cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selection and expansion of peripheral blood CD34+ cells in autologous stem cell transplantation for breast cancer

Cytopenia after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell reinfusion is a major cause of morbidity. Ex vivo cultured expansion and differentiation of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) to neutrophil precursors may shorten the neutropenic period further. We explored the use of these ex vivo cultured PBPCs in nine patients with metastatic breast cancer. All underwent PBPC mobilization with cyclophosphamide, VP-16, and G-CSF. Subsequently, they underwent four to five apheresis procedures. One apheresis product from each patient was prepared using the Isolex 300 Magnetic Cell Separation System (Baxter Immunotherapy, Irvine, CA) to obtain CD34+ cells. These cells were then cultured in gas permeable bags containing serum-free X-VIVO 10 (BioWhittaker, Walkersville, MD) medium supplemented with 1% human serum albumin and 100 ng/mL PIXY321. At day 12 of culture the mean fold expansion was 26x with a range of 6 to 64x. One patient's cells did not expand because of a technical difficulty. The final cell product contained an average of 29.3% CD15+ neutrophil precursors with a range of 18.5% to 48.1%. The patients underwent high-dose chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, and thiotepa. On day 0, the cryopreserved PBPCs were reinfused and on day +1 the 12-day cultured cells were washed, resuspended, and reinfused into eight of nine patients. One patient was not infused with cultured cells. The mean number of cultured cells reinfused was 44.6 x 10(6) cells/kg with a range of 0.8 to 156.6 x 10(6) cells/kg. No toxicity was observed after reinfusion. The eight patients have recovered absolute neutrophil counts > 500/microL on a median of 8 days (range 8 to 10 days); the median platelet transfusion independence occurred on day 10 (range 8 to 12 days) and platelet counts > 50,000/microL were achieved by day 12 (range 9 to 14) for the seven patients whose platelet counts could be determined. Expanded CD34+ selected PBPC can be obtained and safely reinfused into patients.
Low‐Acrylamide French Fry Acceptance: A Pilot Study

Concern about the safety of acrylamide in french fries led to the identification of potato varieties low in the acrylamide precursors asparagine and reducing sugars that vary with variety, nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications, and other factors, but produce light-colored fries, which may not appeal to consumers. New potato varieties shown to produce low-acrylamide fries, AF4296-3 and Easton, and an industry-standard variety, Russet Burbank, were fertilized at four N application rates (0, 112, 224, and 336 kg N/ha) in a 3 × 4 factorial design. Potato tubers from each of the 12 variety X fertilizer factorial combinations were processed into fries. French fries made from Easton and AF4296-3 potatoes fertilized with the lower N levels were less red (lower CIE a* ) and yellow (higher b* ) than Russet Burbank fries after frying. Forty-seven consumers rated the 12 samples (potato variety X N fertilizer rate) on a 9-point hedonic scale. Aroma, taste, and texture hedonic scores did not differ among samples. The mean hedonic color score for the Russet Burbank fries fertilized with 224 kg/ha (7.4) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those for the AF4296-3 with 224 kg/ha N and Easton and 336 kg/ha N fries. After consumers were informed of the acrylamide content of fries relative to commercial products, the overall liking and purchase intent for Russet Burbank fries decreased. Education may be needed to inform consumers about the merits of whiter french fry color as a trade-off for reduced exposure to acrylamide, which is a probable dietary carcinogen. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: New potato varieties have lower concentrations of the compounds that form acrylamide during cooking. These varieties tend to brown less during frying than do common potatoes, resulting in lighter-colored and less golden-colored french fries. Consumer education may be needed to counteract potential consumer rejection of the fries made from these new varieties with information about the lower acrylamide content and increased safety of these foods.
Development of a New Testing Method to Capture Progressive Damage in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers Subject to a Simulated Lightning Strike

This paper will present a new testing method to simulate lightning strikes and capture the progressive damage that occurs in carbon fiber polymer matrix systems. The simulated lightning strike contains two major components that must occur simultaneously: a normal pressure pulse that impacts the carbon specimen, representative of the impulse shock wave associated with a lightning strike, and a rapid temperature rise, which represents the thermal shock from the lightning strike. The pressure pulse is applied using a shock tube, a device that forms a controlled shock that will impact the sample. The thermal shock is simulated with a capacitive discharging circuit, in which capacitors are charged to a maximum of 400 V and then, due to the relatively low resistance associated with carbon fiber materials, quickly discharged into the sample. The distance between the brass contacts will be varied, ultimately changing the resistance of the sample, in order to achieve the correct timescale and temperature spike. Various discharge voltages and fiber orientations relative to the direction of the current flow will be tested in order to study the effect these parameters have on the response of the sample. Through the use of Digital Image Correlation and an infrared thermal camera, independent measurements of deformation and temperature, respectively, will be found as the damage progresses, and is to be compared to a network of Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensors applied to the sample. The results will help produce a better understanding of the temperature profile and localizations that occur during lightning strike events.
Bacillus subtilis Fur is a transcriptional activator for the PerR-repressed pfeT gene encoding an iron efflux pump.

ABSTRACT The physiological relevance of bacterial iron efflux has only recently been appreciated. The Bacillus subtilis P1B4-type ATPase PfeT (peroxide-induced ferrous efflux transporter) was one of the first iron efflux pumps to be characterized, and cells lacking pfeT accumulate high levels of intracellular iron. The pfeT promoter region has binding sites for both PerR, a peroxide-sensing Fur-family metalloregulator, and the ferric uptake repressor Fur. Both Fur and PerR bind DNA with Fe(II) as a cofactor. While reaction of PerR-Fe(II) with peroxide can account for the induction of pfeT under oxidative stress, binding of Fur-Fe(II) would be expected to lead to repression, which is inconsistent with the known role of PfeT as an iron efflux protein. Here, we show that expression of pfeT is repressed by PerR, as anticipated, and induced by Fur in response to Fe(II). Activation by Fur is mediated both by antagonism of the PerR repressor and by direct transcriptional activation, as confirmed using in vitro transcription assays. A similar mechanism of regulation can explain the iron induction of the Listeria monocytogenes PfeT ortholog and virulence factor, FrvA. Mutational studies support a model in which Fur activation involves regions both upstream and downstream of the pfeT promoter, and Fur and PerR have overlapping recognition of a shared regulatory element in this complex promoter region. This work demonstrates that B. subtilis Fur can function as an iron-dependent activator of transcription. IMPORTANCE Iron homeostasis plays a key role at the host-pathogen interface during the process of infection. Bacterial growth restriction resulting from host-imposed iron starvation (nutritional immunity) highlights the importance of iron import during pathogenesis. Conversely, bacterial iron efflux pumps function as virulence factors in several systems. The requirement for iron efflux in pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggests that both import and efflux are needed for cells to successfully navigate rapidly changing levels of iron availability in the host. Here, we provide insight into how iron efflux genes are controlled, an aspect of bacterial iron homeostasis relevant to infectious disease processes.
Information Exchange at a Distance: Examining the Influence of Leadership on Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Teams

Knowledge sharing and collaborative exchanges are crucial points of study in the current technological and informational climate within higher education. Factors that affect the practice of knowled...
A survey of accepted authors in computer systems conferences.

Computer Science researchers rely on peer-reviewed conferences to publish their work and to receive feedback. The impact of these peer-reviewed papers on researchers' careers can hardly be overstated. Yet conference organizers can make inconsistent choices for their review process, even in the same subfield. These choices are rarely reviewed critically, and when they are, the emphasis centers on the effects on the technical program, not the authors. In particular, the effects of conference policies on author experience and diversity are still not well understood. To help address this knowledge gap, this paper presents a cross-sectional study of 56 conferences from one large subfield of computer science, namely computer systems. We introduce a large author survey (n = 918), representing 809 unique papers. The goal of this paper is to expose this data and present an initial analysis of its findings. We primarily focus on quantitative comparisons between different survey questions and comparisons to external information we collected on author demographics, conference policies, and paper statistics. Another focal point of this study is author diversity. We found poor balance in the gender and geographical distributions of authors, but a more balanced spread across sector, experience, and English proficiency. For the most part, women and nonnative English speakers exhibit no differences in their experience of the peer-review process, suggesting no specific evidence of bias against these accepted authors. We also found strong support for author rebuttal to reviewers' comments, especially among students and less experienced researchers.
Re-looking the Shunt-Resistance Calculating Methodologies of IV-curves

This paper presents the shortcomings in existing methodologies used for calculating the shunt resistance from the current vs. voltage (IV) curves collected at the indoor lab under controlled conditions or the outdoor under natural conditions. This paper mainly presents the inverse slope methodology and shortcomings surrounding it. Shunt resistance is one of the critical parameters for detecting the low power faults like cracks in the modules caused by extreme conditions. The findings were validated on the IV curves of a PV module from indoor tests and a string from outdoor tests collected at stable conditions. The findings of this paper open a new window of opportunity to search for new calculation methodologies.
Meeting the needs of young Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women living with HIV through the weCare intervention in the United States (US).

Objective Young gay, bisexual, and other MSM (men who have sex with men) and transgender women in the United States (US) who are living with HIV, and particularly those who are Latino, have low rates of viral suppression. The weCare intervention uses social media to increase HIV care engagement. Method We used community-based participatory research to develop the intervention as well as theory-based social media messages tailored to each participant's unique context. We analyzed elements and characteristics of weCare, messages sent by the Cyber Health Educator (CHE), and lessons learned to meet the needs of Latino participants living with HIV. Results We identified 6 core elements, 5 key characteristics, effective social media messages used in implementation, and 8 important lessons regarding relationships between the CHE and HIV clinics, the CHE and participants, and participants and the health system. Conclusions Social media offers a promising platform to retain young Latino gay bisexual and other MSM and transgender women living with HIV in care and achieve viral suppression.
Why are US Corporate Boards Under-Diversified among Genders and Races?

The popular and academic literatures report that women, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are under-represented on US corporate boards of directors, relative to their incidence in the US labor force. We confirm this observation by tabulating the presence of female and under-represented racial minority (URM) directors on the boards of the S&P 1500 firms. We examine two hypotheses that may explain this empirical regularity. The first is that qualified female and URM candidates are scarce. Firms must compete for their services, putting price pressure on their compensation and leading to higher compensation for female and non-URM directors. The second hypothesis is a perception that women and URM directors in general are less valuable to firms, leading to lower compensation for them relative to their white male peers. Our evidence is mixed: we find that women (URM) make significantly higher (insignificantly lower) compensation than males and non-URM directors, controlling for firm and director variables (like age, education, achievements, and committee appointments). However, when we compare the compensation of female and URM directors against male and non-URM directors’ compensation on the same boards, that significant difference reverses, even though they have more education and more achievements than those peers. This result is consistent with the “myopic hypothesis” that predicts female and URM are paid less because of a biased view of their value to the board. However, when we compare the average compensation of female and URM directors who hold board leadership roles (dual CEO-Chairs and independent lead directors), we find very low participation of female and URM directors, but they are paid substantially more than their male and non-URM counterparts. We conclude that females and URM directors are chosen by larger firms with larger and more active boards (and higher base compensation), but are very rarely chosen to lead those boards. When they are chosen for board leadership positions, they are paid significantly more than their non-URM male peers. This result is more consistent with the “glass ceiling” hypothesis that appropriate candidates who add to the diversity of the board are scarce and command higher compensation.
47461 Regulation of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This work will provide a rational approach to improve the efficacy of current immunotherapy approaches in patients that have historically responded poorly to immune checkpoint inhibitors. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Recent evidence of immunogenic cell death as a predictor of response to therapy has increased the interest in monitoring the presence of damage-associated molecular pattern protein (DAMPs). By regulating DAMP expression, our lab is interested in discovering new ways to improve the patient response rate to immune checkpoint inhibition. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using cultured cell, and a limited number of patient tumors and serum (n=4), we measured intracellular and extracellular levels of DAMP molecule, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunoblots. Immunological assayed were compared to the expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1/PDL1 on patient tumors as presented in pathology reports. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: HMGB1 release was associated with increased levels of PD-L1 on tumor cells. Targeted inhibition of HMGB1 altered the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a target for immune checkpoint inhibition therapy. Patients with higher levels of PD-L1 possessed increased levels of HMGB1 in serum. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This implies that regulating the expression of HMGB1 could have an effect on the response of patients to immunotherapy. The main objective of the work is to determine the potential benefit of targeting HMGB1 to improve the efficacy of current therapeutic approaches to treating lung cancer.
Maximizing the Potential of Mini-Grants to Promote Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes: Outcomes and Challenges.

Purpose and objectives This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a chronic disease mini-grant initiative, coordinated by a state health department in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Braided funding from federal and state sources was used to build and implement the initiative. Intervention approach Mini-grants, facilitated by five different facilitating organizations, were funded to promote implementation of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes at the local level. Grant recipients represented a variety of sectors, including education, government, and nonprofit organizations. Evaluation methods Primary (surveys) and secondary (final reports) data documented achievement of PSE changes. Results A total of $196,369 was dispersed to 65 organizations; 126 PSE changes in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco were reported. Challenges in implementing and evaluating mini-grants were identified, including the heterogeneity of the sectors/settings involved and associated variability of proposed activities, time lines, measurement, and evaluation activities. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) also disrupted the plans for many projects. Implications for public health The success of this initiative can be attributed to four main elements: (1) the use of intermediary organizations to facilitate the mini-grants; (2) a participatory evaluation process, combined with early and ongoing communication among all stakeholders; (3) a braided funding strategy; and (4) a multisector approach that engaged both traditional and nontraditional public health organizations. The processes and outcomes, including challenges, can inform other state health departments' efforts in braiding funding and engaging intermediary organizations to expand the reach of PSE changes at the local level.
The Epidemiology and Pathogenesis and Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections: An Update

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that is a common cause of nosocomial infections, particularly pneumonia, infection in immunocompromised hosts, and in those with structural lung disease such as cystic fibrosis. Epidemiological studies have identified increasing trends of antimicrobial resistance, including multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates in recent years. P. aeruginosa has several virulence mechanisms that increase its ability to cause severe infections, such as secreted toxins, quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Management of P. aeruginosa infections focuses on prevention when possible, obtaining cultures, and prompt initiation of antimicrobial therapy, occasionally with combination therapy depending on the clinical scenario to ensure activity against P. aeruginosa. Newer anti-pseudomonal antibiotics are available and are increasingly being used in the management of MDR P. aeruginosa.
Global solutions for the Muskat problem in the scaling invariant Besov space B˙∞,11

Abstract The one-phase and two-phase Muskat problems with arbitrary viscosity contrast are studied in all dimensions. They are quasilinear parabolic equations for the graph free boundary. We prove that small data in the scaling invariant homogeneous Besov space B ˙ ∞ , 1 1 lead to unique global solutions. The proof exploits a new structure of the Dirichlet-Neumann operator which allows us to implement a robust fixed-point argument. As a consequence of this method, the initial data is only assumed to be in B ˙ ∞ , 1 1 and the solution map is Lipschitz continuous in the same topology. For the general Muskat problem, the only known scaling invariant result was obtained in the Wiener algebra (plus an L 2 assumption) which is strictly contained in B ˙ ∞ , 1 1 .
Observation of the 13.42 MeV T = 32 state in 15N

Abstract Measurements have been made of the 14C(p, p)14C, 14C(p, αO)11B, 14C(p, n)14N and 14C(p, γ)15N re-reactions in the region of the 13.42 MeV level in 15N. Analysis of the elastic data gives a 3 2 + spin assignment to this level. This state is identified as the analog of the second excited state of 15C. The results of a Nilsson model calculation are compared to the experimental results.
Convective Energy Transport in Stellar Atmospheres.

We discuss a theoretical method of computing the temperature structure of hot and cool streams in convective stellar atmospheres. The method is based on the model that the streams are due to organized cells whose diameters are greater than the thickness of the photosphere. The excess thermal energy of matter rising from the deeper layers, where the entropy is higher than in the photosphere, is converted to radiation in a steady front. This model, applied to the solar case, exhibits a peak-to-peak contrast of 30–40% between granules and lanes. This contrast agrees with the Stratoscope data reduced by Namba and Diemel (1969). As a necessary part of the theory, we obtain an expression for the perturbation in radiative heat exchange which may be used in a medium with a strongly preferred direction such as a stellar atmosphere.
Incidence of Plasmids in Thermus spp. Isolated in Yellowstone National Park

Forty-eight strains of Thermus spp. were isolated from thermal sites in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., and 62.5% showed evidence of plasmid DNA. Attempts to assign function to the plasmid DNA were unsuccessful, and the presence of plasmid DNA could not be correlated with antibiotic or heavy metal resistance. A number of these cryptic plasmids are now being investigated for their potential as vectors for molecular cloning in Thermus spp.
4-D micro-CT of the mouse heart.

Purpose: Demonstrate noninvasive imaging methods for in vivo characterization of cardiac structure and function in mice using a micro-CT system that provides high photon fluence rate and integrated motion control. Materials and Methods: Simultaneous cardiac- and respiratory-gated micro-CT was performed in C57BL/6 mice during constant intravenous infusion of a conventional iodinated contrast agent (Isovue-370), and after a single intravenous injection of a blood pool contrast agent (Fenestra VC). Multiple phases of the cardiac cycle were reconstructed with contrast to noise and spatial resolution sufficient for quantitative assessment of cardiac function. Results: Contrast enhancement with Isovue-370 increased over time with a maximum of 500 HU (aorta) and 900 HU (kidney cortex). Fenestra VC provided more constant enhancement over 3 hr, with maximum enhancement of 620 HU (aorta) and 90 HU (kidney cortex). The maximum enhancement difference between blood and myocardium in the heart was 250 HU for Isovue-370 and 500 HU for Fenestra VC. In mice with Fenestra VC, volumetric measurements of the left ventricle were performed and cardiac function was estimated by ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Conclusion: Image quality with Fenestra VC was sufficient for morphological and functional studies required for a standardized method of cardiac phenotyping of the mouse. Mol Imaging (2005) 4, 1–7 .
A survey of compliance: Medicaid's mandated blood lead screenings for children age 12–18 months in Nebraska

To determine the frequency of Medicaid mandated blood lead level (BLL) screening compliance rates by clinical site. Retrospective chart review for evidence of BLLs. Data analyses were conducted using frequencies, percentages & chi-square. The overall incidence of documented BLLs was 78.9% with one clinic demonstrating 100% BLLs while the others had 72%. Screening rates differed significantly by clinical site (X 2 = 18.460, df = 3, p < 0.001). Although universal blood lead screening is mandated, there were missed opportunities to obtain BLLs in 21.1% of the records reviewed. Only one clinic had 100% documentation of BLLs when children on Medicaid were seen between the ages of 12–18 months.
Practice style differences between family physicians and internists.

Background: Because an estimated 70 percent of all medical care expenditures are generated by physicians, evaluation of specialty practice styles is essential to learn what changes in policies governing physician training, service delivery, and patterns of medical practice would promote cost containment. Methods: We examined the 1981 and 1985 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for seven primary care diagnoses to compare practice style differences between family physicians and internists and to look for changes in family physicians’ practice styles between 1981 and 1985. Results: Family physicians referred fewer patients in 1985 and spent 3 to 10.5 minutes less per patient encounter than internists. Clinical laboratory testing, electrocardiogram (ECG) ordering, and radiographic examinations differed significantly between the two groups in 1981 and 1985 for some diagnoses. In 1981, family physicians did Papanicolaou smears 2.2 times more often than internists during general medical examinations; however, in 1985, there was no difference. Between 1981 and 1985, family physicians ordered significantly more laboratory tests and ECGs for some diagnoses but had no change in the number of radiographs ordered or referrals. For six diagnoses, they spent more time with a patient encounter in 1985 than in 1981. Conclusions: Family physicians and internists appear to be more alike in practice style, but significant differences remain. These differences, as well as changing practice styles of family physicians, have implications for training and health care resource distribution.
A demonstration of human beta-2-microglobulin specific association with the surface of teleostean cells

Abstract Purified human Beta-2 microglobulin (s2m) and a human 2m fluorochrome conjugate were used in exchange reactions to demonstrate that s2m associates with a teleostean cell surface protein. 2m exchange among brown bullhead, channel catfish, fathead minnow, and rainbow trout cell lines was detected by using either radioimmunoassay or flow cytometry. Evidence that 2m binds specifically with the surface of teleostean cells and possibly associates with an expressed class I MHC homologue is provided. Moreover, following exchange on brown bullhead cells, a coprecipitated protein of 45 kDa was observed following subsequent immunoprecipitation with the human s2m specific antibody B1.1G6. Given that β2m is a peripheral protein which has been shown to exchange with MHC expressing cells from different species, co-precipitation results suggest that the 45 kDa protein may represent a class I MHC homologue.
Approximating Lateral Stiffness of Stories in Elastic Frames

Despite advances in the computer analysis of frame buildings for lateral loads, there remains a need for simple models that provide accurate estimates of response. The concept of lateral stiffness is reviewed, and it is concluded that a single value can be used to represent the stiffness of a story in an elastic, rectangular frame with fixed base that is subjected to regular distributions of lateral load. Three existing expressions for approximating the lateral stiffness of stories are compared, but it is concluded that these are applicable only for uniform frames with girders that are flexurally stiffer than columns. An expression is proposed that includes three numerically derived factors that greatly improve the accuracy of stiffness estimates for regular and moderately irregular frames. The proposed expression simulates: (1) The effect of unequal heights for adjacent stories; (2) the influence of top and bottom boundaries; and (3) the stiffening effect of the fixed base in low-rise frames.
Functional imaging of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease

Brain imaging of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism has been playing key roles in describing pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD), respectively. Many biomarkers have been developed in recent years to investigate the abnormality in molecular substrate, track the time course of disease progression, and evaluate the efficacy of novel experimental therapeutics. A growing body of literature has emerged on neurobiology of these two movement disorders in resting states and in response to brain activation tasks. In this paper, we review the latest applications of these approaches in patients and normal volunteers at rest conditions. The discussions focus on brain mapping studies with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses on a voxel basis. In particular, we present data to validate the reproducibility and reliability of unique spatial covariance patterns related with PD and HD.
Incidence and Natural History of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Patients with Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease Treated with Zidovudine

Data were analyzed from a multicenter observational cohort study of 1002 persons with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC) and total CD4 cell count or = 0.1 x 10(9)/L (P < .001). By proportional hazards analysis, baseline CD4 cell count < 0.1 x 10(9)/L, enrollment diagnosis of AIDS, and homosexuality were significantly associated with subsequently developing CMV disease. Median survival after diagnosis of CMV disease was 173 days, and CMV was an independent predictor of death. CMV contributes to AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. As new anti-CMV drugs become available, prophylaxis should be targeted at individuals with CD4 cell counts < 0.1 x 10(9)/L.
Probabilities of extinction, weak extinction,permanence, and mutual exclusion in discrete, competitive, Lotka-Volterra systems that involve invading species

The probabilities of various biological asymptotic dynamics are computed for a stable system that is invaded by another competing species. The asymptotic behaviors studied include extinction, weak extinction, permanence, and mutual exclusion. The model used is a discrete Lotka-Volterra system that models species that compete for the same resources. Among the results found are that the chance of permanence occurring in the invaded system is significantly higher than the probability of permanence in a purely random system, and that multiple extinctions that include the invading species and one of the original species are impossible.
An evaluation of vernal pool creation projects in New England: project documentation from 1991-2000.

Vernal pools are vulnerable to loss through development and agricultural and forestry practices owing to their isolation from open water bodies and their small size. Some vernal pool-dependent species are already listed in New England as Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern. Vernal pool creation is becoming more common in compensatory mitigation as open water ponds, in general, may be easier to create than wooded wetlands. However, research on vernal pool creation is limited. A recent National Research Council study (2001) cites vernal pools as “challenging to recreate.” We reviewed documentation on 15 vernal pool creation projects in New England that were required by federal regulatory action. Our purpose was to determine whether vernal pool creation for compensatory mitigation in New England replaced key vernal pool functions by assessing project goals and documentation (including mitigation plans, pool design criteria, monitoring protocols, and performance standards). Our results indicate that creation attempts often fail to replicate lost pool functions. Pool design specifications are often based on conjecture rather than on reference wetlands or created pools that function successfully. Project monitoring lacks consistency and reliability, and record keeping by regulatory agencies is inadequate. Strengthening of protection of isolated wetlands in general, and standardization across all aspects of vernal pool creation, is needed to ensure success and to promote conservation of the long-term landscape functions of vernal pools.
The VLSI Design Automation Assistant: An IBM System/370 Design

The Design Automation Assistant speeds VLSI chip design. More Importantly, perhaps, it makes explicit some of the intuition and common sense that are important elements of expertise.
Blood pressure responses to local application of serotonergic agents in the nucleus tractus solitarii

Abstract The effects of serotonin applied directly to the region of the medulla oblongata which contains the nucleus tractus solitarii, nucleus intercalatus, nucleus originis dorsalis vagi and the nucleus origins nervi hypoglossi were investigated in anesthetized rats. A dose dependent increase in blood pressure with variable changes in heart rate was observed after unilateral application of serotonin into the nucleus tractus solitarius. The serotonergic antagonists, 2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide (locally applied) and metergoline (systemically administered) significantly attenuated the serotonin-induced pressor response. Fluoxetine, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, significantly enhanced the magnitude of the pressor response, but did not prolong it. The present data suggest that enhancement of serotonergic activity in the region of the nucleus tractus solitarius produces a neurogenic pressor response.
Atropine antagonism of arecoline-cued behavior in the rat

Abstract Rats were trained to make a specific behavioral response in a two-lever Skinner apparatus conditional upon whether they were injected with 0.5 mg/kg arecoline or 0.9% saline. Pretreatment with 0.5 mg/kg atropine sulfate significantly inhibited the arecoline-cued behavior. The results suggest that the arecoline-produced interoceptive cue is of central origin, and the possible existence of specific muscarinic (m) and nicotinic (n) cholinergic receltors in the CNS is discussed.
Cocaethylene stimulates the secretion of ACTH and corticosterone and the transcriptional activation of hypothalamic NGFI-B.

Cocaethylene is an active cocaine metabolite formed by hepatic carboxylesterases in the presence of alcohol. The effects of cocaethylene on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were investigated in vivo using adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone secretion as indices of peripheral stimulation. To ascertain the central effects of cocaethylene on discrete neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, a specific cRNA probe was used to follow changes in the transcriptional activation of nerve growth factor I-B (NGFI-B), a member of the family of immediate-early genes. Intravenous (i.v.) injection of cocaethylene (16 μmol/kg) to rats produced a marked but transient increase in plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone within 10 min of drug exposure. Secretion of these hormones was accompanied by elevated levels of NGFI-B mRNA detected 30 min after i.v. or intraperitoneal (i.p., 60 μmol/kg) cocaethylene administration. The transcriptional stimulation of this immediate-early gene within parvocellular secretory neurons was relatively brief in duration, returning to basal levels by 180 min after drug exposure. As expected, both routes of cocaethylene administration produced an increase in locomotor activity compared to saline-vehicle rats, with no differences between i.v. or i.p. routes with respect to duration of behavioral activation. Taken together, these findings indicate that cocaethylene has neuroendocrine properties on its own, targeting a critical region of the brain that regulates stressful events in the body. This, combined with other neurochemical properties, points to the possibility of cocaethylene augmenting the effects of a drug-dependent state.
The Educative Leadership Project.

'The wisest approach to leadership in education' is to be 'educative in intent and outcome'; from this precept a joint in-service training and postgraduate materials production programme is developed. It is shaped by an approach to organisations as cultures, involving negotiation about what is real and what is right.
Cleaving the prohead RNA of bacteriophage φ29 alters the in vitro packaging of restriction fragments of DNA-gp3

Abstract In vitro packaging of restriction fragments of the bacteriophage φ29 DNA-gp3 (DNAgene product 3 complex) in the defined system was dependent on prohead RNA. Truncated prohead RNAs were obtained by in situ RNase A digestion, isolated and sequenced. Proheads having the intact 174 base RNA were compared to proheads having RNAs of 120, 95, 71, 69 or 54 bases for the capacity to package the DNAgp3 left and right ends and internal (non-end) fragments generated by the restriction enzymes Eco RI, Hpa I and Bst NI. Proheads with the 174 or 120 base RNAs packaged both left and right ends; internal fragments were packaged more efficiently by proheads with the 120 base RNA. Proheads with the 95 base RNA packaged DNAgp3 left ends and internal fragments efficiently, but lost the capacity to package right ends. Only internal fragments were packaged by proheads with the 71 base RNA, and proheads having 69 or 54 base RNAs were inactive. RNA-free proheads were effectively reconstituted with purified 174 and 120 base RNAs to produce particles similar in biological activity to the proheads from which the RNAs were isolated. The 95 base RNA was the smallest RNA of the group that could reconstitute the prohead and direct fragment packaging, although packaging was inefficient. Alteration of the specificity of DNA fragment packaging with truncated prohead RNAs has delineated RNA domains that function in DNAgp3 recognition and prohead binding.
Proposed compact antenna based on CRLH metamaterials

In this paper, a study of a compact microstrip antenna based on composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial transmission line is presented. The physical size and operational frequencies of the antenna are determined by the CRLH unit cell. The antenna exhibits monopolar radiation at its fundamental mode of resonant frequency. It is well known that the composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission line (TL) has unique property of an infinite guided-wavelength at specific non-zero frequency because of zero propagation constant phase. The operation bandwidth cover the required band widths of the IEEE 802.11 wireless local-area networks (WLAN) standards and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) in the 2.97 GHz and 3.345 GHz. The zeroth order resonant frequency was found to be at 3.112 GHz.
Dimensions of threshold work experience for high school graduates and dropouts: A factor analysis

Abstract Data on 19 threshold work experience variables were obtained by interview from 183 high school graduates and 90 dropouts 1 1 2 years after leaving school. Factor analyses of these data showed strikingly similar factor structures for both groups. Seven variables were found to represent the factor dimensions adequately: Number of Jobs Held; Average Tenure in Weeks, Past Jobs; Average Number of Weeks to Find Jobs; Average Hours Worked Weekly; Average Weekly Pay, Past Jobs; Supervisor Rating, Present Level of Performance; and Employment Status. These variables, representing “objective success” were found to correlate only slightly with job satisfaction variables (Average Job Satisfaction, Past Jobs; Job Satisfaction, Present Job), thereby supporting the conceptualization of job satisfactoriness and job satisfaction as relatively independent sets of variables.
Testing Effects Measured with Alternate Test Forms

AbstractHigh school students studied a brief history text, then took either a short-answer test or a multiple-choice test on the material, or they completed a study habits questionnaire serving as a filler task. Two weeks later, all students completed a retention test composed equally of short-answer and multiple-choice questions. Initial testing greatly enhanced later retention of the material. Retention was greatest on those items cast in the same test format as seen previously (a test practice effect). However, initial testing also enhanced retention on those items cast in the alternate format (a consolidation effect). This latter factor was interpreted as playing a more substantial role than practice in enhancing retention through testing.
THE PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF DISTILLED YTTRIUM

Abstract Distillation procedures used for purifying yttrium metal, producing metal containing less than 150 p.p.m. oxygen and lower concentrations of most of the other common impurities, are discussed. Some of the physical and mechanical properties of the distilled yttrium indicate: 1. (1) a melting point of 1510°C] 2. (2) a solid state transformation at 1459°C obtained from high temperature resistivity data 3. (3) a Rockwell H hardness of 60 and 4. (4) improved rolling and swagging characteristics.
Guidelines in selecting variable-speed drives from a user's viewpoint

The author notes that the optimum selection of a variable-speed drive requires an understanding and definition of the application, awareness of the various types of adjustable-speed drives as well as an understanding of their characteristics, and knowledge of the type of support required. He presents some general guidelines to assist in selecting the appropriate drives for a given application. He first discusses the technical characteristics both of the application and of the drive itself. Next, he includes vendor support characteristics that are nontechnical in nature but contribute to the total selection process. The present discussion is restricted to electrical adjustable-speed drives. >
Enhanced photoemission by attenuated total reflection.

Photomultiplier tubes performance enhancement by light incidence on photocathode at oblique angles explained by reflection
Positive classical gravitational energy from classical supergravity

Classical gravity has sufficient supersymmetric extension that its Hamiltonian is expressible as a Poisson bracket of supercharges. Its value, the energy, is then a manifestly positive functional of the spinor transformation parameter, identical in form to Witten's expression whose supergravity basis is thereby established.
Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin A in cream and butter.

Abstract Cream was a satisfactory growth medium for Staphylococcus aureus at 37C but supported only minimal growth at 23C for 16 hr. After 24 hr at 37C,>1μg enterotoxin A per 100g cream was detected. When butter initially contained 10 5 to 10 6 staphylococci per gram, some growth occurred with 1% or less salt at 23C. Growth was not evident in butter with 1.5% salt but staphylococci remained stable at 23C for 14 days. However, this environment was detrimental to the organism during incubation at 10C for 60 days. Whipping of butter had little effect on staphylococcal behavior over that in unwhipped butter stored at 23C. At 10C, the number of viable staphylococci in whipped butter remained nearly constant or increased slightly during 60 days of storage. In unwhipped butter, viable staphylococci markedly declined so that up to a 400-fold difference in numbers existed between the two products after 60 days. When cream inoculated with S. aureus was incubated and churned, enterotoxin A appeared in the butter. The ratio of toxin in buttermilk: butter was approximately 8 to 16:l.
Thermodynamics and the equilibrium state of a binary copolymer that is determined by next‐nearest neighbor intrachain effects

The equilibrium state of an infinite molecular weight, binary copolymer which is determined by next-nearest neighbor placements of its counits is defined in terms of the conditional probabilities describing such placements and the standard state free energies governing them. The combinatorial method is used to derive the entropy of sequence length distribution, ΔSD. When ΔSD is combined with an expression for the energy of reaction which employs the standard-state free energies of triad formation an expression for the copolymer's free energy is obtained. Since enumeration of the interrelationships among the possible triplets reveal three independent conditional probabilities, separate differentiations with respect to each of three conditional probabilities are equated to zero in defining the equilibrium state. These equations reduce to the more special case previously derived when only nearest-neighbor effects are considered.
Alpha particle loss in the TFTR DT experiments

Alpha particle loss was measured during the TFTR DT experiments with a scintillator detector located at the vessel bottom in the ion Del B drift direction. The DT alpha particle loss to this detector was consistent with the calculated first orbit loss over the whole range of plasma current I=0.6-2.7 MA. In particular, the alpha particle loss rate per DT neutron at a given plasma current did not increase significantly with fusion power up to 10.7 MW, indicating the absence of any new 'collective' alpha particle loss processes in these experiments
Emission Spectrometric Arcing Procedure with Minimal Effect of Chemical Form of Sample

This paper describes a study of matrix effects related to the chemical form of materials analyzed. The study was made using an arc in argon buffered with silver chloride. The effect of chemical form was minimal for a variety of metals, oxides, and carbides representing the most refractory compounds and thermally stable metal-containing molecules. Among these, only four of the most refractory materials known showed significant emission depressions due to incomplete volatilization in the arc system. These results are discussed in terms of vapor pressure of the solid materials placed on the anodes and dissociation reactions of the molecules in the gaseous environment.
Ukraine's 2007 parliamentary elections : free and fair, or fraud once again?

Voting patterns in Donetsk suggest that the returns from Ukraine's 2007 parliamentary election were manipulated, but not enough for the Socialists to enter the legislature.
Assessing the role of plastic deformation in gear-health monitoring by precision measurement of failed gears

Abstract For constant loading and speed conditions, the principal sources of vibration excitation arising from meshing gears, characterised by the “static transmission error” (STE) excitation, are geometric deviations of the working surfaces of the teeth from equi-spaced perfect involute surfaces, and tooth/gear body elastic deformations. Changes in these two sources caused by tooth-bending-fatigue damage on one or a few teeth are manifested primarily in the rotational-harmonic content of the STE of each individual damaged gear of the meshing pair, and are most effectively detected in the time domain. The optimum number of gear rotations to be used in synchronous averaging is specified, along with how such synchronous averaging can be used to eliminate the effects of the mating gear in the case of “hunting tooth” gear pairs, and to minimise these effects otherwise. Precision measurements made on the teeth of a gear failed in a tooth-bending-fatigue test strongly suggest that whole-tooth plastic deformation—i.e. yielding, rather than changes in tooth stiffness caused by tooth-root cracks, is the principal source of detectable damage in the case of tooth bending fatigue. Such plastic deformations are geometric deviation STE contributions. Differences in gear materials, materials processing, and gear operating properties may significantly affect the amounts of such plastic deformations before tooth breakage and the operating duration between initial damage detection and tooth breakage, thereby suggesting the need for testing to determine such dependencies.