cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black Hole Accretion in Low-Mass Galaxies since z ~ 1

We have selected a sample of X-ray-emitting active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in low-mass host galaxies (~5 × 109-2 × 1010 M☉) out to z ~ 1. By comparing to AGNs in more massive hosts, we have found that the AGN spatial number density and the fraction of galaxies hosting AGNs depends strongly on the host mass, with the AGN host mass function peaking at intermediate mass and with the AGN fraction increasing with host mass. AGNs in low-mass hosts show strong cosmic evolution in comoving number density, the fraction of such galaxies hosting active nuclei, and the comoving X-ray energy density. The integrated X-ray luminosity function is used to estimate the amount of the accreted black hole mass in these AGNs and places a strong lower limit of 12% to the fraction of local low-mass galaxies hosting black holes, although a more likely value is probably much higher (>50%) once the heavily obscured objects missed in current X-ray surveys are accounted for.
Sub-range Jacobi polynomials

Orthogonal polynomials relative to the Jacobi weight function, but orthogonal on a strict subinterval of [???1, 1], are studied, in particular with regard to their numerical computation. Related Gaussian quadrature rules are also considered.
Precipitation chemistry in Japan 1989–1993

Precipitation chemistry in Japan was discussed on a wet-only sample database obtained in a nationwide survey from April 1989 to March 1993. Wet-only samples were collected at 29 stations over Japan on a biweekly basis. Commonly determined chemical parameters were measured in laboratories. The volume-weighted annual mean pH at each site ranged from 4.50 to 5.83 with a mean of 4.76. Concentration ranges and means (parenthesized) on an equivalent basis for major ions were as follows: nss-SO4 2−; 5.2–58.9 (38.6), NO3 −; 1.8–25.0 (14.1), NH4 +; 0.55–29.8 (18.3), nss-Ca2+; 2.0–34.5(14.2), Na+; 6.4–275.3 (49.1), Cl−; 13.7–322.4 (63.5) β eq L−1. Acid-base relationships for Phase-II records were quantitatively discussed in terms of three measures: pH, fractional acidity, and our proposed pAi.
Can a Decentralized Metadata Service Layer Benefit Parallel Filesystems

The demand for scalable I/O continues to grow rapidly as computer clusters keep growing. Much of the research in storage systems has been focused on improving the scale and performance of I/O throughput. Scalable file systems do a good job of scaling large file access bandwidth by striping or sharing I/O resources across many servers or disks. However, the same cannot be said about scaling file metadata operation rates. Most existing parallel file systems choose to concentrate all the metadata processing load on a single server. This centralized processing can guarantee the correctness, but it severely hampers scalability. This downside is becoming more and more unacceptable as metadata throughput is critical for large scale applications. Distributing metadata processing load is critical to improve metadata scalability when handling huge number of client nodes. However, a solution to speed up metadata operations has to address two challenges simultaneously, namely the scalability and reliability. In this paper, we have designed a decentralized metadata service layer and evaluated its benefits and shortcomings that concern parallel file systems. The main aim of this service layer is to maintain reliability and consistency in a distributed metadata environment. At the same time we also focus on improving the scalability of the metadata operations, and in turn, the scalability of the underlying parallel file system. As demonstrated by experiments, the approach presented in this paper achieves significant improvements over native parallel file systems by large margin for all the major metadata operations. With 256 client processes, our decentralized metadata service outperforms Lustre and PVFS2 by a factor of 1.9 and 23, respectively, to create directories. With respect to stat() operation on files, our approach is 1.3 and 3.0 times faster than Lustre and PVFS.
Aiming a Surgical Laser With an Active Cannula

Experimental results when aiming a simulated laser with the active cannula. The solid lines that intersect at the top of the figure are a desired trajectory. Tube translations and rotations needed to place the laser at points along it were determined via inverse kinematics and applied at tube bases. Tip position (squares) were then measured via an optical tracking.
Evidence for Altered Balance Between Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Human Aortic Diseases

Background Although abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) exhibit increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the functional balance between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) remains uncertain. This report compares the proteolytic activity in normal aorta, aorto-occlusive disease (AOD), and AAA by use of a novel in situ zymographic technique. Methods and Results Infrarenal aortic specimens were obtained from 25 patients undergoing surgery for AOD or AAA and were compared with normal aortic tissue (n=7) obtained from cadavers. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for collagenase (MMP-1), gelatinase A (MMP-2), stromelysin (MMP-3), TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Net proteolytic activity was determined with in situ zymography whereby aortic sections were incubated on fluorescently labeled substrate. Proteolytic activity was detected under epifluorescent examination. Compared with normal aortic tissue, AOD and AAA tissue demonstrated marked increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 immunoreactivity, predominant...
Fulfilling the Navy's 21st Century operational needs with remote sensing

The end of the cold war has seen a shift in emphasis of Navy operations from a 'blue water' strategic role to a 'brown water' coastal role. The more changeable and complex coastal environment plus the need to operate first on scene in unfamiliar areas creates a need for environmental data which is best filled by remote sensing. This paper summarizes some of the Navy's most important and enduring environmental knowledge needs. Remote sensing from satellites, aircraft and ships will provide some of this environmental knowledge.
Screwworm (Diptera: Calliphoridae) myiasis on Curaçao: reinvasion after 20 years.

Although the screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivarax , was eradicated from the Caribbean island of Curacao in 1954, the island became reinfested in December 1975. Between this reintroduction and the reeradication in October 1977, 582 cases of screwworm myiasis were reponed on the island, with 396 cases in dogs, 87 in goats, 27 in swine, 25 in humans, and 47 in all other hosts. It was necessary to reeducate the people on the island in the prevention and treatment of screwworm myiasis.
The Three Tomorrows of Postnormal Times

Abstract The Three Tomorrows of Postnormal Times is a new method for foresight and futures researchers and practitioners. Designed and developed to explore the complexity, chaos, and contradictions of postnormal times and what might come next, the three tomorrows method uses a multi-layered approach to situate and analyze trends, emerging issues, and imaginings of the future(s), including complex, horizonspecific forecasts. In this paper, we provide a theoretical overview of the key concepts underlying our approach, including the three forms of ignorance and uncertainty as well as the Menagerie of postnormal potentialities, which we developed as a mechanism for challenging deeply held convictions, illuminating entrenched contradictions, and enlivening novel considerations.
Cross-Linking and Sequence-Specific Alkylation of DNA by Aziridinylquinones. 3. Effects of Alkyl Substituents

The cytotoxicities and DNA cross-linking abilities of several alkyl-substituted diaziridinylquinones have been investigated. The cytotoxicities were determined in DT-diaphorase-rich (H460 and HT29) and -deficient (H596 and BE) cell lines. It was shown that the cytotoxicities in these cell lines correlated with the relative rates of reduction by the purified human enzyme and with the cross-linking efficiencies. The rates of reduction by DT-diaphorase were more dependent on the structures of the compounds than the reduction potentials, as determined by cyclic voltammetry. A computer model was also used to explain high efficiency of cross-linking and the GNC sequence selectivity of the reduced methyl-substituted diaziridinylquinones.
ESTIMATING INCUMBENCY EFFECTS IN U.S. STATE LEGISLATURES: A QUASI‐EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Thispaperestimatesthe incumbencyeffects inthelegislative electionsof45statesin the USduring theperiod1968-89. Iimproveupon theexisting measuresofincumbency byusingaquasi-experimentalresearchdesignthatisolatestheeffectduetoincumbency from other contemporaneous factors such as candidate quality. I find that incumbency bestows a significant advantage on incumbents compared with their challengers. The incumbent candidates are about 30 percentage points more likely to win the next election and win 5.3 percentage point more votes than the challengers. However, the advantage is not as large as estimated from the previous methods.
Reliability of Laser Welding Process for ZE41A-T5 Magnesium Alloy Sand Castings

Laser welding is a promising joining method for magnesium alloys. The process reliability of 2-mm ZE41A-T5 butt joints welded by a 4 kW Nd:YAG laser was investigated from weld geometries, defects and mechanical properties using Weibull statistical distribution. Smooth, geometrically regular and macroscopically defect-free sound joints were obtained. However, sag, undercut, surface misalignment, and some variations in weld width and fusion zone area were also observed. The results indicated that tensile strength and elongation at fracture can be more accurately described by Weibull distribution. The modulus values of 31.98 and 22.52 were obtained for tensile strength in the as-welded and the aged conditions, respectively, indicating that tensile strength becomes more scattered after artificial aging. The aging treatment does not significantly affect mechanical properties, although it can provide stress relief. After laser welding, there is some degradation in tensile properties, especially elongation at fracture. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MRA2007622]
The error in indirect blood pressure measurement with the incorrect size of cuff

This paper shows the error to be expected when blood pressure is measured indirectly with a cuff that is too wide or too narrow for the member to which it is applied. A cuff that is too narrow overestimates and a cuff that is too wide underestimated blood pressure.
Quantifying inefficiency in cost-sharing mechanisms

In a cost-sharing problem, several participants with unknown preferences vie to receive some good or service, and each possible outcome has a known cost. A cost-sharing mechanism is a protocol that decides which participants are allocated a good and at what prices. Three desirable properties of a cost-sharing mechanism are: incentive-compatibility, meaning that participants are motivated to bid their true private value for receiving the good; budget-balance, meaning that the mechanism recovers its incurred cost with the prices charged; and economic efficiency, meaning that the cost incurred and the value to the participants are traded off in an optimal way. These three goals have been known to be mutually incompatible for thirty years. Nearly all the work on cost-sharing mechanism design by the economics and computer science communities has focused on achieving two of these goals while completely ignoring the third.We introduce novel measures for quantifying efficiency loss in cost-sharing mechanisms and prove simultaneous approximate budget-balance and approximate efficiency guarantees for mechanisms for a wide range of cost-sharing problems, including all submodular and Steiner tree problems. Our key technical tool is an exact characterization of worst-case efficiency loss in Moulin mechanisms, the dominant paradigm in cost-sharing mechanism design.
Daily Light Integral, Prevernalization Photoperiod, and Vernalization Temperature and Duration Control Flowering of Easter Cactus

Experiments were performed on Hatiora gaertneri (Regel) Barthlott 'Jan' and 'Rood' and H. ·graeseri (Wedermann) Barthlott 'Evita' to determine their flowering responses to 1) daily light integral (DLI) before and during vernalization; 2) 0 to 6 weeks of short-day (SD) or long-day (LD) photoperiods before vernalization at 10, 12.5, or 15 8C; 3) propagation from April to July; 4) timing of leveling before or during inductive treatments; and 5) SD photoperiods before vernalization under darkness at 0 to 10 8C. 'Jan' grown under elevated DLI before vernalization and low DLI during vernalization flowered more prolifically than plants grown under low DLI before vernalization or high DLI during vernalization at 15 8C. Six weeks of SD photoperiods before vernalization increased the number of buds per flowering phylloclade after vernalization at 10 8C and increased flowering uniformity when vernalization duration was insufficient at 10 8C or vernalization temperature was 12.5 or 15 8C. For plants flowering in January, propagation the previous April produced better flowering than propagation in May, June, or July. Removal of apical phylloclades during prevernalization SD or during vernalization was deleterious to flowering. Vernalization in the dark produced marginal flowering, but SD treatment before vernalization increased the percentage of apical phylloclades flowering, buds per flowering apical phylloclade, and percentage of plants flowering after dark vernalization. 'Evita' flowered more poorly than either 'Jan' or 'Rood'. Collectively, the most uniform flowering in January occurred when plants were exposed to a sequence of 4 to 6 weeks of SD, vernalization at 7.5 to 15 8C for 8 weeks, then growth under LD for 7 weeks.
Distribution of the Non-Native Viviparid Snails, Bellamya chinensis and Viviparus georgianus, in Minnesota and the First Record of Bellamya japonica from Wisconsin

ABSTRACT We documented the currently known distribution of the Asian snail Bellamya (=Cipangopaludina) chinensis in Minnesota, along with another viviparid snail, Viviparus georgianus, a North American native whose range has expanded. We also recorded the first known occurrence of Bellamya japonica in Wisconsin. Bellamya chinensis and V. georgianus occurred predominately in lakes within the MinneapolisISt. Paul metropolitan area and the lakes region of northcentral Minnesota. Both species are now established in the three major watersheds that drain Minnesota. We collected Bellamya japonica at six sites in the Namekagon River, part of St. Croix River system in Wisconsin.
Global gene expression patterns in the post-pneumonectomy lung of adult mice

Adult mice have a remarkable capacity to regenerate functional alveoli following either lung resection or injury that exceeds the regenerative capacity observed in larger adult mammals. The molecular basis for this unique capability in mice is largely unknown. We examined the transcriptomic responses to single lung pneumonectomy in adult mice in order to elucidate prospective molecular signaling mechanisms used in this species during lung regeneration. Unilateral left pneumonectomy or sham thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia (n = 8 mice per group for each of the four time points). Total RNA was isolated from the remaining lung tissue at four time points post-surgery (6 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days) and analyzed using microarray technology. The observed transcriptomic patterns revealed mesenchymal cell signaling, including up-regulation of genes previously associated with activated fibroblasts (Tnfrsf12a, Tnc, Eln, Col3A1), as well as modulation of Igf1-mediated signaling. The data set also revealed early down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine transcripts and up-regulation of genes involved in T cell development/function, but few similarities to transcriptomic patterns observed during embryonic or post-natal lung development. Immunohistochemical analysis suggests that early fibroblast but not myofibroblast proliferation is important during lung regeneration and may explain the preponderance of mesenchymal-associated genes that are over-expressed in this model. This again appears to differ from embryonic alveologenesis. These data suggest that modulation of mesenchymal cell transcriptome patterns and proliferation of S100A4 positive mesenchymal cells, as well as modulation of pro-inflammatory transcriptome patterns, are important during post-pneumonectomy lung regeneration in adult mice.
A novel improvement to the R*-tree spatial index using gain/loss metrics

The R*-tree is a state-of-the-art spatial index structure. It has already found its way into commercial systems. The most important improvement of the R*-tree over the original R-tree is that it utilizes forced reinsertion. That is, if a disk page overflows, some objects are removed from the page and reinserted into the index. The goals are: (a) to reduce the MBR area; and (b) to keep the shape of the MBR close to a square. However, no existing work consists of a unified metric which can be used to balance the two criteria. For example, if there are two methods to remove objects from a rectangle, and one results in a rectangle with smaller area, while the other results in a square with slightly larger area, which method shall we choose? The R*-tree algorithm selects objects whose distances to the center of the page's MBR are the largest. However, this is not optimal. In this paper, we formally define the quality of a rectangle and the gain to shrink a rectangle. Then we provide algorithms to shrink the MBRs with the goal to maximize the gain. The algorithms are experimentally compared with the R*-tree's reinsertion algorithm. Furthermore, as the opposite of gain, we define the loss of expanding a rectangle. While inserting an object into the R*-tree, we need to choose a sub-tree to put the object in. With the new metric, we can choose the sub-tree with the least loss. Finally, we integrate the new algorithms into the R*-tree.
Endovascular rescue of a misshapen intracranial stent: report of two cases

Inadvertent deformation and displacement of a fully deployed closed-cell intracranial nitinol stent may occur with manipulation of other devices through or beyond them. Such displaced and deformed stents may obstruct the lumen, risking formation of thromboemboli, and/or fail to no function as a scaffold to assist with coil embolization. We review two such cases whereby an Alligator retrieval device (ARD) (ev3, Irvine, California, USA) was used to salvage a deployed misshapen intracranial stent.
Communication Apprehension and Receiver Apprehension in the Workplace

The purpose of this study was to examine communication apprehension (CA) and receiver apprehension (RA) in the context of an actual organization. This procedure is a departure from previous work that has generally ignored RA and been executed in hypothetical circumstances. These data indicate that CA is inversely related to position with RA being directly related to salary. Neither CA nor RA were related to the length of time a person was associated with an organization. Further, a regression analysis indicated that self‐perceived communication competence, motivation, and fear of negative evaluation accounted for significant amounts of variance in CA and RA, while age, gender, length of time with an organization, position, and salary did not. The implications of these findings are discussed at the conclusion of this report.
Distraction osteogenesis for correction of distal radius deformity after physeal arrest.

Purpose To present intermediate-term follow-up for pediatric patients following correction of forearm deformity with the use of distraction osteogenesis after distal radius physeal arrest in the setting of trauma. Methods Retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience using a circular external fixator to correct forearm deformity in four patients whose average age at time of application was 13.8 years. All patients were evaluated clinically with radiographs, physical examination, and functional outcome assessments including the Short-Form 12, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and Mayo Wrist score. Results At the time of intermediate-term follow-up, at a mean of 112 months, all patients were nearly pain free (average visual analog scale of 1). All were willing to undergo the same treatment again. Wrist flexion increased 11°, extension decreased 2°, radial deviation decreased 14°, ulnar deviation increased 7°, and pronation and supination both decreased 5° on average. The radius was lengthened an average of 7 mm, with an average preoperative ulnar variance of +7 mm and an average postoperative ulnar variance of +1 mm. Mean outcome scores were as follows: Short-Form 12 was 82, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was 11, and Mayo Wrist was 76. Three of four patients experienced treatment-related complications, whereas two of four required unplanned returns to the operating room. Conclusions The use of distraction osteogenesis is a reasonable alternative to osteotomy, bone grafting, and internal fixation in pediatric patients with severe forearm deformity and dysfunction after physeal arrest in the setting of trauma. This procedure is burdened with complications and requires a committed patient and surgeon. It provides good correction of deformity and relief of pain, and maintains functional range of motion while avoiding the use of permanent orthopedic implants. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Proteins Phosphorylated during Stress-induced Apoptosis Are Common Targets for Autoantibody Production in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Proteins cleaved by interleukin-1β converting enzyme family proteases during apoptosis are common targets for autoantibody production in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have tested the possibility that proteins phosphorylated in cells undergoing apoptosis are also targets for autoantibody production in patients with autoimmune disease. Sera from 9/12 patients containing antinuclear antibodies (10/12 meeting diagnostic criteria for SLE or a lupus overlap syndrome), precipitated new phosphoproteins from lysates derived from Jurkat T cells treated with apoptotic stimuli (i.e., Fas-ligation, gamma irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation), but not with an activation (i.e., CD3-ligation) stimulus. Sera derived from individual patients precipitated different combinations of seven distinct serine-phosphorylated proteins. None of these phosphoproteins were included in precipitates prepared using sera from patients with diseases that are not associated with autoantibody production or using serum from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Protein phosphorylation precedes, or is coincident with, the induction of DNA fragmentation, and is not observed when apoptosis is inhibited by overexpression of bcl-2. Serum from four patients precipitated a serine/threonine kinase from apoptotic cell lysates that phosphorylates proteins of 23-, 34-, and 46-kD in in vitro kinase assays. Our results suggest that proteins phosphorylated during apoptosis may be preferred targets for autoantibody production in patients with SLE.
Feedback inhibition of ENaC during acute sodium loading in vivo

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is tightly regulated by sodium intake to maintain whole body sodium homeostasis. In addition, ENaC is inhibited by high levels of intracellular Na+ [Na+]i, presuma...
Immunoediting: evidence of the multifaceted role of the immune system in self-metastatic tumor growth

The role of the immune system in tumor progression has been a subject for discussion for many decades. Numerous studies suggest that a low immune response might be beneficial, if not necessary, for tumor growth, and only a strong immune response can counter tumor growth and thus inhibit progression. We implement a cellular automaton model previously described that captures the dynamical interactions between the cancer stem and non-stem cell populations of a tumor through a process of self-metastasis. By overlaying on this model the diffusion of immune reactants into the tumor from a peripheral source to target cells, we simulate the process of immune-system-induced cell kill on tumor progression. A low cytotoxic immune reaction continuously kills cancer cells and, although at a low rate, thereby causes the liberation of space-constrained cancer stem cells to drive self-metastatic progression and continued tumor growth. With increasing immune system strength, however, tumor growth peaks, and then eventually falls below the intrinsic tumor sizes observed without an immune response. With this increasing immune response the number and proportion of cancer stem cells monotonically increases, implicating an additional unexpected consequence, that of cancer stem cell selection, to the immune response. Cancer stem cells and immune cytotoxicity alone are sufficient to explain the three-step “immunoediting” concept – the modulation of tumor growth through inhibition, selection and promotion.
Neuropilin-1 expression in osteogenic cells: down-regulation during differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes.

The expression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a recently described VEGF and semaphorin receptor expressed by endothelial cells (EC) but some non-EC types as well, was analyzed in osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo. Cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts expressed NRP1 mRNA and bound VEGF165 but not VEGF121, characteristic of the VEGF isoform-specific binding of NRP1. These cells did not express VEGFR-1 or VEGFR-2 so that VEGF binding to osteoblasts was strictly NRP1-dependent. In a chick osteocyte differentiation system, NRP1 was expressed by osteoblasts but its expression was absent as the cells matured into osteocytes. Immunohistochemical localization of NRP1 within the developing bones of 36-day-old mice and embryonic Day 17 chicks demonstrated that NRP1 was expressed by osteoblasts migrating alongside invading blood vessels within the metaphysis of the growth plate, as well as by osteoblasts at the developing edge of trabeculae within the marrow cavity. On the other hand, NRP1 was not expressed by osteocytes in either species, consistent with the in vitro results. In addition to osteogenic cells, NRP1 expression by EC was observed throughout the bone. Together these results suggest that NRP1 might have a dual function in bone by mediating osteoblast function directly as well as angiogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 81:82–92, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure and kinetic mechanism of aminoglycoside phosphotransferase-2''-IVa.

Acquired resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics primarily results from deactivation by three families of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes. Here, we report the kinetic mechanism and structure of the aminoglycoside phosphotransferase 2″-IVa (APH(2″)-IVa), an enzyme responsible for resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics in clinical enterococcal and staphylococcal isolates. The enzyme operates via a Bi-Bi sequential mechanism in which the two substrates (ATP or GTP and an aminoglycoside) bind in a random manner. The APH(2″)-IVa enzyme phosphorylates various 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycoside antibiotics with catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) of 1.5 × 103 to 1.2 × 106 (M−1 s−1). The enzyme uses both ATP and GTP as the phosphate source, an extremely rare occurrence in the phosphotransferase and protein kinase enzymes. Based on an analysis of the APH(2″)-IVa structure, two overlapping binding templates specifically tuned for hydrogen bonding to either ATP or GTP have been identified and described. A detailed understanding of the structure and mechanism of the GTP-utilizing phosphotransferases is crucial for the development of either novel aminoglycosides or, more importantly, GTP-based enzyme inhibitors which would not be expected to interfere with crucial ATP-dependent enzymes.
Studies in Polyester Fiber Morphology and Related Dyeing and Finishing Properties by the Critical Dissolution Time (CDT) Technique

Critical Dissolution Time (CDT) of polyester yarn in phenol or phenol/tetrachloroethane (TCE) mixtures was found to be an extremely sensitive technique for measuring fiber crystallinity and for detecting small morphological differences between untextured fibers and differences due to heat treatment.Pure phenol at 60°C is quite suitable foi measuring differences in fiber crystallinity due to heat treatment, while phenol/ TCE 1 :3 at 25°C amplifies the differences between yarns before heat treatment. The effect of phenol/TCE ratio was studied and an increase in phenol percent in the mixture decreases the CDT.Log CDT was found to have a linear relationship with fiber density and dye adsorption. CDT technique was used to monitor uniformity of untextured and textured yarn.
DNA rearrangements associated with reversion of bacteriophage Mu-induced mutations.

Excision of transposable genetic elements from host DNA is different from the classical prophage lambda type of excision in that it occurs at low frequency and is mostly imprecise; only a minority of excision events restores the wild-type host sequences. In bacteriophage Mu, a highly efficient transposon, imprecise excision is 10–100 times more frequent than precise excision. We have examined a large number of these excision events by starting with Mucts X mutants located in the Z gene of the lac operon of Escherichia coli. Mucts X mutants are defective prophages whose excision occurs at a measurable frequency. Imprecise excision was monitored by selecting for melibiose+ (Mel+) phenotype, which requires only a functioning lacY gene. Mel+ revertants exhibit an array of DNA rearrangements and fall in four main classes, the predominant one being comprised of revertants that have no detectable Mu DNA. Most of these revertants can further revert to Lac+. Perhaps 5 base-pair duplications, originally present at prophage-host junctions, are left in these lacZ-Y+ revertants, and they can be further repaired to lacZ+. Another class has, in addition to the loss of Mu DNA, deletions that extend generally, but not always, to only one side of the prophage. The other two classes of revertants, surprisingly, still have Mu DNA in the lacZ gene. One class has deletions in the Z gene, whereas, no deletions can be detected in the other. Many of the revertants in the last class can further revert to lacZ+, indicating that the lacY gene must have been turned on by a rearrangement within Mu DNA. Apparently, all of the detectable precise and most of the imprecise excision events require functioning of the Mu A gene. We suggest that a block in large-scale Mu replication allows the excision process to proceed.
Convergence in Mean, in Distribution

We begin this lesson by reviewing the convergences introduced in Lessons 7 and 8, Part II; then we define and illustrate two new types. All together we will have the following “modes” of convergence: pointwise convergence, convergence almost surely,convergence a.s. completely, convergence in probability convergence in a mean, convergence in distribution. Perhaps the last mode is the one most used in statistics. Additional properties, including interdependencies, will be discussed in the next two lessons. To simplify matters, we take all random variables to be real valued, finite a.s., defined on a common probability space [Ω,ℬ, P].
GENDER INEQUALITY: Sorting Out the Effects of Race/Ethnicity and Gender in The Anglo Male-Latino Female Earnings Gap

One of the most significant features of the U.S. economy in the 20th Century is the persistent earnings gap between men and women. The gap in earnings between Anglo men and women of color has also ...
Adaptive Control in the Presence of Rate Saturation with Application to a Transport Aircraft Model

In this document, we propose an adaptive control design to remedy rate saturation nonlinearities imposed on the control input in addition to the uncertainties present in the system. The suggested adaptive controller has two features, the rst of which is an anti-windup modication which was originally suggested for accommodating magnitude saturation. The second is a model mismatch estimation term in the adaptive law. With both of these features, the stability of the resulting closed-loop adaptive system is guaranteed. Simulations of a nonlinear large transport aircraft model are carried out to validate the proposed adaptive controller. The results show that it achieves superior performance and leads to a signicant improvement in ight safety under adverse conditions compared to a basic adaptive controller.
The Influence of UC-21149 and the Aphidiid Parasite Aphidius smithi on Populations of the Pea Aphid

The influence of Aphidius smithi Sharma & Subba Rao alone or in combination with applications of the systemic insecticide Union Carbide UC-21149 (2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) ox-ime (Temik®) on populations of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), was studied on 3 plant-growth cycles of ‘Buffalo’ alfalfa seedlings in 3 small greenhouses. were suppressed throughout all 3 growth cycles. This When only parasites were used the populations of aphids during the 1st growth cycle were high but lower than those in the controls; by the end of the 2nd cycle they were reduced 80%. During the 3rd cycle the aphid population remained at less than 5% When only UC-21149 was applied (0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 kg/hectare) populations of aphids were low during the 1st growth cycle, but during the 2nd and 3rd cycles they increased greatly. This increase correlated with the reduction in the concentration of the sulfoxide metabolite of UC-21149 in the plants. When UC-21149 and parasites were used in combination, the populations of aphids method of control was the most effective and allowed the best alfalfa growth. At the doses used UC-21149 had no apparent effect on the activity of the parasites. Thus, the aphidiids were able to parasitize a higher percentage of the initial density. of the reduced populations of aphids than when no insecticide was applied.
Discrete Measurement of Time and Interval Censoring in Event History Analysis

A problem in event history analysis is that time is measured imprecisely. Events are typically known to occur within discrete time units (e.g. day, month or year). Discrete measurement of the start and end time of an event leads to a known interval within which the event duration falls. The event duration is interval censored. When ignored, interval censoring is shown to introduce considerable bias to parameter estimates and heighten the risk of inference errors. I show that treating the duration as an interval reduces bias and improves the performance of hypothesis tests. Replications of analyses from four political science articles in leading journals demonstrate that substantive inferences depend on the use of appropriate methods for interval censored duration data. I also develop a software package that can be used to estimate the Cox proportional hazards model with interval censoring.
A new evaluation method for rock-crushing efficiency based on crushing work ratio

In the evaluation of drilling efficiency in drilling engineering,the conventional drilling rate models were often used to analyze the effect of a single factor contribution on drilling efficiency.This method has the shortages of large calculation work and low comprehensive function.According to the basic rock-crushing theory,a computation model and an evaluation method for rock-crushing efficiency based on the crushing work ratio were provided by analyzing the energy consumption of rock crushing with roller bit.By using the new model and method,the rock-crushing efficiency could be analyzed in different conditions and the drilling efficiency with different bits could also be evaluated in different conditions.This model can provide the base for selection of bits,optimization of drilling parameters and analysis of drilling efficiency.The calculation result of this method also explained the basic reason for the difference of drilling speeds in the same formation between excessive balanced drilling and under-balanced drilling.
Consultation With the Specialist: The Central Serotonin Syndrome: Paradigm for Psychotherapeutic Misadventure

1. Donald H. Arnold, MD, FAAP* 1. *Assistant Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN Sharon is a 16-year-old adolescent well known to you since you became her pediatrician in early childhood. Sunday morning at 3 am you receive an urgent call from the emergency department at your community hospital where she presented after collapsing while dancing at a local “rave” party. You are informed that she is agitated, confused, and disoriented; has a high fever; and is having seizures. The emergency department physician has administered intravenous lorazepam and rectal acetaminophen and requests your presence immediately. You arrive at the emergency department as quickly as possible. The physician who called you notes that the seizure activity diminished after two doses of lorazepam, but he is preparing to administer fosphenytoin because she continues to jerk her arms and legs. You obtain a brief history from her parents, who arrived several minutes before you. The parents remind you that Sharon has been treated with sertraline 150 mg/d for generalized anxiety disorder. They state that she has been otherwise happy, healthy, and on no other medications. She recently obtained her driving permit and was allowed to go out with several friends earlier in the evening. Sharon’s vital signs are: temperature, 106.7°F (41.5°C); heart rate, 145 beats/min; respiratory rate, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 162/96 mm Hg; and Sao2, 99%. She is agitated and diaphoretic. There are coarse, nonpurposeful jerking motions and hypertonia of the extremities. The pupils are equal and reactive, and there are no asymmetric or localizing neurologic abnormalities. At this moment, determining a unifying process that would explain the abrupt onset of altered mental status, the extreme hyperthermia and other vital sign abnormalities, and the myoclonic seizurelike activity and hypertonia is a tremendous challenge. Your differential diagnosis includes toxic ingestion, infectious encephalitis, and closed-head trauma. Sharon’s boyfriend has been waiting in the triage area, …
Pushback against Decentralization, and Its Links with Infl uence over Nominations

The central government has systematically evaded sharing revenue at the legally-required level, possibly under pressure from the International Monetary Fund. In 2010 a new constitution canceled non-concurrent local elections, viewed by many national politicians as providing leverage to municipal leaders. Cabinet-level action also weakened the pro-decentralization research unit at the local office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and abolished the National Council for State Reform (CONARE). Congressional representatives’ willingness to eliminate nonconcurrent elections may stem in part from the continuing power over nominations enjoyed by central party elites. Contemporary accounts of the four off -year elections held since 1998 reveal enduring — indeed, increasing – latitude for national party committees in electoral slate-making. Alliances among major parties in such elections have augmented central nominating prerogatives.
P015 Impact of the new kidney allocation system on highly sensitized recipient transplant rates: The utah experience

Aim A new deceased donor kidney allocation system (KAS) was implemented by UNOS on December 4, 2014. One key goal was to change the algorithm to better assist the previously disadvantaged highly sensitized population in receiving organ offers, regardless of the originating center’s geographical region. Candidate recipients with an allosensitization of 99% or 100% cPRA have been awarded an additional 50, and 202 points, respectively, to the waitlist score, thus giving them the highest priority for each kidney offer nationwide. One-year OPTN data indicate that overall in the US, the proportion of transplants occurring in the most highly sensitized patients has increased dramatically compared to the previous year. The goal of this study was to evaluate, and compare data from Utah to the national average. Method We reviewed and analyzed the annual rate of transplants in Utah based on recipient cPRA scores from 2011 through April 2016 and compared it to the OPTN data. Results One year prior to the implementation of the new KAS, in 2014 only two 99–100% cPRA patients were transplanted. In 2015, the first full year following implementation of the new KAS, a total of seven 99–100% cPRA patients were transplanted. Although comparison of the 1-year before versus after implementation of the new KAS suggests a 3.5 fold increase in the number of transplanted highly sensitized patients (cPRA 99–100%), this increase is more modest, only 2.3 fold if we compare it to the average number (3 per year) of highly sensitized recipients transplanted between 2011 and 2014. Conclusions The increase in transplant rates for 99–100% cPRA patients was more modest in Utah, compared to the national average. Possible reasons include that under the old KAS, local candidates were favored more heavily, and due to shorter overall wait times in Utah, highly sensitized patients may have had more offers compared to the national average. Other factors that may affect current transplant rates include a lower percentage of highly sensitized recipients locally, the EPTS of the local recipient pool, and the KDPI of donors. Although 2016 promises a greater rate of highly sensitized recipient transplants (4 performed through April), more data are needed to determine if the new KAS has a significant impact on the highly sensitized recipient transplant rate in Utah.
A clinic compatible, open source electrophysiology system

Open source electrophysiology (ephys) recording systems have several advantages over commercial systems such as customization and affordability enabling more researchers to conduct ephys experiments. Notable open source ephys systems include Open-Ephys, NeuroRighter and more recently Willow, all of which have high channel count (64+), scalability, and advanced software to develop on top of. However, little work has been done to build an open source ephys system that is clinic compatible, particularly in the operating room where acute human electrocorticography (ECoG) research is performed. We developed an affordable (< $10,000) and open system for research purposes that features power isolation for patient safety, compact and water resistant enclosures and 256 recording channels sampled up to 20ksam/sec, 16-bit. The system was validated by recording ECoG with a high density, thin film device for an acute, awake craniotomy study at UC San Diego, Thornton Hospital Operating Room.
Poetics of the Flesh, by Mayra Rivera Rivera

Feminist postcolonial and philosophical theologian Mayra Rivera Rivera’s second book, Poetics of the Flesh, continues a trajectory of scholarly research begun in her first book, The Touch of Transc...
Rapid thinning of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in coastal Maine, USA, during late Heinrich Stadial 1

Abstract Few data are available to infer the thinning rate of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) through the last deglaciation, despite its importance for constraining past ice sheet response to climate warming. We measured 31 cosmogenic 10 Be exposure ages in samples collected on coastal mountainsides in Acadia National Park and from the slightly inland Pineo Ridge moraine complex, a ∼100-km-long glaciomarine delta, to constrain the timing and rate of LIS thinning and subsequent retreat in coastal Maine. Samples collected along vertical transects in Acadia National Park have indistinguishable exposure ages over a 300 m range of elevation, suggesting that rapid, century-scale thinning occurred at 15.2 ± 0.7 ka, similar to the timing of abrupt thinning inferred from cosmogenic exposure ages at Mt. Katahdin in central Maine (Davis et al., 2015). This rapid ice sheet surface lowering, which likely occurred during the latter part of the cold Heinrich Stadial 1 event (19–14.6 ka), may have been due to enhanced ice-shelf melt and calving in the Gulf of Maine, perhaps related to regional oceanic warming associated with a weakened Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at this time. The ice margin subsequently stabilized at the Pineo Ridge moraine complex until 14.5 ± 0.7 ka, near the onset of Bolling Interstadial warming. Our 10 Be ages are substantially younger than marine radiocarbon constraints on LIS retreat in the coastal lowlands, suggesting that the deglacial marine reservoir effect in this area was ∼1,200 14 C years, perhaps also related to the sluggish Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during Heinrich Stadial 1.
Elimination diet and the development of multiple tree-nut allergies

BackgroundDespite its high prevalence, relatively little is known about the characteristics of patients with multiple tree-nut allergies.MethodsPatients (n=60, aged 4-15 years), recruited for a multiple food (tree nuts, peanut, milk, egg, soy, sesame, and wheat) oral immunotherapy (OIT) study, filled a questionnaire on their initial allergy evaluation. Medical records were reviewed. At OIT enrollment (median interval, 7.5 years), patients underwent oral food challenges (OFCs) to foods still eliminated.ResultsThere was significantly less evidence for eliminating tree nuts compared with other foods, as reflected by a lower rate of acute reaction to the offending food, either as the trigger for initial allergy evaluation (5.9% for tree-nuts vs. 20-40% for other foods, respectively P<0.001) or later in life (14.5% vs. 38-75%, respectively P=0.001), and a higher rate of negative skin prick test (SPT)/specific IgE (sIgE) at initial diagnosis (25% vs. <10%, P<0.001). SPT/sIgE increased significantly from past initial levels to present for tree nuts (P<0.001) and peanut (P=0.001) but not for other foods, and most OFCs performed at present were positive.ConclusionsTree nuts are often eliminated from the diet of multiple-food-allergic patients, despite their low probability for allergy. Sensitization and allergy to most tree nuts exist years later, suggesting that it developed during the period of elimination.
Temporal Anomaly Detection in Social Media

In this work, we approach topic tracking and meme trending in social media with a temporal focus; rather than analyzing topics, we aim to identify time periods whose content differs significantly from normal. We detail two approaches. The first is an information-theoretic analysis of the distributions of terms emitted during each time period. In the second, we cluster the documents from each time period and analyze the tightness of each clustering. We also discuss a method of combining the scores created by each technique, and we provide ample empirical analysis of our methodology on various Twitter datasets.