cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Often Imitated, But (Still) Not Yet Duplicated, Revised UCC Article 1

Unlike Revised Uniform Commercial Code Article 9 (1999), which every state and the District of Columbia enacted within roughly two years of its promulgation, states have been slower to warm to Revised UCC Article 1 (2001). Nearly seven years after the American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law promulgated it, thirty-three states have enacted their own versions of Revised UCC Article 1. None of the thirty-three has enacted the uniform version in its entirety. All thirty-three enacting states have rejected the uniform choice-of-law provision (§ 1-301) in favor of retaining language based on pre-Revised § 1-105 - prompting the ALI and NCCUSL to consider amending the uniform version of Revised Article 1 to replace the language of Revised § 1-301 with language substantially the same as that in pre-Revised § 1-105 - and ten enacting states have rejected the uniform definition of good faith in favor of retaining the bifurcated good faith standard that existed in those states prior to their enactment of Revised Article 1 and still exists in the seventeen states that have not yet enacted Revised Article 1 and the District of Columbia.This is an update of a prior - now outdated - article with a similar title that appeared at 38 U.C.C. L.J. 195 (2006). In this ever-evolving paper, I highlight key differences between pre-Revised and Revised UCC Article 1, chronicle Revised Article 1's successes and failures to date, and offer suggestions for states that have not yet acted.
Selection of Decentralized Process Control Structures

Two recently developed concepts, Block Relative Gain and Generalized Diagonal Dominance, are introduced and compared to develop an efficient screening tool which can be used to select the best set of decentralized control structures among a given number of alternatives.
The Contemporary Carbon Cycle

Since 1850, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere has increased by ~ 40%, largely as a result of fossil fuel combustion but also from use of land (e.g., deforestation for croplands). Early in this period, the emissions of carbon were largely from land use; now the emissions are largely (~ 85%) from fossil fuels. The annual rates of fossil fuel use and of atmospheric CO 2 growth are accelerating, and averaged 7.9 and 4.1 Pg C per year, respectively, over the decade 2000–10. About half the total emissions each year remains in the atmosphere, and half is taken up by the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite large annual variations due to terrestrial metabolism, those fractions have remained remarkably stable over the last 50 years. The nearly constant fraction indicates that the annual uptake of carbon by land and oceans has been increasing in proportion to emissions. There is no clear signal, globally, of a saturation of sink strength. Increased emissions regionally from droughts, fires, and thawing of permafrost have apparently been offset by increased uptake of carbon in other regions. The future of these sources and sinks under a changing climate is crucial for predicting the rate of climatic change.
A simplified spin and gradient echo approach for brain tumor perfusion imaging

Purpose In this study, we propose a simplified acquisition and analysis approach for spin and gradient echo (SAGE)-based dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) data that is free of contrast agent T1 leakage effects. Methods A five-echo SAGE sequence was used to acquire DSC-MRI data in rat C6 tumors (n = 7). Nonlinear fitting of all echoes was performed to obtain T1-insensitive ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. The simplified approach, which includes two gradient echoes and one spin echo, was also used to analytically compute T1-insensitive ΔR2* using the two gradient echoes and ΔR2 using all three echoes. The blood flow, blood volume, and vessel size values derived from each method were compared. Results In all cases, the five-echo and simplified SAGE ΔR2* and ΔR2 were in excellent agreement and demonstrated significant T1 leakage correction compared with the uncorrected single-echo data. The derived hemodynamic parameters for blood volume, blood flow, and vessel size were not significantly different between the two methods. Conclusions The proposed simplified SAGE technique enables the acquisition of gradient and spin echo DSC-MRI data corrected for T1 leakage effects yields parameters that are in agreement with the five-echo SAGE approach and does not require nonlinear fitting to extract ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathologic and Molecular Genetic Features of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent B-cell leukemia. While many patients may not require therapy, some patients will suffer a progressive course and die of their disease. This clinical heterogeneity is reflected in the molecular genetic heterogeneity that is becoming apparent through studies of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene mutational status, chromosomal numerical abnormalities, microRNA abnormalities, and genetic abnormalities identified by whole genome sequencing. Indeed, many of these studies are becoming routine in the assessment of patients with CLL or being incorporated into clinical trials to further stratify patients for appropriate therapies. Here, we will review the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of CLL and touch upon the concept of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis.
Phosphatidylinositol 5-kinase stimulates apical biosynthetic delivery via an Arp2/3-dependent mechanism

The mechanisms by which polarized epithelial cells target distinct carriers enriched in newly synthesized proteins to the apical or basolateral membrane remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the effect of phosphatidylinositol metabolism and modulation of the actin cytoskeleton, two regulatory mechanisms that have individually been suggested to function in biosynthetic traffic, on polarized traffic in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Overexpression of phosphatidylinositol 5-kinase (PI5K) increased actin comet frequency in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and concomitantly stimulated trans-Golgi network (TGN) to apical membrane delivery of the raft-associated protein influenza hemagglutinin (HA), but did not affect delivery of a non-raft-associated apical protein or a basolateral marker. Modulation of actin comet formation by pharmacologic means, by overexpression of the TGN-localized inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase Ocrl, or by blockade of Arp2/3 function had parallel effects on the rate of apical delivery of HA. Moreover, HA released from a TGN block was colocalized in transport carriers in association with PI5K and actin comets. Inhibition of Arp2/3 function in combination with microtubule depolymerization led to a virtual block in HA delivery, suggesting synergistic coordination of these cytoskeletal assemblies in membrane transport. Our results suggest a previously unidentified role for actin comet-mediated propulsion in the biosynthetic delivery of a subset of apical proteins.
EUS-guided drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess after liver transplantation

1. Chaer RA, Helton WS. Dieulafoy’s disease. J Am Coll Surg 2003;196: 290-6. 2. Norton ID, Petersen BT, Sorbi D, et al. Management and long-term prognosis of Dieulafoy lesion. Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:762-7. 3. Scheider DM, Barthel JS, King PD, et al. Dieulafoy-like lesion of the distal esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol 1994;89:2080-1. 4. Gadenstatter M, Wetscher G, Crookes PF, et al. Dieulafoy’s disease of the large and small bowel. J Clin Gastroenterol 1998;27:169-72. 5. Dieulafoy G. Exulceratio simplex. Bull Acad Med 1898;39:49-84. 6. Veldhuyzen van Zanten SJ, Bartelsman JF, Schipper ME, et al. Recurrent massive haematemesis from Dieulafoy vascular malformations—a review of 101 cases. Gut 1986;27:213-22. 7. Abraham P, Mukerji SS, Desai DC, et al. Dieulafoy lesion in midesophagus with esophageal varices. Indian J Gastroenterol 2004;23: 220-1. 8. Gimeno-Garcia AZ, Parra-Blanco A, Nicolas-Perez D, et al. Management of colonic Dieulafoy lesions with endoscopic mechanical techniques: report of two cases. Dis Colon Rectum 2004;47:1539-43. 9. Binmoeller KF, Thonke F, Soehendra N. Endoscopic hemoclip treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy 1993;25:167-70. 0. Alis H, Oner OZ, Kalayci MU, et al. Is endoscopic band ligation superior to injection therapy for Dieulafoy lesion? Surg Endosc 2009;23: 1465-9.
MAXIMIZING MINIMUM RESOURCES FOR PAPER-BASED ARCHIVES, LIBRARY AND RESEARCH COLLECTIONS

(1994). MAXIMIZING MINIMUM RESOURCES FOR PAPER-BASED ARCHIVES, LIBRARY AND RESEARCH COLLECTIONS. Studies in Conservation: Vol. 39, Preventive Conservation Practice, Theory and Research: Summaries of the Posters at the Ottawa Congress, 12-16 September 1994, pp. 32-32.
Vibrational spectroscopy of boron nitride at high temperatures and pressures

Raman scattering measurements are used to distinguish between amorphous and crystalline phases in sputter deposited boron nitride coatings and bulk materials. Changes in vibrational line frequency and linewidth can be attributed to differences in particle size or inherent strain which can be quantified from pressure-dependent measurements of the bulk material. The response of the Raman-allowed E{sub 2g} modes (hexagonal phase) to temperature is described by a forced damped harmonic oscillator model from which the intra- and interplanar lattice thermal expansion can be estimated. 12 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Single-photon ionization of helium from 4.5 to 12 keV by Compton scattering and the photoelectric effect

We have measured the ratio of the cross sections for double-to-single ionization in helium for several monoenergetic photon energies between 4.5 and 12 keV using time-of-flight ion charge state spectroscopy. In this energy range, both the photoelectric effect and inelastic (Compton) scattering contribute significantly to the total cross section. The ionization states caused by Compton scattering were distinguished from those caused by the photoelectric effect by the different recoil energies of the helium ion associated with the two processes. The ratios of the double-to-single ionization cross sections of helium for the photoelectric effect (R{sub p}) and for Compton scattering (R{sub c}) are given, and compared with previous measurements and theoretical calculations. The measured value for R{sub c} at 12 keV is (1.21{plus_minus}0.27){percent}, which agrees well with the theoretical calculations of Andersson and Burgd{umlt o}rfer [Phys. Rev. A {bold 50}, R2810 (1994)]. thinsp {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
A high speed, high capacity homology matrix: zooming through SV40 and polyoma

We present a new homology matrix program which owes its basic conception to the two-dimensional dot matrices previously described (1,2), but has important improvements and new features. It scores sequence homology over an adjustable range and plots the scores which are above an operator-determined filtration level. Its powerful noise-filtration system, capacity for compression without much loss of information, and speed of execution make this program a valuable tool in the analysis of homologies, internal direct repeats and reverse repeats, including palindromic sequences. The properties of the program are exemplified by analysis of SV40 and polyoma DNA sequences.
Self- and interview-rated negative mood states in schizophrenia: Their convergence and prediction of thought disturbance.

This longitudinal study evaluated the relations between self- and interview-rated negative mood in schizophrenics and compared the prognostic utility of these two methods. Thirty schizophrenics who had been stabilized on neuroleptic medications were evaluated with self-report and interview-based measures of mood and symptomatology at an initial assessment and again at 6-month follow-up. Results indicated that measures of self- and interview-rated negative mood showed little agreement at the initial assessment; however, at follow-up, significant convergent correlations between the two methods were obtained. Self-reported negative mood at the initial evaluation predicted the severity of thought disturbance at follow-up, whereas interview-based ratings of mood did not. The results underscore the importance of conducting multimethod assessments of mood and support other research suggesting that self-reported negative mood states may predict course of the illness in schizophrenia.
A Review of the Family Cheyletiellidae (Acarina)

The subfamily Cheyletiellinae Volgin is raised to familial rank with eight genera. Included are illustrations and keys for each genus. The following new species are described and figures are presented for each: Ncochcyletiella callawayae, Ornithocheyletia hallae, O. lawrenceae, O. gersoni, O. volgini, O. hiskoschusi, Cheyletiella blakci, C. furmani, and C. strandtmanni . Illustrated but not described is a species of Cheyletiella taken from silver fox. Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Megnin) and Bakericheyla chanayi (Berlese & Trouessart) arc redescribed and illustrated.
Characterization of right wrist posture during simulated colonoscopy: an application of kinematic analysis to the study of endoscopic maneuvers.

Background Endoscopic maneuvers are associated with a high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries. Objective To quantify wrist motion patterns during simulated endoscopic procedures to identify potential causes of endoscopy-related overuse injury. Design Twelve endoscopists with different levels of experience were tested on 2 simulated endoscopic procedures that differed in their level of difficulty. Setting Right wrist movement patterns were recorded during simulated colonoscopies by using a magnetic motion-tracking device. Analysis focused on 3 wrist degrees of freedom: abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, and pronation/supination. Interventions Subjects were tested on 2 GI lower endoscopies (colonoscopies) on a simulator. Main Outcome Measurements Time spent within ranges of the entire wrist range of motion for 3 wrist degrees of freedom. Results Endoscopists spent up to 30% of the duration of the procedures at the extremes of the wrist joint range of motion. Endoscopic experience did not affect the time spent at the extremes of the wrist joint of motion. The time spent within each range of motion differed depending on the wrist degrees of freedom and difficulty of procedure. Limitations This study examined only 1 upper limb joint in a limited number of subjects and did not measure interaction forces with endoscopic tools. Conclusions We identified wrist movement patterns that can potentially contribute to the occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in endoscopists. This study lays the foundation for future work on establishing links between upper limb movement patterns and the occurrence of overuse injury caused by repetitive performance of endoscopic procedures.
Comparison between the process windows calculated with full and simplified resist models

While numerical simulation is generally regarded as indispensable for wavefront engineering tasks such as OPC decoration and phase-shift mask design, full resist models are rarely used for this purpose. By “full resist models”, we mean models derived from a physical, mechanistic description of the chemical response of the photoresist to exposure and the subsequent PEB and develop processes. More often, simplified models such as an aerial image threshold model or the Lumped Parameter Model (LPM) are used because these models are much faster and make optimization of optical extension technology more tractable. Simplified resist models represent a compromise between computational speed and simulation accuracy. The purpose of this study is to quantify the differences between the process windows calculated with simplified and full resist models. Our approach is first to fit the parameters in the simplified models to match results obtained with a full resist model, and then to compare the predictions of the simplified resist models with those obtained with the full model. We take two approaches to model tuning: mathematical derivation of relationships between the models, and least-squares fitting of FE matrix data for isolated and dense lines.
Chlorambucil in the treatment of uveitis and meningoencephalitis of Behçet's disease

Among 21 patients with Behcet's disease, the results of various treatments were assessed. Treatment with chlorambucil, 0.1 mg/kg daily, compared favorably with corticosteroids. Uveitis and visual acuities improved in five of seven eyes when the patients were treated with chlorambucil, whereas improvement was observed in only four of 13 eyes when treatment consisted of corticosteroids. In 19 treatment courses among 14 patients with meningoencephalitis or recurrent meningitis, eight of nine patients treated with chlorambucil had remission of their disease; eight of 10 treatment courses with other agents--generally, corticosteroids--failed to induce remission in any of eight patients. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid cell counts returned to normal in five of nine patients treated with chlorambucil but remained elevated in five of six patients treated with corticosteroids. Two patients died, one who was taking prednisone plus cyclophosphamide and the other after prednisone plus multiple immunosuppressive treatments. Toxicity from chlorambucil included leukopenia (two patients), thrombocytopenia (one), bronchopneumonia (one), and amenorrhea (two). The duration of chlorambucil therapy averaged 1.8 years both for patients with uveitis and for those with meningoencephalitis.
Group-work tutorials for an introductory materials engineering course

We report on findings of a project to improve student learning in a university-level introductory materials science course for engineers. In a related preparatory project, we identified student difficulties with basic topics in materials science through interviews and/or testing of over 1000 students at The Ohio State University. Here, we report on the implementation of concept oriented group-work lessons or “tutorials” designed to address student difficulties identified in our prior work and improve student understanding of core concepts in materials science. The lessons were designed for weekly 48 minute recitations in which students work together in small groups on the tutorials in the presence of teaching assistants who assess and facilitate student progress. To determine the learning outcome, we analyzed scores on the final exam and found that even accounting for the fact that slightly “better” students tended to attend recitations more often, there was a valued-added effect of the recitations on final exam performance. These results suggest that these recitation methods and materials are effective in teaching students the difficult and important conceptual materials which they were designed to address.
Simplest dissipative chaotic flow

Abstract Numerical examination of third-order, autonomous ODEs with one dependent variable and quadratic nonlinearities has uncovered what appears to be the algebraically simplest example of a dissipative chaotic flow, x + A x − x 2 + x = 0 . This system exhibits a period-doubling route to chaos for 2.017
Creating Competitive Markets for Small Businesses with New Media and E-Business Strategy

The innovative and dynamic nature of E-business enables small companies to compete with multinational corporations via online marketing. This paper serves as a guide from a practitioner's perspective to embark in E-business while traditional marketing strategies are diminished. Three E-business adoption models for small enterprises are discussed. Planning involving new media, Internet technological capabilities and marketing strategies are examined. A literature review on new media gives a comprehensive study of online marketing. To evaluate the effectiveness of the E-business approach, a case study of a family chain of hotels is presented.
A comparative study of the effects of mercuric chloride and methyl mercury chloride on reproductive performance in the brine shrimp, Artemia salina

Abstract Effects of mercuric chloride (MC) and methyl mercury chloride (MMC) on reproduction in brine shrimp, Artemia salina, were investigated using pair-mating experiments. Reproductive performance of pairs exposed to 0·001, 0·005 and 0·01 ppm MC and 0·001, 0·002, 0·005 and 0·01 ppm MMC was compared. Significant reduction in adult lifespan occurred at 0·01 ppm MC, and 0·005 and 0·01 ppm MMC. The survival of nauplii produced by treated parents was not reduced at any MC exposure, but significant reduction resulted at 0·001 and 0·002 ppm MMC. Pairs exposed to greater than 0·002 ppm MMC did not produce nauplii. Cysts produced by MC and MMC treated pairs displayed 50% less viability than controls. MMC was more toxic to adult Artemia than MC, affecting both production and survivorship of offspring. Results of two MMC reciprocal cross experiments suggest that female parents are more physiologically stressed after exposure to 0·001 and 0·002 ppm MMC than male parents.
The fragmentation pattern of 1,4-dioxane ion

Abstract Fragmentation of 1,4-dioxane ions at low internal energies was studied by photodissociation in the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) ion trap. Branching ratios, rate—energy curves and kinetic parameters were assigned for the m/z 58, 57 and 45 fragment ions. M/z 58 is formed through a slightly tight rate-limiting transition state (E0 = 1.46 eV, ΔS†1000K = −1.4 e.u.) which probably corresponds to rupture of the dioxane ring. M/z 45 is formed through a tight transition state (E0 = 1.42 eV, ΔS‡1000K = −10.9 eV) which presumably reflects a cyclic rearrangement pathway. The kinetic data for formation of 57 are almost equally well fitted by assuming competitive (RRKM) fragmentation from the parent ion, or assuming sequential fragmentation through an intermediate 58 ion. If the mechanism is solely competitive, the transition state is extraordinary loose (E0 = 1.87 eV, ΔS‡1000K = 14.8 e.u.) which would be very surprising for this rearrangement dissociation. Accordingly we lean toward a sequential dissociation mechanism leading to the 57 product, and suggest further experimental testing of this possibility via structural studies of the 57 fragment.
Nutritionally and chemically induced impairment of sulfate activation and sulfation of xenobiotics in vivo

Abstract Sulfation requires 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) as the sulfate donor. In the search for methods to inhibit sulfation reactions via impairment of PAPS synthesis, two experimental conditions have been tested in rats. A low-sulfur diet, which does not deplete hepatic glutathione, reduced inorganic sulfate but not PAPS levels in the liver and moderately decreased sulfation of acetaminophen. Administration of molybdate, which is an alternative substrate for intestinal and renal sulfate transport as well as for ATP-sulfurylase, depleted both sulfate and PAPS in liver and markedly inhibited sulfation of acetaminophen. Therefore, administration of molybdate may be used as an experimental tool to study the role of sulfation in the fate and effect of xenobiotics.
Identifying telemedicine services to improve access to specialty care for the underserved in the San Francisco safety net

Safety-net settings across the country have grappled with providing adequate access to specialty care services. San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, serving as the city's primary safety-net hospital, has also had to struggle with the same issue. With Healthy San Francisco, the City and County of San Francisco's Universal Healthcare mandate, the increased demand for specialty care services has placed a further strain on the system.With the recent passage of California Proposition 1D, infrastructural funds are now set aside to assist in connecting major hospitals with primary care clinics in remote areas all over the state of California, using telemedicine. Based on a selected sample of key informant interviews with local staff physicians, this study provides further insight into the current process of e-referral which uses electronic communication for making referrals to specialty care. It also identifies key services for telemedicine in primary and specialty care settings within the San Francisco public health system. This study concludes with proposals for a framework that seek to increase collaboration between the referring primary care physician and specialist, to prioritize institution of these key services for telemedicine.
Performance of Dairy Cattle on Wilted Formic Acid Silages

Abstract Orchardgrass and alfalfa-orchardgrass were made into wilted silages that had been ensiled either without treatment or with treatment by formic acid. Formic acid increased energy recovery as silage by 5 percentage units and reduced total fermentation acids by 3 percentage units. It increased sugar recovery and decreased protein degradation. Energy digestibility was not affected by formic acid. Daily milk production increased 3%. Milk production per ton of harvested forage increased 9%. Daily gains of dairy heifers increased 30% with no increase in energy intake but with improved partial feed conversion. Gain per ton of harvested forage increased 31%. Concentrations of plasma of valine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine in growing heifers increased, but concentrations of serine and glycine decreased.
Evolutionary relationships of the Chinese hamster X chromosome and autosomes: a comparison using solution hybridization techniques

The evolutionary relationships of Chinese hamster X chromosome and autosome DNA sequences were compared by solution hybridization techniques. Chinese hamster X chromosome tracer was prepared by radiolabeling DNA from chromosomes isolated by fluorescence-activated sorting. Radiolabeled Chinese hamster total genomic DNA, approximately 90% of which is of autosome origin, was used as autosome tracer. Each tracer was mixed with excess driver DNA of Chinese hamster, Syrian hamster, rat, rabbit, cat, cow, or human origin. Reaction mixtures were melted and allowed to reassociate to an equivalent CoT of 12000, under conditions which permitted 35% mismatch in DNA duplexes. Both the extent of duplex formation (the normalized percentage hybridization or NPH) and the average thermal stability of the duplexes formed (melting temperature or Tm) were measured; these values were used to compare the evolutionary relatedness of tracer and driver DNAs. The pattern of evolutionary relatedness revealed by comparing either the Tm or NPH values obtained with different drivers was the same for X chromosome and autosome DNA and was consistent with the phylogeny of the species examined. Although NPH and Tm values for X chromosome and autosome tracers differed, differences fell within the range of experimental error. The results of these studies provide no evidence for differential conservation of Chinese hamster X chromosome sequences, suggesting that the constraints on the mammalian X chromosome which act to maintain its gene linkage group intact do not markedly reduce the extent to which its sequences diverge during evolution.
Lower Density Topologiesa

By considering lower density operators and their induced topologies in a general setting, some results of S. Scheinberg and E. Ľazarow et al. are unified and generalized. It is also shown that every σ-finite complete measure space (X, M, m) has a lower density operator and that every such operator induces a topology making X a category measure space in the sense of J. C. Oxtoby, except that the measure need not be finite. One consequence is that category σ-finite measure spaces must have the countable chain condition. Also, for every topological space (X, |Gt), there is a lower density operator on the σ-field of sets having the property of Baire (relative to the σ-ideal of meager sets). Further, in both the “measure” and “category” contexts, all induced lower density topologies have simple form. Finally, it is shown that the deep. J-density operator on the σ-field of subsets of the real line having the property of Baire is not a lower density operator.
Restitution Properties During Ventricular Fibrillation in the In Situ Swine Heart

Background— Although restitution has been hypothesized to determine action potential duration (APD) during ventricular fibrillation (VF), cardiac memory may also be important. Methods and Results— Transmembrane recordings were made with a floating microelectrode from the anterior right ventricular wall in 6 pigs during up to 60 seconds of VF. The recordings were divided into 5-second intervals, and APD60 and the diastolic interval (DI) were calculated for each activation cycle throughout each interval. Stepwise linear regression was used to determine how well each APD60 [APD60(n)] was predicted by the 4 previous DIs (n−1, n−2, n−3, n−4) and the 3 previous APD60s (n−1, n−2, n−3). A mean±SD of 3±1.5 of the variables entered the regression equation. DI(n−1) (70% of intervals) and APD60(n−1) (71% of intervals) appeared most frequently in the regression equations and were the first or second variables entered during the stepwise regression in 87% and 76% of the intervals in which they were present, respectivel...
Ecohydrology of dry regions of the United States: Precipitation pulses and intraseasonal drought

Distribution of precipitation event sizes and interval lengths between events are important characteristics of arid and semi-arid climates. Understanding their importance will contribute to our ability to understand ecosystem dynamics in these regions. Our objective for this paper was to present a comprehensive analysis of the daily precipitation regimes of arid and semi-arid locations of the United States. We collected 30 years of daily precipitation and temperature data from 289 sites in the intermountain zone and 240 sites in the Great Plains for our analysis. The daily precipitation regimes at all sites were dominated by the smallest event sizes and the shortest intervals between events. Great Plains sites on average had more small events and more short intervals than sites in the intermountain zone. In both regions, small events and short intervals were significantly negatively correlated to all other sizes suggesting they were useful for characterizing precipitation regimes. Both the smallest precipitation events and the shortest intervals between precipitation events increased as mean annual temperature decreased. Small events were negatively, but short intervals were positively related to mean annual precipitation. Additional analysis of Great Plains data suggested both quantitative and qualitative differences between precipitation regimes in wet and dry climates. These differences are attributable in large part to the differences in the relationship between precipitation and the evaporative demand of the atmosphere between the semi-arid and sub-humid portions of the Great Plains.
Analysis of excitable cell activation: relative effects of external electrical stimuli

In the functional electrical stimulation of nerve an expression defined as the ‘activating function’ has been introduced to evaluate the propensity for a particular fibre to excite. This approach to determine resulting activation is only an approximation as it neglects the presence of the fibres on the applied field, in contrast to activity determined from a rigorous solution to the core conductor/excitable membrane equations. An alternative approach to determining relative excitability based on the induced transmembrane potential is presented, thereby allowing for current redistribution via the space constant of the target fibre. The paper critically examines the approximations made with activating functions, and concludes that as currently formulated the activating function has limitations in predicting relative excitability under a number of important conditions. In contrast, it is the induced (passive) transmembrane potential that provides a quantitatively reliable estimate of the tendency for fibres to excite.
How to train your oncolytic virus: the immunological sequel.

In this issue of MT, Engeland et al. use an elegant new immunocompetent model to show that measles virus can be the platform for concomitant delivery of direct tumor oncolysis, virus-triggered immune priming, and antitumor immune boosting through T-cell checkpoint inhibition.1 These findings support the concept that oncolytic viruses might just represent the complete package for generation of the dream team combination of local tumor cell cytotoxicity and systemic antitumor immunotherapy.
Conserved and Distinct Modes of CREB/ATF Transcription Factor Regulation by PP2A/B56γ and Genotoxic Stress

Activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) and the closely related proteins CREB (cyclic AMP resonse element binding protein) and CREM (cyclic AMP response element modulator) constitute a subfamily of bZIP transcription factors that play critical roles in the regulation of cellular growth, metabolism, and survival. Previous studies demonstrated that CREB is phosphorylated on a cluster of conserved Ser residues, including Ser-111 and Ser-121, in response to DNA damage through the coordinated actions of the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) protein kinase and casein kinases 1 and 2 (CK1/2). Here, we show that DNA damage-induced phosphorylation by ATM is a general feature of CREB and ATF1. ATF1 harbors a conserved ATM/CK cluster that is constitutively and stoichiometrically phosphorylated by CK1 and CK2 in asynchronously growing cells. Exposure to DNA damage further induced ATF1 phosphorylation on Ser-51 by ATM in a manner that required prior phosphorylation of the upstream CK residues. Hyperphosphorylated ATF1 showed a 4-fold reduced affinity for CREB-binding protein. We further show that PP2A, in conjunction with its targeting subunit B56γ, antagonized ATM and CK1/2-dependent phosphorylation of CREB and ATF1 in cellulo. Finally, we show that CK sites in CREB are phosphorylated during cellular growth and that phosphorylation of these residues reduces the threshold of DNA damage required for ATM-dependent phosphorylation of the inhibitory Ser-121 residue. These studies define overlapping and distinct modes of CREB and ATF1 regulation by phosphorylation that may ensure concerted changes in gene expression mediated by these factors.
Rare Event Simulation of Small Noise Diffusions

An important sampling method for certain rare event problems involving small noise diffusions is proposed. Standard Monte Carlo schemes for these problems behave exponentially poorly in the small noise limit. Previous work in rare event simulation has focused on developing estimators with optimal exponential variance decay rates. This criterion still allows for exponential growth of the statistical relative error. We show that an estimator related to a deterministic control problem not only has an optimal variance decay rate but can have vanishingly small relative statistical error in the small noise limit. The sampling method based on this estimator can be seen as the limit of the zero variance importance sampling scheme, which uses the solution of the second-order partial differential equation (PDE) associated with the diffusion. In the scheme proposed here this PDE is replaced by a Hamilton-Jacobi equation whose solution is computed pointwise on the fly from its variational formulation, an operation that remains practical even in high-dimensional problems. We test the scheme on several simple illustrative examples as well as a stochastic PDE, the noisy Allen-Cahn equation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multiport Dc-Dc converter with high voltage gain

A family of non-isolated high-voltage-gain dc-dc power electronic converters is proposed. The suggested topologies can be used as multiport converters and draw continuous current from two input sources. They can also draw continuous current from a single source in an interleaved manner. This versatility makes them appealing in renewable applications such as solar farms. The proposed converters can easily achieve a gain of 20 while benefiting from a continuous input current. Such a converter can individually link a PV panel to a 400-Vdc bus. The design and component selection procedures are presented. A 400-W prototype of the proposed converter with V in =20 V and V out =400 V has been developed to validate analytical results.
Fabry–Perot CCD annular-summing spectroscopy: study and implementation for aeronomy applications

The technique of Fabry–Perot CCD annular-summing spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on applications in aeronomy, is discussed. Parameter choices for optimizing performance by the use of a standard format CCD array are detailed. Spectral calibration methods, techniques for determining the ring pattern center, and effects imposed by limited radial resolution caused by superpixel size, variable by on-chip binning, are demonstrated. The technique is carefully evaluated experimentally relative to the conventional scanning Fabry–Perot that uses a photomultiplier detector. We evaluate three extreme examples typical of aeronomical spectroscopy using calculated signal-to-noise ratios. Predicted sensitivity gains of 10–30 are typical. Of the cases considered, the largest savings in integration time are estimated for the day sky thermospheric O1D case, in which the bright sky background dominates the CCD read noise. For profile measurements of faint night sky emission lines, such as exospheric hydrogen Balmer-α, long integration times are required to achieve useful signal-to-noise ratios. In such cases, CCD read noise is largely overcome. Predictions of a factor of 10–15 savings in integration time for night sky Balmer-α observations are supported by field tests. Bright, isolated night sky lines such as thermospheric O1D require shorter integration times, and more modest gains dependent on signal level are predicted. For such cases it appears from estimate results that the Fabry–Perot CCD annular-summing technique with a conventional rectangular format may be outperformed by a factor of 2–5 by special CCD formats or by unusual optical coupling configurations that reduce the importance of read noise, based on the ideal transmission for any additional optics used in these configurations.
Making the Transition from High School to College: The Role of Alcohol-Related Social Influence Factors in Students' Drinking

Using a sample of entering college freshmen (N = 311), the purposes of this study were to examine 1). whether perceived norms for college student alcohol use and problems differed by gender and level of intended Greek involvement (Greek intent); 2). associations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems; and 3). whether relations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems were moderated by gender. Results revealed no differences in levels of perceived norms for alcohol use and problems as a function of gender or intention to affiliate with a Greek letter organization. Perceived norms demonstrated consistent, significant associations with both alcohol use and problems, while Greek intent demonstrated significant associations only with alcohol problems. Examination of gender effects in associations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems revealed a number of differences in these relations. Specifically, Greek intent was significantly associated with measures of alcohol use and problems for men, but not for women. Likewise, the association between perceived norms and alcohol use and problems were significant for men, but not for women. Finally, although perceived norms were a significant predictor of heavy drinking for both men and women, the association was much stronger among male students. These findings suggest that alcohol prevention interventions may benefit from specifically targeting perceived norms among incoming students who are at highest risk (i.e., male pledges).
The Wehnelt Kathode in a High Vacuum

THE interesting experiments on the Wehnelt kathode in a high vacuum described by Mr. Soddy in NATURE for November 21, 1907 (p. 53), do not, I think, necessarily conflict with the experiments of either Dr. Wehnelt or myself, nor do they appear to vitiate the conclusions we drew from them.
SIM Planet Quest Lite Interferometer Guide 2 Telescope pointing control system

The Space Interferometry Mission - Planet Quest Lite (SIM-PQL) Guide 2 telescope system is currently being developed at JPL. The SIM-PQL is a new mission concept to perform micro-arcsecond narrow-angle astrometry to search approximately 50 nearby stars for Earth-like planets, and to perform global astrometry with an accuracy of six micro-arcseconds in position and parallax. The novel cost and mass reducing "Lite" concept includes reduction in interferometer baselines and replacing the second guide interferometer (Guide 2) with a telescopic system. The resulting simplification still allows meeting most science goals without significant performance degradation. The Guide 2 telescope employs a nulling pointing control system that utilizes a Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) as an actuator and a star tracking CCD camera as a control sensor. Under the nulling closed loop control, the modulated attitude motion of the instrument is picked off by a metrology FSM tip-tilt sensor (AMET). The Guide 2 pointing control system requires mili-arcsecond class fine pointing, maintenance of low jitter and thermal stability and a sub-nanometer class metrology system that ties the sensor bench to rest of the instrument. This paper presents the Guide 2 telescope pointing control system design and resulting performance estimates. The pointing control requirements are first stated followed by the descriptions of the system architecture, algorithm design and simulation results. Concept and algorithm validation is conducted on a workstation-based simulation testbed, specifically developed to capture critical sensor/actuator behavior and environmental disturbances.
Synthetic aperture radar automatic target recognition with three strategies of learning and representation

We describe a new architecture for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) based on the premise that the pose of the target is estimated within a high degree of precision. The advantage of our classifier design is that the input space complexity is decreased with the pose information, which enables fewer features to classify targets with a higher degree of accuracy. Moreover, the training of the classifier can be done discriminantly, which also improves performance and decreases the complexity of the classifier. Three strategies of learning and representation to build the pattern space and discriminant functions are compared: Vapnik's support vector machine (SVM), a newly developed quadratic mutual information (QMI) cost function for neural networks, and a principal component analysis extended recently with multiresolution (PCA-M). Experimental results obtained in the MSTAR database show that the performance of our classifiers is better than that of standard template matching in the same dataset. We also rate the quality of the classifiers for detection using confusers, and show significant improvement in rejection.
MMP-2 expression during early avian cardiac and neural crest morphogenesis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-type 2 (MMP-2) degrades extracellular matrix, mediates cell migration and tissue remodeling, and is implicated in mediating neural crest (NC) and cardiac development. However, there is little information regarding the expression and distribution of MMP-2 during cardiogenesis and NC morphogenesis. To elucidate the role of MMP-2, we performed a comprehensive study on the temporal and spatial distribution of MMP-2 mRNA and protein during critical stages of early avian NC and cardiac development. We found that ectodermally derived NC cells did not express MMP-2 mRNA during their initial formation and early emigration but encountered MMP-2 protein in basement membranes deposited by mesodermal cells. While NC cells did not synthesize MMP-2 mRNA early in migration, MMP-2 expression was seen in NC cells within the cranial paraxial and pharyngeal arch mesenchyme at later stages but was never detected in NC-derived neural structures. This suggested NC MMP-2 expression was temporally and spatially dependent on tissue interactions or differed within the various NC subpopulations. MMP-2 was first expressed within cardiogenic splanchnic mesoderm before and during the formation of the early heart tube, at sites of active pharyngeal arch and cardiac remodeling, and during cardiac cushion cell migration. Collectively, these results support the postulate that MMP-2 has an important functional role in early cardiogenesis, NC cell and cardiac cushion migration, and remodeling of the pharyngeal arches and cardiac heart tube. Anat Rec 259:168–179, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clomid or nafoxidine administered to neonatal rats causes reproductive tract abnormalities

A single injection of either Clomid or Nafoxidine in neonatal rats causes multiple abnormalities of the reproductive tract of the adult female animal. These anomalies include cystic ovaries, ovarian hypoplasia, hilus cell tumors, oviductal hyperplasia, pyometra, epithelial metaplasia, uterine cystic hyperplasia, and tumors of the uterus.
On high b diffusion imaging in the human brain: ruminations and experimental insights

Interest in the manner in which brain tissue signal decays with b factor in diffusion imaging schemes has grown in recent years following the observation that the decay curves depart from purely monoexponential decay behavior. Regardless of the model or fitting function proposed for characterizing sufficiently sampled decay curves (vide infra), the departure from monoexponentiality spells increased tissue characterization potential. The degree to which this potential can be harnessed to improve specificity, sensitivity and spatial localization of diseases in brain, and other tissues, largely remains to be explored. Furthermore, the degree to which currently popular diffusion tensor imaging methods, including visually impressive white matter fiber “tractography” results, have almost completely ignored the nonmonoexponential nature of the basic signal decay with b factor is worthy of communal introspection. Here we limit our attention to a review of the basic experimental features associated with brain water signal diffusion decay curves as measured over extended b-factor ranges, the simple few parameter fitting functions that have been proposed to characterize these decays and the more involved models, e.g.,“ruminations,” which have been proposed to account for the nonmonoexponentiality to date.
Characterization of DNA sequences encoding a novel isoform of the 55 kDa B regulatory subunit of the type 2A protein serine/threonine phosphatase of Arabidopsis thaliana.

We have indentified a novel gene (AtBβ) encoding a previously uncharacterized isoform of the B regulatory subunit of the type 2A serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP2A) of Arabidopsis, and show that mRNA derived from the AtBβ gene accumulates in all Arabidopsis organs. In addition, we examined the expression of the three genes encoding the A regulatory subunit of Arabidopsis PP2A and show these genes are expressed in all organs as well. Taken together, our results suggest a myriad of PP2A subunit combinations, possibly with distinct substrate specificities, may occur within each Arabidopsis cell.
Laparoscopic right nephrectomy using a novel technique to excise an inferior vena-caval cuff in a porcine model.

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic right nephrectomy has been performed using laparoscopic staplers to clamp and divide the renal vessels. In patients who have a tumor thrombus in the renal vein ...