cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microbiota and Autoimmune Disease: The Hosted Self

The trillions of microbial symbionts normally hosted by mammals have important influences on the development and function of the immune system. We highlight recently discovered cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they impact autoimmune diseases--in particular, gut-distal disorders. Besides provoking a reconsideration of the definition of immunological "self" and "nonself," these new findings evoke exciting possibilities for the discovery of a whole new class of immunomodulatory molecules.
Temporal Response of the Human Virome to Immunosuppression and Antiviral Therapy

SUMMARY There are few substantive methods to measure the health of the immune system, and the connection between immune strength and the viral component ofthemicrobiomeispoorlyunderstood.Organtransplant recipients are treated with posttransplant therapies that combine immunosuppressive and antiviral drugs, offering a window into the effects of immune modulation on the virome. We used sequencing of cell-free DNA in plasma to investigate drug-virome interactions in a cohort of organ transplant recipients (656 samples, 96 patients) and find that antivirals and immunosuppressants strongly affect the structure of the virome in plasma. We observe marked virome compositional dynamics at the onset of the therapy and find that the total viral load increases with immunosuppression, whereas the bacterial component of the microbiome remains largely unaffected. The data provide insight into the relationship between the human virome, the state of the immune system, and the effects of pharmacological treatment and offer a potential application of the virome state to predict immunocompetence.
Measurement of Neutron Absorption Cross Sections with a Pile Oscillator

The following paper deals with the measurement of thermal neutron cross sections by a technique referred to as the pile oscillator. In this method, a neutron absorber is moved back and forth in a field of thermal neutrons such as that existing in a chain reactor. In the vicinity of the absorber there is a depression in the neutron flux and the motion of this depression past a nearby ion chamber produces an oscillating signal whose amplitude is proportional to the total neutron absorption cross section of the sample. In the instrument considered here, the oscillating signal generated in the ion chamber is amplified, rectified, and fed to an integrating circuit. The absorption cross section of an unknown sample is determined by comparing the charge accumulated in the integrating circuit with that produced by a standard gold absorber. The instrument will detect a total absorption cross sestion of about ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and hence it is suitable for measuring cross sections of separated isotopes which are available only in small quantities. One of the major difficulties in making this instrument useful for absorption measurements has been the elimination of the effects of scattering by the sample. It was found that the signals caused by absorption and scattering are slightly out of phase with each other, and by properly phasing the rectifier, absorption cross sections which are no greater than 1 percent of the corresponding scattering cross sections can be measured. A number of thermal cross section measurements have been made with this instrument, most of which will be published separately; as illustrations, the following thermal cross sections are given: In, $191.2b$; ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{107}$, $29.9b$; ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{109}$, $83.7b$.
The multi-locus H-2Dw16 region has an organization distinct from the Dd region.

Genomic DNA blot analyses using probes derived from the BALB/c 3′ flanking region of the Ld gene (Ld 3′ fl-C) and from near the BALB/c D3d gene (50.2A) indicate that the B10.GAA37 mouse strain has a multi-locus D (Dw16) region distinct from the five-gene organization observed in the Dd and Dq regions. To isolate the Dw16 region class I genes, a genomic B10. GAA37-λEMBL3 library was generated and screened with probes that preferentially hybridize to K and D region class I genes. Hybridization analyses of the isolated λ clones with Ld derived oligonucleotide probes suggested that one of the λ clones contained the Lw16 gene, whereas several other λ clones contained the Lw16 gene. The sequence of the Dw16 gene is most similar to that of the Dp gene, particularly in the 3′ half. Furthermore, the Lw16 gene is quite similar in the 5′ half and virtually identical in the 3′ half to the Ld gene, indicating that Lw16, but not Dw16, is a member of the Ld gene family. Collectively, these data suggest that, through a D region recombination event, the novel Dw16 region may have been assembled from primordial counterparts of the Dp and Ld genes.
Introduction to “Cruelty, Suffering, Imagination: The Lessons of J. M. Coetzee”

For over two decades, Nobel laureate J. M. Coetzee has brilliantly addressed issues of interest to anthropologists: the brutal effects of racist tyranny and injustice in South Africa; the reach of empire; guilt and revenge; and the problem of language in particular historical and political moments. In his recent work Elizabeth Costello (2003a), Coetzee confronts a particularly pressing set of contemporary political and ethical concerns, ones to which anthropologists have much to add. In this “In Focus,” anthropologists from each of the subdisciplines use Elizabeth Costello as a lens for working through such concerns, addressing a range of questions—including the nature of evil and its relationship to state power, the burden of belief, the legacy of colonialism, the ethical limits of representations of horror, what it means to live in a world of cruelty and suffering, and the power of humans' sympathetic imagination to confront such a world.
Differential use of space by eight species of birds in a free-flight zoological park aviary

Abstract Eight species of birds (jabiru stork, Jabiru mycteria ; maguari stork, Euxenura galeata ; king vulture, Sarcoramphus papa ; turkey vulture, Cathartes aura ; black vulture, Coragyps atrata ; Orinoco goose, Neochen jubata ; fulvous-whistling duck, Dendrocygna bicolor ; black-bellied whistling duck, D. autumnalis ) were studied in a large zoo aviary to determine their use of topographical regions (areas), substrates and heights during a 3-month period. Positions of individuals in the aviary were recorded and species were compared to others of the same taxonomic family to determine if they exhibited differential use of space. Resting and self-care were the most frequently recorded behavior patterns. Certain areas, substrates and heights were utilized by each species regardless of behavior. Each species restricted most of its activity to two or three contiguous areas within the aviary. Space use was correlated with the location of food, presence of shade or similarity to substrates utilized in the wild. Only the vultures made appreciable use of heights over 1.5 m above ground level. Conspecifics were found with each other more often than with heterospecifics of the same family. The waterfowl and maguari storks tended to flock. Maguari storks, king vultures, Orinoco geese and fulvous whistling ducks were restricted in their use of space while the other species ranged throughout the aviary. Environmental structure strongly influenced space utilization, and there were indications that intra- and interspecific interactions may have also affected use of space.
Cationic Iridium Complexes Bearing Imidazol-2-ylidene Ligands as Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts

The synthesis and characterization by X-ray crystallography of the complexes [Ir(cod)(py)(L)]PF6 (L = IMes, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (2); L = IPr, 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (3); L = ICy, 1,3-bis(cyclohexyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (4)) are reported. Complexes 2−4 have been employed as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation reactions from 2-propanol to a number of unsaturated substrates and their activity compared with that of the related cationic iridium(I) species [Ir(cod)(py)(SIMes)]PF6 (1), [Ir(cod)(py)(PCy3)]PF6 (5), and complexes formed in situ from [Ir(cod)(py)2]PF6 and diazabutadienes (RNCHCHNR, DAB-R; R = cyclohexyl, DAB-Cy; R = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, DAB-Mes; R = adamantyl, DAB-Ad; R = 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl, DAB-trimethoxyphenyl). All complexes tested were found to be active catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of ketones, with complex 4 displaying the highest activity. Complex 4 also exhibits moderate activity toward simple olefins and an aromatic nitro co...
Parallel Identities for Managing Open Government Data

Data consumers must be able to trust the data's provenance. A descriptive model enables consumers to make informed choices about data sources.
Spanning the continuum between marketing and operations

Abstract We discuss here the importance of the marketing operations interface and our motivations in creating this special issue. We also evaluate and summarize the papers presented in this special issue, and present our observations on how the study of this interface has methodologically evolved over the course of years. Some of the dominant common themes emphasized in the six papers contained in this special issue were communication between operations and marketing, as well as the value of trust and harmony between these functional areas in improving firm performance. Based on these observations and extant literature in both disciplines, a simple framework that delineates broad areas of mutual interest and integration between these two functional areas is proposed. We finally outline a limited set of future research projects that lie at the interface of marketing and operations, and which can potentially be pursued by researchers in this domain in order to promote a better understanding of the interface.
Patterns of nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness and biotic homogenization among Florida counties

Recent studies of geographic patterns of nonindigenous species richness suggest that a few key biogeographic and anthropogenic factors explain much of the variation in the richness of established species. It remains unknown, however, if the factors identified in these studies are taxon- and scale-specific or if general rules apply broadly across taxa and spatial scales. To address this issue, I used multiple regression analysis to identify factors that contribute significantly to variation in nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness at a relatively small spatial scale, the county level, in Florida, USA. Additionally, I used the Jaccard similarity index to determine if nonindigenous species affect the biotic similarity of the herpetofaunas of Floridian counties. In the regression analysis, county latitude strongly and negatively affected nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness, explaining approximately two-thirds of the variation in this variable. To a smaller degree, human population and university presence both related positively with nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness. Several other variables, including county land area, were not significantly related to nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness. The consistent importance of human population to nonindigenous species richness in this and past studies suggests that the influence of anthropogenic factors may be universal and are as or more important than the natural biogeographic factors that generally relate with native species richness. No evidence of overall homogenization was found based on Jaccard index values. However, a significant relationship between homogenization scores and distance between counties suggests that the effect of nonindigenous herpetofaunal richness on the similarity of county biotas is scale-dependent, such that adjacent counties tend to experience homogenization, while distant counties tend to experience differentiation as a result of the presence of nonindigenous herpetofauna. The results of this and similar studies may be useful in predicting the introduction and spread of nonindigenous species and in evaluating the effects of such introductions on native biodiversity.
Heart disease in black and white.

Despite the dismantling of legal barriers that enforced segregation and limited opportunity for black Americans, racial disparities persist in all areas of American society1. Health care is no exception. Two studies in this issue of the Journal2,3 demonstrate striking racial differences in the incidence and treatment of cardiovascular disease. These findings raise broader questions about racial disparities in access to care and the effectiveness of communication between doctors and patients. Such disparities also compound the underlying ill effects of limited socioeconomic opportunities on the health of black Americans. Becker and colleagues report that the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac . . .
Is there epidemiological evidence to support the idea that a cocaine dependence syndrome emerges soon after onset of cocaine use

The present study uses latent class methods and multiple regression to shed light on hypothesized cocaine dependence syndromes experienced by community residents, who initiated cocaine use within 24 months of survey assessment, and explores possible variation in risk. Identified within public use data files from the United States National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), and with assessments completed between 1995 and 1998, the study sample consists of 927 recent-onset cocaine users, defined as having initiated cocaine use no more than 24 months prior to assessment (approximate median elapsed time since onset of use ∼12–13 months). The NHSDA included items to assess seven clinical features often associated with cocaine dependence, which were used in latent class modeling. Empirically derived latent classes, in conjunction with prior theory, tend to support a three-class solution, according to which 4% of recent-onset users are members of a class that resembles the DSM-IV cocaine dependence syndrome (mean: 5.4 clinical features (CF)); 16% might be in a cocaine dependence prodrome (mean: 2.4 CF); 80% of recent-onset cocaine users had few or no clinical features (mean<1 CF). Results from latent class regressions indicate that susceptibility to rapid transition from first cocaine use to onset of the LCA-assigned cocaine dependence syndrome might depend upon whether the user starts smoking crack-cocaine and, independently, age at first cocaine use.
Association of collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) with hypertrophic cell enlargement in the growth plate

In the transition from proliferating to hypertrophic cell zones in the growth plate, there is an increased in chondrocyte cell volume and a corresponding decrease in collagen content to allow for cell enlargement. To substantiate our hypothesis that collagenase is responsible for these changes, growth plates from rats treated with bisphosphonate (HEBP) were compared histologically and biochemically with growth plates from normal and vitamin D and phosphate deficient (-VDP) rats. HEBP-treated rats developed an expanded hypertrophic cell zone (HCZ) characterized by the presence of two distinct populations of hypertrophic cells. The proximal hypertrophic cells were only 2-fold enlarged compared to the proliferating cells, whereas 1/6 of the distal hypertrophic cells were enlarged almost 5-fold and appeared morphologically identical with hypertrophic cells from normal and -VDP rats. The HEBP growth plates were divided into cross-sectional thirds and analyzed for active and latent collagenase. The juxta-metaphyseal (lower 1/3) cartilage contained 100% of the fully enlarged hypertrophic cells and appeared identical to those found in normal and -VDP growth plates, along with 81% of the active and 77% of the total collagenase. Collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) were measured in extracts of similarly divided tissues. The presence of true collagenas was confirmed by using [3H]-telopeptide-free collagen. TIMP levels were inversely related to the presence of active collagenase and cellular hypertrophy. Substantial levels of latent collagenase were found in the extracellular fluid at sites of active collagenolysis, but not in the fluid phase surrounding the 2-fold enlarged hypertrophic cells. It is postulated that increased amounts of active collagenase and insufficient levels of TIMP may account for the reduced collagen content seen in the lower HCZ of both -VDP and HEBP rickets. Unlike active collagenase, which remains localized by binding to collagen, latent enzyme is probably restricted in its mobility throughout the extracellular space by diffusion, itself, or the interstices of the extracellular matrix.
Restructuring the therapeutic environment to promote care and safety for the obese patient

Fifty-four percent of American adults are overweight. Obesity is a chronic disease associated with a number of conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, certain types of cancers, and breathing problems. The direct and indirect costs related to obesity exceed $70 billion annually. Because of the many cost and quality issues related to obesity, national attention is turning toward the special needs of this population. Strategies to restructure therapeutic intervention with attention to risk management, economic implications, and patient satisfaction are important considerations when managing the obese patient.
Relative efficacy of maintenance therapy with theophylline, inhaled albuterol, and the combination for chronic asthma

The relative benefit of maintenance therapy with theophylline, inhaled albuterol, and the combination was examined in 18 adolescents and adults with chronic asthma during a 3-month, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Theophylline and combination regimens were associated with significantly fewer days with symptoms (52% and 55%) than albuterol (72%). The greater frequency of symptoms during the albuterol regimen was increasingly apparent more than 4 hours after albuterol doses and was greatest between 4 and 8 A.M. Albuterol transiently inhibited histamine-induced bronchospasm to a much greater degree than did theophylline, and combining the drugs produced at least an additive effect. The effect of albuterol was completely absent by 4 hours, however, whereas that of theophylline persisted. Thus, in spite of greater acute effects on the airways, the transient duration of effect from inhaled albuterol appears to limit its usefulness as maintenance therapy, especially for patients with nocturnal symptoms.
The Radiative Signature of Upper Tropospheric Moistening

Climate models predict that the concentration of water vapor in the upper troposphere could double by the end of the century as a result of increases in greenhouse gases. Such moistening plays a key role in amplifying the rate at which the climate warms in response to anthropogenic activities, but has been difficult to detect because of deficiencies in conventional observing systems. We use satellite measurements to highlight a distinct radiative signature of upper tropospheric moistening over the period 1982 to 2004. The observed moistening is accurately captured by climate model simulations and lends further credence to model projections of future global warming.
Killer whale shares food with gulls at the Vancouver Public Aquarium

A 6- to 9-year-old female killer whale (Orcinus orca) was observed sharing food with gulls at the Vancouver Public Aquarium. Hypotheses regarding the origin of this apparently learned behavior are discussed and evaluated. The behavior can be explained by an operant model, but there is evidence that social mimicry or observational learning may also be involved.
Quantitative Approaches to Consumer Field Research

Why would researchers endure the cost, inconvenience, and imprecision of consumer field research when they could use a lab study instead? Laboratory contexts are less expensive, offer more control,...
The California Prenatal Screening Program: “Options and choices” not “coercion and eugenics”

The California Prenatal Screening Program is designed to make prenatal screening available to the state's large and diverse population. The Program provides information to women which will allow them to make informed choices regarding prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. Since the Program's inception in 1986, women in California have had the option to participate in prenatal screening or to decline prenatal screening. The California Program offers prenatal diagnostic services to women whose screening tests indicate an increased risk for birth defects, including Down syndrome. Women can decline any or all of these follow-up services. Genetic counseling, diagnostic services, and the presentation of diagnostic results are performed by medical professionals (not State staff) who follow established guidelines for nondirective counseling. Program data clearly demonstrate that women in California have a wide range of options and make a wide range of choices regarding prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. California's comprehensive Prenatal Screening Program promotes optimal care for all women within all options and choices. The important and necessary communication among organizations and stakeholders involved in prenatal screening and diagnosis, and in related care for pregnant women and for people with Down syndrome, is not served by misrepresentation and inflammatory rhetoric.
Outcomes of acute intraoperative surgical conversion during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Purpose Outcomes and predictors of acute surgical conversion during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) were examined using the American College of Surgeons-National Safety and Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) Database (2005 to 2008). Methods Acute intraoperative surgical conversions occurring during elective EVAR were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Nonemergent EVAR and primary open surgical repairs of infrarenal aneurysms were examined for comparison. Perioperative morbidity was categorized as wound, pulmonary, venous thromboembolic, genitourinary, cardiovascular, operative, and septic. Mortality, overall morbidity, and length of stay (LOS) were examined. Results We identified 72 acute conversions, 2414 open repairs, and 6332 EVAR without acute conversion. Demographics and comorbidities were generally similar among operative groups. Mean operative time was 274 minutes for acute conversion vs 226 minutes for primary open repair and 162 minutes for EVAR (conversion vs EVAR and open repair vs EVAR P P = .0014; analysis on rank operative time). Blood transfusion was required in 69% of acute conversions (mean volume, 6.0 units) vs 73% of open repairs (mean volume, 3.3 units) and 12% of EVARs (mean volume, 2.6 units; P P P = .0437) for conversion and 2.5 (1.9-3.5; P Conclusion Acute surgical conversion was a rare complication affecting 1.1% of EVAR cases, with no broadly identifiable at-risk population. When conversion did occur, morbidity and mortality rates paralleled those observed for elective open repair.
Parallel algorithms for unconstrained optimization

In this paper, parallel algorithms are proposed for locating the minimum point of a strictly convex quadratic function. The proposed algorithms are based on a new idea of group conjugacy and they can be considered parallel extensions of conjugate direction methods.
Normal ergodic actions and extensions

We demonstrate that normal ergodic extensions of group actions are characterized as skew product actions given by cocycles into locally compact groups. As a consequence, Robert Zimmer’s characterization of normal ergodic group actions is generalized to the noninvariant case. We also obtain the uniqueness theorem which generalizes the von Neumann Halmos uniqueness theorem and Zimmer’s uniqueness theorem for normal actions with relative discrete spectrum.
Estimates of the spectral radius of graphs

We give lower and upper bounds on the spectral radius of directed Eulerian multigraphs and undirected multigraphs.
Cobalt-base alloy gun barrel study

Abstract Firing tests of a small caliber experimental gun barrel made of a cobalt-base alloy have been conducted with the purpose of determining the degree of wear and erosion due to excessive firing durations. The small amount of barrel material loss makes the cobalt-base alloy an excellent candidate for use as a gun liner. An unusual wear pattern resulting from this loss was observed near the muzzle. Elimination of chemical and thermal effects made a plausible explanation of the wear pattern possible.
Interplay of Sps and poly(C) binding protein 1 on the μ-opioid receptor gene expression

Abstract The proximal promoter of mouse μ-opioid receptor (MOR) gene is the dominant promoter for directing MOR-1 gene expression in brain. Sp1/Sp3 (Sps) and poly(C) binding protein 1 (PCBP) bind to a cis-element of MOR proximal promoter. Functional interaction between Sps and PCBP and their individual roles on MOR proximal core promoter were investigated using SL2 cells, devoid of Sps and PCBP. Each factor contributed differentially to the promoter, with a rank order of activity Sp1 > Sp3 > PCBP. Functional analysis suggested the interplay of Sps and PCBP in an additive manner. The in vivo binding of individual Sps or PCBP to MOR proximal promoter was demonstrated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Re-ChIP assays further suggested simultaneous bindings of Sps and PCBP to the proximal promoter, indicating physiologically relevant communication between Sps and PCBP. Collectively, results documented that a functional coordination between Sps and PCBP contributed to cell-specific MOR gene expression.
EFFECT OF MUSCARINE ON RELEASE OF CATECHOLAMINES FROM THE PERFUSED ADRENAL GLAND OF THE CAT

1 The secretory effect of muscarine was studied in the perfused adrenal gland of the cat. During perfusion of the adrenal gland with Krebs-bicarbonate solution containing muscarine 480 microM, the rate of catecholamine (CA) secretion was 2.02 +/- 0.43 micrograms/2 min in the first 2 min; thereafter, CA output declined only moderately, to reach about 70% of the initial value after 10 min. Secretory responses to brief infusions of muscarine remained reproducible for at least the first 3 infusions. 2 When the adrenal gland was perfused with muscarine (480 microM), infusions of high K+, nicotine, or veratridine produced their usual responses. A 100 fold lower dose of muscarine also failed to modify these responses. 3 During perfusion with high K+, muscarine evoked a secretory response that was only slightly smaller than the response to muscarine alone. 4 It is concluded that muscarine and nicotine activate CA secretion in the cat adrenal gland by independent mechanisms and that the muscarinic response, unlike the nicotinic response, is not readily desensitized.
Growth and fire protection behavior of POSS-based multilayer thin films

Fully siliceous layer-by-layer assembled thin films, using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as building blocks, were successfully deposited on various substrates, including cotton fabric. Water-soluble OctaAmmonium POSS ((+)POSS) and OctaTMA POSS ((-)POSS) were used as cationic and anionic components for thin film deposition from water. Aminopropyl silsesquioxane oligomer (AP) was also used as an alternative cationic species. The thickness of the AP/(-)POSS and (+)POSS/(-)POSS film is shown to increase linearly with bilayers deposited. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vertical flame testing (VFT), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and pill testing were performed on cotton fabric coated with 5–20 bilayers of a given recipe. All coated fabrics showed improved preservation (i.e., greater residue following heating to 600 °C) and resistance to degradation from direct flame. With less than 8 wt % added to the total fabric weight, more than 12 wt % char remained following MCC for the 20 bilayers (+)POSS/(-)POSS coated cotton. Furthermore, afterglow time was reduced and the fabric weave structure and shape of the individual fibers were highly preserved following VFT. It is expected that this environmentally-friendly coating could be used to impart flame retardant behavior to a variety of fabrics, for protective clothing and soft furnishings, and other complex substrates like foam.
Optimal Design of Compact Spur Gear Sets

In a recent article [3], Savage, Coy, and Townsend presented a method for the optimal design of compact standard spur gear sets. They gave figures and design rules based on a design model that considered scoring, pitting, bending fatigue, and involute interference. The work reported here expands the Savage, Coy, and Townsend model to include the AGMA geometry and dynamic factors. The extension was possible, in part, due to the appearance of an article by Mitchiner and Mabie [7] which provided a computationally simple means to determine geometry factors. A design strategy is presented and illustrated by examples. The method is available from the second author in the form of a short Fortran program. The code is applicable to spur gear tooth systems where the addenda and dedenda are inversely proportional to diametral pitch (e.g., the standard tooth system). Other developments of the paper include a new derivation of the expression for pinion roll angles and an observation regarding the method of Mitchiner and Mabie [7] which allows a general form to be used in the determination of the geometry factor for any point during the contact cycle.
Towards a meaningful fuzzy analysis of urbanistics data

Abstract We present and elaborate on a method for analyzing and interpreting data from an Urbanistics project. A fuzzy Hassefication technique was applied to data gathered from this project. Then an algorithm that compares Hasse diagrams was used. The resulting mappings are evaluated for their “goodness of fit.” These results were then interpreted and summarized in order to determine if the methodology is plausible.
Explicit constructions of selectors and related combinatorial structures, with applications

In this paper we present explicit constructions of several combinatorial objects: selectors [CGR00] and selective families [CGGPR00], pseudo-random generators for proof systems [ABRW00] and fixed waking schedules [GPP00]. As a result, we obtain almost optimal deterministic protocols for broadcasting in unknown directed radio networks [CGR00] and wake-up problem [GPP00]. We also show application of selectors (and its variants) to explicit construction of test sets for coin-weighting problems [DH00]. The parameters of our constructions come close to the best known non-constructive bounds. The constructions are achieved using a common technique, which could be of use for other problems.
Modified particle swarm optimization algorithm with simulated annealing behavior and its numerical verification

The hybrid algorithm that combined particle swarm optimization with simulated annealing behavior (SA-PSO) is proposed in this paper. The SA-PSO algorithm takes both of the advantages of good solution quality in simulated annealing and fast searching ability in particle swarm optimization. As stochastic optimization algorithms are sensitive to their parameters, proper procedure for parameters selection is introduced in this paper to improve solution quality. To verify the usability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, simulations are performed using 20 different mathematical optimization functions with different dimensions. The comparative works have also been conducted among different algorithms under the criteria of quality of the solution, the efficiency of searching for the solution and the convergence characteristics. According to the results, the SA-PSO could have higher efficiency, better quality and faster convergence speed than compared algorithms.
Recent Developments in American Business Administration and their Conceptualization

The following article appeared in the March, 1961, issue of the Weltwirt-Schaftliche Archiv, published since 1913 by the Institut fur Weltwirt-Schaft an der Universitat Kiel. Because of the pertinence and broad interest of the study, publication in America seemed highly desirable. Reproduction rights were graciously extended by Dr. Anton Zottmann, editor of the Archiv, and by the authors. The article is printed here directly from galley proof supplied by the Archiv. Commentaries by American scholars will be published in a subsequent issue of the Business History Review.
Intrinsic evolutionary constraints on protease structure, enzyme acylation, and the identity of the catalytic triad.

The study of proteolysis lies at the heart of our understanding of biocatalysis, enzyme evolution, and drug development. To understand the degree of natural variation in protease active sites, we systematically evaluated simple active site features from all serine, cysteine and threonine proteases of independent lineage. This convergent evolutionary analysis revealed several interrelated and previously unrecognized relationships. The reactive rotamer of the nucleophile determines which neighboring amide can be used in the local oxyanion hole. Each rotamer–oxyanion hole combination limits the location of the moiety facilitating proton transfer and, combined together, fixes the stereochemistry of catalysis. All proteases that use an acyl-enzyme mechanism naturally divide into two classes according to which face of the peptide substrate is attacked during catalysis. We show that each class is subject to unique structural constraints that have governed the convergent evolution of enzyme structure. Using this framework, we show that the γ-methyl of Thr causes an intrinsic steric clash that precludes its use as the nucleophile in the traditional catalytic triad. This constraint is released upon autoproteolysis and we propose a molecular basis for the increased enzymatic efficiency introduced by the γ-methyl of Thr. Finally, we identify several classes of natural products whose mode of action is sensitive to the division according to the face of attack identified here. This analysis of protease structure and function unifies 50 y of biocatalysis research, providing a framework for the continued study of enzyme evolution and the development of inhibitors with increased selectivity.
DISTRIBUTION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM SPOROZOITE APICAL ORGANELLES DURING ATTACHMENT TO AND INTERNALIZATION BY CULTURED BILIARY EPITHELIAL CELLS

Although accumulating evidence supports an active role for host cells during Cryptosporidium parvum invasion of epithelia, our knowledge of the underlying parasite-specific processes triggering such events is limited. In an effort to better understand the invasion strategy of C. parvum, we characterized the presence and distribution of the apical organelles (micronemes, dense granules, and rhoptry) through the stages of attachment to, and internalization by, human biliary epithelia, using serial-section electron microscopy. Novel findings include an apparent organized rearrangement of micronemes upon host cell attachment. The apically segregated micronemes were apposed to a central microtubule-like filamentous structure, and the more distal micronemes localized to the periphery and apical region of the parasite during internalization, coinciding with the formation of the anterior vacuole. The morphological observations presented here extend our understanding of parasite-specific processes that occur during attachment to, and internalization by, host epithelial cells.
Comparative Abilities of Various Metabolites of Vitamin D to Protect Cultured Human Macrophages Against Tubercle Bacilli

Vitamin D metabolites have several biologic functions besides the best-known one of controlling mineral metabolism, one of which may be protection against tuberculosis. The chemical structures of the metabolites govern their functions. The most potent metabolite for regulating calcium metabolism is 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25-D3). This metabolite also is able to protect cultured human monocytes and macrophages (MP) against tubercle bacilli (TB). To determine whether these two functions are connected, 14 other analogs or metabolites of vitamin D were compared with 1,25-D3 for ability to protect cultured MP against TB. Blood-derived MP from 18 different donors were used in 70 experiments. The MP were infected with TB, then incubated for 7 days in medium containing 4 micrograms/ml of metabolite or synthesized analog. Growth of TB in the MP was measured by colony-forming unit counts from samples of lysed MP at 0, 4, and 7 days after infection. The metabolites, none of which inhibited TB in the absence of MP, varied from unprotective to bacteriostatic in the MP. Four of them were nearly as protective as 1,25-D3, and the metabolite 25S, 26(OH)2-vitamin D3 was consistently more protective. An analog synthetically designed for maximum ability to promote cell differentiation was unprotective. There was no correlation between metabolite ability to protect and known ability to stimulate calcium mobilization. These results suggest that antituberculosis protection of human MP by vitamin D metabolites or analogs can be separated from their functions of inducing cell differentiation and controlling mineral metabolism.
Local buckling strength of steel foam sandwich panels

The objective of this paper is to provide and verify a new design method for the in-plane compressive strength of steel sandwich panels comprised of steel face sheets and foamed steel cores. Foamed steel, literally steel with internal voids, provides enhanced bending rigidity, exceptional energy dissipation, and the potential to mitigate local instability. In this work, Winters effective width expression is generalized to the case of steel foam sandwich panels. The generalization requires modification of the elastic buckling expressions to account for panel non-composite bending rigidity and shear deformations. In addition, an equivalent yield stress is introduced to provide a single parameter description of the yielding behavior of the steel face sheets and steel foam core. The provided analytical expressions are verified with finite element simulations employing three-dimensional continuum elements and calibrated constitutive models specific to metallic foams. The developed closed-form design expressions are employed to conduct parametric studies of steel foam sandwich panels, which (a) demonstrate the significant strength improvements possible when compared with solid steel, and (b) provide insights on the optimal balance between steel face sheet thickness and density of the foamed steel core. This work is part of a larger effort to help develop steel foam as a material with relevance to civil engineering applications. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ePsych: Interactive demonstrations and experiments in psychology

ePsych (http://epsych.msstate.edu), a new Web site currently under active development, is intended to teach students about the discipline of psychology. The site presumes little prior knowledge about the field and so may be used in introductory classes, but it incorporates sufficient depth of coverage to be useful in more advanced classes as well. Numerous interactive and dynamic elements are incorporated into various modules, orientations, and guidebooks. These elements include Java-based experiments and demonstrations, video clips, and animated diagrams. Rapid access to all material is provided through a layer-based navigation system that allows users to visit various "Worlds of the Mind." Active learning is encouraged, by challenging students with puzzles and problems and by providing the opportunity to "dig deeper" to learn more about the phenomena at hand.
Microspore culture in wheat (Triticum aestivum) – doubled haploid production via induced embryogenesis

The inherent potential to produce plants from microspores or immature pollen exists naturally in many plant species. Some genotypes in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) also exhibit the trait for androgenesis. Under most circumstances, however, an artificial manipulation, in the form of physical, physiological and/or chemical treatment, need to be employed to switch microspores from gametophytic development to a sporophytic pathway. Induced embryogenic microspores, characterized by unique morphological features, undergo organized cell divisions and differentiation that lead to a direct formation of embryoids. Embryoids `germinate' to give rise to haploid or doubled haploid plants. The switch from terminal differentiation of pollen grain formation to sporophytic development of embryoid production involves a treatment that halts gametogenesis and initiates sporogenesis showing predictable cellular and molecular events. In principle, the inductive treatments may act to release microspores from cell cycle control that ensures mature pollen formation hence overcome a developmental block to embryogenesis. Isolated microspore culture, genetic analyses, and studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms related to microspore embryogenesis have yielded useful information for both understanding androgenesis and improving the efficiency of doubled haploid production. The precise mechanisms for microspore embryogenesis, however, must await more research.
Managing the Data Commons: Controlled Sharing of Scholarly Data

This is a preprint of an article to appear in the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. There is a large table (Table 2) that is saved as a separate file. The authoritative version of this article will be published in Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology sometime in 2014. There are no major data changes between this version and the final version, however the final version?s analysis was further improved by reviewer comments.
A Refinement and Validation of the MARKOR Scale

In this article, the authors attempt to develop an improved market orientation scale built on Kohli, Jaworski, and Kumar’s market orientation scale (MARKOR). The modified scale is then compared with the MARKOR scale in a validation study. The authors argue that the scale improves operationalization of the market orientation construct, and the results indicate that the psychometric properties of the new scale are superior to those of the MARKOR scale. Implications of the results are discussed, and a future research agenda is offered.
Rating fixed film nitrifying biofilters used in recirculating aquaculture systems

Abstract Predicting the performance of biofilters is an engineering challenge that is critical to both designers and managers. The task is complicated by the wide variety of water quality expectations and environmental conditions displayed by a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A myriad of biofilters designs have been generated reflecting approaches of engineers attempting to maximize specific surface area and oxygen transfer within the context of a biofilm management strategy. A rating strategy is presented for biofilters to facilitate the identification of appropriate matches between biofiltration formats and RAS applications. As a foundation, a previously proposed RAS classification system based upon salinity, temperature and trophic levels is upgraded to create 17 systems classifications. A biofilter classification system identifies seven combinations of trophic level and pH which should be sufficient to serve the RAS demands. Temperature and salinity are neglected as a means of simplifying the approach. An experimental methodology based upon chemical feeds is proposed to represent the steady-state RAS performance of the biofilters. Data is summarized by linear analysis of filter performance for concentration ranges below 1.0 g TAN m−3 and simple averaging is proposed for higher trophic levels. Input from the aquacultural engineering community and RAS aquaculturists is required to further refine the approach prior to endorsement.
THE MILAGRO GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY

MILAGRO will be the first water-Cherenkov detector specifically built to study extensive air showers. It is being built in an existing man-made pond 60 m times 80 m by 8 m, located in the Jemez mountains near Los Alamos, NM. Unlike conventional air shower detectors, which sample less than 1% of the particles which reach detector level, MILAGRO will be totally sensitive to electrons, photons, hadrons, and muons hitting the detector. The threshold of the MILAGRO detector is comparable to atmospheric Cherenkov detectors, however it has several advantages over these optical detectors. MILAGRO is operational 24 hours a day in all weather conditions and it has an open aperture which allows it to view the entire northern sky every day. These capabilities allow for a systematic all-sky survey to be done for the first time at these energies. MILAGRO will search for point sources of VHE gamma radiation, both steady and episodic. MILAGRO will measure the Crab spectrum with high significance and possibly locate a cut off in the spectrum. In addition, it will detect and measure the spectra from AGN's such as MRK 421. MILAGRO will be the first VHE detector capable of recording Gamma Ray Bursts at energies above 250 GeV. The physics merits of this detector together with its design and current status are discussed.
Accountability and auditing strategies in a newly opened hospital-based outpatient oncology pharmacy

Health care expenditures have continued to rise over the past decade,[1][1] including the costs for oncology-based services.[2][2] With the opening of a new hospital-based outpatient cancer center at the Adele R. Decof Cancer Center, treating an average of 80–90 patients per week, strategies were
Immune deficiencies in chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Aim: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction has been associated with urinary disorders, myopathy, and ophthalmoplegia in adults and cholelithiasis in children. We observed a high percentage of total-parenteral-nutrition-dependent patients with pseudo-obstruction and recurrent infections requiring gammaglobulin infusions. Methods: All records for 23 children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (10 females and 13 males, mean age 9.8 y ± 4.9 y, range 4-24 y) referred for a nutritional evaluation from 1992 to 1995 were reviewed. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction was diagnosed by clinical, radiographic findings and antroduodenal manometry. Intestinal full-thickness biopsies were performed in seven children. Results: Hypogammaglobulinemia was diagnosed in 18 patients (78%): 16 patients had various immunoglobulin deficiencies and 2 had selective antibody deficiency. Intravenous gammaglobulin was administered in 14 patients. Other medical conditions affecting the children are summarized as follows: autonomic dysfunction in 10 patients (43%), recurrent hypoglycemia in 9 (39%), asthma in 9 (39%), cholecystitis in 7 (30%), low serum carnitine level in 6 (26%), urinary dysfunction in 6 (26%), pancreatitis in 5 (22%), behavioral problems in 5 (22%), myopathy in 2 (9%), idiopathic thrombocytopenia in 2 (8%), velopharyngeal insufficiency in 1 (4%), oculocutaneous albinism in 1(4%), Pierre-Robin syndrome in 1 (4%), and protein C deficiency in 1 (4%). Munchausen syndrome was suspected in two patients. Conclusions: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction appears to be associated with immune deficiencies. It is unclear if the immune deficiencies, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and the other medical conditions have a common underlying etiology. Repeated infections may be due to impaired immune function in children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. We recommend screening for immune deficiencies in children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Children, gut, immunity, motility disorders, parenteral nutrition.
"Just like they do in industry": Concerns about teamwork practices in engineering design courses

The author reports on a two-year study contrasting senior design course teaching of team practices with those actually used in industry. The study identified concerns in the areas of collaborative practices, group composition, intervention and resolution of group problems, and focus on the product rather than the process. >