cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Vaccines To Potentiate the Effective CD103+ Dendritic Cell–Mediated Cross-Priming of Antitumor Immunity

The development of effective cancer vaccines remains an urgent, but as yet unmet, clinical need. This deficiency is in part due to an incomplete understanding of how to best invoke dendritic cells (DC) that are crucial for the induction of tumor-specific CD8(+) T cells capable of mediating durable protective immunity. In this regard, elevated expression of the transcription factor X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) in DC appears to play a decisive role in promoting the ability of DC to cross-present Ags to CD8(+) T cells in the therapeutic setting. Delivery of DNA vaccines encoding XBP1 and tumor Ag to skin DC resulted in increased IFN-α production by plasmacytoid DC (pDC) from skin/tumor draining lymph nodes and the cross-priming of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell responses associated with therapeutic benefit. Antitumor protection was dependent on cross-presenting Batf3(+) DC, pDC, and CD8(+) T cells. CD103(+) DC from the skin/tumor draining lymph nodes of the immunized mice appeared responsible for activation of Ag-specific naive CD8(+) T cells, but were dependent on pDC for optimal effectiveness. Similarly, human XBP1 improved the capacity of human blood- and skin-derived DC to activate human T cells. These data support an important intrinsic role for XBP1 in DC for effective cross-priming and orchestration of Batf3(+) DC-pDC interactions, thereby enabling effective vaccine induction of protective antitumor immunity.
Negative refractive index in a right-handed medium

Our theoretical analysis shows that the refractive index may be negative in a homogeneous isotropic non-magnetic medium with positive electric permittivity. This provides a possible route to negative refraction at optical frequencies.
Heterotic superstring vacua in four dimensions based on non-compact affine current algebras

Abstract New classes of unitary conformal and superconformal theories based on cosets of affine non-compact current algebras are suggested. Unitarity restrictions and the structure of the modules labelled by the primary states are discussed in general terms as well as in detail for SU (1,1)/ U (1), SU (N,M)/ SU (N) × SU (M) × U (1) and SL (2, C )/ SU (2) . Large classes of new N = 2 superconformal theories are classified and their central charges computed. This gives the non-compact counterpart of the Kazama-Suzuki models. It is shown that compact group and non-compact group Kazama-Suzuki models can be rewritten as coset models of the form (G × H)/H, where H is a maximal compact subgroup of G and G/H is kahlerian. This reveals new symmetry structures which are useful in computations. It is shown that, in applications to heterotic superstring model building in four dimensions, a c ⩽ 9 compact space can be constructed only from two non-compact N = 2 super-affine cosets based on SU (1,1) − k with k ⩾ 3 and SU (2,1) − k with k ⩾ 9 . After performing a GSO projection and heterotic conversion a la Gepner, the massless spectrum of the c = 9 SU(1,1)−3 case is analysed in detail. With some simplifying assumptions on modular invariants it is outlined how the number of families would be computed.
The Role of pH in the Glucuronidation of Raloxifene, Mycophenolic Acid and Ezetimibe

The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) active site faces the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and is enclosed behind a lipid bilayer. Consequently, observed UGT activity is latent in microsomal preparations, and thus, mechanical and/or chemical disruptions of the vesicle membrane are commonly employed to better expose the active site. The aim of the present investigation was to explore the impact of incubation pH on the glucuronidation of raloxifene, mycophenolic acid (MPA) and ezetimibe, which are basic, acidic and neutral compounds, respectively. Their glucuronidation was examined in human liver microsomal incubations by monitoring for the production of the glucuronide metabolites at pHs ranging between 5.4 and 9.4. Compared to physiological pH, unbound intrinsic clearance (CL(int,u)) was 11- and 12-fold higher at pH 9.4 for raloxifene 4'-glucuronide (R4G) and raloxifene 6-glucuronide (R6G), respectively; whereas a 10-fold increase was observed at pH 5.4 for MPA glucuronide (MPAG). In contrast, ezetimibe glucuronidation did not vary as the pH deviated from 7.4. Kinetic analysis revealed that increases in CL(int,u) were accompanied by less than a 2-fold change in V(max). Instead, K(m,u) decreased 8-, 13- and 5-fold for R4G, R6G and MPAG, respectively. Similar pH dependency on glucuronidation was observed in experiments utilizing recombinant UGT enzymes (recUGT). Particularly, recUGT1A9 was one of the major isoforms involved in the glucuronidation of raloxifene and MPA. While the highest rate of glucuronidation was found at pH 9.4 for raloxifene, the pH for optimal glucuronidation of MPA was between 5.4 and 7.4. In summary, these results suggest that microsomal glucuronidation may be enhanced for acidic and basic compounds by altering the incubation pH, perhaps by improving substrate membrane permeability.
Myofascial pain syndrome and its treatment in low back pain

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal pain disorder with a high prevalence in low back pain complaints. However, because of its complex and confusing nature, MPS is commonly misdiagnosed and overlooked by clinicians who are unfamiliar with this pain syndrome. However, with proper knowledge, MPS can be identified and effectively treated. This article discusses the current diagnostic and treatment modalities regarding MPS in the low back.
Dynamic stability characteristics of fluid-filled shells under multiple excitations

Abstract The membrane forces induced by horizontal ground motion are derived to be used in the coupled Hill's equations for a complete dynamic stability analysis. Excellent agreement between theoretical and available experimental results is obtained. A majority of buckling modes can be correctly identified by considering a geometrical imperfection. The influence of the imperfection on the dynamic buckling characteristics is also discussed.
A Fault Resilient Architecture for Distributed Cyber-Physical Systems

In this paper we discuss a general approach and architecture for design of distributed cyber-physical systems in order to make them resilient to communication faults. In this approach, each node exploits physical connections between nodes to estimate some of the state parameters of the remote nodes in order to detect the faults and also to maintain stability of system after fault occurrence. Finally, based on this architecture and approach, a fault-resilient decentralized voltage control algorithm is presented and evaluated.
P53Ψ is a transcriptionally inactive p53 isoform able to reprogram cells toward a metastatic-like state

Although much is known about the underlying mechanisms of p53 activity and regulation, the factors that influence the diversity and duration of p53 responses are not well understood. Here we describe a unique mode of p53 regulation involving alternative splicing of the TP53 gene. We found that the use of an alternative 3′ splice site in intron 6 generates a unique p53 isoform, dubbed p53Ψ. At the molecular level, p53Ψ is unable to bind to DNA and does not transactivate canonical p53 target genes. However, like certain p53 gain-of-function mutants, p53Ψ attenuates the expression of E-cadherin, induces expression of markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and enhances the motility and invasive capacity of cells through a unique mechanism involving the regulation of cyclophilin D activity, a component of the mitochondrial inner pore permeability. Hence, we propose that p53Ψ encodes a separation-of-function isoform that, although lacking canonical p53 tumor suppressor/transcriptional activities, is able to induce a prometastatic program in a transcriptionally independent manner.
pH kinetic studies of the N-demethylation of N,N-dimethylaniline catalyzed by chloroperoxidase

Abstract The effect of pH on the kinetic parameters for the chloroperoxidase-catalyzed N -demethylation of N,N -dimethylaniline supported by ethyl hydroperoxide was investigated from pH 3.0 to 7.0. Chloroperoxidase was found to be stable throughout the pH range studied. Initial rate conditions were determined throughout the pH range. The V max for the demethylation reaction exhibited a pH optimum at approximately 4.5. The K m for N,N -dimethylaniline increased with decreasing pH, while the K m for ethyl hydroperoxide varied in a manner paralleling V max . Comparison of the V max K m values for N,N -dimethylaniline and ethyl hydroperoxide indicated that the interaction of N,N -dimethylaniline with chloroperoxidase compound I was rate-limiting below pH 4.5, while compound I formation was rate-limiting above pH 4.5. The log of the V max K m for ethyl hydroperoxide was independent of pH, indicating that chloroperoxidase compound I formation is not affected by ionizations in this pH range. The plot of the log of the V max K m for N,N -dimethylaniline versus pH indicated an ionization on compound I with a p K of approximately 6.8. The plot of the log of the V max versus pH indicated an ionization on the compound I- N,N -dimethylaniline complex, with a p K of approximately 3.1. The results show that chloroperoxidase can demethylate both the protonated and neutral forms of N,N -dimethylaniline (p K approximately 5.0), suggesting that hydrophobic binding of the arylamine substrate is more important in catalysis than ionic bonding of the amine moiety. For optimal catalysis, a residue in the chloroperoxidase compound I- N,N -dimethylaniline complex with a p K of approximately 3.1 must be deprotonated, while a residue in compound I with a p K of approximately 6.8 must be protonated.
Seasonal Temperature Predictions Using a Jackknife Approach with an Intraseasonal Variability Index

Abstract The prediction of seasonal temperatures in the United States farm Pacific sea surface temperatures was examined using a jackknifed regression scheme and a measure of intraseasonal atmospheric circulation variability. Predictions were made using both a one mouth and a one season lead. Employing a jackknifed regression methodology when deriving objective prediction equations allowed forecast skill to be better quantified than in pan studies, by greatly increasing the effective independent sample size. The procedures were repeated on three data sets for each season: 1) all year in the period 1930–79 (29 or 30 years); 2) high intraseasonal variability index (VI) years; and 3) low intraseasonal VI years. The VI was constructed to measure the intraseasonal variability of 5-day period mean 700 mb heights for a portion of the Northern Hemisphere. The following results obtained from the study: 1) for winter and summer, significant models were found, though skill is modest (less than 60% correct for two-cl...
Excitation Spectra of Disordered Systems. I. General Theory

The approximate method developed by Wu for the study of the lattice dynamics of one-dimensional disordered systems is extended to be applicable to two- and three-dimensional systems. The basic ideas of the approach are reviewed and the multi-dimensional form of the approximation is developed. Applications are made to periodic lattices in all dimensions and the one-dimensional disordered lattice. Comparisons with previous results show excellent agreement. Die Naherungsmethode nach Wu fur die Untersuchung der Gitterdynamik eindimensionaler, ungeordneter Systeme wird fur zwei- und dreidimensionale Systeme erweitert. Die grundlegenden Ideen dieser Methode werden diskutiert und die mehrdimensionale Form der Naherung entwickelt. Anwendungen auf periodische Gitter in allen Dimensionen, und auf eindimensionale, ungeordnete Gitter werden angegeben. Ein Vergleich mit fruheren Resultaten gibt vortreffliche Ubereinstimmung.
Collagen Production by Rat Hepatocytes and Sinusoidal Cells in Primary Monolayer Culture

The cellular sources of collagen in normal rat liver have been examined. Hepatocytes and nonparenchymal (sinusoidal) cells were isolated and established in primary monolayer culture. These cells were incubated with radiolabeled proline in the presence of L-ascorbate and β-amino-propionitrile. Nondialyzable material was prepared from the cell layer and the medium from each type of culture. The level of collagen accumulation was determined by measuring labeled hydroxyproline and sensitivity to purified bacterial collagenase. In hepatocytes, collagen represented 0.2% of both secreted and cell-associated labeled protein. In sinusoidal cells, collagen was 3.2% of secreted and 1.1% of cell-associated proteins. The total secreted labeled collagen, expressed per microgram of DNA, was similar in hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells. However cell-associated collagen in hepatocyte culture was approximately 10-fold that present in sinusoidal cells. These findings indicate that, while collagen formation is a relatively important function of sinusoidal cells, in normal liver the contribution of hepatocytes to total hepatic collagen accumulation may be substantial.
Arduous Tasks: Primo Levi, Translation and the Transmission of Holocaust Testimony

Lina N. Insana (2009) Arduous Tasks: Primo Levi, Translation and the Transmission of Holocaust Testimony (Toronto: University of Toronto Press), 319 pp., ISBN 9780802098634, $75.00, hard cover By o...
On the Theory of the Hydraulic Gyroscope

Any continuous or quasi-continuous system of particles, moving through an arbitrary closed path, generates a gyroscopic torque when precessed. Such systems can be a belt or chain drive, continuous flow hydraulic systems, or the like. In the apparent absence of any published analytical work, the present treatment offers a first-order analytical approximation, together with some quantitative experimental evidence.
Expression of a new RNA-splice isoform of WT1 in developing kidney–gonadal complexes of the turtle, Trachemys scripta

Abstract WT1 is a tumor suppressor gene encoding a zinc finger DNA-binding protein required for normal vertebrate kidney and gonad development. Although the sequence and function of this gene has been studied mostly in mammals, comparative analysis in other vertebrates may suggest regions of conservation of function as well as evolution of function. We have initiated a study of this gene in the freshwater turtle, Trachemys scripta , a species that demonstrates temperature dependent sex determination. The turtle WT1 amino acid sequence (GenBank Accession No. AF019779) is over 85% identical to that of other species overall, but there are some major differences. The greatest differences are in the N-terminal portion of the peptide which is thought to mediate transcriptional repression by interaction with other proteins. Turtle WT1, like those of the alligator, chicken, and Xenopus lacks the proline- and glycine-rich stretches that are present in mammalian WT1. Exon 5, which is alternatively spliced in mammals, is altogether absent in the non-mammalian vertebrates. In addition, turtle WT1 is alternatively spliced so that exon 4 is either present or absent. These differences suggest that the interaction of reptilian WT1 with other factors required for mediation of activity may be different than the interaction of mammalian WT1. It also suggests that alternative splicing is a conserved regulatory mechanism of vertebrate WT1. Expression of WT1 in turtle embryonic kidney–gonadal complexes begins after the mesonephroi have formed and continues at least until the bipotential gonad begins to differentiate. Although the proportions of the different splice isoforms are relatively constant during these stages of kidney development, the level of steady state expression is increased in embryos incubated at 26°C, the testis-producing temperature.
Isolated intramedullary cervical dermoid cyst

A 65-year-old male was admitted because of 2-month history of left arm weakness. Spinal MRI showed a cervical intramedullary lesion whose features suggested a dermoid cyst (Fig. 1 a, b). No spinal dysraphisms were evident. At operation (under neurophysiological monitoring), after a C2–C5 laminotomy, dural opening and myelotomy, the lesion appeared composed of two components: cranially the cyst was filled with caseous yellowish and pearly material which was removed; caudally the lesion presented calcified material which was only partially removed because it was very adherent to the surrounding neural tissue (Fig. 1 c, d). Post-operative course was characterized by worsening of left arm weakness and onset of moderate weakness of legs. Histological examination confirmed the presence of keratin debris and bone suggesting a diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Intramedullary dermoid cysts are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1 % of intramedullary spinal cord tumors [1]. They arise from cell remnants due to a failure of embryological process involved in the neural tube closure [1]. This process begins in the area of the neural tube destined to become the lower cervical cord and proceeds rostrally and caudally [1]. Hence these cysts are more often located in the lumbosacral spine. As the result of an embryological defect, they are usually associated with spinal dysraphism or dermal sinus tracts and thus are commonly seen during the first decade of life [1, 2]. Although some cases of isolated cervical dermoid cyst have previously been reported, most of them were published in pre-MRI era [1]. Dermoid cysts can be differentiated from intrinsic glial tumors of the cord on the basis of heterogeneity of the T1or T2-weighted signal, lack of contrast enhancement, and signal characteristics consistent with lipid content [1]. To our knowledge only two papers reported detailed description of MRI and intraoperative features of isolated cervical dermoid cysts [1, 2]. Both cases came to surgery because patients were symptomatic. Odgen et al. [1] report on a case of a 23-year-old man with a 3-month history of symptoms consistent with myelopathy, including hand weakness and paresthesias and an unsteady gait. Patankar et al. [2] describe the case of an 18-year-old female with a gradual appearance of spastic tetraparesis. In these two cases, at operation, the cyst wall was found to be very adherent to the adjacent neural tissue and only a subtotal resection was performed to avoid spinal cord damage [1, 2], as in our case. Nonetheless the morbidity remains high even with subtotal resection, with two patients (Pantakar et al. [2], and present case) worsened after the operation. Considering the benign nature of these congenital lesions and the significant risks related with the operation a conservative management should be considered for asymptomatic patients. F. Signorelli (&) N. Montano A. Scerrati B. Cioni F. Papacci Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy e-mail: francesco.signorelli1984@gmail.com
Interrelationships between Nuclear Structure and Ligand-Activated Intracellular Receptors

The role of ligand-activated intracellular receptors in activation of gene expression most probably involves a multistep process that requires alteration in chromatin structure. Results of studies with members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily as well as the ligand-activated member of the basic region/helix-loop-helix family of transcriptional activators suggests that two different nuclear structures and their associated nuclear proteins are important in the initial stages of gene activation: the nuclear matrix and nucleosomes. Cell- and tissue-specific nuclear matrix proteins and the variant and modified histones appear to be important for tissue and species specificity of ligand-induced responses. Because the function of a receptor may be limited in vivo by promoter and transcription factor accessibility, the various roles of nuclear ligand-receptor complexes may involve interaction with nuclear matrix proteins and/or nucleosomes. Tissue-specific structural nuclear proteins could control the conformation (looping through matrix attachment regions) of the DNA and unwinding or rearrangement of nucleosomes, thus providing specificity to the expression of certain genes. Modulation of cooperative elements required for gene activation may involve association of the gene promoter with the nuclear matrix together with the presence of nucleosomes. Thus, the series of events involved in ligand-receptor activation of genes requires alterations in chromatin structure, which allow access of the receptor complex to elements within the gene.
Efect of Wave Polarization on Breast Cancer Detection

Artificial neural networks are explored as a statistical indicator of breast cancer. A simplified model of the breast and tumor is implemented and the scattered electromagnetic fields are used to train and test an Artificial Neural Network. The effects of wave polarization and tumor orientation are explored using a broadband dual-linear antenna.
The distribution of 226Ra in the Atlantic Ocean

Based on results obtained during the GEOSECS program the primary features of the distribution of226Ra in the Atlantic Ocean can be defined. Outside the Antarctic no significant variation has been found in the226Ra content of surface waters. Eighty samples yield an average of 7.4 dpm/100 kg (normalized to a salinity of 35.00‰). Deep waters in the central Atlantic have226Ra contents several dpm/100 kg higher than expected from the mixing of Antarctic Bottom Water (21.3 dpm/100 kg) and basal North Atlantic Deep Water (10.3 dpm/100 kg). These excesses correlate well with deficiencies in O2 and excesses in SiO2. The intermediate water226Ra maximum in the South Atlantic is associated with the inflow of low-oxygen Circumpolar Intermediate Water beneath the Antarctic Intermediate Water.
Budget deficits and economic activity

Using annual data of the Greek economy, this paper explores the relationship between budget deficits and real output. The ultimate purpose is to empirically evaluate the validity of the Keynesian proposition and the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis. The econometric methodology is based on error-correction modeling, Granger bivariate and trivariate causality, and Hendry's general-to-specific technique. The ECM results are consistent with the Keynesian proposition, suggesting a significant and positive relationship between budget deficits and real GNP.
A grammar formalism and parser for linearization-based HPSG

Linearization-based HPSG theories are widely used for analyzing languages with relatively free constituent order. This paper introduces the Generalized ID/LP (GIDLP) grammar format, which supports a direct encoding of such theories, and discusses key aspects of a parser that makes use of the dominance, precedence, and linearization domain information explicitly encoded in this grammar format. We show that GIDLP grammars avoid the explosion in the number of rules required under a traditional phrase structure analysis of free constituent order. As a result, GIDLP grammars support more modular and compact grammar encodings and require fewer edges in parsing.
Esterase activity in snake skin

Abstract The relative importance of esterase activity in snake skin was studied. It was found that: (1) an aqueous snake skin extract which was prepared from the clean dry dorsal side of the snake skin hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl acetate significantly at pH = 7.2 and 32 °C. (2) Pretreatment of the snake skin at 40 °C has no effect on the esterase activity of snake skin extract. After treatment at 80 °C for 15 min, however, over 90% of the activity is lost. (3) The esterase enzyme is still active for at least 6 months under dry storage conditions at room temperature or at −20 ° C showing little change from recently shed snake skin. It appears that sheds of snake skin have, at least qualitatively, similar properties with respect to esterase enzymes which may still be active in the mass of dead cells of the skin stratum corneum as suggested by others.
Photoperiodic Control of the Cloacal Gland of the Japanese Quail

Changes in photoperiod cause correlated changes in testes, cloacal glands, cloacal foam, and reproductive behavior of male Japanese quail. The cloacal protrusion may serve as a convenient external index of androgen, permitting repeated measurement without operation on or killing of the animal.
Unified analysis for DOA estimation algorithms in array signal processing

Abstract In this paper, a unified statistical performance analysis using perturbation expansions is applied to subspace-based algorithms for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in array signal processing. The analysis assumes that only a finite amount of array data is available at high signal-to-noise ratio. The MUSIC, Min-Norm, State-Space Realization (TAM) and ESPRIT algorithms are analyzed in a common framework. A significant feature of this analysis is that it includes different types of error sources, such as the finite sample effect induced by additive observation noise, the sensor error effect induced by the inaccurate knowledge of sensor response and location, and the effect of a coherent noise field with unknown structure. All of the algorithms considered in this paper are based on a singular value decomposition of a data matrix. A general expression for the perturbation of singular vectors as a function of data matrix perturbations is derived and used to obtain an analytical expression for the mean-squared DOA estimation error in a simple and self-contained fashion. The tractable formulas provide insight into the algorithms. Simulation results verify the analytically predicted performance.
Iron(III) complexes of pentadentate ligands

Abstract Iron(III) complexes of pentadentate ligands derived from salicyaldehyde and 2,2′-bis(aminoethyl)sulfide, diethylenetriamine and 3,3′-bis(aminopropyl)amine have been prepared and characterized employing elemental analysis, infrared-visible-ultraviolet spectra, mass spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complexes of formula [Fe(Ligand)] were isolated in each case. The structure of the materials is postulated to be five or six coordinate depending upon whether the secondary amine or thioether linkage is bound to the iron(III) ion. Conductivity data reveal the chloride ion to be coordinated.
Quality of life measures for myasthenia gravis and evaluation of non‐motor symptoms

Health-related quality of life measures have become an important tool in measuring clinical outcomes. Disease-specific health-related quality of life scales, particularly in diseases that might fluctuate, can draw attention to non-motor symptoms and guide symptom management. The following review provides an overview of quality of life (QOL) with a focus of disease-specific QOL measures for myasthenia gravis. We also review the current understanding of non-motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis and suggest that QOL measures might be a useful way of accounting for these symptoms. After reading the review, the reader will have a better understanding of QOL measures and how they can be used for patient care and clinical research.
Oxidation‐Resistant Silver Nanostructures for Ultrastable Plasmonic Applications

Although Ag is considered a noble metal, its surface oxidizes relatively quickly on exposure to ambient air. On the nanos- cale, this degradation is especially deleterious to applications pertaining to its plasmonic behavior, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing. In this Communication we show that oxidation of Ag nanoparticles under ambient conditions can be significantly suppressed by contacting Ag with immis- cible Co nanoparticles. As a consequence, while the plasmonic characteristic of pure Ag degrades by 25% within 500 h, Ag-Co nanoparticles take almost ten times longer to show a similar magnitude of decay in air, thus showing ultrastable plasmonics. We attribute this oxidation-resistance to a cathodic protection arising from galvanic coupling.
Reconsidering the personnel selection practices of academic libraries

Abstract This article critiques the usual process for selecting academic librarians from the perspective of research on selection methods. The author concludes that academic library methods could be improved by employing some of the approaches presented in human resources management and psychology literature on personnel selection.
Local landscape organization of mobile pastoralists in southeastern Turkey

Abstract Survey archaeology can contribute a unique perspective to the history of mobile pastoralism by investigating local pastoral landscapes—the organization of resources and features immediately surrounding a campsite. This paper examines empirical evidence for mobile pastoralists’ modes of inhabiting and transforming local landscape over the last 600–700 years on the edges of the Upper Tigris River Valley, southeastern Turkey. Multispectral satellite imagery analysis is employed to spatially relate vegetation patterns and archaeological features connected with herding. Statistical analysis of cost distance rasters enables quantitative spatial analysis of feature distribution in the landscape. Three main conclusions about pre-modern mobile pastoralists are drawn: (1) Mobile pastoralists altered their local landscapes in order to shelter humans and animals, collect water, and improve fragmented pastures of variable quality. (2) Pasture and water features were fixed, re-usable investments that encouraged seasonal re-inhabitation. Over time, these features became landscape anchors—geographic foci that structured the spatial organization of local landscapes. (3) The topographical position of domestic and herding features would have resulted in vertical daily movement patterns for humans and animals. The study represents a first step in reconstructing mobile pastoralists’ dwelling spaces and pre-modern land-use strategies on the fringes of Mesopotamia.
Rate of recombination of oxygen atoms and CO at temperatures below ambient

The measurements reported were conducted with 30.0 torr CO, 40.0 torr argon, and varying amounts of carbon dioxide from about 20 to 230 torr. Measurements were made at 277, 272, 263, and 257 K. The pseudo-first-order decay rate as a function of carbon dioxide pressure is shown in a graph. An Arrhenius plot for the rate constants obtained from the measurements is also presented. A value for the activation energy was determined on the basis of a linear least-squares fit to the data.
Pelvic inflammatory disease in the lesbian population—lesbian health issues: asking the right questions

Abstract Background: It is widely believed that the lesbian population is at a lower risk for sexually transmitted diseases. This myth has been perpetuated by misperception of lesbian patients and sexual practices associated with this lifestyle. Physician failure to identify lesbian patients and address issues confronting these patients is a confounding factor. We report two patients whose diagnosis was obscured by their sexual orientation. Cases: We report a lesbian patient admitted with the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) possible tuboovarian abscess (TOA). Although history and physical examinations were consistent with this diagnosis, the patient was taken to the operating room for diagnostic laparoscopy based partly on the assumption that because she was a lesbian she was at low risk for PID. The second patient presented with PID possible TOA. The patient was taken for diagnostic laparoscopy for worsening symptoms. Pelvic inflammatory disease was confirmed surgically in both cases. The more detailed history acquired after surgery would have been helpful if taken at the time of admission. Conclusions: The practices of the lesbians vary widely, risk factors for PID may be similar to heterosexual patients. It is essential as physicians to elicit good histories from patients. The lesbian population is often overlooked and important questions missed. As physicians and health care providers, patients can only be treated when their needs are understood.
Improved estimation of the disturbance variance in a linear regression model

Abstract In this paper we consider estimation of the disturbance variance in a linear regression model. A new class of improved estimators is obtained by extending results dating to Stein (1964). These estimators dominate the ordinary least squares estimator under squared error loss.
Quantum social game theory

Abstract Most game-theoretic studies of strategic interaction assume independent individual strategies as the basic unit of analysis. This paper explores the effects of non-independence on strategic interaction. Two types of non-independence effects are considered. First, the paper considers subjective non-independence at the level of the individual actor by looking at how choice ambivalence shapes the decision-making process. Specifically, how do alternative individual choices superpose with one another to “constructively/destructively” shape each other's role within an actor's decision-making process? This process is termed as quantum superposition of alternative choices. Second, the paper considers how inter-subjective non-independence across actors engenders collective strategies among two or more interacting actors. This is termed as quantum entanglement of strategies. Taking into account both types of non-independence effect makes possible the emergence of a new collective equilibrium, without assuming signaling, prior “contract” agreement or third-party moderation, or even “cheap talk”. I apply these ideas to analyze the equilibrium possibilities of a situation wherein N actors play a quantum social game of cooperation. I consider different configurations of large- N quantum entanglement using the approach of density operator. I specifically consider the following configurations: star-shaped, nearest-neighbors, and full entanglement.
Lessons Learned about the Methodology of Economic Impact Studies: The NIST Experience.

Abstract Both strategic planning and economic impact assessments must be undertaken to effectively manage government research programs, which are typically implemented through a series of research projects that can occur over extended periods of time. Planning and evaluation have been the focus of Congressional legislation, in particular, the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Compliance with this Act is driving increased planning and impact assessment activity and is also stimulating greater attention to methodology. Well before GPRA, NIST began conducting economic impact studies as a tool for effective management and for communicating the nature and results of NIST research to its various constituents. Although some of the basic tools for economic impact assessment have existed for some time, NIST has had to adapt this generic methodology along a number of dimensions: selection and application of impact (outcome) measures, integration of qualitative and quantitative analyses into a complete microeconomic assessment of a projects impacts, and interpretation of the results of these analyses in the context of ongoing RandD policy debates.
Effects of Different Types of Variable Priority and Adaptive Training on Skill Acquisition in Dual Verbal-Spatial Working Memory Tasks

The effects of two variable priority (or emphasis change) training paradigms (with 3 or 5 levels of emphasis) and an adaptive training paradigm on skill acquisition in dual verbal-spatial working m...
On the duality of robot and sensor path planning

The performance of a mobile sensor can be greatly improved by planning its path with respect to its sensing objective, field-of-view, and platform geometry. Although many algorithms have been developed for the related field of robot path planning, a majority of these methodologies cannot be directly applied to the problem of sensor path planning. This paper presents a technique by which mixed-integer programming (MIP) can be used to determine the optimal path of a mobile sensor. MIP is able to return solutions in non-convex environments, and has a flexible framework that allows for the consideration of vehicle dynamics, obstacle avoidance, and, as shown here, target measurement objectives. The primary contribution of this work is the development of a poof of the duality of robot and sensor path planning. By use of MIP, the proof shows that many approaches to classical robot navigation problems can be reformulated for sensor path planning. Illustrative simulation results for the paths of mobile robots and sensor platforms are presented; MATLAB and Tomlab/CPLEX were used to solve the path optimization problems.
Force constant and mass disorder in vibrational systems in the coherent-potential approximation

The coherent-potential approximation (CPA) for vibrational systems is extended to include force-constant changes as well as mass defects in alloys for which the force constants superimpose linearly. Such a model is correct at both the low- and high-concentration limits, and may be reasonable for broad concentration ranges in some real systems, for example, in diatomic alloys like mixed alkali halides. Results for one-dimensional systems with nearest-neighbor force constant and mass disorder have the same over-all agreement with exact results as was previously found for CPA calculations for mass defects only. Applications in three dimensions appear to be computationally feasible.
Targeting the Tumor-Draining Lymph Node With Adjuvant Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy-based approaches for cancer treatment are of increasing clinical interest. Principles of drug delivery and the emerging field of material design for immunomodulation might hold significant promise for novel approaches in cancer immunotherapy since biomaterials engineering strategies enable enhanced delivery of immune modulatory agents to tissues and cells of the immune system1. One tissue of significant clinical interest in a cancer setting is the tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN), which participates in cancer progression by enabling both metastatic dissemination as well as tumor-induced immune escape. Hence, the TDLN represents a novel target for drug delivery schemes for cancer immunotherapy. We hypothesize that targeted delivery of adjuvants (Adjs) to the TDLN using a biomaterials-based approach might promote antitumor immunity and hinder tumor growth.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Psychoactivity and abuse potential of sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a 5-HT1D agonist of therapeutic use in migraine and cluster headaches. To determine the profile of psychoactivity and abuse potential, a double-blind Latin-square crossover study was conducted in 12 male subjects with histories of substance abuse. The effects of subcutaneous placebo, sumatriptan (8 and 16 mg), and morphine (10 and 20 mg) were assessed on measures of subjective, behavioral, and physiologic responses including signs, symptoms, Addiction Research Center Inventory scales, onset of drug effects and miosis. Sumatriptan was psychoactive, was discriminated from placebo, produced a dose-related decrease on euphoria scores, elevated scores on measures of apathetic sedation and disliking, and lacked identification as a prototypic drug of abuse. There were no clinically significant effects on heart rate, pupil size, or blood pressure. In contrast, morphine (the positive control) produced expected dose-response relationships on measures of reinforcing and physiologic effects. The study suggests that sumatriptan has a low abuse potential.
BEYOND THE NATURE–CULTURE DUALISM: THE ECOLOGY OF EARTH-HOMELAND

Morin's thoughts on environmental destruction flow from the perspective of a metatheorist of political ecology. His early writings emphasize the interaction of nature and culture; his “acentric” interpretations of systems theory challenge ecological theorists who overemphasize centralized programming as a remedy for destructive patterns of subsystem interaction. Morin also criticizes defenders of “sustainable development” who fail to see system-renewing potential in cultural diversity. As an environmental metatheorist, he offers not rules for a new green ethic, but a way of thinking designed to enhance respect for pluralism, ambiguity, and natural complexity.
All-terrain vehicle rules and regulations: impact on pediatric mortality.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: All-terrain vehicles (ATV) use by children leads to severe injury and death. Since the US Consumer Product Safety Commission consent decree expired in 1998, there has been little movement in regulating ATV use for children (
Transport of mercury through a laboratory two-level marine food chain

Abstract Algal cultures grown in the presence of 164 μ g/l mercury as mercuric chloride acquired and retained about half of the mercury. When the algae which had been grown in the presence of mercury were fed to planktonic copepods: (1) egg-laying rate showed no significant change; (2) eggs of a female fed mercury-enriched algae hatched, and nauplii moulted to apparently normal copepodites while in contact with spiked algae, and (3) analysis of the algae/copepod system showed that neither the copepods nor their eggs and faeces retained mercury in detectable amounts. At least in the one simple food chain, although mercury was concentrated by the algae, the mercury was not passed up the chain to the next trophiclevel.
Optimal Compensating Wages for Military Personnel.

The current U.S. military pay structure offers inequitable and inefficient wages across locations. Military personnel are paid less competitive wages in high-cost and/or low-amenity locations compared to low-cost and/or high-amenity locations. This pay system results in unequal reenlistment rates across locations, which leads to production inefficiencies caused by short-term manning shortages in highturnover locations. Wages set according to local civilian compensating wage differentials would result in a more stabilized force (across locations) by equalizing the opportunity cost of staying in the military at each location. Additionally, more personnel would volunteer to serve in the high-cost and/or low-amenity locations because wages would be more commensurate with local costs and amenities. This would result in fewer non-volunteer assignments to undesirable locations and a minimized opportunity cost for personnel serving at each location. Reenlistment simulations on first-term Air Force personnel show that the proposed wage structure would better equalize reenlistment rates across locations. This proposal could be implemented at no cost to the government by cutting wages in low-cost and/or high-amenity locations. A gradual implementation in which such wages are frozen or increased slowly may be more politically palatable. © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
The Gallbladder of Uranoscopus Scaber L. (Teleost Perciform Fish) is Lined by Specialized Cholecystocytes

The gallbladder of Uranoscopus exhibits a mucosal surface layer of simple columnar epithelium composed of specialized cholecystocytes. The apices show storage and mucous secretions, typical microvilli, and very apical projections extending deep into the luminal contents. Many organelles and heterogeneous vesicles of diverse size fill the cytoplasm, including neutral mucins, mitochondria, peroxisomes, lysosomal bodies, and lipid-rich deposits with cholesterol inclusions. The fibromuscular layer shows little blood supply and contains scattered lymph-like walls with minute cholesterol inclusions. The remaining muscular, subserosal, and serosal or adventitial layers of this species do not show any histologic differences to those of other Vertebrates. It was unexpected to find cholesterol inclusions in the fatty deposits of the cholecystocytes, similar to those noted in human cholesterolosis and in some forms of hypercholesterolemia, in this teleostean. In addition, aggregations of mitochondria and anomalous mitochondrial morphologies were found that resemble oncocytoma-like changes. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bridging the gap between atomic microstructure and electronic properties of alloys: The case of (In,Ga)N

The atomic microstructure of alloys is rarely perfectly random, instead exhibiting differently shaped precipitates, clusters, zigzag chains, etc. While it is expected that such microstructural features will affect the electronic structures (carrier localization and band gaps), theoretical studies have, until now, been restricted to investigate either perfectly random or artificial ``guessed'' microstructural features. In this paper, we simulate the alloy microstructures in thermodynamic equilibrium using the static Monte Carlo method and study their electronic structures explicitly using a pseudopotential supercell approach. In this way, we can bridge atomic microstructures with their electronic properties. We derive the atomic microstructures of InGaN using (i) density-functional theory total energies of $\ensuremath{\sim}50$ ordered structures to construct a (ii) multibody cluster expansion, including strain effects to which we have applied (iii) static Monte Carlo simulations of systems consisting of over $27000$ atoms to determine the equilibrium atomic microstructures. We study two types of alloy thermodynamic behavior: (a) under lattice incoherent conditions, the formation enthalpies are positive and thus the alloy system phase-separates below the miscibility-gap temperature ${T}_{MG}$, (b) under lattice coherent conditions, the formation enthalpies can be negative and thus the alloy system exhibits ordering tendency. The microstructure is analyzed in terms of structural motifs (e.g., zigzag chains and ${\text{In}}_{n}{\text{Ga}}_{4\ensuremath{-}n}\text{N}$ tetrahedral clusters). The corresponding electronic structure, calculated with the empirical pseudopotentials method, is analyzed in terms of band-edge energies and wave-function localization. We find that the disordered alloys have no electronic localization but significant hole localization, while below the miscibility gap under the incoherent conditions, In-rich precipitates lead to strong electron and hole localization and a reduction in the band gap.
Desulfurization of SO2 and Thiophene on Surfaces and Nanoparticles of Molybdenum Carbide: Unexpected Ligand and Steric Effects

The destruction of S-containing molecules is a very important issue in the chemical industry and the control of environmental pollution. The desulfurization of sulfur dioxide and thiophene on molybdenum carbide surfaces, α-Mo2C(001) and δ-MoC(001), and on a Mo8C12 nanoparticle was studied with density functional theory. Our study reveals unexpected ligand and steric effects. The Mo8C12 nanoparticle behaves as actively as α-Mo2C(001) toward SO2 despite the high C/Mo ratio and C2 groups. In contrast, SO2 bonds weakly with δ-MoC(001). Spontaneous S−O bond cleavage was observed on both Mo8C12 and α-Mo2C(001). Contrary to common assumptions, the C atoms are not simple spectators and play a key role in the energetics for the dissociation of SO2. In the case of thiophene adsorption, only α-Mo2C(001) exhibits a high chemical activity that leads to a spontaneous S−C bond cleavage. The interaction of thiophene with both δ-MoC(001) and Mo8C12 is weak. On the nanoparticle, steric repulsion between the C2 groups and t...
Molecular Dynamics at Extended Timescales

The use of short time trajectory fragments to enhance sampling of kinetics is discussed. It is argued that partitioning of phase space with interfaces that are called milestones and conducting a large number of short time trajectories between these interfaces is a highly efficient and accurate method to calculate thermodynamics and kinetics. The method of Milestoning, which is a theory and an algorithm, enables the rapid calculations of fluxes, stationary distributions, and moments of the mean first passage time. It is based on sub-nanosecond trajectories between cell partitions (milestones) that are defined in coarse space. While the method was applied in the past to highly complex systems, we illustrate it here on a pedagogical two-dimensional system using dividers of Voronoi cells as milestones.