cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Summer high school computer workshop

Although the use of computers in secondary schools is rapidly increasing, there still remain many schools (particularly the smaller rural schools) which have no computer access suitable for classroom instruction. Providing educational opportunities in computers for students from these schools is a need which often can be easily filled by the university. The Computer Science Department at Bowling Green State University has offered a week-long computer summer workshop for the past five summers aimed at filling this need. The workshops have been very successful, introducing the world of computers to many talented area high schoolers who would not otherwise have had the opportunity. As the use of computers in the secondary schools increases and changes, the role of this workshop will also change, but there will always be a need for special learning opportunities, such as this workshop, which the university can provide to supplement the computer education in the secondary schools.
Improved method to visualize lipid distribution within arterial vessel walls by 1.7 μm spectroscopic spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We report an improved method to visualize lipid distribution in axial and lateral direction within arterial vessel walls by spectroscopic spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) at 1.7μm wavelength for identification of lipidrich plaque that is suspected to cause coronary events. In our previous method, an extended InGaAs-based line camera detects an OCT interferometric spectrum from 1607 to 1766 nm, which is then divided into twenty subbands, and A-scan OCT profile is calculated for each subband, resulting in a tomographic spectrum. This tomographic spectrum is decomposed into lipid spectrum having an attenuation peak at 1730 nm and non-lipid spectrum independent of wavelength, and the weight of each spectrum, that is, lipid and non-lipid score is calculated. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm, in which we have combined the lipid score and the non-lipid score to derive a corrected lipid score. We have found that the corrected lipid score is better than the raw lipid score in that the former is more robust against false positive occurring due to abrupt change in reflectivity at vessel surface. In addition, we have optimized spatial smoothing filter and reduced false positive and false negative due to detection noise and speckle. We have verified this improved algorithm by the use of measuring data of normal porcine coronary artery and lard as a model of lipid-rich plaque and confirmed that both the sensitivity and the specificity of lard are 92%.
Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization

Patients with chronic, severe angina refractory to medical therapy who cannot be completely revascularized with either percutaneous catheter intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are clinically challenging. Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR), as sole therapy or as an adjunct to CABG, may be appropriate therapy for these patients. The recommendations are based on a review of the available evidence including expert consensus opinions. The author follows the format of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. There are class I indications for sole therapy TMR and class IIA indications for TMR as an adjunct to CABG. TMR is indicated for selected patients: as sole therapy for a subset of patients with refractory angina. It also may be effective as an adjunct to CABG for a subset of patients with angina who cannot be completely revascularized surgically.
An integrated simulation and AHP approach to vegetable grafting operation design

For vegetable seedling propagators, integrating grafting technology into their propagation operations is critical to keeping or expanding market share in the near future. In this paper, an integrated discrete event simulation and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach is proposed to help vegetable seedling propagators design grafting operation. The proposed approach consists of four steps: (1) defining performance criteria and factors (i.e. system alternative parameters and noise factors), (2) identifying significant factors via Design of Experiment (DOE), (3) evaluating system alternatives, and (4) AHP. For steps 2 and 3, a generic propagation simulator is developed with the focus on specific grafting operations (e.g. creating rootstocks, scions and grafted seedlings) while considering biological factors (e.g. seed disease and disease infection). Both classic and fuzzy AHP methods are adopted for addressing multiple criteria (e.g. variable cost, grafting throughput time, total capital expenses, resource utilization and percentage of order fulfilled in time with acceptable quality) of decisions. To address the imprecise ranking led by utilizing sample means of alternative performance data in pairwise comparison, a Best Alternative Search (BAS) procedure is proposed for AHP by considering bounds of confidence intervals in ranking alternatives. In the experiments, six system alternatives involving three automation levels (e.g. manual, semi- and fully-automated grafting) and eight scenarios are applied to a large-scale seedling propagator located in North America. Results demonstrate that (1) classic AHP produces the similar trend as fuzzy AHP, (2) the proposed BAS procedure can ensure the ranking accuracy of AHP, and (3) the proposed approach can be successfully used by vegetable seedling propagators to support the design of a grafting operation.
Non‐parametric estimators of a monotonic dose–response curve and bootstrap confidence intervals

In this paper we consider study designs which include a placebo and an active control group as well as several dose groups of a new drug. A monotonically increasing dose-response function is assumed, and the objective is to estimate a dose with equivalent response to the active control group, including a confidence interval for this dose. We present different non-parametric methods to estimate the monotonic dose-response curve. These are derived from the isotonic regression estimator, a non-negative least squares estimator, and a bias adjusted non-negative least squares estimator using linear interpolation. The different confidence intervals are based upon an approach described by Korn, and upon two different bootstrap approaches. One of these bootstrap approaches is standard, and the second ensures that resampling is done from empiric distributions which comply with the order restrictions imposed. In our simulations we did not find any differences between the two bootstrap methods, and both clearly outperform Korn's confidence intervals. The non-negative least squares estimator yields biased results for moderate sample sizes. The bias adjustment for this estimator works well, even for small and moderate sample sizes, and surprisingly outperforms the isotonic regression method in certain situations.
Bone growth and development in prehistoric populations from Sudanese Nubia

The analysis of a large sample of skeletons from a number of Sudanese Nubian cemeteries demonstrates the usefulness of this material in the study of bone growth and development. A skeletal series from the Meroitic (B.C. 350-A.D. 350), X-Group (A.D. 350–550), and Christian (A.D. 550–1400) period were utilized in determining the rate of bone development and age related changes in the internal structure of the femur. Specifically, we have been able to demonstrate the following: 1. (i) The growth velocity determined from the long bones in the Nubian sample was similar but somewhat more irregular than the growth velocity of long bones in American boys studied longitudinally. 2. (2) Growth symmetry of long bones determined by the ratio of lengths shows a greater stability than that which occurs in American boys. 3. (3) Decrease in femoral cortical thickness with age was significant in Nubian females (P < 0·001), while the decrease in males was not significant. The loss of cortical bone tissue in Nubian females appears to begin earlier than similar changes in modern females. 4. (4) The density of femoral head trabecular bone organ volume decreases with age at similar rates in both males and females, but the females lose a larger percentage of density since they enter the age period (17 years) with a lower density. 5. (5) The average thickness of femoral head trabeculae decrease with age in males, while in females there is an increase in thickness. It appears that as cross-members decrease in thickness with age, struts increase in thickness. 6. (6) Microradiographic analysis of archeological material may provide an additional dimension to the study of bone turnover rates.
Quantity production of anther-derived haploids from a multiple disease resistant tobacco hybrid. I. Frequency of plants with resistance or susceptibility to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), potato virus Y (PVY), and root knot (RK)

Methods are described for producing large numbers of haploid plantlets from anthers of a flue-cured tobacco hybrid with monogenic resistance to tobacco mosaic virus, (TMV), potato virus Y (PVY) and root knot (RK), respectively. Additional details are given on colchicine treatment for converting haploids to doubled haploids (DH's) and on the frequency of spontaneous DH's among untreated plantlets. Disparate genetic ratios of TMV-resistant to TMV-susceptible plants were obtained among colchicine-treated haploid plantlets, induced DH's and untreated haploids when compared with F2 and BC1 progenies. Haploids (gametes) with the gene for TMV resistance occurred more frequently than expected and plantlets with the gene for RK resistance occurred less frequenctly than expected. Transmission of the gene for PVY resistance differed only slightly from Mendelian expectations. These unexpected ratios, in addition to the frequent occurrence of plastid chimeras among anther-derived plantlets, strengthened our conviction that haploidy is somehow associated with mutation.
Multiple imputation in the presence of high-dimensional data:

Missing data are frequently encountered in biomedical, epidemiologic and social research. It is well known that a naive analysis without adequate handling of missing data may lead to bias and/or loss of efficiency. Partly due to its ease of use, multiple imputation has become increasingly popular in practice for handling missing data. However, it is unclear what is the best strategy to conduct multiple imputation in the presence of high-dimensional data. To answer this question, we investigate several approaches of using regularized regression and Bayesian lasso regression to impute missing values in the presence of high-dimensional data. We compare the performance of these methods through numerical studies, in which we also evaluate the impact of the dimension of the data, the size of the true active set for imputation, and the strength of correlation. Our numerical studies show that in the presence of high-dimensional data the standard multiple imputation approach performs poorly and the imputation approach using Bayesian lasso regression achieves, in most cases, better performance than the other imputation methods including the standard imputation approach using the correctly specified imputation model. Our results suggest that Bayesian lasso regression and its extensions are better suited for multiple imputation in the presence of high-dimensional data than the other regression methods.
Vespula squamosa: A Yellow Jacket Wasp Evolving Toward Parasitism

Evidence from behavior and from nest architecture implicates Vespula squamosa as a temporary, apparently facultative social parasite of V. maculifrons. Analysis of 66 V. squamosa nests collected in...
Relation between perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and strokes in a large cohort living near a chemical plant.

Abstract Background A community around a chemical plant was exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) for over 50 years, primarily through drinking water. One cohort study of PFOA-exposed workers found a positive trend with stroke mortality. Other, cross-sectional, studies have found positive associations between serum PFOA and risk factors for stroke, including cholesterol, uric acid, and hypertension. Objectives We examined the relation between PFOA exposure and incident strokes (including transient ischemic attacks) in community members, including plant workers. Methods Participants completed surveys in 2008–2011 regarding medical history, health-related behaviors, and demographics. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the hazard of stroke in relation to time-varying estimated cumulative PFOA serum levels, adjusting for confounders. Results Of 32,254 survey participants with exposure estimates, 1596 self-reported stroke, of whom 919 had their self-report validated by medical records review. After excluding subjects with strokes before age 20 and subjects born before 1920 or with missing covariate data, 825 cases remained. Compared with the lowest quintile of cumulative exposure, subsequent quintiles in the retrospective analysis had hazard ratios of 1.39 [95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.76], 1.36 [1.08–1.71], 1.45 [1.15–1.82], and 1.13 [0.90–1.44]. Tests for trend with linear or log-transformed cumulative dose were not significant (p=0.52 and 0.59, respectively). Neither an analysis with a 5-year lag, nor prospective analyses restricted to 2005–2011 (302 cases) found positive trends (p=0.44, positive trend; p=0.28, negative trend, respectively). Conclusions Overall, our data provide only modest evidence of an association between PFOA and stroke incidence.
Dynamic transition in driven vortices across the peak effect in superconductors

We study the zero-temperature dynamic transition from the disordered flow to an ordered flow state in driven vortices in type-II superconductors. The transition current ${I}_{p}$ is marked by a sharp kink in the $V(I)$ characteristic with a concomitant large increase in the defect concentration. On increasing magnetic field B, the ${I}_{p}(B)$ follows the behavior of the critical current ${I}_{c}(B).$ Specifically, in the peak effect regime ${I}_{p}(B)$ increases rapidly along with ${I}_{c}.$ We also discuss the effect of varying disorder strength on ${I}_{p}.$
Quantitation of serum prostacyclin-binding in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract We quantitated serum PGI 2 binding of 8 normal subjects and two TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) patients by gel filtration and gel partition methods using a stable PGI 2 analogue, iloprost. The dissociation constant (K D ) and the binding capacity (or binding stoichiometry) determined for the normals were 94 ± S.D. 19 μM and 1.8 ± S.D. 0.5 mM (or 2.0 ± .6, iloprost:HSA). Corresponding values for serum samples obtained from TTP patient I were K D 200 μM, and B max 2.3 mM in the acute phase, and 75 μM and 1.8 mM respectively in the remission phase. The serum samples from TTP patient II exhibited a higher K D . Values of 299 μM (acute phase) and 147 μM (remission phase) were obtained. The corresponding binding capacities were 2.1 mM and 1.5 mM. Binding affinity change appears to be the main factor which resulted in the PGI 2 binding defect in TTP.
On nonequilibrium C-V characteristics of MOS inversion region

Abstract The nonequilibrium C-V characteristics of the inverted MOS surface under several linear voltage ramp rates are investigated. The apparent emission rates of recombination-generation centers determined from these measurements strongly depend on the ramp rate and increase monotonically with the space charge width. This apparent increase is attributed to the neglected interband impact generation of electron-hole pairs in the high field region of the surface space charge layer. The effects of surface state density and high temperature annealing on these emission rates are also presented.
Highly loaded nanoparticulate formulation of progesterone for emergency traumatic brain injury treatment

Background: Progesterone (PG), a promising therapeutic for treating traumatic brain injury, has been difficult to formulate into a high-dose/low-volume form for emergency intravenous administration due to its hydrophobicity and crystallinity. Results: This work demonstrates the use of Flash NanoPrecipitation to produce 300-nm PG-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with approximately 24 wt% drug loading using only components that are classified by the US FDA as generally recognized as safe. Approximately 80% of the encapsulated PG is in dissolved, rather than crystalline form. For prolonged stability, the nanoparticles are freeze–dried with Pluronic F68 and can be reproducibly reconstituted by hand agitation for 1 min without particle aggregation to produce injectable formulations with approximately 30-mg/ml PG, which is more than ten-times higher than has been previously reported. Conclusion: This formulation can allow for administration of therapeutically viable concentrations of PG, which has been impossible...
A sensitive analytical method for choline.

Abstract A reliable and sensitive method has been devised for the estimation of choline in small amounts of tissue. This method depends on the precipitation of choline reineckate from small volumes of an alkaline solution. The choline reineckate precipitate is dissolved in 50% ammonium hydroxide and measured spectrophotometrically at 303 mμ. The specific radioactivity of the choline reineckate may be determined by counting the radioactivity of an aliquot of the choline reineckate solution. In 50% ammonium hydroxide solution, choline reineckate obeys Beer's law and has a molar absorbancy index of 17.2 × 103 when measured at 303 mμ.
Methods for Quantifying Vessel Deformation Due to Pulsatile and Non-Pulsatile Forces

Despite the significant effort expended by the medical device industry to design and manufacture stents and stent grafts, vascular stent fractures have been reported in almost every implanted location including the aortic, iliac, popliteal, subclavian, renal, coronary, carotid, and superficial femoral arteries.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Postlarvae and juveniles of a selected line of Penaeus stylirostris are resistant to infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus infection

Abstract A susceptibility study of postlarvae (PL) and juvenile Super Shrimp®, a selected line of Penaeus stylirostris , was conducted to compare their resistance to infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) infection to that of a specific pathogen free (SPF) population of P. vannamei . Super Shrimp® PLs were fed with IHHNV-infected shrimp tissue for 2 days and then maintained on a pelletized ration for an additional 28 days. PLs were sampled at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. There was no apparent mortality during the experimental period. Tissue DNA extracted from the PLs was analyzed for the presence of IHHNV by PCR. Low levels of IHHNV were detected only in DNA extracts from samples at days 1, 2, and 3. No IHHNV DNA was detected from days 4 to 30. The days that the PLs were weakly IHHNV-PCR positive were during the period that they were being fed with IHHNV-tissue, and thus, the IHHNV DNA signal was suspected to be from the infected tissue used as a feed. Through both histology and in situ hybridization, we confirmed that tissues of Super Shrimp® PLs were not infected with IHHNV. PCR results of another IHHNV challenge study with juveniles of Super Shrimp® were similar to those with PLs. These results indicate that IHHNV did not replicate in the PL and juvenile Super Shrimp®. In contrast, P. vannamei juveniles, which were used as a positive control, showed a more intense IHHNV infection, as determined by PCR detection, beginning at 6 days postchallenge and increasing throughout the remainder of the study. In addition, the IHHNV-infected P. vannamei at 30 days postchallenge showed histological changes characteristic of IHHNV infection and had a positive reaction for IHHNV with in situ hybridization. Our studies show that Super Shrimp® are resistant to IHHNV infection. This is the first unequivocal demonstration of resistance to viral infection in shrimp.
An adaptive embedded mesh procedure for leading-edge vortex flows

A procedure for solving the conical Euler equations on an adaptively refined mesh is presented, along with a method for determining which cells to refine. The solution procedure is a central-difference cell-vertex scheme. The adaptation procedure is made up of a parameter on which the refinement decision is based, and a method for choosing a threshold value of the parameter. The refinement parameter is a measure of mesh-convergence, constructed by comparison of locally coarse- and fine-grid solutions. The threshold for the refinement parameter is based on the curvature of the curve relating the number of cells flagged for refinement to the value of the refinement threshold. Results for three test cases are presented. The test problem is that of a delta wing at angle of attack in a supersonic free-stream. The resulting vortices and shocks are captured efficiently by the adaptive code.
Existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence of positive solutions to a differential equation on a measure chain

Abstract We are concerned with proving existence of one or more than one positive solution of a general two point boundary value problem for the nonlinear equation Lx(t)≔−[p(t)xΔ(t)]Δ+q(t)xσ(t)=λa(t)f(t,xσ(t)). We shall also obtain criteria which leads to nonexistence of positive solutions. Here the independent variable t is in a “measure chain”. We will use fixed point theorems for operators on a Banach space.
Nulling interferometry: symmetry requirements and experimental results

ABSTRACT This paper provides a derivation from first principles of the stringent symmetry and stability requirements whichdeep stellar nulling demands, and also includes a brief status report on recent nulling results obtained with theJet Propulsion Laboratory's fiber-coupled rotational-shearing interferometer. To date, the deepest transient nullsobtained (at red wavelengths) are 2 x 106 with a laser diode source, and 1.4 x iO with a single-polarization thermalwhite-light source filtered to provide an 18% passband. In addition, both the laser and white light nulls have beenstabilized to the iO level. This visible wavelength laboratory nuller thus meets essentially all of the performance goals for the planned nulling experiment on board NASA's Space Interferometer Mission, with the sole exception of dual-polarization operation.Keywords: Nulling interferometry, rotational shearing interferometer 1. INTRODUCTION Although the high brightness contrast and small angular separation characterizing star-planet pairings has thus far
Functional Consequence of Distal Brachioradialis Tendon Release: A Biomechanical Study

Purpose Open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures often necessitates release of the brachioradialis from the radial styloid. However, this common procedure has the potential to decrease elbow flexion strength. To determine the potential morbidity associated with brachioradialis release, we measured the change in elbow torque as a function of incremental release of the brachioradialis insertion footprint. Methods In 5 upper extremity cadaveric specimens, we systematically released the brachioradialis tendon from the radius and measured the resultant effect on brachioradialis elbow flexion torque. We defined release distance as the distance between the release point and the tip of the radial styloid. Results Brachioradialis elbow flexion torque dropped to 95%, 90%, and 86% of its original value at release distances of 27, 46, and 52 mm, respectively. Importantly, brachioradialis torque remained above 80% of its original value at release distances up to 7 cm. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that release of the brachioradialis tendon from its insertion has minor effects on its ability to transmit force to the distal radius. Clinical relevance These data imply that release of the distal brachioradialis tendon during distal radius open reduction internal fixation can be performed without meaningful functional consequences to elbow flexion torque. Even at large release distances, overall elbow flexion torque loss after brachioradialis release would be expected to be less than 5% because of the much larger contributions of the biceps and brachialis. Use of the brachioradialis as a tendon transfer donor should not be limited by concerns of elbow flexion loss, and the tendon could be considered as an autograft donor.
Comparison of cocaine and opiate exposures between young urban and suburban children.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cocaine and opiate metabolites in the urine of young urban and suburban children. Design: Survey. Setting: Urban and suburban emergency departments and private pediatric practices. Patients: A convenience sample of 1469 children between 1 and 60 months of age who required a urinalysis for investigation of the chief complaint. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Urine was screened for benzoylecgonine and opiates using an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique and a fluorescence-polarization immunoassay, both with a sensitivity of 50 ng/mL. Results: Benzoylecogonine was identified in the urine of 45 children (3.1%) (95% CI, 2.2% to 3.9%) and opiates in the urine of 38 children (2.6%) (95% CI, 1.8% to 3.4%). No difference was observed between urban and suburban health care facilities in the percentage of patients whose urine tested positive for benzoylecgonine (29 of 1011 vs 16 of 458, P =.6) or opiates (28 of 1011 vs 10 of 458, P =.6) Conclusion: Exposure to illicit drugs, as reflected by urinary metabolites, is similar for urban and suburban children. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149:1362-1364)
Diagnosis and isolation of air-gap eccentricities in closed-loop controlled doubly-fed induction generators

Closed-loop control provides a challenge for fault diagnosis in electric machines due to inherent compensation provided by the controller. This paper presents a method to detect static and dynamic air-gap eccentricities in doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) operated for closed-loop stator power control. A model of the eccentric machine is first developed using modified winding function theory (MWFT) and a suitable reference frame is chosen so as to decouple the flux equations and dynamically simulate the machine. A modified control technique is proposed to enable detection of air-gap eccentricities. The technique helps detect and differentiate or isolate this fault from grid-voltage unbalances and stator and rotor electrical faults that produce similar effects. The proposed method looks at low frequency fault signatures which can be detected using the DSP controller that is part of the drive. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified using simulations and preliminary experiments performed on a laboratory set-up.
Up-regulation of NG2 proteoglycan and interferon-induced transmembrane proteins 1 and 3 in mouse astrocytoma: A membrane proteomics approach

Although brain tumors are classified as if their lineage were well understood, the relationship between the molecular events that specify neural cell lineage and brain tumors remains enigmatic. Traditionally, cell surface membrane antigens have served as biomarkers that distinguish brain tumor origin and malignancy. In this study, membrane proteins were identified from a terminally differentiated mouse astrocyte (AC) and CT-2A astrocytoma (CT-2A) cell line using liquid-chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 321 and 297 protein groups with at least one unique peptide were identified in the AC and CT-2A cells. Using a label-free quantitative MS approach, 25 plasma membrane proteins in CT-2A were found significantly up- or down-regulated compared with those in AC. Three of the up-regulated proteins, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (Cspg4), interferon-induced transmembrane protein-2 (IFITM2) and -3 (IFITM3) were further validated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. In addition, a third member of the IFITM family, interferon-induced transmembrane protein-1 (IFITM1) was also analyzed. Expression of Cspg4, IFITM1 and IFITM3 was significantly greater in the CT-2A cells than that in the AC cells. Interestingly, Cspg4, also known as neuronal/glial 2 (NG2) proteoglycan in human, is an oligodendrocyte progenitor marker. Therefore, our data suggest that the CT-2A tumor may be derived from NG2 glia rather than from fully differentiated astrocytes. Moreover, the CT-2A cells also express a series of interferon-induced signature proteins that may be specific to this tumor. These data highlight the utility of LC-MS/MS for the identification of brain tumor membrane biomarkers.
Provisioning of nestlings by male and female red-winged blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus

Abstract Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify the factors that affect the rate at which nestlings were fed by male and female red-winged blackbirds, and the effects of this provisioning on reproductive success. In addition, discriminant function analysis was used to examine the differences between pair-fed and female-fed broods. Both maternal and paternal feeding rate were found to increase with breeding experience, brood size, proportion of males in the brood and nestling age. The male was most likely to feed nestlings in the most advanced nest when two or more were concurrently active on his territory. Female feeding rate decreased through the nesting season. Female feeding rate was independent of male feeding rate and female status, so nestlings fed by both parents received more food than those fed only by the female. As a result, fewer nestlings starved in pair-fed broods, and these broods produced more fledglings than female-fed broods. Thus, both males and females are affected by their experience, and appear to respond to ‘nestling demand’. While male and female provisioning can be interpreted in terms of the costs and benefits of specific investment strategies, identification and quantification of the costs and benefits, and experimental studies to examine their effects are clearly needed for a more complete under-standing of parental investment in the red-winged blackbird.
Constraints on heavy colored scalars from Tevatron's Higgs exclusion limit.

The null search for the Higgs boson at the Tevatron implies strong constraints on heavy colored particles that increase the gluon-fusion induced production rate of the Higgs. We investigate the implications of the Tevatron exclusion limit on example extensions of the standard model that contain a new scalar state transforming as either an adjoint or a fundamental under the QCD gauge group. The bounds on the adjoint (fundamental) scalar mass exceed 200 GeV (100 GeV) for natural choices of scalar-sector parameters.
Viral Proteinase Requirements for the Nucleocytoplasmic Relocalization of Cellular Splicing Factor SRp20 during Picornavirus Infections

Infection of mammalian cells by picornaviruses results in the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of certain host cell proteins. These viruses interfere with import-export pathways, allowing for the cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear proteins that are then available to function in viral processes. We recently described the cytoplasmic relocalization of cellular splicing factor SRp20 during poliovirus infection. SRp20 is an important internal ribosome entry site (IRES) trans-acting factor (ITAF) for poliovirus IRES-mediated translation; however, it is not known whether other picornaviruses utilize SRp20 as an ITAF and direct its cytoplasmic relocalization. Also, the mechanism by which poliovirus directs the accumulation of SRp20 in the cytoplasm of the infected cell is currently unknown. Work described in this report demonstrated that infection by another picornavirus (coxsackievirus B3) causes SRp20 to relocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of HeLa cells, similar to poliovirus infection; however, SRp20 is relocalized to a somewhat lesser extent in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells during infection by yet another picornavirus (human rhinovirus 16). We show that expression of poliovirus 2A proteinase is sufficient to cause the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of SRp20. Following expression of poliovirus 2A proteinase in HeLa cells, we detect cleavage of specific nuclear pore proteins known to be cleaved during poliovirus infection. We also find that expression of human rhinovirus 16 2A proteinase alone can cause efficient cytoplasmic relocalization of SRp20, despite the lower levels of SRp20 relocalization observed during rhinovirus infection compared to poliovirus. Taken together, these results further define the mechanism of SRp20 cellular redistribution during picornavirus infections, and they provide additional insight into some of the differences observed between human rhinovirus and other enterovirus infections.
An Application of Heuristic Techniques for Evaluation of Collaborative System Interfaces

This paper examines issues related to humancentered design of computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) systems. Techniques for assessing the usability of collaborative systems are addressed, with emphasis on a heuristic approach to evaluate a CSCW system. Specifically, limitations encountered during the project and recommendations for both the CSCW system and the heuristic evaluation are discussed.
Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Method for Typing Salmonella enterica Serovar Newport†

In recent years, the proportion of Salmonella enterica infections represented by S. enterica serovar Newport has increased markedly among humans and animals. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) has proven to be useful in discriminating other highly clonal Salmonella serovars. Here, we report on the development of a highly discriminatory MLVA for Salmonella serovar Newport.
Designing scientific components

Correctness is more precious to scientific programmers than it is to business programmers because of the great difficulty in distinguishing between programming errors, errors in modeling, and errors in algorithms. We've all sat in meetings and discussed whether a peculiar wiggle in a graph represents an algorithm problem (such as neglecting to include a possibly negligible term) or a modeling one (such as ignoring a possibly important physical process). Usually it turns out to be nothing so esoteric: we come back the next week and learn that it was a bug.
SMALL AIRCRAFT PILOT ASSISTANT: ONBOARD DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SATS AIRCRAFT

Distributed pilot decision-making plays a critical role in high volume operations at noncontrolled/non-radar airports. The High Volume Operation concept, proposed by the NASA Small Aircraft Transportation System program, is based on an environment within which the decisionmaking is distributed mostly to the pilot. Realization of this concept relies on advanced cockpit systems that assist pilots in both information-processing and decision-making. This paper introduces an onboard pilot decision aid system called the Small Aircraft Pilot Assistant, which is dedicated to Small Aircraft Transportation System aircraft conducting High Volume Operations. The goal is to increase cockpit decision-making capacity by automating part of the pilot decision-making process, especially in the early stages of information acquisition and analysis. The Small Aircraft Pilot Assistant uses Artificial Intelligence techniques to aid pilots in following the High Volume Operation procedures, identifying the current flight segment, monitoring performance, advising of possible pilot mis-operation; and warning of potential traffic related hazards. A human factors analysis was conducted to determine the appropriate level of automation, using a real-time, multi-aircraft, multi pilot-in-the-loop simulation system called the Multi-agent Intelligent Distributed Airspace Simulation. Preliminary pilot test results show that the Small Aircraft Pilot Assistant is a promising system to satisfy the cockpit system requirements for the High Volume Operations of the Small Aircraft Transportation System.
Solar Motion with Respect to the Galaxies, and the Hubble Constant

SANDAGE has called my attention to a passage in the recent paper by Peters and I on the solar motion1, which might lead to misunderstanding. In the section “Solutions with a Hubble Constant” the numerical values of H ranging between 109 and 143 are not to be construed as new, independent determinations possibly conflicting with the values of the order of 50–80 which are favoured by Sandage. We made it clear (or we thought we had) that our solutions for H are strictly relative to the distance scale used in the survey of nearby groups2,3. This distance scale rests in turn entirely on the 1961 values of Sandage for the distances of galaxies in the local group and in some of the nearest groups4. Any change in this basic yardstick will be directly reflected in the derived values of H; for example, if all distance moduli in the local group were increased by 0.5 magnitude, the values of H would be decreased by 26 per cent. Such a change is, perhaps, not precluded by existing data. The recent work of Sandage on the Virgo cluster ellipticals5,6 suggests an apparent modulus of 31.1, or 0.6 magnitude greater than the value in the survey of groups. As Sandage himself readily admits5,6, however, the absolute calibration of the distance scale, and therefore of H, is still uncertain by perhaps 50 per cent. No one should therefore be particularly surprised if different solutions placing more or less weight on different distance indicators lead to values of H ranging all the way from 50–130 km/s Mpc−1. Sandage emphasizes that the method depending on an absolute calibration of the brightest elliptical galaxies in large clusters bypasses the difficulties introduced by the local anisotropy and should eventually lead to an unbiased solution (if statistical and evolutionary effects are not as serious as some authors have claimed). According to Sandage5,6 the dispersion of this criterion is less than 0.3 magnitude. For comparison we should note that the mean error of distance moduli in the survey of nearby groups derived by comparison with independent determinations (by Holmberg and van den Bergh) on the same distance scale is only 0.15 magnitude; this is what we meant by “reliable estimates of relative distances” for the groups. The absolute calibration of the distance scale is an entirely different problem.
Searching for Reality

The cross-cultural context provides an opportunity to practice highly skilled perspective taking, an occupational necessity for counselors. It also teaches one about American culture, because at home one cannot "see the forest for the trees." In addition, the Fulbright program is an excellent choice for counseling psychologists because its value base—seeking world peace through international exchange—is highly congruent with the values of counseling psychologists.
Effects of phencyclidine on cardiac action potential: pH dependence and structure-activity relationships

Abstract The effects of phencyclidine [1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)-piperidine; PCP] on cardiac action potential duration (APD) were compared to those of some of its derivatives, in strips of isolated frog ventricular muscle perfused with normal Ringer solution. We studied compounds with PCP-like behavioral actions (N-ethyl-1-phenyl-cyclohexamine: PCE; and m-amino-PCP) as well as behaviorally inactive analogs (m-nitro-PCP; the quaternary derivative PCP-methyliodide; and various fragments of the PCP molecule). Exposure to PCP, 3 μM to 1 mM, produced reversible, dose- and pH-dependent prolongations, of the APD to over 100% above control. The observed effects of the drugs are compatible with a mechanism of blockade of potassium conductance. An intracellular site for this action is suggested by: (i) the inactivity of the quaternary analog; (ii) the marked increase in the potency of the compounds when the external pH is changed in the region of their respective pKa values to increase the concentration of the unionized species; and (iii) the pronounced acceleration of the termination of the PCP effect by washout with a series of buffer solutions with decreasing pH values. The rank order of potency of the compounds in lengthening APD ( PCE > m-amino PCP > PCP ⋙ m-nitro-PCP ) is the same as reported from other pharmacological studies of specific PCP actions, and matches the rank of behavioral activity of the drugs.
Electromagnetic Absorption in a Multilayered Model of Man

A multilayered planar model is used to examine the dependence of whole-body power absorption on the configuration of surface layers, e.g., skin, fat, and muscle which normally occur in biological bodies. It is found that the layering resonance for three-dimensional bodies (as opposed to the geometrical resonance) can be predicted quite accurately by a planar model. Calculations for a multilayered prolate spheroidal model of man predict a whole-body layering resonance at 1.8 GHz with a power absorption 34 percent greater than that predicted by a homogeneous model.
Attention modifies sound level detection in young children.

Have you ever shouted your child's name from the kitchen while they were watching television in the living room to no avail, so you shout their name again, only louder? Yet, still no response. The current study provides evidence that young children process loudness changes differently than pitch changes when they are engaged in another task such as watching a video. Intensity level changes were physiologically detected only when they were behaviorally relevant, but frequency level changes were physiologically detected without task relevance in younger children. This suggests that changes in pitch rather than changes in volume may be more effective in evoking a response when sounds are unexpected. Further, even though behavioral ability may appear to be similar in younger and older children, attention-based physiologic responses differ from automatic physiologic processes in children. Results indicate that (1) the automatic auditory processes leading to more efficient higher-level skills continue to become refined through childhood; and (2) there are different time courses for the maturation of physiological processes encoding the distinct acoustic attributes of sound pitch and sound intensity. The relevance of these findings to sound perception in real-world environments is discussed.
Residual Analysis of Autoregressive Models of Terrain Topology

Terrain topology is the principal source of vertical excitation into the vehicle system and must be accurately represented in order to correctly predict the vehicle response. It is desirable to evaluate vehicle models over a wide range of terrain, but it is computationally impractical to simulate long distances of every terrain type. A method to parsimoniously characterize terrain topology is developed in this work so that terrain can be grouped into meaningful sets with similar topological characteristics. Specifically, measured terrain profiles are considered realizations of an underlying stochastic process; an autoregressive model and a residual process provide the mathematical framework to describe this process. A statistical test is developed to determine if the residual process is independent and identically distributed (IID) and, therefore, stationary. A reference joint probability distribution of the residuals is constructed based on the assumption that the data are realizations of an IID stochastic process. The distribution of the residuals is then compared to this reference distribution via the Kolmogorov―Smirnov "goodness of fit" test to determine whether the IID assumption is valid. If the residual process is IID, a single probability distribution can be used to generate residuals and synthetic terrain of any desired length. This modeling method and statistical test are applied to a set of U.S. highway profile data and show that the residual process can be assumed to be IID in vir-I tually all of these cases of nondeformable terrain surfaces.
Implications of the International Counseling Experiences of Pioneering U.S. Professionals: Considered from an Ecological Perspective

The overall goal of the paper is to illuminate some of the substantial challenges, joys, issues and lessons involved with international counseling and to lend impetus to advancing its progress by embracing globally-relevant cultural principles. Five U.S. counseling professionals with extensive international experience recount aspects of their scholarship, teaching, research and service in that domain. The meaning of such experiences was analyzed from an ecological perspective. The analysis was then critiqued for its primary assertions and implications for the internationalization of counseling by two independent professional counseling commentators, both of whom have logged considerable life and work experience around the world.
The genetic and demographic impact of in-migrants in a largely endogamous community

SummaryHistorical demographic data extending back approximately 300 years were analysed to determine the demographic and genetic impact of in-migrants to an endogamous Swiss Alpine village. In-migrants were involved in only 14% of the marriages recorded in the village. In addition, only slightly more than 50% of the in-migrants were represented in the 1970 gene pool of the village. However, in-migrants accounted for nearly 38% of this gene pool. This seemingly anomalous situation can be explained by the fact that while the fertility of in-migrants and the marriage rate among their children are reduced (accounting for the nearly 50% “drop-out rate” of in-migrants from the gene pool), the fertility of the children of in-migrants and the marriage rate among the grandchildren of in-migrants are increased relative to village natives (accounting for the high proportion of genes in the gene pool ultimately attributable to in-migrants).Our results clearly demonstrate that although this community forms an endogamo...
Phagotrophy by the picoeukaryotic green alga Micromonas : implications for Arctic Oceans

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPE) are recognized as major primary producers and contributors to phytoplankton biomass in oceanic and coastal environments. Molecular surveys indicate a large phylogenetic diversity in the picoeukaryotes, with members of the Prymnesiophyceae and Chrysophyseae tending to be more common in open ocean waters and Prasinophyceae dominating coastal and Arctic waters. In addition to their role as primary producers, PPE have been identified in several studies as mixotrophic and major predators of prokaryotes. Mixotrophy, the combination of photosynthesis and phagotrophy in a single organism, is well established for most photosynthetic lineages. However, green algae, including prasinophytes, were widely considered as a purely photosynthetic group. The prasinophyte Micromonas is perhaps the most common picoeukaryote in coastal and Arctic waters and is one of the relatively few cultured representatives of the picoeukaryotes available for physiological investigations. In this study, we demonstrate phagotrophy by a strain of Micromonas (CCMP2099) isolated from Arctic waters and show that environmental factors (light and nutrient concentration) affect ingestion rates in this mixotroph. In addition, we show size-selective feeding with a preference for smaller particles, and determine P vs I (photosynthesis vs irradiance) responses in different nutrient conditions. If other strains have mixotrophic abilities similar to Micromonas CCMP2099, the widespread distribution and frequently high abundances of Micromonas suggest that these green algae may have significant impact on prokaryote populations in several oceanic regimes.