cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excess properties of ternary fluid mixtures from simulation, perturbation theory and van der Waals one-fluid theory: size and energy parameter effects

Abstract In this paper, we report isothermal-isobaric molecular dynamics simulation results for total and excess properties of 48 equimolar and 24 nonequimolar ternary mixtures consisting of Lennard-Jones fluids in different nonideal conditions. Energy and size parameters of the components differ appreciably, lying in the range ( 1 ≤ e BB e AA ≤ 1.75 , 1 ≤ e CC e AA ≤ 2 ) and ( 1 ≤ σ BB σ AA ≤ 1.75 , 1 ≤ σ CC σ AA ≤ 2 ). Unlike energy and size parameters of mixtures are determined using Lorentz-Berthelot combination rule. Mixtures are considered at four different conditions, ( kT e AA = 1 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 0.5 ), ( kT e AA = 2 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 1.2 ), ( kT e AA = 2 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 2.5 ) and ( kT e AA = 3 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 2.5 ). The effects of unlike size and energy interaction parameters on total and excess properties of mixtures deviating from the Lorentz-Berthelot combination rule have also been investigated at two different conditions, ( kT e AA = 1 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 0.5 ) and ( kT e AA = 2 , Pσ AA 3 e AA = 2.5 ). These simulation results have been used to test our recently developed first-order perturbation theory and van der Waals one-fluid theory of ternary mixtures. Perturbation theory is based on the hard sphere reference mixture and involves no mixing rules. Van der Waals one-fluid theory is based on an accurate equation of state for the pure fluids. An extensive comparison of theoretical predictions with simulation results show that, in general, perturbation theory is very successful in describing simulation results for ( 1 ≤ e BB e AA ≤ 1.75 , 1 ≤ e CC e AA ≤ 2 ) and ( 1 ≤ σ BB σ AA ≤ 1.75 ; 1 ≤ σ CC σ AA ≤ 2 ). On the other hand, van der Waals one-fluid theory is reliable in describing total properties in the range 1 ≤ σ CC σ AA ≤ 1.18 and excess properties in the range 1 ≤ σ BB σ AA ≤ 1.25 , for all the energy parameter ratios considered in this paper.
A game-theoretic interpretation of Marcel Mauss' ‘The gift’

Abstract This article proposes that a game theoretic interpretation can be made of Marcel Mauss' The Gift. The results provide support for the claim that the institution of reciprocity is a socially stabilizing exchange mechanism. Suppose that the first interactions among different prehistoric tribes or bands were characterized, in the words of Hobbes, as being “short, nasty, and brutish.” In the absence of voluntary exchange institutions, such as reciprocity, through which these groups could interact in more cooperative ways, their initial external interactions may have been characterized by plunder, pillage and war. It is from these conflictive relations that more cooperative institutions may have been chosen or have evolved. This paper shows how the gift, and reciprocity in general, could have allowed for the evolution of more cooperative relations through credible threats of returning to conflict if the gift was not returned. It is argued that the original motivation for the return of the gift may have been to elicit cooperation. Only after this cooperation had been attained could the gift then evolve into the social norm that Mauss had observed. It further suggests that reciprocity may have an origin of conflict.
Local and global factors affecting RNA sequencing analysis.

Abstract High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) continues to provide unparalleled insight into transcriptome complexity. Now the “gold standard” for assessing global transcript levels, RNA-seq is poised to revolutionize our understanding of transcription and posttranscriptional regulation of RNA. Despite significant advantages over prior experimental strategies, RNA-seq is not without pitfalls. We have identified a number of confounding factors that significantly affect sequencing coverage. These include regional GC content, preferential sites of fragmentation, and read “pile-up” due to primer affinity and transcript end effects. Independent of cell type and laboratory, when ignored, these factors can bias analyses. Understanding the underlying principles responsible for producing these artifacts is key to recognizing both their presence and how their effects may be controlled. Here we outline the causes of and strategies to avoid several previously unreported complicating factors common to RNA-seq experiments.
Latimeria chalumnae : Reproduction and Conservation

Schultze1 and Anthony and Millot2 have concluded that the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae, is oviparous. Because of the general interest surrounding this species and considering the implications which modes of reproduction have on proposals for the conservation of Latimeria2, we believe that a reconsideration of the reproductive mode in coelacanths is in order.
On the complexity of computing syzygies

We give a self-contained exposition of Mayr & Meyer's example of a polynomial ideal exhibiting double exponential degrees for the ideal membership problem, and generalise this example to exhibit minimal syzygies of double exponential degree. This demonstrates the existence of subschemes of projective space of double exponential regularity.
Error analysis of a multisingular inverse coefficient problem for the Sturm-Liouville operator based on boundary measurement

In this paper we study the inverse problem of determining the unknown leading coefficient k=k(x) of the linear Sturm-Liouville operator Au=-(k(x)u^'(x))^'+q(x)u(x), x@?(0,1), from boundary measurements, when u^'(x) or/and u^'^'(x) vanishes at several, called singular, points of the interval (0,1). As a result the considered inverse problem has simultaneously different types (moderate or severely) of ill-conditioned situations in different parts of the interval (0,1). The presented inverse polynomial method permits use of a priori information about singular points either to increase the order of the polynomial approximation in each subinterval or to obtain an artificial Cauchy data for the unknown coefficient. Error estimations for the polynomial approximations are presented for well-conditioned, as well as for ill-conditioned situations. The behaviour of the inverse problem solution with respect to both types (Dirichlet and Neumann) of noisy data is analyzed. The obtained results are illustrated by various numerical examples.
Efficient methods for configuration interaction calculations

Abstract Advanced techniques are developed to provide efficient economic treatment of the large scale eigenvalue problem posed when configuration interaction is carried out on SCF basis sets of moderate size. When the characteristic properties of the hamiltonian matrix are examined in light of the type of solution required, partitioning of the configuration space is shown to result in an expansion of the problem about a limited core of states, where the small but cumulative interactions of vast regions of the remaining space are reduced to the form of an effective potential. With proper selection of the core, the evaluation of this potential can be readily and accurately truncated to a level involving minimum expenditure in time and effort. In particular only diagonal elements and a strip of the full CI matrix are required to achieve an accuracy of 1 – 5 kcal/mole with complete treatment for configuration spaces of order tens of thousands. In addition, a close look at current theory on the generation of matrix elements between spin symmetry adapted configurations leads to simplified expressions where the matrix elements are derived in the form of a weighted sum of molecular integrals in which the weighting coefficients represent the integrated value of the wavefunctions over spin coordinates. For typical cases of low multiplicity and limited numbers of open shells the list of unique parameters needed to generate all weights are shown to be readily stored as a program library. Actual times for matrix element generation are believed to be an order of magnitude faster than current techniques. Practical demonstration of the accuracy and efficiency of the method is provided by calculations on formaldehyde, water, and ethylene.
Chemical process opportunities for vibrated powders: 2. In the field

Abstract Commercial opportunities are seen for chemical process applications employing vibrated powders: in reactors catering to non-steady-state gas–solid reaction kinetics; in non-fouling, non-corroding heat exchangers; in flash pyrolysis of coal working in tandem with fluid-bed combustion, yielding char for the combustion and a light oil useful (with little or no further treatment), for example, in a gas turbine generating peak-load power; in a system employing a Geldart Group A powder [D. Geldart, Powder Technol. 7 (1973), 285]; to carry heat over a relatively long distance (replacing less convenient heat carriers, such as mercury, molten salts and condensed-ring hydrocarbons); in counter-current heat exchange between a “gravel” and a Group A powder; in flash distillation of shale oil.
Structural variation in heme enzymes: a comparative analysis of peroxidase and P450 crystal structures

New peroxidase and cytochrome P450 structures have been solved recently, making more detailed comparisons of the two types of enzyme possible.
Novel Measurement of Relative Aortic Size Predicts Rupture of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Background Optimal operative decision making in thoracic aortic aneurysms requires accurate information on the risk of complications during expectant management. Cumulative and yearly risks of rupture, dissection, and death before operative repair increase with increasing aortic size, but previous work has not addressed the impact of relative aortic size on complication rates. Methods Our institutional database contains data on 805 patients followed up serially with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Body surface area information was obtained on 410 patients (257 male, 153 female). We calculated a new measure of relative aortic size, the "aortic size index," and examined its ability to predict complications in these patients. Results Increasing aortic size index was a significant predictor of increasing rates of rupture (p = 0.0014) as well as the combined endpoint of rupture, death, or dissection (p Conclusions This study confirms that (1) thoracic aortic aneurysm is a lethal disease, (2) relative aortic size is more important than absolute aortic size in predicting complications, and (3) a novel measurement of relative aortic size allows for the stratification of patients into three levels of risk, enabling appropriate surgical decision-making.
Role of natural killer cells in the modulation of primary antibody production by purine nucleosides and their analogs.

Abstract Previous results from this laboratory demonstrated that treatment of mice with the adenosine analog tubercidin (Tub) reduced natural killer (NK) cell activity while stimulating antibody production whereas the deoxyadenosine analog, 2-fluoroadenine arabinoside-5′-monophosphate (FaraAMP), produced opposite effects; i.e., it stimulated NK cell activity at doses that inhibited antibody formation ( Cancer Res. 48 , 4799, 1988). Since NK cells have been reported to play a suppressor role in immunoglobulin induction, it was hypothesized that the actions of Tub and FaraAMP on antibody production occurred secondary to their opposing effects on NK cells. To test this hypothesis, abilities of these nucleoside analogs to modulate primary antibody response to sheep red blood cells were evaluated in a C57BL/6 mutant mouse lacking NK cell activity (the beige mutation, C57BL/6-bg/bg). As previously found with C3H/He mice, NK cell activity was inhibited (Tub, doses 2–6 mg/kg/day for 3 days) or stimulated (FaraAMP, doses 75–250 mg/kg/ day for 3 days) in heterozygous mice C57BL/6-bg/ + . In support of the hypothesis, these nucleosides had no effect on primary antibody formation in the homozygous mutant mice at doses that clearly stimulated (Tub) or inhibited (FaraAMP) this immune response in heterozygous C57BL/6-bg/ + animals. This result was corroborated in C57BL/6 wild-type mice by abrogation of NK cell activity using a monoclonal antibody to the NK cell surface glycosphingolipid, ganglio- n -tetraosylceramide. We conclude that under the conditions of drug administration, modulation of primary antibody formation by Tub and FaraAMP in mice occurs indirectly via NK cells. Similar experiments using the potent ADA inhibitor, deoxycoformycin, indicated that its enhancement of primary antibody formation is independent of NK cell activity.
The partial synthesis of two 1,2-cis cardenolides☆

Abstract Treatment of methyl α- D -mannopyranoside (I) in succession in situ with p -toluenesulfonyl chloride, carbonyl chloride, and benzoyl chloride gave methyl 4- O -benzoyl-2,3- O -carbonyl-6- O-p -tolylsulfonyl-α- D -mannoside (III). Replacement of the p -tolylsulfonyloxyl group of III with iodide ion gave the 6-iodo derivative IV, which underwent reduction to give methyl 4- O -benzoyl-2,3- O -carbonyl-6-deoxy-α- D -mannoside (V). Replacement of the C-1 methoxyl group of V by bromide ion gave 4- O -benzoyl-2,3- O -carbonyl-6-deoxy-α- D -mannosyl bromide (VI), which underwent methanolysis by inversion, to yield methyl 4- O -benzoyl-2,3- O -carbonyl-6-deoxy-β- D -mannoside (VII). The bromide VI was coupled with digitoxigenin (VIII) to give, after saponification, 13% of 3-(β- D -rhamnopyranosyl)digitoxigenin (XI) and 48% of the corresponding α- D anomer X. Coupling of the bromide VI with strophanthidin (IX), followed by saponification, gave 6% of 3-(β- D -rhamnopyranosyl)strophanthidin (XIII) and 8% of the alternative anomeric form XII.
Modeling the long-term frequency distribution of regional ozone concentrations

Efficient methods are developed for modeling emissions – air quality relationships that govern ozone and NO_2 concentrations over very long periods of time. A baseline model evaluation study is conducted to assess the accuracy and speed with which the relationship between pollutant emissions and the frequency distribution of O_3 concentrations throughout the year can be computed along with annual average NO_2 values using a deterministic photochemical airshed model driven by automated objective analysis of measured meteorological parameters. Methods developed are illustrated by application to the air quality situation that exists in Southern California. Model performance statistics for O_3 are similar to the results obtained in previous short-term episodic model evaluation studies that were based on hand-crafted meteorological inputs that are supplemented by expensive field measurement campaigns. Model predictions at one of the highest NO_2 concentration sites in the US indicate that measured violation of the US annual average NO_2 air quality standard at that site occurs because other species such as HNO_3 and PAN are measured as if they were NO_2 by the chemiluminescent NO_x monitors in current use.
Constraints among argument sizes in logic programs (extended abstract)

In logic programs the argument sizes of derivable facts w.r.t. an n-ary predicate are viewed as a set of points in Rn, which are approximated by their convex hull. Interargument constraint w.r.t. a predicate is essentially a set of constraints that every derivable fact of the predicate satisfies. We formalize such constraints by a fixpoint of recursive transformation similar to immediate consequence operator. However, the transformation does not necessarily converge finitely. Approximating polycones to their affine hulls provides useful interargument constraints in many practical programs, guaranteeing finite convergence. For a class of linear recursive logic programs satisfying translativeness property, precise interargument constraints can be obtained by an analysis of structures of recursive transformations.
Strategies for measurement of atmospheric column means of carbon dioxide from aircraft using discrete sampling

[1] Automated flask sampling aboard small charter aircraft has been proposed as a low-cost, reliable method to greatly increase the density of measurements of CO2 mixing ratios in continental regions in order to provide data for assessment of global and regional CO2 budgets. We use data from the CO2 Budget and Rectification-Airborne 2000 campaign over North America to study the feasibility of using discrete (flask) sampling to determine column mean CO2 in the lowest 4 km of the atmosphere. To simulate flask sampling, data were selected from profiles of CO2 measured continuously with an onboard (in situ) analyzer. We find that midday column means can be determined without bias relative to true column means measured by the in situ analyzer to within 0.15 and better than 0.10 ppm by using 10 and 20 instantaneously collected flask samples, respectively. More precise results can be obtained by using a flask sampling strategy that linearly integrates over portions of the air column. Using less than 8–10 flasks can lead to significant sampling bias for some common profile shapes. Sampling prior to the breakup of the nocturnal stable layer will generally lead to large sampling bias because of the inability of aircraft to probe large CO2 gradients that often exist very close to the ground at night and during the early morning.
Boredom Proneness: Its Relationship with Subjective Underemployment, Perceived Organizational Support, and Job Performance

Purpose The current study examined the relationship between trait boredom (i.e., boredom proneness), subjective underemployment, perceived organizational support, and job performance.
Functional Annotation Analytics of Rhodopseudomonas palustris Genomes

Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a nonsulphur purple photosynthetic bacteria, has been extensively investigated for its metabolic versatility including ability to produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and biomass. The availability of the finished genome sequences of six R. palustris strains (BisA53, BisB18, BisB5, CGA009, HaA2 and TIE-1) combined with online bioinformatics software for integrated analysis presents new opportunities to determine the genomic basis of metabolic versatility and ecological lifestyles of the bacteria species. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the functional annotations available for multiple R. palustris genomes to identify annotations that can be further investigated for strain-specific or uniquely shared phenotypic characteristics. A total of 2,355 protein family Pfam domain annotations were clustered based on presence or absence in the six genomes. The clustering process identified groups of functional annotations including those that could be verified as strain-specific or uniquely shared phenotypes. For example, genes encoding water/glycerol transport were present in the genome sequences of strains CGA009 and BisB5, but absent in strains BisA53, BisB18, HaA2 and TIE-1. Protein structural homology modeling predicted that the two orthologous 240 aa R. palustris aquaporins have water-specific transport function. Based on observations in other microbes, the presence of aquaporin in R. palustris strains may improve freeze tolerance in natural conditions of rapid freezing such as nitrogen fixation at low temperatures where access to liquid water is a limiting factor for nitrogenase activation. In the case of adaptive loss of aquaporin genes, strains may be better adapted to survive in conditions of high-sugar content such as fermentation of biomass for biohydrogen production. Finally, web-based resources were developed to allow for interactive, user-defined selection of the relationship between protein family annotations and the R. palustris genomes.
The effects of long-term freezing preservation on urinary titratable acid and ammonium

The semi-automatic titrimetric method for the rapid determination of urinary net acid concentration is used in analyzing the stability of titratable acid and ammonium in urine stored at −22°C on a long-term basis (up to 18 months). Urinary net acid and ammonium concentrations were found to be stable in samples stored up to 12 months but significant changes occur after this time. In addition, titratable acid was stable for these samples stored up to 18 months. The present paper analyzes the effect of long-term freezing on the NAE parameters of preserved urine samples by comparing aged to initially determined values. The rapid titrimetric method presented previously (1) is tested again for reproducibility as a follow-up on these results and to further evaluate the effect of long-term freezing storage.
Large effect of membrane tension on the fluid-solid phase transitions of two-component phosphatidylcholine vesicles.

Model phospholipid membranes and vesicles have long provided insight into the nature of confined materials and membranes while also providing a platform for drug delivery. The rich thermodynamic behavior and interesting domain shapes in these membranes have previously been mapped in extensive studies that vary temperature and composition; however, the thermodynamic impact of tension on bilayers has been restricted to recent reports of subtly reduced fluid–fluid transition temperatures. In two-component phosphatidylcholine unilamellar vesicles [1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC)], we report a dramatic influence of tension on the fluid–solid transition and resulting phases: At fixed composition, systematic variations in tension produce differently shaped solid domains (striped or irregular hexagons), shift fluid–solid transition temperatures, and produce a triple-point–like intersection of coexistence curves at elevated tensions, about 3 mN/m for 30% DOPC/70% DPPC. Tension therefore represents a potential switch of microstructure in responsive engineered materials; it is an important morphology-determining variable in confined systems, and, in biological membranes, it may provide a means to regulate dynamic structure.
Bond percolation on a finite lattice: The one-state Potts model reconsidered

Bond percolation on a finite lattice is studied by looking at the Kac mean field model. The investigation utilizes the one-state Potts model connection established by Kasteleyn and Fortuin. To deal with special problems associated with the finite extent of the system we re-cast the partition function, which allows us to investigate the percolation transition in detail. This fundamental new formulation clears up certain ambiguities present in previous treatments and indicates a possible new direction in the study of other replica-type models.
The evidence-based pathway for peri-operative management of open and robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Objective To assess reports supporting the novel and comprehensive evidence-based pathway for radical prostatectomy (RP), as collaborative-care pathways have helped to optimize management of patients treated with RP and such clinical pathways provide an ideal framework for constructing an original evidence-based pathway for the complete peri-operative care of these patients. Patients and methods We searched for articles on Medline via PubMed to identify reports describing consensus opinions on appropriate aspects of the peri-operative management of patients treated with RP, specifically seeking to discern information on preoperative antibiotic regimen, peri-operative laboratory testing, use of beta-blockers for those at cardiac risk, pulmonary treatment, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, diet advancement, pain management, anti-emetic use, bowel regimen, and catheter removal after RP. Results Available reports were used to substantiate each variable of our collaborative-care pathway for RP. When available, meta-analyses were used to provide a broad review of the recognized clinical research. Otherwise, many controlled studies and retrospective reviews were relied upon to provide evidence to construct a framework for clinical decision-making. Conclusions This is the first pathway for the peri-operative management of major urological procedure that is well integrated into current literature. The critical aspects of clinical decision-making in the patient treated with RP were validated by the available research.
Prognostic significance of positive surgical margins in patients with extraprostatic carcinoma after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND A significant number of prostate adenocarcinoma patients undergoing radical prostatectomy are found to have microscopic extraprostatic disease extension. A majority of these patients have focal extraprostatic extension limited to one or both sides of the prostate. In addition, positive surgical margins are a common pathologic finding in this patient subgroup. In the current study, the authors evaluated the impact of positive surgical margins as an independent predictive factor for prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression in patients with pT3a/b N0M0 carcinoma. METHODS The Mayo Clinic prostate cancer registry list provided 1202 patients with pT3a/b NO prostate carcinoma (no seminal vesicle or regional lymph node involvement) who underwent a radical prostatectomy between 1987–1995. To reduce confounding variables, patients who received preoperative therapy or adjuvant therapy were excluded, resulting in 842 patients who were eligible for analysis. RESULTS A total of 354 patients (42%) had ≥ 1 positive surgical margins whereas 488 patients (58%) demonstrated no margin involvement. The sites of margin positivity were as follows: apex (n = 163), base (n = 47), posterior prostate (n = 227), and anterior prostate (n = 11). A total of 111 patients had ≥ 2 positive surgical margins. The 5-year survival free of clinical recurrence and/or biochemical failure (postoperative PSA level > 0.2 ng/mL) for patients with no positive surgical margins was 76% and was 65% for patients with 1 positive surgical margin (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in biochemical disease progression between patients with 1 versus those with ≥ 2 surgical margins (65% vs. 62%). Multivariate analysis revealed that positive surgical margins were a significant predictor (P = 0.0017) of clinical disease recurrence and biochemical failure (relative risk, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.04) after controlling for preoperative PSA, Gleason score, and DNA ploidy. CONCLUSIONS In the current study, positive surgical margins were found to be a significant predictor of disease recurrence in patients with pT3a/b NO prostate carcinoma, a finding that is independent of PSA, Gleason score, and DNA ploidy. The benefit of adjuvant therapy in optimizing recurrence-free survival remains to be tested. Cancer 2002;95:1215–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10871
A universal tag for recombinant proteins.

Abstract Incorporation of tags into recombinant proteins can facilitate their identification and purification. In addition, these tags can also be used to monitor the trafficking or localization of the recombinant proteins inside the cells. Several such tags have been developed. However, the lengths of these tags make it cumbersome to incorporate them into the desired proteins. Typically, one must subclone the desired cDNA into a plasmid containing the tag sequence at a suitable restriction site or ligate a synthetic oligonucleotide containing the tag sequence at a suitable restriction site in the cDNA of the desired protein. These manipulations can be avoided, if one uses a short peptide tag that can be incorporated by PCR. We show here that a short peptide tag, RYIRS, can be easily incorporated at the C termini of recombinant proteins by PCR. We also showed that by using a mAb specific for this peptide sequence, the tagged proteins could be easily detected in Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoprecipitation. The interactions between this tag sequence and the mAb have been well characterized. One can take advantage of this information and control the reactivities between the tagged proteins and the mAb by varying the lengths of the peptide tags. Furthermore, we showed that this tag can be used to monitor whether a recombinant protein is properly translated and terminated because the interactions between this tag sequence and the mAb requires that the tag be at the C-terminus of the protein.
Raman Spectra of Molecules Considered to be Surface Enhanced

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the Raman spectra of molecules. The chapter compiles all the surface enhanced Raman scattering measurements and presents them in tabulated form. The underlying theory for the surface enhanced Raman scattering phenomena is still being developed. The chapter mainly focuses on the experimental results trying to cover the wide range of molecules and ions that are examined on a variety of metals whose surface are prepared in different ways. Separate tables are formed for the various metal surfaces and the environment in which the measurements are taken. Included are most of the publications which indicate or could be interpreted to involve some form of surface enhancement. When single crystals are involved a (s) is placed next to the reference number and (n) indicates that SERS is not detected.
Optical design of diffraction-limited monochromatic doublets

In the present work we have demonstrated a family of laser focusing doublets. All members of this family are diffraction limited and their optimal performance at He-Ne laser wavelength has been investigated. Laser focusing lenses are widely used for video and optical disk systems. They are usually small with high numerical aperture operating at single wavelength. They cover a small field of view, are diffraction limited, and nearly aplanatic. The present diffraction limited family consists of six air-spaced doublets for which the F-numbers are 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5.6 and 8. An automatic design of optical systems has been used to optimize the monochromatic spherical aberration for the axial point. The effective focal length (EFL) of the family is 100 mm and the field of view tolerance is 0.00001 rad. The performance of the doublet is shown through the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve, which indicates that the optical system is diffraction limited. This is also presented from wavefront point of view by calculating the Strehl ratio of the system. The Petzval curvature is small so the system can be considered as aplanatic on axis. The overall length (OAL) of the system is small which makes it easy to handle. The most interesting member of the family is the F/2 lens due to significant improvement over a previously reported design. The F/2 system in our design has less higher order spherical aberrations compared to the existing design.
Genetic studies of the susceptibility of classical and wild-derived inbred mouse strains to monkeypox virus

Previously, we screened 38 inbred mouse strains for susceptibility to monkeypox virus (MPXV) and focused on wild-derived CAST mice because of their extreme vulnerability. Here, we provide further analysis of inbred mouse strains. NZW/Lac and C58 mice exhibited more weight loss than other classical inbred strains but all survived intranasal challenges with 10(4) to 10(6)PFU of MPXV. Mice from three wild derived strains, in addition to CAST, exhibited severe weight loss and died or were euthanized. LD50 values for CASA, MOLF and PERA were 100, 6800 and >10(5)PFU, respectively. CASA was inbred independently from the same founders as CAST, whereas MOLF and PERA are genetically and geographically distinct. The MPXV susceptibility of the F1 progeny of CAST and either C57BL/6 or BALB/c indicated that resistance is dominant. Back-crossing the F1 progeny of C57BL/6 and CAST to CAST suggested more than one independent resistant locus.
On the efficient implementation of preconditioned s-step conjugate gradient methods on multiprocessors with memory hierarchy☆

Abstract Multiprocessor architectures combining vector and parallel processing capabilities on a two-level shared memory structure have been implemented. This memory hierarchy structure requires that numerical algorithms possess good data locality in order to achieve high performance rates. The s-step Conjugate Gradient method (s-CG) is a generalization of the standard CG method with improved data locality and parallel properties. Here we show how to implement efficiently the Incomplete Cholesky and Polynomial Preconditioning with s-CG on multiprocessors with memory hierarchy.
Method in ecology : strategies for conservation

In this volume, the authors discuss what practical contributions ecology can and can't make in applied science and environmental problem solving. In the first section, they discuss conceptual problems that have often prevented the formulation and evaluation of powerful, precise, general theories, explain why island biogeography is still beset with controversy and examine the ways in which science is value laden. In the second section, they describe how ecology can give us specific answers to practical environmental questions posed in individual case studies, and argue for a new way to look at scientific error. A case study using the Florida panther is examined in the light of these findings. They end by suggesting a bright future for the important, but relatively undeveloped task of applying ecology to practical environmental problem solving.
An overview of modeling studies in HDS, HDN and HDO catalysis

Abstract Recent legislation directed at reducing sulfur levels in petroleum-based fuels has led to numerous studies of commercial hydrotreating, the process whereby sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen are removed from organic compounds in petroleum feedstocks. The goal of this overview is to highlight organometallic and clean surface model studies that offer realistic ways of understanding details of hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions as they occur on heterogeneous hydrotreating catalysts.
Tributary impacts on nearshore surface water quality detected during a late summer circumnavigation along the 20 m isopleth of Lake Ontario

Abstract Water quality along the 20 m depth isopleth of Lake Ontario was assessed using continuous sampling at a depth of 1.5 m by drawing water through the hull of a ship into a ferry box containing sensors. Water temperature, specific conductivity, chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and phytoplankton groupings (by pigment-specific fluorometry) were monitored continuously over the 4-day route and water was collected for determination of size-fractionated extracted chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration at hourly intervals. Total (> 0.2 μm) extracted Chl a ranged from 1.91 to 6.32 μg/L with an average (± SD) of 3.19 ± 0.87 μg/L: picoplankton (0.2−2 μm) represented the greatest contribution (43 ± 11%) to the Chl a, followed by the nanoplankton (2–20 μm; 31 ± 9%), and the microplankton (> 20 μm; 26 ± 8%). Among the phytoplankton, the Heterokontophyta and Pyrrophyta represented the majority (61.4%) of the in situ total Chl a measured along the entire 20 m isopleth, followed by the phycoerythrin-rich Cyanobacteria and Cryptophyta group (18.2%), the phycocyanin-rich Cyanobacteria group (17.8%), and the Chlorophyta and Euglenophyta group (2.6%). Peaks of phytoplankton in the surface water corresponded to nearshore water adjacent to known sources of high phytoplankton (e.g. tributaries) and were associated with detectable changes in water quality, as indicated by CDOM, temperature, and specific conductivity. This investigative survey demonstrates the utility of using a ferry box for continuous water quality measurements in the nearshore environment of the Great Lakes and opens further applications for wide-scale assessment of watershed influences on nearshore water quality.
Jewish Immigrants and American Capitalism, 1880–1920: From Caste to Class, by Eli Lederhendler

Jewish Immigrants and American Capitalism, 1880–1920: From Caste to Class, by Eli Lederhendler, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009, xxiv + 224 pp., $24.99 (paper), $85 (cloth), ISBN: 978052...
gmconvert: file conversion for genemapper output files

GMCONVERT is a platform-independent program provided in GUI (for Apple OS X and Windows XP) and command-line versions (for other platforms). GMCONVERT allows rapid reformatting of microsatellite data from output files produced by Applied Biosystems GENEMAPPER software (version 3.x). The program will re-array data into three formats commonly used in downstream analysis: GENEPOP , CERVUS , and GERUD . GMCONVERT will greatly increase the speed of data preparation prior to analysis and aid in reducing transpositional errors associated with manual re-arraying and reformatting steps. GMCONVERT is available from http://gallus.forestry.uga.edu/software/.
Determinants of E-Business Use in U.S. Firms

The factors leading to variations in e-business use among U.S. firms are identified. Building on diffusion of innovation theory, an integrated model is developed that explains the relative influence of eight known determinants. Diversity and volume of e-business use are empirically investigated using a sample of 294 firms. The analysis demonstrates that (1) considering the diversity of e-business use, pressure from trading partners is the most important driver, (2) when e-business volume is investigated, government pressure emerges as the strongest factor, (3) government promotion may not have much effect on the diversity of e-business use by private companies, but does significantly influence the volume of e-business use by firms doing business with the government, and (4) the United States has a positive regulatory environment for supporting e-business. Taken together, these findings on the multidimensionality of e-business use show that diversity and volume are not only different measures of e-business use, but also have different determinants. The integrated model provides a more comprehensive explanation of e-business use and could serve as a foundation for future research on interorganizational systems.
KDDN: an open-source Cytoscape app for constructing differential dependency networks with significant rewiring

Summary: We have developed an integrated molecular network learning method, within a well-grounded mathematical framework, to construct differential dependency networks with significant rewiring. This knowledge-fused differential dependency networks (KDDN) method, implemented as a Java Cytoscape app, can be used to optimally integrate prior biological knowledge with measured data to simultaneously construct both common and differential networks, to quantitatively assign model parameters and significant rewiring p-values and to provide user-friendly graphical results. The KDDN algorithm is computationally efficient and provides users with parallel computing capability using ubiquitous multi-core machines. We demonstrate the performance of KDDN on various simulations and real gene expression datasets, and further compare the results with those obtained by the most relevant peer methods. The acquired biologically plausible results provide new insights into network rewiring as a mechanistic principle and illustrate KDDN’s ability to detect them efficiently and correctly. Although the principal application here involves microarray gene expressions, our methodology can be readily applied to other types of quantitative molecular profiling data. Availability: Source code and compiled package are freely available for download at http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/kddn Contact: ude.tv@gnaweuy Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genetic and taxonomic relations of the short‐tailed snakes, genus Stilosoma1

Both morphological and immunological investigations show that Stilosoma is related to the American kingsnakes (Lampropeltis) and their allies. Immunological tests show an unexpectedly close relationship, indicating its derivation in the Pliocene.
Influence of dissolved hydrogen on the fatigue crack growth behaviour of AISI 4140 steel

Abstract In this investigation, the influence of dissolved hydrogen on the fatigue crack growth behaviour of a low alloy steel (AISI 4140) was examined. The investigation also examined the influence of microstructure on the fatigue threshold and the fatigue crack growth behaviour of this material. Compact tension (CT) specimens prepared from AISI 4140 steel as per ASTM standard E-647; were tested in two different heat treated conditions, i.e., cold rolled and annealed as well as austempered condition. The specimens were precharged with hydrogen using ex situ cathodic charging technique at a constant current density for three different time periods ranging from 150 to 250 h. The samples were then subjected to fatigue crack growth test in the threshold region as well as in the linear region. The near threshold fatigue crack growth rate, fatigue threshold and the crack growth rate in the linear region of these specimens were determined. The fatigue crack growth behaviour of the hydrogen charged samples were compared with specimens without any dissolved hydrogen. The current test results show that the near threshold crack growth rate increases with the increase in dissolved hydrogen content. It was also observed that the fatigue threshold decreases as the dissolved hydrogen content increases. The crack growth rate was found to be higher in the austempered samples compared to the annealed samples. An interesting phenomenon was observed in the case of annealed specimens charged with hydrogen for 250 h. These specimens had unusually high fatigue threshold (ΔKth).
Synergism between cytosine-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides and monoclonal antibody in the treatment of lymphoma

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpG ODN) are potent immunostimulatory agents that can activate various immune cell subsets. We have found that CpG ODN show a variety of effects that could be useful in enhancing the efficacy of antibody therapy of lymphoma. In a mouse model, CpG ODN alone had no effect on survival of animals inoculated with lymphoma. In contrast, CpG ODN plus monoclonal antibody (MAb) was more effective at inhibiting tumor growth than MAb alone or MAb plus control ODN. Cytosine-guanine ODN plus MAb cured mice with a large tumor burden that could not be cured with MAb therapy alone. We also evaluated the effects of CpG ODN on the phenotype of human malignant B cells. Cytosine-guanine ODN upregulated the expression of a number of antigens, including CD20. The upregulation of CD20 was most extensive in cells that had low baseline expression of this antigen. We conclude that CpG ODN enhances the efficacy of MAb in a murine lymphoma model, most likely by activating effector cells, and upregulates expression of CD20 on primary human malignant B cells. Given the effects of CpG ODN on both target antigen expression and effector-cell function, further evaluation of the combination of CpG ODN plus rituximab (Rituxan; Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, and IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) and CpG ODN plus other MAbs is warranted. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 2):93-97. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.
On the Computation of Common Test Data for Broadside and Skewed-Load Tests

Skewed-load and broadside tests complement each other and allow higher delay fault coverage to be achieved for a standard-scan circuit that supports both types of tests. The difference between the two types of tests is mainly in the test application process. The input test data required for both of them are similar. This similarity is used in this work to compute compact input test data that can be used as a basis for forming both types of tests. It results in improved fault coverage compared to the use of broadside (or skewed-load) tests alone, and in reduced test data volume compared to the case where broadside and skewed-load tests are stored separately. Experimental results are presented using a procedure that accepts a test set of any type, and computes input test data suitable for the application of both types of tests. The procedure modifies the test data so as to compact it as well as increase the fault coverage. The procedure is applied to a broadside test set and to mixed test sets that consist of both types of tests.
Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk individuals. A clinical review.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs primarily in individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection and cirrhosis. This tumor is curable only when diagnosed at an early stage and then surgically resected. Therefore, screening tests have been used to identify small tumors in high-risk patients. Currently, the most sensitive and specific tests available involve measurement of serum αfetoprotein levels and high-resolution ultrasonography. The results of these tests are often complementary in making a diagnosis. To be most cost-effective, the frequency of screening can be adjusted to the degree of risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. ( Arch Intern Med . 1989;149:1741-1744)
Effect of Agricultural Commodity Prices on Species Abundance of US Grassland Birds

The expansion of row crop agriculture in the US is a major threat to grassland ecosystems and the biodiversity that they support. In this paper we developed an integrated econometric-ecological modeling framework that examines the impact of changing prices for agricultural commodities on grassland bird abundance in the Midwest United States. Our econometric model of land use change predicts changes in cropland acreage in response to land owner’s commodity price expectations. The ecological models predict changes in species abundance for twenty-two grassland birds in response to land use change. We demonstrate one application of our results by using parameter estimates from the models to simulate the effect of the 2006–2012 corn ethanol expansion on thirteen bird species of conservation concern. We found that a relatively inelastic total cropland acreage response to expected prices likely mitigated some of the ecological impact arising from increased demand for agricultural commodities. Furthermore, we found that impacts on species abundance are heterogeneous across different species and highly sensitive to model selection. Our findings emphasize the importance of using economically driven acreage expansion scenarios when estimating the environmental impacts of land use change.
Stability of plane Couette–Poiseuille flow

The stability of a two-dimensional Couette-Poiseuille flow is investigated. The primary unidirectional flow is between two infinite parallel plates, one of which moves relative to the other. The results for the case of Poiseuille flow agree with Lin's results and all flows for which the plate velocity exceeds 70% of the maximum velocity of the Poiseuille component of flow are found to be stable for all finite Reynolds numbers. Results of intermediate cases are also obtained.