cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The CIPRES workbench: a flexible framework for creating science gateways

Here we describe the CIPRES Workbench (CW), an open source software framework for creating new science gateways with minimal overhead. The CW is a web application that can be deployed on a modest server, and can be configured to submit command line instructions to any resource where the application has submission privileges. It is designed to be highly configurable/customizable, and supports GUI-based access to HPC resources through a web browser interface as well as programmatic access via a ReSTful API. Using browser access, the CW architecture creates an environment with secure user accounts where user input data, job results, and job provenance are stored. The ReSTful API allows users with a registered a client application to deliver command lines to analytical codes and retrieve results from remote compute resources. A development effort is underway to allow the CW to submit jobs via the Science Gateways as a Platform (SciGaP) services hosted at Indiana University.
Separation of synthetic deoxyribo-oligonucleotides by thin layer chromatography

Abstract An easy and rapid method for the purification and identification of complex chemical reaction mixtures of deoxyribo-oligonucleotides has been achieved by using Avicel-Cellulose thin-layer plates.
Modernism as a Misnomer: Godard's Archeology of the Image

"The standard historical image of Jean-Luc Godard is that of a resolute iconoclast breaking with the representational norms and codes of classical cinema in the name of liberating film from the deadening weight of its past. His numerous formal innovations—syncopated montage, unconventional framing, unique experiments with dialogue, etc.—along with his abandonment of traditional narrative and character development, his playful pastiche of genres, his debunking of the representational illusions of cinematic realism, his reflexive preoccupation with film itself and the general dissolution of the distinction between high and low art have created a potent new form of cinema that continues to have far-reaching effects. More experimental than Truffaut, more temerarious than Chabrol, but less fastidious than Resnais, less obtuse and prolix than Rivette, Godard is seen as the bumptious enfant terrible of the Cahiers du cinema who set the agenda for a new era of modernist filmmaking..."
Improving multilevel PCM reliability through age-aware reading and writing strategies

Given its low power consumption and high density, Phase Change Memory (PCM) has been treated as a promising alternative to DRAM for main memory storage. Multilevel Cell (MLC) PCM outperforms regular single level cell (SLC) PCM with even higher information density, yet requires more accurate control for cell reading and writing. More crucially, the resistance of a MLC PCM cell may drift over time, thus introducing high error rate during cell reading if the quantization thresholds are constant. While previous work tries to adjust the quantization method when reading a cell, its accuracy is still limited due to the inter-cell variations in data age. In this paper, we propose various PCM writing and quantization strategies to improve MLC PCM reliability. Cell quantization accuracy is improved by taking into consideration not only the time information but also inter-cell age variations. Moreover, by making the write strategy be aware of time, the inter-level quantization margin can be guaranteed when the cells exhibit large age variations. This time-aware writing scheme is adaptively applied to maximize achievable benefits. The experimental results show that the proposed writing and reading approaches can effectively reduce the quantization error rate in MLC PCM by 95%.
Predictors of unmet dental need in children with autism spectrum disorder: results from a national sample.

Abstract Objective Unmet dental need in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common. We tested hypotheses that lacking a medical home or having characteristics of more severe ASD is positively associated with having unmet dental need among children with ASD. Methods Using data from the 2009 to 2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, we analyzed 2772 children 5 to 17 years old with ASD. We theorized that unmet dental need would be positively associated with not having a medical home and having characteristics of more severe ASD (eg, parent reported severe ASD, an intellectual disability, communication, or behavior difficulties). Prevalence of unmet dental need was estimated, and unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P values were computed using survey methods for logistic regression. Results Nationally, 15.1% of children with ASD had unmet dental need. Among children with ASD, those without a medical home were more apt to have unmet dental need than those with a medical home (adjusted odds ratio, 4.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.59–7.69). Children with ASD with intellectual disability or greater communication or behavioral difficulties had greater odds of unmet dental need than those with ASD without these characteristics. Parent-reported ASD severity was not associated with unmet dental need. Conclusions Children with ASD without a medical home and with characteristics suggestive of increased ASD-related difficulties were more apt to have unmet dental need. Pediatricians might use these findings to aid in identifying children with ASD who might not receive all needed dental care.
Superficial fungal infections of the skin: Tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and Candida intertrigo

Abstract Tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and Candida intertrigo are common superficial fungal infections. Tinea corporis and tinea pedis are dermatophyte infections transmitted from domestic animals and the environment, respectively. Excessive sweating and poor circulation are the most important predisposing factors for tinea pedis. Candida intertrigo may occur in patients with conditions that alter host immunity, such as pregnancy, malignancy, diabetes mellitus, and glucocorticoid therapy. The presence of these infections is suspected from the location and appearance of the lesion, and the diagnosis is confirmed by examination of a potassium hydroxide preparation or by culture. Treatment is based on the severity and extent of the infection. Mild infections generally respond to topical antifungal agents, and more severe infections often require systemic therapy.
Strategy for selection of cell variants deficient in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase.

Abstract A selection strategy to obtain cells deficient in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was developed based on the fact that treatment with high levels of N -methyl- N′ -nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine results in sufficient activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase to cause NAD and ATP depletion leading to cessation of all energy-dependent processes and rapid cell death. In contrast, cells with low levels of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase should not consume their NAD and might therefore be more likely to survive the DNA damage. Using this approach, we have cloned a number of cell lines containing 37–82% enzyme activity. The apparent decrease in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity is not due to increases in NAD glycohydrolase, poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, or phosphodiesterase activities. Further characterization of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-deficient cells indicates that they have prolonged generation times and increased rates of spontaneous sister chromatid exchanges.
Merchant Guilds (Consulados de Comercio) in the Spanish World

Recent emphasis on the social and cultural history of colonial Latin America has lessened the former growth of economic and institutional history in the region. Yet there is still need for further research on economic elites and their institutions. Merchant guilds were an important element in the economic and judicial development of the Spanish world from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century. Beginning in Catalonia, they later appeared in Castile, and later yet in Spain's overseas dominions, providing import-export merchants with a tribunal for commercial litigation and an institution for the protection and promotion of their commerce. Revitalization of the institution in the eighteenth century extended commercial monopolies to more merchant communities, but also established stronger state control over them. The institution declined and largely disappeared during the nineteenth century. Principal studies of the various consulados in Spain and the Indies are referenced in the endnotes.
Authoritarian Co-optation, the Territorial Dimension: Provincial Political Representation in Post-Mao China

Little comparative research has examined territorially motivated co-optation under single-party authoritarianism. I argue that national autocrats in single-party regimes also have incentives to co-opt and control the more economically resourceful but potentially more politically restive subnational regions under economic decentralization and globalization to ease resource extraction and prolong their national rule. In particular, they could take advantage of their personnel monopoly power over the regional government leadership to enlarge the presence of officials governing these regions at a collective decision-making forum within the ruling party, such as its Politburo, where the national autocrats prevail. Consistent with this logic, I find, in the case of China during 1978–2005, that larger, more export-oriented, and to a lesser extent, wealthier provinces—as well as provinces with higher urbanization, centrally administered municipalities, and ethnic minority regions—were on average more likely to be governed by sitting members of the Politburo of the sole governing Chinese Communist Party Central Committees. The findings highlight a hitherto neglected territorial dimension in efforts to explain the relative resilience of authoritarian single-party regimes.
On characteristic exponents in turbulence

Ruelle has found upper bounds to the magnitude and to the number of non-negative characteristic exponents for the Navier-Stokes flow of an incompressible fluid in a domain Θ. The latter is particularly important because it yields an upper bound to the Hausdorff dimension of attracting sets. However, Ruelle's bound on the number has three deficiences: (i) it relies on some unproved conjectures about certain constants; (ii) it is valid only in dimensions ≧ 3 and not 2; (iii) it is valid only in the limit Θ → ∞. In this paper these deficiences are remedied and, in addition, the final constants in the inequality are improved.
Growth of self-aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes by laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Controllable growth of self-aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was developed using Laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) method. By integrating both electrical-field and gas-flow induced orientation effects in the LCVD process, SWNT growth direction was decided. According to Raman measurements, narrow diameter distribution of the SWNTs was realized by controlling reaction temperature. Individual SWNT bridging opposite Mo electrodes was achieved by creating local electrical field using point-to-point electrodes. Back-gated single-walled carbon nanotube based field-effect transistors (SWNT-FETs) were fabricated using LCVD method, and showed typical p-type behavior.
A randomized study of decitabine versus conventional care for maintenance therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission

A randomized study of decitabine versus conventional care for maintenance therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission
Increased HER2/neu expression in recurrent hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Approximately 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor (HR)-positive (Normanno et al. 2005) and can potentially benefit from therapies targeted to the estrogen receptor, such as aromatase inhibit...
Classification Using Growth Curves

Abstract Classification using the growth curve model is analyzed according to whether the covariance matrix structure is known to be compound symmetric. A new classification procedure appropriate for classification in the case of models with means that follow a Potthoff and Roy [Potthoff, R. F., Roy, S. N. (1964). A generalized multivariate analysis of variance model useful especially for growth curve problems. Biometrika 51: 313–326] structure is suggested. Simulations are carried out to illustrate this new procedure and to estimate the chance of misclassification.
A highly sensitive noncontacting electromagnetic device for detecting dynamic stress in structures

A highly sensitive, noncontacting electromagnetic device has been developed to detect stress waves in structures. It is shown that for detecting an induced strain this device is over 500 times more sensitive than conventional bonded strain gages. The principle of detecting the strain by this device is based on the fact that dynamic stresses in a structure induce similar stresses in a bonded piezoelectric material. This, in turn, creates a magnetic field which extends beyond the material itself. An electromagnetic device has been built to detect this magnetic field and thus monitor the dynamic stresses. This method provides a noncontacting means of measuring strain in structures with improved sensitivity.
Cross-Layer Forward Error Correction Scheme Using Raptor and RCPC Codes for Prioritized Video Transmission Over Wireless Channels

The unequal error protection (UEP) has shown promising results for transmitting video over error-prone wireless channels. In this paper, we investigate the cross-layer design of forward error correction (FEC) schemes by using the UEP Raptor codes at the application layer (AL) and UEP rate compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) codes at physical layer (PHY) for prioritized video packets. The video packets are prioritized based on their contribution to the received video quality. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization algorithm is proposed to find the optimal parameters for both Raptor and RCPC codes, to minimize the video distortion and maximize the peak signal-to-noise-ratio for the given video bit rates and channel constraints (i.e., SNR and available bandwidth). We evaluate the performance of four combinations of the UEP schemes for H.264/AVC encoded video sequences over the AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels and show the superiority of the optimized cross-layer UEP FEC scheme. For Rayleigh fading channel, the proposed cross-layer optimization uses two different time-scales at AL and PHY which allows PHY to adapt faster to the changing channel quality.
Evaluation of Entry and Terminal Deceleration Systems for Unmanned Martian Landers

Entry and terminal deceleration systems for unmanned Martian landers, discussing parachute landing and lifting entry vehicles
New views of smooth muscle structure using freezing, deep-etching and rotary shadowing

Freezing, deep-etching and rotary shadowing techniques have been applied to study smooth muscle ultrastructure. The results show some new aspects of intracellular and extracellular connections, interior views of the sarcoplasmic reticulum showing a luminal content, coated pits and vesicles, contractile filaments and other organelles in smooth muscle.
Reexamination of traditional emphases in faculty development

Clinically based direct interventions with individual colleagues were used to demonstrate ways of surmounting four traditional constraints in faculty development research: First, the usual problem of engaging the least needy faculty was countered by enlisting colleagues who evidenced distress, in classroom and writing performances, as research subjects. Second, faculty who would have refused feedback based on student ratings were trained to be reliable self-evaluators on seven specific teaching skills. Third, participants demonstrated an ability to improve their teaching skills while making measureable progress as regimented and productive writers. Fourth, a crossover design of involvement in teaching and writing programs, combined with subjects' self-ratings of related scholarly activities, suggests that teaching and scholarly productivity can be mutually facilitative.
Mid-infrared InAs/GaInSb separate confinement heterostructure laser diode structures

Despite recent progress in electronic structure engineering of type-II materials for mid-infrared lasers, suppression of Auger recombination at room temperature has been limited. We present an active region design, consisting of AlAsSb/InAs/GaInSb/InAs/AlAsSb wells separated by an InAs/AlGaSb superlattice, that overcomes this limitation. The 300 K calculated Auger recombination rate in this structure at the optimal lasing density is five times smaller than typical Shockley–Read–Hall (defect-assisted) recombination rates. An integrated separate confinement heterostructure design suitable for this active region is also described. The separate confinement region, which is a lightly doped InAs/AlGaSb superlattice, provides efficient hole transport and injection into the active region. For an estimated nonactive region modal cavity loss of 20 cm−1 and an optical mode width of 1.3 μm, the calculated internal threshold current density is 100 A/cm2 at 300 K for a single quantum well device.
Tracking nonuniformity in the thermal infrared sensor through pre-launch measurements and simulated on-orbit data

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) will continue thermal band measurements of the Earth for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The instrument is a dual-channel, push-broom imager that consists of 1850 detector elements per band spanning the 15-degree cross track field of view. The push-broom configuration of the instrument presents several challenges to ensure that the instrument meets uniformity and linearity requirements across the field of view. Each detector element may have a slightly different spectral and radiometric response resulting from variations in pixel-to-pixel gain, bias, and spectral band shape. These differences must be measured and corrected for in order to provide a radiometrically accurate data product necessary for the Landsat science mission. During pre-launch testing, calibration ground support equipment (CGSE) is used to uniformly illuminate the TIRS field of view with various source radiances. Calibration routines are created to convert the raw detector signal from these uniform sources into accurate at-sensor radiances. During the on-orbit life of the instrument, vicarious calibration techniques such as the side-slither method may be used to check the pixel-to-pixel uniformity. To demonstrate the value of this technique for TIRS, the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) tool is utilized to simulate on-orbit TIRS data. Appropriate sites on the Earth are identified and side-slither data is generated. The simulated on-orbit data is then compared to pre-launch calibration data to determine whether this calibration approach is viable to track the calibration of TIRS over its orbital lifetime.
Electromagnetic characterization of planar metamaterials by oblique angle spectroscopic measurements

Artificially structured metamaterials with unit-cell dimensions on the order of $1∕10\text{th}$ of a wavelength $(\ensuremath{\lambda}∕10)$ have been shown to be well approximated by an effective medium description which mimics a continuous material. In this paper we present data for transmission and reflection from a planar array of split-ring resonators (SRRs) at varying angles of incidence. We attempt to model the form of the angle---dependent response of the SRRs using the Fresnel equations formulated from effective medium theory---treating the array as a thin continuous anisotropic crystal. This model is then fit to experimental data taken on a planar array of split rings to gauge the model accuracy, and to produce values for the frequency-dependent permeability and permittivity of the experimental SRR array. Simultaneous fitting of the transmission and reflection at multiple angles helps to avoid multiple solutions for the permittivity and permeability. This forward fitting approach using multiple angles is advantageous, as it enables a characterization of the optical constants without the need for phase information, and it avoids many of the branch problems inherent in the numerical inversion methods used so far on metamaterials. The work presented here shows the feasibility of this method. A refined procedure will be particularly advantageous for experimental characterization of higher frequency structures (i.e., THz and above), where phase information is difficult or impossible to obtain.
Adaptive delay-tolerant scheduling for efficient cellular and WiFi usage

Today's mobile devices offer multiple network connectivity options with orders of magnitude differences in cost, power, speed and reliability. Given this high variability, dynamic optimization of radio connectivity choice is promising. To increase the flexibility and payoff of such optimizations, we recognize that many applications have significant delay tolerance, which we exploit to schedule data transmissions. This paper proposes and evaluates techniques for cost-optimizing connectivity choice based on application delay tolerance, as well as on predictions of upcoming data usage and connectivity availability. We explore optimal (MILP-based) and heuristic approaches for optimizing this choice while abiding by application performance requirements. Our work studies how errors in predicting data usage or network connectivity impact each approach's success at cost reduction. We evaluate the technique through both simulation and a prototype on an Android smartphone. Overall, our technique averages more than 2× reduction in cellular data usage, and for some scenarios, the reduction is as high as 5×. In addition, the Android prototype also demonstrates the importance of accounting for radio switching overhead and TCP flow migration time.
Power imbalance and anticipation of conflict resolution: Positive and negative attributes of perceptual recall

This study investigated the impact of power imbalance on the relationship between perceived communication behaviors and the anticipation of conflict resolution. The subjects were 120 students who responded to a survey questionnaire in which they evaluated a conflict in which they were engaged. They were divided into three groups (high power, low power, equal power) based upon their responses to the survey. Correlational analysis indicated that when the participants in the conflict were of equal power, anticipated resolution was related to perceptions of both solution‐oriented and control behavior. However, in cases of power imbalance, solution‐oriented behavior was the only significant cue identified, and it was used by both low‐and high‐power participants.
Presumptive Intramural Gastric Hemorrhage Secondary to Rodenticide Intoxication in a Dog

Summary A dog being treated for demodicosis with ivermectin was presented for intermittent vomiting. The vomiting progressed to hematemesis and an underlying coagulopathy was diagnosed. The etiology of the coagulopathy was determined to be ingested brodifacoum. Ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen revealed thickened gastric wall that was suspected to be intramural hemorrhage. Most likely, the intramural hemorrhage and resulting thickening of the stomach wall led to the clinical signs and metabolic alkalosis. This case represents an typical presentation of hemorrhage secondary to rodenticide intoxication. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2001; 11(1):27–31, 2001).
A simple model of the double cantilever beam crack propagation specimen

Abstract A very simple model of the double cantilever beam (dcb) dynamic crack propagation specimen is studied. The main assumption on which the model is based is that the arms of the dcb specimen deform as shear beams. The particular problem studied is the dynamic growth of a sharp crack from a blunt pre-crack with the ends of the specimen arms held at a fixed separation distance. It is demonstrated that this simple model predicts crack motion which is qualitatively consistent with the results of more detailed numerical analyses of the problem and with experimental results. The analysis employs an energy balance crack propagation criterion and both constant specific fracture energy and a class of crack speed dependent fracture energies are considered. Among the features exhibited by the model is that, for constant specific fracture energy, the crack tip speed is constant from initiation up to arrest. On the other hand, for the same geometry and loading conditions, but a strongly crack speed dependent specific fracture energy, the crack speed decreases gradually between fracture initiation and crack arrest.
Functional Analysis of Treatment of Oral Cavity Cancer

There are few studies that have addressed themselves to measuring the speech, swallowing results, and quality of life that patients are left with after the treatment of oral cavity cancer. We developed a test series to assess the oral cavity function and the general health of patients treated for oral cavity cancer. The results of 51 patients treated for oral cavity cancer were compared by site and stage of the lesion as well as by treatment modality. In addition, the functional results achieved by different reconstructive techniques in the oral cavity were evaluated. The series also identified site-specific speech and swallowing problems.
A concerted mechanism for the suppression of a folding defect through interactions with chaperones.

Specific amino acid substitutions confer a temperature-sensitive-folding (tsf) phenotype to bacteriophage P22 coat protein. Additional amino acid substitutions, called suppressor substitutions (su), relieve the tsf phenotype. These su substitutions are proposed to increase the efficiency of procapsid assembly, favoring correct folding over improper aggregation. Our recent studies indicate that the molecular chaperones GroEL/ES are more effectively recruited in vivo for the folding of tsf:su coat proteins than their tsf parents. Here, the tsf:su coat proteins are studied with in vitro equilibrium and kinetic techniques to establish a molecular basis for suppression. The tsf:su coat proteins were monomeric, as determined by velocity sedimentation analytical ultracentrifugation. The stability of the tsf:su coat proteins was ascertained by equilibrium urea titrations, which were best described by a three-state folding model, N ⇔ I ⇔ U. The tsf:su coat proteins either had stabilized native or intermediate states as compared with their tsf coat protein parents. The kinetics of the I ⇔ U transition showed a decrease in the rate of unfolding and a small increase in the rate of refolding, thereby increasing the population of the intermediate state. The increased intermediate population may be the reason the tsf:su coat proteins are aggregation-prone and likely enhances GroEL-ES interactions. The N ⇒ I unfolding rate was slower for the tsf:su proteins than their tsf coat parents, resulting in an increase in the native state population, which may allow more competent interactions with scaffolding protein, an assembly chaperone. Thus, the suppressor substitution likely improves folding in vivo through increased efficiency of coat protein-chaperone interactions.
Traffic Safety from an Economist's Point of View

I. Economic reasoning applied to traffic safety, 477. — II. Inconsistencies in costing the evils of driving, 478. — III. Marginal cost taxation and efficiency, 479. — IV. Expenditures need not be tailored to revenues, 480. — V. Differential insurance premiums, 482. — VI. Accidents are social overhead costs, 483. — VII, Optimizing our institutions, 484.
Rabbit spermatozoa undergo an acrosome reaction in the presence of glycosaminoglycans

Rabbit-ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated in a chemically defined medium containing comercially available glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg/ml. Sperm were stained and examined for the degree of acrosome reaction and viability after 9 h of incubation. There were significant dose and treatment effects of the induction of the acrosome reaction. Viability did not differ significantly betweendoses or treatment. Heparin enhanced the acrosome reaction between concentrations of 0.1 to 1.0 μg/ml, whereas higher levels depressed the percentage of sperm undergoing the acrosome reaction. Seminal plasma added to sperm cultures depressed the stimulatory effect of GAGs. Treatment of chondroitin-4-sulfate with chondro-4-sulfatase prohibited the stimulatory effect. It is concluded that GAGs, components of the female reproductive tract, may promote the acrosome reaction so that successful fertilization can occur.
The effect of polypropylene vials on lithotripter shock waves

In studies to understand the mechanisms responsible for shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) cell injury, we observed that shock waves (SWs) are influenced by the shape of the specimen vial. Lytic injury to kidney cells treated in a Dornier HM3 lithotripter was higher (p < 0.0001) when SWs entered the vial through the flat end (cap end) compared to the round end. Measurements of the acoustic field within polypropylene vials were carried out using both lithotripter SWs and pulsed ultrasound (US) in the megahertz frequency range. We compared pressure amplitudes inside the round and flat vials and found significant differences. When SWs entered through the round end, the average peak positive pressure was 40% of free-field pressure, due mostly to a dramatic reduction in pressure off axis. The average peak pressure inside the flat vial was twice that of the round vial. Experiments with US demonstrated that sound field focusing was induced by the curved interface of the round vial. Ray analysis for the round vial indicates the presence of "hot spots" on axis and "cold spots" off axis, in qualitative agreement with pressure profiles. We conclude that the shape of the specimen vial is an important factor that should be considered in model systems of SWL cell injury.
Photemission and the influence of collective excitations

Abstract The development of new capabilities in high resolution photoemission is allowing detailed studies of the role of collective many-body excitations in the decay of a photohole. This in turn provides new insights into the physics of condensed matter systems, in particular the strongly-correlated systems, which exhibit a rich variety of exotic phenomena including high Tc superconductivity.
Inbreeding Cultivated Alfalfa at the Diploid Level by Selfing and Sib‐mating

It has been proposed that inbreeding and selection in cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may increase the frequency of alleles with favorable effects. Inbred lines of cultivated alfalfa at the diploid level (CADL, 2n = 2x = 16) were developed by selfing (S), sib-mating (SM), and composite S₁ sib-mating (S₁SM). Dry matter yield of field grown spaced-plants from the F₁, S₁, S₂, SM₁, SM₄, and S₁SM₃ generations was harvested twice in a single year to determine inbreeding effects and if favorable alleles were accumulated while inbreeding. Plant vigor and fertility declined significantly (P < 0.01) in most advanced generations. Inbreeding depression under selfing was equal to or less than the percent change in the coefficient of inbreeding, F. One family survived five generations of self-pollination (F = 0.97). Inbreeding depression under sib-mating often exceeded the percent change in F by as much as twofold. The average rate of inbreeding depression, expressed as the percent change in yield for each percent change in F, was less under selfing (−0.80) than under sib-mating (−1.91) although exceptions to the general trend did occur. Phenotypic improvement was never noted under exclusive selfing. Two sib-mated generations tended to outperform earlier, less-inbred generations, indicating that favorable alleles were accumulated while inbreeding. Research supported by the Univ. of Wisconsin College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, a Pioneer Hi-Bred Int. Fellowship, and USDA Competitive Grant 88-37234-3405.
Use of Gibberellic Acid for Management of Bunch Rot on Chardonnay and Vignoles Grape

Abstract Harvest bunch rot of wine grape, caused primarily by Botrytis cinerea, is a perennial problem limiting the productivity of eastern vineyards, especially on cultivars with compact clusters. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gibberellic acid (GA) sprays at reducing the compactness of Chardonnay and Vignoles clusters and minimizing bunch rot. Applications of GA reduced the number of berries per centimeter and the incidence and severity of bunch rots in Vignoles and, to a lesser extent, in Chardonnay over three consecutive years; however, the magnitude of GA effects often depended on the timing and rate of application. Bloom GA applications were more effective (P < 0.001) at reducing compactness and bunch rots than prebloom applications. Significantly, negative effects of GA applications on yield were negligible based on data from 4 years of trials on single vines and 2 years of data on 24-vine plots of Vignoles, provided the rates did not exceed 25 ppm. Regression ana...
Effect of Nestling Sex Ratio on the Provisioning Behavior of Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird)

Abstract - To maximize reproductive success, parents may differentially invest in sons and daughters, i.e., sex-biased parental investment. Preferential provisioning behavior has been reported in one population of Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) and attributed to local resource competition. We studied the provisioning behavior of Eastern Bluebirds in Madison County, KY in 2004. We experimentally manipulated brood sex ratios in 24 bluebird nests, creating female-biased (n = 8), male-biased (n = 5), and control (n = 11) nests. Following manipulation, nests were videotaped to record adult provisioning behavior. Brood sex ratio had no effect on the provisioning behavior of either male or female Eastern Bluebirds. Similarly, we found no effect of brood sex ratio on the provisioning rates of either male or female bluebirds for control broods that naturally differed in number of male and female nestlings (n = 9; 5 male-biased and 4 female-biased). Our results contrast with those of a previous study that found t...
X-ray CCD with low noise charge injection structure

A frame transfer CCD designed for X-ray detection in space on-board the SUZAKU spacecraft includes an input serial register and a charge injection structure which allows a very uniform injection of extremely small charge packets into the imaging section of the device. The amount of injected charge can be controlled with very high accuracy. Precise measurements were performed of signal and noise as a function of gate voltages and injection timing parameters helping to extract physical characteristics of the charge injection structure. Very small charge packets can be reproducibly injected with noise as low as 5 electrons rms. We demonstrate that this charge injection structure is an extremely useful tool in studying and mitigating radiation effects in CCDs. It allows for fast and accurate calibration of radiation damage suffered by CCDs in space environment. Charge loss in each column of a CCD can be determined with just a few frames of data. Applying the results of these measurements to data analysis allows to correct for column-to-column nonuniformities and improves energy resolution of a damaged CCD. Charge loss as a function of charge has been measured down to very low signal levels, this dependence is also an important factor in developing CTI-correction algorithms. Studying variance of the trap distribution over different columns of a CCD we were able to make certain conclusions about a about charge state of the traps. This technique can be used in studying trap composition of devices. We experimentally confirmed that periodically injecting charge-filled rows it is possible to significantly improve CCD charge transfer inefficiency that was induced by irradiation of a device. Injecting rows filled with charge fills the traps, they stay charged for some time and do not contribute to a charge loss. This technique has been tested and proved useful. Both CTI and energy resolution of the device have shown significant improvements.
Numerical method for estimating the electromagnetic parameters of shielding materials

This paper presents an approach to estimate the electromagnetic parameters of shielding materials at low frequencies based upon shielding measurements. The method is applied to compute the electric conductivity and magnetic permeability of several long cylinders which are made of aluminum, Amumetal, and Conetic-AA, respectively. The results are consistent with their published data and show the application potential of the method.
Development of pyrethroid-like fluorescent substrates for glutathione S-transferase.

The availability of highly sensitive substrates is critical for the development of precise and rapid assays for detecting changes in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity that are associated with GST-mediated metabolism of insecticides. In this study, six pyrethroid-like compounds were synthesized and characterized as substrates for insect and mammalian GSTs. All of the substrates were esters composed of the same alcohol moiety, 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, and acid moieties that structurally mimic some commonly used pyrethroid insecticides, including cypermethrin and cyhalothrin. CpGSTD1, a recombinant Delta class GST from the mosquito Culex pipiens pipiens, metabolized our pyrethroid-like substrates with both chemical and geometric preference (i.e., the cis-isomers were metabolized at 2- to 5-fold higher rates than the corresponding trans-isomers). A GST preparation from mouse liver also metabolized most of our pyrethroid-like substrates with both chemical and geometric preference but at 10- to 170-fold lower rates. CpGSTD1 and mouse GSTs metabolized 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenezene (CDNB), a general GST substrate, at more than 200-fold higher rates than our novel pyrethroid-like substrates. There was a 10-fold difference in the specificity constant (kcat/KM ratio) of CpGSTD1 for CDNB and those of CpGSTD1 for cis-DCVC and cis-TFMCVC, suggesting that cis-DCVC and cis-TFMCVC may be useful for the detection of GST-based metabolism of pyrethroids in mosquitoes.
The Role of IL-2 in the Activation and Expansion of Regulatory T-cells and the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects ≈ 400,000 people in the US. It is a chronic, disabling disease with no cure, and the current treatment includes use of immunosuppressive drugs that often exhibit toxic side effects. Thus, there is a pressing need for alternate and more effective treatment strategies that target the components of inflammatory cells. In recent years, regulatory T-cells (Tregs) have been found to play an important role in preventing the development of autoimmunity. Thus, expansion of Tregs in vivo has the therapeutic potential against autoimmune diseases. Because Tregs constitutively express IL-2 receptors (IL-2Rs), we tested the effect of administration of IL-2 on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS). We used IL-2 both before (pre-treatment) or after (post-treatment) immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) peptide to induce EAE. The data demonstrated that pre-treatment with a moderate dose of IL-2 caused significant amelioration of EAE. Tissue histopathology of the central nervous system also confirmed the effectiveness of IL-2 pre-treatment by decreasing cellular infiltration in the spinal cord and preserving tissue integrity. IL-2 pretreatment expanded Treg cells while preventing the induction of Th17 during EAE development. In contrast, post-treatment with IL-2 failed to suppress EAE despite induction of Tregs. Together, these studies demonstrate that while expansion of Tregs using IL-2, prior to immunization or the onset of disease, can suppress the immune response, their role is limited after the antigen-specific response is triggered. Because IL-2 is used to treat certain types of cancers, and Tregs have applications in preventing the rejection of transplants, our studies also provide useful information on the use and limitations of Tregs in such clinical manifestations.
Minimax distribution free procedure with backorder price discount

Abstract The inventory models analyzed in this paper explore the problem in which the lead time and ordering cost reductions are inter-dependent in the continuous review inventory model with backorder price discount. The objective is to minimize total related cost by simultaneously optimizing the order quantity, reorder point, lead time and backorder price discount. Moreover, we assume that the mean and variance of the lead time demand are known, but its probability distribution is unknown. We apply a minimax distribution free procedure to find the optimal solution, and three numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
A developmental study of sequence structure in binary prediction

Abstract Sixteen groups of 20 Ss each were run individually in a binary prediction situation with each alternative occurring equally often. Four age groups were employed: Ss were either in kindergarten, second, fourth, or sixth grades. For half the Ss at each age level the events occurred in runs of either 1 or 5; the other Ss observed events which occurred in runs of either 4 or 5. The probability of occurrence of the long run (β) was also manipulated: for half the Ss receiving each set of run lengths there were equal numbers of short and long runs (β = .5); for the other Ss β = .2. The results indicated that all groups showed some sensitivity to run length characteristics. However, errors of all types decreased as age increased, and 4–5 sequences were followed more accurately than 1–5 sequences. The results were discussed in terms of their implications for a general model of binary choice behavior.
Linking Policies and Economic Voting Explaining Reelection in the Case of the Spanish Socialist Party

Economic voting literature has shown that voters hold governments responsible for the state of the economy. Election studies have also found that voters punish governing parties that divert from their campaign promises and move their policy positions. These bodies of literature cannot convincingly explain the repeated reelection of the Socialist Party, which passed supply-side economic measures at odds with campaign promises and its traditional ideology. Furthermore, the party succeeded in gaining reelection regardless of the state of the economy and despite consistently high unemployment. In this article, it is argued that to better understand the repeated electoral success of the Socialist Party, three additional factors have to be taken into account: the party system, compensatory policies, and internal party politics. These factors allowed the Spanish Socialist Party to build an electoral support coalition based on lower classes, rural voters, and voters dependent on state-subsidized income.
Phase shift inversion of fermi surface data for some of the transition metals

Preliminary results are presented for the conversion of de Haas van Alphen data into information concerning the point properties of the Fermi surfaces of the transition metals. It is shown that the spin-orbit generalized phase shifts may be used to fit the Fermi surfaces of the heavy transition metals.
2-Isoxazol-3-Phenyltropane Derivatives of Cocaine: Molecular and Atypical System Effects at the Dopamine Transporter

The present study examined RTI-371 [3β-(4-methylphenyl)-2β-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-isoxazol-5-yl]tropane], a phenyltropane cocaine analog with effects distinct from cocaine, and assessed potential mechanisms for those effects by comparison with its constitutional isomer, RTI-336 [3β-(4-chlorophenyl)-2β-[3-(4-methylphenyl)-isoxazol-5-yl]tropane]. In mice, RTI-371 was less effective than cocaine and RTI-336 in stimulating locomotion, and incompletely substituted (∼60% maximum at 5 minutes or 1 hour after injection) in a cocaine (10 mg/kg i.p.)/saline discrimination procedure; RTI-336 completely substituted. In contrast to RTI-336, RTI-371 was not self-administered, and its pretreatment (1.0–10 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently decreased maximal cocaine self-administration more potently than food-maintained responding. RTI-336 pretreatment dose-dependently left-shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve. Both RTI-336 and RTI-371 displaced [3H]WIN35,428 [[3H](−)-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)-tropan-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester tartrate] binding to striatal dopamine transporters (DATs) with Ki values of 10.8 and 7.81 nM, respectively, and had lower affinities at serotonin or norepinephrine transporters, or muscarinic and σ receptors. The relative low affinity at these sites suggests the DAT as the primary target of RTI-371 with minimal contributions from these other targets. In biochemical assays probing the outward-facing DAT conformation, both RTI-371 and RTI-336 had effects similar to cocaine, suggesting little contribution of DAT conformation to the unique pharmacology of RTI-371. The locomotor-stimulant effects of RTI-371 (3.0–30 mg/kg i.p.) were comparable in wild-type and knockout cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) mice, indicating that previously reported CB1 allosteric effects do not decrease cocaine-like effects of RTI-371. DAT occupancy in vivo was most rapid with cocaine and least with RTI-371. The slow apparent association rate may allow compensatory actions that in turn dampen cocaine-like stimulation, and give RTI-371 its unique pharmacologic profile.
Ultrasonographic findings in cats with clinical, gross pathologic, and histologic evidence of acute pancreatic necrosis: 20 cases (1994-2001).

Objective—To determine ultrasonographic findings in cats with clinical, gross pathologic, and histologic evidence of acute pancreatic necrosis. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—20 cats. Procedure—Ultrasound reports and permanent ultrasonographic images were reviewed, and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs were also reviewed, when available. Anatomic localization of pancreatic necrosis was determined from the gross pathology report; duration and severity of pancreatic necrosis were determined by reviewing histologic specimens. The presence of concurrent disease was recorded from the final pathology report. Results—The pancreas was considered ultrasonographically normal in 10 cats and was not observed in 3. Ultrasonographic findings were considered compatible with pancreatitis in the remaining 7 cats. Gross pathologic findings indicated that pancreatitis was multifocal in all 7 of these cats; histologically, pancreatitis was acute or subacute in 5 and associated w...
A new method to estimate mortality in crisis-affected and resource-poor settings: validation study

Methods We selected four study sites: Kabul, Afghanistan; Mae La refugee camp, Thailand; Chiradzulu District, Malawi; and Lugufu and Mtabila refugee camps, Tanzania. We recorded information about all deaths in a 60-day period by asking key community informants and decedents’ next of kin to refer interviewers to bereaved households. We used the total number of deaths and population estimates to calculate mortality rates for 60- and 30-day periods. For validation we compared these rates with a best estimate of mortality using capture–recapture analysis with two further independent lists of deaths. Results The population covered by the new method was 76 476 persons in Kabul, 43 794 in Mae La camp, 54 418 in Chiradzulu District and 80 136 in the Tanzania camps. The informant method showed moderate sensitivity (55.0% in Kabul, 64.0% in Mae La, 72.5% in Chiradzulu and 67.7% in Tanzania), but performed better than the active surveillance system in the Tanzania refugee camps. Conclusions The informant method currently features moderate sensitivity for accurately assessing mortality, but warrants further development, particularly considering its advantages over current options (ease of implementation and analysis and near-real estimates of mortality rates). Strategies should be tested to improve the performance of the informant method.