cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The specificity of homeotic gene function

How transcription factors achieve their in vivo specificities is a fundamental question in biology. For the Homeotic Complex (HOM/Hox) family of homeoproteins, specificity in vivo is likely to be in part determined by subtle differences in the DNA binding properties inherent in these proteins. Some of these differences in DNA binding are due to sequence differences in the N-terminal arms of HOM/Hox homeodomains. Evidence also exists to suggest that cofactors can modify HOM/Hox function by cooperative DNA binding interactions. The Drosophila homeoprotein extradenticle (exd) is likely to be one such cofactor. In HOM/Hox proteins, both the conserved ‘YPWM’ peptide motif and the homeodomain are important for interacting with exd. Although exd provides part of the answer as to how specificity is achieved, there may be additional cofactors and mechanisms that have yet to be identified.
Access to, Use of, and Attitudes toward Telecommunication among Rural VR Clients

Telecommunication offers rural vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients a method of communicating with their VR counselor between face-to-face visits. Unfortunately, certain telecommunication methods may not be available to many rural VR clients or may pose barriers in the rehabilitation process. This article describes findings from an exploratory survey of 225 rural VR clients recruited from seven VR agencies across the United States. The mail-based survey explored client access to telecommunication, current telecommunication use during the VR process, and client attitudes about using telecommunication to receive VR services. Although 61% of respondents said they had personal access to a computer with Internet and 63% reported that email would be a “very” acceptable or “somewhat” acceptable method of communicating with their counselors, only 39% reported communicating via email with their counselors. Although a variety of factors play into the effectiveness of telecommunication as a VR service delivery mod...
A spectral frequency synthesizer

The spectral digital frequency synthesizer has extremely low battery power consumption. A model, providing two ×460 radio channels in the VHF range, was developed and packaged.
Accurate backbone curves for large-amplitude vibrations of imperfect rectangular plate with viscous damping

This paper deals with the solution of modified-Duffing ordinary differential equation for large-amplitude vibrations of imperfect rectangular plate with viscous damping. Lindstedt's perturbation technique and Runge-Kutta method are applied. The results for both methods are presented and compared for a validity check. It is proved that Lindstedt’s perturbation technique only works accurately for a small range of vibration amplitude. For a structure with a sufficiently large geometric imperfection, the well-known softenspring to harden-spring transforming backbone curve is confirmed and better developed. Although the softening to hardening behavior occurs twice in one backbone curve, the turning points share the same vibration frequency. Yet the amplitude for turning points varies due to the existence of imperfection. Moreover, the effect of damping ratio on vibration mode and vibration amplitude is studied. The usual nonlinear vibration tends to behave more linearly under the effect of large damping.
Generalization from Pain of Various Types and Diverse Origins

Pain that arises from very different pathological origins responds in a quantitative fashion to a given dose of a given narcotic, but this is not true when the pain has been contrived by experimental means, in man, with customary techniques.
N-aryl-N-phenylhydroxylamines from phenylmagnesium bromide and nitro-compounds

N-Aryl-N-phenylhydroxylamines were prepared from phenylmagnesium bromide and aryl nitro-compounds. The hydroxylamines were then reduced to secondary amines. The isolation of phenol as a by-product in the former reaction supports the suggested mechanism.
Spontaneous sharp metamagnetic transition in manganite films: influences of post-deposition annealing and measurement protocol

Abstract We report a detailed study of magnetic field-induced steplike metamagnetic transitions at 2 K in phase separated Pr 0.65 (Ca y Sr 1− y ) 0.35 MnO 3 (0.7⩽ y ⩽0.8) compounds, in the form of both polycrystalline pellets and films. Epitaxial films of Pr 0.65 (Ca y Sr 1− y ) 0.35 MnO 3 PCSMO with thickness ranging from 100 to 7000 A have been grown on (0 0 1) LaAlO 3 (LAO) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and their magnetic properties have been studied systematically. By comparing as-grown and annealed films, we find that the post-deposition annealing plays an important role in the synthesis and properties of manganite films. In particular, it releases strain and changes the microstructure, and we also argue that it changes the chemical homogeneity of the specimens. All of these factors impact the phenomenology of the sharp magnetization steps in PCSMO films. With a quick sweep of magnetic field, the magnetization steps occur only in thicker films (>0.5 μm) with y = 0.8 . However, by modifying the measurement protocol, we demonstrate that the steps absent in other films can be recovered. We interpret this behavior to signify a dynamic self-organization of martensitic accommodation strain, consistent with the previously proposed martensitic-like scenario of the magnetization steps in bulk samples.
Identification of elements to control and regulate residential energy consumption

Residential energy consumption in the USA has been marked by a steady growth over the past decades in spite of the implementation of various energy efficiency policies. To develop effective energy efficiency policies for the residential sector, it is important to understand the causal factors and their effects on residential energy consumption. There is a dearth of literature on plausible ways to modify and manipulate factors that influence residential energy consumption. This paper builds on previous study by the authors that identified a list of factors affecting residential energy consumption and grouped them under four major categories, such as demographics, consumer attitude, economy, and climate. The study analyzed the correlates of each of the energy consumption factors and an ecological framework of residential energy consumption was created using fishbone diagram method. Subsequently, the “affinity diagram” technique was adopted to generate energy efficiency control elements from the energy consu...
Internationalization and Firm Risk: An Upstream-Downstream Hypothesis

Corporate international diversification theory posits that multinational corporations (MNCs) should have lower risk and higher financial leverage than purely domestic corporations (DCs). We suggest an alternative upstream-downstream hypothesis according to which the overall effect of internationalization on the risk and leverage of MNCs is expected to vary with home and target market conditions. The empirical results are consistent with the suggested hypothesis.
Single Kernel Protein Variance Structure in Commercial Wheat Fields in Western Kansas

This research was undertaken to quantify the structure of protein variation in a commercial hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production system. This information will augment our knowledge and practices of sampling, segregating, marketing, and varietal development to improve uniformity and end-use quality of HRW wheat. The allocation of kernel protein variance to specific components in southwestern Kansas was performed by a hierarchical sampling design. Sources of variability included Field, Plot (plots within a field), Row (rows within a plot), Plant (plants within a row), Head (heads within a plant), Position (spikelets at a specific position on a head), Spikelet (spikelets within a position), and Kernel (kernels within a spikelet). Individual kernels (10 152) were collected from 46 fields planted to one of four cultivars: Jagger, 2137, Ike, or TAM 107. Kernels were evaluated for protein concentration by a single kernel characterization system equipped with a diode array near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. For the cultivars 2137 and Ike, all sources of variability except Spikelet were statistically significant (P < 0.05). For Jagger, all sources except Row were significant and for TAM 107, variation attributed to Field and Plant were not significant. Field and Plot sources of variability contributed the greatest amount of variance within the hierarchy for Jagger, 2137, and Ike. For TAM 107, Plot was the greatest source of variability. The least squares means were calculated for the fixed effect Position, Jagger, Ike, and 2137 showed a significant protein gradient in which the highest protein concentration occurred at the base of the head and the lowest protein content at the top. For TAM 107, the greatest protein content was found at the base. Results of this study provide a benchmark for future efforts to improve wheat consistency through breeding and crop management. The protein variance structure described during this study also defines practical limits for managing and marketing protein content in HRW.
Gastric Xanthelasma, Xanthoma, and Xanthomatosis $$

Abstract Background Xanthelasma is a yellowish deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids, which is associated with hyperlipidemia. In the stomach, xanthelasma and xanthoma are used interchangeably, and referred to asymtomatic benign endoscopic findings, which are not associated with hyperlipidemia. Gastric xanthomatosis is rare. Patient and methods We present the endoscopic and histopathological features of gastric xanthomatosis in a 68-year-old man with a history of peptic ulcer disease and previous antrectomy. Results Gastric xanthelasma and xanthoma present as solitary white or yellow flat mucosal lesions with fern-like surface features. These discrete lesions are usually found in the antrum. Gastric xanthomatosis presents with multiple small white or yellow mucosal patches or nodules. Histopathologic features include large foamy histiocytes containing a mixture of lipids in the mucosa and submucosa. Conclusions Gastric xanthelasma, xanthoma, gastric xanthomatosis are benign incidental endoscopic findings and are not associated with hyperlipidemia.
NORMALIZATION OF HEMATOCRIT IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC DISEASE DOES NOT INCREASE BLOOD PRESSURE

Since the earliest reports of the use of Epoetin alfa in hemodialysis patients, it has been described that Epoetin alfa may exacerbate preexisting hypertension or induce hypertension in End Stage R...
Soil conservation policy in the United States

Soil conservation has been a matter of federal natural resource policy for over a half century in the United States. A variety of federal programs have been undertaken to encourage soil conservation. There are goals which are essential to these programs, and there are related ancillary programs with different goals which often have had an impact on the extent to which the central soil conservation objectives have been effectively implemented. This article analyzes four aspects of federal soil conservation goals and programs: the evolution of the constellation of soil conservation goals, the problems with goal implementation, implementation effectiveness, and the appropriateness of the implementation and administration of federal goals.
SAMP8 mice have altered hippocampal gene expression in long term potentiation, phosphatidylinositol signaling, and endocytosis pathways.

Abstract The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8) strain exhibits decreased learning and memory and increased amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide accumulation at 12 months. To detect differences in gene expression in SAMP8 mice, we used a control mouse that was a 50% cross between SAMP8 and CD-1 mice and which showed no memory deficits (50% SAMs). We then compared gene expression in the hippocampus of 4- and 12-month-old SAMP8 and control mice using Affymetrix gene arrays. At 12 months, but not at 4 months, pathway analysis revealed significant differences in the long term potentiation (6 genes), phosphatidylinositol signaling (6 genes), and endocytosis (10 genes) pathways. The changes in long term potentiation included mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling (N-ras, cAMP responsive element binding protein [CREB], protein phosphatase inhibitor 1) and Ca-dependent signaling (inositol triphosphate [ITP] receptors 1 and 2 and phospholipase C). Changes in phosphatidylinositol signaling genes suggested altered signaling through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and Western blotting revealed phosphorylation changes in serine/threonine protein kinase AKT and 70S6K. Changes in the endocytosis pathway involved genes related to clathrin-mediated endocytosis (dynamin and clathrin). Endocytosis is required for receptor recycling, is involved in Aβ metabolism, and is regulated by phosphatidylinositol signaling. In summary, these studies demonstrate altered gene expression in 3 SAMP8 hippocampal pathways associated with memory formation and consolidation. These pathways might provide new therapeutic targets in addition to targeting Aβ metabolism itself.
Improved selection criteria for ordering stat venous ultrasounds from the emergency department

Abstract Background: The accuracy and convenience of venous ultrasound (VU) to exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has led to indiscriminate use and low positive yield rates. Methods: A total of 256 patients were referred from our emergency department (ED) for stat VU during a 2-year period (1995 to 1996). The VUs were interpreted as normal in 198 (77%). Positive findings were discovered in 58 (23%), with DVT accounting for 43 (17%). Retrospective multivariant analysis was used to identify predictive indicators. Results: Unilateral leg swelling/edema identified 36 of 40 (90%) patients with DVT and 8 of 10 (80%) with other thrombotic disorders (saphenous and/or chronic venous thrombosis). A history of leg pain with prior DVT or recent trauma ≤3 days’ duration increased DVT duration to 98% (39 of 40). Using these criteria, a 47% charge reduction would have been recognized. Conclusions: Improving ED screening criteria can safely increase yield rate and reduce charges with minimal loss of VU sensitivity.
One Play Cannot be Known to Win or Lose a Game: a Fallibilist Account of Game

This paper discusses what it means to be a good sport. It offers an account of sportsmanship rooted in the proper understanding of the limited role each participant plays during a specific sporting contest. It aims at showing that, from a fallibilist perspective, although it may perhaps be logically possible for a single play to win or lose a sporting event, it makes epistemologically no sense to single out a particular game action, moment or decision as the crucial one which determined victory or defeat. Our view, we shall argue, is consistent with the empirical nature of sporting activities. Since there can be no such a thing as a perfect game, and because no single known human mind is in a position to know with any degree of certainty how each act of game-playing relates to the outcome of a whole game, it makes almost no sense to assign whole-game success or failure to single acts of brilliance or failure.
A multiscale method for the analysis of defect behavior in Mo during electron irradiation

In order to overcome a lack of experimental information on values for key materials properties and kinetic coefficients, a multiscale modeling approach is applied to defect behavior in irradiated Mo where key materials properties, such as point defect (vacancy and interstitial) migration enthalpies as well as kinetic factors such as dimer formation, defect recombination, and self interstitial–interstitial loop interaction coefficients, are obtained by molecular dynamics calculations and implemented into rate-theory simulations of defect behavior. The multiscale methodology is validated against interstitial loop growth data obtained from electron irradiation of pure Mo. It is shown that the observed linear behavior of the loop diameter vs. the square root of irradiation time is a direct consequence of the 1D migration of self-interstitial atoms.
The isoconversional method for determination of energy of activation at constant heating rates: Corrections for the Doyle approximation

The isoconversional method for the determination of energies of activation from the reciprocal temperature at which a fraction of conversion was reached in experiments at differing constant heating rates is reviewed and amplified. The error introduced into the calculation of activation energy by the use of a linear approximation of the logarithm of the temperature integral is discussed. Methods for the correction of this error are developed and a table of correction factors are given.
Incest: the psychological problem and the biological contradiction

We have yet to map an "inbreeding avoider" gene or design a psychological test that can accurately diagnose incest transgressors. Until those events occur, sociobiology, nursing, and psychology must explain phenomena, such as the incest taboo, with a theoretical language of supposition. It is in this light that the etiology of taboo is analyzed. This article proposes that a propensity for sexual selection originates in the gene system, and what becomes taboo is acquired through the learning that accompanies the experiences of the individual and culture when sexual selection occurs. Influences of the genetic system and psychological culture on the existence of a taboo are contrasted. The conclusion posits an eclectic taboo hypothesis, derived from the congruencies found in the literature, and suggests how this hypothesis can guide nursing interventions with incestual families.
Emilie M. Hafner-Burton. 2009. Forced to be Good: Why Trade Agreements Boost Human Rights, (Ithaca, Cornell University Press)

The rising prominence of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) is one of the trademarks of the current global economy. This type of agreement has become increasingly complex and wide-ranging over time. In Forced to be Good, Emilie Hafner-Burton examines one intriguing aspect of this phenomenon: the inclusion of human rights protections in trade agreements concluded by the United States and the European Union (EU), mostly with developing-country partners. As Hafner-Burton points out, the regulation of human rights through PTAs is peculiar. On the surface, the coupling of human rights and trade is diplomatically disruptive, economically inefficient, and politically divisive. Through careful empirical analysis, this book offers a provocative and compelling narrative that casts new light on this puzzle. Forced to be Good gets at the root of this trend by asking four interrelated questions: 1) why have the United States and the EU decided to attach human rights conditions to their trade agreements?; 2) why have the two powers designed their PTAs differently, with the Americans emphasizing labor and children’s rights and the Europeans emphasizing voter and citizen rights?; 3) why have their trading partners accepted these conditions?; and 4) have these agreements had the desired effect on human rights in the partner countries? To answer these questions, Hafner-Burton employs the open economy politics (OEP) framework (Lake 2009). She first identifies the societal groups that lobbied for or against the introduction of human rights protections into PTAs. In the United States, labor unions were the most vocal proponents of linking market access to human rights performance, while businesses largely opposed this pairing. Europe was divided along similar lines, but there public opinion has played a more significant part. In particular, it appears that European Rev Int Organ (2010) 5:97–100 DOI 10.1007/s11558-009-9075-4
Polyphenol, Conditioning, and Conservation Effects on Protein Fractions and Degradability in Forage Legumes

Forage legume proteins were fractionated by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System or ruminally incubated to assess how conditioning and conservation methods interact with polyphenols (condensed tannins or o-quinones) to alter protein degradability. The presence of polyphenols, conditioning by maceration rather than rolls, and conservation as hay rather than silage shifted protein fractions from buffer-soluble to detergent-extractable forms. Rumen undegradable protein (RUP) calculated from protein fractions for roll-conditioned hays averaged 281 g kg ―1 for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), 309 g kg ―1 for high-tannin birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and 352 g kg ―1 for o-quinone-containing red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Roll-conditioned silages had lower RUP, averaging 132 g kg ―1 for alfalfa, 161 g kg ―1 for high-tannin trefoil, and 241 g kg ―1 for clover. Maceration increased calculated RUP by 67 to 124 g kg ―1 ; responses were greatest in clover and high-tannin trefoil. Rumen in situ residual protein (RP) was comparable to calculated RUP for silage, but -75 g kg ―1 higher for hay. Hay RP also indicated a greater impact of tannins and a smaller impact of maceration on protein degradability. Discrepancies between calculated RUP, in situ RP, and previous protease RUP estimates indicate that routine methods for estimating RUP must be refined so that polyphenol-containing forages can be properly characterized for feeding to ruminant livestock.
Fowl Cholera: Immunologic and Serologic Response in Turkeys to Live Pasteurella multocida Vaccine Administered in the Drinking Water

Abstract Live fowl cholera vaccine administered in drinking water induced immunity in young turkeys against a challenge of a different immunogenic type of Pasteurella multocida; this is referred to as cross-immunity. Serum from the vaccinated birds induced passive cross-immunity in chicks and turkeys; this demonstrated that the cross-immunity induced with the drinking water vaccine was associated with the humoral system. Results of serologic tests with agar grown P. multocida indicate that agglutinins and precipitins are not associated with the induced cross-immunity. A live culture of P. multocida previously reported to induce cross-immunity in mature turkeys without causing adverse effects when administered in the drinking water, killed 6 of 45 (13%) poults in the present study; this demonstrated that young turkeys are more susceptible to fowl cholera than mature turkeys.
Is Your Computer Secure

Cybersecurity is a pressing global issue today and increasingly affects all of us. According to a recent estimate, each U.S. adult had a 66% chance of experiencing at least one data exposure in 2008 and a 30% chance of experiencing multiple such exposures ( 1 ). A key motivator for cyber attackers is financial gain; a study of the underground economy observed advertisements for over $276 million in total “goods” (such as stolen credit card information) during a recent 1-year period ( 2 ). The annual cost to companies due to intellectual property theft and repair after data breaches has been estimated at over $1 trillion globally ( 3 ). Yet, in a study of consumer's personal computers, only 37% had up-to-date anti-malicious software (malware) protection; of those, 23% had active malware infections ( 4 ). What are the key cybersecurity dangers today, and how can they be addressed?
Effects of salinity on growth, ion content, and osmotic relations in Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf.

Abstract Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf. is a perennial grass found on the coastal dunes of Karachi, Pakistan. Halopyrum mucronatum plants were grown in 0, 90,180, and 360 mol m‐3 NaCl in a sand culture using a sub‐irrigation method. Fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots peaked at 90 mol m‐3 NaCl. A further increase in salinity inhibited plant growth, ultimately resulting in plant death at 360 mol m‐3 NaCl. The relative growth rate of plants was highest between 60 and 90 days after final salinity concentrations were reached. Maximum succulence was noted in 90 mol m‐3 NaCl. Water potential and osmotic potential of plants became more negative with an increase in salinity, while plants lost turgor with increasing salinity. Time of harvest did not have any significant effect on the water relations of plants. Sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) content of plants increased with an increase in salinity, while calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) content decreased. Glycinebetaine content of shoots increa...
The metabolism of radioestrone in the rat.

DURING the period of twenty-five years since the isolation of the first crystalline estrogen many experiments on the metabolism of estrogens have been reported. Since a number of reviews (Doisy et al., 1942; Heard, 1949; Lieberman and Teich, 1953) have considered this subject, only a few points which are closely relevant to the experiments reported in this paper will be mentioned. Most investigators studied the excretion of estrogens in urine, but the low recoveries (5–20%) of administered estrogenic activity led others to search for the unaccounted for estrogen. The recovery of some additional estrogenic activity in feces (Siebke and Schuschania, 1930; Levin, 1945; Dingemanse and Laqueur, 1937; Dorfman, 1937), led to the examination of bile (Longwell and McKee, 1942; Cantarow et al., 1942; Pearlman et al., 1948). However, the amounts detected in dog bile were still insufficient to account for the missing estrogen (Longwell and McKee, 1942; Pearlman et al., 1948).
Atlantic Deep-Sea Stratigraphy: Extension of Absolute Chronology to 320,000 Years

Thorium-230 measurements on a core of globigerina ooze from the Caribbean Sea substantiate the prediction of Ericson et al. that the paleontological boundary U-V (Sangamon-Illinoian boundary in their scheme) in the Atlantic sediments has an age of close to 320,000 years. As the ages derived by Ericson et al. were based on extrapolations of mean sedimentation rates established by carbon-14 and protactinium-231 dating of the upper sections of this and other cores, this result confirms the assumption that sedimentation rates in the Caribbean Sea have not changed significantly during the past several hundred thousand years. The uranium content of the ocean as indicated by the deposition rate of thorium-230 was no more than 30 percent higher during glacial than during interglacial periods.
Mylotarg, fludarabine, cytarabine (ara-C), and cyclosporine (MFAC) regimen as post-remission therapy in acute myelogenous leukemia.

Mylotarg, a humanized anti-CD33 antibody linked to an antitumor antibiotic, is approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its role as a component of post-remission therapy in AML has not been established. The Mylotarg, fludarabine, cytarabine, and cyclosporine (MFAC) regimen was evaluated in patients in complete remission following Mylotarg-containing regimens. The MFAC regimen comprised: Mylotarg 4.5 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) over 2 h after a loading dose of cyclosporine A (CSA) on day 1; fludarabine 15 mg/m2 i.v. over 30 min every 12 h for six doses on days 2 through 4; ara-C 0.5 g/m2 over 2 h every 12 h for six doses on days 2 through 4, 4 h after fludarabine started; CSA 6 mg/kg over 2 h, followed by 16 mg/kg continuous i.v. infusion on days 1 and 2. Patients in complete remission (CR) commenced idarubicin and ara-C (IA) alternating with MFAC or vice versa for 9 months from the date of CR. Idarubicin was administered at 8 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 and ara-C at 1.5 g/m2 on days 1 and 2. A total of 22 patients received 76 courses of MFAC (35 courses) alternating with IA (41 courses) or vice versa. The interval between courses, and degrees of myelosuppression, were equivalent in the alternating regimens. Failure-free and 12-month survival rates of were 32% and 55%, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities, including sepsis, neutropenic fever, and nausea/vomiting, were equivalent with MFAC and IA. Post-remission therapy with MFAC is feasible and well tolerated in patients with AML.
Online ads and offline sales: measuring the effect of retail advertising via a controlled experiment on Yahoo!

A randomized experiment with 1.6 million customers measures positive causal effects of online advertising for a major retailer. The advertising profitably increases purchases by 5%. 93% of the increase occurs in brick-and-mortar stores; 78% of the increase derives from consumers who never click the ads. Our large sample reaches the statistical frontier for measuring economically relevant effects. We improve econometric efficiency by supplementing our experimental variation with non-experimental variation caused by consumer browsing behavior. Our experiment provides a specification check for observational difference-in-differences and cross-sectional estimators; the latter exhibits a large negative bias three times the estimated experimental effect.
Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-Cw.

Background Pregnancies complicated by Rh isoimmunization have decreased significantly since the widespread use of Rh immune globulin. Uncommon red blood cell antigens have therefore become more clinically evident. We report a case of anti-Cw immunization that resulted in severe fetal anemia that required multiple transfusions. Case A 28-year-old multigravida presented to our service at 18 weeks of gestation with her fourth pregnancy. Her pregnancy was complicated by anti-Cw isoimmunization that resulted in severe fetal anemia requiring in utero fetal blood transfusions. Conclusion While previous reports recommend only postpartum surveillance when Cw isoimmunization is present, we report a case resulting in severe fetal anemia.
ROTSE All-Sky Surveys for Variable Stars. I. Test Fields

The Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment I (ROTSE-I) experiment has generated CCD photometry for the entire northern sky in two epochs nightly since 1998 March. These sky patrol data are a powerful resource for studies of astrophysical transients. As a demonstration project, we present first results of a search for periodic variable stars derived from ROTSE-I observations. Variable identification, period determination, and type classification are conducted via automatic algorithms. In a set of nine ROTSE-I sky patrol fields covering roughly 2000 deg2, we identify 1781 periodic variable stars with mean magnitudes between mv = 10.0 and mv = 15.5. About 90% of these objects are newly identified as variable. Examples of many familiar types are presented. All classifications for this study have been manually confirmed. The selection criteria for this analysis have been conservatively defined and are known to be biased against some variable classes. This preliminary study includes only 5.6% of the total ROTSE-I sky coverage, suggesting that the full ROTSE-I variable catalog will include more than 32,000 periodic variable stars.
Disutility as a Probability: A Reconsideration of the Symmetry Approach to the Committee Decision Problem

Von Neumann and Morgenstern formulated the expected-utiiity approach in terms of a simultaneous utility-probability axiomatization, which makes utility unique up to a linear transformation. This note illustrates, that there are situations in which it is convenient to consider utility or, more precisely, disutility as a probability. The disutility caused by the best decision is zero: that caused by any other decision is nonnegative and usually positive: the only further condition which disutilities must satisfy in order to qualify as probabilities is that they add up to 1, for which a linear transformation of the utility function can be used. Disutility may thus be interpreted as the “probability of injury.” This idea is illustrated by means of the symmetry approach to the committee decision problem as formulated by Van den Bogaard and Versiuis [van den Bogaard, P. J. M., J. Versluis. 1962. The design, of optimal committee decisions. Statistica Neerlandica16 271--289.] and Theil [Theil, H. 1963. On the symmetry approach to the committee decision problem. Management Sci.9 380--393; Theil, H. 1964. Optimal Decision Rules for Government and Industry. American Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., New York, and North-Holland Publishing Company. Amsterdam.]. Each committee member has his own preferences, but the committee as a whole is responsible for making a decision. The committee's debate is described in terms of a Markov chain, and the symmetry approach appears to correspond to the steady state of Markov chain theory. An application to a three-member committee is discussed.
Performance of the Apache Point Observatory 3.5-m telescope: II, pointing and tracking

The Apache Point Observatory 3.5-m telescope, loated in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico at an elevation of 2.8 km, is awaiting the installation of the primary mirror. The design of this telescope includes a number of innovative features including a lightweight honeycomb borosilicate mirror, friction drives and encoding, and complete computer control to facilitate remote use. A 0.3-m telescope was attached to the telescope mount to monitor tracking and pointing performance. Currently, the telescope tracks open-loop to 0.3 arcsec rms over 10 min and points to 5 arcsec rms. Improvements to the servosystem and encoder mounting should make it possible to meet the goals of tracking to 0.2 arcsec rms and pointing to 1 arcsec rms.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport by DDT and DDE.

The effect of DDT and DDE (a metabolite of DDT) on chloroplast electron transport was investigated. Photosynthetic electron transport in isolated spinach and barley chloroplasts as well as chloroplasts isolated from macroscopic green algae,Cdium fragile andChaetomorpha aerea, was inhibited by both compounds. Photoreduction and photophosphorylation measured in the presence of ferricyanide showed 50% inhibition at 2×10−5 M DDT and DDE. P/2e ratios were 1·2–1·5, and remained constant in the presence of both inhibitors. The addition of uncouplers such as ammonium ion and carbonyl cyanide,m-chlorophenylhydrazone did not overcome the inhibition of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. Inhibition of phenazine methosulfate-catalyzed cyclic photophosphorylation by DDT and DDE was observed at low light intensities but was not seen at 2·5×105 erg cm−2sec−1 and above. In the presence of DDT, a slow rise in measuring beam fluorescence was observed. The actinic beam fluorescence was slightly less than that in the control. Inhibition by DDT and DDE appears to be similar to that of DCMU. Brief sonication of the chloroplasts increases the sensitivity to DDT. The lack of penetration of DDT to terrestrial plant chloroplasts may be the reason why these are protected from this insecticide.
Novel polyisobutylene/poly(dimethylsiloxane) bicomponent networks. II. Network structure and property characterization

The first part of this series concerned the synthesis of novel polyisobutylene (PIB)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) bicomponent networks; the present paper concerns the structure and property characterization of a series of bicomponent networks of varying compositions (PIB wt %/PDMS wt % = 92/8, 70/30, 50/50, 35/65) having average molecular weights between crosslinks (Mc) of ˜ 20,000 g/mol. According to network structure analysis by uniaxial equilibrium stress–strain measurements, the experimental Mc's are in excellent agreement with theoretical values. Hydrosilation end-linking efficiency was quantitated by the amount of sol and functional group analysis by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. NMR evidence indicates double-bond isomerization during hydrosilation. Network compositions by elemental analysis together with the low sol fractions indicate efficient crosslinking. These data suggest highly efficient network formation and well-defined bicomponent network structures. While PIB and PDMS showed Tg's at −72 and −124°C, respectively, the bicomponent network did not exhibit clearly discernible phase transitions. The heat stability of bicomponent networks increased slightly with increasing PDMS content showing initial (10%) degradation temperatures at ˜ 380°C in nitrogen and ˜ 320°C in air. Tensile strengths and elongations were dependent on composition and varied in the 0.6–3.8 MPa and 600–1100% ranges, respectively. The swelling behavior was not much affected by composition. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1901–1910, 1998
Thermodynamics of the system benzene-biphenyl

Abstract The Maron theory of nonelectrolyte solutions has been applied to the system benzene-biphenyl in order to correlate the available thermal and vapor pressure data. Using the thermal data, the interaction parameter was evaluated as a function of concentration and temperature, and it was then used to predict the activity coefficients of benzene. The results obtained agree within 0.3% with the experimental measurements over the entire concentration range and at temperatures ranging from 15 to 80°C. The deduced equations were also used to calculate the fusion functions for biphenyl as a function of temperature as well as its melting point. The success of the Maron theory in correlating the thermodynamic behavior of this system is of particular interest, since various statistical mechanical approaches to this system have not been able to attain such a correlation.
Heterogeneous distribution and upregulation of μ, δ and κ opioid receptors in the amygdala

Abstract Levels of μ, δ and κ opioid receptors in 4 subnuclei of the rat amygdala were determined by quantitative autoradiography following chronic treatment with naloxone or saline. A different distribution of each receptor subtype was observed, with μ binding greatest in the lateral nucleus (La), δ greatest in the basolateral (B1), and κ greatest in the medial (Me). Levels of all 3 receptors were very low in the central nucleus. Receptor upregulation following chronic naloxone treatment was also anatomically heterogeneous. Increases in μ receptors were statistically significant in the Me, Bl and La, while increases in δ and κ receptors were significant only in the Bl.
Estimating the Age of Mutant Disease Alleles Based on Linkage Disequilibrium

With more and more disease genes being mapped and/or cloned, there is a growing interest in dating the age of underlying mutations. The knowledge of the age of mutation is important to finely map disease genes by linkage disequilibrium mapping. It would also help us understand the origin, evolution, and dispersion of the mutant disease genes. Despite increasing interests in dating disease mutations, the development of appropriate statistical methods is largely fragmentary, and there is a lack of systematic treatment of the topic. We propose two classes of methods for estimating the age of mutant allele at the disease locus based on linked marker data. Our methods can not handle only single-locus marker data, but also multi-locus marker data as well. Moreover, our methods can be used even when the location of the disease locus is unknown, and/or when there are mutations at the marker or disease locus. We show that some previous results are special cases of our methods. We also derive a recursive equation previously obtained by Serre et al. [Hum Genet 1990;84:449-454] and provide an explicit solution to the equation. To illustrate our methods, we applied them to two groups of data sets, one is cystic fibrosis data collected from several European populations, and the other is data on several genetic diseases (diastrophic dysplasia, progressive myoclonus epilepsy, congenital chloride diarrhea, and Batten disease) all collected from the Finnish population. The former data set allows us to trace the origin and dispersion of the most common mutation for cystic fibrosis. The latter provides an opportunity to examine whether all mutations for these diseases have the same age.
Effect of powdered coal on plant growth and composition.

Abstract Bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Improved Tendergreen) were grown in two different kinds of soil to which had been blended 6% powdered coal. Growth and mineral composition of the plants were measured after 28 days to obtain an estimate of effects for coal scattered in the environment. Coal was added with and without elemental sulfur to the noncalcareous soil used in order to determine if there were any interaction of coal in an extremely acid soil. In the noncalcareous soil the coal reduced vegetative yields slightly with and without the sulfur. Coal had no effect on yield when added to the calcareous soil. Coal tended to decrease P and K concentrations of the plants. In the acidified soil coal resulted in an increase of Mn in plants. Some other interactions were indicated.
When is parsimony a virtue

Parsimony is a virtue of empirical theories. Is it also a virtue of philosophical theories? I review four contemporary accounts of the virtue of parsimony in empirical theorizing, and consider how each might apply to two prominent appeals to parsimony in the philosophical literature, those made on behalf of physicalism and on behalf of nominalism. None of the accounts of the virtue of parsimony extends naturally to either of these philosophical cases. This suggests that in typical philosophical contexts, ontological simplicity has no evidential value.
Asterocheres crinoidicola n. sp., a copepod (Siphonostomatoida: Asterocheridae) parasitic on crinoids in Belize

A new species of siphonostomatoid copepod, Asterocheres crinoidicola, is parasitic on two closely related comasterid crinoids (Nemaster grandis and Davidaster rubiginosus) in Belize, Central America. An unusually long terminal prolongation of the third segment of the endopod of leg 1 distinguishes this species from all congeners. This is the first report of a copepod parasitic on a crinoid in the Caribbean.
Large-aperture interferometer with local reference beam

A large-aperture interferometer was devised by adding a local-reference-beam-generating optical system to a schlieren system. Two versions of the interferometer are demonstrated, one employing 12.7 cm (5 in.) diameter schlieren optics, the other employing 30.48 cm (12 in.) diameter parabolic mirrors in an off-axis system. In the latter configuration a cylindrical lens is introduced near the light source to correct for astigmatism. A zone plate is a satisfactory decollimating element in the reference-beam arm of the interferometer. Attempts to increase the flux and uniformity of irradiance in the reference beam by using a diffuser are discussed.
On translation of Boolean expressions

A program which translates an algorithmic language such as ALGOL into the machine language of an electronic computer performs the following functions: Analysis. From the program in algorithmic language are determined the operations which the computer must perform in the execution of the target program and the logical interdependence of these.Optimization. Of the many possibilities for optimization that exist, two are pertinent to this note: (2a) the elimination of superfluous operations, and (2b) the execution at translation time of those operations which do not depend on results produced by the target program.Synthesis. The sequence of operations which arise from steps 1 and 2 is expressed in the language of the computer and placed into the target program.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE OPTIONS: A NOAA-U.S. NAVY JOINT PROJECT

ABSTRACT The U.S. Navy is in the process of re-evaluating its oil spill response preparedness. As part of that effort, the Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have teamed up to continue development of a tool designed to help planners assess their response effectiveness: the Trajectory Analysis Planner (TAP). TAP is an interface to a database of thousands of modeled oil spill trajectories, an ensemble of trajectories that represent the population of all possible spills. The TAP interface helps response planners understand characteristics of the possible oil spills in a given region. With this understanding, they can not only plan for one or a few possible high-impact events, but can determine the best overall plan for many events, across a large spectrum of probabilities and levels of impact. This paper is the result of the joint NOAA-Navy project to extend the capabilities of TAP. The capabilities and interface of the current version of the program (TAP II) are presented, a...
Scientific Problem Solving by Expert Systems.

Human expert problem solving in science is defined and used to account for scientific discovery. These ideas, attributed largely to Herbert Simon, are used in a description of BACON.5, a machine expert problem solver that discovers scientific laws using data-driven heuristics and “expectations” such as symmetry. Trial-and-error search of data-driven scientific discovery is drastically reduced when the BACON.5 system is altered to include expectations, such as symmetry, which have been influential in “real” (i.e., human) discoveries of scientific laws. A discussion of the implications of BACON.5-type research for traditional science education research recognizes the importance of a qualitative understanding of the relationships among “pieces” of a physical or biological system.
Relaxed Selection in White Leghorn Lines Selected for Resistance and Susceptibility to Avian Leukosis

Abstract WHEN artificial selection is suspended in a selection program the mean of the population may shift depending upon the relationship of the observed trait with fitness and the effectiveness of natural selection in changing components of fitness such as egg production, fertility, hatchability, and viability. Lerner (1950) has discussed possible reasons for the decline of the population mean of previously selected traits when selection is relaxed. When selection for chicken shank length was suspended, hatchability increased but when selection was resumed, hatchability declined (Lerner, 1958). Moultrie et al. (1956) studied relaxed selection for three generations in a strain of disease-resistant White Leghorns. They observed a rise in leucosis mortality in the first generation which was sustained in the two succeeding generations. Shoffner and Grant (1960) relaxed the selection of Leghorns developed for egg production and found little if any decrease in egg production, hen housed viability, hatchability and eight-week body . . .
Position of Igl-1, md, and Bst loci on chromosome 16 of the mouse.

The experiments described here delineate the position of the chromosome 16 markers Igl-1(immunoglobulin λ 1 light chain), md (mahoganoid), and Bst (belly spot and tail), and suggest their location relative to the endogenous proviral locus Akv-2, which is linked within 5.9 centimorgans to Igl-1 (Epstein et al. 1984). The data from an intercross and a three-point backcross detailed herein show the order of these three genes and distances between them to be: centromere-md −10.4 ± 1.6 - Igl-1 −15.6 ± 2.6 - Bst. Using a recombinant chromosome recovered in the intercross, we have constructed a stock homozygous for md and Igl-1 b(KpnI−), that will aid in mapping other genes on chromosome 16.