cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential efficacy of spider mite-resistant genes in maize testcrosses

Tropically adapted maize (Zea mays L) germplasm resistant to spider mite species (Acari: Tetranychidae) may contribute to host plant-resistant hybrids for western Great Plains States where spider mite populations are an economic problem. This study evaluated (1) the efficacy of seven mite-resistant maize inbred lines as sources of resistance in testcrosses with B73 and Mo17 and (2) the agronomic performance of F1 hybrids. Mite-resistant lines (S1–S5, S7, and S9), susceptible check inbred lines (B73 and Mo17), testcrosses between resistant and susceptible lines, and susceptible test hybrids (B73×Mo17 and Pioneer hybrid 34K77) were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications at Halfway, TX in 1997, 1998, and 2002 and at Lubbock, TX in 2001 and 2002. Resistance was evaluated for differences in spider mite infestations and feeding damage following augmented infestations just prior to tassel. Weekly samples showed that mite infestations and damages among genotypes varied greatly across weeks and between locations and years. Total mite densities, total damage ratings, mite per damage ratios (M/D), and a seasonal damage ratio (SDR) were calculated from weekly samples. The combined analysis of variance showed that environment, entry, environment × entry interaction was significant for total mite density. Environment and entries were significant for total damage ratings, M/D, and SDR. Testcrosses (S2×B73, S3×B73, S9×B73, S1×Mo17, S2×Mo17, and S3×Mo17, S4×Mo17, S5×Mo17, and S9×Mo17) had significantly lower mite damage than the check hybrid, B73×Mo17, at the P<0.05 level. Damage to testcrosses S1×B73, S5×B73, and S7×Mo17 were significantly different (P<0.01) from the check hybrid, B73×Mo17 and the testcross S7×B73 had a highly significant reduction in damage (P<0.001). Broad-sense heritability estimates indicated a large portion of resistance for these selection criteria were associated to genetic factors. Resistant testcrosses provided greater protection from spider mite feeding than did check hybrids across all environments.
Astrocytic volume fluctuates in the hippocampal CA1 region across the estrous cycle

The number of dendritic spine synapses in the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum fluctuates across the rat estrous cycle, being high on proestrus and low on estrus [20]. We hypothesized that the volume occupied by astrocytic processes changes in a complementary manner. The volume fraction of astrocytic processes was determined stereologically in CA1 s. radiatum and s. lacunosum-moleculare of cycling female rats. Consistent with our hypothesis, the volume fraction was significantly lower on the afternoon of proestrus than on the afternoon of estrus in both laminae.
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein induction in rat brain following focal ischemia

The induction of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein, also called HSP32, was compared to HSP70 heat shock protein induction following focal ischemia. Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats (n = 14) were subjected to either 30 min or 2 h of focal cerebral ischemia using the suture, middle-cerebral-artery (MCA) occlusion model. Controls (n = 4) had sham surgery. Following 24 h of reperfusion, subjects were killed and their brains stained immunocytochemically for HO-1 and the HSP70 heat shock proteins. One day following 30 min of ischemia, HO-1 and HSP70 staining in striatum occurred mainly in endothelial cells in infarcts and in glial cells surrounding the areas of infarction. Following the 30 min ischemia HO-1 was not induced in cortex whereas HSP70 was induced in cortical neurons in the MCA distribution. One day following 2 h of MCA ischemia, both HO-1 and HSP70 were induced in neurons in cortex in the MCA distribution. HO-1, however, was induced in glial cells throughout ipsilateral cortex, inside as well as outside the MCA distribution. This suggests that translation and/or transcription of the HO-1 and HSP70 genes are blocked in neurons and glia destined to die within infarcts, whereas translation of these stress genes continues in the endothelial cells. The duration of ischemia required to induce HSP70 in cortical neurons appears to be less than that required to induce HO-1 in cortical glia. Prolonged spreading depression and/or diffuse hemispheric ischemia may induce HO-1 in glia throughout the ipsilateral cortex via immediate early gene activation of the AP-1 site in the HO-1 promoter. Since HO-1 degrades heme, a pro-oxidant, to antioxidant molecules, the induction of HO-1 may augment oxidative defense mechanisms compromised by cerebral ischemia.
Negative pions in radiotherapy: a brief review.

Abstract The frequency and energy distribution of fast-neutron interaction products such as protons, alpha particles, and heavy recoils and those arising from negative pion absorption processes are similar. Because of these similarities in radiation quality of negative pions and fast neutrons in the treatment volume, the therapeutic experience of fast neutrons is relevant for negative pions as well. However, in the case of negative pions, dose deposited in the treatment volume extends to much lower LET values than for fast neutrons because a significant fraction of the dose is deposited by energy losses of negative pions. The biological effectiveness for nearly monoenergetic negative pions at the peak of the depth-dose distribution was found to be significantly higher than at the entrance. For pion beams of larger momentum spread that are therapeutically relevant, the differences in biological effectiveness are reduced considerably; however, a significant reduction in OER still can be expected. Considerable changes in biological effectiveness within the peak region have been found. These changes will be reduced when opposed fields of negative pions are used. Although the current knowledge on biological effects sheds some light regarding what to expect when negative pion beams are used in therapy, more work needs to be done with intense negative pion beams before its possible therapeutic use.
Accurate predictions of parallel program execution time

Abstract It has been difficult to develop simple formulations to predict the execution time of parallel programs due to the complexity of characterizing parallel hardware and software. In an attempt to clarify these characterizations, we introduce a methodology for applying a simple performance model based on Amdahl′s law. Our formulation results in accurate predictions of execution time on available systems, allowing programmers to select the optimal number of processors to apply to a particular problem or to select an appropriate problem size for the number of processors available. In short, we accurately quantify the scalability of a specific algorithm when it is run on a specific parallel computer. Our predictions are based on simple experiments that characterize machine performance and on a simple analysis of the parallel program. We illustrate our method for a program executed on a Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor with 20 processors. Our predictions closely match experimental results, differing by no more than 5% from the actual execution times. Our results illustrate key performance limitations of parallel systems, showing the impact of overhead and the scaling of problem size.
A wave model of near wakes

A new model for the near-wake studies is presented. It pertains to a tenuous plasma medium with negligible magnetic field effects. The wake-generating body moves at a mesothermal speed, i.e., intermediate between the thermal speeds of ions and electrons of the ambient plasma which is bithermal (Ti less than Te) and has a Debye length much smaller than the body size. The model is constructed by using the concept that the cavity left by a rapidly moving body acts as a generator of finite-amplitude ion acoustic waves which are excited by an initial discontinuity of plasma density at the leading edge of the cavity. This ionic wave motion, represented by fluid equations, is represented approximately by the time dependent one-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries equation. Numerical and analytic solutions are both given.
3D Velocity and Scalar Field Measurements of an Airfoil Trailing Edge With Slot Film Cooling: The Effect of an Internal Structure in the Slot

Measurements of the 3D velocity and concentration fields were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging for a pressure side cutback film cooling experiment. The cutback geometry consisted of rectangular slots separated by straight lands; inside each of the slots was an airfoil-shaped blockage. The results from this trailing edge configuration, the “island airfoil,” are compared to the results obtained with the “generic airfoil,” a geometry with narrower slots, wider, tapered lands, and no blockages. The objective was to determine how the narrower lands and internal blockages affected the average film cooling effectiveness and the spanwise uniformity. Velocimetry data revealed that strong horseshoe vortices formed around the blockages in the slots, which resulted in greater coolant non-uniformity on the airfoil breakout surface and in the wake. The thinner lands of the island airfoil allowed the coolant to cover a larger fraction of the trailing edge span, giving a much higher spanwise-averaged surface effectiveness, especially near the slot exit where the generic airfoil lands are widest.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUTE REHABILITATION SERVICES INGERIATRIC EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT UNITS

As pressure for cost containment has mounted and the US population ages, causing increased levels of disability among the population and a greater focus on quality of life and rehabilitation after acute illness, the emphasis on acute rehabilitation services has increased. Acute rehabilitation services include many programs, and the field is changing rapidly along several dimensions, some of which are explored. In such a complex and fluid situation, a definitive overview is impossible, but some useful remarks are attempted.
The propulsion by large amplitude waves of uniflagellar micro-organisms of finite length

The fluid mechanics of self-propelling, slender uniflagellar micro-organisms is examined theoretically. The mathematical analysis of these motions is based upon the Stokes equations, and the body is represented by a continuous distribution of stokeslets and doublets of undetermined strength. Since the body is self-propelling, additional constraints on the total force and moment upon it are applied. A system of singular integral and auxiliary equations, in which the propulsive velocity and viscous force per unit length are the unknowns, is derived. The vector integral equation is decomposed into near- and far-field contributions, and the solution is determined by a straightforward iterative procedure. The flagella considered are of constant radius and are restricted to planar undulations. The analysis is applied to a small amplitude wave form of infinite length, and a third-order analytic solution is obtained. By means of numerical computation, the method is extended to large amplitude wave forms of both infinite and finite length. The validity and accuracy of the solution method, the effect of local curvature, and an approximate model for an attached cell body-proper are evaluated in light of alternative theories. The solution method is systematically applied to a variety of wave-form shapes representative of actual flagella. For a sinusoidal wave form, the variations in propulsive velocity, power output and propulsive efficiency are examined as functions of the number of wavelengths on the flagellum, the amplitude and the flagellar radius. Wave forms of variable amplitude and variable wavelength are also considered. Among the significant results are the effect of the cell body on pitching, the significant differences between constant frequency and constant phase-speed undulations for variable wavelength wave forms, and comparisons with other pertinent theories.
Recurrent hypoglycemia reduces the glucose sensitivity of glucose-inhibited neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus nucleus

Recurrent hypoglycemia blunts the brain's ability to sense and respond to subsequent hypoglycemic episodes. Glucose-sensing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus nucleus (VMN) are well situated ...
Numerical solution for the velocity-derivative skewness of a low Reynolds-number turbulent-like decaying Navier-Stokes flow

The variation of the velocity-derivative skewness of a Navier-Stokes flow as the Reynolds number goes toward zero is calculated numerically. The value of the skewness, which has been somewhat controversial, is shown to become small at low Reynolds numbers.
Understanding the landscapes of stories: the association between preschoolers’ narrative comprehension and production skills and cognitive abilities

Seventy‐two African‐American and European American low‐income preschoolers attending Head Start and community childcare centres were asked to create an oral story using a wordless picture book, then told an oral story using the same book and asked follow‐up comprehension questions. Children’s performance was better on questions addressing the character’s actions versus his motives/intentions. Five‐year‐olds outperformed three‐year‐olds, and African‐Americans outperformed European Americans on questions about the character’s motives/intentions. After controlling for children’s age and ethnicity, the only narrative skill that predicted cognitive abilities was narrative quality: children who created narratives that included the character’s motives/intentions had higher cognitive skills.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE BOVINE TYPE II IL-1 RECEPTOR

Abstract The purpose of this study was to clone and characterize the bovine IL-1rII. Using a human IL-1rII probe, three putative exons of the bovine IL-1rII were identified from a bovine genomic library. The full length cDNA for bovine IL-1rII was cloned from a bovine endometrial cDNA library using oligonucleotides designed from those exons. The nucleotide sequence of the bovine IL-1rII cDNA has 79, 69 and 69% identity with those of human, mouse and rat IL-1rII, respectively. The bovine IL-1rII contains an open reading frame encoding 400 amino acids with a predicted amino acid sequence of 71, 58, and 59% identity with those of human, mouse and rat IL-1rII, respectively. Transient transfection of COS cells with the cloned bovine IL-1rII cDNA resulted in specific binding of bovine IL-1β, with a K d of 1.82 × 10 −10 M. At least two transcripts of bovine IL-1rII were identified from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), liver, and fetal thymocytes by Northern blot analysis. The relative proportion of these transcripts varied with cell type. In addition, bovine IL-1rII transcripts were detected by RT-PCR in stimulated and unstimulated neutrophils, fibroblasts and splenocytes. The results of this study provide the first characterization of bovine IL-1rII at a molecular level.
Inequality in landed wealth in nineteenth-century Ontario: structure and access

Malgre l'importance de la question pour l'interpretation de l'histoire de l'Ontario, on sait peu de choses sur l'acces a la propriete fonciere au Canada au 19e siecle. Grece a un echantillon de donnees manuscrites du recensement de 1871, le regime foncier ontarien de l'epoque a pu etre analyse. Vues en ‘coupe,’ les donnees semblent indiquer de profondes differences entre classes sociales. Cependant, quand on les regroupe par classe d'âge, on constate un niveau tres eleve d'acces h la propriete des terres. En effet, a l'âge de 50 ans, plus de 85 pour cent des agriculteurs adultes etaient proprietaires de leurs terres. Il en va de meme pour les inegalites quant a la taille de proprietes. Les auteurs concluent qu'on peut dire en general que les structures de classe se sont reproduites malgre ce processus plutot fluide d'accession a la propriete fonciere au cours du cycle de vie des individus. Pour eux, la combinaison de ces deux phenomenes signifie que le regime foncier n'a pas connu de veritable ‘crise’ comme l'ont affirme certains chercheurs. We know very little about access to land in 19th-century Canada, despite the question's importance to interpretations of Ontario's past. A provincial sample of census manuscript data allows analysis of landholding patterns in Ontario in 1871. In cross-section there appears to be a deep class division. But age patterns reveal very considerable access to land. By age 50, over 85 per cent of adult farmers were owners. Many non-farmers owned or rented land. Among the few women heads of households, surprising numbers were owners. Similar patterns characterize the size inequality of landholding. In general, fluid processes of life-cycle land acquisition reproduced stable structures of inequality. The combination implies no true ‘crisis’ of the landed social formation as others have argued.
Effect of inorganic phosphate in hypoxemic chronic obstructive lung disease patients during exercise.

We have shown that normal subjects exercise more efficiently with increased plasma phosphate, presumably due to decreased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and thus enhanced tissue O 2 extraction. We subjected nine stable hypoxemic COLD patients to exercise at 0 (control), 24 (experimental) and 48 hrs (recovery) after phosphate infusion. Baseline variables were identical for each time period. Exercise responses at 0 and 48 hours were also indistinguishable. Exercise response at 24 hrs differed from those at 0 and 48 hours as follows: widening of A-V O 2 content difference was more pronounced (28±6 vs 15±6 ml/L, p 2 extraction was larger (14±3 vs 8±3 percent, p 50 and related variables did not change during the course of the study. Thus, like normal subjects, hypoxemic patients stimulated with phosphate administration can exercise perhaps more efficiently; but, in contrast to normal subjects, this effect cannot be attributed to changes in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity. These data suggest that phosphate administration may be beneficial in hypoxemic states where adequate tissue oxygenation cannot be achieved by other more conventional methods. The mechanism of this effect remains to be elucidated.
Hypothyroid-like alterations in testosterone metabolism in anorexia nervosa.

Abstract The metabolism of 14C-testosterone was studied in 8 severely underweight young women with anorexia nervosa. The urinary androsterone/etiocholanolone (A/E) ratio was uniformly low, in a range characteristic of hypothyroidism; the patients also showed low plasma concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3). Clinical remission as manifested by weight gain was accompanied by concomitant increases of the A/E ratio and the plasma T, concentration to or toward normal. The administration of T3 also resulted in a shift of the A/E ratio toward normal. These data demonstrate that the low plasma T3 concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa may be related to the development of one of the characteristic biochemical abnormalities found in clinical hypothyroidism, namely a decreased A/E ratio. These data suggest that the “low T3 syndrome” may be associated with biochemical hypothyroidism.
In situ quantitative imaging of cellular lipids using molecular sensors

Membrane lipids are dynamic molecules that play important roles in cell signalling and regulation, but an in situ imaging method for quantitatively tracking lipids in living cells is lacking at present. Here, we report a new chemical method of quantitative lipid imaging using sensors engineered by labelling proteins with an environmentally sensitive fluorophore. A prototype sensor for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2))--a key signalling lipid in diverse cellular processes--was generated by covalently attaching a single 2-dimethylamino-6-acyl-naphthalene group to the N-terminal α-helix of the engineered epsin1 ENTH domain, a protein that selectively binds PtdIns(4,5)P(2). The sensor allows robust and sensitive in situ quantitative imaging in mammalian cells, providing new insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics and fluctuation of this key signalling lipid. Application of the sensor to immune cells reveals the presence of a local threshold PtdIns(4,5)P(2) concentration required for triggering phagocytosis. This sensor strategy is generally applicable to in situ quantification of other cellular lipids.
Hadamard transforms on multiply/add architectures

A new algorithm for computing Hadamard transforms is presented. If n is a power of four, then the new algorithm uses 7/8 n log/sub 2/ n multiply/adds to compute a Hadamard transform of length n. >
On the behaviour of austeno-ferritic stainless steel strip-claddings with respect to intergranular corrosion

Abstract The susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of several austeno-ferritic stainless strip claddings on a pressure vessel steel after stress relief heat treatment has been investigated. With the aid of the normal Strauss test and other test methods it has been shown that even non stabilized layers deposited by the submerged arc welding process can be optimized with respect to their chromium and carbon (and hence ferrite) content such as to ensure sufficient corrosion resistance after annealing at temperatures between 580°C and 620°C. From time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) diagrams it may be concluded that the limiting temperature above which sensitization is no more possible can be essentially lowered by increasing the chromium to carbon ratio without risking sigma phase precipitation. Mechanism leading to the different kinetics of chromium depletion at grain boundaries in wrought austenitic and weld deposited austeno-ferritic stainless steels are discussed.
Thiosemicarbazones, a New Category of Antifertility Compounds for Screw-Worm Flies

Thirty-nine thiosemicarbazones of aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehvdes and ketones were tested as oral chemosterilants of adult Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquercl) less than 24 hours old. When the flies were treated daily for 5 days, isoquinaldaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, picolinaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, and pyrazinecarboxalclehyde thiosemicarbazone, all thiosemicarbazones of heteroaromatic aldehydes, completely sterilized the flies. However, when treatment with these 3 materials was limited to 1 day, fertility was reduced but not inhibited.
Integrating Intelligent Feedback into Block Programming Environments

Block Programming Environments (BPEs) are becoming popular tools for introducing novices to programming, due in part to their connection with students' interests in games, apps and stories. This has led to increasing use of BPEs outside of classroom settings, where knowledgeable instructors are not always available. Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) can keep students on track in the absence of instructors by providing hints and warnings to students in need of help. Further, data-driven techniques can generate this feedback automatically from previous students' attempts at a problem. This research focuses on the integration of this data-driven, ITS-style feedback into a modern BPE and the evaluation of its impact.
Spontaneously released substance P and bradykinin from isolated guinea‐pig bladder

Objectives To investigate whether the isolated urinary bladder spontaneously releases substance P (SP) or bradykinin (BK), which can act as potent mediators of pain and inflammation of the urinary bladder, and whether peptidase inhibitors enhance peptide release. Materials and methods Urinary bladder segments (2×10×0.8–1 mm) were isolated from guinea pigs and studied in vitro; tissue contraction was assessed using force-displacement transducers and the release of peptides by specific enzyme immunoassays. Results In the absence of any exogenous agonists, the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme by phosphoramidon and captopril, respectively, increased the frequency and magnitude of spontaneous motility of isolated bladder strips. Phosphoramidon increased the net release of SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) and captopril increased the net release of SP-LI and BK-LI, concomitant with contraction. Peptide-LI was recovered primarily from bladder mucosa and to a lesser degree from detrusor smooth muscle. Similarly, peptidase inhibitors primarily affected the bladder mucosa; phosphoramidon induced a fourfold increase in SP-LI and captopril induced a significant increase of SP-LI and BK-LI from the mucosa. Tissues contracted in response to peptidase inhibitors in the presence of atropine and indomethacin, but contraction was reduced significantly by in vitro capsaicin desensitization or removal of bladder mucosa. BK stimulated SP-LI release from mucosa but not detrusor. SP stimulated increased BK-LI release from mucosa and detrusor. Conclusions These findings indicate the basal release of peptide-like immunoreactivity by isolated bladder and further support the concept that peptidases located in the bladder mucosa are important in terminating the effects of endogenous peptides.
Expression of α6 and β4 integrin subunits throughout the menstrual cycle: no correlation with uterine receptivity

Abstract Objective: To compare the expression of α6 and β4 integrin subunit levels throughout the menstrual cycle in the endometrium of healthy women and infertile women. Design: Prospective study. Setting: An academic teaching hospital. Patient(s): Endometrium was collected from 58 women, including healthy subjects (n = 28) and patients undergoing diagnostic testing for infertility (n = 30). Intervention(s): Endometrial biopsies were performed throughout the menstrual cycle in healthy women and infertile women. Main Outcome Measure(s): Immunohistochemical staining intensity of α6 and β4 using the semiquantitative immunohistochemical score, compared using regression analysis and analysis of variance with Scheffe's correction. Result(s): There was no correlation between menstrual cycle phase and endometrial integrin subunit α6 or β4 on glandular or luminal epithelium. Even women with identified luteal phase defects had indistinguishable patterns of expression for these integrin subunits during the window of implantation. Conclusion(s): The integrin subunits α6 and β4 are expressed uniformly throughout the menstrual cycle on glandular and luminal epithelium. These integrins may have a housekeeping role in anchoring endometrial epithelium and do not appear to be useful markers of uterine receptivity.
Evaluating the environments of residential care settings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review some research on the environmental characteristics of residential care settings.Design/methodology/approach – The paper's approach is an integrative overview and formulation of a conceptual framework to understand and measure the key environmental domains of residential care programs.Findings – The five major domains that comprise the characteristics of residential program are the institutional context, physical and architectural features, policies and services, aggregate resident and staff characteristics, and the social climate. The multiphasic environmental assessment procedure (MEAP), which systematically assesses these domains, shows that, for example, programs with better physical features tend to have better policy and program characteristics, more functionally able residents, more varied and experienced staff, and a more cohesive social climate.Practical implications – The conceptual framework and assessment procedures can be used to provide useful ...
Mouse Osteopontin Expressed in E. coli Exhibits Autophosphorylating Activity of Tyrosine Residues

Osteopontin is a secreted glycosylated phosphoprotein found in various normal and transformed tissues. Mouse osteopontin expressed in bacteria has been found to autophosphorylate in vitro using ATP or GTP as phosphoryl donors. The reaction does not occur using inorganic orthophosphate as the donor. Only tyrosine residues are phosphorylated. Neither serine nor threonine residues, both of which are found phosphorylated in osteopontin extracted from bone, is autophosphorylated in vitro. The autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues by a secreted protein such as osteopontin may provide additional insight into its biological functions.
Relativistic Compton scattering from moving electrons and angular moments

Abstract Using the invariant, four-dimensional representation of the photon-electron interaction derived from quantum electrodynamics, we obtain analytical expressions for the Legendre moments of the scattering kernel, given arbitrary distributions of initial electrons and specified energy ranges. Monoenergetic and Maxwellian electrons distributions are briefly discussed and the partial wave expansion of the static Klein-Nishina formula included.
Spinal cord cavernous malformations

Abstract Spinal cord cavernous malformations are rare but well-recognized vascular lesions. Only recently has magnetic resonance imaging facilitated their diagnosis. Before 1985, 19 spinal cord cavernous malformations were reported in the literature; the count now exceeds 100. The varied clinical presentations associated with spinal cord cavernous malformations can complicate their diagnosis. As more information has become available about the natural history and treatment of these lesions, it has become apparent that surgical resection offers the best chance to ameliorate symptoms and improve a patient's neurological condition. The eloquence and small size of the spinal cord demand that advanced approaches and surgical techniques be used to remove these lesions. Most series suggest that appropriate surgical intervention will halt neurological deterioration and possibly improve symptoms.
A Flexible Framework for Projecting Heterogeneous Data

In many real world settings the data to analyze is heterogeneous consisting of (say) images, text and video. An elegant approach when dealing with such data is to project all the data to a common space so standard learning methods can be used. However, typical projection methods make strong assumptions such as the multi-view assumption (datum in one data set are always associated with a single datum in the other view) or that the multiple data sets have an overlapping feature space. Such strong assumptions limit what data such work can be applied to. We present a framework for projecting heterogeneous data from multiple data sets into a common lower dimensional space using a rich range of guidance which does not assume any overlap between the instances or features in different data sets. Our work can specify inter-dataset (between instances in different data sets) guidance and intra-dataset (between instances in the same data set) guidance, both of which can be positively or negatively weighted. We show our work offers substantially more flexibility over related methods such as Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Locality Preserving Projections (LPP) and illustrate its superior performance for supervised and unsupervised learning problems.
Refractory Semiconductors for High Temperature Thermoelectric Energy Conversion

Thermoelectric energy conversion utilizing nuclear heat sources has been employed for several decades to generate power for deep space probes. In the past, lead telluride and, more recently, silicon-germanium alloys have been the prime choices as thermoelectric materials for this application. Currently, a number of refractory semiconductors are under investigation at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in order to produce power sources of higher conversion efficiency and, thus, lower mass per unit of power output. Included amongst these materials are improved Si-Ge alloys, rare earth compounds and boron-rich borides. The criteria used to select thermoelectric materials, in general, and the above materials, in particular, will be discussed. The current state of the art and the accomplishments to date in thermoelectric materials research will be reviewed.
On Taylor weak statement finite element methods for computational fluid dynamics

SUMMARY ATaylor series augmentation of a weak statement (a ‘Taylor weak statement’ or ‘Taylor-Galerkin’ method) is used to systematically reduce the dispersion error in a finite element approximation of the one-dimensional transient advection equation. A frequency analysis is applied to determine the phase velocity of semi-implicit linear, quadratic and cubic basis one-dimensional finite element methods and of several comparative finite difference/ finite volume algorithms. The finite element methods analysed include both GaIerkin and Taylor weak statements. The frequency analysis is used to obtain an improved linear basis Taylor weak statement finite element algorithm. Solutions are reported for verification problems in one and two dimensions and are compared with finite volume solutions. The improved finite element algorithms have sufficient phase accuracy to achieve highly accurate linear transient solutions with little or no artificial diffusion. Application of the Galerkm finite element method (FEM) to parabolic and hyperbolic differential equations has presented difficulties with the control of dispersion error. Dispersion error results fiom shorter-wavelength solution components travelling at the wrong speed, usually too slowly. Waves travelling at the wrong speed eventually appear in the wrong place as extraneous short waves and can lead to instability in a non-linear problem statement. The ‘upwind’ finite volume method has been extensively applied either to reduce dispersion error or to artificially &&se the resulting short waves. The interpolation is biased for greater contribution fiom the direction of the velocity. It originated with the donor cell method of Courant et af. in 1952 and was applied to the FEM in the 1970s as the Petrov-Galerkin methods of Christie et ~1.~9 and Heinrich et ~1.~3~ Early Petrov-Galerkin methods suffered from excess diffusion of the solution and later work has been oriented towards reducing the excess diffusion, including the SUPG method of Brooks and Hughes6 in 1980 and the methods of Dick7 in 1983, Westerink and Sheas in 1989, Bouloutas and Celia9 in 199 1 and Konda et al. lo in 1992. Similar work in the finite volume method is typified by the QUICK methods of Leonard” in 1979 and Leonard and Mokhtari12 in 1992. Many upwind methods still cause excess diffusion and some also cause an undesirable increase in the width of the matrix stencil, thus increasing the computational effort. An alternative approach which avoids these problems originated for the finite volume method with Lax and WendroP3 in 1960. The
Consideration of some functional properties of the hemopoietic sources

Abstract The sources which regulate stem cell growth are relatively radiation-resistant cells. They furnish to the stem cells the stimulus for renewal through specialized “binding sites” where stem cells become functionally coupled to the sources. In this note we review a number of seemingly unrelated observations. When interpreted kinetically, these data provide a basis for concluding that the sources may have phagocytic properties as well.
Determining User Similarity in Healthcare Social Media Using Content Similarity and Structural Similarity

More and more health consumers discuss healthcare topics with peers in online health social websites. These health social websites empower consumers to actively participate in their own healthcare and promotes communication between people. However, it is difficult for consumers to find information efficiently from hundreds of thousands of discussion threads. Finding similar users for consumers enables them to see what their peers are doing or experiencing thus enables automated selection of “relevant” information. In this work, we proposed two different methods for computing user similarity in healthcare social media using content and structural information respectively. Experiment results showed that the method using structural information from a heterogeneous healthcare information network performed better than content similarity in finding active similar users. However, when the users are not as active or contributing relatively fewer messages in social media, content similarity performed better in identifying these users.
Small RNAs – their biogenesis, regulation and function in embryonic stem cells

Mammalian development follows a carefully orchestrated unfolding of cell fate decisions whose time, place, and specialization must occur robustly and consistently to end with a healthy adult organism. How this feat is achieved time and time again remains a mystery and is of intense interest to the biological and medical communities. One of the central aspects of this feat is the rapid shifts in molecular programs during developmental transitions. These shifts must occur at multiple levels including the regulation of transcription, mRNA stability, protein translation, protein stability, and protein activity. Regulation occurs with the help of transcription factors (activators and suppressors), epigenetic enzymes, non-coding RNAs, RNA binding proteins, ubiquinating enzymes, kinases, phosphatases, and more. Of great interest are a specific group of non-coding RNAs, the microRNAs, which are only 18–24 nucleotides in length and function by both destabilizing and inhibiting translation of mRNAs. microRNAs are compelling regulators of developmental progression as their promiscuous nature allows a single miRNA to regulate hundreds of mRNAs, simultaneously allowing rapid shifts in the transcriptome and proteome of cells.
Affective and social influences approaches to the prevention of multiple substance abuse among seventh grade students: Results from project SMART

Two drug abuse prevention curricula were tested to determine their efficacy in preventing the onset of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among adolescents. The first program focused on prevention through social pressure resistance training. The second featured affective education approaches to prevention. Curricula were tested on seventh grade students. Subjects were pretested just prior to the program and were post-tested at 12 and 24 months. Post-test analyses indicated that the social program delivered to seventh grade subjects was effective in delaying the onset of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. No preventive effect of the affective education program was observed. By the final post-test, classrooms that had received the affective program had significantly more drug use than controls.
The American brachytherapy society survey of brachytherapy practice for carcinoma of the cervix in the United States.

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this study was to survey the brachytherapy practice for cervical cancer in the United States. Methods. The Clinical Research Committee of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) performed a retrospective survey of individual physicians of the ABS and American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists and Oncologists regarding the details of the brachytherapy techniques they personally used in the treatment of cervical cancer patients for the year 1995. The replies (some of which may have been an estimate only) were tabulated. The scope of this survey did not allow us to verify the data by chart audits. Results. A total of about 3500 questionnaires were mailed out; 521 responses were received. Of these responders, 206 (40%) did not perform any brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix in 1995. Of the other 315 responders reporting a total of 4892 patients treated in 1995, 88% used low dose rate (LDR) while 24% used high dose rate (HDR). There was a wide variation in the doses used. For LDR treatments, the median total external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) dose was 45 and 50 Gy and the LDR dose was 42 and 45 Gy for early and advanced cancers, respectively. For HDR treatments, the median EBRT dose was 48 and 50 Gy and the median HDR dose was 29 and 30 Gy for early and advanced cancers, respectively. The median dose per fraction was 6 Gy for a median of five fractions. Interstitial brachytherapy was used as a component of the treatment in 6% of the patients by 21% of responders. Very few responders treated with pulsed or medium dose rates. Conclusion. This retrospective survey showed the current brachytherapy practice pattern in the treatment of cervical cancer in the United States and can serve as a basis for future prospective national brachytherapy data registry. There was wide variation in the practice pattern, emphasizing the urgent need for consensus on these issues.
Noncharged amino acid residues at the solvent-exposed positions in the middle and at the C terminus of the α-helix have the same helical propensity

It was established previously that helical propensities of different amino acid residues in the middle of α-helix in peptides and in proteins are very similar. The statistical analysis of the protein helices from the known three-dimensional structures shows no difference in the frequency of noncharged residues in the middle and at the C terminus. Yet, experimental studies show distinctive differences for the helical propensities of noncharged residues in the middle and in the C terminus in model peptides. Is this a general effect, and is it applicable to protein helices or is it specific to the model alanine-based peptides? To answer this question, the effects of substitutions at positions 28 (middle residue) and 32 (C2 position at the C terminus) of the α-helix of ubiquitin on the stability of this protein are measured by using differential scanning calorimetry. The two data sets produce similar values for intrinsic helix propensity, leading to a conclusion that noncharged amino acid residues at the solvent-exposed positions in the middle and at the C terminus of the α-helix have the same helical propensity. This conclusion is further supported with an excellent correlation between the helix propensity scale obtained for the two positions in ubiquitin with the experimental helix propensity scale established previously and with the statistical distribution of the residues in protein helices.
Resistance to Lyme disease in decorin-deficient mice

Microbial adhesion to the host tissue represents an early, critical step in the pathogenesis of most infectious diseases. Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD), expresses two surface-exposed decorin-binding adhesins, DbpA and DbpB. A decorin-deficient (Dcn–/–) mouse was recently developed and found to have a relatively mild phenotype. We have now examined the process of experimental LD in Dcn–/– mice using both needle inoculation and tick transmission of spirochetes. When exposed to low doses of the infective agent, Dcn–/– mice had fewer Borrelia-positive cultures from most tissues analyzed than did Dcn+/+ or Dcn+/– mice. When the infection dose was increased, similar differences were not observed in most tissues but were seen in bacterial colonization of joints and the extent of Borrelia-induced arthritis. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that joints harvested from Dcn–/– mice had diminished Borrelia numbers compared with issues harvested from Dcn+/+ controls. Histological examination also revealed a low incidence and severity of arthritis in Dcn–/– mice. Conversely, no differences in the numbers of Borrelia-positive skin cultures were observed among the different genotypes regardless of the infection dose. These differences, which were observed regardless of genetic background of the mice (BALB/c or C3H/HeN) or method of infection, demonstrate the importance of decorin in the pathogenesis of LD.
Parallelizing sequential programs by algorithm-level transformations

We address a significant problem in parallel processing research, namely, how to port existing sequential programs to run efficiently on parallel machines (the "dusty deck" problem). Conventional domain-independent techniques are inadequate for solving this problem because they miss significant opportunities of parallelism. We present experimental evidence to support our claim, analyze why current techniques are inadequate, and propose a knowledge-based reverse engineering approach for attacking this problem. >
Work Experience as a Solution to the Problems of Relevance and Credibility in Teacher Education

Teacher educators are mainly recruited from the ranks of teachers and are overwhelmingly experienced in teaching. This solid background of experience is frequently taken for granted to be a good, questioned only when experience is seen as obsolete. Turney and Wright (1990), for example, question the contemporary relevance of teacher educators' classroom experience. They recommend that teacher educators spend ‘a period … every three years in work experience in schools’. They believe such work experience will substantially contribute to the solution of two connected problems endemic in teacher education; namely, the problems teacher educators face in appearing both relevant and credible in the eyes of their clientele. This paper offers arguments and provides empirical data concerning teacher educators' use of experience which cast doubt on the Turney and Wright proposal. An alternative solution to the problems of relevance and credibility is outlined.
Cutting Edge: Germinal Centers Formed in the Absence of B Cell-Activating Factor Belonging to the TNF Family Exhibit Impaired Maturation and Function

Germinal centers (GCs) form in B cell follicles and require specific signals for development and maintenance. B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is a fundamental B cell survival factor and therefore may influence GC reactions and subsequent Ab responses. To test this possibility, the effect of BAFF neutralization in immunized mice was assessed. Using B cell maturation Ag-Fc, we demonstrate that BAFF blockade does not inhibit GC formation or somatic hypermutation. However, GCs in B cell maturation Ag-Fc-treated mice dissipated more rapidly than those of control mice and did not form a mature follicular dendritic cell reticulum. Examination of immunized BAFF-null mice validated the BAFF-independent nature of GC formation. Furthermore, Ab responses, including high-affinity responses, were attenuated. This is the first evidence that BAFF is required for maintenance, but not initiation, of the GC reaction, and it further hints that somatic hypermutation within the GC and selection of Ag-specific high-affinity Ab could be uncoupled.
Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP Responsive Element-Binding Protein Are Involved in the Transcriptional Regulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor by GnRH and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction Pathway in GGH3 Cells

Stimulation of mouse GnRH receptor promoter by a GnRH agonist (Buserelin), or by a cAMP analogue, significantly increased reporter (luciferase) activity. Overexpression of Raf-1, ERK1, or ERK2 partially blocked Buserelin-stimulated luciferase activity. In contrast, treatment with a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor (PD 98059) activated basal and Buserelin-stimulated luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Transient transfection of the deleted cAMP response element expression vector followed by pretreatment with PD98059 prior to Buserelin stimulation showed that the transcriptional response was decreased compared to wild-type promoter. A gel-mobility shift assay using a probe containing the cAMP response element showed the presence of two specific protein-DNA complexes that contain one or more members of the cAMP responsive element-binding (CREB) protein family. These results suggest that cAMP and CREB participate in the GnRH activation of GnRH receptor promoter activity and that the MAPK cascade is involved in the negative regulation of basal and GnRH-stimulated GnRH receptor transcriptional activity.