cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of wavelet coherence to assess two-joint coordination during quiet upright stance

Abstract Joint coordination plays a critical role in maintaining postural stability, yet there is limited existing work describing joint coordination patterns in the time–frequency domain. Here, two-joint coordination was examined during quiet upright stance. A wavelet coherence method was applied to quantify the coherence between ankle–trunk and ankle–head angles in the sagittal and frontal planes. Wavelet coherence results indicated intermittent joint coordination particularly for frequencies of 2.5–4.0 Hz. Coherence results were further processed to estimate mean time intervals between coherence instances, coherence burst frequency, and the ratio of in-phase versus anti-phase behaviors. Time intervals between intermittent coherence were 1.3–1.5 sec, coherence burst frequency was ~0.4 Hz, and phase ratios were ~1.0. Intermittent “bursting” of postural muscles may account for the finding of intermittent coherence in the noted frequency band. Some age and/or gender differences in coherence were found, and may be related to comparable differences in postural control ability or strategies. Results from application of this new method support earlier evidence that kinematic coordination is achieved intermittently rather than continuously during quiet upright stance. This method may provide richer information regarding such coordination, and could be a useful approach in future studies.
A novel disrupter of telomere silencing 1-like (DOT1L) interaction is required for signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-activated gene expression.

JAK-STAT-activated gene expression is both rapid and transient and requires dynamic post-translational modification of the chromatin template. Previously, we showed that following IFN-γ treatment, trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 (H3K79me3) is rapidly and highly induced in the 5′-end of the STAT1-dependent gene interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), but the role of this histone modification was unexplored. Here we report that DOT1L, the non-SET domain containing methyltransferase that modifies Lys-79, is localized across IRF1 in the uninduced state and is not further recruited by IFN-γ induction. RNAi-mediated depletion of DOT1L prevents the induction of H3K79me3 and lowers the transcription of IRF1 2-fold, as expected. Surprisingly, STAT1 binding to its DNA recognition element near the IRF1 promoter is diminished 2-fold in the DOT1L-depleted cell line. In vivo and in vitro protein interaction assays reveal a DOT1L-STAT1 interaction. Domain mapping identifies the middle region of DOT1L (amino acids 580–1183) as the STAT1 interaction domain. Overexpression of the DOT1L STAT1 interaction domain represses IRF1 transcription (2-fold) and interferes with STAT1 DNA binding at IRF1 and endogenous DOT1L histone methyltransferase activity. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel STAT1-DOT1L interaction that is required for the regulation JAK-STAT-inducible gene expression.
Idiotypic network interactions

When Niels Jerne in 1974 proposed the existence of an idiotype network ~ in the immune system the essential factual ingredients for the synthesis of a general theory were already on hand. A definition of idiotypy had been given by Oudin2; Nisonoff's, 3 and Potter's 4 groups had started to define idiotypic markers on murine myeloma proteins or induced antibodies. In 1972 Cosenza and K6hler 5, and simultaneously and independently Nisonoff 6, used for the first time antiidiotypic antibody to suppress specifically the expression of a dominant idiotype from an induced response. In 1974 K6hler's group 7 used anti-idiotypic antibody administered to neonatal mice to suppress the expression of the T15 idiotype specifically. At the same time Kluskens and K6hler 8 demonstrated the spontaneous appearance of 'auto'-anti-idiotypic antibodies during the course of a normal immune response. After the work on B-cell idiotypes had already made good progress, Binz and Wigzell 9 began to accumulate evidence for the existence of idiotypes on T cells. Eichmann t° also demonstrated T cells recognizing Bcell idiotypes and Julius and co-workerd ~ showed in the T 15 system that B and T cells can carry the same idiotype. Thus, by late 1970 most of the key experiments and essential findings necessary to support Jerne's network theory had been made. In the 1980s we can expect to see a high-resolution analysis of idiotypic interactions in the regulation of the immune response and to obtain a good correlation of the idiotypicalty expressed repertoire with the gene repertoire.
Laminar optical tomography : high-resolution 3D functional imaging of superficial tissues

Laminar Optical Tomography (LOT) is a new medical imaging modality for high-resolution, depth-resolved, functional imaging of superficial tissue such as rodent cortex, skin and the retina. LOT uses visible laser light to image to depths of >2mm (far deeper than microscopy) and is highly sensitive to absorption and fluorescence contrast, enabling spectroscopic functional information such as hemoglobin oxygenation to be imaged with 100-200 micron resolution. LOT has been used to image the hemodynamic response to stimulus in the somatosensory cortex of rats. The resulting three-dimensional (3D) images through the depth of the cortex can be used to delineate the arterial, capillary and venous responses, revealing new information about the intricacies of the oxygenation and blood flow dynamics related to neuronal activation. Additional applications of LOT are being explored, including the integration of 3D Voltage Sensitive Dye fluorescence imaging. LOT imaging uses a system similar to a confocal microscope, quickly scanning a focused beam of light over the surface of the tissue (~8Hz frame rate). Light is detected from both the focus of the scanning beam, and also at increasing distances from the beam’s focus. This scattered light has penetrated more deeply into the tissue, and allows features at different depths to be distinguished. An algorithm that includes photon migration modeling of light scattering converts the raw data into 3D images. The motivation for functional optical imaging will be outlined, the basic principles of LOT imaging will be described, and the latest in-vivo results will be presented.
Silicon nitride-nickel joints through diffusion bonding

Abstract Diffusion bonding of Si3N4 to Ni under low vacuum conditions was studied. The joint interfaces were analysed in terms of microstructure, elemental diffusion, chemical reactions and mechanical properties. The mechanisms involved in the bonding process were investigated and related to the characteristics of the starting material, to the adopted experimental conditions and to the joint fracture strength. Interdiffusion and intrinsic diffusion coefficients of the elements involved (Ni, Si) in the diffusion process and the relative activation energies were calculated. The expected formation of brittle silicides at the interface was avoided through the use of relatively short soaking times and small applied pressures. A high flexural strength value was obtained (maximum value 473 MPa).
The Predictive Validity of Measures of Teacher Candidate Programs and Performance: Toward an Evidence-Based Approach to Teacher Preparation

Calls for evidence-based reform of teacher preparation programs (TPPs) suggest the question: Do the current indicators of progress and performance used by TPPs predict effectiveness of their graduates when they become teachers? In this study, the indicators of progress and performance used by one program are examined for their ability to predict value-added scores of program graduates. The study finds that rating instruments, including disposition surveys, clinical practice observation ratings, and portfolio assessments, each measure a single underlying dimension rather than the multiple constructs they were designed to measure. Neither these instruments nor teacher candidates’ scores on standardized exams predict their later effectiveness in the classroom based on value-added models of student achievement. Candidates’ grade point averages during their preparation program and number of math courses were positively associated with their students’ math score gains. These findings suggest a need for better i...
Seed protein polymorphism in Phlox pilosa (Polemoniaceae)

A survey of seed protein profiles inP. pilosa revealed three bands in addition to the typical complement in northern Illinois and Indiana populations. One of the novel proteins has the same (fast) migration velocity as a protein in the standard complement ofP. glaberrima. Both of these proteins hybridize with one of the standardP. pilosa proteins to produce two additional bands. The fast protein varies in frequency between populations and is most prevalent in areas where there is the greatest potential for hybridization withP. glaberrima. These data suggest that the fast band ofP. pilosa may have been introduced fromP. glaberrima despite strong incompatibility barriers, and increased in frequency through selective accumulation.
Ethics in prion disease

This paper is intended to discuss some of the scientific and ethical issues that are created by increased research efforts towards earlier diagnosis, as well as to treatment of, human prion diseases (and related dementias), including the resulting consequences for individuals, their families, and society. Most patients with prion disease currently are diagnosed when they are about 2/3 of the way through their disease course (Geschwind et al., 2010a; Paterson et al., 2012b), when the disease has progressed so far that even treatments that stop the disease process would probably have little benefit. Although there are currently no treatments available for prion diseases, we and others have realized that we must diagnose patients earlier and with greater accuracy so that future treatments have hope of success. As approximately 15% of prion diseases have a autosomal dominant genetic etiology, this further adds to the complexity of ethical issues, particularly regarding when to conduct genetic testing, release of genetic results, and when or if to implement experimental therapies. Human prion diseases are both infectious and transmissible; great care is required to balance the needs of the family and individual with both public health needs and strained hospital budgets. It is essential to proactively examine and address the ethical issues involved, as well as to define and in turn provide best standards of care.
Sorbent regenerative hemodialysis as a potential cause of acute hypercapnia.

Commercially available sorbent regenerative hemodialysis systems offer a convenient method of either acetate or bicarbonate hemodialysis. Sorbent dialysis requires only a small volume of dialysate (5 to 6 liters), which is continuously regenerated (production of "fresh" dialysate from that containing uremic solutes) by a cartridge containing urease, anion and cation exchangers, and activated charcoal. The convenience of bicarbonate hemodialysis and the small dialysate volume in this system makes sorbent regenerative hemodialysis particularly suited for intensive care units. In fact, this system has been recommended for critically ill patients [1]. Carbon dioxide is known to be generated during sorbent regenerative hemodialysis, but the magnitude and potential consequences of this carbon dioxide production in altering acid-base homeostasis has not been evaluated [2–4]. Our interest in acid-base changes during sorbent dialysis was stimulated after observing profound acute respiratory acidosis in a mechanically ventilated patient during hemodialysis with this system. We, then, prospectively evaluated acid-base changes during sorbent regenerative hemodialysis in 15 patients.
Yarkovsky Thermal Drag on LAGEOS

Based on a thermal model including the radiative heat transfer between the retroreflector, its mounting rings, and the aluminum cavity in which it sits, it is estimated that thermal drag accounts for about 70 percent of the observed average drag on the LAGEOS satellite. It is found that neutral particle drag accounts for about 13 percent of the average drag, with charged particle drag accounting for at least 5 percent. It is suggested that the remaining 12 percent is probably due to charged particle drag as well.
Mutational analysis of the angiotensin type 2 receptor: contribution of conserved amino acids in the region of the sixth transmembrane domain

Angiotensin II (AngII) mediates its physiological actions through two receptor subtypes: the Type 1 (AT1) and Type 2 (AT2) receptors. The subtypes have identical affinities for AngII, while sharing only 34% homology. Mutagenesis has focused mainly on the AT1 receptor, identifying residues important for AngII binding. In contrast, relatively little is known of the binding mechanism of the AT2 receptor. It has been hypothesized that residues that are conserved between the two subtypes that have been shown to be important in the AT1 receptor may also contribute to AngII binding in the AT2 receptor as well. To test this hypothesis, the role of two conserved residues in the sixth transmembrane domain of the AT2 receptor in ligand binding were investigated: tryptophan 269 and aspartate 279. In contrast to the AT1 receptor, mutation of Trp269 in the AT2 receptor to an alanine had no effect on AngII binding, while mutation of Asp279 to alanine similarly impaired AngII binding in both receptors. However, the more sterically conservative substitution of Asp279 to asparagine in the AT2 receptor showed near wild type affinity. Based on this finding, we mutated Asp263 in the AT1 receptor to asparagine. Subsequent studies indicated that this more conservative mutation had no effect on AngII binding to the AT1 receptor. Collectively, these results demonstrate that although there may be commonalities in ligand binding between the AT1 and AT2 AngII receptors, there are also clear differences.
Sexual Intercourse and Pregnancy Among African American Girls in High-Poverty Neighborhoods: The Role of Family and Perceived Community Environment

Data are used from a random sample of African American families in impoverished Chicago neighborhoods to address two questions: How well do modeling, supervision, and marital transition hypotheses explain the relationship between family structure and early sexual debut and pregnancy for disadvantaged Black female adolescents? Do higher levels of social support from parents and neighborhood adults decrease the risk of sexual activity for youth in poor communities? Support for each hypothesis is contingent upon the family transition experienced and specific sexual outcome examined. Living in any type of married household reduces the risk of sexual debut and pregnancy. Stronger parent-child relationships are associated with delayed sexual onset, whereas the risk of pregnancy is reduced when adolescents report more working adults in their social networks.
The unique decline of mortality in revolutionary France.

This article seeks to draw historians' attention to a neglected reconstruction of the French population and its mortality rates developed by the Institut National d'Etudes Demographiques in the 1970s. The reconstruction shows a sharp decline in French mortality rates, beginning in the 1790s and continuing through the 1820s. This conflicts with recent historiography stressing the negative effects of the Revolution. This article contends that the reconstruction is plausible and that the French mortality decline was unique in Europe in this period. In turn, this suggests that the Revolution had a much more favorable impact than many historians would have us believe.
Dynamics of Oxygen Uptake for Submaximal Exercise and Recovery in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Study design and objectives Attainment of a steady state for oxygen uptake ( V ˙ o 2 ) during constant work rate exercise has been reported to take longer for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) compared with normal. The steady state is also delayed in normal subjects during high-intensity exercise compared with moderate exercise, however, and the delay correlates with the degree of associated lactic acidosis. To determine whether prolonged kinetics of V ˙ o 2 are attributable solely to the reduction of exercise capacity in CHF, V ˙ o 2 kinetics were compared for patients with CHF and normal subjects, both for exercise of matched absolute work rate and for matched relative work intensity. Subjects Eighteen men with CHF and 10 normal men. Methods and results Subjects performed 6 min of constant work rate cycle ergometry with breath-by-breath measurement of V ˙ o 2 . Patients were studied using 25 W, and a work rate midway between the lactic acidosis threshold and maximal capacity (50 percent A). Normal subjects were tested similarly, and also at a work rate matched to the patients’ average 50 percent A work rate. The V ˙ o 2 kinetics were characterized by the mean response time (MRT) to attain the 6 min V ˙ o 2 value. Rates of recovery of V ˙ o 2 were analyzed for 2 min following exercise. For the same absolute work rate, V ˙ o 2 MRTs were significantly longer for patients than controls (25 W, 67±26 vs 37±25 s; ˜60 W, 87±20 vs 54±27 s), but there was no significant difference in V ˙ o 2 MRT between the two groups at a matched intensity of 50 percent A (87±20 vs 81±18 s). However, the decrease in V ˙ o 2 during 2 min of recovery was slower for the patients on all comparisons, even for matched exercise intensity. Conclusion The V ˙ o 2 dynamics for submaximal exercise are slowed in CHF. The slower dynamics are not entirely accounted for by the relatively higher intensity of a given work rate, since delayed recovery is evident even at a matched relative work intensity. Exercise intolerance in CHF is characterized not only by decreased maximal exercise capacity, but also by slower adaptations to and from submaximal levels of exercise.
Hydroxymethylbilane synthase : complete genomic sequence and amplifiable polymorphisms in the human gene

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an autosomal dominant inborn error of heme biosynthesis, results from the half-normal activity of the heme biosynthetic enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMB-synthase). Heterozygous individuals are prone to life-threatening acute neurologic attacks, which are precipitated by certain drugs and other metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors. Since the biochemical diagnosis of heterozygous individuals has been problematic, recent efforts have focused on the identification of mutations and diagnostically useful restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the HMB-synthase gene. To facilitate these endeavors, the human HMB-synthase gene, including 1.1 kg of the 5' flanking region, was isolated and completely sequenced in both orientations. The 10,024-bp gene contained 15 exons ranging in size from 39 to 438 bp and 14 introns ranging from 87 to 2913 bp. All intron/exon boundaries conformed to the GT/AG consensus rule. There were six Alu repetitive elements, one of the J and five of the Sa subfamilies. Analysis of the 1.1-kb 5' flanking region revealed putative regulatory elements for the housekeeping promoter including AP1, AP4, SP1, TRE, ENH, and CAC. This region contained 10 HpaII sites and had an overall GC content of 54%. Intron 1, which contained the erythroid-specific promoter, had putative regulatory motifs for NF-1, NF-E1, NF-E1(b), NF-E2, AP1, AP4, TOPO, CAAC, CAC, CAAT, and TATA. The locations and variant nucleotides for the known RFLPs in intron 1 were identified [MspI, nucleotide 1345 G/A; PstI, 1500 C/T; ApaLI, 2377 C/A; and BstNI, 2479 G/A] and improved polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods for each were established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Personality, arousal, and pleasure: A test of competing models of interpersonal attraction

Abstract What do people find attractive in others? This study tests four hypotheses about interpersonal attraction: the similarity, repulsion, optimal dissimilarity, and ideal partner hypotheses. To test these hypotheses, we manipulated the degree of correspondence between the temperaments of female subjects and five prospective dating partners. Each subject completed a temperament questionnaire and was then presented with computer-generated stimulus profiles of men that were correlated +1.0, +0.5, 0.0, -0.5, and -1.0 with her own profile. The subject then rated the “dating partners” in terms of pleasure and arousal. Support was found for the similarity, repulsion, and ideal partner hypotheses. Similar partners were most pleasurable and arousing; dissimilar partners were repulsive. In addition, independent of similarity, subjects were driven to seek a male with certain specific characteristics: sociability, a higher activity level, and a lower level of emotionality. This pattern suggests that individual differences interact with nomothetic laws in interpersonal attraction, and that both domains must be considered in a complete formulation of the attraction phenomenon.
Heterogeneous N-terminal Acylation of Retinal Proteins Results from the Retina’s Unusual Lipid Metabolism

Protein N-myristoylation occurs by a covalent attachment of a C14:0 fatty acid to the N-terminal Gly residue. This reaction is catalyzed by a N-myristoyltransferase that uses myristoyl-coenzyme A as substrate. But proteins in the retina also undergo heterogeneous N-acylation with C14:2, C14:1, and C12:0 fatty acids. The basis and the role of this retina-specific phenomenon are poorly understood. We studied guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) as an example of retina-specific heterogeneously N-acylated protein. The types and the abundance of fatty acids bound to bovine retinal GCAP1 were C14:2, 37.0%; C14:0, 32.4%; C14:1, 22.3%; and C12:0, 8.3% as quantified by liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. We also devised a method for N-acylating proteins in vitro and used it to modify GCAP1 with acyl moieties of different lengths. Analysis of these GCAPs both confirmed that N-terminal acylation of GCAP1 is critical for its high activity and proper Ca2+-dependent response and revealed comparab...
THE ELY‐1 LOCUS CONTROLS A DI‐ALLELIC ALLOANTIGENIC SYSTEM ON EQUINE LYMPHOCYTES

SUMMARY The ELY-I locus controls the expression of a polymorphic cell surface antigen of equine lymphocytes which was detected using antibodies generated by alloimmunization with peripheral blood lymphocytes. The ELY-1 antigens were not detected on erythrocytes or platelets by absorption experiments. The two alleles, which have been designated ELY-1.1 and ELY-1.2, are expressed codominantly and appear to constitute a closed system at the population level. In family studies, the ELY-1 antigens segregated as products of an autosomal locus not linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the horse. In the complement mediated lymphocyte microcytotoxicity test, antisera to the ELY-1 antigens selectively killed peripheral blood lymphocytes which did not express surface immunoglobulin. The ELY-1 antigens may be useful markers for equine T cells when assayed in this fashion. Three alloantisera were used in immune precipitation of iodinated and solubilized cell surface proteins from peripheral blood lymphocytes. Electrophoresis of the precipitates in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels demonstrated strong bands in the Mr 180–190K range that were shared in the three different preparations. These results suggest that the ELY-1 allospecificities are expressed on an equine equivalent of the murine T200 molecule.
Eicosadiynoic acid: A non-toxic inhibitor of multiple enzymatic steps in the production of icosanoids from arachidonic acid

We have studied the acetylenic fatty acid 20:2 delta 8a, 11a (eicosadiynoic acid, EDYA). It was found that this compound acts as an inhibitor of several steps in the production of icosanoids from arachidonic acid. First, the compound was shown to inhibit arachidonate uptake by platelets. Second, using a detergent solubilized preparation from calf brain, EDYA was found to inhibit both the arachidonoyl and the non-specific long chain acyl-CoA synthetase, which convert arachidonate to its CoA ester. Third, the compound decreased the conversion of dihomo gamma linolenic acid to arachidonate in the mouse fibrosarcoma HSDM1C1 cell line, acting as an apparent delta 5 desaturase inhibitor. Finally, EDYA (50 microM) inhibited cyclooxygenase activity. The compound was not toxic to cultured cells. Cells were grown for months in tissue culture medium at concentrations as high as 50 microM, with no morphologic changes by light microscopy and no prolongation of the doubling time over untreated cells. Our findings with this compound indicate that it limits icosanoid production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and also by limiting arachidonate uptake, activation, and production from precursor fatty acids.
Catalysis by nickel in its high oxidation state

An oxidation state is a numerical value, assigned to an atom in a compound or ion, based on a set of rules such that the sum of the oxidation states equals the overall charge on the entity. The transfer of valence electrons changes the oxidation state of an atom, so oxidation states can help predict chemical reactivity. Nowhere is this concept more exploited than in catalysis with transition metals, which can readily access a variety of oxidation states. Small molecules or ions that bind to the metal as ligands influence the metal's molecular and electronic geometries, and the resulting changes in oxidation state can drive reactions of these ligands. On page 1218 of this issue, Camasso and Sanford ( 1 ) report an exquisite example of tuning the reactivity of a nickel (Ni) catalyst by the introduction of ligands and oxidants suitable to access an uncommon oxidation state, NiIV ( 2 ). They used the high oxidation state of Ni to drive the formation of carbon bonds to heteroatoms, specifically oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen.
Ionization of K-shell electrons by highly relativistic protons.

A comparative study of three theoretical formalisms by Anholt et al. (1976), Scofield (1978), and Becker et al. (1985) for K-shell ionization by highly relativistic protons has been carried out. The importance of the spin-flip mechanism is emphasized. It is concluded that in the analysis of such inner-shell ionization processes, an accurate description of the projectile-target interaction is of much more significance than the accuracy of the wave functions of the atomic electrons.
THE INCIDENCE OF PROSTATE CANCER IN A SCREENING POPULATION WITH A SERUM PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN BETWEEN 2.5 AND 4.0 NG./ML.: RELATION TO BIOPSY STRATEGY

Purpose: It has recently been suggested that the diagnostic threshold for the prostate specific antigen (PSA) assay be lowered to enhance prostate cancer detection. A 22% incidence of prostate cancer has been reported in men with PSA between 2.5 and 4.0 ng./ml. We designed a study to confirm this observation.Materials and Methods: Men who participated in our free early detection program and who had serum PSA between 2.5 and 4.0 ng./ml. were asked to undergo prostate biopsy. Of 268 eligible men 151 (56%) agreed to participate in this free trial. All men underwent biopsy using an 11-core multisite directed biopsy scheme. All biopsy cores were color coded for location specificity and examined by 1 pathologist.Results: Cancer was identified in 24.5% (37 of 151) of the men biopsied. The median age of men with cancer was 62 years (range 43 to 74). Conventional systematic sextant biopsies, which accounted for 6 of the 11 cores, detected 73.0% (27 of 37) of the cancers and the alternate site biopsies identified t...
Slime mold inspired routing protocols for wireless sensor networks

Many biological systems are composed of unreliable components which self-organize effectively into systems that achieve a balance between efficiency and robustness. One such example is the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum which is an amoeba-like organism that seeks and connects food sources and efficiently distributes nutrients throughout its cell body. The distribution of nutrients is accomplished by a self-assembled resource distribution network of small tubes with varying diameter which can evolve with changing environmental conditions without any global control. In this paper, we exploit two different mechanisms of the slime mold’s tubular network formation process via laboratory experiments and mathematical behavior modeling to design two corresponding localized routing protocols for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that take both efficiency and robustness into account. In the first mechanism of path growth, slime mold explores its immediate surroundings to discover and connect new food sources during its growth cycle. We adapt this mechanism for a path growth routing protocol by treating data sources and sinks as singular potentials to establish routes from the sinks to all the data sources. The second mechanism of path evolution is the temporal evolution of existing tubes through nonlinear feedback in order to distribute nutrients efficiently throughout the organism. Specifically, the diameters of tubes carrying large fluxes of nutrients grow to expand their capacities, and tubes that are not used decline and disappear entirely. We adapt the tube dynamics of the slime mold for a path evolution routing protocol. In our protocol, we identify one key adaptation parameter to adjust the tradeoff between efficiency and robustness of network routes. Through extensive realistic network simulations and ideal closed form or numerical computations, we validate the effectiveness of both protocols, as well as the efficiency and robustness of the resulting network connectivity.
TROPICAL EUTROPHIC LAKE MODELING AND PARAMETER DISCRIMINATION

: Water quality data collected between 1978 and 1981 in a highly lake in Northern Venezuela, Lake Valencia, were analyzed to detect spatial and temporal trends. Based on the results of the analyses, an appropriate nutrient-algae dynamics model was formulated. Because many parameters, such as the algae concentration were constant over time, and the model is time dependent, the model had to be calibrated with the use of a large and structured trial-and-error calibration process. Through the calibration process, the most sensitive parameters of the model were identified, and are in order of importance: the chlorophyll-to-nitrogen ratio for algae, the algae settling velocity, the phosphorus release rate from the sediments, the chlorophyll-to-phosphorus ratio for algae, and the exchange coefficient in the upper layer of the lake. Model simulations showed that a reduction in the nitrogen load to the lake as well as a reduction in the phosphorus load will decrease the algae population. These model simulations had a high degree of uncertainty associated with them, making additional sampling directed towards the measurement of the sensitive parameters desirable.
Vaccination as immunotherapy for B cell lymphoma

Current therapy does not cure the majority of patients with B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and further intensification does not benefit the patient. Therefore, new approaches are necessary. Immunotherapy has become again a major interest as a new treatment modality for B cell lymphoma since the discovery that the lymphoma specific Id can be presented to antigen-specific T cells. Vaccination of the tumour-bearing host is one of the major strategies to induce a T cell mediated anti-tumour immunity in vivo. For B cell lymphomas the lymphoma specific Id can be used as a tumour-specific antigen to stimulate T cells. Alternatively, the malignant B cells can be modified to become efficient antigen presenting cells (APCs) and present peptides from their own tumour-specific antigens to the autologous T cells. Currently explored and future vaccination strategies for B cell lymphoma will be discussed here.
Rational Errors and the Mathematical Mind

What do errors reveal about the mathematical mind? Intriguingly, errors are often logically consistent and rule based rather than being random. Investigating errors, therefore, presents an opportun...
Navigating nets: simple algorithms for proximity search

We present a simple deterministic data structure for maintaining a set S of points in a general metric space, while supporting proximity search (nearest neighbor and range queries) and updates to S (insertions and deletions). Our data structure consists of a sequence of progressively finer e-nets of S, with pointers that allow us to navigate easily from one scale to the next.We analyze the worst-case complexity of this data structure in terms of the "abstract dimensionality" of the metric S. Our data structure is extremely efficient for metrics of bounded dimension and is essentially optimal in a certain model of distance computation. Finally, as a special case, our approach improves over one recently devised by Karger and Ruhl [KR02].
Three Experimental Attempts to Reduce Absenteeism from College Classes.

Absenteeism is becoming a major problem on the post‐secondary level as some colleges struggle against declining enrollments. Three experiments designed to reduce absenteeism were carried out. In th...
Renal lymphatic ultrastructure and translymphatic transport

Abstract Information on the mechanisms of transport across renal lymphatic endothelium in the dog was derived by qualitative and quantitative ultrastructural analyses. Interlobular and intralobular renal lymphatics were studied in dogs with ureteric obstruction and lymphatic ligation, in dogs with lymphatic ligation only, and in dogs with unimpeded lymph and urine flow. Minor differences were detected in the ultrastructural features of lymphatic endothelium among the three groups of animals and between the two types of lymphatics studied within each group. Approximately 5% of the endothelial intracytoplasmic volume was occupied by vesicles, the majority of which were of the small uncoated variety. On an average 65% of these vesicles lay within the cytoplasm, and of the remainder, most were associated with the luminal border. Interendothelial contacts were of three varieties—end-to-end, overlapping, and complexly interdigitating. One-third of these lacked any specialized junctional complexes, whereas about 60% of the identifiable complexes revealed a fascia occludens. The remainder (approximately 10%) possessed fascia adhaerentes. Only 2 examples, out of 240 contacts studied, could be described as open junctions (greater than 50 nm). The conclusions drawn from this study were that (1) interlobular and intralobular renal lymphatics subserve similar functions in lymph formation, (2) at least in the absence of local irritation or trauma, open junctions do not play a significant role in translymphatic transport of fluid and protein, and (3) for poorly diffusible substances the primary pathways into the lymphatic lumen are intravesicular transport and the normal intercellular channels between contiguous cells.
Understanding thermodynamic competitivity between biopolymer folding and misfolding under large-scale intermolecular interactions.

Cooperativity is a hallmark of spontaneous biopolymer folding. The presence of intermolecular interactions could create off-pathway misfolding structures and suppress folding cooperativity. This raises the hypothesis that thermodynamic competitivity between off-pathway misfolding and on-pathway folding may intervene with cooperativity and govern biopolymer folding dynamics under conditions permitting large-scale intermolecular interactions. Here we report direct imaging and theoretical modeling of thermodynamic competitivity between biopolymer folding and misfolding under such conditions, using a two-dimensional array of proton-fueled DNA molecular motors packed at the maximal density as a model system. Time-resolved liquid-phase atomic force microscopy with enhanced phase contrast revealed that the misfolding and folding intermediates transiently self-organize into spatiotemporal patterns on the nanoscale in thermodynamic states far away from equilibrium as a result of thermodynamic competitivity. Comput...
Study on Detection of Negative Corona Discharge Generated in Rod-Plane Air Gap by Using External Electrode Method

A detective method of a negative corona discharge by means of an external electrode is presented. The relationship between an area of the external electrode and a detected voltage waveform is examined experimentally. This experimental study is carried out with the use of a rod-plane air gap. The results obtained will be applicable to problems associated with silos, ducts, and high-voltage equipment.
Scale elasticities in Ghanaian cocoa production

(1987). Scale elasticities in Ghanaian cocoa production. Applied Economics: Vol. 19, No. 10, pp. 1383-1390.
Fast adaptive algorithms for low-level scene analysis: applications of polar exponential grid (PEG) representation to high-speed, scale-and-rotation invariant target segmentation

This paper presents results of experimental studies in image understanding. Two experiments are discussed, one on image correlation and another on target boundary estimation. The experiments are demonstrative of polar exponential grid (PEG) representation, an approach to sensory data coding which the authors believe will facilitate problems in 3-D machine perception. Our discussion of the image correlation experiment is largely an exposition of the PEG-representation concept and approaches to its computer implementation. Our presentation of the boundary finding experiment introduces a new robust stochastic, parallel computation segmentation algorithm, the PEG-Parallel Hierarchical Ripple Filter (PEG-PHRF).© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impact of back surface patterning process on FF in IBC-SHJ

Based on potential high efficiency, low thermal budget and compatibility with very thin Si wafers, many research groups and industries are considering interdigitated all back contact silicon heterojunction (IBC-SHJ) solar cell technology. Compared to front junction silicon heterojunction (FJ-SHJ) solar cells, IBC-SHJ cells also have the unique advantages for simpler module integration. However, the IBC-SHJ solar cells to date suffer with low fill factors. Both simulation and experimental results have been conducted to understand the cause of the low FF. In this paper, the effects of processing conditions are discussed by comparing FJ-SHJ and IBC-SHJ solar cells. The fabrication of IBC-SHJ cells requires several photolithography steps to form the interdigitated back structure, whereas the FJ-SHJ requires no photolithography steps. The effect of processing temperatures, deposition sequence and photolithography processing are evaluated by using the FJ-SHJ as a test bed and base-line standard. Contamination and/or introduction of defects at intrinsic/doped layer interfaces resulting from photolithography steps is identified as one of the major contributors to reduced performance of IBC-SHJ devices fabricated using a low temperature process.
High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of secondary organic aerosol produced by ozonation of limonene

Chemical composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from the ozone-initiated oxidation of limonene is characterized by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes. The mass spectra reveal a large number of both monomeric (m/z 300) condensed products of oxidation. A combination of high resolving power (m/Δm ∼ 60 000) and Kendrick mass defect analysis makes it possible to unambiguously determine the molecular composition of hundreds of individual compounds in SOA samples. Van Krevelen analysis shows that the SOA compounds are heavily oxidized, with average O : C ratios of 0.43 and 0.50 determined from the positive and negative ion mode spectra, respectively. A possible reaction mechanism for the formation of the first generation SOA molecular components is considered. The discussed mechanism includes known isomerization and addition reactions of the carbonyl oxide intermediates generated during the ozonation of limonene. In addition, it includes isomerization and decomposition pathways for alkoxy radicals resulting from unimolecular decomposition of carbonyl oxides that have been disregarded by previous studies. The isomerization reactions yield numerous products with a progressively increasing number of alcohol and carbonyl groups, whereas C–C bond scission reactions in alkoxy radicals shorten the carbon chain. Together these reactions yield a large number of isomeric products with broadly distributed masses. A qualitative agreement is found between the number and degree of oxidation of the predicted and measured reaction products in the monomer product range.
Expression, purification and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 subtype C protease.

Crystals of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) subtype C protease (PR) complexed with the clinically used inhibitors indinavir (IDV) and nelfinavir (NFV) have been grown in the monoclinic space group P21, with mean unit-cell parameters a = 46.7 (±0.1), b = 59.8 (±0.3), c = 87.0 (±0.4) A, β = 95.2 (±0.5)°. The crystals of both complexes have been shown to diffract X-rays to 2.3 A resolution. The diffraction data for the subtype C PR complexes with IDV and NFV were subsequently processed and reduced, with overall R sym values of 8.4 and 11.4%, respectively. Based on the unit-cell volumes, molecular-replacement results and packing considerations, there are two protease homodimers per crystallographic asymmetric unit in each of the complexes. The data were initially phased using a model based on the crystal structure of HIV-1 subtype B PR; the structures have been determined and further refinement and analysis are in progress. These structures and subsequent studies with other inhibitors will greatly aid in correlating the amino-acid variation between the different HIV PRs and understanding their differential sensitivity and resistance to current drug therapy.
Texture Based Image Analysis With Neural Nets

In this paper, we combine direct image statistics and spatial frequency domain techniques with a neural net model to analyze texture based images. The resultant optimal texture features obtained from the direct and transformed image form the exemplar pattern of the neural net. The proposed approach introduces an automated texture analysis applied to metallography for determining the cooling rate and mechanical working of the materials. The results suggest that the proposed method enhances the practical applications of neural nets and texture extraction features.
Safety assessment of myogenic stem cell transplantation and resulting tumor formation.

OBJECTIVES To assess for stem cell migration to liver and lung after transplantation in injured rat anal sphincters. To evaluate histological findings of unanticipated ectopic foci of growth. METHODS This is a prospective study involving 33 female virginal Sprague-Dawley rats. Anal sphincters were transected and repaired under sterile technique. Animals received injections of 5.0 × 10 myogenic stem cells (24 rats) or sham control (9 rats) and were killed on day 30. Liver and lung samples were obtained. Upon encountering abnormal foci of growth, further staining protocols were employed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies evaluated stem cell media for in vitro growth factor secretion. RESULTS No evidence of cell migration to liver or lung was found at the time of euthanasia in any study animal. Ectopic foci of growth were noted in 2 transplant rats. Further histological evaluations of these growths were consistent with benign tumors: no nuclear abnormalities and no evidence of proliferation at day 30. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies demonstrated positive secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin growth factor into the media of cultured rat myogenic stem cells. CONCLUSIONS Whereas distant migration was not encountered in the liver or lung, 2 transplanted rats developed abnormal foci of growth, that is, tumors, from the external anal sphincter-raising further safety questions. Additional evaluation of these foci seemed benign. Possible explanations include cell trapping, stem cell overgrowth, and/or paracrine factors. The lack of cell migration supports that future investigation of safety parameters could focus locally.
Prolactin, a factor in promoting survival of hypophysectomized killifish in fresh water

The naturally occurring corticosteroids, cortisol and aldosterone, failed to promote survival of hypophysectomized Fundulus heteroclitus in fresh water. Extracts of Fundulus interrenal tissue, carp corpuscles of Stannius, and hog renin were ineffective. Injection of whole rat-pituitary brei was partially successful. Highly purified prolactin maintained survival, although the recipients did not eat normally. A synergic action of prolactin with some unidentified pituitary hormone is suspected.
Response of the Elderly to Disaster: An Age-Stratified Analysis.

This article analyzes the effects of chronological age of disaster victims on their responses to stress effects of natural disasters. Previous research is reviewed and major findings of that research are noted. Findings regarding disaster losses, physical impacts, aid utilization patterns, kinship relations, relative deprivation, social-psychological impacts, neglect of elderly disaster victims, and differential recovery rates by age are retested on new data. Data described herein were gathered using survey techniques in two disaster stricken communities in Texas. Elderly victims' responses to the tornadoes are compared to a nonelderly (under sixty years of age) group to assess differences. Findings of previous research were, in many instances, supported although certain divergences between the current findings and preceding findings are noted, particularly in rates of recovery.
School-University Partnerships in Music Education: A Status Report

A survey was distributed to the members of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC)'s Society for Music Teacher Education that presented members with seven questions about the types and nature of their school-university partnerships. The majority of respondents (N = 251) reported that they engaged in multiple partnerships that included not only universities and schools, but also music education associations, community and private arts organizations, individuals, and businesses. The benefits of these partnerships to preservice music teachers were (a) improved learning experiences, (b) the opportunity to gain real-world teaching experience and apply theory to practice, and (c) interaction with musicians and ensembles. The primary benefits to the university and school-based teachers were (a) professional development opportunities, and (b) opportunities for collegiality. Challenges to partnerships were (a) the difficulty of scheduling, (b) a lack of time, and (c) communication. Results revealed that res...