cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can an atmospherically forced ocean model accurately simulate sea surface temperature during ENSO events

The performance of an atmospherically forced ocean general circulation model (OGCM)in simulating daily and monthly sea surface temperature (SST) is examined during the historical El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events during the time period 1993–2003. For this purpose, we use the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) configured for the North Pacific north of 20°S at a resolution of ≈9 km. There is no assimilation of (or relaxation to) SST data and no date-specific assimilation of any data type. The ability of the model in simulating temporal variations of SST anomalies is discussed by comparing model results with two satellite-based SST products. The HYCOM simulation gives a basin-averaged monthly mean bias of 0.3 °C and rms difference of 0.6 °C over the North Pacific Ocean during 1993–2003. While the model is able to simulate SST anomalies with mean biases <0.5 °C in comparison to observations during most of the ENSO events, limitations in the accuracy of atmospheric forcing (specifically, net short-wave radiation) have some influence on the accuracy of simulations. This is specifically demonstrated during the 1998 transition period from El Nino to La Nina, when a record large SST drop of ≈7 °C occurred in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Tolerating process variations in nanophotonic on-chip networks

Nanophontonic networks, a potential candidate for future networks on-chip, have been challenged for their reliability due to several device-level limitations. One of the main issues is that fabrication errors (a.k.a. process variations) can cause devices to malfunction, rendering communication unreliable. For example, microring resonator, a preferred optical modulator device, may not resonate at the designated wavelength under process variations (PV), leading to communication errors and bandwidth loss. This paper proposes a series of solutions to the wavelength drifting problem of microrings and subsequent bandwidth loss problem of an optical network, due to PV. The objective is to maximize network bandwidth through proper arrangement among microrings and wavelengths with minimum power requirement. Our arrangement, called "MinTrim", solves this problem using simple integer linear programming, adding supplementary microrings and allowing flexible assignment of wavelengths to network nodes as long as the resulting network presents maximal bandwidth. Each step is shown to improve bandwidth provisioning with lower power requirement. Evaluations on a sample network show that a baseline network could lose more than 40% bandwidth due to PV. Such loss can be recovered by MinTrim to produce a network with 98.4% working bandwidth. In addition, the power required in arranging microrings is 39% lower than the baseline. Therefore, MinTrim provides an efficient PV-tolerant solution to improving the reliability of on-chip phontonics.
Specific inhibition of alkane synthesis with accumulation of very long chain compounds by dithioerythritol, dithiothreitol, and mercaptoethanol in Pisum sativum.

Abstract Sodium [1- 14 C]acetate and [1- 14 C]stearic acid were readily incorporated into hydrocarbons, secondary alcohols, wax esters, aldehydes, primary alcohols, and fatty acids in young pea leaves ( Pisum sativum ). Dithioerythritol, dithiothreitol, and mercaptoethanol (but not glutathione and cysteine) severely inhibited the incorporation of labeled acetate into alkanes and secondary alcohols with accumulation of label in wax ester and aldehyde fractions. Detailed radio gas-chromatographic analyses of the fatty acids of both the surface lipid components and internal lipids showed that dithioerythritol and mercaptoethanol specifically inhibited n -hentriacontane (C 31 ) synthesis and caused accumulation of C 32 aldehyde, suggesting that the inhibition was at or near the terminal step in alkane biosynthesis, presumably decarboxylation. Trichloroacetate, at a concentration that inhibited C 31 alkane synthesis but not the synthesis of alcohols (C 26 and C 28 ) specifically inhibited the formation of C 32 aldehyde but not that of the C 26 or C 28 aldehyde. From these results, it is concluded that the C 32 aldehyde is derived from the C 32 acyl derivative which is the precursor of C 31 alkane.
On Rational Choice and Beached Disaporas

Identity in Formation: The Russian-Speaking Populations in the Near Abroad, David D. Laitin (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1998). 448 pp., cloth (ISBN: 0-8014-3495-5), $55.00; paper (ISBN: 0-8014-8495-2), $22.50. Book reviewed: Identity in Formation: The Russian-Speaking Populations in the Near Abroad , David D. Laitin
Improving decision quality: A process for communicating data

Human performance (HP) practitioners rely on stakeholders to use quantitative data to make a multitude of performance improvement decisions. By improving stakeholders' capacity to process quantitative data, the quality of decisions made by those stakeholders can also be improved. This article describes a process for successfully communicating quantitative data to groups who make data-driven decisions. It also provides practical suggestions for improving three factors critical to the process: information integrity, information layering, and information processing.
Perioperative Prevention of Penile Prosthesis Infection: Practice Patterns among Surgeons of SMSNA and ISSM

ABSTRACT Introduction Anecdotally, there is great variation in the use of strategies to prevent postoperative penile implant infection. Aim To evaluate the perioperative practice patterns of surgeons who insert penile prostheses focusing on their respective infection control routines. Method An anonymous Web-based survey was sent to members of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) and the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Main Outcome Measures Thirty-nine questions were asked pertaining to the strategies used during the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases of penile implant surgery to prevent infection. Results One hundred twenty-nine surgeons responded to the survey (SMSNA 84; ISSM 45). Most surgeons considered themselves sexual medicine specialists. More SMSNA respondents had inserted >100 prosthesis (SMSNA 69%, ISSM 50%). Routine urine culture is not performed by 40% and 50% of SMSNA and ISSM members, respectively. Similar percentages of surgeons from each society request a daily preoperative antimicrobial scrub. About two-thirds of ISSM members use razors for the preoperative shave compared with one-third of SMSNA members. Most ISSM surgeons preferred povidone-iodine for hand and skin preparation while most SMSNA surgeons chose this only for skin preparation. Two-thirds of SMSNA members prepared the skin for at least 10 minutes compared with 34% of ISSM surgeons. There were considerable differences in all aspects of antibiotic usage not only between members of both societies but also among individual members of each society. Most surgeons prefer not to place a drain (SMSNA 70%, ISSM 81%). Discharge timing differs between the two groups. Conclusions There is great variation in perioperative strategies utilized to prevent penile implant infections including some key differences between surgeons from SMSNA and ISSM. It is unknown if these variations result in changes in the postoperative infection rate; however, the study data may assist in the formation of practice guidelines and form the basis of future prospective studies. Katz DJ, Stember DS, Nelson CJ, and Mulhall JP. Perioperative prevention of penile prosthesis infection: Practice patterns among surgeons of SMSNA and ISSM. J Sex Med 2012;9:1705–1714.
Clinical spectrum of choroidal nevi based on age at presentation in 3422 consecutive eyes.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical features of choroidal nevi based on patient age at presentation and to investigate features of the nevi that are predictive of patient symptoms. Design Observational case series. Participants Three thousand four hundred twenty-two consecutive eyes of 3187 patients. Methods Retrospective clinic-based study of clinical features at referral. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used for evaluation of factors predictive of patient symptoms. Main Outcome Measures Nevus features as related to patient age group at diagnosis (young [≤20 years], mid-adult [21–50 years], older adult [>50 years]) and factors predictive of patient symptoms secondary to the nevus. Results Of the 3422 eyes with choroidal nevus, 63 (2%) were in young patients, 795 (23%) in mid-adults, and 2564 (75%) in older adults. The following factors showed no substantial increase or decrease by age category (young, mid-adult, older adult) at presentation: symptoms (14%, 12%, 13%), mean nevus base (5.6, 4.7, 5.2 mm), intrinsic nevus pigmentation (89%, 74%, 77%), related subretinal fluid (SRF) (11%, 15%, 9%), overlying orange pigment (6%, 10%, 6%), retinal pigment epithelial hyperplasia (0%, 9%, 7%), and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy (2%, 13%, 10%). The following factors statistically increased with age category: multiple nevi per eye (2%, 8%, 10%) ( P = 0.0001), mean nevus thickness (1.2, 1.5, 1.6 mm) ( P P P P = 0.001), subfoveolar fluid ( P = 0.002), any SRF ( P = 0.02), and subfoveolar nevus ( P = 0.027). Conclusions Choroidal nevi show similar clinical features regardless of age of presentation, with the exception of increasing number of nevi per eye, slightly increasing thickness, and increasing drusen in adults versus younger patients. Symptomatic nevi are more likely to be nonpigmented, beneath the foveola, and with subfoveolar fluid.
IIS branch-and-cut for joint chance-constrained stochastic programs and application to optimal vaccine allocation

We present a new method for solving stochastic programs with joint chance constraints with random technology matrices and discretely distributed random data. The problem can be reformulated as a large-scale mixed 0–1 integer program. We derive a new class of optimality cuts called IIS cuts and apply them to our problem. The cuts are based on irreducibly infeasible subsystems (IIS) of an LP defined by requiring that all scenarios be satisfied. We propose a method for improving the upper bound of the problem when no cut can be found. We derive and implement a branch-and-cut algorithm based on IIS cuts, and refer to this algorithm as the IIS branch-and-cut algorithm. We report on computational results with several test instances from optimal vaccine allocation. The computational results are promising as the IIS branch-and-cut algorithm gives better results than a state-of-the-art commercial solver on one class of problems.
Expression of regulatory genes during differentiation of thalamic nuclei in mouse and monkey.

Expression patterns of genes implicated in development of the thalamus were examined in mice and monkeys, using in situ hybridization with RNA probes complementary to Cad6, Dlx1, Dlx2, Dlx5, Gbx2, Id2, and Lef1 cDNAs. Expression patterns were related to the evolving cytoarchitecture in mice at birth (P0) and in adulthood, and in fetal monkeys early and late in the period of gestation when thalamic nuclei are becoming histologically differentiated out of a series of pronuclear masses. At the earlier developmental stage, each gene was expressed in a pattern that appeared to be pronucleus-specific and maintained a nucleus-specific pattern into adulthood, with the possible exception of Gbx2. Each gene displayed a unique expression pattern in the dorsal thalamus, ventral thalamus, and epithalamus, and no gene was expressed throughout all three divisions or in every nucleus of a division. With the exception of Dlx2, whose expression disappeared at the later time point, all continued to be expressed into adulthood at higher levels and with identical patterns. Despite late appearance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of mice, no Dlx genes, which promote formation of a GABAergic phenotype elsewhere, were detected in dorsal thalamus. Each thalamic nucleus was distinguished by expression of a combination of genes, and homologous nuclei in mouse and monkey exhibited the same combination. The presence of a centre median nucleus and four pulvinar nuclei in monkeys was marked by patterns of expression not found in mice. The centre median nucleus was marked by high expression of Id2, which was expressed only weakly in very few nuclei of mice.
Informal and formal care for the elderly: decision determinants and their implications.

In this article, a model is developed of the determinants of elderly health care choice between the options of informal care (i.e., provided by family and friends) and formal care (i.e., care provided via the market). These determinants are: Expertise Capacity, Resource Capacity, Time Capacity, Economic Rewards, Psychic Rewards, Trust, and Control. This model is based on the theoretical work of Lusch, Brown, and Brunswick (1992) in the marketing literature and a variety of empirical findings in health care literature. The Lusch et al. (1992) framework models the general determinants of an entity's choice between fulfilling needs on their own (i.e., internal exchange or self-production) or going to the market to fulfill their needs (i.e., external exchange). The goal of this article is to develop understanding of formal care and informal care use decisions, and to create managerial recommendations based on a sound theoretical understanding of the issues.
Assessment in rats of the gonadotoxic and hepatorenal toxic potential of dibromochloropropane (DBCP) in drinking water

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to assess the potential of ingested 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) to cause testicular and hepatorenal injury, in light of the paucity of data applicable to risk assessment of DBCP in drinking water. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were supplied ad libitum with water containing 0, 5, 50, 100, and 200 ppm DBCP for 64 days. A dose-related decrease in water consumption occurred during the study. The 200-ppm animals drank less than half as much water as controls, consumed less food, and subsequently exhibited significantly lower body weight gain. DBCP ingestion thus was not directly proportional to the level of chemical in the water, although daily and cumulative intake of DCP were concentration dependent. Average daily intake of DBCP for the 64-day exposure period was as follows: 5 ppm = 0.4 mg/kg/day; 50 ppm = 3.3 mg/kg/day; 100 ppm = 5.4 mg/kg/day; 200 ppm = 9.7 mg/kg/day. Blood samples were taken after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of exposure and at the terminal sacrifice and assayed for serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and ornithine-carbamyl transferase activities and BUN levels. No evidence of liver damage at any exposure level was indicated by either the clinical chemistry indices or histopathology. Histologic examination revealed an apparent increase in the number of nuclei per renal proximal tubule cross-section in the 200-ppm group, possibly indicative of an increased turnover of proximal tubular cells. A slight, but statistically significant, decrease in absolute testicular weight was manifest in the 200-ppm animals, although the decrease was not significant when testicular weight was calculated as g/100 g body wt. Epididymal sperm counts and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and intratesticular testosterone levels were not altered by any dose of DBCP. A qualitative histopathological examination of the testicular seminiferous epithelium failed to reveal any abnormalities in the spermatogenic process.
Colorado potato beetle manipulates plant defenses in local and systemic leaves.

Herbivore microbial associates can affect diverse interactions between plants and insect herbivores. Some insect symbionts enable herbivores to expand host plant range or to facilitate host plant use by modifying plant physiology. However, little attention has been paid to the role of herbivore-associated microbes in manipulating plant defenses. We have recently shown that Colorado potato beetle secrete the symbiotic bacteria to suppress plant defenses. The bacteria in oral secretions from the beetle hijack defense signaling pathways of host plants and the suppression of induced plant defenses benefits the beetle’s performance. While the defense suppression by the beetle-associated bacteria has been investigated in local damaged leaves, little is known about the effects of the symbiotic bacteria on the manipulation of plant defenses in systemic undamaged leaves. Here, we demonstrate that the symbiotic bacteria suppress plant defenses in both local and systemic tissues when plants are attacked by antibioti...
Absence of cell-surface annexin V is accompanied by defective collagen matrix binding in the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma

Annexin V has been characterized as a major collagen type II binding cell-surface component of normal chondrocytes and is also called anchorin CII in chondrogenic populations. Herein we present evidence that in vitro cultured Swarm rat chondrosarcoma cells are not capable of binding collagen type II in significant quantities to their surfaces, as compared to normal rat chondrocytes. This finding coincides with a deficiency of annexin V on the surface of these cells. A small quantity of an intracellular polypeptide could be detected which is immunologically cross-reactive with annexin V but displayed a mobility in SDS-PAGE of less than 34 kD compared to the M(r) 36 kD of intact rat annexin V. By immunohistochemistry the protein could be localized in the cytoplasm of in vitro and in vivo grown tumor cells. By reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis, a regular-sized mRNA for annexin V could be detected in the chondrosarcoma cells that is expressed in only slightly lower quantities than in normal chondrocytes. Taken together, the data suggest a modified processing or turnover for annexin V in the chondrosarcoma excluding it from being a functionally active collagen type II binding protein. The findings support the hypothesis of cell-surface annexin V as a key component for the formation of the pericellular matrix of chondrocytes.
Preliminary Results on Identification of an Electro-Thermal Model for Low Temperature and High Power Operation of Cylindrical Double Layer Ultracapacitors

The capability of ultracapacitors in delivering high power at low temperature applications such as cold starting is the motivation of this paper. A two state equivalent electric circuit model coupled with a two state thermal model is defined and parameterized to develop a four state control oriented electro-thermal model for cylindrical double layer ultracapacitors. The proposed two state equivalent electric circuit model mimics the terminal voltage dynamics and could be used to evaluate the power capability and efficiency of the cell. The electric model parameters are estimated by pulse- relaxation tests for sub-zero temperatures as low as -40 °C. The two state thermal model provides a tool to estimate the surface and core temperature dynamics. The two models are then coupled through the reversible plus irreversible heat generation and also via temperature dependence of the equivalent circuit model parameters. The modeled terminal voltage and surface temperature dynamics are in good agreement with experimental observations for fixed environmental temperature with forced air cooling. I. INTRODUCTION Electric double layer capacitors (EDLC) are the premier electrochemical devices in terms of power density, long cycle life, and extreme temperature operation. Materials used for the electrode range from activated carbon to metal oxides and polymers. The electrolyte could be either aqueous or non-aqueous depending on the materials and application. The high power capability arises from the low equivalent series resistance (ESR) as a result of high electrolyte conductivity, low electronic resistance of the electrode and the interface between electrodes and current collectors. Formation of electric double layers at the interface of the electrode and electrolyte is due to electrostatic forces and as no chemical or phase changes occurs, the process is highly reversible and the charge-discharge cycle can be repeated virtually without limit (1). Higher capacity in EDLC compared to dielectric capacitors is achieved by increasing the surface area using porous electrodes with an extremely large internal effective surface (2). In real world application of ultracapacitors, it's vital to predict the electrical and thermal dynamics in a real time manner in order to meet the performance requirements of the load while maintaining the module in safe operating
Evidence that judgments of learning are causally related to study choice.

Three experiments investigated whether study choice was directly related to judgments of learning (JOLs) by examining people’s choices in cases in which JOLs were dissociated from recall. In Experiment 1, items were given either three repetitions or one repetition on Trial 1. Items given three repetitions received one on Trial 2, and those given one repetition received three on Trial 2—equating performance at the end of Trial 2, but yielding different immediate Trial 2 JOLs. Study choice followed the “illusory” JOLs. A delayed JOL condition in Experiment 2 did not show this JOL bias and neither did study choice. Finally, using a paradigm (Koriat & Bjork, 2005) in which similar JOLs are given to forward and backward associative pairs, despite much worse performance on the backward pairs, study choice again followed the mistaken JOLs. We concluded that JOLs—what people believe they know—directly influence people’s study choices.
Stable-Isotope Dilution GC-MS for Determination of Toluene in Submilliliter Volumes of Whole Blood

II Abstract I An accurate and sensitive yet simple protocol for the analysis of toluene in submilliliter quantities of whole blood using stableisotope dilution GC-MS has been developed and evaluated for use in pharmacoklnetic studies of toluene exposure. The method involves the use of toluene-ds, a relatively inexpensive chemical used as a solvent for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as an internal standard and extraction with pentane. This procedure allows for the determination of toluene in whole blood down to approximately 5 ng/mL and is suitable for pharmacokinetic
β-D-Phosphogalactoside Galactohydrolase of Lactic Streptococci

β-D-Phosphogalactoside galactohydrolase (β-Pgal) was examined in a number of lactic streptococci by use of the chromogenic substrate o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside-6-phosphate. Specific activity of β-Pgal ranged from 0.563 units/mg of protein in Streptococcus lactis UN, to 0.120 in S. diacetilactics 18-16. Essentially no β-D-galactoside galactohydrolase (β-gal) was found in these organisms when o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside served as the chromogenic substrate. S. lactis 7962 was the one exception found. This organism contained rather high levels of β-gal, and very little β-Pgal could be detected. β-Pgal activity was examined in streptococci that differed widely in both their proteolytic ability and rates of lactic acid production during growth in milk. Differences in proteolytic ability did not influence β-Pgal synthesis; also, the rate of lactic acid production was independent of the level of β-Pgal present in the cell, since the rate of lactic acid production could be increased approximately fourfold without changing the amount of β-Pgal present in the cell. Various carbohydrates were tested as potential inducers of the enzyme. Although galactose, either as the free sugar or combined with glucose in lactose, was the only inducer, noninducing sugars such as mannose or glucose showed some ability to cause fluctuations in the basal level of β-Pgal. Cells growing in mannose or glucose exhibited about 30% of the maximal enzyme levels found in cells growing in lactose or galactose. No gratuitous inducers were found.
Multifunctional Polypeptide EQCN Sensors: Probing the Cysteamine-Glutathione Film Permeability with Hg(II) Ions.

Multifunctional films are the basis of biosensors and play an important role in the emerging field of nanobioelectronics. In this work, films of a tripeptide glutathione (GSH) immobilized on a self-assembled monolayer of cysteamine (CA-SAM) on a quartz crystal Au piezosensor have been synthesized and characterized using electrochemical quartz crystal nanogravimetry (EQCN) with a Hg(II) ion probe. It has been found that in contrast to previously studied Au/GSH films, the Au/CA-GSH films strongly hinder the formation of Hg0 with bulk properties while still allowing for relatively easy permeation by Hg(II) ions. This results in complete disappearance of the sharp Hg0 electrodissolution peak which is observed on bare Au and Au/GSH piezosensors. The multiple-peak anodic behavior of Au/CA and bare Au is replaced by a single high-field anodic peak of mercury reoxidation in the case of Au/CA-GSH sensors. The mass-to-charge plots indicate predominant ingress/egress of Hg(II) to/from the film. The strong hindrance of CA-SAM to bulk-Hg0 formation is attributed to film-stabilizing formation of surface (CA)2Hg2+ complexes with conformation evaluated by ab initio quantum mechanical calculations of electronic structure using Hartree-Fock methods. The associates CA-GSH provide an additional functionality of the side sulfhydryl group which is free for interactions, e.g. with heavy metals. It is proposed that in the film, the CA-GSH molecules can assume open (extended) conformation or bent hydrogen-bonded conformation with up to four possible internal hydrogen bonds.
Exotendons for assistance of human locomotion

Background: Powered robotic exoskeletons for assistance of human locomotion are currently under development for military and medical applications. The energy requirements for such devices are excessive, and this has become a major obstacle for practical applications. Legged locomotion in many animals, however, is very energy efficient. We propose that poly-articular elastic mechanisms are a major contributor to the economy of locomotion in such specialized animals. Consequently, it should be possible to design unpowered assistive devices that make effective use of similar mechanisms. Methods: A passive assistive technology is presented, based on long elastic cords attached to an exoskeleton and guided by pulleys placed at the joints. A general optimization procedure is described for finding the best geometrical arrangement of such "exotendons" for assisting a specific movement. Optimality is defined either as minimal residual joint moment or as minimal residual joint power. Four specific exotendon systems with increasing complexity are considered. Representative human gait data were used to optimize each of these four systems to achieve maximal assistance for normal walking. Results: The most complex exotendon system, with twelve pulleys per limb, was able to reduce the joint moments required for normal walking by 71% and joint power by 74%. A simpler system, with only three pulleys per limb, could reduce joint moments by 46% and joint power by 47%. Conclusion: It is concluded that unpowered passive elastic devices can substantially reduce the muscle forces and the metabolic energy needed for walking, without requiring a change in movement. When optimally designed, such devices may allow independent locomotion in patients with large deficits in muscle function.
Technical note: Non-surgical treatment of epiphora by balloon dacryocystoplasty — the technique

Dacryocystoplasty (DCP) was offered as an alternative to patients waiting for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for epiphora. 31 procedures were undertaken with a technical success rate of 93% and a clinical improvement in 89% of these patients. It is concluded that DCP should be the technique of choice in the initial management of epiphora due to stenosis or occlusions of the nasolacrimal ducts before contemplating a DCR.
Status boundary enforcement and the categorization of black–white biracials

Abstract Individuals who qualify equally for membership in more than one racial group are not judged as belonging equally to both of their parent groups, but instead are seen as belonging more to their lower status parent group. Why? The present paper begins to establish the role of individual differences and social context in hypodescent, the process of assigning multiracials the status of their relatively disadvantaged parent group. Specifically, in two experiments, we found that individual differences in social dominance orientation—a preference for group-based hierarchy and inequality—interacts with perceptions of socioeconomic threat to influence the use of hypodescent in categorizing half-Black, half-White biracial targets. Importantly, this paper begins to establish hypodescent as a “hierarchy-enhancing” social categorization.
A non-leaky Artemis-deficient mouse that accurately models the human severe combined immune deficiency phenotype, including resistance to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract Two Artemis-deficient (mArt-/-) mouse models, generated independently on 129/SvJ backgrounds, have the expected T-B-NK+ severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) phenotype but fail to mimic the human disease because of CD4+ T cell leakiness. Moreover, immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is achieved more readily in these leaky mouse models than in Artemis-deficient humans. To develop a more clinically relevant animal model, we backcrossed the mArt-/- mutation onto the C57Bl/6 (B6) background (99.9%), which resulted in virtually no CD4+ T cell leakiness compared with 129/SvJ mArt+/- mice (0.3% ± 0.25% vs 19.5% ± 15.1%, P
Optimization of Recommender Systems Based on Inventory

We consider subscription-based rental organizations, such as Netflix, where the satisfaction of customers depends on the availability of requested products. Recommender systems, in a DVD-rental context, are typically used to help customers in finding the right movies for them. Accordingly, the focus in recommender system research is generally on making better predictions of users' ratings. In contrast, we focus on better utilizing these rating estimates in the operations of DVD-rental firms. We show that a more explicit consideration of inventory level and future demand can help the firms better manage demand, and can increase the number of satisfied customers substantially. However, if the uncertainty regarding inventory levels is high, the performance of one of our proposed approaches may be worse than the prevalent industry practice under certain conditions. We discuss these conditions and propose a quick recipe for dealing with high levels of variation in inventory estimation. We show that when it is not possible to estimate inventory levels reliably, it is better to underestimate rather than overestimate. Other findings include the trade-off between the short-term profitability of the firms and long-term customer trust; and the effect of variation in rating estimates on the quality of our solution approaches.
Characterization of Iron-Imido Species Relevant for N-Group Transfer Chemistry.

A sterically accessible tert-butyl-substituted dipyrrinato di-iron(II) complex [(tBuL)FeCl]2 possessing two bridging chloride atoms was synthesized from the previously reported solvento adduct. Upon treatment with aryl azides, the formation of high-spin FeIII species was confirmed by 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Crystallographic characterization revealed two possible oxidation products: (1) a terminal iron iminyl from aryl azides bearing ortho isopropyl substituents, (tBuL)FeCl(•NC6H3-2,6-iPr2); or (2) a bridging di-iron imido arising from reaction with 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aryl azide, [(tBuL)FeCl]2(μ-NC6H3-3,5-(CF3)2). Similar to the previously reported (ArL)FeCl(•NC6H4-4-tBu), the monomeric iron imido is best described as a high-spin FeIII antiferromagnetically coupled to an iminyl radical, affording an S = 2 spin state as confirmed by SQUID magnetometry. The di-iron imido possesses an S = 0 ground state, arising from two high-spin FeIII centers weakly antiferromagnetically coupled through the bridgi...
Laboratory Studies of Feeding and Oviposition Preferences of Anthonomus grandis Boh.

Boll weevils ( Anthonomus grandis Boh.) were offered the choice of flower buds from two strains of Upland cotton, Strain #50 which carries the normal complement of resin glands and two genetic factors for hairiness, and Strain #6 which is completely glandless and has glabrous buds. Weevils found buds of Strain #50 more readily than those of Strain #6, this preference being exhibited both in continuous light and in dark conditions, and also being unaffected by removal of the conspicuous bracteoles. There was no significant difference in the ability of the weevils to feed and oviposit on the two strains when no choice was offered, but with choice available the weevils showed a marked feeding preference in favor of Strain #6 and, on the contrary, a preference in favor of Strain #50 for oviposition. The feeding preference became weaker as the food supply was used up. The following provisional interpretation of these results is suggested. The presence of glands is an important factor in attracting the weevils to the cotton plant, and probably is of importance in stimulating oviposition. Glands have little effect on feeding. Hairiness of the flower buds discourages feeding when an alternative choice of glabrous buds is available.
Lack of musicality? Explaining anomalies in some senior Korean Christians’ hymn singing

AbstractThis article launches an inquiry into the ways in which some senior Korean Christians sing Protestant hymns at a Korean church in Cleveland, OH. The majority of the church members sing hymns as they are written; several older members (aged 65 or over) born in rural Korea, however, systematically transform them. The older singers tend to turn any diatonic hymn into a pentatonic melody, lowering fa down to mi and pulling ti up to do. Drawing on a variety of disciplines such as music theory, psychology, ethnography, and cultural history, I propose categorical perception as a key to understanding melodic transformation. Even though the piano accompanist at the church—who is rigidly Western music oriented—criticizes the older singers for their lack of musicality, numerous psychological studies suggest that the older Korean singers transform the hymns, precisely because they are musically trained, albeit in regional Korean folk singing practices. My fieldwork at the Annual Hymn Competition and my interv...
Duality in Least Squares Theory

This paper derives the dual specification of the least-squares method. It turns out that the error terms in the primal version of a linear statistical model assume the role of dual variables in the dual specification. This is a case of self-duality. The interpretation of the dual model corresponds to the maximization of the value of sample information.
Micropuncture studies of chloride and bicarbonate absorption in the proximal renal tubule of the rat in respiratory acidosis and in chloride depletion.

1. Micropuncture studies of chloride and bicarbonate absorption in the proximal tubule under free flow conditions were performed during exposure to 12% CO 2 in air, during recovery from CO 2 on a low chloride diet with and without concomitant sodium restriction, and during re-exposure to 12% CO 2 in air with continuing chloride restriction. 2. After 3 hr of exposure to CO 2 there was a significant increase in the TF/P Cl (ratio of tubular fluid to plasma chloride) in the proximal tubule and a significant increase in urinary chloride excretion with a drop in the plasma chloride. Maximum plasma bicarbonate and TF/P Cl levels were reached at 24 hr with no further increase after 48 hr exposure to CO 2 . Bicarbonate absorption in the proximal tubule formed a reciprocal pattern to chloride absorption. 3. It is concluded, in conjunction with the accompanying balance experiments of Luke et al. (1970), that a rising TF/P Cl in the proximal tubule correlates with increasing proximal tubular absorption of bicarbonate, a rising plasma bicarbonate, and an increasing urinary acid excretion, but not necessarily with external chloride balance, which is regulated by a more distal site in the nephron. In respiratory acidosis and chloride depletion the TF/P Cl in the proximal tubule reflects the intratubular dynamics which influence bicarbonate absorption.
SiO 2 Film Thickness Determination on Silicon Using Dual-Angle Imaging

Dual-angle imaging is a method that can be used to leverage color change versus incident angle to determine the physical thickness of a thin film using a digital camera.
12 Regulation of Sulfur Metabolism in Filamentous Fungi

Filamentous fungi provide a useful model for understanding the mechanisms of how organisms adjust to nutrient availability in order to avoid deficiencies of needed macro- and microelements. In particular, sulfur represents an essential low-abundance element that is found in a wide variety of compounds and macromolecules that are necessary for routine cellular functions. A particular focus will be on how filamentous fungi use a complex regulatory network to monitor the cellular sulfur status and respond with appropriate acquisition and/or metabolic remodeling strategies to achieve relatively stable levels. The emphasis here will be on the sulfur regulatory system of Neurospora crassa with included discussion of other fungal species.
The Use of DNA Probes for Rapidly Identifying Cultures of Mycobacterium

There has been an explosion of new technology for the rapid, specific identification of many microorganisms pathogenic for humans. These new methods have been especially welcomed in the mycobacteriology laboratory, plagued by long bacterial generation times that translated into specific identification periods measured in months. The race to develop these methods and to make them easy to perform and the secrecy surrounding new patent applications for some of the unique procedures employed have spawned such terms as “dipstick- or black box-technology” to describe these welcome additions to diagnostic microbiology.
III-Nitride devices on Si: Challenges and opportunities

The ability to heteroepitaxially deposit high quality III-Nitride semiconductor layers on Si substrates is of great interest because of the numerous advantages offered by Si substrates: low cost, large-scale availability with high quality, good thermal and electrical conductivities as well as the possibility for integration with Si-based electronics.
Kinetic energy harvesting using improved eccentric rotor architecture for wearable sensors

This paper presents an energy harvester based on an improved eccentric rotor to generate electrical power from human body motion. An eccentric mass is suspended by a rotational spring to enhance the mechanical energy captured from low and random frequencies. An analytical model of the sprung eccentric rotor is developed to explore the power generation at a volume of 1 cm3. To compare with the conventional eccentric rotor, the sprung eccentric rotor was simulated with the real walking data measured from five different subjects. The sprung eccentric rotor generates double the average power output compared to the conventional one under optimal electrical damping and spring constant.
Radiometric Quantitation of PAIgG Stratified Treatment Response in ITP Patients.

Abstract Because treatment response in ITP is variable, it would be useful to be able to assess which patients are likely to respond to conventional treatment. Toward this goal we correlated the number of platelet surface IgG molecules measured with a quantitative radiometric platelet antibody assay (PAIgG) with treatment related changes in platelet count. We tested the hypothesis that patients' response to conventional treatment could be stratified based on quantitation of the patients' PAIgG. Data was obtained via a retrospective chart review. Patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), age 18 or older with an initial platelet count of 1,000 m/plt 16 had platelet counts of 1000 m/plt exhibited a significantly greater increase in platelet count μ=73,000 ±92,000 as compared to those with PAIgG levels ≤1000 m/plt, μ=18,000 ±43,000 (p=0.03). Although a PAIgG level of 500 m/plt is 3 standard deviations above the mean of normals, a greater response to treatment was noted in patients if their PAIgG level was >1000 m/plt. Patients with PAIgG levels between 500 and 1000 m/plt respond in a similar fashion to those with PAIgG levels 1000 m/plt received conventional treatment (19/33 vs. 10/31; p 1,000 m/plt platelet counts that are less than 50,000. Those patients whose PAIgG is >1,000 m/plt are more likely to receive treatment and have an increase in platelet count with conventional therapy. We conclude that radiometric quantitation of PAIgG is helpful for predicting a patient's response to therapy.
Spatially-variable carbonation reactions in polycrystalline olivine

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection into olivine-rich mafic and ultramafic rocks is expected to result in the precipitation of divalent metal carbonate minerals, permanently storing the CO 2 underground. Previous experiments that used unconsolidated forsterite (Mg 2 SiO 4 ) particles in experimental investigations of reactions with water and carbon dioxide have been useful for determining the identity, rates of formation, and spatial location of carbonate mineral reaction products. However there remains a need for information regarding the influence of the internal pore structure and grain boundary surfaces on the extent and locations of these reactions in dense aggregates. We conducted several experiments at 100 °C and 100 bar CO 2 using sintered San Carlos olivine (Fo 90 ) and pure forsterite (Fo 100 ) cylinders, and we documented the type and spatial distribution of the reaction products. Timing of carbonation was measured using in-situ 13 C NMR spectroscopy without removing the sample from the reactor. Ex-situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy were used to examine reacted samples and precipitates. Within 15 days, magnesite is observed only on the surface of Fo 90 . After 53 and 102 days of reaction, magnesite and amorphous silica are observed as a crust around the entire Fo 100 cylinder and as isolated layers within the sample. The spatial transition from an amorphous silica layer to the host Fo 100 indicates that the development of amorphous silica did not impede further forsterite dissolution. While earlier studies documented localized reactions at the grain scale, the development of distinct zones of magnesite and amorphous silica suggest that divalent metal cations are mobile during carbonation of olivine. Grain boundaries, pore structure, and geochemical gradients strongly influence the locations of silicate mineral dissolution and carbonate mineral precipitation even in the absence of advective transport or confinement. The clear spatial distribution of precipitates observed in this study indicates that carbonation in heterogeneous reservoirs may be strongly affected by grain-scale microstructure.
Do you see what I see? Optical morphology and visual capability of 'disco' clams (Ctenoides ales).

ABSTRACT The ‘disco’ clam Ctenoides ales (Finlay, 1927) is a marine bivalve that has a unique, vivid flashing display that is a result of light scattering by silica nanospheres and rapid mantle movement. The eyes of C. ales were examined to determine their visual capabilities and whether the clams can see the flashing of conspecifics. Similar to the congener C. scaber, C. ales exhibits an off-response (shadow reflex) and an on-response (light reflex). In field observations, a shadow caused a significant increase in flash rate from a mean of 3.9 Hz to 4.7 Hz (P=0.0016). In laboratory trials, a looming stimulus, which increased light intensity, caused a significant increase in flash rate from a median of 1.8 Hz to 2.2 Hz (P=0.0001). Morphological analysis of the eyes of C. ales revealed coarsely-packed photoreceptors lacking sophisticated structure, resulting in visual resolution that is likely too low to detect the flashing of conspecifics. As the eyes of C. ales are incapable of perceiving conspecific flashing, it is likely that their vision is instead used to detect predators.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Physical and Numerical Parameters in the Poisson–Boltzmann Equation for Applications to Receptor–Ligand Binding

The prediction of ligand-binding affinities to biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, is a highly sought-after property in computational biophysics. In recent years, the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) methodology has been widely adopted by the scientific community as an approach to obtain binding free energies. The application of the method to a range of biologically relevant systems can be attributed to its lower computational cost compared to alchemical free energy calculations, and recent developments in the software that make the method fairly easy to use. However, reports have shown that with this increased adoption by the scientific community, the error reported between computational predictions and experimental measurements has also increased. This increase in error may be attributed to incorrect or less rigorous usage of the underlying theories, particularly the PB implicit solvent model. The PB equation can seem trivial, yet in its application to biological systems it has a range of physical and numerical parameters to which its solution is highly sensitive. We comprehensively tested different parameters on three biological systems: Trypanosoma brucei RNA editing ligase–adenosine triphosphate, neuraminidase–oseltamivir, and DNA-netropsin complexes. In this chapter, we highlight the most notable of these parameters and propose practical guidelines for a handful of the most commonly utilized PB solvers.
Sustaining Communities of Practice Focused on STEM Reform

The purpose of this article is to describe the strategies that four undergraduate faculty science, technology, engineering, and mathematics reform communities of practice use to sustain themselves ...
Sectarianism and Social Conformity: Evidence from Egypt:

Why might citizens adopt exaggerated public antagonism toward outgroups? When this is so, how much do public and private attitudes diverge? I argue that expanding exclusionary rhetoric against outg...
Leveraging Experiential Learning to Encourage Role Transition from "Student" to "Professional": Insights from Identity Theory.

Drawing on identity theory, this conceptual inquiry posits a need to redefine the standard that individuals use to judge themselves as a “business student.” Learners will be more likely to succeed ...