cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION ON THE POPULATION DYNAMICS OF TEN PRAIRIE FORBS

Understanding the relative roles of climate and species interactions in regulating population dynamics, one of the oldest challenges in ecology, is now a prerequisite for predicting species responses to climate change. A lack of case studies limits our ability to generalize about the factors that have regulated populations in the past and will be important in the future. Here, we take a first step toward identifying the drivers of plant population dynamics by studying the influence of climate and species interactions on the recruitment and survival of ten forb species from a Kansas (USA) prairie. Combining a long-term demographic data set with a Bayesian hierarchical-modeling approach, we fit models in which annual survival and recruitment rates are driven by precipitation, temperature, and species composition. Although the effects of these covariates differed among species, three general patterns emerged. First, climate had a greater influence than species composition on historical population dynamics. Second, forecasted increases in mean temperatures are likely to impact the population growth of these species more than future changes in precipitation or composition. Third, the significant effects of both climate and species composition on recruitment suggest that range expansions will be particularly difficult to forecast. Based on these patterns, we recommend field experiments to evaluate the ability of plant species to recruit at expanding range margins under warmer temperatures.
Two-phase wavy-annular flow in small tubes

Abstract Base liquid film thickness distribution, wave behavior, and pressure loss measurements have been obtained for 237 horizontal two-phase (air–water) flow conditions in 8.8 and 15.1 mm I.D. tubes in the wavy and annular regimes. The behaviors measured indicate the presence of a transitional wavy-annular regime at flow rates traditionally labeled as annular in these small diameter tubes. Data for a 26.3 mm I.D. tube do not show these same trends.
Directed Cellular Dynamics on Aligned STEP Fibrous Mechanistic Microenvironments

Cells attach to and interact with their immediate mechanistic native microenvironment. However, the current state-the-art in vitro cell studies are performed on flat substrates of glass, plastic or gel. [1]. The native environment consisting of an assembly of protein nanofibers forming the extracellular matrix (ECM) offers different mechanistic environments for different tissues, which elicits diverse cellular behavior [2]. Recently, there is increased interest in mimicking the ECM by depositing polymeric fibers in single and multiple layers using electrospinning, template synthesis, and micro dry-spinning. The key fibrous spatial parameters (diameter, alignment, spacing, and orientation) can be designed to generate microenvironments of varying mechanical properties. However, the exact role of these parameters on cellular behavior is not clearly understood. Hence, in this study we explore the topological-mechanistic effects of fibrous scaffolds on dynamics of different cell types.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Antagonism of Δ9-THC induced behavioral effects by rimonabant: time-course studies in rats

Abstract The objective was to examine the time course of the cannabinoid 1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant's ability to antagonize in vivo cannabinergic agonist effects. We used two behavioral procedures sensitive to the effects of ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (∆ 9 -THC): rat drug discrimination (EXP-1) and suppression of fixed-ratio responding (FR) for food reinforcement (EXP-2). Two training doses of ∆ 9 -THC (1.8 and 3 mg/kg) served as discriminative cues in two groups discriminating ∆ 9 -THC from vehicle; injections were i.p. 20 min before session onset. Tests assessed the dose–response functions of ∆ 9 -THC and the time course for rimonabant in its ability to block the discriminative stimulus effects of ∆ 9 -THC. For antagonism testing, the training doses of ∆ 9 -THC were used and the rimonabant dose was 1 mg/kg. Tests were 20, 60, 120, and 240 min post rimonabant administration; ∆ 9 -THC was always administered 20 min prior to testing. For EXP-2, only one response lever was activated and every 10th (FR-10) press on that lever resulted in food delivery. Once the response rate stabilized, tests occurred with ∆ 9 -THC, rimonabant and combinations of the drugs. The ED 50 estimates for the dose–response functions were 0.38 (± 0.28–0.51) and 0.50 (± 0.40–0.63) mg/kg for the training doses of 1.8 and 3 mg/kg ∆ 9 -THC, respectively. The time course studies suggested functional half-life estimates of 128.4 (± 95.7–172.2) and 98.4 (± 64.2–150.7) min by rimonabant for the two groups in EXP-1, respectively. Similarly, the functional half-life of rimonabant was 118.9 (± 66.1–213.9) min in EXP-2. Thus, antagonism of ∆ 9 -THC by rimonabant is relatively short lasting.
Tracheal Epithelial Cell Transformation: A Model System for Studies on Neoplastic Progression

Most in vitro transformation studies have been conducted with fibroblast cultures of various origins. The phenotypic changes known to accompany transformation are therefore primarily those that are typical for transformed fibroblasts. Little information exists concerning phenotypic changes occurring during transformation of epithelial cells in vitro. However, recently a number of transformation studies have been reported with tracheal epithelium as a prototype for epithelium from the conducting airways. The initial studies were carried out with organ culture-cell culture systems. These studies reported the qualitative phenotypic changes developing in primary outgrowth cultures after exposure to the direct acting carcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitrosoguanidine. The phenotypic changes observed are all related to changes of in vitro growth characteristics. Several stages can be observed as the cell cultures progress from a "carcinogen altered" to the neoplastic state. While these studies laid the groundwork for the epithelial transformation field, they did not permit quantitation of transformants, since the size of the exposed cell population is unknown. More recently transformation systems with dispersed primary tracheal epithelial cells have been developed which allow quantitation of transformed phenotypes. These systems are being used for clonal analysis of the process of epithelial cell transformation and to study progression and promotion during development of neoplastic transformation.
Macromolecular Compounds Isolated from Airborne Particles by Electrophoresis and Paper Chromatography

Abstract Paper chromatography and electrophoresis are used to isolate microquantities of two biologically significant compounds, “A” and “B,” from samples of airborne particles. Electrophoretic and chromatographic patterns are presented and discussed. A new rapid electrophoresis method is described which requires only two hours for separating a complicated mixture of aglycones.
Plerixafor plus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in patients with metastatic neuroblastoma.

Current therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) necessitate the availability of several aliquots of autologous peripheral blood stem cells to reverse-associated myelosuppression. Priming with the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor plus G-CSF was associated with successful stem cell harvest in 5/7 heavily prior-treated patients with stage 4 NB who had previously failed G-CSF priming. Minimal residual disease was not detected in harvested cells from any patient despite the presence of disease in bone/bone marrow in 6/7. Hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved in all three patients receiving plerixafor-primed stem cells after myeloablative therapy. Plerixafor is an effective and safe agent for stem cell collection in patients with NB. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 469–471. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reverse Martingales and Approximation Operators

Let {?n, Fn, n ? m ? 1} be a reverse martingale such that the distribution of ?n depends on x ? I ? R =(? ∞, ∞)x. for each n ? m, and ?nformula] For a continuous bounded function f on R let Ln(f, x) = Ef(?n) be the associated positive linear operator. The properties of ?n are used to obtain the convergence properties of Ln(f, x), and some more details are given when ?n is a reverse martingale sequence of U-statistics. Lipschitz properties for a subclass of these operators resulting from an exponential Family of distributions are also given. It is further shown that this class of operators of convex functions preserves convexity also. An example of a reverse supermartingale related to the Bleimann-Butzer-Hahn operator is also discussed.
Δγ134.5 Herpes Simplex Viruses Encoding Human Cytomegalovirus IRS1 or TRS1 Induce Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 Phosphorylation and an Interferon-Stimulated Gene Response

The chimeric herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are Δγ134.5 vectors encoding the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IRS1 or TRS1 genes. They are capable of late viral protein synthesis and are superior to Δγ134.5 HSVs in oncolytic activity. The interferon (IFN) response limits efficient HSV gene expression and replication. HCMV TRS1 and IRS1 restore one γ134.5 gene function: evasion of IFN-inducible protein kinase R, allowing late viral protein synthesis. Here we show that, unlike wild-type HSV, the chimeric HSV do not restore another γ134.5 function, the suppression of early IFN signaling mediated by IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3).
Theory and Measurements of the Glass‐Transformation Interval of Polystyrene

Equations for the apparent heat capacity in the glass‐transition interval as functions of temperature, heating rate, and thermal history have been developed and programmed for computation. The hole theory of liquids was used as basis for the analysis of the glass transition. Experimental information was derived from dynamic differential thermal analysis, DDTA, on polystyrene.The maximum of the apparent heat capacities found experimentally agrees with the theory. The peak temperatures Tm can be expressed over four decades of heating rates by logq = A′ − B/Tm, where q is the heating rate, A′ is an approximate constant, and B is the activation energy for hole formation. Higher cooling rates lead to higher activation energies on subsequent heating, indicating the need to recognize a hole size distribution.The minimum in the heat capacity that precedes the maximum on heating through the glass‐transition interval could be detected on quenched samples. Mathematical expressions for the minimum temperature and mag...
Nonlinear study of mode locking in a quasi-optical gyrotron

Nonlinear study of mode locking in a quasi-optical gyrotronHao Wu and Alan H. McCurdyUniversity of Southern California, Department ofElectrical Engineering/ ElectrophysicsLos Angeles, California 90089-0271ABSTRACTNonlinear, time-dependent multimode calculafions have been carried out to study mode locking in quasi-opticalgyrotron oscillators. The calculations are based on the rate equation model of modal growth and saturation. The slow-timeformalism is used for particle motion and both the time varying electric and magnetic fields are included. It is found thatradiation pulses of width 400 ps can be generated in nonlinear regime. The gyroiron features an open resonator of length 100cm formed by a pair of spherical mirrors and a single pencil electron beam guided by external magnetic field in transversedirection to the axis of symmetry of the cavity. The strong cuirent modulation is provided at frequency of 300 MHz, thenominal modal spacing between two odd modes in such a cavity. Eight odd modes are found to be locked to generateextremely short radiation pulses. Application for short pulse radiation in miffimeter and submillimeter wavelength rangeinclude radar, plasma diagnosis, time domain metrology and communication systems. Parametric dependencies investigatedinclude static magnetic field, beam current and beam voltage, as well as the drive signal amplitudes and frequencies. The workis geared towards support of a proof of principle experiment to generate high power radiation pulses of short duration viasynchronous mode locking.Keywords: quasi-optical gyrotron, mode locking, short pulse, millimeter wave radiation1. INTRODUCTIONOperation of high power microwave oscillators at high frequencies typically involves the competition among manyelectromagnetic modes. This problem is seen in devices such as free electron lasers, gyrolrons, plasma based devices as wellas the conventional slow wave devices such as traveling wave tubes. The physical mechanism for this mode competition liesin the nonlinear character of the electron beam from which the modes derives their energy. Modes compete with each otherfor energy. In solving the mode competition problem, much research has focused on suppression of unwanted modes forapplications requiring extremely narrow spectral widths. However for some applications sharpness in the frequency spectrumis not important, it may be desired that the signal be short-pulse or frequency modulated. For these applications it may bepossible to utilize the microwave oscillator in the overmoded state. In general, the output of the overmoded oscillator is most
An investigation of pledging behavior to a national charitable telethon

The present study examined when individuals were most likely to donate money to a national televised telethon. With the cooperation of local television producers in Greenville, Mississippi, during the 1980 Cerebral Palsy Telethon, the investigators examined how the number of pledges and the amount of money pledged varied with three naturally occurring events of the 20-hr telethon: national time (live from Hollywood, primarily celebrity entertainment, interviews, and information about cerebral palsy), local time (live from Greenwood, Mississippi, primarily local celebrities and entertainment), and local time with pledges announced (announcing the names of the individuals pledging money and the amount of money pledged). Local time with pledges announced was the most effective fundraising period during the telethon.
ECR-MOCVD of the Ba-Sr-Ti-O system below 400°C. Part I: Processing

Abstract SrTiO3 (or ST) and (Ba, Sr)TiO3 (or BST) thin films were deposited on Pt passivated Si substrates below 400°C, using β-diketonates of Ba, Sr, and Ti, electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and direct liquid injection system. Reported here are results from various thin-film characterization techniques including TEM and SEM. To optimize the processing parameters with respect to phase purity, Sr/Ti ratio, and permittivity, the method of design of experiments was implemented. The as-deposited (at 390°C), unannealed ST films exhibited a permittivity of 120 and an ohmic contact with the bottom Pt electrode. The former was attributed to the small grain size (150–200 a) and presence of Sr rich second phases. The latter was related to the observed incubation period at the initial nucleation stages of film growth.
Simulation of free radical reactions in biology and medicine: A new two-compartment kinetic model of intracellular lipid peroxidation

Abstract To explore mechanisms of free radical reactions leading to intrecellular lipid peroxidation in living systems, we developed a computational model of up to 109 simultaneous enzymatic and free radical reactions though to be involved in the initiation, propagation, and termination of membrane lipid peroxidation. Rate constants for the various reactions were obtained from the published literature. The simulation model included a lipid membrane compartment and an aqueous cytosolic compartment, between which various chemical species were partitioned. Lipid peroxidation was initiated by the iron-catalyzed, superoxide-driven Fenton reaction. A “C” language computer program implemented numerical solution of the steady-state rate equations for concentrations of nine relevant free radicals. The rate equations were integrated by a modified Euler technique to describe the evolution with time of simulated concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, ferric and ferrous iron, unsaturated lipid, lipid hydroperoxides, superoxide anion, and biological antioxidants, including SOD and catalase. Initial results led to significant insights regarding mechanisms of membrane lipid peroxidation: 1. 1. segregation and concentration of lipids within membrane compartments promotes chain propagation; 2. 2. in the absence of antioxidants computed concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides increase linearly about 40 μM/min during axidative stress; 3. 3. lipid peroxidation is critically dependent upon oxygen concentration and the modeled dependence is similar to the experimental function; 4. 4. lipid peroxidation is rapidly quenched by the presence of Vitamin E-like antioxidants, SOD, and catalase; 5. 5. only small (1 to 50 μM) amounts of “free” iron are required for initiation of lipid peroxidation; 6. 6. substantial lipid peroxidation occures only when cellular defense mechanisms have been weakened or overcome by prolonged oxidative stress, hence understanding of the balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defense systems is critical to the understanding and control of free radical reactions in biology and medicine.
The RABiT: high-throughput technology for assessing global DSB repair

At the Center for High-Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry, we have developed a rapid automated biodosimetry tool (RABiT); this is a completely automated, ultra-high-throughput robotically based biodosimetry workstation designed for use following a large-scale radiological event, to perform radiation biodosimetry measurements based on a fingerstick blood sample. High throughput is achieved through purpose built robotics, sample handling in filter-bottomed multi-well plates and innovations in high-speed imaging and analysis. Currently, we are adapting the RABiT technologies for use in laboratory settings, for applications in epidemiological and clinical studies. Our overall goal is to extend the RABiT system to directly measure the kinetics of DNA repair proteins. The design of the kinetic/time-dependent studies is based on repeated, automated sampling of lymphocytes from a central reservoir of cells housed in the RABiT incubator as a function of time after the irradiation challenge. In the present study, we have characterized the DNA repair kinetics of the following repair proteins: γ-H2AX, 53-BP1, ATM kinase, MDC1 at multiple times (0.5, 2, 4, 7 and 24 h) after irradiation with 4 Gy γ rays. In order to provide a consistent dose exposure at time zero, we have developed an automated capillary irradiator to introduce DNA DSBs into fingerstick-size blood samples within the RABiT. To demonstrate the scalability of the laboratory-based RABiT system, we have initiated a population study using γ-H2AX as a biomarker.
Computer-assisted volumetric resections of intracranial lesions

Computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies reconstructed in a stereotactic space can be used for accurate localization of intracranial lesions located in deep or eloquent regions in the brain, and for optimization of subsequent surgical removal. We describe our experience with 163 patients who underwent computer-assisted volumetric resection. The planning for the stereotactic volumetric neurosurgical methodology utilized the Zamarano-Dujovny localizing unit, the neurosurgical planning software (NSPS) system, which generates 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional views of the area of surgical interest, the arc setting parameters, and reconstructed CT images corresponding to the surgeon's eye-view perspective.
Factors Affecting Productivity and Ergonomics of Supermarket Checkers

A field study was conducted to examine scanning productivity and ergonomic issues as a function of scanner technology and product type. Cashiers performed both normal and staged activities using bi-optic and flat-bed scanners. In Phase One of the study, package handling and throughput were examined. Overall, bi-optic scanning was faster and some package types were handled more efficiently. Some package types, however, were handled less optimally (i.e., flipping and twisting scans). In phase two of the study, wrist acceleration measures were examined as a function of scanner technology and package type. Lower wrist accelerations in both hands for both flexion/extension planes of motion were found for the bi-optic scanner. In addition, bi-optic scanning also produced flexion/extension accelerations (both hands) and radial/ulnar accelerations (left hand only) that were below industry validated low risk benchmarks. The effects of scanner technology and package type on wrist acceleration and scanning behavior ...
'Allogeneic marrow transplantation in children with acute leukemia: a practice whose time has gone': twenty years later.

‘Allogeneic marrow transplantation in children with acute leukemia: a practice whose time has gone’: twenty years later
Modifications of subsurface alloy composition during high-temperature sputtering

Abstract Changes in the subsurface composition of concentrated binary alloys during high-temperature sputtering were studied using a kinetic model that includes Gibbsian adsorption, preferential sputtering, displacement mixing, radiation-enhanced diffusion, and radiation-induced segregation. Numerical solutions were obtained for Cu-Ni alloys under 5-keV Ar+ ion bombardment as functions of sputtering time and temperature. The effects of these various phenomena were examined in detail. The present calculations may be of importance in the areas of plasma contamination in fusion reactors, sputter depth-profiling, and elevated-temperature ion implantation.
Role of the linker region of the anion-stimulated ATPase ArsA. Effect of deletion and point mutations in the linker region.

Abstract The anion-stimulated ATPase ArsA inEscherichia coli consists of two homologous halves, A1 and A2, which are connected by a 40-amino acid long stretch of residues designated as the linker region. The linker region of ArsA lies in close proximity of the nucleotide-binding domain(s) of ArsA and is involved in significant conformational changes on binding of the substrates. Hence, it has been suggested earlier that the linker may play an important role in the function of ArsA. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of the linker by deletion and by site-directed mutagenesis of specific residues. Effect of deletion of the linker was determined by using the in vivocomplementation approach where two halves of ArsA were co-expressed either with or without the linker region. Two co-expressed halves of ArsA conferred arsenite resistance only if the linker region was present on one of the halves. Of the six different point mutations created in the linker region, three (G284S, R290S, and D303G) were seen to drastically affect the catalytic function of ArsA. In addition, these three mutant alleles conferred arsenite sensitivity in cells carrying the wild type arsB gene. Trypsin proteolysis studies carried out with the purified proteins showed that the A1 nucleotide-binding domain in D303G protein has a conformation different from the wild type ArsA, suggesting that the linker region interacts with the nucleotide-binding domain(s) of ArsA. Based on the studies presented here, we propose that, in addition to providing flexibility, the nature of the residues themselves in the linker region is important for the conformation of the nucleotide-binding domains and for the catalytic function of ArsA.
Myocardial kinetics of 123I-labeled-16-hexadecanoic acid.

To determine if the myocardial clearance of omega 123I-16-hexadecanoic acid (123I-HDA) is affected by decreased coronary blood flow, six anesthetized dogs had partial occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. One hour later, 113Sn-microspheres were injected into the left atrium, followed immediately by the IV administration of 123I-HDA. Following injection, regional myocardial 123I activities were monitored continuously with miniature cadmium telluride radiation detectors placed against the endocardium in both ischemic and nonischemic zones. After 3 h continuous monitoring, 46 Sc microspheres were injected into the left atrium and the dogs were killed. Ischemic and nonischemic areas of myocardium were sectioned and counted in a well counter.
DELINQUENCY AS DEFENSE

Data on self-re ported delinquent behavior of American adolescents are employed to test the hypothesis that such behavior is invoked as a defense against a derogated self-image. The hypothesis specifies one source of threat to self-esteem and its impact on both conscious and unconscious images of the self.
Robotic Enhancement of Human Motor Learning Based on Computational Modeling of Neural Adaptation

Robotic devices could potentially retrain movement following neurologic injuries such as stroke and spinal cord injury, or train surgeons or athletes to make skillful movements. However, the optimal forms of robot assistance for enhancing human motor learning remain unknown. Here we present a model of motor learning in which the nervous system learns to move by adjusting motor commands in proportion to trajectory errors. We then provide experimental evidence that motor adaptation can be accelerated by transiently increasing trajectory errors, based on identification of such a motor learning model. We also demonstrate how a robotic training algorithm that mimics the adaptive features of human motor learning could theoretically improve movement recovery following a neurologic injury. Such a robotic training algorithm can limit movement errors while allowing the nervous system to learn an internal model of its altered dynamic environment.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Starch biosynthesis: sucrose as a substrate for the synthesis of a highly branched component found in 12 varieties of starches

D-[14C]glucose was incorporated into starch when 12 varieties of starch granules were incubated with [14C]sucrose. Digestion of the 14C-labeled starches with porcine pancreatic alpha amylase showed that a high percentage (16.1-84.1%) of the synthesized starch gave a relatively high molecular weight alpha-limit dextrin. Hydrolysis of the 12 varieties of starch granules by alpha amylase, without sucrose treatment, also gave an alpha-limit dextrin, ranging in amounts from 0.51% (w/w) for amylomaize-7 starch to 8.47% (w/w) for rice starch. These alpha-limit dextrins had relatively high molecular weights, 2.47 kDa for amylomaize-7 starch to 5.75 kDa for waxy maize starch, and a high degree of alpha-(1-->6) branching, ranging from 15.6% for rice starch to 41.1% for shoti starch. ADPGlc and UDPGlc did not synthesize a significant amount (1-2%) of the branched component, suggesting that sucrose is the probable substrate for the in vivo synthesis of the component and that sucrose is not first converted into a nucleotide-glucose diphosphate intermediate.
Self-oscillating EIT-based clocks and magnetometers

EIT resonance in atomic vapor cell provides a natural frequency reference. We report an atomic clock implementation where EIT media is included in an opto-electronic gain loop. Different polarization coupling turns it into a magnetometer.
Exploiting Calibration-Induced Artifacts in Lossless Compression of Hyperspectral Imagery

Algorithms for compression of hyperspectral data are commonly evaluated on a readily available collection of Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) images. These images are the end product of processing raw data from the instrument, and their sample value distributions contain artificial regularities that are introduced by the conversion of raw data values to radiance units. It is shown that some of the best reported lossless compression results for these images are achieved by algorithms that significantly exploit these artifacts. This fact has not been widely reported and may not be widely recognized. Compression performance comparisons involving such algorithms and these standard AVIRIS images can be misleading if they are extrapolated to images that lack such artifacts, such as unprocessed hyperspectral images. In fact, two of these algorithms are shown to achieve rather unremarkable compression performance on a set of more recent AVIRIS images that do not contain appreciable calibration-induced artifacts. This newer set of AVIRIS images, which contains both calibrated and raw images, is made available for compression experiments. To underscore the potential impact of exploiting calibration-induced artifacts in the standard AVIRIS data sets, a compression algorithm is presented that achieves noticeably smaller compressed sizes for these data sets than is reported for any other algorithm.
A Model of Candidate Evaluations in Senate Elections: The Impact of Campaign Intensity

We theorize that campaign intensity alters the criteria individuals use when evaluating candidates We define campaign intensity as the culmination of the interplay among the candidates, news media, and the perceived closeness of the race. As the intensity increases, we expect people to adjust their decision-making criteria. Examining the impact of intensity in 97 Senate races between 1988 and 1992, we find that intense campaigns encourage individuals to rely more heavily on both sophisticated criteria and simple decision rules when forming impressions of candidates. As campaigns become more hard-fought, people are more likely to consider policy and ideology as well as partisanship and retrospective evaluations of the president and the economy While the campaign setting clearly affects citizens' decision-making processes, different types of people react differently to the intensity of the campaign. As races become more competitive, novices begin to rely more heavily on issues, sociotropic assessments, part...
The D0 domain of KIR3D acts as a major histocompatibility complex class I binding enhancer.

In contrast to the KIR2D:HLA-C interaction, little is known of KIR3DL1's interaction with HLA-B or the role of D0, the domain not present in KIR2D. Differences in the strength and specificity for major histocompatibility complex class I of KIR3DL1 and its common chimpanzee homologue Pt-KIR3DL1/2 were exploited to address these questions. Domain-swap, deletion, and site-directed mutants of KIR3DL1 were analyzed for HLA-B binding using a novel, positively signaling cell–cell binding assay. Natural ‘deletion’ of residues 50 and 51 from its D0 domain causes Pt-KIR3DL1/2 to bind Bw4+ HLA-B allotypes more avidly than does KIR3DL1. Deletion of these residues from KIR3DL1, or their substitution for alanine, enhanced binding of Bw4+ HLA-B. None of 15 different point mutations in D0 abrogated KIR3DL1 binding to Bw4+ HLA-B. In contrast point mutations in the D1 and D2 domains of KIR3DL1, made from knowledge of KIR2D:HLA-C interactions, disrupted binding to Bw4+ HLA-B. The results are consistent with a model in which D1 and D2 make the principal contacts between KIR3DL1 and HLA-B while D0 acts through a different mechanism to enhance the interaction. This modulatory role for D0 is compatible with natural loss of expression of the D0 domain, a repeated event in the evolution of functional KIR genes.
Two stage sign tests that allow first stage acceptance and rejection

One sided two stage sign tests that allow for both first stage acceptance and rejection of the null hypothesis are presented. The decision constants are selected so that the power curve of the two stage test matches the power curve of the usual sign test at three specified points. These tests are compared with two stages sign tests recently presented by Colton and McPherson (1976) which allow only first stage rejection of the null hypothesis.
Towards a training methodology for skilled teleoperation

A novel approach to the design of training methodologies or programs for operators in man-machine systems and its application to the training of skilled human teleoperators is described. This approach requires that training goals are separated into four distinct categories: the maximization of performance consistency or reliability for critical tasks, the maximization of positive transfer between learned and new tasks, the minimization of the effects of internal operator states (e.g. fatigue, stress, workload), and the minimization of the effects of situational uncertainty or anomaly on performance. Being different from one another in fundamental ways these categories or goals entail the development and application of different training techniques. The paper reports the development of training procedures for achieving the first goal, that of performance consistency, for skilled teleoperators. This part methodology was evaluated against the training practices commonly used in the field, and was found to enhance the learning, hence promote the acquisition of performance consistency, of a challenging and realistic satellite servicing task. >
Managing change in the Rufus system

Rufus is an information system that models user data with objects taken from a class system. Due to the importance of coping with changes to the schema, Rufus has adopted the conformity-based model of Melampus. This model enables Rufus to cope with schema changes more easily than traditional class- and inheritance-based data models. The paper reviews the Melampus data model and describes how it was implemented in the Rufus system. The authors show how changes to the schema can be accommodated with minimum disruption. They also review design decisions that contributed to streamlined schema evolution and compare this approach with those proposed in the literature. >
A Novel Strain of Clostridium botulinum That Produces Type B and Type H Botulinum Toxins

BACKGROUND: Clostridium botulinum strain IBCA10-7060, isolated from a patient with infant botulism, produced botulinum neurotoxin type B (BoNT/B) and another BoNT that, by use of the standard mouse bioassay, could not be neutralized by any of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-provided monovalent polyclonal botulinum antitoxins raised against BoNT types A-G. METHODS AND RESULTS: The combining of antitoxins to neutralize the toxicity of known bivalent C. botulinum strains Ab, Ba, Af, and Bf also failed to neutralize the second BoNT. Analysis of culture filtrate by double immunodiffusion yielded a single line of immunoprecipitate with anti-A, anti-B, and anti-F botulinum antitoxins but not with anti-E antitoxin. A heptavalent F(ab')2 botulinum antitoxin A-G obtained from the US Army also did not neutralize the second BoNT. An antitoxin raised against IBCA10-7060 toxoid protected mice against BoNT/B (Okra) and against the second BoNT but did not protect mice against BoNT/A (Hall) or BoNT/F (Langeland). CONCLUSION: The second BoNT thus fulfilled classic criteria for being designated BoNT/H. IBCA10-7060 is the first C. botulinum type Bh strain to be identified. BoNT/H is the first new botulinum toxin type to be recognized in >40 years, and its recognition could not have been accomplished without the availability of the mouse bioassay.
Concurrent expansion of plasma volume and left ventricular end-diastolic volume in patients after rapid infusion of 5% albumin and lactated Ringer's solution.

Abstract Study Objective To examine the effects of plasma volume expansion on plasma volume, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and cardiac index (CI) after rapid fluid infusion, as knowledge of the degree of concordance between plasma and cardiac preload expansion could optimize LVEDV expansion without administering excessive fluid. Design Randomized, double-blinded study. Setting Academic community hospital. Patients 20 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Interventions Patients were administered either 5% albumin (5 mL/kg) or lactated Ringer's solution (25 mL/kg) over 30 minutes, just before incision. Measurements Serial measurements of plasma volume, LVEDV by transesophageal echocardiography, and CI were recorded. Main Results Albumin expanded plasma volume and LVEDV to a similar degree (11.3% and 13.2%). In contrast, lactated Ringer's solution increased plasma volume more than LVEDV (21.7% vs 14.4%; P = 0.0005). Increased LVEDV significantly but poorly correlated with increased CI ( r 2 = 0.2, P + 1.9%/min vs −0.1% + 0.1%/min; P = 0.0008) and lactated Ringer's (−1.1% + 0.8%/min vs −0.4% + 0.2%/min; P = 0.006). Conclusions Intravenous fluids increased LVEDV to a lesser extent and duration than did plasma volume expansion. Monitoring of LVEDV was a poor guide for fluid administration to maximize CI.
Portable and scalable MPI shared file pointers

While the I/O functions described in the MPI standard included shared file pointer support from the beginning, the performance and portability of these functions have been subpar at best. ROMIO [1], which provides the MPI-IO functionality for most MPI libraries, to this day uses a separate file to manage the shared file pointer. This file provides the shared location that holds the current value of the shared file pointer. Unfortunately, each access to the shared file pointer involves file lock management and updates to the file contents. Furthermore, support for shared file pointers is not universally available because few file systems support native shared file pointers [5] and a few file systems do not support file locks [3]. Application developers rarely use shared file pointers, even though many applications can benefit from this file I/O capability. These applications are typically loosely coupled and rarely exhibit application-wide synchronization. Examples include application tracing toolkits [8,4] and many-task computing applications [10]. Other approaches to the shared file pointer I/O models frequently used by these application classes include file-per-process, file-per-thread, and file-per-rank approaches. While these approaches work relatively well at smaller scales, they fail to scale to leadership-class computing systems because of the intense metadata loads generated they generate. Recent research identified significant improvements from using shared-file I/O instead of multifile I/O patterns on leadership-class systems [6].
Dietary Inulin Suppresses Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Crypt Foci and Colon Tumors at the Promotion Stage in Young Fisher 344 Rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of 10% dietary long-chain inulin on the azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and small intestinal and colon tumors at the initiation (I), promotion (P) and I + P stages (20 rats per treatment) in Fisher 344 male weanling rats. After an acclimatization period of 1 wk, groups of Fisher 344 male weanling rats were assigned to consume AIN 93G diet (control) or AIN 93G diet containing 10% inulin. All the rats received 16 mg/kg body AOM dissolved in saline subcutaneously at 7 wk of age followed by a second injection at 8 wk of age. An additional group of five rats received only saline and consumed the control diet. The rats received the assigned diets until asphyxiation by CO(2) at 16 wk of age for the ACF experiment and 45 wk for the end-point tumor experiment. Feed intake, weight gain, diarrheal index, cecal weight, cecal pH, ACF and tumors in the colon were determined. Rats fed inulin had diarrhea after 2 wk of feeding and recovered by approximately 4 wk. Cecal weight was greater in rats fed inulin and cecal pH was lower. The inulin group had more than 66% fewer aberrant crypts and 60% fewer ACF compared with the control group. Tumor incidences in the small intestine and colon of rats in the control, I, P and I + P groups were: 78, 31, 0 and 11% and 90, 73, 69 and 50%, respectively. The corresponding values for the distal portion of the colon were 87, 63, 45 and 33%, respectively. Colon tumors per tumor-bearing rat were 4.2, 3.09, 1.36 and 1.2 for the control, I, P and I + P groups, respectively. All groups differed, P < 0.05. The results of this study indicate that dietary long-chain inulin suppresses AOM-induced ACF formation, an early preneoplastic marker of colon tumorigenesis in rats, and colon tumors, particularly at the promotion stage.
Delineating a shallow fault zone and dipping bedrock strata using multichannal analysis of surface waves with a land streamer

The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) seismic method was used to delineate a fault zone and gently dipping sedimentary bedrock at a site overlain by several meters of regolith. Seismic data were collected rapidly and inexpensively using a towed 30-channel land streamer and a rubberband-accelerated weight-drop seismic source. Data processed using the MASW method imaged the subsurface to a depth of about 20 m and allowed detection of the overburden, gross bedding features, and fault zone. The fault zone was characterized by a lower shear-wave velocity ( Vs ) than the competent bedrock, consistent with a large-scale fault, secondary fractures, and in-situ weathering. The MASW 2D Vs section was further interpreted to identify dipping beds consistent with local geologic mapping. Mapping of shallow-fault zones and dipping sedimentary rock substantially extends the applications of the MASW method.
Measurement Error, GLMs, and Notational Conventions

This paper introduces additive measurement error in a generalized linear-model context. We discuss the types of measurement error along with their effects on tted models. In addition, we present the notational conven tions to be used in this and the accompanying papers.
IBM's relational DBMS products: features and technologies

This paper very briefly summarizes the features and technologies implemented in the IBM relational DBMS products. The topics covered include record and index management, concurrency control and recovery methods, commit protocols, query optimization and execution techniques, high availability and support for parallelism and distributed data. Some indications of likely future product directions are also given.
Donors and Acceptors in Bulk ZnO Grown by the Hydrothermal, Vapor-Phase, and Melt Processes

The optical and electrical properties of commercially available bulk ZnO samples grown by the hydrothermal, vapor-phase, and melt methods are compared. Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) is used to identify the presence of common impurities, such as H, Al, Ga, and In, and temperature-dependent Hall-effect (T-Hall) measurements are used to obtain donor energies and to quantify donor and acceptor concentrations. All three types of material produce sharp donor-bound-exciton (D0X) PL lines, I4, I6, I8, and I9, generally associated with H, Al, Ga, and In, respectively. However, the I4 and I9 lines are weak in hydrothermal ZnO, and the I4 line is also weak in melt material. Another D0X line I5, possibly associated with donors near the surface, appears in some hydrothermal samples. Electrically, hydrothermal ZnO has a much lower bulk conductivity than vapor-phase or melt ZnO, partly because the donor concentration is lower, but also because the acceptor concentration is higher. A consequence of the low bulk conductance is that surface conductance becomes much more important and must be included in the Hall-effect modeling. An interesting result of this study is a close correlation between the PL-derived Al (I6) donor energy of 51 meV, and the T-Hall-derived energy of 52 meV.
ITALIAN MORENA, ANTONIO, DONATELLA MELUCCI, ANNAMARIA MONETI, & GRAZIANA LAZZARINO. Da capo. 7th ed. Boston: Heinle, 2011. Pp. viii, xv, 416. $160.95, paper. ISBN 978–1–42826–274–4. Text Audio CD, free to adopters.

An interview of the books "De Capo," seventh edition, by Antonio Morena, Donatella Melucci, Annamaria Moneti, and Graziana Lazzarino, and "De Capo Student Activities Manual," seventh edition, by Silvia M. Abbiati and Julia M. Cozzarelli, both with audio CDs, is presented.
An optically triggered, glow switch Marx bank

Operation of high-powers lasers, electron and other accelerators, and other devices is often limited by power modulator performance. Results of an investigation of a concept for modulator switching that has the potential to significantly extend these limitations presented. The switching device is a three-stage Marx bank based on back-lighted thyratrons that are triggered using optical fibers. Potential advantages include optical isolation of triggering, operation of the switches in a glow mode, no external cathode heater, reduced volume and supporting systems, and high-precision (subnanosecond) triggering. A three-stage proof-of-principle Marx bank has been operated at 105 kV with a rise time of >
Solute and geothermal flux monitoring using electrical conductivity in the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers, Yellowstone National Park

Abstract The thermal output from the Yellowstone magma chamber can be estimated from the Cl flux in the major rivers in Yellowstone National Park; and by utilizing continuous discharge and electrical conductivity measurements the Cl flux can be calculated. The relationship between electrical conductivity and concentrations of Cl and other geothermal solutes (Na, SO4, F, HCO3, SiO2, K, Li, B, and As) was quantified at monitoring sites along the Madison, Gibbon, and Firehole Rivers, which receive discharge from some of the largest and most active geothermal areas in Yellowstone. Except for some trace elements, most solutes behave conservatively and the ratios between geothermal solute concentrations are constant in the Madison, Gibbon, and Firehole Rivers. Hence, dissolved concentrations of Cl, Na, SO4, F, HCO3, SiO2, K, Li, Ca, B and As correlate well with conductivity (R2 > 0.9 for most solutes) and most exhibit linear trends. The 2011 flux for Cl, SO4, F and HCO3 determined using automated conductivity sensors and discharge data from nearby USGS gaging stations is in good agreement with those of previous years (1983–1994 and 1997–2008) at each of the monitoring sites. Continuous conductivity monitoring provides a cost- and labor-effective alternative to existing protocols whereby flux is estimated through manual collection of numerous water samples and subsequent chemical analysis. Electrical conductivity data also yield insights into a variety of topics of research interest at Yellowstone and elsewhere: (1) Geyser eruptions are easily identified and the solute flux quantified with conductivity data. (2) Short-term heavy rain events can produce conductivity anomalies due to dissolution of efflorescent salts that are temporarily trapped in and around geyser basins during low-flow periods. During a major rain event in October 2010, 180,000 kg of additional solute was measured in the Madison River. (3) The output of thermal water from the Gibbon River appears to have increased by about 0.2%/a in recent years, while the output of thermal water for the Firehole River shows a decrease of about 10% from 1983 to 2011. Confirmation of these trends will require continuing Cl flux monitoring over the coming decades.
Carcinoma of the Paranasal Sinuses

Thirty-eight patients with carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses received primary therapy consisting of external beam megavoltage irradiation alone or in combination with surgery at the Stanford University Medical Center, Division of Radiation Therapy, during the period between 1956-1974. Doses of radiation ranged from 5560 rad over 5 1/2 weeks to 8050 rad over seven weeks. Relapse free survival is 37% and absolute survival 32% at five years. Twenty of 38 patients developed local failure and four patients died with metastatic disease but local control. Serious complications included two cases each of osteoradionecrosis and optic nerve injury. The data are analysed regarding dose, radiotherapeutic technique, patterns of relapse and complications.