cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A specialized data management system for parallel execution of particle physics codes

The specialized data management system described in this paper was motivated by the need for much more efficient data management than a standard database management system could provide for particle physics codes in shared memory multiprocessor environments. The special characteristics of data and access patterns in particle physics codes need to be fully exploited in order to effect efficient data management. The data management system allows parameteric user control over system features not usually available to them, especially details of physical design and retrieval such as horizontal clustering, asynchronous I/O, and automatic distribution across processors. In the past, each physics code has constructed the equivalent of a primitive data management system from scratch. The system described in this paper is a generic system that can now be interfaced with a variety of physics codes.
Progressive Virilization of a Pubertal Phenotypic Female: 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Abstract 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency is an uncommon inherited disorder characterized by genital ambiguity and progressive pubertal virilization. We describe the clinical and biochemical features in a 13-year-old 46, XY individual who presented with progressive pubertal virilization.
Effects of ecdysterone and juvenile hormone on RNA polymerase in vitro

Abstract Wing tissue from pupae of Antheraea polyphemus were incubated at 27°C in Grace's insect medium with or without 2 × 10 −6 M ecdysterone for various times. The tissue was homogenized in a Tris buffer containing 2.3 M sucrose and centrifuged at 27,600 g for 45 min to isolate the nuclei. The nuclei were suspended in a Tris buffer containing 25% glycerol and assayed for RNA polymerase. A stimulation of RNA polymerase was measurable at 60 min and became maximal at 90 min. This response appears to be specific since it did not occur with steroids which do not induce development. The assay was shown to be optimal in low salt and with 2 mM Mn ++ . α-Amanitin at a concentration (10μM) sufficient to maximally inhibit RNA polymerase II was used to determine differences in stimulation of RNA polymerases I and II. Ecdysterone stimulates primarily polymerase II at 90 min. When juvenile hormone ( 2 × 10 −6 M) is added with the ecdysterone to the incubation medium, there is a significant decrease to control levels in total RNA polymerase activity and in polymerase II. These results support the hypothesis that juvenile hormone is antagonistic to the action of ecdysterone.
Failures in large gas turbines due to liquid-metal embrittlement☆

The failures of three gas turbine components, attributed to liquid-metal embrittlement or solid-metal-induced embrittlement, are described. High temperatures inherent in the gas turbine can aggravate these phenomenon if the necessary conditions are present. Examples chosen include a power transmission shaft, flange bolts from a cooling steam line, and a turbine rotor bolt. The respective material couples involved are 17-4PH stainless steel-copper, AISI 4130-cadmium, and IN 718-cadmium. Each case includes information on the source of the aggressive material and relevant operating environment. The implications of the failures with regard to the general failure mechanism are briefly discussed.
Phosphoinositide metabolism in frog rod outer segments.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that vertebrate rod outer segments (ROS) have a light activated phospholipase C which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ). Three different experimental approaches have been used to test the hypothesis that the phosphatidylinositol (PI) biosynthetic cycle is present in ROS and that PIP 2 can be regenerated from DG independent of rod inner segments. In the first study, enzyme activities of the PI cycle were assayed simultaneously in the presence of CTP, myo -inositol and [γ- 32 P]ATP using endogenous lipids as substrates. Under these conditions, broken (leaky) ROS prepared by continuous sucrose gradient centrifugation showed PI, PIP and DG kinase activities similar to those found in intact ROS and non-ROS membranes, whereas PI synthetase activity was much lower in the leaky ROS than in the other two fractions. The relative distribution of PI synthetase specific activity in the three membrane preparations was similar to that of the microsomal enzyme marker cytochrome c reductase. ROS prepared by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation showed only 2–3% of whole homogenate PI synthetase or phosphatidyl: cytidyl transferase activities, and the distribution of activities was the same as for microsomal and mitochondrial marker enzymes. In the second study, whole retinas were incubated with myo -[2- 3 H]inositol or [2- 3 H]glycerol in vitro, and the time course of incorporation of radioactivity into PI and other phospholipids was determined for ROS and three other retinal fractions. Over a 10-hr period, the rate of incorporation of myo -[2- 3 H]inositol or [2- 3 H]glycerol into PI in ROS was lowest among the various retinal fractions. In the third study, chemical analysis of the molecular species composition of PI, DG and phosphatidic acid (PA) from ROS shows that PA is substantially different from PI and DG, the latter two being quite similar. These results are consistent with a precursor-product relationship between PI and DG, but not with the conversion of DG to PA or of PA to PI. Taken together, these three studies indicate that ROS do not have PI synthetase or phosphatidyl: cytidyl transferase activities, but do have DG, PI and PIP kinase activities. Thus, the PI in ROS lost through rapid turnover must be replaced with molecules derived from de novo synthesis in the inner segment of the photoreceptor cell.
Crystallization and multiple melting behavior of a new semicrystalline polyimide based on 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene (TPER) and 3,3′,4,4′-biphenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA)

Abstract This study introduces a novel high-temperature semicrystalline polyimide, which is based on an ether diamine (TPER or 1,3(4)APB) and BTDA dianhydride, both being commercially available. Phthalic anhydride is used as an endcap for improving thermal stability. The polyimide displays a Tg at ca. 230°C and two prominent melting endotherms at 360 and 416°C, respectively, with a sharp recrystallization exotherm following the lower melting endotherm. Significant recrystallization ability from the melt (at 450°C for 1 min) is observed with cooling rates faster than 200°C/min necessary to quench the polymer into an amorphous state. The effect of small variations in the melt crystallization temperature on the morphology and the melting behavior is discussed. DSC, hot stage polarized optical microscopy and WAXD experiments are utilized to interpret the melting behavior with respect to different causes. Some indirect evidence suggests that the two prominent melting endotherms may be due to different crystal unit cell structures. For crystallization temperatures higher than 350°C, an isothermal lamellar thickening phenomenon occurs with significant increases in the peak melting point (10–14°C) observed for longer crystallization times.
Statistical analysis of manual segmentations of structures in medical images

The problem of extracting anatomical structures from medical images is both very important and difficult. In this paper we are motivated by a new paradigm in medical image segmentation, termed Citizen Science, which involves a volunteer effort from multiple, possibly non-expert, human participants. These contributors observe 2D images and generate their estimates of anatomical boundaries in the form of planar closed curves. The challenge, of course, is to combine these different estimates in a coherent fashion and to develop an overall estimate of the underlying structure. Treating these curves as random samples, we use statistical shape theory to generate joint inferences and analyze this data generated by the citizen scientists. The specific goals in this analysis are: (1) to find a robust estimate of the representative curve that provides an overall segmentation, (2) to quantify the level of agreement between segmentations, both globally (full contours) and locally (parts of contours), and (3) to automatically detect outliers and help reduce their influence in the estimation. We demonstrate these ideas using a number of artificial examples and real applications in medical imaging, and summarize their potential use in future scenarios.
Simple and highly efficient site-specific mutagenesis, by ligation of an oligodeoxyribonucleotide into gapped heteroduplex DNA in which the template strand contains deoxyuridine.

Abstract A simple and highly efficient procedure for oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo)-directed mutagenesis has been developed. In this procedure, a gapped heteroduplex DNA is first constructed and purified. The gapped heteroduplex consists of a circular ‘template’ strand of DNA, which contains some misincorporated deoxyuridine nucleotides, and a complementary strand which does not contain deoxyuridine, and which lacks a defined segment. Making a specific change in the sequence of the DNA within the gapped region then only requires ligation and transformation. An oligo, exactly the same length as the gap, and with the desired sequence, is synthesized, purified, and ligated directly into the gap in the heteroduplex. When this DNA is used to transform wt (ung+) Escherichia coli, about 80% of the resulting plasmids contain the sequence determined by the synthetic oligo. One gapped heteroduplex preparation can be used for many mutagenesis experiments, so that this procedure is well-suited for producing a series of defined mutations within a defined target region flanked by sites for restriction enzyme cleavage. As the method does not require a polymerase, the effects of primer displacement and polymerase infidelity are avoided.
The carotenoid pigments of the cedar apple rust fungus

Die Untersuchung der Carotinoide aus den Azidien des RostpilzesGymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Schw. ergab das Vorliegen von 66,5%γ-Carotin und 33,5%β-Carotin (Durchschnittswerte). Diese Werte stimmen mit denjenigen anderer Autoren fur Teleuto-Stadium und Pyknidenform uberein. Art und Mengenverhaltnis der Carotinoide in drei Stadien vonGymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Schw. (auf verschiedenen Wirtspflanzen) sind daher ungefahr identisch.
Dual role of heme oxygenase in epithelial cell injury: contrasting effects of short-term and long-term exposure to oxidant stress.

Abstract This study examined the role of heme oxygenase (HO) in the acquisition of resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hemin toxicity by renal epithelial cells (BSC-1). BSC-1 cells adapted by long-term exposure to H202 exhibited a twofold increase in basal HO activity and expression of HO-1 mRNA as compared with their wild-type counterparts. Exposure of both adapted and wild-type BSC-1 cells to H2O2 induced HO-1 mRNA. When cells were exposed to H202 for 24 hours, cell viability was reduced; however, an inhibitor of HO activity, Zn 2,4-bis-glycol protoporphyrin IX, improved cell viability. In a similar manner, ZnDBG completely overcame the reduction in cell viability brought about by 1 hour of hemin treatment. In addition, cells preexposed to hemin for 24 hours maintained a high level of HO mRNA and acquired resistance to further challenge with H202. Hemin treatment per se was associated with a detectable reduction in BSC-1 cell viability; however, the effect of hemin was not additive to the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide, suggesting a common pathway of cell injury. In conclusion, two interrelated stressors, H202 and hemin, produced a stimulation of HO-1, and this was associated with a reduction in the viability of BSC-1 cells. Long-term exposure (24 hours) to both stressors resulted in the acquisition of some resistance to a further acute challenge of oxidant stress in BSC-1 cells.
Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides to Manage Cucumber Beetles on Seedling Zucchini

The use of neonicotinoid insecticides applied into soil at planting and when zucchini [Cucurbita pepo var melopepo (L.) Alef.] plants had two true leaves was effective against both the spotted (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Berber) and the striped [Acalymma vittata (Fabricius)] cucumber beetles. At 17 days after planting, significant increases in mean numbers of dead cucumber beetles were detected in all plots receiving insecticides at planting when compared to non-treated plots. All insecticides applied at planting resulted in significant reductions in feeding damage ratings. The duration of residual toxicity was long with the insecticide applied at planting. Dead beetles were detected in treated plots on each sample date throughout the 56-day test. When seeds were dipped in either a 0.043 or 0.086% a.i. imidacloprid mixture, emerging zucchini seedlings were effectively protected from cucumber beetle feeding.
Prefrontal cortex and cognitive control: motivating functional hierarchies

How different frontal brain regions contribute to goal-directed behavior is not fully understood. A study now suggests a parallel functional architecture in medial and lateral prefrontal cortex for motivating and selecting behavior.
Crystallization and preliminary diffraction analysis of the CAL PDZ domain in complex with a selective peptide inhibitor.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with loss-of-function mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which regulates epithelial fluid and ion homeostasis. The CFTR cytoplasmic C-terminus interacts with a number of PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) proteins that modulate its intracellular trafficking and chloride-channel activity. Among these, the CFTR-associated ligand (CAL) has a negative effect on apical-membrane expression levels of the most common disease-associated mutant ΔF508-CFTR, making CAL a candidate target for the treatment of CF. A selective peptide inhibitor of the CAL PDZ domain (iCAL36) has recently been developed and shown to stabilize apical expression of ΔF508-CFTR, enhancing net chloride-channel activity, both alone and in combination with the folding corrector corr-4a. As a basis for structural studies of the CAL–iCAL36 interaction, a purification protocol has been developed that increases the oligomeric homogeneity of the protein. Here, the co­crystallization of the complex in space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 35.9, b = 47.7, c = 97.3 A, is reported. The crystals diffracted to 1.4 A resolution. Based on the calculated Matthews coefficient (1.96 A3 Da−1), it appears that the asymmetric unit contains two complexes.
A simple geometric structure optimizer for accelerated detection of infeasible zeolite graphs

Abstract We describe a geometric structure optimizer that rapidly establishes whether or not SiO4 units in a hypothetical zeolite framework can exist as minimally-deformed regular tetrahedra. The optimizer, SiGH (Silica General Handler), enables an order of magnitude computational speed gain when processing large databases of zeolite graphs through the early rejection of infeasible graphs.
Middleware specialization using aspect oriented programming

Standardized middleware is used to build large distributed real-time and enterprise (DRE) systems. These middleware are highly flexible and support a large number of features since they have to be applicable to a wide range of domains and applications. This generality and flexibility, however, often causes many performance and footprint overheads particularly for product line architectures, which have a well-defined scope smaller than that of the middleware yet must leverage its benefits, such as reusability. To alleviate this tension thus a key objective is to specialize the middleware, which comprises removing the sources of excessive generality while simultaneously optimizing the required features of middleware functionality. To meet this objective this paper describes how we have applied Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) in a novel manner to address these challenges. Although AOP is primarily used for separation of concerns, we use it to specialize middleware. Aspects are used to select the specific set of features needed by the product line. Aspect weaving is subsequently used to specialize the middleware. This paper describes the key motivation for our research, identifies the challenges developing middleware-based product lines and shows how to resolve those using aspects. The results applying our AOP-based specialization techniques to event demultiplexing middleware for the case of single threaded implementation showed 3% decrease in latency and 2% increase in throughput, while in the thread pool implementation showed 4% decrease in latency and 3% increase in throughput.
Developmental Changes in Steroidogenesis by Equine Preovulatory Follicles: Effects of Equine LH, FSH, and CG

Ovulation in mares is preceded by a long and variable estrous period. The differentiation of equine preovulatory follicles with respect to steroidogenic capacity and responsiveness to equine gonadotropins was studied by culturing pieces of follicle wall (FW = theca + attached granulosa cells) from preovulatory follicles isolated during late diestrus (day 14 of cycle, n = 5 mares), early estrus (lst-2nd day of estrus, n = 6) or late estrus (4th or 5th day of estrus, n = 6). FW was cultured with or without equine LH, FSH, LH+FSH, or CG (10 or 100 ng/ml) and medium was collected and replaced at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of culture. Follicular fluid from presumptive ovulatory follicles and medium from FW cultures were assayed for progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol-17β. The cumulative secretion of all three steroids after 72 h of culture was significantly lower in FW isolated during late diestrus (P < 0.05) as compared with early or late estrus. Maximal progesterone secretion was observed with FW fr...
Training children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a physical exam

Abstract The purpose of this study was to train children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a 10-component physical examination. After a physician assistant administered an exam pretest, noncompliance on steps of the exam were considered with respect to a skill deficit and escape from aversive stimuli. A package of training procedures was implemented, including preference assessment, priming DVD, various prompts, contact desensitization (i.e., fading in aversive stimuli), shaping, escape extinction, and differential reinforcement of other behavior. Results showed the efficacy of the intervention procedures, maintenance of responding, and stimulus generalization of responses. The study provides a model for the assessment and intervention of noncompliance to health care procedures by children with autism spectrum disorders.
Estimating the Number of Degrees of Freedom in Spatially Extended Systems

Karhunen-Loeve decomposition has been used in order to compute the number of the fundamental degrees of freedom in a complex spatiotemporal dynamics. The method has been applied on experimental and numerical data. In both cases the number of degrees of freedom found by this method is very close to the fractal dimension of the attractor or the Lyapunov dimension.
Concepts For Electron-Beam And Optical Control Of Bulk Semiconductor Switches

Two concepts for externally controlled bulk semiconductor switches are discussed. One concept is based on electron-beam ionization of direct semiconductors with a negative differential electron mobility region in their velocity-field strength characteristic (e.g. GaAs). The e-beam is injected through one of the contacts in direction of the applied electric field, similar to e-beam controlled diffuse discharge switches1. Because of the very high value of the source function (number of electrons generated per second and cubic centimeter) compared to diffuse discharge switches, the ratio of switch current to sustaining e-beam current can reach values of 105. Generation of excess charge carriers in the region beyond the range of the electrons is provided by absorption of recombination radiation and bremsstrahlung emanating from the e-beam excited zone. Opening of the switch is obtained by turning the e-beam off. If the switch is part of an inductive discharge circuit, the increasing field strength during opening drives the semiconductor through a negative differential mobility region into a low conductivity range, a mechanism which supports switch opening. A second switch concept is based on optical control of semiconductors, where lasers are used to drive the switch into and out of the conductive state using two different wavelengths. The direct semiconductor is doped with material which generates deep acceptor levels and is compensated with donors in shallow levels. Increase of conductivity - closing of the switch - is obtained through excitation of electrons from the occupied deep traps. Reduction of conductivity - opening of the switch - is achieved through optical hole excitation from the deep centers and subsequent direct recombination of electron-hole pairs.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Planning as search: a quantitative approach

Abstract We present the thesis that planning can be viewed as problem-solving search using subgoals, macro-operators, and abstraction as knowledge sources. Our goal is to quantify problem-solving performance using these sources of knowledge. New results include the identification of subgoal distance as a fundamental measure of problem difficulty, a multiplicative time-space tradeoff for macro-operators, and an analysis of abstraction which concludes that abstraction hierarchies can reduce exponential problems to linear complexity.
HD-GraphViz: highly distributed graph visualization on tiled displays

In this paper, we propose a distributed approach for visualizing graph datasets using distributed force-directed layout algorithm on multiple displays each of which is controlled by a compute device. In this distributed network of compute-display nodes, the display devices form a geometrically contiguous tiled display wall, and the data distribution among the compute-display nodes for algorithmic purposes is related to the data distribution to its corresponding display nodes for visualization purposes. This approach collocates computation and visualization within the same node and minimizes network bandwidth requirement for data exchange between nodes.Leveraging the advantages of the above novel system design, we also present a distributed force directed graph layout algorithm. In this distributed algorithm, we address two issues specific to tiled displays: number of edges crossing the display panel boundaries (across two different compute-display clients) and the location of graph vertices close to panel boundaries which may lead to incorrect visual analytic conclusions. We integrate the cost functions expressing the above two effects along with the cost function of the edge-crossings within each display into the graph layout algorithm. Using this distributed approach, for the first time a very large graph has been laid out in a large real estate provided by the tiled display. The proposed system is evaluated on various parameters including the scalability, the impact on display real-estate utilization, and finally, network bandwidth usage.
MO‐A‐213AB‐07: Evaluation of Distal Dose Surface with In‐Room PET for Proton Therapy Monitoring

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of proton beam treatment verification using in‐room PET. As of February 2012, four patients have been studied in a clinical trial. In addition, we suggest a new method comparing the distal surface of the measured and simulated PET activities to verify the location of the distal dose surface.Methods: Patients were scanned for 20 minutes with an in‐room PET positioned next to the proton treatment head in a gantry room for beam delivery using passive scattering. The time between end of treatment and the start of the scan was within about 2 minutes. The predicted distribution of the PET activities and the proton dose distributions in the patients were also calculated using Monte Carlo (MC). Along the beam direction, the 50% fall‐off positions of the maximum PET activity at each line profile were compared with the MC simulated and the measuredPETimages, and then the differences were assessed with root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD) and mapped in the beam's eye view. Results: The measuredPETimages showed a good spatial correlation with the simulated PETimages and the proton dose distributions even though the treated volumes and locations varied between patients. The RMSD values, representing the surface differences between the measured and simulated PET, were assessed to be 4.3–5.1 mm for four patients. Some region including the penumbra showed larger differences but was excluded. Conclusions: We have explored the potential of the in‐room PET for proton therapy monitoring through a clinical trial. The PETimage analysis method based on MC simulations showed that the distal dose surface could be determined within a few millimeters but not within the aimed accuracy of 2–3 mm. Improvements in PET‐CT image registration and biological washout modeling will most likely increase the accuracy further. NIH/NCI P01 CA021239
Male and Female Sensitivity to Electric Current

Although electric shock is frequently used as an aversive stimulus in research with humans, little information is available concerning the reactions of males and females to such stimulation (Swartz, 1953). The purpose of this paper is to describe two studies in which the influence of electric current upon sensitivity thresholds of males and females was investigated. Apparatz~~.-A shock generator provided a 60-cycle rectified sine wave of variable current amplitude. The generator used a 6SK7 tube as a "constant current" device that produced the same amount of current regardless of S's electrical resistance. The output current was then put through a DC meter which showed the average amount of current passing through S. The apparatus was connected to a pair of dry finger contact electrodes upon which the tips of the index and middle fingers of Ss right hand were placed. S was not allowed to see the meter face or the current amplitude control during the trials. Experimeizt 1 .-Thresholds of "feeling" were determined for each of 63 male and 69 female introductory psychology students who received class points for serving as Ss. Three separate threshold readings were taken after each S was instructed to tell E when he first "felt" something in the end of his fingerwas instrucced to tell E when he first "felt" something inside the end of his fingertips. The method of minimal change, ascending series only, was used. The results of the tests indicated a mean threshold of .16 ma. for males, and .11 ma. for females. Analysis of variance showed the male values to be significantly higher than the female thresholds (P < .001). No significant change in threshold was found over the three threshold readings for either sex. Experiment 2.-Ss were 18 female and 12 male introductory psychology srudents who received class points for participating. Initially, thresholds of "feeling" were determined for each S. S was then told to cell E when the current became "painful." After this value was determined, a short period of time was allowed to elapse, and S was instructed to tell E when he could no longer "stand it." The above measures were taken twice for each S with the current being slowly increased by E from below threshold. The method of minimal change, ascending series only, was used in determining each reading. Although the method for obtaining thresholds appears primitive, it represents the procedure which has generally been used in determining shock levels for aversive stimulation (Grant, Meyer, & Hake, 1950; Sidowski, 1957.)
Elements Contributing To the Persistence of Registered Nurses Who Completed Baccalaureate Requirements At Indiana University as a Supplement To the Basic Nursing Program

A study was made of the records of 115 registered nurses com pleting baccalaureate degree requirements in nursing at Indiana University 1963-65. The problem was to determine what elements were present in the nurses who persisted in completing degree requirements. Findings indicated that elements of persistence in cluded continuing college education immediately after graduation from the basic program in nursing, high school rank predicting academic ability in college, prior college credits with minimal non-transferable credits and 88 per cent graduating with a grade point average of 2.5 or above on a four point scale with 46 per cent eligible academically for graduate study. The study includes implications for counseling high school students in selection of an appropriate educational program in nursing and for counseling nursing students with potential toward continuing education.
The 1.8 Å crystal structure of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase reveals a novel hydrophobic helical zipper as a subunit linker

Abstract Background: Intradiol dioxygenases catalyze the critical ring-cleavage step in the conversion of catecholate derivatives to citric acid cycle intermediates. Catechol 1,2-dioxygenases (1,2-CTDs) have a rudimentary design structure — a homodimer with one catalytic non-heme ferric ion per monomer, that is (αFe 3+ ) 2 . This is in contrast to the archetypical intradiol dioxygenase protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (3,4-PCD), which forms more diverse oligomers, such as (αβFe 3+ ) 2–12 . Results : The crystal structure of 1,2-CTD from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 (Ac 1,2-CTD) was solved by single isomorphous replacement and refined to 2.0 A resolution. The structures of the enzyme complexed with catechol and 4-methylcatechol were also determined at resolutions of 1.9 A and 1.8 A, respectively. While the characteristics of the iron ligands are similar, Ac 1,2-CTD differs from 3,4-PCDs in that only one subunit is used to fashion each active-site cavity. In addition, a novel ‘helical zipper', consisting of five N-terminal helices from each subunit, forms the molecular dimer axis. Two phospholipids were unexpectedly found to bind within an 8 × 35 A hydrophobic tunnel along this axis. Conclusions: The helical zipper domain of Ac 1,2-CTD has no equivalent in other proteins of known structure. Sequence analysis suggests the domain is a common motif in all members of the 1,2-CTD family. Complexes with catechol and 4-methylcatechol are the highest resolution complex structures to date of an intradiol dioxygenase. Furthermore, they confirm several observations seen in 3,4-PCDs, including ligand displacement upon binding exogenous ligands. The structures presented here are the first of a new family of intradiol dioxygenases.
Clones of cells from a human embryo lung: their growth and susceptibility to respiratory viruses.

Colonies of cells were obtained from human fetal lung tissue and exposed to recently isolated respiratory viruses. There was a considerable variation in the number of rounded cells found in different colonies exposed to rhinovirus types 2 and 9 (RV2 and 9), human coronavirus 229 E (HCV), adenovirus type 3 (Ad3) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Smaller colonies had more rounded cells than larger colonies. Clones were established from 9 out of 11 colonies. They varied in their rate of growth and the pattern formed on a plastic surface. They varied also in their virus susceptibility particularly to “difficult” rhinoviruses such as RV9 and SF 1340. One cell clone (HL1/77 Clone 8), was highly susceptible to all these viruses. All cultures were more sensitive to RSV when maintained in F 12K medium than in MEM, whereas there was no difference for rhinoviruses. Influenza A and B and parainfluenza 3 viruses sometimes produced cytopathic effect, and always produced haemadsorption, but unlike the previous strains could not be passed serially and presumably produced little infections virus. All clones were rather insusceptible to Ad3; but the virus could be passed, whereas coxsackie virus B3 produced no CPE. Substantial yields of coronavirus and rhinovirus were obtained in gelatin sponge cultures. Two “very difficult” respiratory viruses which had just been adapted to tissue culture; namely, HS rhinovirus and JK coronavirus grew in 7 of 9 and in 6 of 9 clones respectively.
Effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation on the space-time variability of Agricultural Reference Index for Drought in midlatitudes

Agriculture is an economic activity directly affected by drought. With the constant increase of food demand and the need for high efficiency in food production, drought effects gain attention. The Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID) was developed to quantify drought and better understand its effect on agriculture. ARID values range from 0 to 1 where zero is transpiration occurring at potential rate and one is full water deficit. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the main factor of climate variability around the world and affects the climate of two states located in midlatitudes, Florida, USA and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. An historical assessment of the relationship between ARID and ENSO will assist with establishing the role played by ENSO in the seasonal variation of soil moisture, which is critical to drought forecasting based on ENSO. The main objectives of this study were to investigate ARID's temporal and spatial variability in Florida and Rio Grande do Sul, and provide an assessment of ENSO-induced potential anomalies in ARID. Daily ARID values in Florida were calculated using data obtained from the National Weather Service COOP (Cooperative Observer Program) weather stations. In Rio Grande do Sul, ARID was calculated using daily weather data from the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) weather stations, Brazil. Daily ARID values were compiled into monthly averages and categorized according to ENSO phase based on the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI). Results showed that typical ARID values for both regions vary throughout the year. The highest values were observed in the warm season due to increased evapotranspiration. During this period, ARID values varied from 0.3 to 0.8 in Florida and 0.2 to 0.7 in Rio Grande do Sul. In the cold period, South Florida had the highest ARID values, varying from 0.3 to 0.7, while for the rest of state and Rio Grande do Sul the values varied from 0 to 0.5. ENSO showed stronger influence from November to March in Florida, and November and May in Rio Grande do Sul. For both regions, El Nino caused ARID values below normal, indicating higher soil moisture while during La Nina the values were above normal. This study contributes to establish historical ARID records across the southeastern United States and southern Brazil, and can assist farmers to adjust management practices according to expected water stress conditions.
Children's Imitation of Causal Action Sequences Is Influenced by Statistical and Pedagogical Evidence.

Abstract Children are ubiquitous imitators, but how do they decide which actions to imitate? One possibility is that children rationally combine multiple sources of information about which actions are necessary to cause a particular outcome. For instance, children might learn from contingencies between action sequences and outcomes across repeated demonstrations, and they might also use information about the actor’s knowledge state and pedagogical intentions. We define a Bayesian model that predicts children will decide whether to imitate part or all of an action sequence based on both the pattern of statistical evidence and the demonstrator’s pedagogical stance. To test this prediction, we conducted an experiment in which preschool children watched an experimenter repeatedly perform sequences of varying actions followed by an outcome. Children’s imitation of sequences that produced the outcome increased, in some cases resulting in production of shorter sequences of actions that the children had never seen performed in isolation. A second experiment established that children interpret the same statistical evidence differently when it comes from a knowledgeable teacher versus a naive demonstrator. In particular, in the pedagogical case children are more likely to “overimitate” by reproducing the entire demonstrated sequence. This behavior is consistent with our model’s predictions, and suggests that children attend to both statistical and pedagogical evidence in deciding which actions to imitate, rather than obligately imitating successful action sequences.
Rural Poverty and Economic Development: Lessons from the War on Poverty

The operation of antipoverty programs in rural areas is investigated in the context of the assumptions and objectives of the President's Commission on Rural Poverty as well as in the light of Gans's theory concerning the "positive functions" of poverty. Specific evaluations of Community Development Corporations, rural manpower programs, and rural low-income cooperatives suggest that these efforts have not been successful in reducing rural poverty. Further evidence, in connection with Nixon's proposed Family Assistance Plan and also the federal farm programs, lends support to the hypothesis that local elites have not only resisted changes in the rural status quo but successfully lobbied against them in both the legislative and the bureaucratic process. If the future is to be more successful than the past, policy researchers must be involved in program redesign, implementation, and feedback; ultimately, however, achievement of the desired goals requires more successful lobbying on the part of all those inte...
Barbarians in the Gate: An Experimental Validation of NIC-based Distributed Firewall Performance and Flood Tolerance

This paper presents our experience validating the flood tol- erance of two network interface card (NIC)-based embedded firewall solutions, the Embedded Firewall (EFW) and the Au- tonomic Distributed Firewall (ADF). Experiments were per- formed for both embedded firewall devices to determine their flood tolerance and performance characteristics. The results show that both are vulnerable to packet flood attacks on a 100 Mbps network. In certain configurations, we found that both embedded firewall devices can have a significant, negative impact on bandwidth and application performance. These re- sults imply first that, firewall rule-sets should be optimized for performance-sensitive applications, and second, that proper consideration must be given to attack risks and mitigations before either the EFW or ADF is deployed. Finally, we be- lieve that future embedded firewall implementations should be vetted in a manner similar to that presented in this paper. Our experience shows that when their limitations are properly considered, both the EFW and ADF can be safely deployed to enhance network security without undue risk.
Policy-based information lifecycle management in a large-scale file system

Policy-based file lifecycle management is important for balancing storage utilization and for regulatory conformance. It poses two important challenges, the need for simple yet effective policy design and an implementation that scales to billions of files. This paper describes the design and an innovative implementation technique of policy-based lifecycle management in a prototype built as a part of IBM's new SAN file system. The policy specification leverages a key abstraction in the file system called storage pools and its ability to support location independence for files. The policy implementation uses an innovative new technique that combines concurrent policy execution and a policy decisions cache, to enable scaling to billions of files under normal usage patterns.
MCNP-PoliMi analysis of neutron-source penetrability in uranium-oxide samples measured with an active well coincidence counter

Active well coincidence counters (AWCCs) are widely used for nondestructive assay and nuclear-safeguards applications, mainly for special nuclear material. The measurement method is based on the detection of time-correlated neutrons from fission by 3He tubes embedded in a polyethylene moderator. The purported advantage of this method over traditional gamma-ray spectral analysis is the greater penetrability of neutrons in the measured sample. However, the degree of this advantage has not been yet fully quantified. In order to accurately characterize the AWCC response, the Monte Carlo simulations must take into account all detailes of an AWCC measurement. In this study, all these issues are addressed and a detailed simulation analysis of the measurement system is presented. The three-dimensional behavior of the neutron flux within the AWCC has been obtained through the analysis with the MCNPX-PoliMi code. Particular interest has been paid to the flux behavior within the analysis sample: a 4-kg can of U 3 O 8 powder. The distribution of fission reactions occurring in the sample is peaked near the bottom of the sample while it is fairly constant in the radial direction. The fission-position data were further analyzed in order to determine the origin of the captured neutrons. Approximately twice as many counted neutrons originate from the sample peripheries (both top and radial) than from the center. This means that the AWCC can ‘see’ the interior of a bulk powder sample only half-as-well as the peripheries.
The “Intelligent” Valve: A Diagnostic Framework for Integrated System-Health Management of a Rocket-Engine Test Stand

Valves play a critical role in rocket-engine test stands because they are essential for the cryogen transport mechanisms that are vital to test operations. Sensors that are placed on valves monitor the pressure, temperature, flow rate, valve position, and any other features that are required for diagnosing their functionality. Integrated system-health management (ISHM) algorithms have been used to identify and evaluate anomalous operating conditions of systems and subsystems (e.g., valves and valve components) on complex structures, such as rocket test stands. In order for such algorithms to be useful, there is a need to develop realistic models for the most common and problem-prone elements. Furthermore, the user needs to be provided with efficient tools to explore the nature of the anomaly and its possible effects on the element, as well as its relationship to the overall system state. This paper presents the development of an intelligent-valve framework that is capable of tracking and visualizing events of the large linear actuator valve (LLAV) in order to detect anomalous conditions. The framework employs a combination of technologies, including a dynamic data exchange data-transfer protocol, autoassociative neural networks, empirical and physical models, and virtual-reality environments. The diagnostic procedure that is developed has the ability to be integrated into existing ISHM systems and can be used for assessing the integrity of rocket-engine test-stand components.
Linearized Error Propagation in Odometry

The related fields of mobile robotics and ground vehicle localization lack a linearized theory of odometry error propagation. By contrast, the equivalent Schuler dynamics which apply to inertial guidance have been known and exploited for decades. In this paper, the general solution of linearized propagation dynamics of both systematic and random errors for vehicle odometry is developed and validated. The associated integral transforms are applied to the task of eliciting the major dynamic behaviors of errors for several forms of odometry. Interesting behaviors include path independence, response to symmetric inputs, zeros, extrema, monotonicity and conservation. Applications to systems theory, systems design, and calibration are illustrated. KEY WORDS—AUTHOR: PLEASE PROVIDE
Sequence Polymorphism in Acetylcholinesterase Transcripts and Genotyping Survey of BmAChE1 in Laboratory and Mexican Strains of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

ABSTRACT Acetylcholinesterase cDNAs, BmAChE1, BmAChE2, and BmAChE3 of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) were sequenced and found to exhibit significant polymorphism. A portion of the predicted amino acid substitutions in BmAChE1, BmAChE2, and BmAChE3 were found predominantly in organophosphate-resistant strains, but most did not correlate with resistant status. Multiple transcripts were observed from individual ticks, suggesting possible gene duplication or alternative splicing to produce more than two transcripts per individual. BmAChE1 transcript polymorphisms associating with organophosphate-resistant status in laboratory strains were surveyed in laboratory and Mexican strains of R. microplus by sequencing BmAChE1 genomic DNA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine copy numbers of BmAChE1 (eight copies/ haploid genome), BmAChE2 (16 copies/ haploid genome), and BmAChE3 (four copies/ haploid genome). Presence of at least three highly polymorphic amplified ge...
Lighting Up The Mind: Transforming Learning Through The Applied Scholarship of Cognitive Neuroscience

“I am as sick of boring presentations as you are” admitted Medina (2008, p. 93), explaining how the typical academic lecture embodies the antithesis of scholarly, brain-rich teaching and learning. In contrast to what Kohn (1999, p. 218) decried as the “mind numbing” monotony of even the most well intended academic monologues, Medina explained that brains retain lessons learned through concrete experiences with emotionally cogent and relevant stimuli. Are such research-based insights the sort Boyer (1990) was invoking in Scholarship Reconsidered, which made the case for a new standard of scholarly teaching and learning? Thinking so, this essay synthesizes existing learning cycle theories and emerging cognitive neuroscientific insights to extend the discussion of research-based options for lighting up learners’ minds through the scholarship of 21 st century braincompatible teaching and learning. This essay concludes by illustrating a constructivist curriculum model for illuminating students’ minds by transforming learning through cognitive neuroscience.
Analysis of transient fluid slosh in partly-filled tanks with and without baffles: Part 1 – model validation

Fluid slosh in partly-filled tanks is modelled as a two-phase flow, and solved using a Navier-Stokes (NS) solver, while the interface of two fluids is tracked using the VOF technique. The fluid slosh in cleanbore and baffled scale model tanks was further characterised in the laboratory, under different fill levels and excitations. The validity of the slosh model, reduced to the scale model tank, was evaluated using the measured data in terms of fundamental slosh frequency, and transient and steady-state slosh forces and moments over a wide range of conditions such as the tank configuration, fill level and acceleration excitation. The model results showed reasonably good agreements with the measured data, irrespective of tank configuration, fill level and the acceleration excitation. It is concluded that the dynamic fluid slosh model can effectively predict the forces and moments associated with 3-D fluid slosh observed under lateral or longitudinal excitations. The fluid slosh model may thus be integrated to the vehicle model to investigate partly-filled tank vehicle responses and the role of baffles. The slosh forces and moments responses of a full-size tank model were subsequently evaluated using FLUENT software.
Bacteria Come into Focus: New Tools for Visualizing the Microbiota

Humans are home to complex communities of microbes that profoundly influence host physiology. Two recent papers, including Earle et al. (2015) in this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, contribute new experimental tools for visualizing and tracking bacteria within a host, promising to shed light on how microbes interact to influence host health.