RETENTION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LOGIT, PROBIT, AND LINEAR REGRESSION

While higher education researchers have long been concerned with the development and application of methods to adequately assess the impact of college on students, strong advances in statistical theory and computational practice have shifted this focus from the fundamental issues of research design to the application of appropriate statistics. This study focuses on the practical implications of applying logistic regression, probit analysis, and linear regression to the problem of predicting college student retention. Rather than simply assuming that one technique is analytically superior to others based on theoretical grounds, this study explores how these techniques compare in predicting student retention using data provided by registrars from a national sample of colleges and universities. Results indicate that despite the theoretical advantages offered by logistic regression and probit analysis, there is little practical difference between either of these two techniques and more traditional linear regression.
Double heterozygosity for hemoglobin Camden (β131 Gln→Glu) and hemoglobin S in an American Negro.

A hemoglobin variant with the slightly fast mobility associated with K hemoglobins was found, together with hemoglobin S, in an apparently healthy 3-year-old Negro girl from Washington, D.C. Her father had the same variant, along with hemoglobin A, and her mother had hemoglobins A plus S. Respective proportions of hemoglobins K and S in the propositus were 66-34. The K variant now has been found to have the structural change Gln yields Glu at position beta-131 (beta-H9); therefore it apparently is identical to hemoglobin Camden reported in trait form in a Negro subject by YATES, BELLINGHAM and HUEHNS (Nature 243: 467-468, 1973).
A Revolution in Plato Scholarship

Abstract Catherine Zuckert's new book on Plato is a monumental work that should revolutionize Plato scholarship. I argue that its principal claims about ordering Plato's dialogues according to their dramatic chronology and about the development of Socrates in relation to Plato's other philosophers are highly plausible and powerfully presented. The book also makes the case for Socrates as “Plato's hero” whose greatness lies in understanding the human realm of the noble and the good independently of cosmology or metaphysics; and it challenges us to ask if Plato and Catherine Zuckert embrace this model of Socratic philosophy as the highest and happiest way of life.