cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PREDICTING EFFECTS OF HABITAT DESTRUCTION ON PLANT COMMUNITIES: A TEST OF A MODEL USING AMAZONIAN TREES

We devised a “random-clearing model” to predict effects of habitat loss on plant communities and populations. The model yields the probability that a species will be extirpated by land clearing, based on only two parameters: its density and the percentage of the landscape that has been cleared. It can also be used to predict species richness of plant communities following clearing, so long as densities of individual species are known. We tested the model using data on the distributions of 200 tree species (≥10 cm dbh) within two 9-ha experimental landscapes in central Amazonia. Deforestation levels ranging from 20% to 99% of the landscape were simulated randomly, with the actual persistence of each species being the number of times it remained in the landscape after 1000 runs. The model was effective in all cases, explaining 83–99% of the total variability in species persistence on each plot. Species’ distribution patterns explained some residual variation in persistence but were of negligible importance ...
A new constraint test-case generator and the importance of hybrid optimizers ☆

In the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding problem complexity of discrete constraint problems. In contrast, little similar work has been done for constraint problems in the continuous domain. In this paper, we study the complexity of typical methods for non-linear constraint problems and present hybrid solvers with improved performance. To facilitate the empirical study, we propose a new test-case generator for generating non-linear constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) and constrained optimization problems (COPs). The optimization methods tested include a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method, a penalty method with a fixed penalty function, a penalty method with a sequence of penalty functions, and an augmented Lagrangian method. For hybrid solvers, we focus on the form that combines two or more optimization methods in sequence. In the experiments, we apply these methods to solve a series of continuous constraint problems with increasing constraint-to-variable ratios. The test problems include artificial benchmark problems from the test-case generator and problems derived from controlling a hyper-redundant modular manipulator. We obtain novel results on complexity phase transition phenomena of the various methods. Specifically, for constraint satisfaction problems, the SQP method is the best on weakly constrained problems, whereas the augmented Lagrangian method is the best on highly constrained ones. Although the static penalty method performs poorly by itself, by combining it with the SQP method, we show a hybrid solver that is significantly better than any of the individual methods on problems with moderate to large constraint-to-variable ratios. For constrained optimization problems, the hybrid solver obtains much better solutions than SQP, while spending comparable amount of time. In addition, the hybrid solver is flexible and can achieve good results on time-bounded applications by setting parameters according to the time limits.
Effects of ocean temperature on the southern range limits of two understory kelps, Pterygophora californica and Eisenia arborea , at multiple life-stages

Environmental factors have long been shown to influence species distributions, with range limits often resulting from environmental stressors exceeding organism tolerances. However, these abiotic factors may differentially affect species with multiple life-history stages. Between September 2004 and January 2006, the roles of temperature and nutrient availability in explaining the southern distributions of two understory kelps, Pterygophora californica and Eisenia arborea (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales), were investigated along the coast of California, USA and the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, by limiting either: (a) tissue nitrogen uptake and storage by adult sporophytes during periods of elevated temperature, and/or (b) production of embryonic sporophytes by microscopic gametophytes. Results suggest that while adult sporophytes of both species are tolerant of high temperatures and low nutrients, reproduction by their microscopic stages is not. Specifically, while E. arborea produced embryonic sporophytes at both 12 and 18°C, temperatures commonly observed throughout the southern portion of its range, P. californica produced sporophytes at 12 but not at 18°C. As a result, it appears that the southern distribution of P. californica, which ends in northern Baja California, Mexico, may be limited by temperature acting on its microscopic stages. In contrast, the ability of E. arborea’s microscopic and adult stages to tolerate elevated temperatures allows it to persist in the warmer southern waters of Baja California, as well as to the north along the California coast where both species co-occur.
A remark on sociable numbers of odd order

Abstract Write s ( n ) for the sum of the proper divisors of the natural number n . We call n sociable if the sequence n , s ( n ) , s ( s ( n ) ) , … is purely periodic; the period is then called the order of sociability of n . The ancients initiated the study of order 1 sociables ( perfect numbers ) and order 2 sociables ( amicable numbers ), and investigations into higher-order sociable numbers began at the end of the 19th century. We show that if k is odd and fixed, then the number of sociable n ⩽ x of order k is bounded by x / ( log x ) 1 + o ( 1 ) as x → ∞ . This improves on the previously best-known bound of x / ( log log x ) 1 / 2 + o ( 1 ) , due to Kobayashi, Pollack, and Pomerance.
Sequence analysis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides by mass spectrometry

Abstract Low-resolution mass spectra have been obtained on the following general types of mono-, di-, tetra,- and hexa-deoxyribonucleotides: pX, Xp, XpY, pXpY, pXp, pXpYp, pXpYpXpY and on trifluoroacetylated XpY, YpX, pXpYpXpY, XpYpXpY, and XpYpXpYpXpY (where X and Y indicate the purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, cytidine, thymidine, adenosine, or guanosine). The mass spectral fragmentation data show that: 1. (a) The purine and pyrimidine components of deoxyribonucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides can be readily identified from underivatized material. 2. (b) Ions containing the nucleoside moiety plus portions of the phosphate moiety were not found; consequently, sequence information cannot be derived from the position of the phosphate moiety. 3. (c) Underivatized sequence isomers of deoxyribo- dinucleoside monophosphates cannot be distinguished; however, trifluoroacetylation of the molecules yields diagnostic ions which allow sequence determination. 4. (d) Oligodeoxyribonucleotides can be derivatized to yield ions which are diagnostic for the 3′- and 5′-terminals of the molecule and ions which identify all the purine and pyrimidine bases present in the interior of the molecule. The sequence of the internal residues, as well as the identity of the terminal nucleosides, can be determined by the application of the technique to the isolated products of limited venom phosphodiesterase digestion of the oligodeoxyribonucleotide, which are oligonucleotides of decreasing chain length. The identification of the 3′-terminal nucleoside of each oligonucleotide allows the reconstruction of the parent molecule. The simplicity of the derivatization and analysis and the extreme sensitivity of the method indicate the potential usefulness of the method.
Parent characteristics, economic stress, and neighborhood context as predictors of parent involvement in preschool children’s education

This study examines factors related to three dimensions of parent involvement in preschool: school-based involvement, home-based involvement, and the parent–teacher relationship. Participants were 154 predominantly African American parents recruited from two Head Start programs. Results of bivariate and canonical correlation analyses support the validity of a multi-dimensional, ecological conceptualization of parent involvement. Perceived context variables, including economic stress and neighborhood social disorder, related negatively to parent involvement. Parent characteristics, including sense of efficacy regarding education and level of education, related positively to parent involvement. Regression analyses detected different patterns of association between predictors and the three dimensions of parent involvement. Parent characteristics were associated with home involvement, while perceived context variables were predictive of the teacher–parent relationship. Implications of differential predictors for different domains of parent involvement and directions for future research and intervention with low-income families are discussed.
Isotactic polyethylenimines induce formation of L amino acids in transamination

Isotactic polyethylenimines with (S)-benzyl side chains were synthesized from 4-(S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolines. When α-keto acids were subjected to transamination in the presence of this polymer, and a pyridoxamine coenzyme modified with hydrophobic chains, enantioselectivity toward the natural isomer (l > d) was observed, followed by racemization of the amino acid products. However, the racemization did not occur when the coenzyme was covalently attached to the polymer.
Low energy electron diffraction and work function change studies of the adsorption of substituted aromatic molecules on the (111) and (100) crystal faces of platinum

Abstract The chemisorption of toluene, m-xylene, mesitylene, n-butylbenzene, t-butylbenzene, aniline, nitrobenzene and cyanobenzene were studied on the (111) and (100) crystal faces of platinum at low pressures (10−9 to 10−7 torr) and at temperatures of 20 to 300 °C by low energy electron diffraction and work function change measurements. After adsorption, reorientation of the molecules in the adsorbed layer is necessary to form the ordered structures. Molecules that have either higher rotational symmetry (mesitylene) or have only small size substituents on the benzene rings exhibit better ordering if the adsorption is carried out at low incident flux. The adsorbed layers are more ordered on the (111) crystal face than on the (100) crystal face of platinum. The work function changes upon adsorption rangs from −1.4 eV for nitrobenzene to −1.8 eV for aniline. Both the diffraction and work function change data indicate that, under the conditions of these experiments, all of the molecules chemisorb with their benzene ring parallel to the surface and interact with the metal surface primarily via the π-electrons in the benzene ring. The substituent groups play an important role in determining the ordering characteristics of the overlayers but do not markedly effect the strength of the chemical bond between the substrate and the adsorbate.
The lobster, Homarus americanus, and the red crab, Geryon quinquedens, in the offshore waters of the western North Atlantic

A population of lobsters, large enough to support commercial fishing, is present off the east coast of the United States along the outer shelf and upper slope between the eastern part of Georges Bank and the offing of Delaware Bay. This area at depths of roughly60–250 fm (110–450m), is about 400 miles long and 5–10 miles wide. Lobsters are more plentiful along the eastern half of this stretch than to the west and south. Although there are all sizes from “shorts” to very large, a much greater percentage than in the shoal water populations are large. Prior to 1953, the New England trawler fleet took only small numbers of lobsters, incidental to their catch of fish, in deep water, but since then several otter trawlers have been fishing offshore exclusively for lobsters and have made substantial catches. However, the recorded total annual catch in deep-water up to 1956 has not exceeded 1 per cent of the total annual catch taken by the inshore pot fishery. The otter-trawl catch of lobsters off New York and New Jersey, small prior to 1947, now exceeds the catch taken with pots, but the fishery as a whole is of small magnitude compared with that to the north and east. There is no evidence thus far of a definite migration of lobsters between inshore and offshore areas but no doubt most of them wander from time to time in search of food (or perhaps for no particular reason). A deep-water crab (Geryon quinquedens), as yet unexploited, might become the source of a commercial fishery along the North and Middle Atlantic coast. It inhabits depths between 150–700 fm (275–1280 m), or more, and ranges from the offing of Nova Scotia to Virginia and southward, perhaps in diminishing numbers, at least to Cuba.
Integrating Message Effects and Behavior Change Theories: Organizing Comments and Unanswered Questions

Three broad classes of theories about message effects in cancer control are presented in this special supplement to the Journal of Communication. These are behavior change, information processing, and message effects theories. All three types have implications for the design of messages for cancer control. The theories are not just different approaches to a complex problem but offer complementary perspectives on the effects of messages on audiences. This summary article explores why theory is so important to efficient research in message effects and speculates about the interrelation among behavior change, information processing, and message effects models.
Mapping the electron correlation onto a model Hamiltonian for Cs/GaAs(110): a Mott-Hubbard insulator at quarter filling

We have constructed an effective model Hamiltonian in the Hubbard formalism for the Cs/GaAs(110) surface at quarter-monolayer coverage with all of the parameters extracted from constrained local-density-approximation (LDA) pseudopotential calculations. The single-particle excitation spectrum of the model has been calculated using an exact-diagonalization technique to help determine the relevant interaction terms. It is shown that the intersite interaction between the nearest-neighbour Ga sites plays the key role in determining the insulating nature of the system and must be included in the model, in contrast to suggestions of some previous work. Our results show that a reliable mapping of LDA results onto an effective model Hamiltonian can be achieved by combining constrained LDA calculations for the Hamiltonian parameters and many-body calculations of the single-particle excitation spectrum for identifying relevant interaction terms.
Dynamically discovering likely interface invariants

Dynamic invariant detection is an approach that has received considerable attention in the recent research literature. A natural question arises in languages that separate the interface of a code module from its implementation: does an inferred invariant describe the interface or the implementation? Furthermore, if an implementation is allowed to refine another, as, for instance, in object-oriented method overriding, what is the relation between the inferred invariants of the overriding and the overridden method? The problem is of great practical interest. Invariants derived by real tools, like Daikon, often suffer from internal inconsistencies when overriding is taken into account, becoming unsuitable for some automated uses. We discuss the interactions between overriding and inferred invariants, and describe the implementation of an invariant inference tool that produces consistent invariants for interfaces and overridden methods.
Clearance rates of the salp Thalia democratica fed naturally occurring particles

Net-captured aggregate stages of the salp Thalia democratica were fed naturally occurring particles in 2-liter bottles onboard ship. The goal was to compare clearance rates of net-captured T. democratica fed natural particles to clearance rates previously determined in laboratoryborn T. democratica fed monocultures of phytoplankton. On a cruise from 19–29 April, 1979, clearance rates were estimated by monitoring the decrease in concentration of particles with a multi-channel Coulter Counter TA II over a particle size range of 2 to 32 μm equivalent spherical diameter (E.S.D.). Clearance rates were slightly lower than those measured in the laboratory, decreasing 3-fold over an 18-fold increase in the initial food concentration. Ingestion rates were slightly higher than those measured in the laboratory, increasing about 6-fold over the same range of food concentration. Within the particle concentration range examined (0.08 to 1.34 mm3l-1), there was no lower threshold of food concentration below which clearance of particles ceased. There was no effect of the concentration of T. democratica on clearance rate over a range of 2.5 to 11.5 salps l-1. The mean hourly ration was 2.0% of body carbon.
Surgical treatment of venous obstruction and insufficiency

Direct venous reconstruction is being applied to patients with chronic venous stasis disease. Crosspubic bypass and saphenopopliteal bypass have proved to be satisfactory procedures whereas valve reconstructions by valvuloplasty, segment transfer, and autotransplantation are being explored. These procedures add to the surgeon's armamentarium in dealing with chronic venous stasis disease.
Efficiency measurement of the maintenance of paved lanes using data envelopment analysis

While the road maintenance performance measurement systems that are currently in use investigate maintenance level of service (i.e. effectiveness of the road maintenance), the fundamental relationship between the maintenance level of service and the budget requirements (i.e. the efficiency of road maintenance) has not received as much attention. Given that not knowing how ‘efficient’ transportation agencies are in being ‘effective’ can lead to excessive and unrealistic maintenance budget expectations, there is a need for a performance measurement system that can assess the overall efficiency of road maintenance operations. To address this need, a framework was developed and implemented to assess the relative cost efficiency of eight counties in Virginia, USA in maintaining the paved lanes of the Interstate roads. Such framework is developed using a methodology known as data envelopment analysis which is based on the production theory and principles of linear programming. The results indicate that the Rock...
New directions for urban adult education

In this volume several themes have emerged regarding the role of urban adult education in assisting residents of inner-city communities to traverse the social, structural, economic, cultural, and technological borders that disconnect them from the more affluent communities in urban areas. These themes also suggest, however, several challenges that remain to be addressed.
Spectrum of Polysomnographic Abnormalities in Children With Epilepsy

This study sought to evaluate polysomnographic abnormalities in a cohort of 40 children with epilepsy who underwent a sleep study because of various sleep complaints. Retrospective analyses included polysomnographic variables, antiepileptic drugs, type of epilepsy, and seizure control. The subgroup with epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was compared with 11 children who manifested uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Thirty-three patients (83%) exhibited snoring (42.5%), sleep-disordered breathing (obstructive hypoventilation, 12.5%; obstructive sleep apnea, 20%; and upper-airway resistance syndrome, 7.5%), or periodic limb movements of sleep (10%). Children with poor seizure control demonstrated significantly lower sleep efficiency, a higher arousal index, and a higher percentage of rapid-eye-movement sleep compared with children who were seizure-free or exhibited good seizure control. Patients with epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea had significantly a higher body mass index, longer sleep latency, a higher arousal index, and a lower apnea-hypopnea index, but significantly more severe desaturation compared with patients with uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea. A significant proportion of children with epilepsy referred for polysomnography with diverse sleep problems manifest sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Adsorption of Chain Molecules.

We analyze the influence of chain length on the adsorption isotherm using the framework of lattice theory. Each molecule is represented as a chain of segments occupying separate sites in the lattice. Adsorption equilibria (particularly adsorption isotherms) are analyzed for one-component and two-component mixtures of chain molecules.
Impact of obesity on secondary cytoreductive surgery and overall survival in women with recurrent ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives Obesity may negatively influence tumor biology in women with epithelial ovarian cancers. To date, only body mass indices (BMI) determined at the time of diagnosis have correlated with clinical outcome. We hypothesized that obesity negatively affects survival throughout the disease course, and sought to determine the prognostic role of BMI at the time of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) for recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods We performed a review of patients undergoing SCS for recurrent epithelial ovarian or peritoneal cancer between 1997 and 2012. We retrospectively reviewed data which were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Kaplan–Meier survival, and Cox regression analysis. BMI was defined according to the National Institutes of Health's categorizations. Results We identified 104 patients; 2 were underweight, 46 were of ideal body weight, 32 were overweight, and 24 were obese. Overall, 90 patients underwent optimal resection and BMI did not correlate with ability to perform optimal SCS ( p =0.25). When examining BMI strata (underweight, ideal, overweight, and obese), we observed a statistical trend between increasing BMI and poor outcome; median survival was undetermined (greater than 50months), 46months, 38months, and 34months, respectively ( p =0.04). In a multivariate analysis, BMI was an independent predictor of survival ( p =0.02). Conclusions In this cohort of women undergoing SCS for recurrent ovarian cancer, BMI significantly and independently correlated with overall survival. This observation suggests an effect of excess weight on tumor biology and/or response to treatment that is prevalent throughout the disease course.
Cross-bispectrum computation for multichannel quadratic phase coupling estimation

A two-channel, quadratic, nonlinear process driven by sinusoidal signals is considered. Equations for estimating the parameters of the process are derived from colored Gaussian noise contaminated observations of the process. The derivation is based on the bispectrum and cross-power spectrum of the two channels. The resulting equations are nonlinear and iterative techniques are needed to solve for the parameters. >
Equivalent IDDQ Tests for Systems with Regulated Power Supply

This paper presents an equivalent current sensing technique for the applications of IDDQ tests. This is accomplished by monitoring the operations of existing on-chip voltage regulators, which indirectly provides the IDDQ information. Equivalent IDDQ information is obtained by measuring an internal voltage signal of a regulator. Then, the measured data is shifted out using the IEEE 1149.1 standard. IDDQ based test methods are used to postprocess those data for screening defective circuits. Experiments were successfully conducted assuming the TSMC 0.18?m CMOS technology.
Development of a compact permanent magnet cyclotron for accelerator mass spectrometry

We describe the development of a new instrument for the detection of trace amounts of rare isotopes, a Cyclotron Mass Spectrometer (CMS). A compact low energy cyclotron optimized for high mass resolution has been designed and is under construction. The instrument has high sensitivity and is designed to measure carbon-14 at abundances of >
An investigation of pedagogical techniques in Descartes' La géométrie

Much research has been conducted about the philosophy and mathematical writings of Rene Descartes, but that which focuses on pedagogy does so in a holistic manner. The present study uses a systematic approach to identify pedagogical techniques within each sentence of Descartes' La geometrie. Next, the study provides an analysis of La geometrie based on the techniques identified, their frequencies, and patterns of use within the text. The results of this analysis indicate that Descartes placed a high value on the use of demonstration, particularly in conjunction with deductive reasoning and multiple representations; that Descartes believed his method of approaching mathematical problems was superior to other methods; and that Descartes was in fact concerned with whether his readers understood his ideas or not.
EXOTIC GRASSES ALTER CONTROLS OVER SOIL NITROGEN DYNAMICS IN A HAWAIIAN WOODLAND

Exotic invasive grasses and fire have altered plant species composition in the seasonal submontane woodlands of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These changes have affected both structural and functional aspects of the plant community, which could have consequences for soil nitrogen (N) dynamics and N availability to plants. To determine if, when, and how soil N dynamics were altered by grass invasion, we measured net and gross N mineralization and nitrification during wet and dry seasons across three vegetation types: (1) experimental grass removal plots within unburned woodland created to simulate the native ecosystem that may have existed prior to invasion; (2) woodland invaded by grasses; and (3) invaded woodland converted to grassland by fire. Grass invasion into woodland shifted the timing, but not the amount, of N available. After conversion to grassland, N-cycling rates were 3.4 times greater. The wet season accounted for 35% of annual net N mineralization in the grass removal treatment, 75% in the...
Minimum-sized Positive Influential Node Set selection for social networks: Considering both positive and negative influences

Social networks are important mediums for spreading information, ideas, and influences among individuals. Most of existing research work focus on understanding the characteristics of social networks, investigating spreading information through the “word of mouth” effect of social networks, or exploring social influences among individuals and groups. However, most of existing work ignore negative influences among individuals or groups. Motivated by alleviating social problems, such as drinking, smoking, gambling, and influence spreading problems (e.g., promoting new products), we take both positive and negative influences into consideration and propose a new optimization problem, named the Minimumsized Positive Influential Node Set (MPINS) selection problem, to identify the minimum set of influential nodes, such that every node in the network can be positively influenced by these selected nodes no less than a threshold θ. Our contributions are threefold. First, we propose a new optimization problem MPINS, which is investigated under the independent cascade model considering both positive and negative influences. Moreover, we claim that MPIMS is NP-hard. Subsequently, we present a greedy approximation algorithm to address the MPINS selection problem. Finally, to validate the proposed greedy algorithm, extensive simulations are conducted on random Graphs representing small and large size networks.
BLOOD PLASMA PROTEIN REGENERATION CONTROLLED BY DIET : SYSTEMATIC STANDARDIZATION OF FOOD PROTEINS FOR POTENCY IN PROTEIN REGENERATION. FASTING AND IRON FEEDING

When blood plasma proteins are depleted by bleeding, with return of washed red cells (plasmapheresis) it is possible to bring the dog to a steady state of low plasma protein and uniform plasma protein production on a basal diet. Such dogs are excellent test subjects by which the potency of various diet factors for plasma protein regeneration can be measured. To regenerate plasma proteins in any significant amount the depleted dog requires food protein. Some proteins are very potent for new plasma protein production and others are utilized poorly. Beef serum is very potent and its proteins (2.6 gm.) will produce 1 gm. of new plasma protein in the depleted dog-a potency ratio of 2.6. Kidney protein stands at the bottom of our list and the dog needs 21 gm. of kidney protein to regenerate 1 gm. of plasma protein-a potency ratio of 21.0. Some grain proteins approximate the potency of beef serum and may show potency ratios of 2.7 to 4.6. Some of these grain proteins appear to favor the production of globulin more than albumin in the plasma. Skeletal muscle, gizzard (smooth muscle), lactalbumin and egg white fall into a favorable group with a potency ratio of 5.3 to 6.0. Whole liver, liver fractions, casein, and beef heart are a little less potent and present potency ratios of 6.5 to 8.0. Many of these food substances favor the production of albumin more than globulin. Pancreas and salmon muscle show less favorable potency ratios of 19.0 and 15.0 respectively. Fasting periods indicate that these depleted dogs can produce little if any new plasma protein. Iron feeding in some unexplained manner will influence body metabolism so that an excess of plasma protein will be produced. These observations have a bearing on clinical conditions associated with hypoproteinemia and give suggestions for diet aid or control in some of these abnormal states. The make-up of the diet is obviously of great interest and it is possible that protein combinations may be more potent than a single protein or that food potency ratios may differ in health and disease.
The Effect of Debeaking on Mating Ability and Fertility

Abstract A MALE maintains his balance during copulation by grasping either the comb or hackle of a female with his beak. It has been assumed that if a portion of the beak were removed a cockerel would have difficulty maintaining his balance during mating and that this would, in turn, reduce the number of matings completed. Experimental evidence to support this hypothesis is lacking. Cockerels to be used in natural matings, have seldom been debeaked (the mechanical removal of a portion of the beak) because of the belief that it would result in a reduction in fertility. Sherwood and Milby (1956), however, reported that males with severely deformed beaks, as a result of day-old debeaking, gave as good fertility as males with normal beaks. Bauermann (1959) found no significant difference in the fertility of a flock of White Leghorns before and after the males in that flock were debeaked. The experiment …
Evaluation of the Modified ELISPOT Assay for Gamma Interferon Production in Cancer Patients Receiving Antitumor Vaccines

Frequencies of vaccine-responsive T-lymphocyte precursors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) prior to and after administration of peptide-based vaccines in patients with cancer can be measured by limiting-dilution assays (LDA) or by ELISPOT assays. We have used a modified version of the ELISPOT assay to monitor changes in the frequency of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells in a population of lymphocytes responding to a relevant peptide or a nonspecific stimulator, such as phorbol myristate acetate-ionomycin. Prior to its use for monitoring of patient samples, the assay was validated and found to be comparable to the LDA performed in parallel, using tumor-reactive cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) lines. The sensitivity of the ELISPOT assay was found to be 1/100,000 cells, with an interassay coefficient of variation of 15%, indicating that it could be reliably used for monitoring of changes in the frequency of IFN-γ-secreting responder cells in noncultured or cultured lymphocyte populations. To establish that the assay is able to detect the T-cell precursor cells responsive to the vaccine, we used CD8+ T-cell populations positively selected from PBMC of HLA-A2+ patients with metastatic melanoma, who were treated with dendritic cell-based vaccines containing gp100, MELAN-A/MART-1, tyrosinase, and influenza virus matrix peptides. The frequency of peptide-specific responder T cells ranged from 0 to 1/2,600 before vaccination and increased by at least 1 log unit after vaccination in two patients, one of whom had a clinical response to the vaccine. However, no increases in the frequency of peptide-responsive T cells were observed in noncultured PBMC or PBMC cultured in the presence of the relevant peptides after the melanoma patients enrolled in another trial were treated with the intramuscular peptide vaccine plus MF59 adjuvant. Thus, while the ELISPOT assay was found to be readily applicable to assessments of frequencies of CTL precursors of established CTL lines and ex vivo-amplified PBMC, its usefulness for monitoring of fresh PBMC in patients with cancer was limited. In many of these patients antitumor effector T cells are present at frequencies of lower than 1/100,000 in the peripheral circulation. Serial monitoring of such patients may require prior ex vivo amplification of specific precursor cells.
White Racial Identity Development and Cross-Cultural Counselor Training A Stage Model

This article integrates the work of cross-cultural counselor-training development theorists (Carney & Kahn, 1984; Rowe, 1989), racial-identity development specialists (e.g., Helms, 1984), and cross-cultural counseling competency experts (e.g., Sue et al, 1982) in the formation of a comprehensive multicultural training model for majority-group (White, middle-class) counselors. Past developmental models are criticized for their failure to consider the White counselor's racial-identity (or consciousness) development as an integral component of multicultural training. The article reviews and integrates extant stage models of White racial consciousness, describes how counselors progress through variousstages, and specifically presents training regimens to facilitate counselors' sequential movement through the model. The article concludes with specific research antd policy recommendations.
Evaluation of Effects of Application of a Citroxain‐Containing Dentifrice

The benefits to the patient of the removal of tooth deposits is well documented. Should such removal provide the additional effect of "whitening" the tooth surface, an additional cosmetic benefit would be provided. This study documents that a Citroxain-containing dentifrice provides all of these benefits.
Changes in methionine adenosyltransferase during liver regeneration in the rat

Liver-specific and non-liver-specific methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) are products of two genes (MAT1A and MAT2A, respectively) that catalyze the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor. We previously showed that MAT2A expression was associated with more rapid cell growth. Here we examined changes in hepatic MAT gene expression and related consequences after two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. The mRNA levels of both MAT forms increased from 3 to 6 h, but the MAT1A level then fell below baseline from 12 to 24 h, whereas the MAT2A level remained elevated up to 4 days after PH. The increase in the MAT2A mRNA level was due to increased gene transcription and mRNA stabilization. The change in the MAT1A mRNA level was posttranscriptional and did not require de novo protein synthesis. Changes in MAT activity were consistent with an increased amount of MAT isozymes. SAM levels, the ratio of SAM to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and DNA methylation fell from 6 to 24 h, whereas SAH levels increased slightly at 12 and 24 h after PH. Both increased SAM utilization and MAT2A gene expression likely contributed to the fall in SAM.
Two-equivalent and one-equivalent surface states

Abstract Two concepts are discussed for the control of semiconductor surface properties by chemical surface state additives. The first is that additives can be used which lead to both filled and empty states, and both are required to control the surface Fermi level. Chemically this is equivalent to adding the impurity in two different oxidation states (valences). It is shown that if one uses this approach, accurate control of the surface Fermi level should be possible for stable systems. The second concept is that it is important to distinguish between two-equivalent and one-equivalent species for use as surface states. The former are chemicals in which a relatively unstable oxidation state exists between the stable oxidation states of interest. The latter (one-equivalent) are chemicals with adjacent stable oxidation states, i.e. stable forms separated by only one electronic charge. Analysis shows that two-equivalent impurities often will behave like minority carrier trapping centers.
Factors affecting the selection of clothes on daily basis: male and female differences

The major objective of the study was to test the theories of the function of dress that individuals apply to everyday practice. The study examined the extent to which Maslow's theory of motivation is relevant to male and female practice regarding the selection of daily clothes, the order of importance and the attention to clothing functions demonstrated by males and females, and the inter-relationship between the different clothing functions. The study is based on data collected from male and female students at a midwestern university in the month of April. The Friedman two-way ANOVA by ranks revealed that weather function was the single most important clothing function for males which influenced the selection of daily clothing, while social activity was the most important clothing function which influenced females. Females indicated a higher degree of consideration of each clothing function than males. These findings suggest that females tend to dress more for social reasons, are more sensitive to clothing needs and possess a greater degree of clothing awareness than males. The correlation coefficients of clothing function for males and females indicated that there was a high degree of correlation between several clothing functions. The correlation coefficients of clothing functions for females were more consistent than those for males, indicating that females consistently consider several clothing functions concurrently while males do not. This finding conforms with the theory of functions of dress which illustrates the multiple nature of motivation of clothing behaviour and the interdependent characteristics of Maslow's five basic human needs.
Projectively equivalent metrics, exact transverse line fields and the geodesic flow on the ellipsoid

We give a new proof of the complete integrability of the geodesic flow on the ellipsoid (in Euclidean, spherical or hyperbolic space). The proof is based on the construction of a metric on the ellipsoid whose non-parameterized geodesics coincide with those of the standard metric. This new metric is induced by the hyperbolic metric inside the ellipsoid (Klein's model).
Grey analysis of Colombian migration

Recent results of grey systems science are applied to the investigation of the relative degrees of importance of 22 variables affecting the individual or family decision-making of migration. Firstly, we show how to cluster the pre-determined variables into as few groups as needed. Secondly, we rank the groups in terms of their significance to the decision-making regarding labor migration. And thirdly, we establish an evaluation model to judge if an individual or a family is fit and ready to migrate physically and financially. Other than reconfirming most of the results obtained by other scholars over the years, this paper brings forward a set of brand new insights.
Longitudinal Versus Lateral Eddy Length-Scale (Second Note on a Vorticity-Transfer Hypothesis of Turbulence Theory)

Abstract A previously introduced vorticity-transfer-and-adaptation hypothesis is briefly summarized and supplemented by consideration of certain spatial derivatives of the components of the eddy displacement vector. The conventional length-scale of turbulence, redefined in the preceding note as a lateral co-variance = (x′z′¯)½, is supplemented by the new concept of a longitudinal length-scale, defined as the variance L = (x′2¯)½). In correspondence to the Karman constant (which concerns the rate of change of l in the direction lateral to the mean flow) there is a new constant which concerns the rate of change of L in the longitudinal direction. It is proposed to refer to this as the Reichardt constant, because the supplements are of direct importance for turbulence in free flows (such as submerged jets), and because the new hypothesis offers an improvement in comparison with “Reichardt's momentum transfer law” or “inductive theory” of jet-diffusion. It is shown that the structure of mean profiles in two-d...
Glucosinolate Enhancement in Cabbage Induced by Jasmonic Acid Application

Glucosinolates (GSL) are bioactive compounds found in cruciferous vegetables that have been shown to have chemopreventive benefits for human health. The objective of this study was to determine whether foliar application of jasmonic acid (JA) increases glucosinolate accumulation and yield in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group). Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 with a green ('Quisto') and red ('Ruby Perfection') cabbage cultivar. Foliar JA application rates were 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, and split application of 0.2 mM JA with surfactant, surfactant control, and water control. Yield of both cabbage cultivars was not changed by JA application in both years of the study. In both years, 'Ruby Perfection' had significantly higher glucosinolate concentrations than 'Quisto' with sinigrin being the predominant glucosinolate in both varieties. JA application consistently increased sinigrin, gluconapin, and glucoiberin concentrations across cultivars and years of the study. JA application also increased progoitrin and total GSL concentrations, but the effect was inconsistent between years and cultivars. In most cases, a split application of 0.2mM JA resulted in the highest GSL accumulation. GSL accumulation was significantly higher in 2005 than 2004 for both cultivars. Climatic data suggest that annual differences in temperature may have influenced the variability in glucosinolate concentration in cabbage.
Visual Guidance of an Active Handheld Microsurgical Tool

In microsurgery, a surgeon often deals with anatomical structures of sizes that are close to the limit of the human hand accuracy. Robotic assistants can help to push beyond the current state of practice by integrating imaging and robot-assisted tools. This paper demonstrates control of a handheld tremor reduction micromanipulator with visual servo techniques, aiding the operator by providing three behaviors: “snap-to”, motion scaling, and standoff regulation. A stereo camera setup viewing the workspace under high magnification tracks the tip of the micromanipulator and the object being manipulated. Individual behaviors are activated in task-specific situations when the micromanipulator tip is in the vicinity of the target. We show that the snap-to behavior can reach and maintain a position at a target with Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 17.5 ± 0.4 µm between the tip and target. Scaling the operator’s motions and preventing unwanted contact with non-target objects also provides a larger margin of safety.
Ma's Killer Won-Ton Soup: Recreating Ethnic Rituals

The Asian American Movement of the 1970s also instilled a rebirth of Asian traditions for people like myself. Cultural traditions were revived and readapted to give us a sense of pride and identity in where we came from. Potlucks were a mainstay of movement traditions because they embodied a communal spirit of sharing and eating together-basic components of building collective unity and strength.
Recovery, Preparation, Storage and Utilization of Spermatozoa for Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients and Sub-Fertile Men

Sperm cryopreservation is an important part of an infertility program for patients undergoing infertility treatments, fertility assurance for vasectomy cases, and for fertility preservation due to cancer or other medical conditions. With recent developments in reproductive technology, even men with severely impaired sperm parameters can benefit from cryopreservation as procedures such as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) require only a few sperm to achieve fertilization and pregnancy. The increasing success of cancer treatment and concerted efforts to ensure quality of life after successful treatment have placed great emphasis on the need to preserve the reproductive capability of young men. It is a highly effective method of protecting male fertility potential, and involves collection, freezing, and long-term storage of sperm. Based on the etiological condition of the patients, sperm can be collected by ejaculation or by surgical retrieval from epididymis or testes. The option to bank sperm should...
Still More on Max Flow

We follow Tarjan’s presentation [100]. In the Edmonds-Karp algorithm, we continue to augment by path flows along paths in the level graph L G until every path from s to t in L G contains at least one saturated edge. The flow at that point is called a blocking flow. The following modification, which improves the running time to O(mn2), was given by Dinic in 1970 [29]. Rather than constructing a blocking flow path by path, the algorithm constructs a blocking flow all at once by finding a maximal set of minimum-length augmenting paths. Each such construction is called a phase.
Revisiting the Atomic Natural Orbital Approach for Basis Sets: Robust Systematic Basis Sets for Explicitly Correlated and Conventional Correlated ab initio Methods?

The performance of several families of basis sets for correlated wave function calculations on molecules is studied. The widely used correlation-consistent basis set family cc-pVXZ (n = D, T, Q, 5) is compared to a systematic series of atomic natural orbital basis sets (ano-pVXZ). These basis sets are built from the cc-pV6Z primitives in atomic multireference average coupled pair functional (MR-ACPF) calculations. Segmented basis sets optimized for self-consistent field calculations (def2-SVP, def2-TZVPP, and def2-QZVPP as well as “pc-n”, n = 1, 2, 3) were also tested. Reference Hartree−Fock energies are determined with the uncontracted aug-cc-pV6Z basis set for a set of 21 small molecules built from H, B, C, N, O, and F. Reference coupled cluster CCSD(T) correlation energies were determined from extrapolation at the cc-pV5Z/cc-pV6Z level. It is found that the ano-pVXZ basis sets outperform the other basis sets. The error in the SCF energies compared to cc-pVXZ basis sets is reduced by about a factor of 3...