cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Structure Detection in Support of Disaster Response: A Case Study of the 2018 Kilauea Volcano Eruption

Disaster response requires timely damage assessment to prioritize rescue and restoration resources. However, providing critical and actionable knowledge after a natural disaster can be challenging due to the scale and the type of damages. This paper describes how remote sensing and machine learning techniques can be used to support rapid structure detection in the wake of a disaster. We use high resolution satellite imagery to identify structures on Hawaii's Big Island to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response efforts during the 2018 KIlauea lava flow incident. This framework specifically showcases the generalizability of CNN models with no need to collect additional training samples to quickly map structures in pre- and post-event imagery and provide timely information to assist government agencies evaluating the extent and potential loss of disaster. With this case study, we further point out future directions to benefit similar larger scale efforts based on the lessons learned.
UNOS Match Runs for Pediatric Heart Transplant Organ Allocation—How Well Do They Sequence Patients Based on Medical Urgency?

Purpose The match run is the automated mechanism by which UNOS prioritizes donor hearts to waitlist candidates for heart transplant (HT) based on medical urgency. We sought to determine how well match runs perform in sequencing patients according to their medical urgency after implementation of the 2016 pediatric heart allocation revisions. Methods OPTN data were used to identify all match runs between March 21, 2016 and June 9, 2020 for each pediatric donor heart offered through UNOS to US waitlist candidates. The rank-order of candidates on the match run was compared to the rank-order based on medical urgency alone defined as the probability of survival on the day of the match run using a risk prediction model developed and validated during the prior 6 years. Results Overall, 634 donors generated 2,524 unique match runs during the study period when a total of 2,608 candidates were listed for pediatric HT. The median age of donors was 5 years (Q1, Q3, 1, 13), median weight 21 (11, 54) kg with the most common cause of death natural causes (26%), non-motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (22%) and MVA (16%). The risk-prediction model for death or deterioration included 8 variables (age, weight, cardiac diagnosis and cardiac support). When the survival model was applied to the match run candidates within zone, 26% of candidates were ranked out of survival order (i.e. had a rank-reversal) (Table). Of these, 69% of rank-reversals involved candidates within the same UNOS status levels whereas 41% involved candidates spread across UNOS status levels. Conclusion There is evidence to suggest that the 2016 revision to the pediatric donor heart allocation system fails to sequence waitlisted candidates according to medical urgency, which affects a substantial fraction of match runs. Misclassification of patient risk by UNOS status level and within UNOS status levels each contribute rank-reversals. Rank-ordering patients based on a continuous survival probability model could address both problems.
A unicellular walker controlled by a microtubule-based finite state machine

Abstract Cells are complex biochemical systems whose behavior emerges from interactions among myriad molecular components. Computation is often invoked as a general framework for navigating this cellular complexity. However, the manner in which cells might embody computational processes such that theories of computation, including finite state machine models, could be productively applied, remains to be seen. Here we demonstrate finite state machine-like processing embodied in cells using the walking behavior of Euplotes eurystomus, a ciliate that walks across surfaces using fourteen motile appendages (cirri). We found that cellular walking entails highly regulated transitions between a discrete set of gait states. The set of observed transitions decomposes into a small group of high-probability, temporally irreversible transitions forming a cycle and a large group of low-probability time-symmetric transitions, thus revealing stereotypy in sequential patterns of state transitions. Taken together, these findings implicate a finite state machine-like process. Cirri are connected by microtubule bundles, and we found that the dynamics of cirri involved in different state transitions are associated with the structure of the microtubule bundle system. Perturbative experiments revealed that the fibers mediate gait coordination, suggesting a mechanical basis of gait control. One sentence summary The ciliate Euplotes walks across surfaces with an unusual gait, which involves modular subcellular structure and combines elements of stereotypy and variability according to a computational process actively coordinated by a microtubule fiber system.
High-resolution flood risk approach to quantify the impact of policy change on flood losses at community-level

Abstract Communities are changing the way they manage flood risk as a result of climate change which increases both the flood hazard intensity and frequency and therefore results in more flood exposure for the built environment. Quantifying the feasibility of policy changes requires a standardized approach that can allow a risk-informed decision. The current body of flood risk mitigation research is populated with a host of qualitative approaches to reduce flood risk at the building- and community-level. However, quantitative effects on physical infrastructure within the community at a detailed level, i.e. component- and building-level, are needed to provide decision-support for policymakers. In this study, a high-resolution quantitative approach is developed to determine the effect of policy change on flood losses at the community-level by integrating building information models with the community topology. This approach uses a portfolio of building archetypes to model flood vulnerability at the community-level. For each archetype within this portfolio, a systematic approach was developed to propagate uncertainties in the flood damage for each component within the building and thereby providing the total building damage in terms of exceedance probability of a set of prescribed damage states. The developed approach was used to investigate an array of community-level mitigation options that could control both the flood hazard and flood exposure. The analysis of an example community revealed that one mitigation policy is not enough to provide efficient flood protection and a suite of diverse mitigation techniques working in concert is more effective for major flood protection.
Microcomputer controlled boxcar integrator with subnanosecond rise time

A low‐cost 8‐bit microcomputer interfaced with a sampling oscilloscope yields a versatile <0.35 ns rise time digital boxcar integrator. Firmware provides signal averaging, oscilloscope display of one or two transients, baseline stripping and restoration, X−Y plotting, tape punching and listing of data, and BASIC language data reduction.
Is greater exchange rate flexibility stabilizing?: Some evidence from US data

Abstract This paper examines the hypothesis that greater exchange rate flexibility is stabilizing in external adjustment processes. The results indicate that floating exchange rates tend to magnify changes in relative prices without stabilizing income as the trade balance adjusts.
X-ray scattering study of one-dimensional lattice dynamics in Hg 3 − δ As F 6

The diffuse scattering of x rays by the linear chains of Hg atoms in the quasi-one-dimensional compound ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{3\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}\mathrm{As}{\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ was studied at temperatures from 100 to 350 K, and wave vectors from 7 to 20 ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The results are consistent with thermal diffuse scattering from a disordered one-dimensional "liquid" and, at high temperatures, agree quantitatively with the model of classical, independent, harmonic chains proposed by Emery and Axe. Deviations are observed in the temperature region from 130 to 200 K where the correlation length is about 25% longer than predicted.
Universal wireless controller for PWM, Analog and TRIAC dimming

This paper presents a universal wireless controller for PWM, Analog and TRIAC dimming. The presented dimming control system is a universal controller which was based on the Bluetooth wireless network. The universal controller was designed by the algorithm which is compatible with Analog (0–10V), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and TRIAC dimming control interface. Therefore, there is no compatible problem with the new lamps. The control system integrated with microcontroller, bluetooth module, power module and TRIAC module. Users can use the mobile devices to control the lighting. It not only can control the commercially lamps, but also can achieve the wireless smart lighting controlled.
OSW-1 induces calcium-dependent apoptosis: Involvement of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4702 OSW-1 is a natural compound found in the bulbs of Orninithogalum saudersiae. This compound exhibits potent antitumor activity in vitro with the IC50 values in the sub-nM concentration range. Previous studies showed that OSW-1 are effective in killing various cancer cells including pancreatic cancer cells and primary leukemia cells resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents, and that non-malignant cells were less sensitive to this compound. The current study was undertaken to determine the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of OSW-1. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that OSW-1 treatment caused significant damage to the mitochondrial membranes and severe swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in human leukemia cells and pancreatic cancer cells. Biochemical assays showed that this compound induced a significant increase in cytosolic calcium as early as several hours after the drug incubation, and a subsequent activation of calcium-dependent apoptosis. Additionally, OSW-1 treatment appeared to result in mobilization of calcium into the mitochondria, and inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uptake led to further increase of cytosolic calcium and a decrease in cell death. Interestingly, the mitochondrial deficient rho-0 cells did not show increase in cytosolic calcium after OSW-1 treatment, and were significantly less sensitive to OSW-1, suggesting that mitochondria may be involved in the cytotoxic action of this compound. Furthermore, OSW-1 treatment also induced an initial increase of GRP78, an ER chaperone molecule known to promote cell survival and drug resistance, at the early time point (4 h), and a dramatic degradation of GRP78 as the drug incubation prolonged (16 h). Degradation of GRP78 and cell dead appeared to be a calcium-dependent event, since co-incubation of OSW-1 with BAPTA-AM, a cell permeable calcium chelator, prevented GRP78 degradation and significantly suppressed cell death. Taken together, these results suggest that OSW-1 exerts its cytotoxic activity through damaging mitochondria and ER, disrupting calcium homeostasis, and triggering calcium-dependent apoptotic pathway.
Gene expression profiling and association of circulating lactoferrin level with obesity-related phenotypes in Latino youth.

Summary Background/Objectives Low-grade inflammation is an underlying feature of obesity and identifying inflammatory markers is crucial to understanding this disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to perform a global microarray analysis and (ii) to investigate the role of lactoferrin (LTF), one of the most altered genes, in relation to obesity in Latino youth. Methods Non-diabetic Latino youth (71 males/92 females; 15.6 ± 3.2 years) were studied. A subset of 39 participants was randomly selected for global microarray analysis profiling from the whole blood sample. Serum LTF was compared between lean (n = 78) and overweight/obese (n = 85) participants. Results Microarray analysis revealed that a total of 1870 probes were altered in expression ≥1.2-fold and P < 0.05 in overweight/obese participants compared with lean. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis revealed significant enrichment for pathways including toll-like receptor (TLR) and B cell receptor signalling pathways. LTF and TLR5 were increased in expression by 2.2 and 1.5 fold, respectively, in the overweight/obese participants. Increased LTF concentrations were significantly associated with high risk of obesity-related phenotypes (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Our data suggest that increased LTF is associated with obesity risk among Latino youth. This finding is discordant to what has been shown in adults and suggests that age may modulate the association between LTF and obesity-related health.
Water vapor flow and high thermal resistance insulation systems for metal buildings

In response to increasing energy costs, high thermal resistance insulation systems are being marketed for pre-engineered metal buildings. Historically, blanket insulation has been installed between the skin and the structure of these buildings. The new insulation systems generally are installed inside the structure; thus the structure is colder and, unless an effective retarder is included, water vapor condensation problems can result. While the vapor permeance of various insulation facing materials is documented, the effect of such field conditions as seams and penetrations is less well known. Permeance tests were performed on samples of foil-kraft paper insulation facing with two seams and two penetration configurations. The tests show that seams can multiply the permeance of the vapor retarder by factors of 1.2 or more and penetrations can multiply the permeance by 3 or more. The theory of vapor flow analysis is reviewed and compared with the test results and presented graphically. Possible applications and suggestions for further investigation are discussed.
Ineffective Vitamin D Synthesis in Cats Is Reversed by an Inhibitor of 7-Dehydrocholestrol-Δ7-Reductase

Changes in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) were used as an index of vitamin D status of cats. Plasma 25-OHD concentration of kittens given a purified vitamin D-free diet and exposed to direct summer sun for 15 h/wk declined at a similar rate as kittens given the same diet kept indoors. Similarly, plasma 25-OHD of kittens exposed to ultraviolet (UV) lamps declined at a similar rate as kittens not exposed, and these kittens developed clinical signs of vitamin D deficiency. Eight weaned kittens were given the vitamin D-free purified diet until their plasma concentrations of 25-OHD were < 5 nmol/L. They then had the hair on their backs clipped at weekly intervals and were paired on the basis of skin color and exposed to UV light for 2 h/d. One member of each pair was given an inhibitor of 7-dehydrocholesterol (5, 7-cholestradien-3beta-ol)-delta7-reductase (EC 1.3.1.21) in the diet. Cats receiving the inhibitor had a progressive increase in 25-OHD concentration of plasma with time to 91 +/- 22 nmol/L (mean +/- SEM), whereas cats not receiving the inhibitor had plasma 25-OHD concentrations that were not detectable (P < 0.001). Biopsy samples of skin from cats receiving the inhibitor had more than five times the concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol (P < 0.001) than the skin of control cats. Low concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol (presumably due to high activity of the reductase) in the skin of cats is the major impediment to effective vitamin D synthesis. Analysis of wild caught potential prey of cats indicated that these animals could supply adequate vitamin D to meet the requirement of growing kittens.
Transient nonlinear pitch angle scattering of energetic electrons by coherent VLF wave packets in the magnetosphere

Adiabatic theory is used in studying the transient nonlinear pitch angle scattering experienced by energetic electrons under the influence of coherent VLF wave packets in the magnetosphere. Finite wave packets of both fixed and variable frequency are considered, as are wide ranges of L shell, wave amplitude, and wave frequency. The results indicate that large mean pitch angle changes can be induced in the portion of the energetic population that undergoes a nonlinear cyclotron resonance interaction with the wave packet.
Glycaemic control in paediatric critical care.

1extend their previous results regarding intensive insulin therapy in adults 2 to children in intensive care. However, several researchers have questioned whether tight glucose control is indicated in all critically ill patients. 3
Evaluation of Mass Privatization in Bulgaria

The mass privatization program in Bulgaria was implemented in 1996-97. Following programs in countries like the Czech Republic, more sophisticated regulatory bodies were put into place to prevent the kind of abuses observed elsewhere. This study finds that Bulgaria avoided some of the extreme problems that manifested themselves in these other countries, but there were still serious problems of dilution. Dilution is similar in both mass privatization firms and nonmass privatization firms. Dilution is associated with positive performance, suggesting that more concentrated ownership has had some benefits. Even after a number of years have passed, mass privatization firms have performed less well than firms privatized by other means.
Discussion of "Bond Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars under Direct Pullout Conditions"

This article comments on earlier research on bond behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars (Achillides and Pilakoutas, 2004). The author seeks to clarify the bond behavior of FRP bars with concrete, specifically the discussion of the shear lag effect. Shear lag has a noticeable effect on the tensile strength of FRP rebars. Larger diameter rebars have a more significant shear lag effect and consequently a lower tensile strength. Wang points out that the diameter effect also exists in steel rebars and that normal stress distribution on rebar cross sections does not have a direct relationship to bond strength, refuting Achillides and Pilakoutas' contention that higher stresses caused by shear lag lead to lower than normal bond strength.
Controlled primary functionalization of agarose affinity supports by car☐ymethylation and subsequent addition of spacer units

Abstract Experimental details are given for (1) the O-car☐ymethylation of cross-linked agarose beads with chloroacetate in aqueous sodium hydroxide, (2) formation of a tandem 2-amino-ethylamide derivative, and (3) coupling of β-alanine residues to the aminoethyl groups using a new reagent, N-phthalimidyl N′-ethylsulfonylethoxycarbonyl-β-alaninate. An ideal support for attaching affinity ligands results. Extent of derivatization was controlled by the time and temperature of the first reaction. Functional group densities were estimated by using hydrogen ion binding measurements for car☐yls and a new reagent, N-succinimidyl 3-[2- (4-nitrophenylamino)ethyldithio]propionate, for assaying reactive amino groups on solid supports. Synthesis and use of the new reagents are described.
THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING SAMPLE SIZE ON THE ALPHA AND BETA ERRORS: A PEDAGOGIC NOTE

This note discusses a theoretical peculiarity about the interrelationships between the sample size and the two types of decision errors in hypothesis testing theory. It is shown that for a given decision rule, while the alpha error invariably diminishes as the sample size becomes larger, the beta error could increase for certain values of the parameter under the alternative hypothesis.
Differential susceptibility of C57BL/6NCr and B6.Cg-Ptprca mice to commensal bacteria after whole body irradiation in translational bone marrow transplant studies

Background The mouse is an important and widely utilized animal model for bone marrow transplant (BMT) translational studies. Here, we document the course of an unexpected increase in mortality of congenic mice that underwent BMT.
Adapting interpersonal psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder

Background: Among the important characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are interpersonal difficulties and depressive symptoms. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), one of the best tested time-limited psychotherapies for certain DSM-IV Axis I disorders, has demonstrated efficacy in improving psychosocial functioning and in treating major depressive disorder.Aims: This paper describes the rationale for testing IPT as a treatment for patients with BPD, the adaptation of standard IPT for such patients, and the commencement of an open, pilot study of initial tolerance and feasibility.Method: The authors developed a treatment manual adapting IPT to BPD. Changes from standard IPT included: (i) conceptualization, and (ii) chronicity of the disorder, (iii) difficulties in forming and maintaining the treatment alliance, (iv) length of treatment, (v) suicide risk, (vi) termination, and (vii) choice of subjects within the BPD spectrum of diagnosis.Results: The manual is being tested in an open, eight-...
The origin of oscillations of the large-scale circulation of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection

In agreement with a recent experimental discovery by Xi et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 102, 2009, paper no. 044503), we also find a sloshing mode in experiments on the large-scale circulation (LSC) of turbulent Rayleigh–Benard convection in a cylindrical sample of aspect ratio one. The sloshing mode has the same frequency as the torsional oscillation discovered by Funfschilling & Ahlers (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 92, 2004, paper no. 1945022004). We show that both modes can be described by an extension of a model developed previously Brown & Ahlers (Phys. Fluids, vol. 20, 2008, pp. 105105-1–105105-15; Phys. Fluids, vol. 20, 2008, pp. 075101-1–075101-16). The extension consists of permitting a lateral displacement of the LSC circulation plane away from the vertical centreline of the sample as well as a variation of the displacement with height (such displacements had been excluded in the original model). Pressure gradients produced by the sidewall of the container on average centre the plane of the LSC so that it prefers to reach its longest diameter. If the LSC is displaced away from this diameter, the walls provide a restoring force. Turbulent fluctuations drive the LSC away from the central alignment, and combined with the restoring force they lead to oscillations. These oscillations are advected along with the LSC. This model yields the correct wavenumber and phase of the oscillations, as well as estimates of the frequency, amplitude and probability distributions of the displacements.
Differential expression of the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin during myogenesis in Xenopus laevis

Abstract We have used immunocytological techniques to examine the developmental expression of the Ca 2+ -binding protein parvalbumin in Xenopus laevis embryos. Western blot experiments show that at least three different forms of parvalbumin are expressed during embryogenesis; the tadpole tail expresses one form, adult brain expresses another, mylohyoid muscle expresses both, and gastrocnemius and sartorius muscles express these two plus a third form. Parvalbumin (PV) is first detectable by immunofluorescence at stages 24–25 of development, a time when myotomal muscles are differentiating and contractile activity occurs spontaneously in embryos. At metamorphosis, PV is expressed in developing limb muscles. While the majority of skeletal muscle fibers express high levels of PV in both embryos and adults, a second fiber type has no detectable PV. The arrangement of PV-containing fibers is stereotyped in each muscle group examined. Histochemical staining of tadpole muscles indicate that PV-containing fibers correspond to fast-twitch skeletal muscles, whereas those without PV correspond to slow-twitch muscles. During tail resorption at metamorphosis, PV appears to be extruded from dying tail muscle cells and taken up by phagocytic cells.
Classification and rejection of MSTAR data

Classification and rejection tests were performed on the 10-class MSTAR database. To compare our performance, we first summarize relevant prior work. Shift-invariant magnitude Fourier transform (FT) features were used in the feature space trajectory (FST) classifier to classify the 10-class MSTAR data with variants and to reject confuser images and clutter chips. No prior work has addressed this. Implication of various SAR preprocessing on performance is addressed. In confuser rejection, 2 standard confusers (used in prior work) and 2 new confusers are addressed. We are the first to extend confuser rejection tests to 8 target classification with variants and 2 confuser rejection. Finally, clutter rejection while classifying the 10 targets is addressed.
From dated to dynamic: a campus newsletter unfolds as a web service

To answer many and disparate needs in campus web services at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a unit of the Division of the Chief Information Officer, has developed an application that separates the strata of personnel involved in building and maintaining dynamic, high profile web sites. By separating the roles of content providers, web designers, and system programmers, each is allowed to contribute their expertise and expend their energies proficiently without unduly interrupting the work of colleagues. Most importantly, the improved work-process enabled by such technology results in much more up-to-date and relevant web-based information services.This paper discusses a locally built tool designed for this separation of roles, outlines its deployments to date, and assesses the measure of benefits it has brought both web users and developers at Rensselaer.
Effect of diurnal convection on trapped thermal plasma in the outer plasmasphere

A kinetic, multi-species model of the plasmasphere is constructed that includes the effect of convection and corotation electric fields on trapped particles in drifting flux tubes. The resulting morphology of the outer plasmasphere is significantly different from the morphology obtained using the assumption of diffusive equilibrium. The difference is due primarily to the contraction and expansion of the region of velocity space accessible to the trapped particles, and has implications for the interpretation of remote sensing experiments.
Wear-corrosion behavior of ion plated thin films

The combined action of wear and corrosion processes was investigated on Cr and TiN thin films ion plated onto 304 stainless steel and M 50 steel, respectively. A new laboratory technique was used to study the simultaneous effects of mechanical and electrochemical parameters during a sliding wear process in a corrosive environment. The wear-corrosion studies were conducted in 0.1M NaCl using potentiodynamic polarization scans. The wear process was found to affect the materials’ corrosion behavior by lowering the corrosion potential, extending the activation polarization region, and increasing the passive current density. The degree to which these changes occur is a primary function of the oxide stability and the repassivation kinetics. The wear process produced a smaller effect in both ion plated films when compared to their steel substrates. The TiN film in particular remained intact after wear-corrosion testing and showed a current density three to six orders of magnitude less than M 50 steel. The TiO2 stability, adherence to the ion plated film, and high rate of formation, together with low film roughness, are the main parameters producing the high wear-corrosion resistance in this system.
Influence of atmospheric CO2 on the decline of C4 plants during the last deglaciation

CHANGES in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in the past may have caused changes in vegetation type1,2, and it has been suggested2 that the isotopic signature of such vegetation shifts, preserved in palaeosols3, might be used as a proxy for past CO2 variations. But the connection between palaeosol isotopic signatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations has been difficult to establish, partly because of the unreliability of CO2 proxies and partly because of the difficulty in ruling out other potential causes of vegetation changes, such as climate4. Here we present palaeosol carbon isotope ratios that reveal a shift from C4-dominated grasses to C3-dominated shrubs about 7–9 kyr ago on an alluvial fan system in the Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. This coincides with a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration recorded in Antarctic ice cores5–8 and increased aridity recorded by geo-morphic reconstructions9–11 and packrat remains12. Palaeosol oxygen isotope ratios, which depend on temperature and moisture, were relatively constant during the vegetation shift, suggesting that the CO2 change, rather than climate, was the dominant cause. We conclude that the carbon isotope ratios of ancient soils can indeed be used as a proxy for past CO2 changes.
Late 20th century growth acceleration in greek firs (Abies cephalonica) from Cephalonia Island, Greece: A CO2 fertilization effect?

Abstract Abies cephalonica or greek fir is indigenous to the island of Cephalonia in the Ionian Sea, which gives the species its name. Here I report ring-width variations from eight trees growing between 1300 and 1600 m elevation on the southern slopes of Mt. Ainos on this island, indicating strong acceleration of growth over the second half of the 20th century. The sustained increase in growth since 1990 in particular is unprecedented over the full length of the dataset (1840–2005 AD). These trends bear no relationship to regional temperature or precipitation variations and therefore are unlikely to be climatically induced. Disturbance effects from human activities are also unlikely as the study site lies in a remote forest area with difficult access. A plausible alternative hypothesis is that the enhanced growth reflects a fertilization effect due to rising CO2 in the global atmosphere. Based on the timing of individual tree responses, it is further hypothesized that the crossing of a CO2 threshold was responsible for the enhanced growth, and that this threshold may be age dependent (decreasing with age). A more systematic sampling of the Mt. Ainos firs is needed to further test this hypothesis. If interpreted correctly the results imply that CO2 fertilization may already be an important factor in tree growth at this location.
Can We Talk? Self‐Presentation and the Survey Response

This paper explores how the personality characteristics of individuals affect the answers they give to questions on controversial political topics. In April and May 2000, a randomdigit-dial survey of 518 Americans was conducted in the continental United States. This survey included question batteries measuring two psychological concepts related to selfpresentation. Respondents were also asked about their opinion on a number of sensitive topics, such as feelings toward blacks and homosexuals and their opinions about spending on popular programs, including schools and the environment. Their responses to these questions varied as a function of their self-presentation personality characteristics. The results presented here suggest that self-presentation measures such as those assessed here can improve our understanding of how the social dynamics of the survey interview affect responses to sensitive questions.
Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance.

Although the trace element boron has yet to be recognized as an essential nutrient for humans, recent data from animal and human studies suggest that boron may be important for mineral metabolism and membrane function. To investigate further the functional role of boron, brain electrophysiology and cognitive performance were assessed in response to dietary manipulation of boron (approximately 0.25 versus approximately 3.25 mg boron/2000 kcal/day) in three studies with healthy older men and women. Within-subject designs were used to assess functional responses in all studies. Spectral analysis of electroencephalographic data showed effects of dietary boron in two of the three studies. When the low boron intake was compared to the high intake, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the proportion of low-frequency activity, and a decrease in the proportion of higher-frequency activity, an effect often observed in response to general malnutrition and heavy metal toxicity. Performance (e.g., response time) on various cognitive and psychomotor tasks also showed an effect of dietary boron. When contrasted with the high boron intake, low dietary boron resulted in significantly poorer performance (p < 0.05) on tasks emphasizing manual dexterity (studies II and III); eye-hand coordination (study II); attention (all studies); perception (study III); encoding and short-term memory (all studies); and long-term memory (study I). Collectively, the data from these three studies indicate that boron may play a role in human brain function and cognitive performance, and provide additional evidence that boron is an essential nutrient for humans.
A solid state differential amplitude discriminator for single unit recording.

Abstract A differential amplitude discriminator is described and its circuit diagram is presented. This unit, similar in function to that designed by E. H. Ramey, has the advantage of low cost and solid state circuitry.
A Systematic Review of Theory-Driven Evaluation Practice From 1990 to 2009

Although the general conceptual basis appeared far earlier, theory-driven evaluation came to prominence only a few decades ago with the appearance of Chen’s 1990 book Theory-Driven Evaluations. Since that time, the approach has attracted many supporters as well as detractors. In this paper, 45 cases of theory-driven evaluations, published over a twenty-year period, are systematically examined to ascertain how closely theory-driven evaluation practices comport with the key tenants of theory-driven evaluation as described and prescribed by prominent theoretical writers. Evidence derived from this review to repudiate or substantiate many of the claims put forth both by critics of and advocates for theory-driven forms of evaluation are presented and an agenda for future research on the approach is recommended.
Isolation of the phagocytosis-inducing IgG-binding antigen on senescent somatic cells

To remove senescent red blood cells (RBCs) from the circulation, macrophages must distinguish them from mature RBCs. That is achieved by a specific recognition system. An antigen that develops on the surface of a senescing RBC is recognized and bound by the Fab region of an IgG autoantibody in the serum. Subsequently the Fc region of the autoantibody is recognized and bound by a macrophage, which proceeds to phagocytose the RBC. The antigenic molecule can be extracted from senescent but not young RBCs with Triton X-100 (ref. 4), although 10--30% as much antigen can be extracted from middle-aged as from senescent RBCs. I have now used IgG autoantibodies eluted from senescent RBCs to isolate and purify the IgG-binding antigen on senescent RBCs, and to detect the antigen on other somatic cells. The antigen is a congruent to 62,000-Mr protein which is present on stored platelets, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and on cultured human adult liver and embryonic kidney cells, as well as senescent RBCs.
Relationship of Salivation in Humans to Deprivation, Inhibition and the Encephalization of Hunger

Salivation has only recently been used to study human eating behavior, even though Pavlov's original interest in it was in connection with studies of digestion. Increases in saliva flow rate, elicited by food presentation, are, in non-dieters, a direct function of food deprivation and palatability. Dieting suppresses spontaneous flow rate and reduces the association between elicited rate and food deprivation. Food words and thoughts or images of food increase flow rate as a function of deprivation. Properly used, saliva flow rate is a reliable and easily measured variable and is a valuable research tool.
Vegetation changes associated with a population irruption by Roosevelt elk

Interactions between large herbivores and their food supply are central to the study of population dynamics. We assessed temporal and spatial patterns in meadow plant biomass over a 23-year period for meadow complexes that were spatially linked to three distinct populations of Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) in northwestern California. Our objectives were to determine whether the plant community exhibited a tolerant or resistant response when elk population growth became irruptive. Plant biomass for the three meadow complexes inhabited by the elk populations was measured using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which was derived from Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper imagery. Elk populations exhibited different patterns of growth through the time series, whereby one population underwent a complete four-stage irruptive growth pattern while the other two did not. Temporal changes in NDVI for the meadow complex used by the irruptive population suggested a decline in forage biomass during the end of the dry season and a temporal decline in spatial variation of NDVI at the peak of plant biomass in May. Conversely, no such patterns were detected in the meadow complexes inhabited by the nonirruptive populations. Our findings suggest that the meadow complex used by the irruptive elk population may have undergone changes in plant community composition favoring plants that were resistant to elk grazing.
The effect of commercial and recreational traffic on the resuspension of sediment in Navigation Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River

This study was conducted to determine some effects of commercial and recreational traffic on the resuspension of sediment in Navigation Pool No. 9 of the Upper Mississippi River. Fifty commercial vessel passages were examined at five different main channel locations and at side channels that were adjacent to each of the main channel locations. Sixteen recreational vessel passages were examined at one main channel location and its adjacent side channel and at a channel located in the backwaters. The backwater channel was not directly influenced by navigation in the main channel. Changes in total non-filterable residue (TNFR) and average particle size of suspended silts were used to assess some effects of navigation. Seventy-eight percent of the commercial vessel passages resulted in significant increases of TNFR and/or average particle size in the water column. In the main channel, TNFR increased from 3.4% to 15% above ambient levels; in the side channels, increases ranged from 2.5% to 21.7%. The average diameter of the resuspended silts increased by 0.21 to 2.34 μm. In the main channel, 50% of the recreational vessel passages caused increased TNFR and all passages increased average particle size. In the backwater channel, all of the recreational passages caused increases in TNFR and average particle size. Total resuspended sediment transported downstream ranged from an estimated 0.82 to 1015.7 mTons/passage in the main channel for commercial vessels, 0.39 to 0.64 mTons/passage in the main channel for recreational vessels, 0.22 to 28.12 mTons/passage in side channels due to commercial vessels in the main channel, and 0.54 to 2.08 mTons/ passage in the backwater channel for recreational vessels. Bed-sediment composition, location of the vessels in the channel, channel geometry, the number of successive passages, and vessel speed were identified as factors that affected the magnitude of the resuspension.
A fast preemptive scheduling algorithm with release times and inclusive processing set restrictions

We consider the problem of preemptively scheduling n independent jobs on m parallel machines so as to minimize the makespan. Each job J"j has a release time r"j and it can only be processed on a subset of machines M"j. The machines are linearly ordered. Each job J"j has a machine index a"j such that M"j={M"a"""j,M"a"""j"+"1,...,M"m}. We first show that there is no 1-competitive online algorithm for this problem. We then give an offline algorithm with a running time of O(nklogP+mnk^2+m^3k), where k is the number of distinct release times and P is the total processing time of all jobs.
Asymmetrical Relations, Identity and Abortion

In this article I freely use the thought of Charles Hartshorne to defend the ethical permissibility of abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy the fetus has an ethical status similar to that of a sentient yet non-rational animal, a status which should generate in us considerable ethical respect. The distinctiveness of this Hartshornian approach lies in the effort to bring metaphysics to bear on a controversial issue in applied ethics. In particular, the metaphysical issue of temporal relations is crucial to consider in the effort to ascertain the ethical status of the fetus. Two symmetrical (immoderate) theories of temporal relations are criticised, one of which provides the basis for opposition to abortion, a theory wherein one is internally related both to one's past and to one's future. An asymmetrical (moderate) theory of temporal relations is defended, a theory wherein one is internally related to one's past yet externally related to the future. This latter theory would permit abortion in the early stages of pregnancy.
Pharmacologic Factors Associated with Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity in Rabbits

Nine rabbits were given subcutaneous doses of 7.5 mg of gentamicin/kg every 24 hr, and nine were given 2.5 mg of gentamicin/kg every 8 hr for three weeks or longer. Renal function was evaluated by monitoring of the concentration of creatinine in serum and the rate of clearance of gentamicin from serum. In the animals receiving the 8-hr divided dosage, a deterioration of renal function as early as day 7 was demonstrated by the rate of clearance of gentamicin, and deterioration by day 21 was evidenced by the concentration of creatinine in serum; the renal function of the animals receiving the single daily dose was unchanged. There was no relationship between peak or trough concentrations of gentamicin in serum and the development of nephrotoxicity. The animals receiving the 8-hr dosages had a significantly longer daily duration of exposure to concentrations of greater than or equal to 0.1, greater than or equal to 1.0, greater than or equal to 2.0, and greater than or equal to 3.0 microng of gentamicin/ml in serum than did animals receiving the daily dosage.
pH is a potent modulator of erythroid differentiation

Physiological parameters such as pH and oxygen tension probably play significant roles in the regulation of haemopoiesis in the bone marrow microenvironment, but these roles have yet to be characterized in detail. We have found that changes in culture pH (0.2 units) can cause significant changes in the culture composition of mature cells and colony-forming cells (CFCs), especially in the presence of erythropoietin (Epo). Peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells cultured at different pH values (7.15-7.6) were characterized using total cell counts, colony assays, morphological analysis. haemoglobin staining, flow cytometry, immunocytochemical staining, and Western blots. Cultures performed at high (7.6) pH contained greater numbers of haemoglobin-positive and band-3-positive cells. and acquired these erythroid differentiation markers sooner than standard (7.35) and low (7.1) pH cultures. Flow cytometry using CD71 and CD45RA antigens also indicated that erythroid differentiation proceeds faster at high pH and is blocked at an intermediate stage by low pH. Morphological data confirmed that high pH cultures had been shifted towards late-stage erythroid compartments as compared to low and standard pH cultures. These findings have important implications both in elucidating the regulatory role of pH in the bone marrow microenvironment and for the design of in vitro systems to study the development of erythroid cells.
Cytotoxicity to tumor cells of monocytes from normal individuals and cancer patients

This study was aimed at characterizing the parameters which regulate human monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to tumor cells as well as characterizing the target cell specificity, kinetics, etc., of the cytotoxic mechanism. Normal human peripheral blood monocytes were cytotoxic to tumor cells in an in vitro assay, measuring release of [3H] thymidine from human target cells. Monocyte cytolysis was observed with several adherent tumor lines including T24, a bladder cancer line; LR, a melanoma line; and an SV40-transformed W138 fibroblast line, with maximal cytolysis observed at 72 h. Lymphokines were not required to induce and only infrequently enhanced monocyte cytotoxicity. Prolonged exposure of monocytes to lymphokines or in vitro culturing of monocytes prior to lymphokine exposure did not alter the monocytes response to lymphokine signals with respect to cytotoxicity. Lymphokines induced monocytes to exhibit enhanced spreading, suggesting that monocytes were susceptible to lymphokine signals but that the development of cytolytic function was independent of lymphokines. In contrast to the cytolysis of adherent tumor cells, monocytes were less effective in killing the non-adherent lymphoid target cells K562, Raji, and CEM. Monocytes were selectively cytotoxic to tumor cells and generally did not kill normal human fibroblast cell lines or PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. Monocytes from cancer patients exhibited normal cytotoxicity to several human tumor lines. Plasmas from some cancer patients were inhibitory to cytotoxicity mediated by both autologous monocytes and normal monocytes.
Development of Eimeria crandallis Honess from sheep in cultured cells.

SYNOPSIS. Cell lines of embryonic lamb trachea (LETr), lamb thyroid (LETh), and bovine liver (BEL) as well as an established cell line of Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) were used in a study of the in vitro development of Eimeria crandallis from sheep. Excysted sporozoites were inoculated into Leighton tubes containing coverslips with monolayers of the different cell types. Coverslips were examined with phase-contrast and interference-contrast at various intervals up to 20 days after inoculation; thereafter the monolayers were fixed and stained in various ways. Freshly excysted sporozoites, with 2–10 spheroidal refractile bodies, entered all of the cell types in relatively small numbers; intracellular sporozoites were first seen 2 min after inoculation. After 24 hr, most intracellular sporozoites had only 1 or 2 refractile bodies. Before and during transformation of sporozoites, the nucleus and peripheral nucleolus increased markedly in size. Transformation resulted in usually spheroid but sometimes ellipsoid trophozoites. Trophozoites were seen first 3–4 days, and binucleate schizonts at 4–5 days after inoculation. Immature schizonts increased considerably in size and eventually had large numbers of nuclei. Some of the parasites became lobulated and the lobules often separated to form individual schizonts. In BEL, LETr and LETh cells, mature schizonts, up to 150 μm in diameter, were seen first 11–14 days after inoculation. The BEL cells were the most favorable for development. Merozoites were formed by a budding process from the surface of the schizonts as well as from blastophores. Some merozoites were seen leaving mature schizonts, but no further development was observed. Merozoites frequently were motile and had a sharply bent posterior end. Marked nuclear and cytoplasmic changes were observed in parasitized cells.