cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cluster Number Selection Using Finite Mixture Model and Penalized Fisher Class Separability Measure

It is well known that classical clustering algorithms have a problem of determining an appropriate number of clusters. In this paper, the method of selecting cluster number is proposed using finite mixture modeling algorithm and penalized Fisher class separability measure criterion, at the same time the data set is partitioned into several appropriate clusters. The cluster number searching process can be partitioned so that the hierarchical clustering analysis is used to construct a 'tentative' clustering for initial examination, followed by the iterative optimization, which continues to improve the clustering. The iterative optimization strategy is designed using Finite mixture model and penalized Fisher class separability measure. The parameterized architecture of the data set is described by Finite mixture model, which parameters are iteratively learned using expectation-maximization, or EM algorithm. The mixture model complexity, i.e. the number of clusters is selected to maximize the penalized Fisher class separability measure criterion.
Enzyme-based NAND gate for rapid electrochemical screening of traumatic brain injury in serum

We report on the development of a rapid enzyme logic gate-based electrochemical assay for the assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The concept harnesses a biocatalytic cascade that emulates the functionality of a Boolean NAND gate in order to process relevant physiological parameters in the biochemical domain. The enzymatic backbone ensures that a high-fidelity diagnosis of traumatic brain injury can be tendered in a rapid fashion when the concentrations of key serum-based biomarkers reach pathological levels. The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase were used here as clinically-relevant input TBI biomarkers, in connection to the low-potential detection of the NADH product in the presence of methylene green at a glassy carbon electrode. A systematic optimization of the gate and the entire protocol has resulted in the effective discrimination between the physiological and pathological logic levels. Owing to its robust design, the enzyme-based logic gate mitigates potential interferences from both physiological and electroactive sources and is able to perform direct measurements in human serum samples. Granted further detailed clinical validation, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of the electrochemical assay to aid in the rapid and decentralized diagnosis of TBI.
Expression of c-kit and kit ligand proteins in normal human tissues

The c-kit receptor and its cognate ligand, KL, play a critical role in melanogenesis, gametogenesis, and hematopoiesis. Studies on the expression of c-kit and KL have been primarily focused on mouse development. We undertook the present study to characterize the pattern of expression of these molecules in normal adult human tissues. Using immunohistochemistry and consecutive tissue sections from the same block, we evaluated a variety of well-preserved normal tissues for c-kit and KL microanatomic distribution. c-kit protein was identified in tissue mast cells, melanocytes, glandular epithelial cells of breast, parotid, dermal sweat, and esophageal glands. Scattered c-kit immunoreactivity was also observed for testicular and ovarian interstitial cells. A striking regional distribution of c-kit was detected in the central nervous system, particularly in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and dorsal horn of the spinal cord. KL protein was identified in cells complementary to staining for the receptor, such as glandular myoepithelium of breast and sweat glands. Intense KL immunoreactivity was observed in smooth muscle cells of the bladder, cervix, uterus, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in striated and cardiac muscle. Strong KL staining was also detected in prostate fibromuscular stroma cells. In the central nervous system, KL expression was confined to Golgi and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. These results suggest a role for this receptor and its ligand in the maintenance of a variety of fully differentiated tissues.
The thermal decomposition of lead nitrate

Abstract The thermal decomposition of lead nitrate has been investigated in the temperature range from 250 to 435°C. Information obtained from the infra-red analysis of the decomposition products indicate that the reaction proceeds via a basic nitrate or metallic nitrite structure, while gasometric analysis indicates that the decomposition proceeds essentially via the loss of nitrogen oxide and oxygen, without significant oxidation of the lead ion.
I Believe in Angels ...

Whether you're repairing broken bones and broken lives, conducting research into the mysteries of adolescent health, or training the next generation of health professionals, you are putting the interests of young people exactly where they belong--first. And I am honored to join you today to talk about the future of our country. Right now the future of our country is a 10-yearold in Chicago who struggles with the physical, emotional, and psychologic toll of AIDS--her tender, young body infected by the disease at birth. For this little girl, reaching Sweet 16 would be a dream come true, yet she envisions sunshine, not clouds, as she writes:
Safety and efficacy of the multitargeted receptor kinase inhibitor pazopanib in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.

Purpose. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical pazopanib in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV).
The role of organic acids in the acidification of surface waters in the Eastern U.S.

There is considerable uncertainty concerning the role of naturally occurring organic solutes in the acidification of surface waters. To provide a preliminary assessment of this process, we evaluated water chemistry data obtained from the US EPA Eastern Lake Survey (ELS). A wide range of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and organic anion concentrations were evident across acid-sensitive lake districts in the Eastern US. In particular, lakes in Maine, the Upper Midwest and Florida contained high concentrations (greater than 1000 gmol C · L−1) of DOC. High concentrations of organic anions, estimated by discrepancy in charge balance in several subregions, suggest that dissociation of naturally occurring organic acids could significantly reduce the ANC of dilute surface waters. Unfortunately, analysis of acidification by organic solutes is complicated by uncertainty in H+ dissociation characteristics. Input of organic acids with weakly acidic pK a values do not alter acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), while strongly acidic organic functional groups dissociate completely and decrease ANC. As a first step to assess the acid/base characteristics of naturally occurring organic solutes, we calibrated the Oliver et al. (1983) model, using a reduced version of the ELS data set. This model explained 94% of the observed variability in organic anion concentration in this data set. However, model parameters obtained from the ELS calibration were somewhat different than values provided by Oliver et al. (1983), based on potentiometric titrations of pre-concentrated organic acids. The discrepancy in model parameters has implications for estimating organic anion concentrations in water using the Oliver et al. (1983) model. Finally, data from the ELS indicates that across glaciated regions of the eastern US, concentrations of DOC and organic ions were negatively correlated with SO inf2− p4 . This trend would appear to be consistent with the hypothesis that inputs of strong acids immobilize organic acids, resulting in a shift of surface water acidification by organic acids to strong acids.
TYPE A/B BEHAVIOR PATTERNS AND THE REPORTING OF LIFETIME SYMPTOMATOLOGY: A = B

Contrary to previous results, Type A behavior pattern was not associated with a denial of illness or a decreased propensity to experience it as aversive by 44 male and 30 female college students.
Health Problems of College Students

College health professionals deal with a range of medical problems and risky behaviors. Some medical conditions occur more frequently in the college-age population, but college health is not unique because of the types of medical problems seen. Community providers welcome the opportunity to deliver primary care to this relatively healthy population, with less emphasis on screening, intervention, mental health, social well-being, and altering unhealthy behaviors. Young people have been recognized as experiencing higher rates of morbidity, disability, and mortality from various developmental, environmental, and behavioral risk factors than the general population. These risk factors are so interrelated that successful efforts to change them require a more comprehensive approach that extends beyond the health of individuals to the wellness of an entire campus community. On the continuum of health and well-being, college health must move away from focusing on disease and move toward community wellness.
Human–computer co-operative risk management systems

One presents a new concept, a «human-computer co-operative system», as the next-generation knowledge-based system for application to project risk management. One first discusses the characteristics of project risks followed by the development of a common expert system for managing such risks. Then, system limitations are identified in terms of knowledge association, and a «human-computer co-operative system» is proposed to overcome these limitations by explicitly incorporating human intuitive ability into the computer system. Finally, evaluations of the human-computer co-operative system are also described
Impact of humor on survey responses

Abstract This study reports the results of an investigation of the use of humor to stimulate response rates in a mail survey of sales executives in 1000 firms. Results indicate that humor has little effect on response rate, response speed, or response bias and completeness.
Submillimeter-Wave Spectra and Equilibrium Structures of the Hydrogen Halides

Rotational transitions of a number of isotopic species of the hydrogen halides have been measured in the 1.0- to 0.38-mm wavelength region of the spectrum. These transitions have been measured with a submillimeter-wave spectrometer which employs a klystron-driven crystal harmonic generator and a 1.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K InSb photoconducting detector. The following results have been obtained: for H $^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$, ${B}_{0}=312 989.297\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=15.836$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.274 5991$ \AA{}; for H $^{37}\mathrm{Cl}$, ${B}_{0}=312 519.121\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=15.788$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.274 5990$ \AA{}; for D $^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$, ${B}_{0}=161 656.238\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.014$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=4.196\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.274 5990$ \AA{}; for D $^{37}\mathrm{Cl}$, ${B}_{0}=161 183.122\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=4.162\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.274 5988$ \AA{}; for H $^{127}\mathrm{I}$, ${B}_{0}=192 657.577\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.019$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=6.203\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.609 018$ \AA{}; for D $^{127}\mathrm{I}$, ${B}_{0}=97 537.092\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=1.578\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.609 018$ \AA{}; for D $^{79}\mathrm{Br}$, ${B}_{0}=127 357.639\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=2.6529\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0014$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.414 4698$ \AA{}; for D $^{81}\mathrm{Br}$, ${B}_{0}=127 279.757\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.017$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=2.6479\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0020$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=1.414 4698$ \AA{}; for D $^{19}\mathrm{F}$, ${B}_{0}=325 584.98\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.300$ Mc/sec, ${D}_{0}=17.64$ Mc/sec, ${r}_{e}=0.916 914$ \AA{}.
Ensuring reliability of safety-critical clinical applications of computational cardiac models.

Computational models of cardiac electro-physiology have been used for over half a century to investigate physiological mechanisms and generate hypotheses for experimental testing, and are now starting to play a role in clinical applications. There is currently a great deal of interest in using models as diagnostic or therapeutic aids, for example using patient-specific whole-heart simulations to optimise cardiac resynchronization therapy, ablation therapy, and defibrillation. However, if models are to be used in safety-critical clinical decision making, the reliability of their predictions needs to be thoroughly investigated. In engineering and the physical sciences, the field of 'verification, validation and uncertainty quantification' (VVUQ) (also known as 'verification and validation' (V&V)) has been developed for rigorously evaluating the credibility of computational model predictions. In this article we first discuss why it is vital that cardiac models be developed and evaluated within a VVUQ framework, and then consider cardiac models in the context of each of the stages in VVUQ. We identify some of the major difficulties which may need to be overcome for cardiac models to be used in safely-critical clinical applications.
Yeast as a model host to dissect functions of viral and host factors in tombusvirus replication

RNA replication is the central process during the infectious cycles of plus-stranded RNA viruses. Development of yeast as a model host and powerful in vitro assays with purified replicase complexes, together with reverse genetic approaches make tombusviruses, small plant RNA viruses, excellent systems to study fundamental aspects of viral RNA replication. Accordingly, in vitro approaches have led to the identification of protein-RNA interactions that are essential for template selection for replication and assembly of the functional viral replicase complexes. Moreover, genome-wide approaches and proteomics analyses have identified a new set of host proteins that affected tombusvirus replication. Overall, rapid progress in tombusvirus replication has revealed intriguing and complex nature of virus-host interactions, which make robust replication of tombusviruses possible. The knowledge obtained will likely stimulate development of new antiviral methods as well as other approaches that could make tombusviruses useful tools in biotechnological applications.
Disinfection byproduct formation resulting from settled, filtered, and finished water treated by titanium dioxide photocatalysis.

Abstract This study evaluated strategies targeting disinfection byproduct (DBP) mitigation using TiO2 photocatalysis with varying influent water quality. A Purifics Photo-CAT Lab reactor was used to assess total trihalomethane (TTHM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) formation as a function of photocatalytic treatment using water from a conventional coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation process, granular activated carbon filtration, and a DBP hot spot in the water distribution system. Regardless of influent water quality, photocatalysis reduced DBP precursors; however, low-energy limited photocatalysis (
Discriminative punishment and the conditioned emotional response

Abstract Discriminative punishment of a particular response is more effective than the conditioned emotional response (CER) procedure for suppression of that response (Experiment 1). In tests with a response-shift procedure (Experiment 2) and a concurrent-schedule procedure (Experiment 3), however, the magnitude of suppression of an unpunished response of subjects in a discriminative punishment procedure was indistinguishable from that of CER subjects. Thus, the suppression produced by the CER treatment is related to the signal but independent of any particular response, while the suppression produced by discriminative punishment is related both to the signal and to the specific response.
Three MYB Transcription Factors Control Pollen Tube Differentiation Required for Sperm Release

In flowering plants, immotile sperm cells develop within the pollen grain and are delivered to female gametes by a pollen tube. Upon arrival at the female gametophyte, the pollen tube stops growing and releases sperm cells for successful fertilization. Several female signaling components essential for pollen tube reception have been identified; however, male components remain unknown. We show that the expression of three closely related MYB transcription factors is induced in pollen tubes by growth in the pistil. Pollen tubes lacking these three transcriptional regulators fail to stop growing in synergids, specialized cells flanking the egg cell that attract pollen tubes and degenerate upon pollen tube arrival. myb triple-mutant pollen tubes also fail to release their sperm cargo. We define a suite of pollen tube-expressed genes regulated by these critical MYBs and identify transporters, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and small peptides as candidate molecular mediators of pollen tube-female interactions necessary for flowering plant reproduction. Our data indicate that de novo transcription in the pollen tube nucleus during growth in the pistil leads to pollen tube differentiation required for release of sperm cells.
Constructing a sex and marital therapy frame: ways to help couples deconstruct sexual problems.

Abstract It has been pointed out that an integration of the fields of marital and family therapy and sex therapy is needed. This paper proposes a model for the integration of sex therapy and marital therapy. Recently, social constructionism has made its way into the marital and family therapy literature. Using social constructionist notions, the present paper proposes an alternative perspective to the traditional sex therapy models– one that incorporates a constructionist therapeutic stance utilizing the notions of sexual meaning systems and sexual scripts. In so doing, an integrated model of sex and couple therapy is presented.
A system for exposing animals to smoke generated in a steady-state fashion

Abstract A new method for exposing laboratory animals to polymer pyrolysis products is described. This method is advantageous in that dose may be accurately determined because the concentrations of pyrolysis products in the animal exposure chamber remain constant during exposure. Further, this apparatus was constructed from readily available materials.
Glioblastoma targeting via integrins is concentration dependent.

A novel approach to treat cancer more selectively is achieved by targeting drugs to cells via conjugating the drug or imaging agent to an antibody or ligand for a cell surface receptor that is over-expressed by the target cell population. Previous work by us has suggested that enhanced specificity can be obtained by multivalency of binding moieties. In this study we investigated the binding specificity of a multivalent construct including three peptides segments (TWYKIAFQRNRK), which bind the α6β1-integrin, linked by poly(ethylene glycol) spacers. The binding specificity of the constructs was calculated by quantifying their binding to target cells (glioma cells, SF 767) relative to non-targeted cells (normal human astrocytes, NHA). Dodecapeptide constructs (monovalent) exhibit specificity equal to the ratio of receptor expression at all concentrations. However, trivalent constructs demonstrated a sharp increase in specificity at concentrations less than the affinity of the receptor–ligand bond (4.28 µM). These experiments (conducted at 4°C) were consistent with the theoretical prediction and indicate that the biophysical model captures the basic trend of the data in the absence of receptor internalization, although the concentration at which increased specificity is observed is greater than predicted. The biophysical model does not predict the results of 37°C experiments, and this is shown to be due to internalization which occurs at 37°C but not at 4°C. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 408–417 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spiritual issues and interventions in the treatment of patients with eating disorders

Abstract This article examines the roles of religion and sprituality in the etiology and treatment of eating disorders. After briefly reviewing the relevant research, we discuss the most common and significant religious and spiritual issues that we have observed with patients with eating disorders, including negative images or perceptions of God, feelings of spiritual unworthiness and shame, and fear of abandonment by God. We briefly describe process considerations for sing spiritual interventions and conclude by describing seven spiritual interventions that we have found especily useful in treating eating disorderpatients, including spiritual teachings, spiritual bibliotherapy, and pmyer.
Some Determinants of Property Crime: Economic Factors Influence Criminal Behavior But Cannot Completely Explain the Syndrome

Abstract. An empirical analysis of the property crimes, robbery, burglary and larceny, is presented for all 120 counties in Kentucky. While this analysis is based on an economic model of crime, certain sociological and legal variables are included as well in the system of equations. Overall, the empirical results support prior studies’findings with the exception that a quadratic relationship is found to exist between urbanization and each of the property crimes. Furthermore, neither the economic nor the non economic influences measured appear more important for affecting crime rates. Specifically, results indicate that the level of poverty, the degree of tourism, the presence of police, the unemployment rate and the apprehension rate all affect property crimes. In contrast, the length of sentence, the degree of industrialization, the level of public assistance payments and the proportion of youth in the county have no affect on property crime rates in these areas.
Genetic recombination: the nature of a crossed strand-exchange between two homologous DNA molecules.

Abstract Molecular models have been used to demonstrate that a crossed strand-exchange between two homologous DNA molecules, a likely intermediate in genetic recombination, can be formed with all of the bases in the two double-helices remaining paired. There are two “outside” and two connecting, or “bridging”, strands in this structure. Since the positions of these two pairs of strands can be interchanged in the model by rotation, all four strands participating in the exchange must be regarded as equivalent. As a consequence, when pairing is terminated by strand-scissions, there is an equal probability of generating two kinds of DNA molecules: those with genes flanking the region of strand-exchange in parental configuration and those with flanking genes recombined.
Four terminal, optically isolated, zero crossing AC relay

This paper describes a scheme for controlling ac power by non-mechanical means. An electronic relay is implemented utilizing photon flux, rather than magnetic flux, as the coupling agency between the input and output terminals. In order to ndnimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), relay actuation is only permitted during the zero voltage excursions of the ac source. A triac functions as the output contacts.
Empowering Student Learning Through Rubric-Referenced Self-Assessment*

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rubric-referenced self-assessment on performance of anatomy assignments in a group of chiropractic students. Methods: Participants (N = 259) were first-quarter students who were divided into a treatment group (n = 130) and a comparison group (n = 129). The intervention for both groups involved the use of rubrics to complete the first draft of assignments. General feedback was given by the instructor, and then the students had the opportunity to amend the assignments before resubmission (second draft). The treatment group, however, was also asked to perform rubric-referenced self-assessment of their assignments during their second draft. Although the comparison group was also provided with the identical rubrics for the assignments, the students in this group did not perform rubric-referenced self-assessment. Results: The results revealed that the students in the treatment group who used a rubric-referenced self-assessment learning tool rec...
A Data Flow Oriented Program Testing Strategy

Some properties of a program data flow can be used to guide program testing. The presented approach aims to exercise use-definition chains that appear in the program. Two such data oriented testing strategies are proposed; the first involves checking liveness of every definition of a variable at the point(s) of its possible use; the second deals with liveness of vectors of variables treated as arguments to an instruction or program block. Reliability of these strategies is discussed with respect to a program containing an error.
The Old Is New Again

The invention of copying 50 years ago offered convenience to readers and was a socially good thing. Preventing it would not have caused a major increase in individual paper subscription, then or now. Instead, without copying, readers would either have to go to a library or, more likely, not read at all. The same arguments appear today, this time about electronics.
Metabolism of phospholipid in mammary gland. I. The supply of phospholipid for milk synthesis in the rat and goat.

Data presented in this study demonstrate that under normal physiological conditions milk phospholipids in the rat and the goat originate predominantly, if not totally, by de novo synthesis within the mammary gland. Evidence to support this has been obtained for the goat by measurement of P32-phosphate incorporation into milk phospholipids, and in the rat by measurement of P32-phosphate incorporation and by feeding radioactive phospholipid to measure the incorporation of serum phospholipids into milk. The latter experiment showed that the fatty acid portion of the dietary phospholipid can readily be utilized by the mammary gland for triglyceride synthesis, but that the contribution of the serum phospholipid “backbone” to milk phospholipid is minimal.
Accessibility of Pennsylvania's Victim Assistance Programs

The prevalence of sexual abuse and domestic violence among women with disabilities is at least as high as the rates experienced by women without disabilities. However, according to anecdotal accounts and preliminary research, many victim service agencies are inaccessible and do not provide appropriate support and services for people with disabilities. This study examined the physical and programmatic accessibility of 55 rape crisis, sexual assault, and domestic violence agencies throughout Pennsylvania. Findings suggest that most programs had several accessibility structures in place, such as ramps and accessible restrooms. However, fewer programs had less well-known physical and programmatic accessibility features in place to ensure equal access to services. Recommendations focus on cross-system collaboration to provide access to victim services by all victims, including those with disabilities.
Civilian Loyalties and Guerrilla Conflict

It is not surprising that Western statesmen and students of politics everywhere have recently begun to give major attention to what are variously termed guerrilla warfare, irregular warfare, paramilitary operations, la guerre revolutionnaire, insurrectional warfare, resistance movements, and other, allegedly military, doctrines. Of course, irregular armed struggles are not a unique feature of mid-twentieth-century politics; however, they have occurred with great frequency in our time and, more important, they have resulted in baffling victories over vastly better armed, better trained, and more numerous forces. President Kennedy, in response to the apparent superiority in military doctrine possessed by Communist forces in Asia, has ordered the rapid expansion of United States “guerrilla and counter-guerrilla forces.” On a more prosaic level, the publication in a national Sunday-morning newspaper of excerpts from a celebrated pamphlet on guerrilla warfare by Mao Tse-tung suggests that “guerrilla warfare,” along with “massive retaliation,” has entered the popular Cold War vocabulary.
Game-theoretic surveillance over arbitrary floor plan using a video camera network

Coordinated multi-resolution tracking over arbitrary floor plan is addressed using a game-theoretic approach. An enhanced radial sweep algorithm is devised to find the polygon of visibility at any point on or inside a polygon that contains vision-obstructing polygonal entities. By sampling the edges of a polygon and edges of any polygonal hole inside that polygon, a two-pass 0–1 programming process is formulated to find a near-optimal set of camera samples that can dynamically cover, at a high probability, area under surveillance in the presence of camera handoffs. Radius Multiplier is introduced to handle partial visibility and is set to 1 by default to avoid insolvability of 0–1 programming problems. As a remedy to excessive redundancy triggered by camera clustering, we set camera redundancy to a fixed value of 3 for any block with concave Valid Area. Branch-and-cut algorithm is employed to solve 0–1 programming problems. Assigning a fixed value to Camera Redundancy of blocks with concave Valid Area, setting Radius Multiplier to a nonzero value, and utilizing secondary utility yielded better simulation results for various types of floor plans. Raising Camera Redundancy of blocks with non-concave Valid Area contributed to performance boost and in the meantime, increased the number of cameras needed.
Who Are the Donors in Organ Donation? The Family's Perspective in Mandated Choice

Evidence that families requested to permit organ donation refuse half the time has led to proposals for mandated choice.Under mandated choice, a person's donation wishes would be collected and retr...
Agent-based micro-simulation of staged evacuations

One of the most critical issues for an evacuation is to design an effective evacuation strategy that could lead to the reduction of the total evacuation time. Previous studies demonstrated the advantage of certain staged evacuation strategies over the simultaneous evacuation strategy. This study aims to identify an effective yet feasible evacuation zoning structure for staged evacuation strategies of Galveston Island. The proposed zoning structure attempts to reduce the traffic pressure at the beginning of the IH-45 bridge, the only exit to the mainland. This study employs VISSIM, an agent-based microsimulation software package, to simulate the evacuation process. The sensitivity of the total evacuation time to time intervals between notifications of the staged evacuation is examined. The findings suggest that when an appropriate interval is selected, the staged evacuation using the proposed zoning structure is more effective than a simultaneous evacuation. A longer span between notifications could reduce the evacuation time of the last vehicle, but does not necessarily lead to the reduction of the total evacuation time.
Infection of C57BL/6 mice by Trypanosoma musculi modulates host immune responses during Brucella abortus cocolonization.

Abstract Brucellosis, which results in fetal abortions in domestic and wildlife animal populations, is of major concern in the US and throughout much of the world. The disease, caused by Brucella abortus, poses an economic threat to agriculture-based communities. A moderately efficacious live attenuated vaccine (B. abortus strain RB51) exists. However, even with vaccine use, outbreaks occur. Evidence suggests that elk (Cervus canadensis), a wild host reservoir, are the source of recent outbreaks in domestic cattle herds in Wyoming, USA. Brucella abortus establishes a chronic, persistent infection in elk. The molecular mechanisms allowing the establishment of this persistent infective state are currently unknown. A potential mechanism could be that concurrent pathogen burdens contribute to persistence. In Wyoming, elk are chronically infected with Trypanosoma cervi, which may modulate host responses in a similar manner to that documented for other trypanosomes. To identify any synergistic relationship betw...
Interspecies Variation of Forage Nutritive Value and Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Perennial Cool-Season Grasses

Knowledge of grass genotypes nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) variation is one component to be considered when developing a successful forage and livestock management program. The objective of this study was to determine variations in concentrations of NSC, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) among perennial cool-season grasses grown in the southern Great Plains at the preheading stage. Grasses evaluated included four tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), two Festulolium (Lolium. multiflorum Lam. x Festuca arundinaceae), one tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z.-W. Liu & R.-C. Wang], two intermediate wheatgrasses [T. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey], and four smooth bromegrasses (Bromus inermis Leyss). Grass species influenced forage concentrations of NSC, CP, NDF, and ADF. Averaged across years, concentrations of forage total NSC, CP, NDF, and ADF ranged from 70 to 112, 81 to 138, 548 to 614, and 288 to 321 g kg -1 dry weight (DW), respectively, among the 13 entries. Differences in the relative contribution of each NSC component to total NSC were small among the five species. Averaged across the entries, glucose, fructose, sucrose, fructans, and starch accounted for 14, 10, 15, 38, and 23% of total NSC, respectively. Producers seeking to improve the provision of energy to livestock would be served best by using smooth bromegrass with superior NSC concentration rather than by a tall fescue entry with low NSC concentration.
Biomass, Litter, and Soil Respiration Along a Precipitation Gradient in Southern Great Plains, USA

Knowledge of how ecosystem carbon (C) processes respond to variations in precipitation is crucial for assessing impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we examined variations of shoot and root biomass, standing and surface litter, soil respiration, and soil C content along a natural precipitation gradient from 430 to 1200 mm in the southern Great Plains, USA. Our results show that shoot biomass and soil respiration increased linearly with mean annual precipitation (MAP), whereas root biomass and soil C content remained relatively constant along the precipitation gradient. Consequently, the root/shoot ratio linearly decreased with MAP. However, patterns of standing, surface, and total litter mass followed quadratic relationships with MAP along the gradient, likely resulting from counterbalance between litter production and decomposition. Those linear/ quadratic equations describing variations of ecosystem C processes with precipitation could be useful for model development, parameterization, and validation at landscape and regional scales to improve predictions of C dynamics in grasslands in response to climate change. Our results indicated that precipitation is an important driver in shaping ecosystem functioning as reflected in vegetation production, litter mass, and soil respiration in grassland ecosystems.
Role of Preimmunization Virus Sequences in Cellular Immunity in HIV-Infected Patients during HIV Type 1 MN Recombinant gp160 Immunization

ABSTRACT The effect of patient preimmunization virus sequences on CTL responses during gp160 immunization were studied. Ten HLA-A2+, HIV+ asymptomatic patients with CD4+ T cells >500/mm3 were given two courses of HIV-1 MN rgp160 vaccine over a 2-year period. Envelope epitope-specific CTL responses, using PBMCs, were measured against peptide-coated autologous B lymphoblastoid cell lines. Optimum CTL epitopes were determined by HLA-A2-binding affinity of 9- to 10-mer peptides containing the HLA-A2.1-binding motif. Ten of the high- or intermediate-binding peptides were conserved among >50% of reported clade B HIV strains. These peptide-specific CTL activities and the patient virus sequences in peptide-coding regions were monitored. Six patients showed envelope peptide-specific CTL responses, which correlated with the presence of whole envelope antigen-specific CTL responses. Five of these patients, who showed responses to epitopes in the gp41 region (aa 814–824), had preimmunization virus similar to the vacc...
Stimulus-specific enhancement of fear extinction during slow-wave sleep

Sleep can strengthen memory for emotional information, but whether emotional memories can be specifically targeted and modified during sleep is unknown. In human subjects who underwent olfactory contextual fear conditioning, re-exposure to the odorant context in slow-wave sleep promoted stimulus-specific fear extinction, with parallel reductions of hippocampal activity and reorganization of amygdala ensemble patterns. Thus, fear extinction may be selectively enhanced during sleep, even without re-exposure to the feared stimulus itself.
Temperature dependence of rotational correlation times in tribromobenzene

Abstract The 13 C relaxation times and nuclear Overhauser enhancements of the protonated carbons in 1,3,5-tribromobenzene were measured as a function of temperature in the solvent benzene- d 6 . Rotational correlation times, τ C (CH), calculated by the Microviscosity/Free Rotor and Hu-Zwanzig “slip” models are substantially below the measured values. In contrast, correlation times predicted by the Hynes—Kapral—Weinberg model are in near quantitative agreement with experiment at all temperatures studied.
Virtual memory and backing storage management in multiprocessor operating systems using object-oriented design techniques

The Choices operating system architecture [3, 4, 15] uses class hierarchies and object-oriented programming to facilitate the construction of customized operating systems for shared memory and networked multiprocessors. The software is being used in the Tapestry Parallel Computing Laboratory at the University of Illinois to study the performance of algorithms, mechanisms, and policies for parallel systems. This paper describes the architectural design and class hierarchy of the Choices memory and secondary storage management system.The mechanisms and policies of a virtual memory system implement a memory hierarchy that exploits the trade-offs between response times and storage capacities. In Choices, the notion of a memory hierarchy is represented by layers in which abstract classes define interfaces between and internal to the layers. Concrete subclasses implement new algorithms or data structures or specializations of existing ones. This paper describes the motivation for an object-oriented, class-hierarchical approach to virtual memory system design, and describes the overall architecture of such an approach, as it has been applied to the Choices system. Special attention is paid to the advantages in both design and implementation that have resulted from using object-oriented techniques.
Tensions inherent in the evolving role of the infection preventionist

Background The role of infection preventionists (IPs) is expanding in response to demands for quality and transparency in health care. Practice analyses and survey research have demonstrated that IPs spend a majority of their time on surveillance and are increasingly responsible for prevention activities and management; however, deeper qualitative aspects of the IP role have rarely been explored. Methods We conducted a qualitative content analysis of in-depth interviews with 19 IPs at hospitals throughout the United States to describe the current IP role, specifically the ways that IPs effect improvements and the facilitators and barriers they face. Results The narratives document that the IP role is evolving in response to recent changes in the health care landscape and reveal that this progression is associated with friction and uncertainty. Tensions inherent in the evolving role of the IP emerged from the interviews as 4 broad themes: (1) expanding responsibilities outstrip resources, (2) shifting role boundaries create uncertainty, (3) evolving mechanisms of influence involve trade-offs, and (4) the stress of constant change is compounded by chronic recurring challenges. Conclusion Advances in implementation science, data standardization, and training in leadership skills are needed to support IPs in their evolving role.
Saturation of Si activation at high doping levels in GaAs

Abstract Ion implantation of Si is extensively employed in the fabrication of GaAs integrated circuits as an n-type dopant. We have investigated the electrical activation of Si in GaAs with high dose (1017–1019cm−3) room temperature Si implantations in semi-insulating GaAS. A co-implantation of As with Si was used to study the influence of local stoichiometry and substrate morphology on the electrical activation of Si. A van der Pauw method was employed for electrical characterization. Our results show that the previously reported saturation in the free electron concentration at 2 × 1018 cm−3 is not altered by co-implanted As. We compile our results with those of several publications to obtain the electrical activation after ~850°C annealing for implanted Si in the concentration range 1016–1020 Si cm−3. A quantitative description of the saturation effect is presented and discussed in terms of a simple saturation mechanism.
Mechanisms of extracellular matrix proteoglycan degradation by human neutrophils.

Alterations in proteoglycans (PG) located in the pulmonary interstitium may influence extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and assembly during the development of diseases in which increased numbers of neutrophils enter the lung. To evaluate potential mechanisms of PG degradation, neutrophils or purified neutrophil products were incubated with ECM that had been produced by cultured neonatal rat vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) or lung fibroblasts (LF) and metabolically labeled with 35SO4. Matrix PG solubilization was expressed as a percentage of the spontaneous [35SO4]PG solubilization that occurred in the presence of buffer alone. Solubilization by unstimulated neutrophils was 105.8 ± 3.1% (mean ± SEM, n = 6) and 101.7 ± 3.05 (n = 8) using ECM that had been produced by LF and SMC, respectively. Solubilization by neutrophils that had been stimulated with formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (FMLP) in the presence of cytochalasin B (CB) was 189.7 ± 5.8% and 298.2 ± 26.2% using ECM produced by LF and SM...
Immunohistochemical localization of GAP‐43 in the developing hamster retinofugal pathway

Metabolic labeling studies have shown that the developing hamster retinotectal pathway is marked by a high level of synthesis and axonal transport of the neuron-specific phosphoprotein GAP-43, which then decline sharply with synaptic maturation. To understand better the relationship of GAP-43 to specific developmental events, we used a monospecific antibody to examine the location of this protein in the optic tract and retinal target areas at various stages. In late embryonic and in neonatal hamsters, dense GAP-43 immunostaining was seen along the entire extent of the optic tract axons, including fascicles coursing over and through the lateral geniculate body (LGB) and within the upper layers of the superior colliculus (SC). The retinal origin of many of these fascicles was confirmed by their rapid disappearance after removal of the contralateral eye. During the first postnatal week, immunostaining in the fiber fascicles showed a marked decline, though the protein was still present throughout the neuropil of the LGB and SC. In the second postnatal week, the neuropil staining also diminished, and by 12 days after birth, both structures showed only light immunoreactivity. The high levels of GAP-43 in embryonic and neonatal optic tract axons coincide temporally with axon elongation, initial target contact, and collateral formation by the retinofugal fibers, whereas subsequent concentration of the protein in the neuropil suggests its involvement in the elaboration of terminal arbors and synaptogenesis.
Extreme anisotropy of two-dimensional photonic crystals due to mode degeneracy and crystal symmetry

It is common to assume that, for small wavenumbers, the phase and group velocities of a propagating wave in a photonic crystal coincide. This is the consequence of a simple mathematical fact: if the frequency is an analytic function of the small wavenumber, it must depend only on its magnitude but not on its direction. We have found an important exception to this rule: if a mode is doubly-degenerate for the vanishing wavenumber (at the Γ-point of the photonic dispersion curve), it can be strongly anisotropic even for small wavenumbers. The anisotropy can be so strong that, for certain propagation directions, the group velocity may oppose the phase velocity. For the other propagation directions the group and phase velocities may be co-linear. The unusual band structure of the extremely anisotropic photonic crystal results in counter-intuitive refractive properties, such as the total internal reflection for small incidence angles. Whether such extreme anisotropy is manifested is determined by the symmetry of the photonic crystal. Analytic theory based on group-theoretical considerations and the supporting results of the finite element electromagnetic simulation are presented, and several potential applications listed.
Derivative Analysis Of Spectral Absorption By Phytoplankton Pigments

Concurrent measurements of the spectral absorption coefficient and photosynthetic pigmentation of natural particulates were performed to determine the principal pigments responsible for, the absorption of spectral irradiance in seawater. The spectral absorption coefficient, Ap(λ), was analyzed by taking the second and fourth derivatives with respect to wavelength. The wavelength and magnitude of these derivative values provide useful information regarding the identification and quantification of phytoplankton pigments responsible for a given spectral signature. Linear relationships were examined and established between derivative values at selected wavelengths and concentrations of the major tetrapyrrole pigments, specifically chlorophylls a, b, and c. The method described here provides *a rapid means of obtaining estimates of photosynthetic pigment concentrations in natural samples where absorption can be strongly influenced by detrital matter.
Nexavar/Stivarga and Viagra Interact to Kill Tumor Cells

We determined whether the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib or its derivative regorafenib interacted with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra (sildenafil) to kill tumor cells. PDE5 and PDGFRα/β were over-expressed in liver tumors compared to normal liver tissue. In multiple cell types in vitro sorafenib/regorafenib and PDE5 inhibitors interacted in a greater than additive fashion to cause tumor cell death, regardless of whether cells were grown in 10 or 100% human serum. Knock down of PDE5 or of PDGFRα/β recapitulated the effects of the individual drugs. The drug combination increased ROS/RNS levels that were causal in cell killing. Inhibition of CD95/FADD/caspase 8 signaling suppressed drug combination toxicity. Knock down of ULK-1, Beclin1, or ATG5 suppressed drug combination lethality. The drug combination inactivated ERK, AKT, p70 S6K, and mTOR and activated JNK. The drug combination also reduced mTOR protein expression. Activation of ERK or AKT was modestly protective whereas re-expression of an activated mTOR protein or inhibition of JNK signaling almost abolished drug combination toxicity. Sildenafil and sorafenib/regorafenib interacted in vivo to suppress xenograft tumor growth using liver and colon cancer cells. From multiplex assays on tumor tissue and plasma, we discovered that increased FGF levels and ERBB1 and AKT phosphorylation were biomarkers that were directly associated with lower levels of cell killing by 'rafenib + sildenafil. Our data are now being translated into the clinic for further determination as to whether this drug combination is a useful anti-tumor therapy for solid tumor patients.