cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibrin hydrogels as a xenofree and rapidly degradable support for transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium monolayers.

Abstract Recent phase 1 trials of embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) derived RPE transplants for the treatment of macular degeneration have demonstrated the relative safety of this process. However, there is concern over clumping, thickening, folding, and wrinkling of the transplanted RPE. To deliver a flat RPE monolayer, current phase 1 trials are testing synthetic substrates for RPE transplantation. These substrates, however, cause localized inflammation and fibrosis in animal models due to long degradation times. Here we describe the use of thin fibrin hydrogels as a support material for the transplantation of RPE. Fibrin was formed into a mechanically rigid support that allow for easy manipulation with standard surgical instruments. Using fibrinolytic enzymes, fibrin hydrogels were degraded on the scale of hours. The rate of degradation could be controlled by varying the fibrinolytic enzyme concentration used. RPE cells degraded fibrin spontaneously. To preserve the fibrin support during differentiation of iPSCs to RPE, media was supplemented with the protease inhibitor aprotinin. iPSC-RPE on fibrin gels remained viable, generated monolayers with characteristic cobblestone appearance and dark pigmentation, and expressed mRNA and protein markers characteristic of RPE in the eye. Following differentiation of the cells, addition of fibrinolytic enzymes fully and rapidly degraded the fibrin support leaving behind an intact, viable iPSC-RPE monolayer. In conclusion, human fibrin hydrogels provide a xeno-free support on which iPSCs can be differentiated to RPE cells for transplant which can be rapidly degraded under controlled conditions using fibrinolytic enzymes without adverse effects to the cells. Statement of Significance Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplantation is currently in phase 1 clinical trials for macular degeneration (MD). A major obstacle in these studies is delivering the RPE as a living, flat sheets without leaving behind foreign materials in the retina. Here we investigate the suitability of using hydrogels made from human blood-derived proteins for RPE transplant. Our data shows that these fibrin hydrogels are rigid enough for use in surgery, support growth of stem cell-derived RPE, and are easily degraded within hours without damage to the RPE sheet. These fibrin hydrogels offer a promising solution to transplant RPE for patients with MD.
SHaPE: A Novel Graph Theoretic Algorithm for Making Consensus-Based Decisions in Person Re-identification Systems

Person re-identification is a challenge in video-based surveillance where the goal is to identify the same person in different camera views. In recent years, many algorithms have been proposed that approach this problem by designing suitable feature representations for images of persons or by training appropriate distance metrics that learn to distinguish between images of different persons. Aggregating the results from multiple algorithms for person re-identification is a relatively less-explored area of research. In this paper, we formulate an algorithm that maps the ranking process in a person re-identification algorithm to a problem in graph theory. We then extend this formulation to allow for the use of results from multiple algorithms to make a consensus-based decision for the person re-identification problem. The algorithm is unsupervised and takes into account only the matching scores generated by multiple algorithms for creating a consensus of results. Further, we show how the graph theoretic problem can be solved by a two-step process. First, we obtain a rough estimate of the solution using a greedy algorithm. Then, we extend the construction of the proposed graph so that the problem can be efficiently solved by means of Ant Colony Optimization, a heuristic path-searching algorithm for complex graphs. While we present the algorithm in the context of person reidentification, it can potentially be applied to the general problem of ranking items based on a consensus of multiple sets of scores or metric values.
Mapping diet-induced alternative polyadenylation of hypothalamic transcripts in the obese rat

RNA biogenesis has emerged as a powerful biological event that regulates energy homeostasis. In this context insertion of alternative polyadenylation sites (APSs) dictate the fate of newly synthesized RNA molecules and direct alternative splicing of nascent transcripts. Thus APSs serve a mechanistic function by regulating transcriptome expression and function. In this study we employed a novel RNA-Seq Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach that utilized the power of Whole Transcriptome Termini Site Sequencing (WTTS-Seq) to simultaneously measure APS events on multiple RNA biotypes. We used this technique to measure APS events in the hypothalamus of adult male Long Evans rats exposed to a palatable high fat diet (HFD) or chow. Rats maintained on HFD displayed typical hyperphagic feeding and ensuing body weight gain over the one-month manipulation period. Our WTTS-Seq analysis mapped approximately 89,000 unique hypothalamic APSs induced by HFD relative to chow fed controls. HFD exposure produced APSs on multiple RNA biotypes in the hypothalamus. The majority of detected APSs occur on mRNA transcripts that encode functional proteins. Notably we find APSs on micro (miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), newly recognized transcription factors that regulate body weight in rodents. In addition we detect APSs on protein encoding mRNAs that control neuron projection development and synapse organization and glutamate signaling, key events hypothesized to maintain excess food intake. Importantly, quantitative real time PCR indicated that APS insertion led to increased hypothalamic expression of multiple RNA biotypes. Collectively these data highlight APS events as a novel genetic mechanism that directs hypothalamic RNA biogenesis stimulated by diet-induced obesity.
An exploded view paradigm to disambiguate scatterplots

Abstract Small multiples is a popular visualization technique for dealing with overdraw in multi-class data. Small multiples are great at showing pieces of data individually, however, they do not explain how the different pieces fit together. They can also be difficult to understand for unacquainted users. We propose an interactive technique which uses the paradigm of exploded views to make small multiples visualizations more intelligible for unacquainted users. An exploded view is a drawing in which the different components of the object are separated by distance in such a way that the relationship between these components becomes apparent and hidden components of the data are revealed. We use the exploded view paradigm to create various animation designs for multi-class data. The designs are then compared using the Elo ranking scheme. We hypothesize that the exploded view animations increase the ability of users to appreciate the relations among data clusters (in the compound view) and at the same time get a clearer idea about the features of the individual data clusters (in the exploded view). We conduct a user study to compare this interactive approach with a compound view and an animated small multiples visualization.
Human Sex Trafficking

Introduction 1. Human Sex Trafficking, The Local Situation becomes Global: Laws and Policies Frances P. Bernat (Arizona State University) 2. International News Coverage of Human Trafficking Arrests and Prosecutions Erin Denton (McGill University) A Legal Response 3. Laws against Human Trafficking in 2005 in Japan Minoru Yokoyama (Kokugakuin University) 4. Taking Trafficking to Court May-Len Skilbrei (Fafo Institute for Applied International Studies, Norway) Sex Trafficking around the World 5. Victims of Sex Trafficking in Turkey: Characteristics, Motivations and Dynamics Oguzhan Omer Demir (Turkish National Police Academy) and James O. Finckenauer (Rutgers University) 6. Pimp Control and Violence: Domestic Sex Trafficking of Chicago Women and Girls Jody Raphael (DePaul University College of Law), Jessica Ashley and Mark Powers (Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority) 7. Understanding the Complexities of Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation: The Case of Southeast Asia Ashley G. Blackburn (University of North Texas), Robert W. Taylor (Caruth Police Institute) and Jennifer E. Davis (Caruth Police Institute) Solutions 8. T Visas: Prosecution Tool or Humanitarian Response? Joycelyn M. Pollock and Valerie Hollier (Texas State University - San Marcos) 9. Doors Wide Shut: Barriers to the Successful Delivery of Victim Services for Domestically Trafficked Minors in a Southern U.S. Metropolitan Area Joan A. Reid (University of South Florida) 10. Methodological Challenges: Getting Access to Active Sex Trafficking Ring Choo Kyungseok (University of Massachusetts - Lowell) Conclusion 11. Sex Trafficking, The Global becomes Local Frances P. Bernat and Heather Winkler (Arizona State University)
Counseling and Psychotherapy with the Visually Impaired: An Annotated Bibliography:

Lists and describes the contents of selected books, chapters of books, and journal articles. The material included deals both with psychological aspects of vision impairment and with the use of spe...
Installing, Maintaining, and Using a Local Copy of BLAST for Compute Cluster or Workstation Use

The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is the first resource to computationally characterize a novel amino acid or nucleic acid sequence. BLAST plays important roles in genomics, transcriptomics, and protein science. For numerous academic and commercial researchers, neither BLAST Web servers nor cloud resources satisfy the requirements of high-throughput comparative genomic pipelines or company policies. For such users, this unit describes how to install BLAST locally, either on a standalone workstation, or preferably on a compute cluster. We provide practical guidance for the planning and the installation under the LINUX, Windows, and Mac OS X operating systems. We propose strategies for downloading existing and generating new sequence databases in BLAST format. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rural Primary Care Providers' Experiences and Knowledge Regarding LGBTQ Health in a Midwestern State.

Purpose Health disparities among LGBTQ people have been documented across various settings and recent research has indicated that many disparities are heightened in the context of rurality. Among these disparities is the decreased rate of primary care utilization by rural LGBTQ individuals. Understanding and addressing provider knowledge and attitudes related to LGBTQ health provides a relevant avenue for addressing underutilization. Methods The study presented was a mail-out survey regarding rural primary care providers' knowledge and experiences regarding LGBTQ health. Publicly available records were compiled to recruit a total sample of 113 primary care providers, at a response rate of 19.8%. Findings A majority of respondents reported experience providing care to LGBTQ patients, while only slightly over half had received LGBTQ health education. Data analyses revealed significant associations between reported experiences and patient characteristics including religion, religiousness, age, length of time practicing in current provider role, and gender identity. Provider knowledge of LGBTQ health varied greatly across the items assessed. Provider profession (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) and length of current county residence were significantly predictive of LGBTQ knowledge scores. Conclusion Results provide insight into rural health care for LGBTQ people. Preeminent findings were: (1) an existing need for LGBTQ health education, (2) variation in knowledge across content areas, and (3) association between knowledge, profession, and length of current county residence. Promotion of rural LGBTQ health may benefit by addressing identified gaps in current care.
When campaigns call, who answers? Using observational data to enrich our understanding of phone mobilization

Abstract For decades, campaigns have used phone calls to move voters to the polls. Political scientists have made great strides using field experiments to study whether campaign calls effectively increase turnout. However, due in part to limited access to observational data, some of the most basic questions about this mobilization strategy have gone overlooked. In this paper, we take a step back to provide a rich descriptive analysis of a novel dataset of millions of campaign phone calls made in California during the 2016 election. We use this dataset to shed light on three important questions: Whom do campaigns call? When campaigns call, who answers? Are those who answer more likely to turn out to vote? Our analysis reveals patterns consistent with previous theories, but also sheds light on new patterns. For example, we find that about two-thirds of campaign calls are to landlines, but those who are called on a mobile phone are twice as likely to answer. We conclude by using a matching analysis to examine the relationship between answering the phone and turning out to vote. We find that those who answer the phone are 5.9–6.8 percentage points more likely to turn out to vote. The rich descriptive analysis included in this paper provides empirical validation of prior theories of campaign mobilization, and opens avenues for future field experiment research.
Differential Diagnosis of Pannicular-Based Infiltrate

Lymphocytic infiltrates with prominent involvement of the subcutaneous adipose tissue occur in some entities such as lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, and some cases of gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma. Since these entities show marked differences in prognosis, proper classification is critical.
Discrete Event Simulation

It appears to be the rule rather than the exception that usefully detailed stochastic models are sufficiently complex so that it is extremely difficult or impossible to obtain an exact analytic solution. Simulation is essentially a controlled statistical sampling technique that can be used to study complex stochastic systems when analytic techniques do not suffice. This book concentrates ondiscrete event digital simulationin which the behavior of a specified stochastic system is observed by sampling on a digital computer system and stochastic state transitions occur only at a set of increasing (random) time points.
A General Framework for Channel Domain SVD Clutter Filtering

Eigen-based clutter filtering of Doppler data has demonstrated greater clutter rejection performance than traditional filtering in a number of studies. However, practical translation of these eigen-based techniques to channel domain filtering applications is limited by their high computational burden. To enable efficient eigen-based filtering of channel data, we propose a domain-adaptive filtering framework. This technique involves using a basis set generated from RF data to filter delayed channel data. Preliminary findings suggest that this technique retains superior clutter rejection performance in comparison to conventional techniques.
On the Challenges of Executing Bioinformatic Tools Using a Distributed Cloud Platform

The BioCloud project is an expansive and complex project involving platforms and tools from areas of file storage, containerization, and server hosting. Not the least complex of all of these systems are those used in the handing of the many bioinformatic scripts and tools needed to ensure BioCloud is a service worth the effort. This paper will dive into the design and methods that allow BioCloud to support a large number of tools, to simplify the process of adding additional tools and editing existing scripts, and to be flexible enough to support the bioinformatic script no matter its needs.
Missing the mark? An exploration of targeted campaign advertising's effect on Black political engagement

Extant scholarship on campaign advertising focuses on the effectiveness of microtargeting for Latinxs, women, and religious groups, spending little time on the efficacy of advertisements targeted t...
Building OCR/NER Test Collections

Named entity recognition (NER) identifies spans of text that contain names. Many researchers have reported the results of NER on text created through optical character recognition (OCR) over the past two decades. Unfortunately, the test collections that support this research are annotated with named entities after optical character recognition (OCR) has been run. This means that the collection must be re-annotated if the OCR output changes. Instead by tying annotations to character locations on the page, a collection can be built that supports OCR and NER research without requiring re-annotation when either improves. This means that named entities are annotated on the transcribed text. The transcribed text is all that is needed to evaluate the performance of OCR. For NER evaluation, the tagged OCR output is aligned to the transcriptions the aligned files, creating modified files of each, which are scored. This paper presents a methodology for building such a test collection and releases a collection of Chinese OCR-NER data constructed using the methodology. The paper provides performance baselines for current OCR and NER systems applied to this new collection.
Equity premium prediction and optimal portfolio decision with Bagging

Abstract We propose using the statistical method of Bagging to forecast the equity premium out-of-sample for multivariate regression models. Bagging allows for the flexible and efficient extraction of valuable informational content from a large set of predictors, leading to statistically and economically significant gains relative to not only the historical mean, but also other soft-threshold methods such as forecast combinations and shrinkage estimators in our empirical results. Furthermore, we find that the source of economic gains for Bagging primarily comes from the fact that it encourages the investor to actively manage portfolio by flexibly utilizing short selling or leveraging to better time the market following correctly prognosticated trends. However, other strategies such as forecast combinations keep the equity shares nearly fixed regardless of the predicted market prospect.
Wide Range Highly Efficient Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer System

This paper proposes a wireless power transfer sys- tem with a dynamic positioning mechanism that allows power transfer with high efficiency for a large range of relative position between emitting and receiving coils. The system has a self-alignment feature for tracking the optimum angle to maximize power transfer between both coils. Modeling simulation and experimental results have been presented to validate the proposed system. This dynamic wireless power transfer system is suitable for applications that include ground charging station and a superior dock charging system.
Blocker-Tolerant Wideband Continuous-Time ∆Σ ADC Using Embedded Minimally-Invasive Filtering

This paper proposes a technique to improve the blocker-tolerance of continuous-time ∆Σ modulators (CTDSMs) by embedding a third-order minimally-invasive filter (MIF) in the ∆Σ loop. The noise-transfer-function (NTF) restoration is achieved by re-using the same filter network, eliminating the need for a matched filter. We present detailed system-level analysis and design choices. We also present simulation results of the proposed technique on a 170 MHz BW, 11-bit ENOB, 4th-order cascaded-integrator-feed-forward (CIFF) loop-filter based CTDSM with loop filter and DACs implemented at the schematic level in a 40nm CMOS technology.
DATA QUALITY IN FINANCIAL PLANNING - AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT BASED ON BENFORD'S LAW

Planning Processes play an important role in almost any business scenario. In particular, induced by the financial crisis, financial planning as a foundation for liquidity management is paid extraordinary attention to. Its quality and reliability is usually ensured by the use of information systems. Besides process efficiency, a key factor in liquidity management is the quality of the delivered planning data. More recently, business intelligence measures to increase data quality, for instance, realized through decision support services, find their way into the planning process. In this paper, we lay the foundation to include digital analyses of reported financial planning numbers into automated decision support services. In this vein, our contribution is twofold: First, based on a large and representative data set from a renowned, multinational enterprise, we empirically prove that financial planning numbers exhibit a certain, characteristic digit distribution, namely, Benford’s Law. Second, we investigate whether decision support services that incorporate intelligence based on Benford’s Law are appropriate to increase perceived financial planning data quality. This question is tackled via analyses that relate detailed properties of the delivered data to Benford’s Law as a prerequisite for the integration of automated decision support services into business intelligence systems.
Managerial Incentives and Risk-taking

This paper provides empirical evidence of a strong causal relation between the structure of managerial compensation and investment policy, debt policy, and firm risk. Controlling for CEO pay-performance sensitivity (delta) and the feedback effects of firm policy and risk on the structure of the managerial compensation scheme, we find that higher sensitivity of CEO wealth to stock volatility (vega) implements riskier policy choices, including relatively more investment in R&D, less investment in property, plant and equipment, more focus on fewer lines of business, and higher leverage. At the same time, we find that riskier policy choices in general lead to compensation structure with higher vega and lower delta. Stock-return volatility, however, has a positive effect on both vega and delta.
Can Physical Tools that Adapt their Shape based on a Learner’s Performance Help in Motor Skill Training?

Adaptive tools that can change their shape to support users with motor tasks have been used in a variety of applications, such as to improve ergonomics and support muscle memory. In this paper, we investigate whether shape-adapting tools can also help in motor skill training. In contrast to static training tools that maintain task difficulty at a fixed level during training, shape-adapting tools can vary task difficulty and thus keep learners’ training at the optimal challenge point, where the task is neither too easy, nor too difficult. To investigate whether shape adaptation helps in motor skill training, we built a study prototype in the form of an adaptive basketball stand that works in three conditions: (1) static, (2) manually adaptive, and (3) auto-adaptive. For the auto-adaptive condition, the tool adapts to train learners at the optimal challenge point where the task is neither too easy nor too difficult. Results from our two user studies show that training in the auto-adaptive condition leads to statistically significant learning gains when compared to the static (F1, 11 = 1.856, p
Technology and Inquiry-Based Instructional Methods: A Design Case in Student-Centered Online Course Design

Although online course design is no longer new, few design cases describe the development of entire courses based on principles of student-centered learning design. This design case chronicles the context, design challenges, and successes and failures of a graduate course on Technology & Inquiry-based Instructional Methods for an online master’s program in educational technology at a regional university in the southwestern United States.
Tolerance, Multiculturalism and the Search for National Unity

Contemporary views of African states paint pictures of nation-states where the right not to tolerate the intolerant is erroneously applied, with varying degrees of decrials of supposedly intolerant groups by political and religious leaders. Karl Popper advocates a notion of limited toleration, with a dictum, “Do not tolerate the intolerant”. This paper contends that such applications result in state-sanctioned suppression of alternate views, some of which are based on ideologies that require critically rational discourse. Without discounting genuine cases of intolerant groups whose intolerance should not be tolerated, this paper asserts that consistent and universal applications of the right to be intolerant of intolerance should be discouraged; rather, a consistent engagement with intolerant groups should be undertaken with a view to ascertaining which among such intolerant groups are truly intolerant, and which are genuinely advocating for mutual recognition and respect.
An Initial Investigation Into the Feasibility of the Communication Matrix Professional Development Program for Educational Professionals Working With Students With Complex Communication Needs.

Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the initial feasibility of the Communication Matrix Professional Development Program (CMPDP), an online program created to help educational profess...
Hindi Cinema: Repeating the Subject

Introduction 1. Structure, Event and Liminal Practices in Recent Hindi Films 2. Imagining the Past in the Present: Violence, Gender, and Citizenship in Hindi Films 3. The Man Formerly Known as the Actor: When Shah Rukh Khan Reappeared as Himself 4. Romancing Religion: Bollywood's Painless Globalization 5. Love Triangles at Home and Abroad: Male Embodiment as Queer Enactment
Stem cell transplantation as a therapy for cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is a fundamental constituent of most cardiac pathologies and represents the upshot of nearly all types of cardiac injury. Generally, fibrosis is a scarring process, characterized by accumulation of fibroblasts and deposition of increasing amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the myocardium. Therapeutic approaches that control fibroblast activity and evade maladaptive processes could represent a potential strategy to attenuate progression towards heart failure. Currently, cell therapy is actively perceived as an alternative to traditional pharmacological management of myocardial infarction (MI). The majority of the studies applying stem cell therapy following MI have demonstrated a decline in fibrosis. However, it was not clearly recognized whether the decline in cardiac fibrosis was due to replacement of dead cardiomyocytes or because of the direct effects of paracrine factors released from the transplanted stem cells on the ECM. Therefore, the main focus of this review is to discuss the impact of different types of stem cells on cardiac fibrosis and associated cardiac remodelling in a variety of experimental models of heart failure, particularly MI.
A Defect in the Intramolecular and Intermolecular Cross-linking of Collagen Caused by Penicillamine I. METABOLIC AND FUNCTIONAL ABNORMALITIES IN SOFT TISSUES

Abstract The administration of penicillamine to rats causes an accumulation of soluble collagen in soft tissues. The preponderance of α components in the tropocollagen subunits isolated indicates a lack of intramolecular cross-links, while the marked solubility of the collagen fibers in 0.5 m NaCl reflects the absence of covalent intermolecular bonds. Penicillamine does not affect the rate of synthesis of tropocollagen, but blocks almost quantitatively the formation of new insoluble collagen. In addition, it accelerates the turnover of the pre-existing insoluble material by presumably cleaving intermolecular bonds, which stabilize the fibrous structure. It will inhibit or retard fibrillogenesis in vitro, or cause a redissolution of the formed fibers upon cooling, depending on its concentration in the medium.
Automatic detection of the magnitude and spatial location of error in non-rigid registration

Non-rigid image registration is used pervasively in medical image analysis for applications ranging from anatomical and functional studies to surgical assistance. Error in specific instances of a non-rigid registration process, however, is often not determined. In this paper, we propose a method to determine the magnitude and spatial location of error in non-rigid registration. The method is independent of the registration method and similarity measure used. We show that our algorithm is capable of detecting the distribution and magnitude of registration error in a simulated case. Using real data, our algorithm also is able to identify registration error that is consistent with error that can be seen visually.
Staging and Management of High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is among the most common malignancies in the USA and among Caucasians. Most patients with CSCC have an excellent prognosis. However, there is a high-risk subset that carries an elevated risk of local recurrence, nodal metastasis, and death. Treatment modalities for local disease are highly effective and even early nodal disease is highly curable; however, once uncontrollable loco-regional disease or distant metastasis develops, survival is significantly diminished. Current tumor staging systems for CSCC have limitations and clinicians have little evidence to guide decisions regarding nodal staging and adjuvant therapy. The aim of this review is to highlight the identification and management of high-risk CSCCs, discuss the pitfalls of current staging systems, and introduce novel alternative staging systems for CSCC that have been proposed in recent years.
Pyrophosphorylases in Solanum tuberosum (IV. Purification, Tissue Localization, and Physicochemical Properties of UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase)

The enzyme UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) from potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Norchip) tubers was purified 177-fold to near homogeneity and to a specific activity of 1099 international units/mg of protein. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was 53 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration. Immunological and activity assays detected UGPase at similar levels in potato stems, stolons, and tubers. Leaves and roots contained lower levels of UGPase activity and protein. Lineweaver-Burk plots for substrates inorganic pyrophosphate and UDP-glucose were linear in the pyrophosphorolytic direction, yielding Km values of 0.13 and 0.14 mM, respectively. However, Lineweaver-Burk plots for the substrates glucose-1-P and UTP were biphasic in nature when UGPase was assayed in the direction of UDP-glucose synthesis. At physiological substrate concentrations (i.e. from 0.05–0.20 mM), Km values of 0.08 mM (glucose-1-P) and 0.12mM (UTP) were obtained. When substrate concentrations increased above 0.20 mM, Km values increased to 0.68 mM (glucose-1-P) and 0.53 mM (UTP). These kinetic patterns of potato UGPase suggest a “negative cooperative effect” (A. Conway, D.E. Koshland, Jr. [1968] Biochemistry 7: 4011–4022) with respect to the substrates glucose-1-P and UTP. The biphasic substrate saturation curves were similar to the kinetics of the dimeric form of UGPase purified from Salmonella typhimurium (T. Nakae [1971] J Biol Chem 246: 4404–4411). The in vivo significance of the enzyme9s “negative cooperativity” in the direction of UDP-glucose synthesis and potato sweetening is discussed.
Selective electrolytic fluorinations in 70% HF/30% pyridine

Abstract The selective fluorination of compounds containing benzylic hydrogen atoms was accomplished by electrolysis in a mixture of 70% HF and 30% pyridine (Olah's reagent) using a square wave alternating current (1.76–2.75 V, 0.02–0.05 Hz) and Pt electrodes. This method can be used in the laboratory to prepare conveniently gram-size quantities of monofluorinated products. An ion radical mechanism has been proposed.
Data Preprocessor and Compactor for the Soudan 2 Nucleon Decay Experimet

This paper describes a prototype preprocessor data-compaction system for the Soudan 2 proton decay search experiment. The Soudan 2 experiment will have nore than three million potential data words per event to examine, while less than one percent of these data words will have valid data for typical events. In an effort to reduce the amuount of data to be stored and analyzed, a data preprocessor was developed which scans the data words. If a data word is valid (ADC count above a preset threshold), that data word is passed to the host computer for experiment monitoring and storage on magnetic tape. To obtain fast data compression, a hardware comparator is used. The hardware comparator places valid data into a FIFO (first in first out stack) where the host computer can acquire the data through CAMAC. The comparator and FIFO are controlled by a inicroprocessor (8086 CPU), and the microprocessor is programnmed for decisionmaking and comnmunication between the compactor, CAMAC, the host computer and a local terminal.
Utilization of ammonium nitrogen for growth and toxin production by a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

SummaryThe utilization of inorganic nitrogen in addition to organic nitrogen by the Toronto Strain of Park-Williams no. 8 Coryne-bacterium diphtheriae has been investigated. Ammonium nitrogen in the form of a simple ammonium salt (ammonium sulfate) is shown to be utilized by the organism. For optimum growth and toxin production on chemically defined medium, suitable concentrations of sodium glutamate and ammonium Sulfate, or ammonium glutamate are required.
A Vortex Lifting Line Method for the Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

The present paper utilizes an earlier analytical wake model, which essentially applies to helicopter load analysis, to determine the performance of horizontal axis wind turbines. The advantage of this method is that it makes use of an integrated version of the Biot-Savart law for each part of the wake and thereby avoids some of the numerical difficulties present in the Biot-Savart law. Numerical computations were performed for a number of two-bladed rotor geometries and operating conditions. Results were compared with experimental data as well as with predictions of a full free wake method. Good overall agreement with both was observed.
A model for assessing wildlife habitats in urban landscapes of eastern Pima County, Arizona (USA)

The loss of large natural areas due to development has increased interest for and use of vegetated areas in urban and suburban areas for wildlife habitats. The goal of this study was to quantify vegetation characteristics for each type of land cover found in the greater Tucson, Arizona area, thereby providing a predictive tool for wildlife management and other land management issues. This research was based on and is a continuation of a pilot study that developed a method associating land cover categories to aerial photographs in eastern Pima County, including the City of Tucson. Aggregation of land cover categories used by Tucson and Pima County and verifications of any uncertain classifications of land cover with field evaluations produced a consistent land cover classification system and database. Natural open space was the largest land cover category within our study area, comprising 52% of the total land cover. Riparian areas, low-density housing and natural open space areas had the highest percentage of native vegetation and escape cover. Golf and neighborhood parks ranked much lower than these land covers relative to native vegetation and escape cover (vegetation with foliage/stems at ground level). The most structurally diverse plant communities were associated with medium density residential areas and zoos that contain a relatively high number of exotic species. Results from the wildlife habitats index indicated riparian areas as the most valuable habitats in eastern Pima County (the county where Tucson is located), followed by low-density housing (≤1 residence/acre), natural open space, and federal/state parks and forests.
A multi-ball drive for omni-directional mobility

In this paper, the concept of replacing the standard wheel, which is used by most ground vehicles today, by a spherical ball drive system is explored. The aim is to develop a practical and agile omnidirectional mobility platform which can especially be useful for applications related to mobile ground robotics. The paper discusses some of the advantages and drawbacks of using balls instead of wheels and the challenges involved in trying to implement a ball drive system. As a proof-of-concept a functional prototype vehicle that utilizes balls for mobility has been developed and successfully tested. 3D printing technology was utilized in the development of the prototype to fabricate some of the more intricate components of the design. Some of the lessons learned during the design, development, and testing of this prototype as well as some of the solutions implemented to tackle the challenges in developing a working prototype are also discussed. The paper shows that while there are numerous design challenges in developing a mobile platform driven by balls instead of wheels, once these challenges are overcome, the result can be a mobile platform with highly agile maneuvering capabilities. These maneuvering capabilities may especially be useful for simplifying navigation tasks and enhancing the mobility capabilities of mobile ground robots.
Data generation and analysis using spreadsheets

The pages ofBehaviorResearch Methods, Instruments, & Computers contain many references to and descriptions of instructional programs that generate results (quantita­ tive data) resembling data that might be collected under a variety of experimental manipulations (e.g., Eamon, 1980; Fischler, 1980; Keenan & Keller, 1980; Levy & Durnin, 1981; Stout, 1974). Virtually all of these pro­ grams generate random data from a distribution (usually normal) with a mean and variance determined by some theoretical model. These programs were among the earli­ est applications of computers in teaching experimental and cognitive psychology, and they have proven to be valuable instructional devices over the years (see Castellan, 1983). Instructors who wish to use such generated data primar­ ily to demonstrate a statistical procedure or to show the effects of the manipulation of various statistical parame­ ters, however, will encounter difficulties with most of these programs. There are a variety of reasons: the level of measurement may be inappropriate, the models used may be especially complex or contain "hidden" variables (e.g., some of the EXPERSIM models), it may be diffi­ cult to create the appropriate design within the model, finding a statistically significant difference may require too many data points for a classroom computational dem­ onstration, the programs may take a long time to run, and so on. Furthermore, although most ofthese programs al­ low the instructor to manipulate the means and variances ofthe data generator so that they will generate usable data, doing so frequently involves a complicated series of steps­ often, the creation of an entirely new model. Even when a new model can be created "on the fly," other problems remain. A particularly important consideration in creating problems for use as classroom examples in teaching sta­ tistics is that the instructor may want to simplify compu
Structural and spectroscopic studies on 1-(p-N,N-diethylanilino)naphthalene: A compound with an intramolecular charge transfer state

Abstract An X-ray crystal structure of 1-( p -N,N-diethylanilino)naphthalene, I , shows twisting between the two aromatic moieties (θ = 58.7° ). Excitation of I in solution with near ultraviolet radiation leads to a highly solvatochromic fluorescence. The emitting state is estimated to have a dipole moment of 10–14 D which is consistent with a radical cation (aniline as the donor)/radical anion (naphthalene as the acceptor) description. Excellent agreement is observed between the energy of the fluorescence in acetonitrile (2.71 eV) and the calculated energy of the radical cation/radical anion state (2.78 eV) in polar media.
Economic Values of Increasingly Rare and Endangered Fish

Abstract This paper discusses the types of economic benefits that rare and endangered fish provide members of the general public, and a survey method increasingly used to measure those benefits. The paper also presents results from recent surveys that have attempted to elicit the economic values the public holds for rare and endangered fish. These surveys indicate that citizens would pay US$4–$9 per year to increase stream flows and restore habitat of species such as the Colorado squawfish and $30–$60 per year for increasing populations of Pacific Northwest salmon. Validation of market simulations shows that Montana resident anglers donated on average $2 and nonresident anglers $12 to The Nature Conservancy to increase flows in one river for the Arctic grayling and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. A large portion of the dollar values reflect the benefits citizens derive from simply knowing the abundance of these species will be increased and available for future generations. Legislators, policy makers, and so...
On the size of maximal antichains and the number of pairwise disjoint maximal chains

Fix integers n and k with n>=k>=3. Duffus and Sands proved that if P is a finite poset and n@?|C|@?n+(n-k)/(k-2) for every maximal chain in P, then P must contain k pairwise disjoint maximal antichains. They also constructed a family of examples to show that these inequalities are tight. These examples are two-dimensional which suggests that the dual statement may also hold. In this paper, we show that this is correct. Specifically, we show that if P is a finite poset and n@?|A|@?n+(n-k)/(k-2) for every maximal antichain in P, then P has k pairwise disjoint maximal chains. Our argument actually proves a somewhat stronger result, and we are able to show that an analogous result holds for antichains.
Grandmothers as kinship caregivers: private arrangements compared to public child welfare oversight

Abstract This study examined 373 grandmothers providing full care for their grandchild(ren) informally (private kinship care) and 208 awarded custody through the child welfare system (public kinship care). Public kinship caregivers were 2.7 times more likely to provide care because of parental drug use and almost 60% more likely because of child neglect. Private kinship caregivers had provided care for a longer time and were more apt to share decision-making with the child's parent. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of private grandmother caregivers—over 40%—assumed care because of maternal drug use or neglect of their grandchild. Findings imply that child welfare successfully targets families at risk, although many private providers have similar problems and service needs.
Determination of 17-ketosteroids and adrenocortical steroids by gradient elution chromatography on a silicic acid column.

Abstract Analysis of mixtures of corticosteroids and ketosteroids are of prime importance in steroid research. A combined method for the partition chromatography of corticosteroids and ketosteroids on a single column is described. The two classes of steroids are partially separated by using a linear gradient elution program of petroleum ether and dichloromethane on a 60% water/silicic acid column. Although the corticosteroids are not completely separated from the 17-ketosteroids, their subsequent analysis by thin layer techniques is greatly facilitated by this method. The effect of varying the elution program on the elution pattern of the ketosteroids is also described.
SU-E-T-40: Is Accurate 3D Dosimetry Possible When Using Optical-CT Readout with Low (or Without) Refractive Index Matching Fluids?

Purpose: Achieving accurate optical‐CT 3D dosimetry without the use of viscous refractive index (RI) matching fluids would greatly increase convenience. This work evaluates various potential ‘dry‐scan’ optical‐CT configurations (including parallel, point, and converging light‐ray geometries) through computer simulations. Methods: Three surrounding refractive media were investigated: air, water, and a fluid closely matched to PRESAGE™ (n=1.00,1.33,1.49). Reconstructions performed using both filtered‐back‐projection (FBP) and algebraic‐reconstruction‐technique (ART). For each media, the efficacy of the three configurations and the two algorithms was evaluated by calculating usable radius (i.e. the outermost radius where data was accurate to within 2%), and gamma analysis. This definition recognizes that, for optical‐CT imaging, errors are greatest near the edge of the dosimeter where refraction can be most pronounced. Simulations were performed on three types of dose distribution: uniform, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and brachytherapy (Cs‐137). Results: Uniformly irradiated dosimeter useable radius recovered using FBP was 68% for water‐matching, and 31% for air‐matching (dry‐scanning). ART gave useable radii of 99% for both water and dry‐scanning, indicating greater recovery of useful data for the uniform distribution. FBP and ART performed equally well for a VMAT dose distribution where less dose is delivered near the edge of the dosimeter (useable radius of 86% and 53% for water and dry‐scanning respectively). Brachytherapy useable radius recovered using FBP was 99% and 98% for water and dry‐scanning respectively, and a major decrease was seen with ART. Point‐source geometry provided 1–2% larger usable radii than parallel. Converging geometry recovered up to 10% reduced useable radii than point and parallel. Conclusion: For applications where dose information is not required in the periphery of the dosimeter, some dry and low‐viscous matching configurations may be feasible. When dosimetry is required on the periphery, best results were obtained using close refractive matching and ART.
Correction of a human beta S-globin gene by gene targeting.

Abstract As a step toward using gene targeting for gene therapy, we have corrected a human beta S-globin gene to the normal beta A allele by homologous recombination in the mouse-human hybrid cell line BSM. BSM is derived from a mouse erythroleukemia cell line and carries a single human chromosome 11 with the beta S-globin allele. A beta A-globin targeting construct containing a unique oligomer and a neomycin-resistance gene was electroporated into the BSM cells, which were then placed under G418 selection. Then 126 resulting pools containing a total of approximately 29,000 G418-resistant clones were screened by PCR for the presence of a targeted recombinant: 3 positive pools were identified. A targeted clone was isolated by replating one of the positive pools into smaller pools and rescreening by PCR, followed by dilution cloning. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the isolated clone had been targeted as planned. The correction of the beta S allele to beta A was confirmed both by allele-specific PCR and by allele-specific antibodies. Expression studies comparing the uninduced and induced RNA levels in unmodified BSM cells and in the targeted clone showed no significant alteration in the ability of the targeted clone to undergo induction, despite the potentially disrupting presence of a transcriptionally active neomycin gene 5' to the human beta A-globin gene. Thus gene targeting can correct a beta S allele to beta A, and the use of a selectable helper gene need not significantly interfere with the induction of the corrected gene.
The Effect of Anthralin and its Derivatives on Epidermal Cell Kinetics

An attempt was made to clarify the effect of anthralin on epidermal cell kinetics. Commercial anthralin powder was separated by column chromatography into three components: pure anthralin, 1,8-dihydroxyanthroquinone, and anthralin dimer. The effect of these on the diurnal mitotic variation and the cell cycle of the hairless mouse epidermis was studied. Neither anthroquinone nor the anthralin dimer had any influence on these parameters. Both the chromatographically pure and commercial anthralins had similar effects. Mitotic activity was considerably reduced, although not to zero, with concomitant elimination of the diurnal peak. The G 2 , and S phases of the cell cycle were approximately doubled in length. Application of the pure and commercial anthralin also resulted in some irritation not seen with either the anthroquinone or dimer.