cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stabilized approximate inverse preconditioners for indefinite matrices

A two-phase preconditioning strategy based on a factored sparse approximate inverse is proposed for solving sparse indefinite matrices. In each phase, the strategy first makes the original matrix diagonally dominant to enhance the stability by a shifting method, and constructs an inverse approximation of the shifted matrix by utilizing a factored sparse approximate inverse preconditioner. The two inverse approximation matrices produced from each phase are then combined to be used as a preconditioner. Experimental results show that the presented strategy improves the accuracy and the stability of the preconditioner on solving indefinite sparse matrices. Furthermore, the strategy ensures that convergence rate of the preconditioned iterations of the two-phase preconditioning strategy is much better than that of the standard sparse approximate inverse ones for solving indefinite matrices.
On Non-Glide Stresses and Their Influence on the Screw Dislocation Core in Body-Centred Cubic Metals. I. The Peierls Stress

The response of the screw dislocation core in a body-centred cubic model lattice to a general applied stress tensor is examined by means of computer simulation. The Peierls stress is found to have the symmetry required by Neumann’s principle but is found also to have a very strong dependence on shear components of the applied stress which should not interact with the screw dislocation. Rather than having the constant value suggested by the Schmid law of critical resolved shear stress, the Peierls stress can vary from zero to the theoretical shear strength of the lattice, depending upon the exact nature of the critical applied stress components. Calculations with different interatomic binding potentials show that the Peierls stress variation, while different in detail, remains broadly the same, suggesting an origin in the dislocation core geometry rather than the specific charac­teristics of the force laws. Specialization to the case of uniaxial applied stress shows that the similar Peierls stress variation can nevertheless lead to quite different orientation dependences of the flow stress in different materials. Applications to the problem of brittle fracture and possible sources of the Peierls stress variation are discussed briefly.
HOW EXPERIMENTS SEE FLUCTUATIONS OF NATIVE PROTEINS : PERSPECTIVE FROM AN EXACT MODEL

Proteins undergo fluctuations under native conditions. Many lines of evidence are usually interpreted as implying that fluctuations are small excursions away from the native structure. By definition, fluctuations from the native conformation are small increases in free energy. But if protein folding energy landscapes are bumpy, such fluctuations could involve highly nonnative but compact ''misfolded'' structures, even while the excursions in energy are small. Using a model in which we can rigorously study fluctuations and rugged energy landscapes, we ask whether current experimental measures of structure, such as X-ray crystallographic Patterson maps and Debye)Waller . . factors or nuclear magnetic resonance NMR nuclear Overhauser effect NOE spectra, could detect bumpy landscapes. We find that even a substantial population of highly nonnative transients will generally be masked by the heavy averaging implicit in current experiments. This means that, in contrast to current interpretations, very nonnative or Misfold Fluctuations of native proteins may exist but are escaping experimental detection. A positive implication is that structure determination is robust to the presence of much conformational noise. Q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 75: 147)164, 1999
Reaching out to the Underserved: More than Thirty Years of Outreach Job Ads

Contents of outreach position announcements posted in College and Research Libraries News from 1970 through 2004 were examined. Ads fell within three broad groups: distance education, multicultural services, and specialized. Overall, outreach positions have been on the rise with the exception of multicultural services librarian positions that have not increased at a stable rate.
Effect of varying fluid composition on mass and energy transport in the Earth's crust

The ability of fluids flowing through a given volume of crustal rock to affect mass and energy transfer is controlled by the physical and chemical nature of the fluid. Most numerical simulations of fluid-flow and fluid-rock interaction approximate the mass and energy transfer characteristics of crustal fluids using the physical, thermodynamic and transport properties of H2O. Results of fluid inclusion studies indicate that H2O is, in fact, the dominant component of fluids from most shallow to intermediate depth crustal environments, with other components usually present in varying amounts. In many crustal environments, properties of the fluids are adequately represented by those of the system H2O-CO2-NaCl. In the pure H2O system, mass and energy transport properties reach extrema and become very sensitive to small variations in temperature or pressure in a restricted region of P-T space near the critical point. This “critical region” migrates to higher and lower temperatures as NaCl or CO2, respectively, are added to water, and mass and energy transport properties become less sensitive to temperature or pressure variations when either NaCl or CO2 are added to water. The effect of fluid composition on mass transfer is illustrated by the system SiO2-H2O-NaCl. The SiO2-H2O sub-system is characterized by a solubility maximum, or region of retrograde solubility, at temperatures and pressures slightly above the critical point of water. Addition of NaCl increases the solubility of silica and shifts the quartz solubility maximum to higher temperatures and pressures relative to pure H2O.
Yeast Two-hybrid System Demonstrates That Estrogen Receptor Dimerization Is Ligand-dependent in Vivo

Previous studies using in vitro procedures have not clearly established whether the estrogen receptor (ER) acts as a monomer or dimer in the cell. We have used the yeast two-hybrid system as an in vivo approach to investigate the dimerization of the estrogen receptor in the absence and presence of estrogen and anti-estrogens. This system is independent of ER binding to the estrogen response element. Two vectors, expressing GAL4 DNA binding domain-human ER and GAL4 transactivation domain-human ER, were constructed. Control experiments showed that each fusion protein had a high affinity binding site for estradiol-17β and could transactivate an ERE-LacZ reporter gene in yeast similar to the wild type ER. The two fusion proteins, GAL4 DB-hER and GAL 4 TA-hER, were expressed in the yeast strain, PCY2, which carries a GAL1 promoter-lacZ reporter. ER dimerization was measured via reconstitution of GAL4 through interaction of the fusion proteins, which transactivates LacZ through the GAL1 promoter. When both ER fusion proteins were expressed, β-galactosidase activity was estradiol-17β-inducible. Furthermore, we showed that both tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 also induced β-galactosidase activity, albeit lower than that induced by estradiol-17β. These results strongly argue that ER dimerization is ligand-dependent and the dimer can be induced by estradiol-17β, tamoxifen, or ICI 182,780. We also treated the yeast containing the two fusion proteins with estradiol-17β and tamoxifen or ICI 182,780 simultaneously to determine the effects on ER dimerization. β-Galactosidase activity was lower when the yeast was treated with a higher ratio of tamoxifen or ICI 182,780 to estrogen than estradiol-17β alone. Taken together, we conclude that ER dimerization is ligand (estradiol-17β, tamoxifen, or ICI 182, 780)-dependent, and we suggest that estradiol-17β-induced dimers are destabilized when estradiol-17β is used with tamoxifen or ICI 182,780 simultaneously.
Fusarium solani infection during treatment for acute leukemia.

Blunt abdomina l t r a u m a accounts for at least half the repor ted cases of pseudocyst of the pancreas in ch i ld ren? In some of the 30 per cent of repor ted cases in which the cause is not identified 4 unsuspected t r auma may actual ly be the cause. Abdomina l t r a u m a in school age chi ldren is usually the result of accidenta l i n ju ry -b i cyc l e handlebars, contact sports, or traffic accidents. The si tuation is somewhat different in the case of chi ldren under 3 years of age. I n this age group our experience leads us to believe that when a pseudocyst of the pancreas is found, and no acceptable explana t ion for its occurrence is for thcoming, the possibility of child abuse should be considered. We believe that t r auma t i c pseudocyst of the pancreas due to child abuse is more common than the l i te ra ture current ly indicates, and tha t some of the repor ted cases of pseudocyst of the pancreas in children, especially those repor ted in infants and toddlers, may in fact be the result of child abuse.
Somatization Tendencies and Ability to Detect Internal Body Cues

39 subjects performed a task in which they were required to detect the presence of a resistive load during the inhalation phase of breathing. Subjects were also measured on somatization tendencies, using the SCL-90-R test. A signal-detection analysis indicated an inverse relationship between ability to detect the resistive load during breathing and somatization score. Results are discussed relative to possible ramifications for somatoform disorders.
PIXE studies using a target chamber with helium atmosphere

Abstract The use of a helium atmosphere in the target chamber has advantages which will be discussed. The sensitivity of the system and some recent results will be discussed.
Looking for Love? Self-Verification and Self-Enhancement Effects on Initial Romantic Attraction

Self-verification (SV) theory suggests that we seek relationship partners who view us as we view ourselves; self-enhancement (SE) theory suggests that we seek partners who view us as favorably as possible. The authors examined the effects of these types of feedback from potential romantic partners on attraction in two experiments. In Study 1, participants (N = 143) provided self-descriptions and later received four types of feedback from potential partners: SE and SV, SE only, SV only, or neither SE nor SV. In Study 2, participants (N = 198) responded to four scenarios in which potential partners provided self-relevant feedback. In both studies, there was a significant SV×SE interaction such that verification effects were more robust in the absence of enhancement. In addition, participants were most attracted to partners who provided both SE and SV and were significantly less attracted to partners who provided either SV only or SE only. The authors conclude that both self-verifying and self-enhancing feed...
Physical, Chemical, Biological and Biotechnological Sciences are Incomplete Without Each Other

By coupling of mechanics, optics, and mathematics, Theodor Svedberg invented the ultracentrifuge, which allowed separation of important biological materials by high centrifugal force, resulting in physical chemical separation and characterization of atherogenic low density lipoproteins and other biological molecules. Combining physics, chemistry and engineering, Ernest Lawrence invented the cyclotron, resulting in advancing nuclear physics, particle physics, molecular and materials science, and nuclear medicine. Using isotope– C-14, Melvin Calvin elucidated the photosynthesis cycle. Coupling photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with NaI scintillation crystal, Hal Anger revolutionized nuclear imaging. Shashi Kumar and co-workers used biology and polymerase chain technology for the detection of mislabeled food materials. Combinations of biotechnology, chromatography, analytical chemistry and electron microscopy have resulted in organic chemists’ improved ability to synthesize isoprene compounds of interest. These are some of the examples that have moved science forward and demonstrate that physical, chemical, biological, and biotechnological sciences are incomplete without each other. The single most important advance in the use of centrifugal force to separate biologically important substances was the coupling of mechanics, optics and mathematics, by T. Svedberg and J.W. Williams in the 1920′s (http://humantouchofchemistry.com/theodorsvedberg.htm). The sedimentation coefficient is the rate at which particles of a given size and shape travel to the bottom of a tube under centrifugal force. The Svedberg unit is named after the Swedish chemist Theodor Svedberg (1884–1971), winner of the 1926 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on colloids and his invention of the ultracentrifuge. Combining physics, chemistry and engineering Ernest Lawrence of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory invented Cyclotron (Fig 1). (http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1939/lawrence-bio.html). The First Cyclotron, measuring only 5 inches in diameter, was constructed of glass, sealing wax and bronze; the material cost was about $25 (Fig 1). For his invention of the cyclotron, Lawrence was awarded the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics.
T-cell response relative to genotype and ethnicity during antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Viral genotype and host ethnicity are important predictors of viral clearance during antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Based on the role of T cells in natural HCV clearance, we hypothesized that T cells may contribute to the genotypic and ethnic difference in treatment outcome. To test this hypothesis, T-cell response to HCV antigens (core, nonstructural NS3/4 and NS5) and control phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was monitored prospectively and was correlated with virological outcome in 41 patients chronically infected with HCV (27 genotype 1, 14 genotype 2 or 3; 19 black persons, 22 white persons) undergoing combined interferon alfa and ribavirin therapy. Interestingly, in patients with genotype 2 or 3 infection, enhanced virological response coincided with a greater T-cell response to HCV NS3/4 antigen at baseline (50% vs. 15%; P = .026) that augmented further during therapy (29% vs. 4%; P = .035) compared with genotype 1-infected patients. However, HCV-specific T-cell response remained weak in genotype 1-infected patients regardless of virological outcome or ethnicity. Furthermore, virological outcome was associated with a suppressed baseline proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin (P < .03) that increased during therapy (P < .003) independent of ethnicity or genotype. In conclusion, HCV-specific T-cell response was associated with HCV genotype but not with therapeutic clearance of HCV infection. The association between treatment outcome and phytohemagglutinin response suggests more global and antigen-nonspecific mechanisms for therapeutic HCV clearance. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;41:1365–1375.)
Mathematics and Science Achievement: Effects of Motivation, Interest, and Academic Engagement

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 3 school-related constructs—motivation, attitude, and academic engagement—on 8th-grade students' achievement in mathematics and science. Although cognitive abilities of the students and their home backgrounds are important predictors of achievement, in recent years affective variables have emerged as salient factors affecting success and persistence in mathematics and science subject areas. The authors used the nationally representative sample of 8th graders drawn from the National Education Longitudinal Study 1988. They used structural equation models to estimate and test the hypothesized relationships of 2 motivation factors, 1 attitude factor, and 1 academic engagement factor, on achievement in mathematics and science. Results supported the positive effects of the 2 motivation factors, attitude and academic time on mathematics and science achievement. The strongest effects were those of academic time spent on homework.
ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel-Deficient Dilated Cardiomyopathy Proteome Remodeled by Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy

Transplantation of pluripotent stem cells has proven beneficial in heart failure, yet the proteomic landscape underlying repair remains largely uncharacterized. In a genetic model of dilated cardiomyopathy elicited by pressure overload in the KCNJ11 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11) null mutant, proteome-wide profiles were here resolved by means of a systems approach prior to and following disease manifestation in the absence or presence of embryonic stem cell treatment. Comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed a unique cardiomyopathic proteome in the absence of therapy, remodeled in response to stem cell treatment. Specifically, linear ion trap quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry determined the identities of 93 and 109 differentially expressed proteins from treated and untreated cardiomyopathic hearts, respectively. Mapped protein-protein relationships and corresponding neighborhoods incorporated the stem cell-dependent subproteome into a nonstochastic network with divergent composition from the stem cell-independent counterpart. Stem cell intervention produced a distinct proteome signature across a spectrum of biological processes ranging from energetic metabolism, oxidoreductases, and stress-related chaperones to processes supporting protein synthesis/degradation, signaling, and transport regulation, cell structure and scaffolding. In the absence of treatment, bioinformatic interrogation of the disease-only proteome network prioritized adverse cardiac outcomes, ablated or ameliorated following stem cell transplantation. Functional and structural measurements validated improved myocardial contractile performance, reduced ventricular size and decreased cardiac damage in the treated cohort. Unbiased systems assessment unmasked "cardiovascular development" as a prioritized biological function in stem cell-reconstructed cardiomyopathic hearts. Thus, embryonic stem cell treatment transformed the cardiomyopathic proteome to demote disease-associated adverse effects and sustain a procardiogenic developmental response, supplying a regenerative substrate for heart failure repair.
A trust-based secure service discovery (TSSD) model for pervasive computing

To cope with the challenges posed by device capacity and capability, and also the nature of ad hoc networks, a Service discovery model is needed that can resolve security and privacy issues with simple solutions. The use of complex algorithms and powerful fixed infrastructure is infeasible due to the volatile nature of pervasive environment and tiny pervasive devices. In this paper, we present a trust-based secure Service discovery model, TSSD (trust-based secure service discovery) for a truly pervasive environment. Our model is a hybrid one that allows both secure and non-secure discovery of services. This model allows Service discovery and sharing based on mutual trust. The security model handles the communication and service sharing security issues. TSSD also incorporates a trust mode for sharing Services with unknown devices.
Methods for Calculating SEU Rates for Bipolar and NMOS Circuits

Computer codes developed at Clarkson for simulating charge generation by proton-induced nuclear reactions in well-defined silicon microstructures can be used to calculate SEU rates for specific devices when the critical charge and the dimensions of all SEU sensitive junctions on the device are known, provided one can estimate the contribution from externally-generated charge which enters the sensitive junction by drift and diffusion. Calculations for two important bipolar devices, the AMD 2901B bit slice and the Fairchild 93L422 RAM, for which the dimensions of the sensitive volumes were estimated from available heavy-ion test data, have been found to be in agreement with experimental data. Circuit data for the Intel 2164A, an alpha sensitive dRAM, was provided by the manufacturer. Calculations based on crude assumptions regarding which nuclear recoils and which alphas trigger upsets in the 2164A were found to agree with experimental data.
Purified thick filaments from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: evidence for multiple proteins associated with core structures.

The thick filaments of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, arising predominantly from the body-wall muscles, contain two myosin isoforms and paramyosin as their major proteins. The two myosins are located in distinct regions of the surfaces, while paramyosin is located within the backbones of the filaments. Tubular structures constitute the cores of the polar regions, and electron-dense material is present in the cores of the central regions (Epstein, H.F., D.M. Miller, I. Ortiz, and G.C. Berliner. 1985. J. Cell Biol. 100:904-915). Biochemical, genetic, and immunological experiments indicate that the two myosins and paramyosin are not necessary core components (Epstein, H.F., I. Ortiz, and L.A. Traeger Mackinnon. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 103:985-993). The existence of the core structures suggests, therefore, that additional proteins may be associated with thick filaments in C. elegans. To biochemically detect minor associated proteins, a new procedure for the isolation of thick filaments of high purity and structural preservation has been developed. The final step, glycerol gradient centrifugation, yielded fractions that are contaminated by, at most, 1-2% with actin, tropomyosin, or ribosome-associated proteins on the basis of Coomassie Blue staining and electron microscopy. Silver staining and radioautography of gel electrophoretograms of unlabeled and 35S-labeled proteins, respectively, revealed at least 10 additional bands that cosedimented with thick filaments in glycerol gradients. Core structures prepared from wild-type thick filaments contained at least six of these thick filament-associated protein bands. The six proteins also cosedimented with thick filaments purified by gradient centrifugation from CB190 mutants lacking myosin heavy chain B and from CB1214 mutants lacking paramyosin. For these reasons, we propose that the six associated proteins are potential candidates for putative components of core structures in the thick filaments of body-wall muscles of C. elegans.
Mentoring for the Health Professions

With specific ideas drawing from the diverse perspectives of its authors, this chapter describes opportunities that extend beyond advising to mentoring for those undergraduates who aspire to careers in the health professions. Although issues in the health sciences mirror those in education in general, the mentoring network described here utilizes individuals who can provide unique insights for students interested in the health professions.
An unshielded radio-frequency atomic magnetometer with sub-femtoTesla sensitivity

This work was supported by NIITEK Inc., DARPA Contract No. HR0011-13-C-0058, and NSF Grant No. 0730473. A.C. would like to acknowledge support from George Mason University’s Presidential Fellowship and D.K. would like to acknowledge support from the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at Mason. Publication of this article was funded in part by the George Mason University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund.
Reduction of Chronic Posttraumatic Hand Edema: A Comparison of High Voltage Pulsed Current, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression, and Placebo Treatments

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) in reducing chronic posttraumatic hand edema. Thirty patients with posttraumatic hand edema were randomly assigned to IPC, HVPC, or placebo-HVPC groups (10 patients in each group). Patients received a single application of the respective treatment for 30 minutes. Measurements were made before and after a 10-minute rest period and after the 30-minute treatment. A volumetric method was used to quantify edema reduction. Reduction in hand edema was significant between the IPC and placebo-HVPC groups (p = .01). Differences in edema reduction between the HVPC and placebo-HVPC groups did not reach statistical significance (p = .04), but were considered clinically significant. There was no significant difference between the IPC and HVPC groups. A single 30-minute administration of IPC produced a significant reduction in hand edema. Additional clinical studies are needed to delineate maximally effective treatment protocols for reduction of chronic posttraumatic hand edema. [Griffin JW, Newsome LS, Stralka SW, et al: Reduction of chronic posttraumatic hand edema: A comparison of high voltage pulsed current, intermittent pneumatic compression, and placebo treatments.
Some elastic and thermoelastic properties of two organophosphazene polymers

Samples of the alkoxyphosphazene polymer (P(OCH/sub 3/)/sub 2/-N-)/sub x/ and the aryloxyphosphazene polymer (P(OC/sub 6/H/sub 5/)(O-p-C/sub 6/H/sub 4/C/sub 2/H/sub 5/)-N-)/sub x/ were crosslinked using ..gamma..-radiation. The resulting elastomeric networks were characterized, in elongation, with regard to both their stress-strain relationships and their stress-temperature (''thermoelastic'') properties. Values of the ratio 2C/sub 2//2C/sub 1/ of Mooney-Rivlin constants used to characterize the stress-strain isotherms were found to be similar to those of other elastomeric networks of comparable degree of crosslinking. The thermoelastic data show the energetic component of the retractive force to be positive for the alkoxy polymer, but negative for the aryloxy polymer. Although it is not difficult to suggest a possible molecular explanation for some of these thermoelastic results, a definitive interpretation would require reliable information on the conformational characteristic of the skeletal bonds in the polyphosphazene chain.
Variable-length coding with feedback in the non-asymptotic regime

Without feedback, the backoff from capacity due to non-asymptotic blocklength can be quite substantial for blocklengths and error probabilities of interest in many practical applications. In this paper, novel achievability bounds are used to demonstrate that in the non-asymptotic regime, the maximal achievable rate improves dramatically thanks to variable-length coding with feedback. For example, for the binary symmetric channel with capacity 1/2 the blocklength required to achieve 90% of the capacity is smaller than 200, compared to at least 3100 for the best fixed-blocklength, non-feedback code. Virtually all the advantages of noiseless feedback are shown to be achievable with decision-feedback only. It is demonstrated that the non-asymptotic behavior of the fundamental limit depends crucially on the particular model chosen for the “end-of-packet” control signal.
Postdetection switched combining - a simple diversity scheme with improved BER performance

This paper develops, analyzes, and optimizes a simpler form of dual-branch switch-and-stay combining (SSC), namely, one that relies on the output signal plus noise rather than the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to trigger the switching between the diversity branches. Analysis supported by numerical results show that the newly proposed postdetection SSC scheme outperforms predetection SSC and this performance gain increases as the channel conditions improve in terms of average SNR and/or severity of fading. In brief, when simplicity of implementation is of primary concern, as is the case, for example, in mobile units, the proposed scheme offers an attractive low-complexity solution to mitigate the deleterious effects of multipath fading.
Assessment of the potential for in situ bioremediation of cyanide and nitrate contamination at a heap leach mine in central new Mexico

Abstract The potential for in situ bioremediation of cyanide (CN) and nitrate (NO3) contamination within the extracted ore (residue pile) and downgradient groundwater at a CN heap leach mine in New Mexico was assessed through the following steps: (1) identification of the relative abundance of CN‐degrading microorganisms in the contaminated residue pile, (2) identification of amendments to enhance aerobic CN degradation and assimilatory NO3 reduction and determination of the optimal carbon‐to‐nitrogen concentration for degradation, (3) assessment of optimum amendment's influence on biodegradation of CN and NO3 by experiments with large‐scale columns filled with residue pile material, and (4) evaluation of the potential for other adverse environmental effects, specifically acid rock drainage, due to application of the amendment. These investigations determined that application of a reduced carbon source (sucrose) significantly increased the rate of CN degradation and NO3 immobilization without increasing t...
Mouse 2.0: multi-touch meets the mouse

In this paper we present novel input devices that combine the standard capabilities of a computer mouse with multi-touch sensing. Our goal is to enrich traditional pointer-based desktop interactions with touch and gestures. To chart the design space, we present five different multi-touch mouse implementations. Each explores a different touch sensing strategy, which leads to differing form-factors and hence interactive possibilities. In addition to the detailed description of hardware and software implementations of our prototypes, we discuss the relative strengths, limitations and affordances of these novel input devices as informed by the results of a preliminary user study.
Volatile Compounds on Sterile Pork Loin Tissue Inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum

Sterile pork loin tissue was inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum 1 and Lactobacillus fermentum, placed in sterile sample bottles, purged with CO2, and stored for up to 24 days at 3°C. L. plantarum grew more rapidly than L. fermentum under these conditions. Among the 15 compounds identified in the headspace of sterile and inoculated pork loin tissue were acetone, sulfur dioxide, dichloroethane, trichloromethane, benzene and toluene. Profiles of volatile compounds were similar for inoculated and sterile pork loin tissue.
Mapping gene ontology to proteins based on protein--protein interaction data

Motivation: Gene Ontology (GO) consortium provides structural description of protein function that is used as a common language for gene annotation in many organisms. Large-scale techniques have generated many valuable protein--protein interaction datasets that are useful for the study of protein function. Combining both GO and protein--protein interaction data allows the prediction of function for unknown proteins. Result: We apply a Markov random field method to the prediction of yeast protein function based on multiple protein--protein interaction datasets. We assign function to unknown proteins with a probability representing the confidence of this prediction. The functions are based on three general categories of cellular component, molecular function and biological process defined in GO. The yeast proteins are defined in the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD). The protein--protein interaction datasets are obtained from the Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS), including physical interactions and genetic interactions. The efficiency of our prediction is measured by applying the leave-one-out validation procedure to a functional path matching scheme, which compares the prediction with the GO description of a protein's function from the abstract level to the detailed level along the GO structure. For biological process, the leave-one-out validation procedure shows 52% precision and recall of our method, much better than that of the simple guilty-by-association methods. Supplementary material: http://www.cmb.usc.edu/~msms/gomapping
C-C Chemokine Receptor 5 on Pulmonary Mesenchymal Cells Promotes Experimental Metastasis via the Induction of Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1

C-C Chemokine receptor 5 knockout (Ccr5 � /� ) mice develop fewer experimental pulmonary metastases than wild-type (WT) mice. This phenomenon was explored by applying gene expression profiling to the lungs of mice with these metastases. Consequently, erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) was identified as upregulated in the WT mice. Though commonly associated with bone marrow stroma, Erdr1 was differentially expressed in WT pulmonary mesenchymal cells (PMC) and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Moreover, the Ccr5 ligand Ccl4 increaseditsexpressionby3.36 � 0.14–fold.Ccr5signalingwasdependentonthemitogen-activatedproteinkinase kinase (Map2k) but not the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k) pathway because treatment with U0126 inhibited upregulationofErdr1,buttreatmentwithLY294002increasedtheexpressionby3.44 � 0.92–fold(P <0.05).The effect Erdr1 on B16-F10 melanoma metastasis was verified by the adoptive transfer of WT MEFs into Ccr5 � /� mice.Inthismodel,MEFsthathadbeentransducedwithErdr1shorthairpinRNA(shRNA)loweredmetastasisby 33% compared with control transduced MEFs. The relevance of ERDR1 on human disease was assessed by coculturing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells with M2-10B4 stromal cells that had been transfected with shRNAorcontrolplasmids.After96hoursofcoculture,thecellcountswerehigherwithcontrolcelllinesthanwith Erdr1knockdownlines[oddsratio(OR),1.88 � 0.27,2.52 � 0.66,respectively].Thisincreasewasassociatedwith a decrease in apoptotic cells (OR, 0.69 � 0.18, 0.58 � 0.12, respectively). Implications: Therefore, ERDR1 is a stromal-derived factor that promotes cancer cell survival in vitro and in an experimental metastasis model. Mol Cancer Res; 12(2); 274–82. � 2013 AACR.
Sampling Couples to Understand them: Mixing the Theoretical with the Practical

The project described here is one of the first to obtain a probability sample of couples based on characteristics of both partners. The undertaking is presented as a mix of theoretical and practical concerns. First, I present the theoretical background justifying the need for such a sample and outline the methods of the longitudinal study of couples. Then the steps taken to recruit the sample (238 couples) are traced, including the process of screening for eligible respondents. Several un-foreseeable problems occurred that required more time, and thus more money, than were originally budgeted. This paper exposes these difficulties in a straightforward manner not often seen in journal articles that typically cover up or smooth out all blemishes. I also offer suggestions for ways to diminish the effects of such problems. The hope is that other researchers who wish to follow a similar path will find this paper helps make their journeys smoother than the one described here.
The Influence of Regional Climate and Nightly Weather Conditions on Activity Patterns of Insectivorous Bats

We examined the influence of average climatic conditions and nightly weather variations using bat detectors on the summer activity of bats. Average summer precipitation was the principal climate variable correlated with differences in bat activity along a latitudinal array of sites, with the highest activity levels occurring at sites located in montane rain shadows. On a nightly basis, the occurrence of rain and low temperatures had strong negative correlations with flight activity. However, the variation in nightly activity at a site that was explained by weather was relatively small. Our results suggest that the use of long-term climatic data offers potential to predict variations in bat activity among sites. Such information may be useful in recognizing conservation priorities for the management of bats in the Pacific Northwest where topography is complex and climate conditions are variable.
Panic-fear: a personality dimension related to length of hospitalization in respiratory illness.

In a prior study,1 development of a 15-item Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Panic-Fear scale was described which relates to the reported frequency of Panic-Fear symptoms (e.g., feeling scared, panicky, worried, and frightened) on the Asthma Symptom Checklist (ASC). High MMPI Panic-Fear scale scores describe fearful, highly emotional individuals who profess to have their feelings hurt more easily than others, to feel helpless and to give up easily in the face of difficulty. High-scoring asthmatic patients were found to have been prescribed more intensive oral corticosteroid regimens at the time of discharge from a residential treatment facility months after testing. This relationship was not attributable to differences in pulmonary function.In the present study, the results of the earlier research were expanded in several ways. First, the MMPI Panic-Fear scale was found to be related to an aspect of medical intractability, i.e., length of hospitalization, in two chronic respiratory illne...
Reproduction in foundress associations of the social wasp, Polistes carolina: conventions, competition, and skew

Who reproduces in colonies of social insects is determined by some combination of direct competition and more peaceful convention. We studied these two alternatives in foundresses of the paper wasp, Polistes carolina, by examining two different contexts: what determines who becomes the dominant reproductive and what determines the amount of reproduction obtained by subordinates. The dominant queen on most nests was the foundress to arrive first, rather than the largest foundress, expected to be best at fighting. This suggests that dominance is initially determined by convention, although the persistence of some aggressive conflict throughout the foundress period suggests that this convention is not absolute. Attempts to explain the division of reproduction using several skew theories were generally unsuccessful. Skew was not correlated with relatedness, size differences, colony productivity, and challenges by the subordinate. P. carolina showed high constraints against solitary nesting, with a minority of females attempting to nest alone, and none succeeding. In this situation, most skew theories predict that group stability will be independent of relatedness, yet nearly all collected subordinates were full sisters to the queen. Reproductive partitioning in early P. carolina colonies may have more to do with enhancing worker production than with conflict over direct fitness. Key words: Hymenoptera, microsatellites, Polistes, Polistinae, queues, reproductive dominance, reproductive skew, wasps. [Behav Ecol 13:531–542 (2002)]
Socialism after Hayek: A Post Keynesian Contribution to Burczak's Theory of Social Justice

Abstract The paper presents a brief overview of the basic premise of the Burczak's Socialism after Hayek, and shows that Burczak's “applied epistemological postmodernism” presents a unique unifying ground for heterodox economics, breaking down traditional barriers between right and left. This new approach allows us to revisit the Marx-Keynes-Hayek debates in a more constructive way for a unified theory of social justice. However, we argue that Burczak's system does not automatically guarantee full employment, so it cannot be considered an ideal theory of social justice. A Post Keynesian contribution is presented in the form of the Employer of Last Resort (ELR) program which we argue is compatible and complementary to Burczak's theory of social justice. Finally, we argue that an adequate system design of the magnitude proposed here must be infomed by the principles of institutional adjustment as outlined by J. Fagg Foster.
Differential response of human lung epithelial cells to fas-induced apoptosis.

The Fas (CD95)/Fas ligand (CD178) system plays an important role in epithelial damage during the acute respiratory distress syndrome. The goal of this study was to determine whether proximal and distal human lung epithelial cells differ in their sensitivity to Fas ligand (rh-sFasL), and whether the response of lung epithelium to Fas ligation is modulated by proinflammatory cytokines. Although the expression of both Fas message and protein was similar in proximal and distal lung epithelial cells, only distal cells became apoptotic when exposed to serial dilutions of rh-sFasL. Stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, or interferon-γ significantly increased the sensitivity of proximal cells to rh-sFasL, and exposure to either tumor necrosis factor-α or interferon-γ enhanced the sensitivity of distal cells to Fas ligation. These findings suggest that in normal human lungs, the responses of the epithelium to Fas ligation become more pronounced from proximal to distal locations. Furthermore, proinflammatory cytokines sensitize lung epithelium to Fas-induced death. These findings are relevant for understanding the role of the Fas/FasL system in acute lung injury, in which epithelial damage occurs primarily in distal airway and alveolar epithelium, whereas sFasL is present throughout the airspaces.
N-of-1 randomized trials for psychological and health behavior outcomes: a systematic review protocol

Background Randomized controlled trials are the sine qua non of causal inference; however, heterogeneity of treatment effects for many chronic conditions and for many symptoms often limits their utility. Single-patient studies in which patients select a treatment after trying a randomized sequence of treatments (i.e., multiple crossover trials) offer an alternative to traditional randomized controlled trials by providing scientifically valid results in a practical manner that can be used by patients and their providers to decide upon their personally optimal treatment. Although N-of-1 trials have been used in the medical literature, their use for interventions that consist of psychological or health behavior outcomes is unknown. This systematic review thus aims to describe the interventions and outcomes and assess the quality of N-of-1 trials for psychological or health behavior outcomes.
Blister Rust Prevalence in Krummholz Whitebark Pine: Implications for Treeline Dynamics, Northern Rocky Mountains, Montana, U.S.A

ABSTRACT Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), an important treeline conifer in northern Montana, is considered both a keystone and foundation species in high-elevation ecosystems. The introduced fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola, which causes white pine blister rust, has resulted in severe declines in whitebark pine in subalpine forest communities throughout the northern Rockies during past decades. However, the prevalence of blister rust in whitebark pine within the alpine treeline community and its impact remain to be determined. We gathered field data on blister rust infection incidence in the treeline ecotone at two locations east of the Continental Divide in the northern Rocky Mountains, Montana, U.S.A. Our objectives were (1) to examine the potential importance of whitebark pine in tree island formation, (2) to determine if blister rust is present in whitebark pine within the alpine treeline community, and (3) to characterize the incidence and intensity of blister rust in krummholz tree islands. We ...
An active interference canceler with reduced harmonic response and synthesizer tuning range

A feedback-based active interference cancellation technique for reducing interference in a broadband LNA is described. The interference is down-converted to baseband, low-pass filtered, then up-converted and subtracted from the input. Harmonic response in the active canceler is eliminated by using harmonic rejection mixers (HRMs). Furthermore, by configuring the HRMs to provide frequency translation while using the LO fundamental or its harmonics, the span required of the frequency synthesizer for driving the HRMs is reduced. Implemented in a 65 nm process, the proposed technique shows 8–13 dB improvement in blocker 1-dB compression.
Factors Influencing Nest Success of Greater Sandhill Cranes at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon

Abstract We used logistic regression to model the effects of weather, habitat, and management variables on Greater Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis tabida) nest success at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Oregon. We monitored 506 nests over 9 breeding seasons. Mean apparent nest success was 72% ± 4% and varied from 51 to 87%. Nest success was lower one year after a field was burned and declined with nest initiation date. Nest success was higher during warmer springs, in deeper water, and in years with moderate precipitation. Haying, livestock grazing, and predator control did not influence nest success. We suggest the short-term consequence of burning on nest success is outweighed by its long term importance and that water level management is the most important tool for managing crane nest success. Finally, studies of brood ecology are needed to develop a more complete picture of crane nesting ecology.
Atypical location of the hypoglossal nerve and its implications: a case report

Successful surgery in the neck is dependent on reliable anatomical relationships between nerves, vessels, and muscles. These landmarks and planes are also essential to avoiding undue morbidity and mortality. Anatomic variants of the hypoglossal nerve are rare, and their incidences are unknown. We describe a case of a hypoglossal nerve found coursing superficial to the internal jugular vein in a 52-year-old woman treated with bilateral selective neck dissection for metastatic thyroid malignancy. The vulnerable nerve was protected, and she maintained excellent speech and swallow function post-operatively. The variant course of the nerve may pose higher risk for injury in neck surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of aberrant anatomy in this region and exercise extra caution to avoid nerve injury.
Workplace Factors that Shape Agile Software Development Team Project Success

This study has implications for positive social change because organizations that understand the workplace factors may be able to improve project management strategies and cost benefits leading to higher efficiency, profitability, and productivity thus benefiting management, employees, and customers. Information technology (IT) project success depends on having a project manager with effective decision-making, leadership, and project management skills. Project success also depends on completing the project in a given budget, time, and scope. However, there is a limited understanding of the lived experiences of agile managers and the following workplace factors: cultural, functional, and organizational differences. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand these lived experiences of 10 agile software development team project managers or leaders at global workplaces based in the United States. The research questions were focused on the effect of these workplace factors on agile software development project success. In accordance with nonrandom purposeful sampling strategies, a snowball technique was used to find more participants. An open-ended, e-mail questionnaire was created and sent to participants to collect data. The data were coded to discern themes or patterns. According to study results, agile software development team members should acquire broader array of knowledge and experience, self-manage, and reduce time to market; culture is critical to agile team software development project success; leverage technical expertise and skills and foster team effectiveness ; align on outcome, work toward common goal, and same management structure; Accomplish more tasks in short time frame; teams need to work through trust issues early in a project and get to a point where there is trust across everyone on the teams; all knowledge must be shared; teams should have a communal location for all written knowledge, like a wiki; and servant leadership - leaders should enable teams rather than direct them.
Proper anatomical location for administering herpes zoster vaccine

APhA Liaison Representative to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Stephan L. Foster, PharmD, FAPhA, recently fi elded the following question from a pharmacist immunizer: What is the proper anatomical location to administer the herpes zoster vaccine? Following is his response.