cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of anti-idiotypic reagents in the EGFRvIII tumor-associated antigen system

The use of anti-idiotype (anti-id) vaccines for immunotherapy of human cancers is attractive, as immunization with true anti-id reagents (Ab2β) has been shown to induce both cellular and humoral immunity, frequently when the original antigen does not, or when a state of anergy to the self-expressed tumor-associated antigen exists. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of an anti-id vaccine approach to the glioma-associated antigen epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) for human clinical trials. By using conventional methodology, seven rat mAbs specific for the binding site of the murine anti-EGFRvIII-specific mAb Y10, as defined by the ability to inhibit the binding of mAb Y10 to EGFRvIII expressed on cells or as purified protein, were generated, and a subset (3/7) was found to be true Ab2β, as defined by the ability to induce the formation of antibody directed against EGFRvIII in two species (mouse and rabbit) when used as immunogen. The ability of these three Ab2β to elicit a protective anti-tumor response when used as a vaccine in the syngeneic, subcutaneous C57Bl/6-B16mseEGFRvIII tumor model was investigated. Following vaccination with one Ab2β mAb (2C7), 6/20 mice failed to develop tumor upon challenge, and 3/20 mice with outgrowing tumors exhibited dramatic regression of incipient tumors. Vaccination with a second mAb (5G8) resulted in one tumor-free survivor and one tumor regressor; vaccination with the third Ab2β mAb (7D3) did not confer protection, but did significantly increase the latency period until tumor outgrowth in all vaccinated recipients. The ability of Ab2β mAb 2C7 to induce an anti-EGFRvIII response in non-human primates was investigated by using the saponin adjuvant approved for human clinical trial, QS-21. Three of three macaques produced anti-EGFRvIII titers, as detected on EGFRvIII-expressing cells by both ELISA and fluorescence-activated cytometric analysis, following six immunizations with Ab2β mAb 2C7 and QS-21. The results obtained confirm that an anti-id response in the EGFRvIII antigen system can be induced in rodents, rabbits, and non-human primates, and it may prove a useful adjunct to immunotherapeutic approaches to EGFRvIII-positive gliomas, breast carcinomas, and non-small-cell lung tumors.
Effects of Renewable Energy Policies on Wind Industry Development in the US

Abstract To spur on renewable energy development, some US states have adopted Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and related policies. Previous studies have examined the factors that lead to such policy adoption, but offer limited empirical evidence on the effects on renewable energy development. We intend to close this gap through empirical analysis. Results suggest that RPS adoption and the stringency of its inherent characteristics were dominant in spurring wind energy development, and that state wind energy potential, economic and market characteristics, energy portfolio, and political structure had significant impacts. Thus, policy and politics matter more than nature in driving wind energy deployment.
The Hidden Algorithm of Ore's Theorem on Hamiltonian Cycles

Abstract In 1960, Ore found a simple sufficient condition for a graph to have a Hamiltonian cycle. We expose a heuristic algorithm, hidden in Ore's proof, which can be very effective in actually finding such a cycle. This algorithm is always reasonably efficient and suggests an easy proof that almost all graphs are Hamiltonian.
Lithium prophylaxis in recurrent affective disorders

Abstract The possibility of a prophylactic action of lithium in recurrent affective illness has been a subject of significant controversy, perhaps because of some valid methodological critiques and also because we are dealing with a relatively new possibility, that of prophylactic chemotherapy. In the history of science, new technologies have had profound impact on theory and research methods. This is especially true in medicine, where new treatments often have far-ranging effects on theoretical concepts, as well as important consequences for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Within psychiatry, such changes are currently occurring in the treatment of the affective disorders. The therapeutic activity of lithium in this context has been of profound significance in investigating issues of symptomatology, diagnosis, and prognosis of these disorders, as have studies of the pharmacology and modes of action of psychotropic drugs found effective in affective disorders. Now, quite apart from the still-debated issue of the therapeutic efficacy of lithium for an acute manic episode, we must here direct our attention to the even more hotly debated issue of the prophylactic activity of lithium against recurrences of both manic and depressive episodes. If the reports that indicate such prophylactic effects should be fully corroborated, then we will have reached an important ear, one wherein the idealized goal of prevention of episodes of mental illness can, for the first time in psychiatry, realistically be entertained. Before we look at the data on prophylaxis, we should briefly restate the consensus regarding the action of lithium on a current manic or depressive episode. In regard to mania, a conclusion based on the available literature (not unanimous, but accepted) is that lithium is superior to placebo. When compared to other effective antipsychotic agents, the consensus is that in general it might be equivalent to chlorpromazine or haloperidol in regard to outcome, but not in regard to speed of action. With depression, the situation is much less clear. The open studies, even by weight of numbers, imply no clear efficacy. The most recent controlled study, by Mendels et al., 1 compared lithium and desipramine in a total of 24 patients and found the drugs equipotent. However, a significant critical issue was the absence of a placebo group for comparative purposes.
Water-Soluble Pd Nanoparticles Synthesized from ω-Carboxyl-S-Alkanethiosulfate Ligand Precursors as Unimolecular Micelle Catalysts

This report describes a two-phase synthesis of water-soluble carboxylate-functionalized alkanethiolate-capped Pd nanoparticles from ω-carboxyl-S-alkanethiosulfate sodium salts. The two-phase methodology using the thiosulfate ligand passivation protocol allowed a highly specific control over the surface ligand coverage of these nanoparticles, which are lost in a one-phase aqueous system because of the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of thiosulfate to thiolate. Systematic synthetic variations investigated in this study included the concentration of ω-carboxyl-S-alkanethiosulfate ligand precursors and reducing agent, NaBH4, and the overall ligand chain length. The resulting water-soluble Pd nanoparticles were isolated and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 1H NMR, UV–vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Among different variations, a decrease in the molar equivalent of NaBH4 resulted in a reduction in the surface ligand density while maintaining a similar particle cor...
A biogeochemical model of phytoplankton productivity in an urban estuary: The importance of ammonium and freshwater flow

Abstract Increased discharge of ammonium (NH4) to the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), largely in treated domestic sewage effluent, has been linked to chronically food-limited conditions and to reduced fish abundance. Elevated chlorophyll concentrations at phytoplankton bloom levels are rarely observed if the ambient NH4 concentrations are above 4 μmol L−1—the NH4 paradox. In both field samples and water held in enclosures for one week, an inverse relation was observed between NH4 concentrations and nitrate (NO3) uptake by phytoplankton, likely a result of inhibition of NO3 uptake by NH4. A simple model was constructed to examine the interaction between NH4 and NO3 inputs to the estuary, with varying freshwater river flow (hereafter termed flow) conditions. Sensitivity analyses were made and initial model parameters taken from an existing oceanic biogeochemistry model. Experiments were made with the model, and showed that initial NH4 concentrations largely controlled the length of time to peak NO3 uptake and NO3 exhaustion. The model parameters were then tuned using observations from a set of enclosure experiments, and validated with results from a series of independent enclosure experiments with a variety of initial conditions. The model was run in three flow modes: (1) with no (zero) flow, (2) with flow, a fully mixed water column and a uniform light field, and (3) with flow, a fully mixed water column but with light attenuation and depth integrated values of N uptake. In the zero flow mode the model simulated enclosure experiments and when compared with enclosure results indicated the basic NH4–NO3 interactions to be correctly represented in the model. In the modes with flow, the model simulations reproduced a sharp transition from high phytoplankton productivity using both NO3 and NH4 to low productivity using only NH4, simulating the historical effects of increasing NH4 inputs to the SFE. With vertical integration to incorporate effects of irradiance, sharp boundaries at specific combinations of varying flow and NH4 inputs were observed. The model could be embedded into three dimensional models of the SFE/Delta currently being implemented for management purposes such as regulating estuarine nutrients as required by the State of California and evaluating the effects of water management decisions on salmon and protected species of fish.
Single-Pill Combination Regimens for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection

A 52-year-old man with a history of HIV-1 infection and poor medication adherence presents for evaluation. A single-pill regimen is considered. For some patients with HIV-1 infection, combination regimens consisting of one pill to be taken daily can improve adherence.
Efficiency Evaluation of Retail Outlet Networks

The authors generate alternative location-covering scenarios for retail outlet networks by using a programming model which guarantees the spatial market ‘adequacy’ of individual facility sites. The notion of relative spatial efficiency is then used to evaluate these scenarios and to develop information constructs which support many of the managerial decisions necessary for the appropriate structuring of such networks.
Brain mapping with functional MR imaging: comparison of gradient-echo--based exogenous and endogenous contrast techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare directly the two most widely used methods of functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging--dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy volunteers underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced and BOLD MR imaging with a conventional 1.5-T MR unit during visual stimulation and a dark control state. BOLD studies were performed with a gradient-echo sequence, and dynamic MR imaging was performed with an echo-shifted gradient-echo sequence after intravenous administration of a bolus of gadopentetate dimeglumine. RESULTS: A significantly greater percentage signal change was found with dynamic MR imaging than with the BOLD technique. The extent of area activated was also significantly greater. CONCLUSION: With standard clinical imagers and these gradient-echo-based techniques, greater percentage activation and area of activation can be achieved with dynamic MR imaging than with BOLD MR imaging.
Infrasound Originating Near Mountainous Regions in Colorado

Abstract An array of infrasonic microphones, installed near Fraser, CO, operated from February through June 1973. This observatory, in conjunction with a similar, permanent installation at Boulder, triangulated on sources of infrasound in Colorado. We found that the lee of a group of mountains that includes Long's Peak is a preferred source region for infrasound. Heretofore, such triangulations used long propagation paths usually of hundreds of kilometers, which resulted both in poorly defined source regions and signal source characteristics. The generation of local infrasound is probable when the 500 mb winds are high. A comparison with Boulder's historical data shows that most signals occur during the winter months with durations longer than 3 h. One case study presented shows that source motion can occur (20 km over an 8 h period). The identification of a local, accessible infrasonic source region offers wide opportunities for further research (e.g., the study of an active source region using time-laps...
Gene structure and expression of the targeting subunit, RGL, of the muscle-specific glycogen-associated type 1 protein phosphatase, PP1G.

Abstract The type I phosphatase associated with glycogen, PP1G, plays an important role in glycogen metabolism. PP1G is targeted to glycogen by the RGL subunit, which regulates the function of the enzyme. We report the cloning and characterization of the gene as well as the pattern of expression of the RGL subunit from mouse. The gene covers more than 37 kb, is composed of four exons and three introns, and codes for a 1089 residue polypeptide with a calculated molecular weight of 121,000. The amino acid sequence has 60% identity with the human and rabbit RGL. The 5′ flanking region of the gene contains a TATA box, c-Myc sites, and a potential cAMP-responsive element. Muscle specific motifs, such as MyoD and MEF-2, were also found. The A-T rich 3′-UTR contained several polyadenylation signals, two associated with poly(A) downstream consensus motifs. ARE elements, which regulate mRNA stability, were dispersed throughout the 3′-UTR. Northern analysis of poly(A) mRNA from various murine tissues indicates a major transcript of 7.5 kb in skeletal muscle and heart. Western analysis demonstrates that RGL protein is present in skeletal and cardiac muscle from mouse, rat, and rabbit but not in L6 myoblasts, L6 myotubes, 3T3 L1 fibroblasts, 3T3 L1 or rat primary adipocytes, confirming that expression of the gene is specific to striated muscle. Analysis of skeletal muscle from rats made diabetic by streptozotocin treatment reveals that the level of RGL protein is the same as in control animals, indicating that expression is not regulated by insulin.
An 'Endless' Route to Cyclic Polymers

A new synthetic route to cyclic polymers has been developed in which the ends of growing polymer chains remain attached to a metal complex throughout the entire polymerization process. The approach eliminates the need for linear polymeric precursors and high dilution, drawbacks of traditional macrocyclization strategies, and it effectively removes the barrier to producing large quantities of pure cyclic material. Ultimately, the strategy offers facile access to a unique macromolecular scaffold that may be used to meet the increasing demand of new applications for commercial polymers. As a demonstration of its potential utility, cyclic polyethylenes were prepared and found to exhibit a variety of physical properties that were distinguishable from their linear analogs.
The myth of executive compensation: do shareholders get what they pay for?

We use compensation data for a sample of 701 US public firms and document a significant positive relation between the level of executive compensation and the subsequent realized stock returns. In present value terms, shareholders in firms incurring a total compensation cost of $78 million above the median experience subsequent incremental wealth gains of $385 million above the median over the 5-year period following compensation awards. The results are robust to the use of size and industry-adjusted measures of compensation and returns, and hold after we segment the sample by firm size and industry. Our evidence is consistent with rational executive labour markets where more talented executives command higher compensation and produce superior returns.
23.4 Dual-source single-inductor 0.18μm CMOS charger-supply with nested hysteretic and adaptive on-time PWM control

A major challenge with emerging microsensors, biomedical implants, and other portable devices is operational life, because tiny batteries exhaust quickly. And even though 1g fuel cells store 5 to 10× more energy than 1g Li-ion batteries, fuel cells supply 10 to 20× less power [1]. This means fuel cells last longer with light loads and Li-ion batteries output more power across shorter periods. Therefore, when the peak power is far greater than the average power, which, for example, is typically the case in wireless sensors, a hybrid source can occupy less space than a single source [1]. Still, managing a fuel cell and a battery to supply a load and recharge the battery, which also acts as an output, with little space is difficult. Switched-inductor circuits are appealing in this context because they draw and supply more power with higher efficiency than their linear and switched-capacitor counterparts. Inductors, however, are bulky, and thus microsystems can only rely on one inductor [2-3]. Today, most single-inductor multiple-output systems derive power from one source [3, 4, 6], and therefore, the fuel cell and the battery require considerable space. Systems that use two sources either do not manage how much power each source should supply across loading conditions [5], or if they do [2] their efficiency is low. The advantage of the prototyped 0.18μm CMOS dual-source single-inductor system presented here is its less overall volume because it incorporates the functional intelligence of [2] with much higher efficiency.
Exact PWM representation of bandlimited signals

This paper proves that any bandlimited signal within ±0.637V can be represented by a PWM waveform with amplitude V. The number of the pulses in the waveform is equal to the number of the Nyquist samples. This paper also provides a practical iterative procedure to generate the PWM waveform for a given bandlimited signal. The error of this procedure decreases exponentially with the number of iterations.
Neo‐Nazi Normalization: The Skinhead Movement and Integration into Normative Structures

Skinheads, a subgroup of the larger Neo-Nazi Movement, traditionally presented themselves in a blatant, intimidating fashion replete with tattoos, Nazi symbology, and startling group imagery. Recently, however, the Skins have adopted a new tactic for recruitment: normalization. Members now strive to appear and behave more in accordance with mainstream societal standards in order to achieve perceived similarity with potential members. Using General Strain Theory to attribute the historical-sociological emergence of the Skinhead Movement to affirmative action, this article explores the phenomenon of normalization with a focus on the Skins’ evolving self-presentation, and describes a recent behavioral case example of the tactical change. Normalization is functionally explained in terms of frame alignment and frame resonance, while its effectiveness is demonstrated through Durkheim's construct of mechanical solidarity.
The entropy of the multivariate Poisson: an approximation

Variability in multivariate Poisson is a topic that has been neglected in the literature. We propose here to measure this joint variability by means of the multivariate entropy. We use the fact that any p-variate entropy H(χ1, χ2,…, χp) can be partitioned into (p + 1) components to estimate its value, namely, H(x1,x2,…,xp) = σpi=1H(xi) − T(x1,x2,…,xp) . The expression for the mutual information of the p-variate Poisson T(χ1, χ2,…,χp) was obtained in Guerrero [Am. Stat. Ass. 1993 Proc.]. Given a Poisson distribution with parameter Θ, a closed expression for Poisson entropy H(χi) is unknown. We propose an accurate polynomial approximation H(χi). Numerical studies are performed to determine the parameter space within which the approximation is accurate. When the parameters of the process are unknown, we estimate the entropy using the usual maximum likelihood estimator of Θ. A large sample approximation is given to the distribution function of H(χ). These results are extended to the general p-variate case, obtaining two accurate expressions for the entropy of the multivariate Poisson distribution.
Relation of hemodynamics to height and weight percentiles in children with ventricular septal defects.

Abstract Cardiac catheterization data of 90 children with isolated ventricular septal defects were analyzed for hemodynamic correlates with growth failure. Growth retardation (weight more than height) was a prominent feature in both sexes although girls were more severely affected. Of the hemodynamic parameters measured, one correlated well with growth failure. There was, however, a close association between pulmonary hypertension and poor weight gain. The antithesis was not true. Over half of the children below the tenth percentile for weight had pulmonary to systemic pressure ratios of 0.30 or less, precluding good correlation. It is believed that significantly abnormal hemodynamics in children with isolated ventricular septal defects in this age group do not account for a large proportion of “growth failures.”
Short wavelength bifurcations and size instabilities in coupled oscillator systems.

We report the presence of short wavelength bifurcations from synchronous chaotic states in coupled oscillator systems. The bifurcations immediately excite the shortest spatial wavelength mode present in the system as the coupling between the oscillators is increased beyond a critical value. An associated size instability places an upper bound on the number of oscillators that can support stable synchronous chaotic oscillations; an exact expression is given for the upper bound. Results are demonstrated with numerical simulations and electronic circuits.
Feminist and Lesbian Development Parallels and Divergencies

Both women in general and lesbians in particular occupy a low-status position in our society. This article explores the means by which an identity as "feminist" or "lesbian" becomes a positive one, enhancing self-worth and facilitating further personal growth. In addition, the interaction between lesbian and feminist identities is explored, and a developmental model that can apply to either is presented. This model draws on the work of Vivienne Cass and Kurt Lewin, both of whom deal with human growth as it is influenced by the surrounding social environment. This material was first presented at the Association of Women in Psychology Conference in Boston, 1981. The conference encouraged participants to explore the positive aspects of diversity among women. Coupled with this intriguing theme was the steady support and advice of staff and board members of the National Gay Task Force. Both of these influences provided a fertile environment for breaking new ground.
The Offshore Balancing Thesis Reconsidered: Realism, the Balance of Power in Europe, and America's Decision for War in 1917

According to John Mearsheimer, the United States entered the First World War because the Wilson administration believed the Triple Entente was on the verge of defeat. As a result, he claims, the Am...
Effects of isolation and culture of turkey primary follicular oocytes on morphology and germinal vesicle integrity

A novel approach to the production of transgenic poultry is to use primary follicular oocytes (PFOs). However, fundamental information regarding the impact of isolation and culture procedures on PFO integrity is lacking. This study describes the isolation and culture of PFOs from mature turkeys and the effects of these procedures on PFO morphology and germinal vesicle (GV) integrity. To isolate PFOs, ovarian cortex was incubated in trypsin-EDTA alone or further incubated in collagenase plus hyaluronidase (CH). About 200 to 500 PFOs, ranging in size from less than 100 microns in diameter to 1,000 microns, were recovered from each ovary. The culture of PFOs less than 100 microns in diameter for 4 h resulted in blebbing of the oolemma followed by extrusion of ooplasm. Primary follicular oocytes 100 to 250 microns in diameter survived culture for 24 h whereas larger PFOs survived for up to 7 d. Those PFOs with intact granulosa cell investments survived longer than those fully or partially denuded of granulosa cells with CH. Co-culture of PFOs (100 to 250 microns in diameter) on a monolayer of granulosa cells derived from mature, yellow-yolk follicles augmented PFO survival rates. The rate of GV breakdown was not influenced by the isolation or culture of the PFO. These data provide the basis for developing procedures for the in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization of isolated PFOs.
Varying Lifecycle Lengths Within a Product Take-Back Portfolio

Product take-back and reuse is sometimes at odds with the rapidly evolving desires ofsome customers. For other customers, the environmental beneﬁts of reuse more thancompensate for minor drawbacks. “Selling a service” (rather than a product) throughleasing enables the manufacturer to control the timing and quality of product take-backbut current methods assume a ﬁxed leasing period. What is needed is a method for ﬁnetuning the time span of customers’life cycles in order to provide each market segment thecombination of features it most desires. This paper presents a new method for performinglong range product planning so that the manufacturer can determine optimal take-backtimes, end-of-life design decisions, and number of lifecycles. The method ﬁrst determinesa Pareto optimal frontier over price, environmental impact and reliability using a geneticalgorithm. Then, a multiattribute utility function is employed to maximize utility acrossdifferent segments of the market and also across different lifecycles within each segment.Post-optimal studies help determine feasibility of component redesign in addition to partsconsolidation. The proposed method is illustrated through an example involving personalcomputers.
WHISK: an uncore architecture for dynamic information flow tracking in heterogeneous embedded SoCs

In this paper, we describe for the first time, how Dynamic Information Flow Tracking (DIFT) can be implemented for heterogeneous designs that contain one or more on-chip accelerators attached to a network-on-chip. We observe that implementing DIFT for such systems requires holistic platform level view, i.e., designing individual components in the heterogeneous system to be capable of supporting DIFT is necessary but not sufficient to correctly implement full-system DIFT. Based on this observation we present a new system architecture for implementing DIFT, and also describe wrappers that provide DIFT functionality for third-party IP components. Results show that our implementation minimally impacts performance of programs that do not utilize DIFT, and the price of security is constant for modest amounts of tagging and then sub-linearly increases with the amount of tagging.
HIF-dependent induction of apical CD55 coordinates epithelial clearance of neutrophils

Sites of inflammation are associated with dramatic shifts in tissue metabolism. Inflammation can result in significant tissue hypoxia, with resultant induction of hypoxia-responsive genes. Given th...
A Strategy for the Development of Training Devices

This paper discusses the complex issues involved in the design of aircrew simulation training devices. It addresses methods for defining training requirements, fidelity, performance measurement, instructional features, and crew coordination. A research evaluation of a device using these methods is presented.
Adrenergic therapy of bronchial asthma

Beta-adrenergic therapy of bronchial asthma began with the introduction of injected epinephrine by Bullowa and Kaplan’ in 1903 and oral ephedrine by Chen and Schmidt* in 1924. Agents that cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle by interaction with P-adrenergic receptors share certain common structural features. The basic structure is that of a phenylethylamine, and all drugs possessing bronchodilator properties have in addition a hydroxyl group on the beta carbon of the side chain.3 This basic structure with only the addition of a methyl group on the alpha carbon of the side chain yields ephedrine, a weak bronchodilator but one that is active on oral administration. Addition of hydroxyl groups on the third and fourth carbons of the benzene ring produces the catecholamines that are more potent but also susceptible to conjugation in the gut and liver and inactivation by the enzyme COMT that methylates
Smooth DNA transport through a narrowed pore geometry.

Voltage-driven transport of double-stranded DNA through nanoscale pores holds much potential for applications in quantitative molecular biology and biotechnology, yet the microscopic details of translocation have proven to be challenging to decipher. Earlier experiments showed strong dependence of transport kinetics on pore size: fast regular transport in large pores (> 5 nm diameter), and slower yet heterogeneous transport time distributions in sub-5 nm pores, which imply a large positional uncertainty of the DNA in the pore as a function of the translocation time. In this work, we show that this anomalous transport is a result of DNA self-interaction, a phenomenon that is strictly pore-diameter dependent. We identify a regime in which DNA transport is regular, producing narrow and well-behaved dwell-time distributions that fit a simple drift-diffusion theory. Furthermore, a systematic study of the dependence of dwell time on DNA length reveals a single power-law scaling of 1.37 in the range of 35–20,000 bp. We highlight the resolution of our nanopore device by discriminating via single pulses 100 and 500 bp fragments in a mixture with >98% accuracy. When coupled to an appropriate sequence labeling method, our observation of smooth DNA translocation can pave the way for high-resolution DNA mapping and sizing applications in genomics.
Modeling the temperature-dependent Early voltage of a silicon germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor

This paper compares the temperature-dependent Early voltage of a silicon germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) to that of a silicon bipolar junction transistor (BJT) fabricated with identical geometry. Derived is an isothermal expression for the forward Early voltage specifically suited to the base composition of a SiGe HBT. The expression includes two fit factors, one for the Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ alloy and the other for the nonuniform doping density. The fit factors are functions of the device temperature and are determined through pulsed bias measurements.
Cooperative breeding in the white-throated magpie-jay. How do auxiliaries influence nesting success?

Abstract Two fundamental questions in the study of cooperatively breeding birds are (1) do auxiliaries increase the reproductive success of a flock, and (2) if so, how? This paper addresses these questions in the white-throated magpie-jay, Calocitta formosa . This social corvid was studied for three consecutive breeding seasons in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Detailed information was gathered on 16 breeding flocks attending a total of 56 active nests. Auxiliaries were divided into three classes depending on their residency patterns and relative contributions to the breeding effort. The influence of auxiliaries was examined on eight measures of nesting success, and on five factors that influence reproductive outcome in this population: (1) onset of first laying, (2) predation, (3) hatching failure, (4) clutch desertion and (5) starvation. The results support three major conclusions. First, helpers directly enhanced nesting success at every stage in the nesting cycle. Second, all helpers did not help equally. Flock size alone bore no relationship to nesting success, but both the number of full-time helpers and helper score (a weighted measure of auxiliary contributions) were significantly related to reproductive outcome. Third, helpers increased breeding success by hastening the onset of first laying, reducing predation on eggs and chicks, and decreasing hatching failure; helpers did not affect the incidence of clutch desertion or chick starvation. These findings provide strong quantitative support for the anti-predator hypothesis and provide the first unequivocal evidence that helpers can enhance nest success by increasing hatchability.
Balancing Participation and Expertise: A Comparison of Locally and Centrally Managed Health Care Quality Improvement Within Primary Care Practices

In a longitudinal qualitative study, the authors evaluated two health care quality improvement (QI) methods that emphasized either participation (local approach) or expertise (central approach). They followed teams using these approaches to develop depression care QI programs for primary care practices over several years, observing their processes and outcomes and learning about participants' perceptions, beliefs, and experiences. Concordant with the literature, most participants preferred the local approach, but some were willing to relinquish some decision making to experts. Participants identified unique advantages of both the local (e.g., maximizes buy-in and local fit) and central (e.g., maximizes efficiency, reduces burden) approaches. The authors propose a hybrid model in which experts make strategic decisions about what practices to adopt and local site personal make tactical decisions about implementation. They believe that balancing participation and expertise provides the best formula for producing lasting QI for health care organizations across a wide variety of circumstances.
Comparison of Assay of Coliform Enterotoxins by Conventional Techniques Versus In Vivo Intestinal Perfusion

Thirty-six strains of coliform bacteria were tested for enterotoxigenicity both by conventional assays, including the Y-1 adrenal and Chinese hamster ovary cell assays for heat-labile toxin and the suckling mouse assay for heat-stable toxin, and by determining the ability of graded concentrations of ultrafiltrate high- or low-molecular-weight toxin preparations to induce water secretion during in vivo perfusion in the rat jejunum. The ultrafiltrates of all 18 strains isolated from persons with infectious diarrheal disease, including seven of Escherichia coli, seven of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and four of Enterobacter cloacae, contained one (nine strains) or two (nine strains) potent toxin fractions (resembling either heat-labile or heat-stable toxin in terms of apparent molecular weight and heat lability characteristics) that induced water secretion at perfusion concentrations of 10 ng/ml or less. Unconcentrated broth filtrates of five of the E. coli strains and two of Klebsiella reacted positively in one or more of the conventional assay systems. Concentrated ultrafiltrates from two strains that were negative in the in vitro assays for heat-labile toxin were tested and also proved to be inactive in these test systems. None of 18 strains isolated from control sources produced, in the ultrafiltrates, enterotoxins capable of inducing water secretion at low concentrations, and none reacted positively in the conventional assays. These results indicate that some strains of coliform bacteria elaborate potent toxin materials that are capable of inducing water secretion and can be detected by perfusion of concentrated ultrafiltrates but not by conventional assay systems for enterotoxigenicity. Whether this represents quantitative or qualitative differences between the toxin materials that stimulate these different test systems remains to be established.
Activity of BMS284756 against 2,681 recent clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis: Report from The SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (2000) in Europe, Canada and the United States.

Although the isolation and detection of fluoroquinolone-resistant Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis has been a very rare occurrence, newer agents in the quinolone class must be evaluated to determine their comparative potencies and to develop in vitro testing methods. BMS284756 is an investigational desfluoro(6)-quinolone with a spectrum of activity most similar to recently introduced agents such as gatifloxacin and trovafloxacin. This compound was compared to levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, as well as other orally administered antimicrobials against 1,872 H. influenzae and 810 M. catarrhalis isolates. Two Canadian H. influenzae strains had ciprofloxacin MICs elevated above the normal wild type susceptible MIC population (> 0.06 microg/mL). All other strains of H. influenzae and M catarrhalis were highly susceptible to the tested quinolones (MIC(90,) levofloxacin and moxifloxacin > ciprofloxacin (MICs, 0.5 and > 2 microg/mL). The comparison of Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) and disk diffusion results to the reference broth microdilution values produced acceptable intermethod accuracy when applied to BMS284756. This novel desfluoro compound possesses promising activity against fastidious Gram-negative respiratory tract pathogens and further clinical development is underway.
Polar Nephelometer Based On a Rotational Confocal Imaging Setup for Scattering Measurements from Cells

Rapid measurement of the angular distribution of light scattered by particles is achieved using a new type of polar nephelometer with a high angular precision and across many orders of magnitude of intensity.
An agent-based architecture for an adaptive human-robot interface

This paper describes an innovative agent-based architecture for mixed-initiative interaction between a human and a robot that interacts via a graphical user interface (GUI). Mixed-initiative interaction typically refers to a flexible interaction strategy between a human and a computer to contribute what is best-suited at the most appropriate time (Allen, 1999). In this paper, we extend this concept to human-robot interaction (HRI). When compared to pure human-computer interaction, HRIs encounter additional difficulty, as the user must assess the situation at the robot's remote location via limited sensory feedback. We propose an agent-based adaptive human-robot interface for mixed-initiative interaction to address this challenge. The proposed adaptive user interface (UI) architecture provides a platform for developing various agents that control robots and user interface components (UICs). Such components permit the human and the robot to communicate mission-relevant information.
Ring diagnostics and consistency test of the model for the AGS Booster

From a systematic analysis of readings of the beam position monitors in the AGS Booster ring, combined with the transfer matrices between a few locations in the ring, calculated with MAD, the consistency of the model of the lattice has been tested. This technique has enabled us to (i) detect errors in the machine that subsequent survey during shutdown has confirmed, and (ii) to measure the actual circulating beam momentum offset. The method has proved rather general and convenient for accelerator diagnostics as part of a model-based accelerator control system and extensions are suggested. >
Performance comparison of EKF and particle filtering methods for maneuvering targets

Online tracking of maneuvering targets is a highly nonlinear and challenging problem that involves, at every time instant, the estimation not only of the unknown state in the dynamic model describing the evolution of the target, but also the underlying model accounting for the regime of movement. In this paper we review and compare several sequential estimation procedures, that use appropriate strategies for coping with various models that account for the different modes of operation. We focus on the application of the recently proposed cost-reference particle filtering (CRPF) methodology, which aims at the estimation of the system state without using probability distributions. The resulting method has a more robust performance when compared to standard particle filtering (SPF) algorithms or the interactive multiple model (IMM) algorithm based on the use of the well known extended Kalman filter (EKF). Advantages and disadvantages of the considered algorithms are illustrated and discussed through computer simulations.
Effects of Sodium Nitroprusside on Left Ventricular Size and Performance in Myocardial Infarction Determined by Ultrasound

Sodium nitroprusside, a peripheral arteriolar and venous vasodilator, has been extensively applied in the treatment of congestive heart failure accompanying acute myocardial infarction. Although nitroprusside has been documented to reduce left ventricular volume by cineangiography in patients with chronic congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease, no data is available regarding left ventricular volume changes induced by nitroprusside in acute myocardial infarction patients. Therefore we evaluated the effects of nitroprusside upon intracavitary left ventricular size and cardiac performance by echocardiography in 10 acute myocardial infarction patients, and compared these results to data obtained by simultaneous right heart catheterization. Echocardiographic scans were obtained in a standard fashion with a commercially available echograph with patients in the 10° total body tilt position, and catheterization was performed utilizing a Swan-Ganz catheter. Nitroprusside infusion (30–200 micrograms/minute) produced a fall for the group of patients in mean pulmonary wedge pressure (20–13 mm Hg p<.01) and a reduction in mean systemic blood pressure (90 to 80 mm Hg, p<.01), but did not alter heart rate (98.9) or either cardiac output (4.1) or stroke index (26.1) obtained by dye dilution techniques.
Impact of Changes in Genetic Improvement Programs and Annual Cycles on Holstein service Sire Merit

Monthly averages of Holstein service sire PO from January 1960 through De­ cember 1985 were examined to determine if a relationship existed with changes in evaluation methodology. Monthly aver­ age of service sire PD for registered cows from January 1971 through December 1985 suggested three linear periods of increase. Regression of PO on sequential month were significantly different for periods defined by hypothesized lXlints of rate change (January to February 1975 and February to March 1984). Rate change lXlints determined from data cor­ reslXlnded reasonably well to times of methodology changes. which can be at­ tributed to new evaluations and accompa­ nying educational programs. Changes in service sire PD by calendar month also were studied. After adjustment for gen­ eral trend. PO for service sires of regis­ tered cows were slightly lower in Decem­ ber and January and about 20 kg lower in June and July than for the highest months. The unexpected bimodal oscilla­ tion was nearly the same as for percent­ age of services that were AI. Apparently, less AI is used in the 2 mo preceding availability of semiannual sire evaluations and in summer months. For a typical l00-cow herd, a dairy producer annually would sacrifice $121 in gross sales. be­ cause AI usage was less than in the high­ est month, February, and $1381 because AI was not used exclusively. Correspond­ ing amounts for the nation would be $12.3 million and $140.9 million.
Flow Patterns at the Ends of a Street Canyon: Measurements from the Joint Urban 2003 Field Experiment

Abstract During the Joint Urban 2003 experiment held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, an east–west-running street canyon was heavily instrumented with wind sensors. In this paper, the flow patterns at the street canyon ends are investigated by looking at sonic anemometers placed near ground level and tethersonde wind vane systems operated in “ladder” mode that were suspended over the sides of the buildings on each side of the street. For southerly flow conditions, the street-level wind sensors often showed what appeared to be a horizontally rotating “corner” or “end” vortex existing at each end of the street canyon near the intersections. It was found that this vortex flow pattern appeared for a wide range of upper-level wind directions but then changed to purely unidirectional flow for wind directions that were outside this range. The tethersonde wind vane measurements show that this vortexlike flow regime occasionally existed through the entire depth of the street canyon. The horizontal extent of the end vor...
Identification and immuno-electron microscopy localization of p40, a protein component of immunosuppressive virus-like particles from Leptopilina heterotoma, a virulent parasitoid wasp of Drosophila.

Lamellocytes are specialized larval blood cells of Drosophila that carry out encapsulation of metazoan pathogens such as parasitoid wasps. Large virus-like particles (VLPs) from two closely related virulent parasitoid wasp species, Leptopilina heterotoma and Leptopilina victoriae, suppress the host encapsulation response by promoting lysis of lamellocytes. The molecular basis of VLP–lamellocyte interaction and lamellocyte lysis is not understood. Here, it was shown that mature VLPs are composed of at least four major proteins. Polyclonal antisera against the most abundant L. heterotoma VLP protein, p40, cross-reacted with the most abundant L. victoriae VLP protein, p47.5. Immuno-electron microscopy (EM) of the long gland–reservoir complex revealed that p40 was expressed early in VLP biogenesis and was detected along with VLP precursors within the long gland cells and lumen. In the reservoir, VLPs had an angular core, resembled mature particles and p40 was detected outside the VLP cores. Immuno-EM staining of mature VLPs from both species localized the p40 and p47.5 proteins largely to the periphery of the VLPs and along the VLP spike-like projections. p40 staining was observed in VLP-treated host haemocytes. In vitro, anti-p40 antibody almost completely blocked the ability of L. heterotoma VLPs to promote lamellocyte lysis. Anti-p40 antibody blocked lysis by L. victoriae VLPs by >50 %. It is proposed that the VLP surface proteins p40 and p47.5 share antigenic determinants and significantly contribute to the strong virulence of their Hymenopteran hosts.
Principles of Human Subjects Protections Applied in an Opt-Out, De-identified Biobank

BioVU, the Vanderbilt DNA Databank, is one of few biobanks that qualifies as non-human subjects research as determined by the local IRB and the federal Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). BioVU accrues DNA samples extracted from leftover blood remaining from routine clinical testing. The resource is linked to a de-identified version of data extracted from an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, termed the Synthetic Device (SD), in which all personal identifiers have been removed. Thus, there is no identifiable private information attached to the records. The Belmont Report enumerates the importance of the boundary between practice and research, and three principles: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice, which constitute the essential ethical framework by which IRBs and ethics committees judge the risks and benefi ts of research involving human subjects. BioVU was developed by designing and implementing new procedures, for which there were no previously established methods, which are consistent with the principles of the Belmont Report. These included special oversight and governance, new informatics technologies, provisions to accommodate patients’ preferences, as well as an extensive public education and communications component. Considerations of core principles and protections in the practical implementation of BioVU is the focus of this paper. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume #: 1–7